So when it comes to choosing which product to buy, it all comes down to whether you’re more interested in an aromatherapy diffuser, a fragrance diffuser, a nebulizing diffuser or even a humidifier-diffuser combo. There are a ton of options, but a select few are worth the cost, including the Vitruvi Stone Diffuser, Urpower Essential Oil Diffuser and more. While some diffusers need to be plugged in, some brands offer cordless or battery-operated options so you can place the device anywhere in your home. Room diffusers offer fragrant mists plus health benefits as aromas ease everything from anxiety to chronic pain and cramping. They help improve respiratory health and heal skin conditions, and also relieve congestion, promote healthy sleep patterns and boost your mood.
What is an Essential Oil Diffuser?
Essential oil diffusers improve your home and health, and allow you to focus on self-care. Simply put, an aromatherapy diffuser is a device that breaks down essential oils—the structural materials and phytochemicals in plants—into smaller molecules and disperses them into the air for calming effects. Certain essential oils offer different benefits: lavender supports sleep, tea tree is antimicrobial, eucalyptus and peppermint soothe headaches and congestion, and frankincense helps with inflammation. The diffuser’s job is to evenly disperse the particles of these essential oils at a comfortable concentration that’s pleasant to smell and easy enough to breathe in.
What’s the Different Between a Diffuser and a Humidifier?
Unlike a diffuser, a humidifier releases water vapor into the air and is used if you want to up the moisture level in your home. A humidifier is generally good for sinus health or allergy conditions in those dry months as moist air can help loosen mucus, calm irritated airways and ease dry eyes. A humidifier with essential oils is doubly beneficial during peak sick season—December to April or so—as the moist air can soothe pain from illness and the oils can improve sleep and air quality. A few brands offer 2-in-1 humidifier-diffuser devices, some of which you’ll see listed below. Here at Parade.com, we’re all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however, all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.
The 19 Best Essential Oil Diffusers
1. Saje Aroma Rise Cascade Diffuser, $98 on Saje Natural Wellness
This limited edition ceramic diffuser from Saje is not only great at refreshing the air in your home, but it’s beautiful to look at. Drop essential oil blends into the Aroma Rise’s basin and breathe deeply. It mists for up to three hours continuously and six hours intermittently, and shuts off automatically so you don’t have to worry. Saje Aroma Rise Cascade Diffuser, $98 on Saje Natural Wellness
2. Paddywax Electronic Oil Diffuser, $72 at Paddywax
The Paddywax Electronic Oil Diffuser provides a spa-like experience in any room of your home. Fill the ceramic diffuser with water and a few drops of the essential oil of your choice and enjoy a scent experience. Plus, you can choose between continuous or intermittent misting, and high and low diffusion, to enhance or decrease the fragrance. Paddywax Electronic Oil Diffuser, $72 at Paddywax
3. Supernova Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser, $69.95 at Wayfair
This plug-in diffuser has a nice look and features seven changing LED lights. It can run for seven hours continuously and up to 14 hours intermittently, and shuts off automatically when the water tank is empty. Put a few drops of essential oil blends in with the water and enjoy. Supernova Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser, $69.95 at Wayfair
4. Vitruvi Stone Diffuser, $123 on Goop
A fan favorite, the Vitruvi Stone Diffuser infuses the air with essential oil scents and benefits while looking tres chic. It’s worry-free with longevity and safety off-switches, and adds a bit of flair to your home decor. Note: it does have a Type A electrical plug. Vitruvi Stone Dfifuser, $123 on Goop
6. Canopy Diffuser Starter Set, $90 at Violet Grey
The Canopy Diffuser uses two ceramic accessories to provide a customized, clean aroma experience. No mist, no water—this diffuser uses an Aroma Puck and Diffusion Well to infuse the air with essential oil or fragrance oil. The oil is absorbed into the ceramic and a fan naturally evaporates the scent into the air. Due to this clean diffusion technique, there is no bacteria and no mold growth—just wellness at the forefront. Canopy also offers a clean humidifier, which, like the diffuser, is subscription based. Canopy Diffuser Starter Set, $90 at Violet Grey
12. Cowshed Electric Diffuser, $120 on Cowshed
Cowshed’s Electric Diffuser not only humidifies the air but releases the scent of whatever fragrance oil you choose to diffuse at the touch of a button. It has a warm, calming light and a beautiful shape—a nice and useful item of decor for your home. Cowshed Electric Diffuser, $120 on Cowshed
14. Alo Aura Diffuser, $98 at Nordstrom
Scent and humidify your largest rooms (up to 700 square feet for up to 22 hours!) with this Alo diffuser-humidifier combo. It’s quiet, has an auto shut-off with timer options and an antimicrobial water tank. Just lift the lid, put in 30 drops of your favorite essential oils and plug in the device to enjoy a spa-like and zen vibe. Alo Aura Diffuser, $98 at Nordstrom
15. GuruNanda Halo Diffuser, $77.99 at GuruNanda
This two-in-one humidifier from GuruNanda and essential oil diffuser is great for both large and small spaces, runs quietly, and utilizes ultrasonic wave technology to circulate moisturized air for up to 22 hours at a time. Easy to use and clean, you can pair it with natural essential oils to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy, including restful sleep, clear skin, cell regeneration and healthy weight. GuruNanda Halo Diffuser, $77.99 at GuruNanda
17. PureSpa Deluxe Aroma Diffuser, $39.99 at Lowe’s
PureSpa’s ultrasonic diffuser converts fragrant essential oils into cool mist, creating a relaxing ambiance in any room. The 120 ml water tank reduces the need for constant refills and the lights offer a calming vibe. It can run for 10 hours straight and has an automatic shut-off. PureSpa Deluxe Aroma Diffuser, $39.99 at Lowe’s
18. Campo Ceramic Ultrasonic Diffuser, $108 at Nordstrom
One of the sleeker options, the Campo ultrasonic diffuser is made of black ceramic and adds design and calm to any space. Simply place drops in the water basin, turn on and let essential oil mist fill any space—no heating or burning required. Campo Ceramic Ultrasonic Diffuser, $108 at Nordstrom
19. Bloomy Lotus Bamboo Nebulizer, $115 at Neiman Marcus
Refined and compact, the Bloomy Lotus Bamboo Nebulizer permeates any space with the fragrances of essential oils without using water or heat. This innovative diffuser features a built-in nebulizer that releases a burst of undiluted mist, designed to bring an immediate sense of relaxation. Although it’s small, it offers coverage of up to 860 square feet, and has customized settings for mist output and runtime (1hr, 2hrs, 5hrs). Tiny but mighty! Bloomy Lotus Bamboo Nebulizer, $115 at Neiman Marcus Next up, these three essential oils are great for stress relief!
