Credit:
Reviewed / Tim Renzi
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Credit:
Reviewed / Tim Renzi
Reviewed's mission is to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of product experts thoroughly vet every product we recommend to help you cut through the clutter and find what you need.
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The Saje Aroma Om won in all categories, it is beautiful and diffuses perfectly. Read More
Easy to operate and clean because of its basic plastic covering, the 100ml Asakuki is a solid choice for a first time user. Read More
The Vitruvi Move cordless diffuser is beautiful in the home and releases potent fragrant mist. Plus, it's easy to move throughout your home. Read More
The InnoGear diffuser was by far our favorite combination of thoughtful features and low price. Read More
If you’re looking for a diffuser that will blend well with modern, minimalist decor, the Stadler Form Jasmine has you covered. Read More
Whether you're a novice or an expert when it comes to the practice of aromatherapy, or you just want to make your home smell like your favorite spa, an essential oil diffuser is one of the easiest and most effective devices for reaping the benefits of aromatherapy. It can help you relax, boost your mood, improve your focus, or just provide a pleasant scent.
There are countless to choose from, so picking the best essential oil diffuser to suit your personal needs can take some real consideration.
After several years of testing some of the most popular oil diffusers on the market, we chose the Saje Aroma Om (available at Saje) as the best essential oil diffuser for your home. With its simple, easy-to-operate design, it’s the perfect pick for anyone. If you’re looking for something small and cheap without sacrificing performance, we recommend the Asakuki Oil Diffuser 100ml.
During our testing, we determined that the top oil diffusers are simple to operate, do not overwhelm your home with fragrance while diffusing, and that special features (such as LED lights or upscale materials) don’t always make for the perfect essential oil diffuser.
The Saje Aroma Om aced all of our tests.
The Asakuki is simply the best diffuser on a budget.
Need to diffuse on the go? The Vitruvi Move is our favorite wireless diffuser.
Warm aromas and cool lights go together.
This popular oil diffuser makes a nice modern design statement.
One important testing factor was how easy each diffuser was to operate and clean.
To find which essential oil diffuser to recommend, we looked for ease of assembly, use, and cleaning, as well as strength of diffusion, portability, mist output, aesthetics, noise level, special features, and overall experience.
For testing, we used an upstairs bedroom and chose a cheerful blend. Each essential oil diffuser was shut in the bedroom and turned on to continuous mist (except the nebulizers, which only operate intermittently). We popped our heads into the room at scheduled intervals to check the aroma’s strength.
When deciding which essential oil diffuser to buy, it is important to know the difference between the four types available. Each offers unique features, with pros and cons to consider before purchasing.
Nebulizing diffusers work by using a pressurized airstream and jet nozzle. This process diffuses the oil into smaller amounts that may be beneficial for aromatherapy. This diffuser uses no heat or hot water but is also the noisiest and priciest of all oil diffuser types.
Ultrasonic essential oil diffusers work by using a small underwater disk to break up the essential oils for even distribution. This type of diffuser is quiet, uses no heat, and can act as a humidifier during ultrasonic diffusion.
Heat essential oil diffusers act by using a heated plate to diffuse the essential oils into the air, using water mixed with heat at low levels. These models are an economical and silent alternative.
Evaporative essential oil diffusers release the oil in segments, relying on airflow to push the scent into the room. These diffusers hit the mark for speed, but the oil can often become diluted.
The best place for an oil diffuser is in the center of the room for even scent distribution. Place it on a flat surface and plug it into a nearby power outlet. The type of casings varies between designs. Generally, to fill the diffuser with water, lift the top off.
Use room temperature water when filling your diffuser. Only fill it to the line marker. Most diffusers use three to 10 drops of essential oil per use, but you can consult manufacturer information for more specific instructions. After filling the water tank, replace the lid and flip the switch to begin diffusing.
There is some evidence that essential oil diffusers could be harmful to your health.
For example, David Stukus, a pediatrician and associate professor of pediatrics at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio told the New York Times that oil diffusing may be most concerning for children with underlying conditions such as asthma and allergies, saying that essential oils are “really good at infiltrating the upper and lower airways, which can irritate, especially in people with underlying chronic medical conditions such as asthma or allergies.”
Oil diffusers may also be harmful to your pets. ASPCA lists the issue as complicated and recommends caution if using essential oils around your pets.
The oils are considered most dangerous in concentrated forms before diffusing, meaning your pet could suffer if the concentrated oil is ingested or gets directly on their skin. Cats may be more sensitive than dogs, and the risks associated with diffusing around them can be more serious.
If you decide to use an oil diffuser with pets in your house, consider which scents are important to keep your dog or cat safe. Do your research on which are toxic to pets before diffusing. We did not include pets when testing for this guide.
Samantha Mangino is a self-proclaimed homebody. Conveniently she is a home staff writer at Reviewed, covering cleaning, appliances, furniture, and home furnishings and décor. She knows her way around a house and has tested everything from furniture, sponges, steam irons, to Legos. She’s always on the hunt for the latest internet trends and wants to help make your home cleaner and cozier.
Jeaneen Russell (she/her) is a gifting expert and home decor enthusiast who began as Reviewed's gift guide editor in 2022, adding the home space to her editorial domain in 2024. Jeaneen is obsessed with testing and reviewing products that people will love, and actually use.
Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.
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