The 37 Best Essential Oil Diffusers 2021 (Plus Recipes and Tips)

If you’re curious about aromatherapy and how to diffuse essential oils, you’re in the right place.

Perhaps you’re wondering if it’s okay to put essential oils in a humidifier. (Don’t do it. A humidifier is not the same as a diffuser.)

Or you’re asking, “Which are the best essential oil diffusers for the home?”

We’re going to answer those questions and more in our reviews and buying guide to the top diffusers for essential oils.

Your Shortcut to Finding the Right Diffuser for Your Needs

We’ll cover ultrasonic diffusers, nebulizing diffusers, and portable diffusers.

You’ll discover the best diffusers for large, medium, and small spaces.

Along the way, you’ll pick up useful tips for getting the most out of your diffuser. We also included recipes to get you started with aromatherapy.

Now let’s begin with the most common kinds of diffuser you’re likely to see.

Evaporative Diffusers

Better known as reed diffusers, these are usually glass containers with scented oils inside. The reeds, which look like slender sticks, soak up the fragrance. Then the scent slowly evaporates into the air.

The most common kind of kit you find at the store won’t use real essential oil. They contain synthetic perfumes instead. And the aroma is only noticeable in a small area.

Ultrasonic Diffusers

Essential oil companies like Young Living and doTerra sell their own branded ultrasonic diffusers at a premium price.

But a plethora of manufacturers worldwide make inexpensive, high-quality diffusers. There’s no need to pay a high cost to get started with one.

Please don’t plan on repurposing your old humidifier. Dropping essential oil into the water tank is a sure way to gum up the works.

The idea is tempting because ultrasonic diffusers are similar to humidifiers. They have a water tank and emit a cool mist. But the diffusers are made to handle oils.

They use ultrasonic vibrations to break the oil down into tiny particles that are expelled with the water vapor.

For Small to Medium-Size Rooms

Compact ultrasonic diffusers hold between 100 to 200 mL of water or about 3 to 6 ounces. They’re perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and other small spaces. Their average operating time is 6 hours or less.

URPOWER 2nd Version Essential Oil Diffuser

URPOWER makes a variety of essential oil diffusers. This streamlined 100mL version is very popular. It offers a lot of value for the money.

Compared to their first model, this new generation produces more mist. It runs for a maximum of 6 hours if you set it to work intermittently.

It has a relaxing  LED lamp that rotates through 7 colors. If you don’t want the light, you can simply turn it off. Plus, the diffuser shuts down completely once the water runs out.

You won’t need to worry about any filters, but you will want to clean the tank about once a week. It’s made to run on tap water with up to 3 drops of essential oil.

The diffuser comes with a manual and power adapter with a 5.8-foot cord. The tank on this model is made of PP plastic, also known as polypropylene. The company doesn’t specify if it’s BPA-free, but since the water isn’t heated, the material presents low to no risk.

URPOWER OD-A001 Real Bamboo Essential Oil Ultrasonic Diffuser

URPOWER also sells this zen-inspired diffuser encased in real bamboo. Its 100ml tank is BPA-free plastic.

There are two modes: continuous or interval mist. The latter runs for up to 8 hours. Then once the tank is empty, the diffuser shuts down automatically.

You can adjust the brightness of the seven color changing LEDs. Or you can set them to remain on one color or turn them off.

Joly Joy Ceramic Essential Oil Diffuser

The appeal of this ceramic diffuser is undeniable. It appears to be an attractive lighted vase.

Inside is a BPA-free, polypropylene water tank that holds 110mL. It operates up to 6 hours and the mist covers about 500 ft.²

Although the LED light doesn’t change colors, you can turn it on like a nightlight even when you’re not using the diffuser’s water tank.

InnoGear Upgraded Version Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser

InnoGear’s diffuser also doubles as a nightlight even if you’re not using the mist function. The LEDs rotate through seven different colors, plus you can control the brightness.

The 100mL tank gives you up to 8 hours of vapor in intermittent mode. Then it shuts down automatically when the water is gone.

The company suggests using it in rooms up to 150 ft.².

100ml Glass Aromatic Essential Oil Diffuser Cold Mist Humidifier

This eye-catching diffuser hides inside decorative handblown glass. The swirly marble design changes color because of the LEDs inside.

The water tank is BPA-free and holds 100 milliliters (3.38 ounces).

Set it to run for 30 minutes, one hour, two hours, or three hours. Should it run out of water before the time is up, it will shut down automatically.

