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Essential oil diffusers turn a few drops of your favorite blend into an at-home spa-like experience. While candles can fill the room with signature scents, oil diffusers do so much more. Since they disperse essential oils, and according to studies, some essential oils – like lavender – can alleviate anxiety and improve your mood. The aroma of other essential oils, ranging from sandalwood and peppermint to chamomile, jasmine, and lemon, may help to boost energy, relieve stress, and banish headaches.
And the range of oil diffusers continues to expand. Most only need a small amount of distilled water and a few drops of essential oil to operate. However, some don’t need any water at all. In addition, some essential oil diffusers have slim, elegant designs that could pass for home décor. There are also both corded versions and cordless models that charge via USB cord, and we even found an oil diffuser set that uses essential oil balls.
Keep reading to find out which essential oil diffusers are our favorite ultrasonic models to give you a host of aromatherapeutic benefits.
1
Best Overall
Sierra Modern Home Smart Essential Oil Aromatherapy Diffuser
Pros
Smart-controlled- Customizable feature settings
- Doubles as a humidifier
Cons
- Faux-wood material isn't the most durable
With its seamless smart integration with Google Home and Amazon Alexa, this faux-wood essential oil diffuser by Sierra Modern Home powers on and changes color just by you telling it to. Its proprietary app even lets you program custom schedules, so it runs at the same time every day with your preferred light scheme. It doubles as a humidifier, and its 400-milliliter capacity holds more than enough water for a night's worth of diffusing — but you'll still need to refill and clean it between mistings.
Users especially love this feature-packed diffuser's smart settings, so much so that it's garnered over 13,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. Its ability to scent a home ranks high, too — “Great looking and filled with features!” writes one reviewer. “I'm 100% satisfied with this purchase and definitely recommend it to everyone!”
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 6.8 x 6.8 x 9 in. |
|---|---|
| Run Time | 12 hours |
| Extras | Google, Alexa, and app compatibility, changing LED lights |
Pros
- No water needed
- Elegant design
- Covers up to 1000 sq. ft.
- Bluetooth connection
Cons
- Can be noisy on some settings
This essential oil diffuser looks like a work of art and would modernize any space with its sleek design — but it’s the cold-air diffuser technology that sets it apart. By releasing nanoparticles in the air, there’s no residue on your furniture or floor – and no need for the water, heat, or evaporation used in other types of oil diffusers.
Cold air diffusion also helps to preserve scents since they’re not diluted. The diffuser also uses Bluetooth to eliminate those pesky and unsightly cords. Color choices include black, gold, rose gold, and silver.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 2 in. x 12 in. |
|---|---|
| Run Time | 24/7 |
| Extras | Several color choices, Bluetooth, quiet, space-saving design |
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Pros
- No water required
- Beautiful slim design
- Covers 1,000 sq ft.
Cons
- Might be too luxe for some
One issue with water is that you have to remember to refill the water tank. However, this scent diffuser uses air-diffusion technology to bypass the need for water, instead dispensing microdroplets. Rather impressively, it can cover rooms up to 1000 sq ft.
You can also increase or decrease the intensity level and select between 1, 2, 4, or 8 hours. The diffuser can disperse fragrant oils for up to 30 days before the oil needs to be replenished. Color choices for the waterless diffuser are black or gold. The Homedics website has several complementary scents, including Moroccan Magic, Amalfi Bliss, Tokyo Tea, and Maldives Escape.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 4.41 x 4.41 x 11.69 in. |
|---|---|
| Run Time | 1, 2, 4, and 8 hours. |
| Extras | Quiet, covers up to 1,000 feet, dispenses for 30 days |
Pros
- No ugly cords needed
- Beautiful design
- Plenty of color choices
Cons
- Battery life could be better
Corded devices limit where you can use essential oil diffusers. However, this cordless option frees you to use it anywhere. And with such a sleek style, you’ll want to feature it prominently in your home. You can choose between 4-hour and 8-hour run times, and the auto-shutoff feature serves as a safety mechanism.
