In this guide, we will explain what Essential Oil Diffusers are, how they works and how such devices are useful for beauty, overall well-being and emotional health. There are so many swell diffusers that they can be be a stylish addition to any room interior. In this review, we have collected 11 top picks models from $17 to $80 worthy of your attention.

Do you need an aromatherapy oil diffuser?

Yes, you do, especially, if you have trouble sleeping, need to boost your immunity, work on your cognitive functions and emotional health. Essential oils have been used for centuries to promote better sleep, fight diseases, and even repel insects, rodents, etc.

These are some key facts that confirm the potency and effectiveness of essential oils:

The research proves sleep faster and maintaining sleep for longer. Another systematic review of the effect of inhaled essential oils on sleep in healthy people suggested

faster and maintaining sleep for longer. Another systematic review of the effect of inhaled essential oils on sleep in healthy people The study on Eucalyptus essential oil confirmed immunoregulatory agent, besides its known antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

agent, besides its known and properties. The study on the benefits of aromatherapy massage revealed decreasing anxiety and reducing serum cortisol level.

and reducing serum cortisol level. The research into neuroprotective and anti-aging potentials of essential oils concluded neurological disorders , especially in treating Alzheimer's disease.

and potentials of essential oils , especially in treating Alzheimer's disease. The repelling nature of some essential oils was confirmed by numerous studies, one of them, for example, looked confirmed

What Types of Essential Oil Diffusers Are There?

There are quite a lot of different essential oil diffusers available for purchase, but most of them can be divided into four basic categories:

Evaporative diffusers, like this one from Guardian Technologies, as the name suggests, work by turning oil into gas through evaporation, usually with the help of built-in small fans. Unfortunately, these devices, are not very potent, they won’t distribute the scent evenly, and the lighter components of the oil would evaporate much faster than the heavier ones.

Ultrasonic diffusers or humidifiers, like this one from HealthSmart, distribute the oil in a perfect cooling mist. By using electronic frequencies ultrasonic devices break up the molecules for further distribution. And in order to function, they’ll require some water, and need to be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent clogging and corrosion. The nice part is the humidifying effect these devices bring but on the downside, not all oils can be used with this type, and the distribution of oil scent can be somewhat ineffective.

Nebulizing diffusers, like this one from Aromis, always look exceptionally beautiful and polished, like a piece of expensive jewelry. They are also considered one of the best types of diffusers for a number of reasons like there’s no harmful plastic to burn, no need for heat or water, and some of the most expensive options come with different helpful accouterments such as a timer. These diffusers also tend to distribute oil effectively throughout the room.

Heat diffusers, like this one from Ivenf, are usually the most inexpensive and simple devices on the market. They work either with a help of a flame or electricity to turn oil into gas. This is exactly the type of an oil burner I use at home, and while it’s a cheap way to get a good scent throughout an apartment, it has some serious disadvantages. Speaking from experience, you can forget to put out the flame, creating a fire hazard. Happened to me a few times. Also, there was one time when the oil inside the little plate above the flame literally burst out and stained my mom’s favorite cardboard. Besides, that thing is a pain in the neck to clean and take care of. So, I would suggest investing a little more for something that would work more effectively and hassle-free.

Nebulizing Diffuser vs Ultrasonic Diffuser

You know what essential oils you like but don’t get the hang of the types of diffusers? We are here to fill this gap. To begin with, both a nebulizer and ultrasonic diffuser were designed to send aroma into the air. Still, nebulizers and ultrasonic diffusers differ in the way they disperse the mist.

An ultrasonic diffuser consists of a tank with a ceramic disc inside. When the device is connected to the electricity source and is turned on, the disc vibrates, sending particles of the essential oils into your environment. This type of diffusers uses water and you just put a few drops of oils on top of it, and that’s it! What are the main benefits of ultrasonic diffusers?

They are easy to clean.

While being electric devices, they require little power.

The device adds a little bit of humidity to the room.

Some models come with lighting.

They come in a variety of styles and shapes.

Still, you may not be satisfied with this option as it will result in more moisture in the air. Some people like it but others want just to feel their favorite scent. Moreover, excess moisture is able to dilute oils, meaning that the therapy will not be intensive enough. Another downside is also related to moisture as it can bring a mold problem into the room. However, regular cleaning and good maintenance of the diffuser will prevent this from happening. And finally, ultrasonic diffusers are not compatible with citrus oils, which is a big minus.