The manufacturer offers a 6-month warranty with a 45-day money-back guarantee. The device is ETL-listed for safety.

Viva Naturals Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser

The contemporary design of this diffuser takes up little space. It holds 100 milliliters and runs up to 8 hours in intermittent mist mode.

You can enjoy it as a nightlight even without using the diffuser function.

It comes with a 4-foot power cord and utilizes ordinary tap water.

Essential Oil Diffuser 3D by ingeniuso

The striking glass vase and hypnotic light display makes this diffuser a captivating decoration for your home. It’s available in three different shapes and features six rotating colors. It’s also possible to set it on a single color or turn off the light.

There are two timed modes plus an automatic shut-off when the 100ml tank runs dry. The diffuser comes with a lifetime warranty.

VicTsing 150ml Mini Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser

Top off the tank in amazonthis diffuser to enjoy up to 8 hours of fragrant mist. Other benefits include seven colors of mood light plus the ability to dim or brighten it. Like other similar models, it will turn off according to the timer setting or when the tank is dry.

VicTsing 3rd Version Essential Oil Diffuser with Noise Reduction Design

Although this diffuser is made by the same company (and has the same size tank) like the one above, it has an improved feature. Get it if you prefer the least amount of noise as possible.

On the lowest setting, the diffuser makes less than 20dB of sound. That’s quieter than a library.

Moreover, the atomizer plate inside oscillates 60,000,000 times more than comparable models. This allows it to fill the room with aroma faster.

The BPA-free water tank holds 150 mL. In addition, there is an 8-color nightlight. Set it to gradually change, fix it on one color, or turn it off.

The company offers a 45-day money-back guarantee plus a 12-month warranty.

URPOWER Essential Oil Diffuser, 200ml Wood Grain

Although this diffuser has a 200mL tank, it puts out a considerable amount of mist. Therefore, it only runs for about 6 hours continuously.

The timer settings let you choose a shorter duration like one or three hours of operation.

Of course, there is a seven-color LED light with the option to run without illumination if you prefer.
The maximum noise level should be 36dB or less.

For Medium to Large Rooms

If you want to diffuse in a large bedroom, a living room, or family room, try one of our next picks below. They’re good for 200 to 300 ft.².

VicTsing 300ml Cool Mist Humidifier

This VicTsing diffuser emits a fine mist for up to ten hours on the lowest output setting. You can also set it to operate for just one, three, or six hours at a time.

Like most other similar devices, this one shuts down when the tank is empty. You can also use it as a basic humidifier if you don’t want to diffuse essential oil.

Embedded in the faux wood grain exterior is the color-changing light strip. You can dim or brighten it, choose a single color for constant illumination, or turn it off completely if you like.

The diffuser comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee and a 12-month worry-free warranty.

ASAKUKI 300ML Premium Essential Oil Diffuser

ASAKUKI’s diffuser has a tank that’s easy to clean. The vibrating plate inside operates on a 2.4 MHz frequency to atomize water molecules and maintain 50% relative humidity. The 300mL tank covers up to about 270 ft.².

Choose from high and low mist plus continuous operation or a timed setting. There’s also a color-changing nightlight.

This model comes with a 6-month money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty.

Hathaspace Marble Essential Oil Aroma Diffuser, 350ml

The BPA-free tank on the Hathaspace diffuser holds nearly 12 ounces of water so it can run up to 18 hours. Of course, to achieve this duration, you’ll need to choose the low mist mode.

There are also three timed settings and a color-changing light.

ALOVECO Aromatherapy Diffusers for Essential Oils, 300ml

The rounded wood-grained body of this diffuser is inconspicuous. It can serve as a humidifier for up to twelve hours at a stretch and as a nightlight, too. In the long-duration low-power mode, it mutes noises like water gurgling.

The timed settings let you choose from continuous or ten-second intermittent misting for periods of two or four hours instead. It even comes with a remote control.

Take note that this is a diffuser with a variety of certifications like FCC, CE, and ROHS. It has a BPA-free tank and a waterless automatic shutdown. It comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee plus a lifetime product warranty.

URPOWER 2nd Gen 300ml Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser

URPOWER’s second-generation diffuser has improved technology that vibrates at 2.4 MHz. It atomizes water and essential oil into a fragrant mist that covers up to 215 ft.²

The tank holds enough water for it to run up to 8 hours before it shuts down automatically. If you prefer a shorter duration, choose from 60, 180, or 360 minutes.

