Best Essential Oil Diffuser Reviews

Diffusing oils in your home or office can help you relieve a great many ailments including stress, depression, anxiety, and congestion. Depending on the oil you put into the diffuser, inhaling these extracts has been a regular practice for thousands of years in China, India, and Europe. In fact, with the addition of modern technology like the diffuser, breathing in plant oils is still used in some Eastern medical practices like acupuncture.

As a person who suffers from anxiety, my personal favorite is lavender oil. When I smell it around me, my brain feels relaxed and my nerves settle down. Diffusing peppermint oil can help with colds and allergies, putting some ylang-ylang in there to find balance, adding cedarwood oil to diffuse calming, and having a constant stream of frankincense in the air can help a writer like me stay focused when the warm weather and sunshine is calling my name.

Best Essential Oil Diffuser Comparison

​What Is A Diffuser?

There are diffusers that are used with a hair dryer for folks with curly hair and there are essential oil diffusers, which is a mechanism that, sometimes with the aid of water and mist, breaks the oils down into micro molecules. The scent is propelled into the air. Depending on the oil, when those micro molecules reach you via the air through inhaling, a variety of problems can be eased, like congestion and stress.

As for how they work, it all depends on the diffuser.

Styles Of Diffusers

Ultrasonic Cool Mist Diffuser

This diffuser has a receptacle to hold water, which is turned into vapor when a small device underneath beats ultrasonically. It is done without heat and when the water is broken down, so are the few drops of oil that you might add. The volatile components of the oil are distributed through the air in your space and can linger around for quite some time.

Cold Air Diffuser

Also known as a nebulizer, this device is much more complicated than the last we talked about. Using condensed air, this diffuser pushes it up a tube. When the oil moves upward due to a vacuum being formed in the tube, it comes in contact with the air and breaks down into microparticles, which then collects in the diffuser core. They are released into the air as a vapor and leaves a subtle scent in the room.

Burner

Heat is used for this diffuser when the oil, with or without water, sits above a heater. This source might be an actual flame from a candle or an electrical device. One popular essential oil burner is the clay ring that fits around a light bulb, which heats up and disperses the oil into the air.

Reed Diffuser

This diffuser can be made by yourself. All you need is a bottle and some rattan reeds. Place the essential oil and carrier oil on the container and allow the stems to soak. The oils will be thoroughly absorbed by the rattan and are then released into the air.

Natural Evaporation

With no expensive device used, this method of diffusion is as old as the essential oils themselves. All you need are some cotton balls, a tissue, a handkerchief, or anything of the like. Just add a few drops of the oil or dilute some in water, then soak your dispenser and simply allow the aroma to fill the air while it evaporates.

Terra-cotta

Besides the clay ring I mentioned earlier, there are other terracotta devices that are wonderful for diffusing oils. They are made into necklaces, hanging pieces, and jugs. I have a moon shaped terracotta diffuser in my linen closet and my towels always smell great.

Plug-In

I’m not talking about those commercial brand air fresheners that have absolutely nothing to do with essential oils. These devices plug in the wall like those other things, but they apply a small amount of heat to the essential oils placed on the pads to help diffuse your room or car.

​Why Should I Diffuse?

Diffusing oils in your home or office has a multitude of benefits. You can release stress, relieve congestion, get help falling asleep, deodorize the air, focus better, feel motivated, battle depression and/or anxiety, kill bacteria, and strengthen your immunity.

Personally, when I’m feeling overwhelmed by deadlines, I use a few drops of Stress Away by Young Living and take a few deep breaths. Before you know it, I am feeling relaxed. On the opposite side of the coin, when I put a few drops of Thieves, by the same company, I feel energized and ready to write another ten pages.

Diffusing can change the entire feel of your home, depending on the oils or combinations you choose.

​ Which Method Should I Choose?

Choosing a diffuser method and a device is a personal decision, like any other important purchase. How to choose which diffuser system would solely depend on your particular needs.

How large is the area you are planning to use your diffuser?

