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9 Best Essential Oil Diffusers for Reaping Aromatherapy Benefits

They're our favorite way to elevate the atmosphere.

By Eunice Lucero-Lee and Melanie Yates
essential oil diffuser on side table
Stocksy

Is your atmosphere feeling a little too dry? Using a diffuser is one way to instantly freshen things up, adding some moisture to the air while circulating the scent of your choice softly throughout your space.

Ultrasonic oil diffusers are the most popular and widely available type of diffusers, only needing a small amount of distilled water and a few drops of essential oil to operate. When switched on, a small disc located at the base of the device vibrates at an incredibly fast speed, disrupting the water held inside and breaking apart the water and oil molecules so that they turn to vapor. The mist is then channeled out of the device in a mesmerizing, billowing plume.

The Best Diffusers

  • 1
    Smart Essential Oil Aromatherapy Diffuser

    Best Overall

    Sierra Modern Home Smart Essential Oil Aromatherapy Diffuser

    Shop at Amazon
    Read more
  • 2
    500-Milliliter Essential Oil Diffuser

    Muji Dupe

    URPOWER 500-Milliliter Essential Oil Diffuser

    Read more
  • 3
    Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser

    Best Budget

    InnoGear Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser

    Read more
  • 4
    Honeycomb Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser

    Best Quirky Design

    GuruNanda Honeycomb Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser

    Read more
  • 5
    Stone Diffuser

    Compact and Chic

    VITRUVI Stone Diffuser

    Read more

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 like you would with a lit candle. 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.

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. Just make sure that you're only using pure, naturally derived essential oils with your diffuser to prevent headaches and other health issues.

Finally, 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.

    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 or even to your car or packable in luggage during travel. Smaller diffusers are also less obtrusive and integrate easier into existing décor. Larger diffusers have bigger reservoirs, can have longer operating times, and require less frequent refills, but can also look bulky and take up more space.

    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.

    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.

    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 pat, all other accessories and extra features are either completely necessary or completely not, depending on your preference.

      Now that you have all of the essential info on essential oil diffusers, check out our favorite ultrasonic models that let you reap all of their aromatherapeutic benefits.

      1
      Best Overall

      Sierra Modern Home Smart Essential Oil Aromatherapy Diffuser

      On Sale
      Smart Essential Oil Aromatherapy Diffuser
      1
      Best Overall

      Sierra Modern Home Smart Essential Oil Aromatherapy Diffuser

      Now 33% Off
      $40 at Amazon$59 at Walmart
      Pros
      • Smart-controlled
      • Customizable feature settings
      • Reasonably priced
      Cons
      • Faux-wood material isn't the most durable
      • On the larger side

      With its seamless smart integration with Google Home and Amazon Alexa, this faux-wood essential oil diffuser powers on and changes color just by you telling it to!

      Its proprietary app even lets you program custom schedules, so that it runs at the same time every day with your preferred light scheme. 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.

      More: Add Instant Cozy Vibes to Your Home With These Amazing Natural Candles

      Key Specs

      Dimensions6.8x6.8x9 inches
      Run Time12 hours
      ExtrasGoogle, Alexa, and app compatibility, changing LED lights
      2
      Muji Dupe

      URPOWER 500-Milliliter Essential Oil Diffuser

      On Sale
      500-Milliliter Essential Oil Diffuser
      2
      Muji Dupe

      URPOWER 500-Milliliter Essential Oil Diffuser

      Now 29% Off
      Pros
      • Large reservoir
      • Reasonably-priced
      • Remote control offers convenience
      • Auto-shutoff feature
      Cons
      • A bit of a basic look
      • 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 has a similar shape, and it has 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

      Dimensions6.5x4.8 inches
      Run TimeUp to 10 hours in high mist mode
      Extras7 LED lights, remote control, 3 modes
      3
      Best Budget

      InnoGear Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser

      On Sale
      Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser
      3
      Best Budget

      InnoGear Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser

      Now 20% Off
      Pros
      • Very affordable
      • Relatively long run time
      • Many light color options
      • Great for smaller spaces
      Cons
      • Defective models can 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.

      Key Specs

      Dimensions3.94x5.51x3.94 inches
      Run Time3-4 hours continuous, 6-8 hours intermittent
      Extras8 LED lights, auto-shutoff, 2 misting modes
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      4
      Best Quirky Design

      GuruNanda Honeycomb Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser

      On Sale
      Honeycomb Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser
      4
      Best Quirky Design

      GuruNanda Honeycomb Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser

      Pros
      • Very affordable
      • Allows user to choose between mist or light modes
      Cons
      • Smaller and offers less coverage space

      This oil diffuser's honeycomb-like exterior 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.

