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Byrdie / Sabrina Jiang
If you're a fan of essential oils, you know there are virtually endless ways to use them. But when it comes to at-home aromatherapy, an oil diffuser might be your best bet. "Diffusers have the ability to interact with the brain and many systems of the body to impact mood and overall health," says aromatherapist Barbara Close, explaining that different fragrances can do everything from boost your mood to help clear up your sinuses.
Byrdie Researched & Approved
Our best overall pick is the Vitruvi Stone Diffuser, a ceramic-encased device with a BPA-free reservoir, ultrasonic technology, LED illumination, and a 550-square-foot coverage area. For a more affordable pick, consider the InnoGear Oil Diffuser, which has a compact design with color-changing features to jazz up your decor.
From nebulizers and ultrasonic misters to humidifiers and light-changing contraptions, there are tons of options to choose from. In any case, home scent expert Katerina Juskey says, "Ease of use makes a high-quality oil diffuser."
We conducted hours of research on the best oil diffusers, evaluating each model on design, size, and mist functions. We also took into consideration extra features like LED illumination, auto shut-off, BPA-free construction, and design aesthetic. A home design expert offered product recommendations, and we looked at the top-rated models to compile this list of the best in show.
Ahead, the best oil diffusers for every taste and budget.
Best Overall
Vitruvi Stone Essential Oil Diffuser
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Goop
Large coverage area
Long power cord
Several colors available
Pricey
Chic and buzzworthy, the Vitruvi Stone Diffuser is tough to beat. Available in several minimalist-aesthetic, neutral hues, the matte exterior is made of real ceramic, and inside, there's a BPA-free plastic reservoir. Thanks to modern ultrasonic technology, it diffuses oil without heating up, gracing spaces as large as 550 square feet with a pleasant dose of aromatherapy.
Just fill it up with water, add 10 to 15 drops of your preferred essential oil, then turn it on and let it do its thing. We like that this diffuser has an extra-long 6-foot power cord, two misting modes (interval or continuous), and an automatic shutoff feature. There's even an optional LED light for added ambiance. Although this option is a bit more expensive than others on our list, we think the superior design and technology combined with a chic aesthetic make this pick worth the spend.
Price at time of publish: $123
Dimensions: 7 x 3.5 inches | Features: Safety-off switch
Best Budget
InnoGear Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser
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Amazon
Affordable
Compact
Color-changing light
Not the most durable
Looking for something a bit more wallet-friendly? This affordable oil diffuser boasts two misting modes (intermittent and continuous), a color-changing light with eight soothing hues, and an auto-shutoff safety feature. Measuring just over 5 inches tall and 4 inches wide, the compact design fits on just about any surface.
Price at time of publish: $20
Dimensions: 5.5 x 4 inches | Features: Auto-shutoff, colored illumination, two misting modes
Best Designs
Airomé Harmony Porcelain Essential Oil Diffuser
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Amazon
Reasonably priced
Humidifying
39 designs
Tricky to clean
Designers gravitate to Airomé to complement a home's unique design aesthetic. The brand's essential oil diffuser comes in a whopping 39 styles ranging from geometric bronze and wavy porcelain to ceramic hobnail and mercury glass. The sizable tank runs for up to four hours, dispersing a nice scent while humidifying the air and enhancing your indoor ambiance with colored illumination.
Price at time of publish: $32
Dimensions: 8.5 x 5 inches | Features: Colored illumination, auto-shutoff, two misting modes
Best Nebulizing
ECO Modern Essentials Nebulizing Diffuser
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ECO Modern Essentials
No water or heat
Potent scent
Somewhat small
This nebulizing diffuser doesn't use any heat or water. Instead, oils are vaporized straight from the bottle and disbursed directly into your indoor air. Since the mist is pure essential oil rather than a water-oil mixture, the scent is much more potent.