You can also adjust the lighting or turn it off.

The company offers a 45-day money-back guarantee and an 18-month warranty.

Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser, URPOWER 300ml

The difference between this model and the one above is the design and the fact that this one runs up to 10 hours continuously. Other than that, it has the same types of timer settings and light operation.

For Large Rooms or Extra-Long Operation

When you want to add fragrance to a space that measures more than 300 ft.², consider one of the diffusers below.

ASAKUKI 400ML Premium Essential Oil Diffuser

ASAKUKI’s vase design allows you to use it as a decoration by placing flowers inside.

It has colored LED lights and three timed settings: one, three, and six hours of operation.

It includes a 6-month money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty.

Homasy Essential Oil Diffuser, 500ml

HOMASY’s diffuser fragrances up to 480 ft.². It can also run for a spectacular 20 hours straight in low mist mode. But on the high mist setting, it’s good for up to 11 hours.

The BPA-free water tank only requires a few drops of essential oil to maintain the aroma. There’s also an eight-color LED light. When operating in low-power mode, the diffuser only makes 26dB of noise.

The only downside is that the power cord is quite short at just over 3 feet long.

The diffuser comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee and a 36-month unconditional warranty. The package includes a microfiber cloth and brush for cleaning the diffuser.

ASAKUKI 500ml Premium Essential Oil Diffuser

The whole dome of this diffuser glows with light. If you prefer, you can choose a single color or turn off the light completely.

The large tank allows it to run for up to 16 hours at a time. Conversely, you can set it for shorter durations like one, two, or three hours. It will shut down when the tank is empty.

The company offers a 6-month money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty.

URPOWER OD-501 500ml Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser

URPOWER’s 500mL diffuser works up to 10 hours at a stretch. You can also select three shorter timed settings.

Enjoy it as a regular cool mist humidifier or a nightlight if you don’t want to use it for aromatherapy.

It includes a 45-day money-back guarantee and a 12-month warranty.

InnoGear 2021 Premium 500ml Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser

The latest iteration of InnoGear’s diffuser runs up to 12 hours in low mist mode or 8 in high mist mode. It resembles a candle lantern which makes it an appealing decoration even when it’s not in operation.

The timed settings include one, three, or six hours. You can also choose high or low output and adjust the mood lighting.

While this diffuser may be slightly louder than competing brands, it’s measured to stay under 40dB.

Extra Large Essential Oil Diffuser by Vida Essentials

The rounded dark wood exterior disguises the large tank on this diffuser. It holds about 20 ounces or 600mL of water and runs up to 20 hours at a time.

The company offers a 100% money-back guarantee.

URPOWER 700ml Square Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser

By now, you’ve seen several of URPOWER’s diffusers in a variety of styles and sizes. This unique-looking square one runs up to 20 hours. It lets you adjust the light’s brightness and color, plus you can adjust the mist output and select a timed setting.

ASAKUKI Large Room Essential Oil Diffuser Humidifier 1500ml

The 1500mL tank here holds more than 50 fluid ounces of water. It puts out 200 to 250 mL of mist per hour. This allows it to cover up to 450 ft.² for a maximum of 20 hours without refilling.

The water level window lets you see at a glance how close to empty it’s getting. But no worries, it will shut off automatically when the water’s gone.

Additionally, it has a 360° rotatable nozzle for directional delivery.

Run it with the LED light on or off. Try it for 30 days as the company offers a money-back guarantee and a 12-month warranty.

Nebulizing Diffusers (Waterless Diffusers)

Enjoy the full potency and purity of essential oils with a nebulizing diffuser. You won’t need to dilute the oils in a tank of water. Instead, the diffuser atomizes the pure oil and disperses it into the air.

Pure oil has the greatest impact on your health and mood (1).

Organic Aromas Nebulizing Pure Essential Oil Aromatherapy Diffuser

You’ve noticed that essential oils are packaged in glass bottles. So it’s no surprise that this diffuser has a hand-blown glass reservoir. It’s 100% natural and easy to clean with alcohol.

Underneath the reservoir, there’s an air pump hidden in the base. The pump atomizes the oil.

But instead of running constantly, it diffuses for two minutes, then pauses for a minute. After two full hours of operation, it shuts down automatically.

Most nebulizers function intermittently like this or else the fragrance would be overwhelming.

The base of this diffuser is made from plantation hardwood and coated with water-based lacquer. There shouldn’t be any off-gassing to worry about.