It can scent up to 500 sq ft and has an LED light that produces a soft glow around the ring in the middle of the device. Color choices for the modern and minimalist essential oil diffuser include black, candy, oat, gold, fog, citron, and white,
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 9.06 in. x 4.57 in. x 4.53 in. |
|---|---|
| Run Time | 4 hours or 8 hours |
| Extras | Quiet, ambient LED lights, several color choices |
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5
Best Desktop
Pure Enrichment PureSpa Deluxe Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser
Pros
- Compact size
- Stylish design
- Cool lighting effects
Cons
- Small tank
This oil diffuser has a fashionable design that’s not much bigger than the average coffee mug. This makes it a good choice to put on your desk as you’re working (although it can also be used in other areas as well). Also, while many oil diffusers have soft-glow lights, the light effects on the top of this model are richer in color, making the oil diffuser look like a decorative item on your desk.
In addition to a night light, the LED lights can change to blue, green, red, purple, and yellow. However, the lights can be turned off if desired. The tank holds 4.75 ounces and covers up to 250 square feet.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 5.5 in. diameter x 5.1 in. |
|---|---|
| Run Time | 8 – 10 hours |
| Extras | Space-saving option, impressive lighting, fashionable design |
Pros
- Large reservoir
- Remote control offers convenience
- Auto-shutoff feature
Cons
- Might look too clunky for some
If you've ever spent time inside a Muji store, you've probably developed a strong, urgent need to drop $70 on one of their diffusers. This option from URPOWER not only has a similar shape, but more features at a much lower price!
This large, 500-milliliter oil diffuser billows scented vapor on a 1-, 2-, or 3-hour timer, or it can be set to run until the tank depletes after about 10 hours. It's equipped with several different color modes, and though the model pictured is blue, the device is actually white.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 6.5 x 4.8 in. |
|---|---|
| Run Time | Up to 10 hours in high mist mode |
| Extras | 7 LED lights, remote control, 3 modes |
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7
Best Budget
InnoGear Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser
Pros
- Relatively long run time
- Many light color options
- Great for smaller spaces
Cons
- Defective models may leak
This best-selling diffuser is a must for your stress-busting toolkit. Its mesmerizing rainbow glow works wonderfully as a nightlight, and it'll shut off automatically after 6 hours of intermittent use or when its 100-milliliter tank runs out of water. For college students looking for a dorm-friendly way to wind down, the device emits a subtle (not overpowering) scent that gives the benefits of aromatherapy without using candles or incense.
Users love this diffuser, with one saying, “This little tiny diffuser packs a punch. For such a little device, it releases a good amount of steam.” At under $20, it’s an ideal, budget-friendly option.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 3.94 x 5.51 x 3.94 in. |
|---|---|
| Run Time | 3-4 hours continuous, 6-8 hours intermittent |
| Extras | 8 LED lights, auto-shutoff, 2 misting modes |
8
Best Quirky Design
GuruNanda Honeycomb Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser
Pros
- Affordable
- Allows user to choose between mist or light modes
- Unique design
Cons
- Shorter run time than other models
The honeycomb-like exterior of GuruNanda’s oil diffuser makes an intriguing addition to your preferred relaxation space at home. It's equipped with color-changing LEDs that can also glow steadily as a night light, and the lights are adjustable between bright and dim modes. Set it to mist intermittently for 7 hours or continuously for 3 hours — it automatically shuts off when the water level in its 90-milliliter tank gets low.
This little diffuser has racked up over 4,500 five-star ratings. Users love its portability, with one calling it “small but mighty.” Another shopper who’s owned this GuruNanda diffuser for over 10 years says it’s “outlasted every single other one” they’ve bought. “It really pumps the essential oils into the air, so you can actually smell what you put in the diffuser. Get it.” If you insist.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 3.65 x 3.65 x 6.88 in. |
|---|---|
| Run Time | 3.5 hours continuous, 7 hours intermittent |
| Extras | Multi-mode function, 7 LED lights, auto-shutoff |
Pros
- Wide (and chic) color range
- Subtle light band is unobtrusive
- Small and stylish in any space
Cons
- Expensive
- Shorter run time than others
This ceramic oil diffuser from Vitruvi has quite the influencer following, and we definitely see why. It deftly diffuses any of your favorite scents, but it can also be used with plain distilled water to add moisture to the air in a room that feels stuffy. Our Senior Editor, Eunice Lucero-Lee, has this in Terracotta (pictured) and loves how it adds a touch of Instagram-worthy punch to any console area or living room.