This is important because you wouldn’t want to get something too small that reaches only one part of your space.

Do you want to diffuse on the go?

Then you might want to choose a terracotta pendant.

Is deodorizing your car a priority?

Check out some plug-in diffusers.

Only you can decide which product would work best for your situation. We have put together a list of seven diffusers that would work great in any home or office situation.

*You might also like: The 10 Best Essential Oil Diffusers For Your Car.

Top 10 Essential Oil Diffuser Reviews

After some research, I’ve narrowed it down to these essential oil diffusers that rated high with consumers. The brands vary so that you will get a nice comparison.

InnoGear Wood Grain Essential Oil Diffuser

The appearance of this diffuser is pleasing to the eye and seems to calm. It has a nice round shape with dark grain, thin streamlined lights, and controls. Putting it on the shelf of any room would work, including your bedroom or living room. It holds 200 ml of water and is medium in size.

Features also include 7 Color Mood Lighting, which means the colors of the lights change. But, if you don’t want the lights to change, you can keep it fixated on one, which can also be dimmed if needed. There are options for low and high misting that allows it to run for 1 hour, 3 hours, 6 hours, and the “on” switch will keep the flow of mist steady.

PROS

• Easy to use
• Lots of timer options
• Not too big
• Inexpensive

CONS

• Reports of leaking
• Might work for only a few months

Who Should Buy This?

Anyone just starting out diffusing oils could benefit from this device. It’s easy to use and isn’t too big so it can blend right in with any background. It’s easy on the eyes and can even be used to set a mood with its lighting options.

What Are People Saying?

Some consumers loved this product, one person mentioning how well it helped her sleep. Still one consumer commented that the reservoir was shallow, which made spilling water easier and others stated that the scent isn’t strong enough more oil needs to be added after it runs for awhile.

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Young Living Desert Mist Diffuser

If you aren’t already aware, Young Living is a powerhouse company that is difficult to beat when it comes to essential oils. So it makes perfect sense to me that a diffuser created by then would wind up on our list.

This devices functions as a humidifier and atomizer as well. The design was inspired by the trellis style in Morocco. It generates 1.7 millions waves per second, which is a vibrational strength that easily breaks up the oils and water into mist particles that are then dispersed throughout your room. It comes with three modes of control; low, high, and intermittent, as well as eleven different light settings, one of which is a candle-like flicker. This is the first and only device with that feature in our list.

PROS

• Easy to use
• Plenty of timer options
• Plenty of lighting options
• Candle flicker light

CONS

• Expensive

Who Should Buy This?

I think this is a great diffuser for anyone. If I had to specify a particular group then any devotees of Young Living oils should be happy with this product since it was made specifically for their products.

What Are People Saying?

There are no bad reviews of this product. Everyone who has commented on their purchase have said that they love the way it works. There were a few comments that they felt it was far too pricey.

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VicTsing Essential Oil Diffuser

This is the diffuser I have on at this very moment with some Thieves essential oil. I can see it running steadily while I am writing this list for you. It’s a nice size and the instructions are easy to follow. It has plenty of options for the flow of steam and lighting.

Currently, I write out of my dining room in my near west suburban home outside of Chicago and this diffuser is working nicely here. It’s a large room so that gives me the impression that this model would work for any office or home. The design is appealing and would work with most decors.

PROS

• Easy to use
• Plenty of timer options
• Plenty of lighting options
• 45 Day Money Back Guarantee
• 12-month warranty

CONS

• Expensive
• Takes a lot of oil to fragrance large rooms
• Can be noisy

Who Should Buy This?

This model is great for a beginner. I know this because it’s the first one I’ve ever used. The instructions are easy to follow, and you can get it started working right away. I had to add a total of twelve drops of oil before I could smell it, but I am sitting in a fairly large room.

What Are People Saying?

The majority of consumers who have purchased this product are utterly happy with it effectiveness. Personally, my model ran out of scent after a short time, which I realize could be the result of a defect, but it was still disappointing.