Organic Aromas includes one-year parts and service warranty.

Nebulizing Diffuser for Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Sage Diffusers

Here’s the nebulizer you’ll want for a large space. It’s powerful enough to diffuse throughout 900 ft.² or more.

It runs for five minutes, then pauses for three. After three hours it automatically shuts down.

Sage Diffusers offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee on this product.

Opulence – Nebulizing Essential Oil Diffuser

Here’s an attractive nebulizing diffuser with a handcrafted ceramic base. On top, there is a hand-blown glass reservoir that resembles a wine decanter.

The whisper-quiet air pump breaks the essential oils into tiny particles and gently diffuses them into the air. It runs for two minutes, then pauses for one, until the full two-hour runtime is complete.

There is a soft white LED light to set the mood, or you can turn that off if you wish.

The manufacturer offers a one-year warranty.

Two Scents Raindrop Nebulizing Diffuser

The advantage of this nebulizing diffuser is that it features a seven-color mood light similar to many of the ultrasonic diffusers. It’s also excellent for large rooms as it can hold 30mL of essential oil at a time.

The reservoir is crafted from blown glass in the base is hardwood with a water-based lacquer.

The package includes two reusable droppers for filling the diffuser, plus a USB cord and adapter. The company offers a one-year warranty.

UONE Aroma Essential Oil Nebulizing Diffuser

The UONE diffuser has a modern design with a conical glass reservoir on a wooden base. Let the LED light set the mood, or turn it off if you prefer.

The diffuser runs for two minutes, then pauses for one. The manufacturer recommends filling it with 15 to 20 drops.

They offer a 30-day no questions asked refund plus a 2-year factory warranty.

Redolence Nebulizing Diffuser for Professional Aromatherapy by Organic Aromas

The Redolence diffuser has a fun feature: the white light turns off and on with a touch sensor.

The hand-blown glass reservoir is mounted on a plantation hardwood base. It cycles for two minutes on, then one minute off, for an upper limit of two hours. It’s powerful enough to fill an 800 ft.² space.

Aromatherapy Diffuser – Professional Grade – (Solum Lux Vitis) by Aromis

The Aromis diffuser is good for small to medium-sized rooms as it can spread a fragrance throughout 300 ft.². But you can reduce the intensity for smaller areas.

It operates 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off, with shutdown after 4 hours. It only requires 15 to 20 drops of essential oil.

Advanced Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser by DiffuserWorld

Here’s a set it and forget it diffuser. Attach the bottle of essential oil to the opening on the side. Then choose the intensity and interval settings.

The package includes two quick-change attachments and two 15mL bottles. It’s made in the USA and designed to diffuse for years.

Portable Essential Oil Diffusers

We’ve all seen (and probably used) those perfumed trees in our cars. Upgrade from that to your own portable essential oil diffuser.

You can even take these to help your hotel room for like home when you travel.

Aennon Essential Oil Diffuser for Aromatherapy, Waterless & Wireless

The Aennon portable diffuser runs up to 50 hours on a charge. At full intensity, the anticipated operating time is still a generous 20 hours with up to 1000 ft.² of coverage.

The timer lets you choose from one, two, and four hours, or continuous diffusion. The intensity modes range from 30 seconds at a time, to 60, and 90 seconds of diffusion before a two-minute pause. (Yes, this is a nebulizing diffuser.)

The lithium-ion battery is good for years of service. Also, the company offers a 6-month guarantee and oil bottle, and to e-books for free.

Essential Oil Nebulizer Diffuser for Aromatherapy by Two Scents

Here’s another portable nebulizing diffuser with a rechargeable battery. It runs up to 50 hours. Just add oil to one of the included 10mL bottles and insert it.

The anticipated coverage is about 650 ft.². It runs continuously for one, two, or four hours. Furthermore, you can choose one of three intensity modes.

When you need to refill the battery, plug in the included micro USB cord and AC adapter.

The company offers a 30-day no questions asked money-back guarantee and a 6-month manufacturer warranty.

Portable SpaRoom Diffuser for Essential Oils

This compact diffuser has soft blue LED lighting. It can run on the included USB cable or two AA batteries.

Inside the casing is a small fan. It quietly evaporates the essential oil from the included replaceable pads. There are three pads in the box to get you started.

AromaAllure Waterless Portable Mini Oil Diffuser

This portable diffuser runs on two AAA batteries or the included USB power cord. Plug it into any 5 V source like a computer port or car charger.