It can run up to 3 hours continuously or 7 hours intermittently, and you can even switch on its light band at the base for a little mood lighting. Plus, its matte ceramic build almost looks like it could be a chic decorative vase when not in use.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 3.4 x 3.4 x 7 in. |
|---|---|
| Run Time | 3 hours consistent misting, 7 hours intermittent (at 30-second intervals) |
| Extras | Changing light, auto-shutoff, 2 misting modes |
Pros
- Unique and stylish design
- Easy to use
- No mess
Cons
- Can’t turn off the scent
If you don’t like to fuss with essential oil diffusers, this is about as carefree and hands-off as it gets. The set includes a small, 100% marble bowl, and a pack of five 100% cedar wood infused with a choice of Charcoal and Tonka blend, or Jasmine, Bergamot & Cedar. Each diffuser ball lasts for up to five weeks.
The bowl has a felt bottom, so it can be placed anywhere. You can choose to use one ball at a time for a subtle scent, or use more balls in larger spaces or when you want a stronger scent. And when the scent starts to fade, you can replace the 5-pack of essential oil balls.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | Marble ball: 4.3 in. diameter |
|---|---|
| Run Time | N/A |
| Extras | Stylish marble bowl, scented wood diffuser balls each last 5 weeks |
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Pros
- Built-in nightlight works independently of the diffuser
- Auto-shutoff
- Two misting modes
Cons
- Lesser run time
A pretty work of art sitting atop your coffee table? Maybe — but it also happens to be your Objecto W2 Aroma Diffuser. This polycarbonate stunner is both sleek and architectural. Not to mention it works with any of your chosen essential oils and allows users to choose between two modes — one for consistent misting, and one in 10-second intervals. It also has an automatic shutoff feature for worry-free convenience once the tank is empty.
One of our fave details about the W2, though (aside from its slatted design) is the built-in nightlight that can be used with or without the diffuser. It's as practical as it is pretty, this one.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 4.5 x 4.5 x 8 in. |
|---|---|
| Run Time | 5 hours |
| Extras | Built-in nightlight, auto-shutoff, 2 misting modes |
Pros
- Long run time
- Comes with a carrying strap for portability
- Lightweight
Cons
- Includes a charging cable but no plug
The Seasons Soni SM diffuser is packed with so many unique features, that it’s difficult to pick a favorite. We were first drawn to it because of its beautiful and unique design — the ridged resin exterior almost looks like a planter. But once we really dug into all of this diffuser’s features, we fell even deeper in love.
Take, for example, the fact that it doesn’t need to be plugged in to run — a feature not all diffusers have. Or that it has a run time of up to 16 hours. Or, perhaps, it’s because of the ability to charge it with an additional charging dock, its detachable leather strap for easy portability, its four different lights, or its impressive scent throw with only 7-8 drops of essential oil. Really, it’s all of the above. This is one essential oil diffuser we can’t even imagine living without — and, luckily, we don’t have to.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 5.11 x 4.72 in. |
|---|---|
| Run Time | 16 hours |
| Extras | 2 misting modes, 4 LED lights, auto-shutoff |
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Pros
- Auto-shutoff feature
- Optional LED light can be used as a nightlight
Cons
- Short run time
- Pricey
We love oil diffusers that blend in elegantly with their surroundings. This is why we're fans of the sculptural, almost vase-like Saje diffuser, as it elevates the atmosphere in both scent and style.