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URPOWER Wood Grain Diffuser

Another diffuser decorated in timber grain, this URPOWER selection has the same seven color variety as the others and similar run times. It is quiet when running as well.

It features an automatic shut off when it runs out of water, and there are fifteen modes you can alternate between for the LED lighting. The brightness is adjustable as well.

PROS

• Very quiet
• Lots of vapor
• Solid quality
• Lots of options
• Reasonably priced

CONS

• Small

Who Should Buy This?

Someone who is concerned about quality. This diffuser had very few bad reviews and it seems that most consumers are very pleased with their purchase. This is another excellent option for beginners since it is easy to use.

What Are People Saying?

While there are some reports of defects and the scent not lasting long, the majority of people that purchased this model were thoroughly satisfied. One reviewer complained that the controls were too difficult to read.

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MARNUR Essential Oil Diffuser

Our next machine has a 500 ml tank and can also be used as a humidifier. It covers a large area and can run for up to 16 hours continuously. It comes with four standard timer settings, 1H, 3H, 6H, and ON. It also has the waterless shut off feature like our last diffuser. It’s quiet and the mist can prevent dry skin as well as deodorize a room. Seven colors flow steadily into one another giving any room it’s in a nice glow when dark. The lights are LED and BPA free.

PROS

• Reasonably priced
• Multiple uses
• Long-lasting stream of vapor
• Large capacity
• Can fill large rooms

CONS

• none (this product had no bad reviews)

Who Should Buy This?

This diffuser would work well for someone who is looking to fill up larger rooms, either in their home or possibly a yoga studio. Also, beginners would like this machine as well or anyone who might fall asleep while it’s running or if you are concerned with the noise level.

What Are People Saying?

This diffuser had no bad reviews. All of the consumers that reviewed this product were delighted with it.

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Miserwe Essential Oil Diffuser And Planter

Not only will this device diffuse essential oil into the air of your home or office, there is also a space available for flowers or a plant. The design is patent protected and can give any room the perk it might need. It’s easy to clean, has a high capacity, and is quiet. There are four run settings like we’ve seen with other diffusers, and it comes with the auto-shut off when it runs out of water. It comes with a two-year warranty. Owners love the look of this diffuser, and for the price, it is very affordable.

PROS

• Inexpensive
• Planter
• Easy to use
• Unique design
• Auto shut off

CONS

• Grain sticker can peel off
• Some have stopped working after a few uses

Who Should Buy This?

This diffuser would be perfect for any would-be gardeners out there that are also looking to get into essential oils. Anyone concerned with the aesthetics of their home or office would love this as well since the shape, color, and plant feature would all be positives to any interior theme.

What Are People Saying?

There are some consumers who received defective equipment and one buyer’s product didn’t work at all. Another complained that it is a plastic device instead of bamboo like the photo implies. Still, the vast majority of buyers loved it

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Syntus Essential Oil Diffuser

One of the smaller diffusers on our list, this Syntus model comes with the standard 7 light LED adjustable system. The design is calming and pleasing to the eye. The wood grain is light, and I could see this fitting well in any room. The stream of vapor can last up to 8 hours, and it is as quiet as a whisper. The power has four settings, 1H, 3H, 6H and continuous. The tank is the smallest so far at 300 ml.

PROS

• Reasonably priced
• Small
• Can travel with it
• Great for a gift

CONS

• Only good for small rooms
• Small tank

Who Should Buy This?

This diffuser would make a great gift for someone going away to college or as a housewarming gift for that friend who has never used essential oils. The design is lovely and could integrate into a feminine atmosphere, a masculine one, and somewhere in between. This diffuser might also work well in small space like a therapist’s office or a doctor’s waiting room. It would also be perfect for a bedroom.

What Are People Saying?

For the most part, reviews who purchased this product could only rave about it. There was one review of it not working strongly enough to fill the room he was using it in.