Alternatively, you can use a nebulizing diffuser that has a wooden or glass base and a pump that pulls essential oils to the top of the tube. The benefits of nebulizers are the following.

They require neither water nor heat.

You can take advantage of all health benefits the aromatherapy offers.

Diffusers of this type are typically made from high-quality natural materials, such as wood and glass.

The downside of these products lies in a small coverage area. Therefore, if you want to scent a large room, you should either choose an ultrasonic diffuser or place several nebulizers around the room. Another weak point is the price. Yes, they are more expensive but, in my view, nebulizing diffusers are worth it as they are a great addition to any decor.

Depending on your needs, you may also consider other options, such as car diffusers, aromatherapy necklaces, and oil diffusers for large space.

Things to consider when shopping for an essential oil diffuser

There are a few important features to consider before committing yourself to purchase a diffuser:

First and foremost, it’s the size of the room you intend to use a diffuser for. Choose a nebulizing diffuser, if your apartment or the room you’d like to cover is huge.

you intend to use a diffuser for. Choose a nebulizing diffuser, if your apartment or the room you’d like to cover is huge. Then it’s the need for water or heat . Of course, it’s pretty much obvious, that if you have to dilute the oil with water, it becomes less potent.

. Of course, it’s pretty much obvious, that if you have to dilute the oil with water, it becomes less potent. Power or vapor output . The greater the output, the more effective is the oil distribution. Some of the expensive models will allow you to actually control the amount of vapor you want your diffuser to produce. Otherwise, you can control the scent yourself by diluting or increasing the concentration of oil in water.

. The greater the output, the more effective is the oil distribution. Some of the expensive models will allow you to actually control the amount of vapor you want your diffuser to produce. Otherwise, you can control the scent yourself by diluting or increasing the concentration of oil in water. Material . I don’t like too much plastic and I seriously think, there’s enough of it in the environment already, so my advice is to look for high-quality ceramics or glass. However, if you’d like to choose a humidifying ultrasonic device, then look for polypropylene or another strengthened polymer material.

. I don’t like too much plastic and I seriously think, there’s enough of it in the environment already, so my advice is to look for high-quality ceramics or glass. However, if you’d like to choose a humidifying ultrasonic device, then look for polypropylene or another strengthened polymer material. Level of noise . Look for one with noise level less than 23 dB if you’re noise sensitive.

. Look for one with noise level less than 23 dB if you’re noise sensitive. Accessories. If you’re a techie person, you might appreciate other features like timer, and ambient lighting to create a romantic atmosphere at just the right time if you know what I mean.

Top-11 Best Essential Oil Diffusers

Best nebulizing diffusers

Aromatherapy Diffuser | Wood & Glass | Professional Grade | Aromis

This beautifully exquisite piece of glass is a fantastic representative of nebulizing diffusers. Having such an elegant and smoothly delicate shape makes it an absolute must-have option for every interior design lover. It’s classy yet modern. The wooden base adds authenticity and finesse to the structure, while glass ads style and graceful opulence. Besides its polished design, the nebulizer doesn’t require any heat or water to function, which preserves the natural qualities and genuine healing properties of the essential oils without diluting or destroying the chemical substance. There’re various other features available, like adjustable aroma intensity, timer, and an auto-shut off. Suitable for places up to 900 sq ft.





Aromis: Check the current price

Organic Aromas Nebulizing Oil Aromatherapy Diffuser

This is a premium nebulizer that can be effectively used both at home and professionally in salons. The manufacturer claims that the product is the strongest oil diffuser available on the market, covering a large area in a short time. However, purchasers note that while the scent is really strong when you are close to the device, it is significantly weaker when spread throughout the room.

What are the other advantages? Neither water nor heat, which are able to diminish the therapeutic properties of oils, are used in the nebulizer. Nor does it contains plastic materials that can release toxic substances. Instead, the device is made from all-natural materials — a brown hardwood base and amazing handmade glass reservoir. Unlike many other competitive products of this type, the Organic Aromas nebulizer comes with an extra feature — LED lighting that improves the aesthetic appeal of the interior design and will enhance your mood. Another essential benefit, particularly at nighttime, is quiet operation.