Price at time of publish: $69
Dimensions: 5 x 3 inches | Features: Intermittent misting
Best Ultrasonic
SpaRoom Mysto Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser
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SpaRoom
Reasonably priced
Chic design
Large coverage area
Capacity is somewhat limited
We also like the SpaRoom Mysto. Flaunting a faux-marble face and a modern mesh lid, this chic diffuser is a sight for sore eyes — but it stands out for more than just aesthetics. The ultrasonic design softly vibrates to break up oil particles and turn them into a fine, fragrant mist. Other notable features include two misting settings, three light modes, and automatic shutoff.
Price at time of publish: $40
Dimensions: 5 x 4.5 inches | Features: Intermittent misting, three light modes, auto-shutoff
Best Ambiance
Pure Enrichment PureGlow Crystal Himalayan Salt Rock Lamp & Ultrasonic Oil Diffuser
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Williama Sonoma
Lamp-diffuser hybrid
Warm glow
Five-year warranty
Pricey
Part salt rock lamp, part oil diffuser, this sleek gismo is just the thing for setting the mood. You'll get the soothing benefits of aromatherapy, plus the warm, relaxing glow of illuminated Himalayan salt. A few drops of your favorite essential oil are all you need to generate 16 hours of room-freshening scent. Though this diffuser is on the pricier side, the five-year warranty can give you peace of mind about your purchase.
Price at time of publish: $80
Dimensions: 11 x 8 x 5 inches | Features: Salt rock lamp, auto-shutoff
Best Basic
Paddywax Electronic Essential Oil Diffuser
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Paddywax
Versatile design
Measuring cup
User-friendly
Pricey
If you don't need all the bells and whistles but still want a high-quality design, go with Paddywax. Available in black or white, the brand's essential oil diffuser is made of ceramic and features a smooth matte finish. The water reservoir has a 3.5-ounce capacity, and it comes with a measuring cup to prevent overfilling. Just add a few drops of essential oil to the water, power it on, then sit back and enjoy the fine, fragrant mist.
Price at time of publish: $40
Dimensions: 7 x 3.5 inches | Features: Auto-shutoff, measuring cup
Best Rechargeable
Seasons Soni SM Ultrasonic Diffuser
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Garmentory
Modish design
Long battery life
Large coverage area
Pricey
Accessories sold separately
The Soni SM has a rechargeable battery that lasts for up to 16 hours on a full charge. This modish ultrasonic diffuser is made of a stone-like resin. Measuring just 5 inches tall and 5 inches in diameter, it can cover up to 800 square feet of space. You can elevate the high-quality design even further with a charging dock and a vegan leather carrying strap (sold separately). This pick is more expensive than others on this list—but we think the durable resin construction justifies the spend.
Price at time of publish: $100
Dimensions: 5 x 5 inches | Features: USB charger
Best Bedside
Coosa Moon Essential Oil Diffuser
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Amazon
Reasonably priced
Humidifying
Quiet operation
Condensation
This moon-inspired essential oil diffuser has an 8.5-ounce water tank. It calls on ultrasonic technology to quietly diffuse essential oils for up to nine hours. The soothing LED lights offer just the right amount of bedside illumination, and the cool, fragrant mist humidifies the air while you doze.
Price at time of publish: $44
Dimensions: 8 x 7.5 inches | Features: Auto-shutoff, built-in timer, LED illumination
Best with Remote
ASAKUKI Essential Oil Diffuser with Remote Control
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Amazon
Reasonably priced
Ultrasonic or nebulizing
Large coverage area
Not the most durable
This feature-rich device can be set to ultrasonic oil-diffusing mode or work as a nebulizer when you want to forgo both water and heat. With a 17-ounce reservoir, it can run continuously for several hours and cover up to 300 square feet of space. Choose from high or low misting, plus seven LED light colors, and control everything with the included remote.
Price at time of publish: $37
Dimensions: 6.5 x 5 inches | Features: Colored illumination, nebulizer, two misting modes, auto-shutoff
Best for Large Spaces
Jack & Rose Diffuser for Essential Oils
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Jack & Rose
480-foot coverage area
Quiet operation
Up to 20-hour run time
Tricky to clean
For larger rooms, we recommend the Jack & Rose Essential Oil Diffuser. Thanks to its 17-ounce water tank and ultrasonic design, it can cover up to 480 square feet of space and run as long as 20 hours. The marble surface and shiny copper accents off a chic, glammed-up touch, while the color-changing lights offer illuminating ambiance. This notably quiet device is also a great option for bedrooms.