This ceramic diffuser's 100-milliliter tank can be set to mist continuously for 5 hours, or intermittently for 10 hours, with an automatic shut-off feature once the water tank empties completely or the run time finishes up. It comes in white or black, and its light band glows at a steady warm white tone.
“I absolutely love my diffuser,” writes one user. “The color is gorgeous! I turn it on every day when I’m working and it makes me feel so zen.” Om indeed.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 3.5 x 8 in. |
|---|---|
| Run Time | 5 hours continuous, 10 hours intermittent |
| Extras | Optional LED light, auto-shutoff, 2 misting modes |
14
Best Two-in-One Device
Levoit Dual 100 Top-Fill Humidifier with Essential Oil Diffuser
Pros
- Top-fill tank makes refills and cleaning easy
- Humidity sensor keeps mist levels in check
- Essential oil-compatible
- Long run time
Cons
- Not the best-looking device
While we love the fact that essential oil diffusers can pull basically double-duty as mini humidifiers, this humidifier model flips the script by also being compatible with essential oils!
This Levoit humidifier has a hefty 1.8-liter tank that can easily fill a room from 107 to 260 square feet in size, making it ideal for bedrooms or nurseries. It's super quiet, too — it's said to be at the same level as a library. Its top-fill design eliminates the need for flipping the machine over, making refills a breeze.
Those who want to streamline their home devices will love that this humidifier-diffuser combo allows you to put a few drops of your fave essential oils directly into the tank. It also has a clever self-regulating humidity sensor that kicks in during Sleep mode, so you never over-humidify your space.
Key Specs
| Dimensions | 7 x 7 x 10.60 in. |
|---|---|
| Run Time | Up to 20 hours |
| Extras | Built-in smart humidity sensor, sleep mode, adjustable mist levels |
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Why Use a Diffuser?
Since most essential oil diffusers are equipped with built-in timers, you can run them any time of day without having to monitor them as you would with a lit candle. According to the Cleveland Clinic, essential oils can boost your mood, improve sleep, and reduce nausea and headaches when inhaled or applied topically.
Some of the most popular essential oils include lavender, tea tree, frankincense, peppermint, eucalyptus, lemon, lemongrass, orange, rosemary, bergamot, and cedar oil.
Sara Panton, founder and CEO of the essential oil brand Vitruvi, says, “Diffusing oils in the morning that help to open the lungs and promote deep breathing to energize the brain and body is a great way to start your day.”She recommends citrus scents and fresh spruce as being the best for morning aromatherapy. Conversely, bedtime diffusing is an enjoyable, restful ritual all on its own. “Put the diffuser on an hour before you think you’re going to sleep to help pre-scent your bedroom before resting,” Panton says. Since most have auto-shut-off timers, you can program it to turn off in a few hours or stay on all night.
These devices are a fantastic alternative to air fresheners and scented candles because they don't disperse potentially harmful, unknown chemicals into the air, and the ultrasonic operation doesn't pose a significant fire-hazard risk. And it’s safer to diffuse oils than to try to ingest them since they can be too strong to be consumed via your mouth – and may even cause burning. While one of two drops of peppermint in your mouth may be fine, more than that could be irritating to your mouth or skin. Just make sure that you're only using pure, naturally derived essential oils with your diffuser to prevent headaches and other health issues.Also, remember to thoroughly clean your oil diffuser after every use. We've found that letting the device run with water and a capful of white vinegar helps to break up any stubborn oil residue so that you can rinse it clean afterward.
During the first few days, keep an eye on the area surrounding the essential oil diffuser. Some users complain of residue or film on their walls, carpet and hard floor, and or items close by, like a sofa or chair. That’s another reason to clean the oil diffuser regularly. If you use it more frequently, you’ll probably need to clean it more frequently as well. Also, if you use thicker oils, keep in mind that they are more likely to leave residue.