Customers rate this nebulizer highly, with over 70% of the buyers giving it five stars. Among the major advantages, they mention the ease of use, scent, and the low level of noise. And yet, some customers point out the downsides of this product. So you should be careful not to drop essential oils on the wooden base as the substance may damage it.





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Best ultrasonic diffusers

Best Aromatherapy Diffusers for Medium-Sized and Big Rooms

Do you need a larger diffuser that will work longer? The following 200 and 300 ml bowled products precisely meet these requirements and are ready to freshen the air for 8-10 hours. They can be easily used in any medium or even large room at home or at work. They are also similar in many ways, so pick one to your taste.

InnoGear 200ml Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser, Wood Grain

This 200 ml diffuser has a curious design: repeating the wood texture, this product resembles a truncated sphere pinned on top. It will match any interior, but will look particularly good with ethnic motifs, for example, in a yoga center. The price of this gadget, rated with 4.5 stars out of 5.

According to the device’s technical characteristics, its noise level is less than 25 dB (this is the volume of a human whisper, i.e., there is almost no noise). The power consumption is AC 100-240V 50 / 60HZ.

Long story short, this gadget is equipped with all the same functions as its rivals while having a remarkable design that will be recognized by the fans of the extraordinary and a greater bowl volume. Although you will have to invest into the originality, your health will be safe. As the manufacturer notices, the materials of which the device is made, do not contain the toxic and harmful to the health bisphenol-A. It also grants a 45-Day refund and 2 Years Warranty for the product.





InnoGear 200ml: Check the current price

VicTsing 300ml Cool Mist Humidifier Ultrasonic Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser for Office Home Bedroom Living Room Study Yoga Spa - Wood Grain

This diffuser is #1 Best seller in the Home ULPA Air Purifiers category. It resembles a small volcano, or a bulb, and repeats the texture of light wood, though it is made of plastic. Such a design will be loved by the fans of natural materials in the interior! Another competitive edge is the fact that in comparison with other products it holds much more fluid: up to 300 ml, while it has rather compact dimensions of 6.7 x 6.7 x 6 inches. This diffuser is enough for 10 hours of continuous operation. There are also other modes of operation: 1 hour, 3 hours and 6 hours. Whichever you choose, you can be sure it will turn off automatically when it runs out of the liquid. Just like its analogs, the illumination is available in 7 colors.

The manufacturer indicates that the product gives you an opportunity to de-stress from a busy and tough day, as well as to sleep soundly in a sweet-smelling room. It is important to notice that the diffuser has three legs that prevent it from tipping over. This will appeal to those who have small children in the house. It will be indispensable in winter while the heaters are on when the air is particularly dry and has an adverse impact on the skin and mucous membranes. Read over 1400 customer reviews to see this for yourself.





VicTsing wood: Check the current price

The same diffuser is available in another color – VicTsing Essential Oil Diffuser Humidifier, Wood Grain 300ml Ultrasonic Diffuser Cool Mist Humidifier for Home, Yoga, Office, Spa, Bedroom, Baby Room. While the former item imitates the milk oak, the latter is a wenge or a black oak. This noble color will appeal to those whose interior is designed in a similar color.

VicTsing dark brown: Check the current price

TaoTronics Essential Oil Diffuser, 300ml Wood Grain Aroma Diffuser

This 300 ml diffuser is also similar to an onion or walnut, but is intended only for 8 hours of continuous operation and is a bit cheaper. The device is equipped with a timer: you can turn it on for 1, 3, or 6 hours or until complete liquid evaporation. Traditionally, the product provides two modes of evaporation (creating fog): less or more intense. After that, this diffuser, just like other models, will turn off on its own. The manufacturer gives the 1-year warranty on the device.

The carefully selected shades of the built-in LED indicator will endow you with a relaxing light therapy; if necessary, the play of light can be turned off by pressing the button, or choosing a bright / dim glow.

Let us add that this diffuser is very quiet and will not disturb you at night. To change the scent of your home you only need to remember to clean the device so that the essential oils do not mix. Let us note that certain diffuser buyers complain of headaches, so we recommend being cautious when picking an oil if you suffer from migraines or allergies or if you have a baby. Perhaps the owners of small spaces should turn their attention to less capacious devices.





