I've tried and tested dozens of essential oil diffusers, and these are my favorites – here's our ultimate guide

If you're a home fragrance fanatic, you'll know that the best essential oil diffusers all have one thing in common – convenience. And there are plenty more reasons that they've become one of our favorite ways to make your home smell nice.

Not only are they safer and more low maintenance than candles – no need to trim the wick or rotate the reeds, just a simple touch of a button – considerably less messy than reed diffusers, and ideal for allergy sufferers and shared spaces where flames aren't allowed, they're also completely customizable. This makes essential oil diffusers ideal for switching up your cozy season scenting whenever the mood strikes. Whether you're a busy professional, a parent with their hands full, or someone who enjoys a sense of spa-like calm in their daily routine, an essential oil diffuser is a smart way to fragrance your home.

Here, we share our top picks of the very best home fragrance brands on the market, from luxury splurges to more affordable recommendations.

How we test essential oil diffusers

Over the course of my career, I've personally sampled dozens of essential oil diffusers and browsed hundreds online. To find the world's best essential oil diffuser, I positioned different models in various areas of my home: on the kitchen counter; on my nightstand; on a bookshelf; and so on. To learn more about how we test at Homes & Gardens, consult our expert guide.

In the interests of comparison, I assess each essential oil diffuser against the same criteria: power; capacity; runtime; aesthetic appeal; and ease of use. To assess power, I observe the height and color of the mist streaming out of the tank: the stronger the mist, the more powerful the diffuser. I make a note of the tank size, which usually falls in the range of 100 ml to 500 ml. As a general rule, bigger tanks produce thicker mist for a longer time, and are therefore more suitable for larger spaces. That being said, larger tanks can be a little more tricky to maintain, and often require more thorough cleaning.

I want to know the maximum runtime of each diffuser, including how much oil on average they use each refill, as well as the ins and outs of the timer settings: whether there's a sleep mode, for example, or automatic turn-off after an hour or two. I also consider smart features where applicable, and whether the particular model is suitable for homes with pets or children.

I'm also interested in the aesthetic appeal of the diffuser. Most are made from plastic, at least on the inside, but some feature ceramic, porcelain, or wood lids.

Some essential oil diffusers also light up, so I want to cycle through their color options, noting how easy it is to select and save a color. All the time, I'm listening out for any annoying sounds and watching for the brightness of the indicator lights.

Our top picks of the very best essential oil diffusers

The best essential oil diffuser for better sleep

Out of all the brands on this list, NEOM offers the best special features, and this is my favorite of the bunch.

For starters, it truly looks the part – understated, luxurious, chic, and bespoke, with a handcrafted ceramic cover that's worlds away from the typical plastic look I've come to expect from essential oil diffusers.

It's not only its appearance that goes above and beyond, though. It also features a guided breathing mode: breathe in with the brightening light, and out as it softly dims for a guided moment of calm that's guaranteed to make a bedroom smell good for sleep and help you sleep better. Alternatively, you could use it for your morning yoga, or alongside daily meditation.

Like most essential oil diffusers, there's an automatic shut-off mode to conserve oil (important as this model needs 30 drops per refill) and water, though the 12-hour capacity should save you from regular refills. On average, I only find myself refilling mine once or twice a week, and I use it most days, particularly when I'm working from home.

It's even remote-controlled, for easy access anywhere in the room, ideal if you're already tucked up in bed or comfortable on the couch, particularly in fall and winter.

As a larger, water-based diffuser, I found that this worked best in my bedroom, but I can see it making a worthy addition to any entryway space, too. Unfortunately, my bathroom doesn't have suitable plugs, so I haven't tried it there, and I tend to keep strong scents out of my kitchen space to avoid interference with my cooking. But for sleep, a few drops of the NEOM Scent to Destress available at Amazon is all you need for a beautifully scented sleep haven. I also really recommend investing in NEOM- Essential Oil Blend Scent Discovery Set available at Amazon, if you want to experiment with scent, or like a little variety.

It is just worth noting that whilst the textured ceramic looks beautiful, it's a little trickier to clean. Also, the water reservoir needs to be regularly refreshed to inhibit the growth of bacteria in stagnant water – it's best to give it a quick wipe every time it empties.

The best essential oil diffuser for fragrance layering

Bamford's compact and portable atomiser is perfect for modern homes. The clean and simple aesthetics will blend seamlessly into any interior, but not only does it look beautiful – it's crafted from ceramic and recycled plastic, so you know it's doing beautiful things for the planet, too.

Interestingly and uniquely, the diffuser uses waterless technology and pure essential oils to release a pure, clean scent into your home. I kept mine away from the wall, just in case of any oil marks, but haven't noticed any.

I ran mine for ten minutes whenever I felt the room needed a refresh. That was more than enough for my high-ceilinged, medium-sized apartment to smell like a spa throughout. Bamford says not to run it for any longer than twenty minutes at a time anyway; it's not needed.