What to Consider
Even though choosing your diffuser can be largely intuitive depending on taste, there are still a few specs to keep in mind:
Size
Essential oil diffusers vary in size, with smaller ones being more portable from room to room. You may even be able to plug them into your car or pack them in your luggage during travel. Smaller diffusers are also less obtrusive and integrate seamlessly into existing décor. Larger diffusers have bigger reservoirs, can have longer operating times, and require less frequent refills, but they can also look bulky and take up more space. But for open floor plans, or if you’re not up to stopping and refilling them frequently, the convenience of larger essential oil diffusers may be more appealing.
Coverage
Matching your diffuser to your intended room size is a good way to ensure you get the most out of your home fragrance apparatus. Many diffusers indicate how wide their mist radius is or whether they're good for small, average, medium, or larger spaces.
Also, some essential oil diffusers have controllable mist modes. So, you can choose, for example, to have a mist sprayed more routinely or less frequently. And keep in mind that less frequent mists can cause it to last longer.
Noise
Like jewelry, the best oil diffusers are seen and not heard. Though most on the market are virtually silent or unnoticeable, some may still have larger fans that emit a discernible hum and can be distracting, especially if you plan on using your machine in a zone-out space.
Lights
Some people like the changing lights available on many essential oil diffusers, and others at least like the night light feature. But if lights make it difficult for you to sleep, make sure you can turn the light off.
Hot or Cold Option
In addition, ultrasonic essential oil diffusers may have a choice of a warm or cool mist. At first glance, this might not seem important. However, if you live in a cold climate, you’ll appreciate the ability to change the mist from cool to warm.
Extras
Are you a fan of flashing rainbow LED lights? Auto-shutoff? Remote controls? Music? All or none of the above? Once you've got the basics down, you can decide which accessories and extra features are necessary (or not), depending on your preference.
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How We Selected
When choosing essential oil diffusers, we look at a variety of types, functions, designs, and price points. If you want a sleek cold air diffusion that uses the latest technology, we recommend the Aromatech AroMini BT Bluetooth Essential Oil Diffuser.
Those looking for a budget-priced option may prefer the Pure Enrichment PureSpa Deluxe Essential Oil Diffuser, which is currently on sale. And the Ash & Fir Marble Diffuser Set is a unique option that doesn’t require essential oils since the marbles are already infused with them.
Terri Williams
Freelancer
Terri Williams is a freelance journalist with extensive experience writing product reviews. She has tested hundreds of products, including kitchen appliances, vacuum cleaners, TVs, audio equipment, headphones, computer monitors, webcams, air purifiers, bedding, and more. Terri has bylines in Forbes, Architectural Digest, Popular Science, CNN Underscored, NBC News, US News & World Report, and USA Today Reviewed. Additionally, she has contributed to TechRadar, Tom’s Guide, and Popular Mechanics.
Jamie Sanders
Freelancer
Jamie Allison Sanders is a fashion, beauty, and lifestyle writer based in Los Angeles. In addition to Best Products, her work has appeared in InStyle, People, Well+Good, Shape, Reader's Digest, Today.com, Insider, The Kitchn, PopSugar, and MindBodyGreen. She's also had her own blog, The Beauty of Life, since 2007. She's been obsessed with fashion and beauty basically since birth, loves finding a great deal, and can always be found testing the latest skincare product. In her free time, she can be found exploring the bar and restaurant scene in L.A., using her musical theater background as an avid theater attendee, completing Kindle reading challenges, traveling, and adding to her collection of 400+ nail polishes.
Eunice Lucero-Lee
Deputy Editor, Deals and Trends
Eunice Lucero-Lee is the Deputy Editor, Deals and Trends, for Best Products, Popular Mechanics, Runner’s World, Bicycling, and Biography. Her obsession with beauty and pop culture keeps her on top of the latest trends and viral online finds, which can also be seen in her work spearheading the Hearst Enthusiast Group’s sales and deals content. Her editorials have been featured in publications like Cosmopolitan, Esquire, The Numinous, woman&home, and Sparkling, among many others. A former music editor, she pioneered Asia’s first-ever English-helmed K-Pop magazine and has extensive experience with celebrity profiling and red-carpet reportage. She is based in Manhattan where she watches Scandi-noir crime procedurals with her cat.