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Essential Oil Diffuser, 5 In 1 Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Vaporizer | ASAKUKI - for bigger rooms (classroom, office) with humidifier & timer

This powerful and huge ultrasonic device with additional functionality as a humidifier would fit and work well in larger rooms, like a classroom or office. Its 500ml water tank is good for approximately 10 to 16 hours of continuous work. Seven different LED light colors, multiple mist settings, as well as a safety auto-switch, would guarantee a hassle-free relaxing time. Customers shared their beautiful pictures with this device with captions like “best essential oil diffuser humidifier ever”, “could not be happier”, or “wow better than I expected.”





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Essential Oil Diffuser &Humidifier | ArtNaturals - with Bluetooth speaker clock

Essential oil diffuser from ArtNaturals comes with an advanced Bluetooth technology, which is compatible with all Bluetooth devices. To play the music, place the Bluetooth device within a close distance of the diffuser, select “ArtNaturals,” and play your favorite relaxation tunes. The speaker would automatically reconnect to the last device used. There are also seven LED colors available to create your own relaxing ambiance. There are three timer settings and once the water runs out, the diffuser will automatically shut off. Most of the consumers loved using the device, however, some did have troubles connecting their Bluetooth devices to the diffuser.





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Best Aromatherapy Diffusers for Small Rooms

We’ll start with the smallest and most cut-rate 100-120 ml diffusers which will come in handy for flavoring small spaces such as bedrooms, bathrooms, hotel rooms, home offices, offices. Among the best ones there are two very similar products in terms of price, unobtrusive design, and by functions. It’s up to you to decide which one you’ll pick.

URPOWER 2nd Version Essential Oil Diffuser,100ml Aroma Essential Oil Cool Mist Humidifier

Here before you is a #1 Best Seller in the Single Room Humidifiers category on rated 4.6 stars out of 5. This plastic diffuser is so light and compact that its weight and size are comparable to those of an iPhone. The product will humidify the air in the house and to prevent over-drying of the skin and mucous membranes. According to the manufacturer URPOWER, this diffuser is able to release more "fog" than the previous version of the product. When you add a favorite essential oil scent, it will also freshen the room and create the right mood, a creative, a romantic or a relaxing one... Read over 5700 customer reviews to know how others used this device.

The gadget’s water capacity is only 100 ml, so it will only be able to work continuously for up to 6 hours. The input power is AC100-240V 50/60 Hz. The power cable length is 70 inches. The illumination provides 7 colors and can optionally enter the kaleidoscope mode with either the infinite color change or with a color of your choice. Auto shut-off is available: if the device runs out of liquid, it will turn off.





URPOWER 2nd 100ml: Check the current price

Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser 7 colors - 120 ml Portable Ultrasonic Cool Mist Aroma Humidifier

This is also a #1 Best Seller in the Aromatherapy Diffusers category with over 4000 reviews! The product can serve both as a regular humidifier and as an essential oil spray.

The bowl volume is 120 ml, a little larger than the previous diffuser’s. This one provides for two ways of spraying: either continuously or at 30 second intervals. As a result the total time of operation is ~ 7 hours. Conveniently, the diffuser is supplied with a special measuring cup for water so that you won’t pour more liquid than you need. The manufacturer Radha Beauty recommends adding no more than 2-3 drops of essential oil per 100 ml. of water (by the way, it also produces cosmetics and essential oils - check out its best-selling Top 6 Aromatherapy Set. To pour water and oil, you’ll need to turn the lid and lift it, and then, after pouring in whatever you need, close it.

This essential oil diffuser also has several modes of illumination: from the automatic color change to a one particular color of the seven available. Depending on the room lighting and your mood, you can regulate the brightness or turn the illumination off at all.





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Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser | InnoGear - diffuser with auto shut off; perfect for a baby room

This is a fantastic bestseller from Innogear that has some powerful features like a humidifier, seven changing mood lights, auto shut-off function, and three working modes. This is a good option for both a living space and baby room. The changing lights would surely stir your child’s imagination, and “lights only” mode would help put your baby to sleep if they are afraid of the dark. Besides, a humidifier is an important device to have in a child’s bedroom to level up that humidity levels that suffer greatly in winter. Overall, this is a decent choice for such an affordable price. It has also received a generous number of positive reviews with customers saying it was small but a powerful thing.