There are three interval settings, each offering distinct strength and diffusion speeds. When you want a stronger scent, you can opt for the highest power option, but I found this a little overwhelming, even with delicate floral and citrus oils. That being said, it means this option is ideal for both smaller and larger spaces, which is a considerable USP.

If you're in a low-lit room, the Strato also has a soft LED light. It's not bright and garish like other models, so I found it perfect for the evenings.

What's more, this luxury diffuser is actually designed with fragrance layering in mind, which is my favorite way to scent-scape my home and infuse an air of luxury into my interiors.

The only issue I have with the Strato is that slotting and lining up the diffuser oil into the perfect position is a little fiddly. Thankfully, you won't need to do this too often though.

The best essential oil diffuser for home offices

The images online only go a short way towards showing off just how stunning the matte ceramic finish of the Vitruvi Stone Diffuser is. You can opt for the black, white, charcoal or sea colorway: the latter is my personal favorite, but all look equally luxurious. Even the packaging is beautiful, so it's a good option for gifting.

As an ultrasonic diffuser, the Vitruvi Stone uses a reservoir of water to scent your space. The smaller reservoir sits in a sealed part of the diffuser, which helps to prevent any leaks or spillage when moving the diffuser around, handy for avoiding any home fragrance mistakes.

For this one, Vitruvi recommends adding 20 drops of essential oil to the reservoir, but do so with caution – I buy high-quality essential oils and only needed to use about 11 drops. If you opt for a lighter, citrus fragrance, you might need more, so it's something to experiment with.

There are plenty of other well-considered features, including a four and eight-hour timer, plus an optional soft glow LED light for added ambience.

The timer settings are reliable, but subtle. To control these settings, you'll need to reach around to the buttons at the back of the diffuser, which are close to the power cord and a little tricky to reach. Most other expensive models have remote controls, so if this is a dealbreaker, I'd recommend the NEOM or Aroma360 picks instead.

The best essential oil diffuser for living rooms

This MUJI diffuser was my first foray into the world of essential oil diffusers, so I suppose it could be credited with kickstarting my lifelong obsession with home scenting.

My favorite thing about this one in particular is its sleek, understated look, perfectly aligned with what I've come to expect from this well-known Japanese brand.

I actually really love the sound of water-based diffusers releasing scent, and this one is perfectly pitched: not too loud, of course, but offering enough for a little white noise or gently relaxing background noise.

Over the years, I've found myself experimenting with a whole host of essential oils with this model, cultivating an invigorating atmosphere in my home.

The mist runs for only three hours with an automatic shut off, which might seem short, but it means I never have to worry about leaving it running for hours on end. Four different timer settings are also included, from 30 all the way up to 180 minutes.

There are definitely pros and cons to models which run longer and those which run shorter, so make sure you weigh these up when choosing the right model for you. There's more on that below.

Importantly, if you're a light sleeper, that calming noise that I quite liked will bug you to no end. Aside from that, the running of this essential oil diffuser is foolproof, and a great mid-range choice for scenting your home this fall season.

The best essential oil diffuser for pets

We have four family dogs at home who, much as I love them, can understandably be a little bit smelly from time to time. I put the Aroma360 Wireless Pro in the room where they usually like to spend time, and one day later, their scents were completely masked. I never use an essential oil diffuser in the room with them, as it can cause respiratory discomfort in our furry friends, but the sandalwood blend made the room smell amazing. As it doesn't require liquids or wires, I didn't have to worry about the dogs knocking it over or making a mess once they came back in the room and it was safely switched off.

I first tested the 'low' setting, which didn't do much. You'll need to have this running on medium or high, which, within a few bursts, will be too much for your room. In some ways, this is brilliant. You don't need to use much essential oil to have a properly scented room. In other ways, this is frustrating. My rooms were headily fragrant if I left this running for even an hour.

The Aroma360 Wireless Pro is a smart piece of technology that would look particularly at home in modern interiors. I tested one in black, which is more suitable for those more understated homes, and enjoyed placing it in different rooms. It's quiet, remote-controlled, and safe to have around children and dogs. Very quickly, I forgot it was there, so long as I didn't leave it running for too long.

The best essential oil diffuser for adjustability

The AromaTech AroMini comes in black, silver or gold finishes. Whether you place it on the mantle, on a bookshelf, or in the corner of a room, it adds a touch of class to your interiors. I like it a lot.

The Bluetooth remote and connectivity meant I could control the AroMini from any position in the room, which is a huge selling point, and ended up being very useful. That being said, I was mainly using this function because the AroMini was constantly getting knocked over when it was on the floor – being so small, it's quite vulnerable and unstable, so I suggest putting it high up on display to avoid any accidents. As well as controlling the scent intensity, you can also create customized schedules on the app.