      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.

      Key Specs

      Dimensions3.65x3.65x6.88 inches
      Run Time3.5 hours continuous, 7 hours intermittent
      ExtrasMulti-mode function, 7 LED lights, auto-shutoff
      5
      Compact and Chic

      VITRUVI Stone Diffuser

      Best Tested
      Stone Diffuser
      5
      Compact and Chic

      VITRUVI Stone Diffuser

      Now 30% Off
      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

      Dimensions3.4x3.4x7 inches
      Run Time3 hours consistent misting, 7 hours intermittent (at 30-second intervals)
      ExtrasChanging light, auto-shutoff, 2 misting modes
      6
      Most Stylish

      Objecto W2 Aroma Diffuser

      W2 Aroma Diffuser
      6
      Most Stylish

      Objecto W2 Aroma Diffuser

      Pros
      • Built-in nightlight works independently of the diffuser
      • Auto-shutoff
      • Two misting modes
      Cons
      • Lesser run time

      You can tell your guests that's not just a pretty work of art sitting on top of your coffee table. Sleek and architectural, this polycarbonate stunner 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

      Dimensions4.5x4.5x8 inches
      Run Time5 hours
      ExtrasBuilt-in nightlight, auto-shutoff, 2 misting modes
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      7
      Luxe Look

      SpaRoom Essential Oil Diffuser

      On Sale
      Essential Oil Diffuser
      7
      Luxe Look

      SpaRoom Essential Oil Diffuser

      Pros
      • Compact yet powerful
      • Unique cubic design
      • Long run time
      Cons
      • Not portable — it has to be plugged in

      Distinct and minimalistic, the cube design of SpaRoom's diffuser sets it apart from most of the vase types on the market and will appeal to those looking for a more modern look (hello, bachelor pads).

      At less than 2 pounds and featuring a 200-milliliter tank and up to 16 hours of run time, it's indeed compact yet still manages to pack quite the punch — so much so that it's said to cover large rooms up to 400 square feet. Its multiple light modes also provide another level of personalization should you want it.

      Key Specs

      Dimensions4.84x4.53x4.53 inches
      Run Time8 hours consistent misting, 16 hours intermittent, at 15-second intervals
      ExtrasMultiple light modes, auto-shutoff, 2 misting modes
      8
      Best for Minimalists

      Saje Aroma Om Diffuser

      Aroma Om Diffuser
      8
      Best for Minimalists

      Saje Aroma Om Diffuser

      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 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 3 hours, or intermittently for 6. It comes in white or black, and its light band glows at a steady warm white tone.

      Key Specs

      Dimensions3.5x8 inches
      Run Time3 hours continuous, 6 hours intermittent
      ExtrasOptional LED light, auto-shutoff, 2 misting modes
      9
      Best Two-in-One Device

      Levoit Dual 100 Top-Fill Humidifier with Essential Oil Diffuser

      Dual 100 Top-Fill Humidifier with Essential Oil Diffuser
      9
      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 107-260 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

      Dimensions7x7x10.60 inches
      Run TimeUp to 20 hours
      ExtrasBuilt-in smart humidity sensor, sleep mode, adjustable mist levels
      Headshot of Eunice Lucero-Lee
      Eunice Lucero-Lee
      Senior Editor

      Eunice Lucero-Lee is the Senior Editor for Best Products, and is a beauty, astrology, and pop culture obsessive whose work has been featured in publications such as Cosmopolitan, Esquire, The Numinous, and woman&home, among many others. A (very) proud cat mom, she spends her time in Manhattan obsessing over celebrity natal charts, luxury skincare, and Scandi-noir, as well as finding the perfect K-Pop vid to save the day. She can order drinks perfectly in Korean.

      Headshot of Melanie Yates
      Senior Service Editor

      Melanie Yates is the senior service editor of Best Products, where she writes and reports pieces pertaining to the etiquette, dilemmas, and how-tos of gift-giving for different occasions. Previously, she was the site's senior home editor, covering all things decor- and bedding-related since 2015. Her digital byline can also be found on Bustle, House Beautiful, and Elle Decor. A longtime classical-music enthusiast, Melanie spends her off-hours enjoying performances big and small across New York City.

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