InnoGear 2nd Version: Check the current price

PureSpa Essential Oil Diffuser | Pure Enrichment - compact diffuser with ionizer

This PureSpa oil diffuser can seldom be seen in yoga studios or massage cabinets. It’s indeed a pretty popular and affordable solution for quick and powerful aroma distribution. It refreshes and moisturizes the air in rooms up to 250 square feet and is able to do so for up to 7 hours at a time. Optional color-changing LED lighting creates a relaxing atmosphere and a soft night lights. Besides, there’s an ionizer feature that helps clean the air from bacteria and viruses. The testers were impressed with the diffuser, praising its quiet operation, relaxing lighting, and ease of use.





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Essential Oil Diffusers Comparison Chart

Model Features Aromatherapy Diffuser - Professional Grade

Working time: up to 4 hours

Auto shut-off

up to 900 sq ft. Organic Aromas

MADE FROM 100% whole hardwood

Uses ONLY pure essential oil

At nighttime is quiet operation

up to 45-70 square meters URPOWER 2nd Version Essential Oil Diffuser

Capacity: 100 ml

Working time: up to 6 hours

Auto shut-off Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser 7 colors

Capacity: 120 ml

Working time: up to 7 hours

Auto shut-off Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser | InnoGear

Material: Upper parts PP

Capacity: 100ml

2 Misting Mode: Intermittent/ Continuous

7 Color LED Lights

Noise: less than 35 dB

Working time: 7-9 hrs continuous mode, 9-11 hrs intermittent mode

Auto-Off PureSpa Essential Oil Diffuser | Pure Enrichment

Capacity: 100ml

Color LED Lights

Coverage: 250 square feet

Ionizer

Working time: 7 hours InnoGear Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser

Capacity: 200 ml

Working time: up to 8 hours

Auto shut-off VicTsing Cool Mist Humidifier Ultrasonic Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser

Capacity: 300 ml

Working time: up to 10 hours

Auto shut-off TaoTronics Essential Oil Diffuser, Wood Grain Aroma Diffuser

Capacity: 300 ml

Working time: up to 8 hours

Auto shut-off Essential Oil Diffuser, 5 In 1 Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Vaporizer | ASAKUKI

Material: eco-friendly PP materials

Capacity: 500ml

7 Color LED Lights

Coverage: 270-320 square feet

2 levels of mist

3 timers

Humidifier

Working time: 10-16 hours

Auto shut-off Essential Oil Diffuser &Humidifier | ArtNaturals

Capacity: 400ml

7 Color LED Lights

Bluetooth speaker clock

3 timers

Humidifier

Auto shut-off

FAQ

What’s the difference between a diffuser and a humidifier?

A diffuser distributes oil throughout the room, while humidifier disperses water and increase moisture in the air.

How can I clean my diffuser?

Usually, the diffusers are cleaned with vinegar. So you’ll have to fill the water tank half full with water and add a splash of vinegar. Let it sit for a few hours and then clean the remaining parts with a wet cloth to remove any smudges.

What’s better: essential oils vs. scented candles?

Firstly, it’s a matter of taste. I used to like scented candles, but my kid is allergic and he acts a bit nuts when I put them on. But he never minds the oil. In case anyone in your family suffers from any respiratory diseases or allergy, it’s better to stick with essential oils. I’ve also heard scented candles can be the greatest source of indoor pollution, so it’s best to avoid them. Find the Best Essential Oil Brands.

Conclusion

It’s a matter of taste which of the diffusers described you should obtain. We are positive that this investment won’t be idle on the shelf. Today even the most skeptical people (the doctors) agree that we develop most diseases due to stress. A diffuser will help transform your personal space into a paradise, similar to nature in terms of moisture and flavor, where you can retreat and relax.

Finally let us remind you that the general rule for the use of any oil diffuser is to use only quality oils and distilled water to prolong the life of your acquisition. And, of course, do take care of the device: remove the remnants of an aromatic oil in time with liquid detergent or alcohol-containing solution.

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