Even though the AroMini is small, it certainly didn't struggle to scent my house. I started on the 'low' setting, which didn't make much of a difference, so I switched to medium and could instantly smell the essential oils. It's quite the jump between stages, which is definitely something to note – the medium setting is more like strong, and the strong setting is even more intense, which might be too much for most people.

Even on 'medium' the AroMini will burn through a 10 milliliter essential oil bottle in 24 hours. Luckily, there's a 120 milliliter slot, which saves you from doing a daily refill. In fact, at AroMini they state that one refill can last one to three months depending on usage. Unfortunately, I used mine far too often to put that sort of longevity to the test.

As a nebulizer, the AroMini uses cold-air diffusion technology, rather than water or heat, which is something I've never seen before. This means there's no risk of water spillages or mold forming, and no residue or clouds of vapor to consider.

In theory, this means that it can sit up against walls and furniture without doing any damage. I kept mine at a precautionary distance but didn't notice any discoloration on the walls.

It's worth noting, though, that the AroMini is only compatible with AromaTech Essential Oils, which can be a bit of a nuisance if you have other favorite oils.

The best all-round essential oil diffuser

As essential oil diffusers go, the Asakuki Diffuser is very ease to use. It's remote-controlled, so you don't need to worry about wires, with a large 500ml capacity tank and seven LED colors to choose from. Simply add a few drops of essential oil and choose which LED option best complements your color palette. That way, your diffuser becomes part of your decor.

Most water-based diffusers make a little noise, but I found the Asakuki Diffuser was completely silent, boasting a noise level of under 23 decibels, though it did guzzle up water at a faster rate. I kept mine on the low setting and still needed to refill it almost every day. With that said, it was easy to adjust the strength setting and run time using the remote control, with 60, 120, and 180 minute timers, and a steady-on mode. You can also set intermittent mist via the remote control.

Water-based diffusers are great for humidifying rooms, if you're wondering 'why does my house feel dry?', but the reservoirs are high-maintenance. In my experience, the Asakuki Diffuser collects condensation, which can drop and create mess when filling and refilling, so that's something to consider. If you're looking for an affordable all-rounder though, this is the one for you.

The best budget essential oil diffuser

I've tried a number of essential oil diffusers from URPOWER, and I have to say, they make brilliant basics. Featuring seven light options to complement any color palette, this pint-sized pot is ideally suited for scenting smaller spaces. For that reason, I'd recommend it for bedrooms and offices rather than lounges and bathrooms. One thing to note is that this is a plug-in diffuser, so you'll need to position it accordingly and work to hide the wires.

I tested the two misting modes: there's an intermittent setting which dispenses every thirty seconds, or a continuous mode which works for up to four hours (or until the water runs out). Neither of these settings are subtle. This essential oil diffuser packs a punch for such a small machine, and I found the scent works quickly and intensely.

In fact, I started with ten drops of essential oil in the 100ml reservoir, but I'd recommend cutting back to just one or two drops. You actually don't need any more – it will waste your essential oils and over-fragrance your room.

The best value essential oil diffuser

Out of all the essential oil diffusers I've tested, this one from InnoGear is the best for beginners, as with every order, you get a set of 10 essential oils thrown in, so you can start scenting immediately.

I have a healthy skepticism of freebies, but these oils are powerful. I was scenting in a room with eight-foot high ceilings, and this surprisingly effective diffuser managed to fragrance the entire space with no issues.

On this one, there are four different timer settings: continuous; one hour; three hours; and six hours. In my opinion, the continuous mode is a recipe for sensory overload. I recommend using 10 drops of oil and running the diffuser for just one hour, which should give your room plenty of scent without becoming cloying.

Additionally, I love the wood finish, which makes this diffuser look far more premium than it actually is, which is great if you're buying on a budget. Just remember this is a plug-in diffuser, so you'll need to find a spot where you can conceal the wire if you want a really polished look.

How to choose an essential oil diffuser

Essential oil diffusers can be expensive, so you want to find the right one before you commit to your purchase. Here are a few of the most important things to keep in mind while shopping:

Choose between ultrasonic vs nebulizer

There are two types of essential oil diffuser: an ultrasonic diffuser creates mist from a mixture of oils and water, while a nebulizer uses compressed air to turn essential oils into mist.

Nebulizers produce a more potent scent, which is ideal for bigger spaces, though they tend to diffuse fragrance in intermittent spritzes, rather than a constant stream. Compared with ultrasonic diffusers, nebulizers often cost more and they can be noisy. The ultrasonic scent is subtler, suitable for smaller spaces, and you only need a few drops of essential oil to scent your home.

Consider your space

Before you start shopping for an essential oil diffuser, stop and think about the space you're trying to scent. How big is it, and what do you primarily use it for?