This is a fan diffuser that blows air onto a pad. Once you soak a microfiber pad with your chosen fragrance, you can change scents by using one of the other two extras in the box.

It runs for up to 30 minutes at a time.

Mini USB Car Diffuser Car Humidifier by Aomy

The miniature diffuser here comes with a BPA-free 55mL container. It doubles as a humidifier, too.

There are two misting modes: three or six-hour intermittent diffusion. It will turn off automatically when the water gets too low, or if it’s tipped at 90°. The cylindrical design lets it fit into most cup holders for convenience.

Plan on plugging it into your cigarette lighter or a USB port with the included cable as it requires 5V DC.

Buying Guide to Essential Oil Diffusers

Now that you’ve seen the wide variety of diffusers on the market, I can help you narrow down the choices.

Why Choose One Kind of Diffuser over Another?

Although there are heated and evaporative diffusers, the most effective ones for aromatherapy are either ultrasonic or nebulizing. They each have their own pros and cons.

When you select between these two types, consider these points:

• Do you want to diffuse pure or diluted oil?
• Do you want to add humidity to the air?
• How large of a space are you trying to fill with fragrance?
• For how long you want the diffuser to operate? (overnight, all day, or just a short while)
• How fast are you willing to go through essential oil?

To diffuse pure essential oil without making their more humid, you’ll want a nebulizing diffuser. The disadvantage is that you’re likely to use oil faster.

On the other hand, both types of diffuser can cover large spaces. Just check the specs.

Finally, the intensity and operating time depend on the settings each diffuser offers.

How to Select the Right Diffuser for Your Needs

After considering those questions above, it’s time to look at the details. You have a general idea of what you want. But what about these aspects:

Would you like to have a mood light or a nightlight?

Does having a warranty and/satisfaction guarantee appeal to you?

What’s your budget?

Why You’ll Enjoy Having a Diffuser

After you’ve mulled over what kind of diffuser you’d like, remember these benefits.

It’s simple and easy to enjoy aromatherapy with a diffuser. The aroma of the oil lasts longer and penetrates farther when you use a nebulizing or ultrasonic diffuser.

With a diffuser, you’ll enhance your well-being and that of your family with a variety of powerful and delicious fragrances.

And while we’re on the topic, here are some recipes to help improve the mood and atmosphere in your home.

Recipes

	Simple Good Morning Blend	Wake up smiling when you blend two drops of peppermint with two drops of sweet orange.
	Stop the Sneezies	Soothe a cold with one drop each of lavender, peppermint, and lemon.
	Mood Booster	Uplift your mood with two drops of clary sage, two drops of bergamot, and one drop of lavender.
	Good Night Sleep Tight	Relax and slip into sleep with one drop of chamomile and four drops of lavender.

Now let’s wind down with a few tips on diffusing essential oils.

Tips for Effective Diffusing of Essential Oils

Once you have your new diffuser, you’ll probably use it a lot at first. Maybe you’ll try to make your own blends once single fragrances get old.

Go ahead, have fun trying new recipes!

For success in blending, there are only two guidelines.

• Don’t use more oil in the diffuser than the manufacturer recommends.
• Follow your nose.

As you’ll notice, some scents are stronger than others (2). And some smells fade faster than others. That’s why perfumes have top, body, and base notes.

The most enticing and powerful aromatherapy recipes combine all three notes.

Select Your Favorite Aromas

Of course, you can choose essential oils for a purpose like cleansing the air or calming allergies. But you can also just pick the scents you love most.

Do you prefer certain spicy, floral, or green fragrances? Pick one and put a drop of it on some paper.

If you let it sit for a half hour, how does it smell then?

Do this process with your favorite five oils.

Then decide which ones to combine. Consider how strong their essence was after they sat for 30 minutes. Use fewer drops of the stronger ones.

Now you’re on your way into the fun and beneficial world of aromatherapy.

Conclusion

I hope you found the perfect diffuser (or two) today. Now you can enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy in your home, your vehicle, your office, and more.

I’d love to know what diffuser you’re using and how it’s working for you. Let me know in the comments below.

Resources:

1. https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/essential-oils-smell-candles by Gina Tomaine, 13 August 2018, accessed 24 April 2019
2. http://info.achs.edu/blog/blending-101-the-art-of-pairing by Dorene Petersen, published Mar 9, 2018, accessed 24 April 2019