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URPOWER 2nd Version Essential Oil Diffuser

This is another diffuser that has the lighting as it’s main visual feature. It’s smaller than the ones I’ve listed previously, but for a small diffuser, it sure packs a scented punch. I own one of this brand of diffuser and am writing this in my large dining/living room while this diffuser sits across the room from me and it is projecting a steady stream of mist and relaxing stress relieving oils I added. It took about five drops for the 100 ml tank, but the smell is pungent. If you want a more discreet scent, then just put in fewer drops.

PROS

• Reasonably priced
• Serves as a room/night light
• Packable
• Silent

CONS

• Some models have stopped working after a short time
• Not for someone who wants minimal to no light

Who Should Buy This?

As someone who owns this model, I think this would be a great gift for a young person heading off to college or another as a housewarming gift. It’s also perfect for someone who is looking for a nightlight type of diffuser for their bedroom or another who is looking for a diffuser but not a huge one for their home or office. It’s small so it would be perfect for anyone who travels a great deal and is looking to bring a diffuser with them.

What People Are Saying?

The reviews about this product are predominantly positive. One buyer felt the lid was too difficult to remove. Personally, I own this and feel that’s a plus because water won’t spill out easily.

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Youlanda Fragrance Essential Oil Diffuser

Our first and only waterless version on the list. This Youlanda diffuser is very different from our other models for other reasons. It doesn’t come with any lights. It’s a small diffuser that is round and somewhat flat. The pad in the middle is where you put the oils. It’s also the first to run on batteries. It comes in one duo-color green/white, and it’s mechanism works like a fan.

PROS

• Batteries/USB power option
• Recyclable fiber pads for oil
• Packable
• No water needed

CONS

• No lighting
• Requires a lot of oil for any scent

Who Should Buy This?

Folks who travel for work and miss their diffusers at home would find this a great option. It’s really small and can be placed on your nightstand for easy use. It doesn’t have to be dried out because there is no water, and it’s small so it can easily fit into your suitcase. The fact that it’s on batteries also makes it easy to use.

What Are People Saying?

The reviews on this product seem to be 75% positive and 25% negative. The folks who love it were impressed by its power and how quiet it was. Negative reviews claim that it didn’t work well at all and it was too weak to disperse a scent.

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Pilgrim Collection Alpha Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser

All black with no lighting system, this diffuser is totally unique in its look as well. It’s just black, which is a design option that has gone in a completely different direction the other diffusers. The tank is 160 ml, which means that this is a smaller design, but it can fill a 250 square foot room with pleasant scents. The mist is adjustable and a timer is included, but this model doesn’t have mood lighting like the others. It’s just black and looks like a stout tube, which is a nice appealing design.

PROS

• 72-inch transformer chord
• Dark/No lights
• Automatic shut off
• Leakproof

CONS

• Can hear gurgling from water
• May shut off before empty

Who Should Buy This?

As with any other product listed here, there are people who felt this diffuser worked wonderfully and others who were disappointed. I gauge my review on the percentage of positive and negative reviews and this model had far more positive reviews, which leads me to believe those few negative comments were the result of a defective device.

What Are People Saying

As with any other product listed here, there are people who felt this diffuser worked wonderfully and others who were disappointed. I gauge my review on the percentage of positive and negative reviews and this model had far more positive reviews, which leads me to believe those few negative comments were the result of a defective device.

To Conclude

After checking out the diffusers available on the market, my favorite diffuser would be the URPOWER 2nd Version Essential Oil Diffuser because I love mine. The size is perfect so I could move it from room to room. The changing mood lights are great in a dark room, and it’s really quiet. With the automatic shut off, this has worked out very well in my bedroom.

While the VicTsing model is pretty, I found it was noisy and the scent didn’t travel very far even though I put eleven drops of oil in the tank. As a second choice, I would pick the Pilgrim Collection Alpha Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser because I like the design and that it doesn’t have lighting. My third selection would be the Miserwe Essential Oil Diffuser And Planter simply because I think it would be cool to grow a succulent in it.

No matter which you choose, each of these products has unique designs and some similar features. You should be able to find a product that will fill your needs be it help to sleep at night or have a calming atmosphere in your office