You might be tempted to opt for the largest water tank you can find, but be realistic, as any water sat in the tank runs the risk of harboring mold or mildew. Somewhere in the range of 300 ml to 500 ml is more than enough for a few days of fragrancing, even in larger spaces.

If you're shopping for a diffuser for your bedroom, you should pay special attention to the lights. You can always turn off the LEDs to dim the glow, but you might not be able to avoid the flashing light of an 'off/on' switch, which could quickly become one of the things in your bedroom that could be ruining your sleep.

Pay attention to materials and construction

It's almost impossible to find a essential oil diffuser that isn't made from or with plastic. Even if your outer shell is made from ceramic or porcelain, the inner water tank is likely lined with plastic.

For ease of use and cleaning, I prefer diffusers with one simple, lift-off lid, but you might prefer the decorative finish of a double lid.

Essential oil diffusers vs reed diffusers

If you're reading this guide, it's likely because you're less interested in the best reed diffusers. There are pros and cons to both ways to make a home smell nice without candles, but the main advantages of essential oil diffusers are:

• They're more potent
• They tend to be easier to control
• They're easy to customize
• They're more cost effective in the long run

In my own home, I do, however, often use reed diffusers alongside my essential oil diffuser. My all-time favorite is the Diptyque Ambre (Amber) Refill For Home Fragrance Diffuser available at BlueMercury.

FAQs

Are essential oil diffusers safe?

According to the American Lung Association, 'Essential oils are highly concentrated, so inhaling them directly can irritate the respiratory tract. This may lead to symptoms such as coughing, nose and throat irritation, or shortness of breath.'

'Individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be particularly susceptible to these symptoms. Additionally, essential oils may cause allergic reactions when the oils are used on the skin or inhaled. It is important to be aware of any allergies or sensitivities to specific oils before usage.'

To safely use an essential oil diffuser, make sure your space is well ventilated, with open doors and windows to help the scent disperse. If you worry that your essential oil diffuser is having an adverse effect on your health, stop using it and consult a medical professional.

Where should I put an essential oil diffuser?

You want an area with good air circulation to push the scent as far as possible. I keep my essential oil diffuser on a bookshelf, but you might find space for yours near a doorway, on a coffee table, or in your bedroom.

The more elevated a spot you can find, the better – you'll smell the scent more at 'nose-level' than you would at ground-level.

How many drops should I put in my essential oil diffuser?

It depends how much water is inside your diffuser tank and whether you're using a single essential oil or a combination. It will take a little trial and error to find the perfect ratio of oil to water.

As a general rule, anywhere between five to 10 drops should fragrance a smaller room, but you might need more drops to scent a larger space, such as an entryway. If you're using multiple oils, I recommend two to three drops per oil to create a harmonious blend, without either scent overpowering the other.

How should I clean my essential oil diffuser?

You should clean your diffuser once every few days, if you use it regularly, or every few uses if you don't. How you should clean your essential oil diffuser depends whether you're working with an ultrasonic model or a nebulizer.

Ultrasonic diffusers are easy to clean. All you need is some warm water and some fragrance-free dish soap, which will cleanse the tank of excess oils and stagnant water, which can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Before you switch oils, I suggest you wipe the water tank with a damp cloth to prevent cross-contamination.

Because nebulizers create a more concentrated aroma of pure essential oil, they can prove a little harder to clean. You can use rubbing alcohol to clean your nebulizer between uses or soak the glass reservoir in warm, soapy water to release any excess oils.

Is ultrasonic better than nebulizing for longevity versus potency?

Neither ultrasonic nor nebulizing essential oil diffusers are better than the other, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. For example, ultrasonic diffusers use less oil, but produce a more diluted mist, and tend to be more budget-friendly. On the other hand, investing in a nebulizing diffuser will produce a more concentrated mist, and won't require any water which risks spilling around pets or children. But, they do tend to be more expensive.

Can diffusers aggravate asthma or be used around pets?

Yes, diffusers can aggravate asthma in humans and respiratory issues in animals, so I never use mine around my dogs, only once they've left the room. Make sure you only ever use them in a well-ventilated area too, and if you feel any adverse effects, always turn off the diffuser immediately and open a window.

How to troubleshoot common issues like clogs or inconsistent mist

Issues like clogs or inconsistent mist can be a pain, but luckily they're usually easy enough to sort out yourself. Your first cause of action should always be checking the water level, as, if your diffuser doesn't have enough water in the tank, it can cause spluttering and prevent a consistent mist. I also recommend switching to filtered water, as hard water can cause build-up, and ensuring your diffuser is only used on a flat surface.

For clogs, usually a deep clean is all that's needed. I take my diffuser apart (after unplugging) and gently use a cotton bud dipped in white vinegar.

Another lovely way to make your home smell beautiful without flames is by mixing up your very own homemade room spray, which also allows for complete customization on scent, strength, and placement.