Price at time of publish: $30
Dimensions: 7.5 x 3.5 inches | Features: Built-in timer, auto-shutoff
Best Ceramic
Neom The Wellbeing Pod Essential Oil Diffuser
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Neom
Versatile design
Humidifying
Pricey
The Neom Wellbeing Pod is made of high-quality ceramic. It features a unique quilted texture from gravure etching, rose gold accents, and a low-energy LED light. Offering aromatherapy, humidity, and mood-setting illumination, this oil diffuser is perfect for desks, nightstands, credenzas, or bathroom counters. Although this option is expensive, we think the ceramic construction and high-end design features justify the spend.
Price at time of publish: $100
Dimensions: 5.5 x 3.5 inches | Features: Built-in timer, LED light
Best User-Friendly
Lohn Scent Pebble Essential Oil Diffuser
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Lohn
Affordable
Good for beginners
Compact
Doesn't mist
Made of bisque-fired stoneware, this user-friendly dish disperses scents throughout your space with minimal fuss. Just add five to 10 drops of your favorite oil, and you're good to go.
Dimensions: 4 inches
Best Portable
Campo Travel Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser
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Campo
Compact
Modern design
USB-powered
Small coverage area
Not cordless
For something you can take on the go, consider the Campo Travel Diffuser. Just 5 inches tall and 3 inches in diameter, it's notably compact, and you can plug it in nearly anywhere using the included USB port. We also like the modern yet versatile matte black design.
Price at time of publish: $54
Dimensions: 5 x 3 inches | Features: USB cord, LED light, auto-shutoff
Final Verdict
Our number one pick is the Vitruvi Stone Diffuser, a ceramic-encased device with a BPA-free reservoir, ultrasonic technology, LED illumination, and a 550-square-foot coverage area. On a budget? You can't go wrong with the compact, color-changing InnoGear Oil Diffuser. And if you're interested in a cordless, rechargeable option, we highly recommend the Soni SM.
Meet the Expert
Katerina Juskey is a home fragrance expert with a background in chemical engineering. She and Victoria Mierzwa co-founded Lohn, which offers scented candles and essential oils.
Barbara Close is an aromatherapist with a master's degree in therapeutic herbalism. She is also the founder of Naturopathica.
What to Look for in an Essential Oil Diffuser
Type
As aforementioned, there are two types of essential oil diffusers: ultrasonic and nebulizing. Ultrasonic diffusers use water to release the oil while nebulizing diffusers use air. Since the oil is less diluted in nebulizing diffusers, you can reap more aromatherapy benefits than from an ultrasonic diffuser. Nebulizing diffusers also have a smaller footprint and usually have glass reservoirs, which is great if you don't want your essential oils to be in plastic. However, there are some drawbacks. They are noisier than their ultrasonic counterparts and since they do not dilute the oil, they use it up quicker, meaning they're not as budget-friendly. Aside from being quiet and budget-friendly, ultrasonic diffusers can run for longer periods and can even double as a humidifier. Whichever one you pick will largely depend on your personal preferences and needs.
Square Feet
Make sure that the essential oil diffuser you're thinking of purchasing can cover the size of the room you plan to place it in. Most diffusers only cover up to around 500 square feet. If your room is larger than this, it may be best to invest in more than one diffuser.
Run Time
Depending on your needs, you may want to check the run time of your essential oil diffuser. Some diffusers can run up to 10-hours, making them great to use while sleeping. If you don't plan to use it while you snooze, the run time isn't as important.
How We Researched
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.
Why Trust Byrdie
Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer specializing in lifestyle, wellness, and home design. She compiled insights from two experts for this story, including an essential oils specialist and an aromatherapist, who offered product recommendations and spoke on the benefits of diffusing oil. Theresa researched today's best oil diffusers and carefully evaluated dozens of models before landing on the final selections. You can find more of her home-related articles on MyDomaine and The Spruce.
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