If you like to diffuse in your home, have you ever considered diffusing on the go? Aromatherapy isn’t just for your home or office anymore, which may be good news for those out there who travel a lot via car. Truck drivers, salespeople, police officers, and delivery drivers are just a few examples of professions that require a lot of time behind the wheel.
Choosing the best essential oil for cars have never been easier. Sure, there are several DIY essential oil car diffusers like a cotton ball with a few drops of lavender oil or your favorite blend sitting in a cup holder. If you are a serious aromatherapy fan and like the idea of diffusing the oils in your car, then take a look at the list we created and see the ones that best fit your needs.
Table of Contents
Best Essential Oil Diffusers For Your Car Comparison
What Are The Benefits Of Diffusing In My Car?
There are plenty of benefits when diffusing in the car. Here are a few reasons that come to the top of my head. It includes getting rid of bad odors, relaxing during rush hour traffic, alertness on long drives, and managing anger during those road rage moments. Depending on the essential oil used, the inhaler of these scents can reap these benefits regularly with a car diffuser like the ones we listed below.
If you are unaware, essential oils are extracts from hundreds of flower petals, berries, citrus rinds, and leaves of plants grown in every corner of the globe. They are volatile compounds that are acquired through several methods, two of them being steam distillation and expression or cold pressing. When used correctly following aromatherapy guidelines, one might find that they can help with certain issues.
Some of those issues might be stress, anxiety, depression, or lack of focus, all of which are important when you are driving, especially for a long period of time over large distances.
What Type Works For Me?
Just as it is with diffusers for large spaces, portable diffusers come in a lot of different sizes and varieties. We already mentioned the DIY cotton ball, how about the terracotta emblem hanging from the mirror? These are just two types of diffusers that could work in the car.
Of course, we aren’t going to cover those. Our choices today all work within the realms of modern technology so there are certain things you should probably pay attention to.
What To Look For
The diffuser you are going to use in your car, does it matter if it requires water? If so, then that knocked out a good portion of the machines we have on our list today. How often will you need to refill it? These are all important if you will be using this device in your car.
I don’t know about you, but for me, the easier the better. Of course, I also don’t care if a diffuser is easy to use. If it doesn’t do the job, then it isn’t worth it, which is why paying attention to how much area these devices can cover is important. If you are driving a larger vehicle, you want to make sure it can fill the space.
There are other types of things you should be looking for.
Power
When it comes to diffusing in your car, there aren’t many options other than evaporation, which is how our cotton ball and terracotta emblem do their job. When it comes to today’s technology, it seems that the best way to get the power you need is through a USB port, which is not hard to come by with all the adaptors on the market.
Ultrasonic Technology
Some of the models listed below, most of the ones that deal with water, disperse the essential oils throughout the space via ultrasonic technology, which has a good deal to do with sound. The ultrasonic or “powerful sound” waves vibrate at the bottom of the water basin breaking the molecules from a liquid into mist, including the essential oils.
The mist moves through the air bringing the benefits of the essential oils to your olfactory organs. When considering a model that has an ultrasonic technology, you should pay attention to the operation modes it offers, the capacity of the water basin, and whether or not the power source works with your vehicle’s options.
Atomizing Technology
Some of the models in our list use atomizing technology, which means it turns the contents, in this case- essential oils, into small particles to disperse them into the air for our aromatic pleasure.
Nebulizing Technology
This type of diffuser also atomizes molecules and creates a strong aromatic mist, but it does this without using water or heat, which is nice because you get the full effect of the mist. Nebulizers are considered, by some, to be the best kind of diffuser to use with essential oils.
Other Things To Consider
There are some other features that certain diffusers that might interest you.
Sound
A good deal of diffusers are used in the bedroom or other areas that we would like to remain quiet, so this is important if any sound bothers you while your drive. While cars are not the more quiet places in the world, a seriously noisy diffuser would make listening to your favorite songs or audiobooks difficult.
Operation Modes
Some of these only have the option of on-and-off, and others have interval settings. If you are interested in options as far as settings go, then this is a feature you will want to pay close attention to.
Lighting
A few of the models on our list also come with lighting options, which are a fun addition. If you do a lot of night driving this could be a cool feature to have. Of course, if you prefer not to have lights then there are devices that are sans lighting as well.
Warranty
Having a warranty is always a nice option because let’s face it, there are times when our devices break or stop working through no fault of our own. It’s times like these when warranties come in handy. So, you might want to put this option down on your checklist as well.
Cautions Of Diffusing
If you have a breathing issue like COPD or asthma, then you should check with your healthcare professional before you start diffusing. Also, it is recommended that you only diffuse in 30-minute intervals with routine breaks.
Be sure to follow the dilution and/or diffusion guidelines for the oil. Remember, it never hurts to be cautious so when in doubt, double check. Do not diffuse some oils around pets and children.
Top 10 Essential Oil Diffusers For Your Car Reviews
Okay, so we’ve covered exactly what a diffuser does and what you should keep an eye out for. Now it’s time to list ten specific diffusers that we think are the best choice for you, your car, and your travels. Let’s take a look at these top models and find out which device would be the best choice for you.
InnoGear USB Car Essential Oil Diffuser
- Time Settings: Two working modes, lasts 6 hours in total
- Light Options: 7 colors LED mood light
- Multifunctional: No
- Design: Black with lighting that changes and fits into a cup holder
- Power: USB Port
- Waterless Shut off: Yes
- Dimensions: 3.25(W) x 5(H) inches
The first diffuser on our list is from a pretty well-known name in the diffuser world, InnoGear. I’ve written about a good deal of their products, and I actually have one of their diffusers, although not this particular one. The one I do own is a great machine and works wonderfully so I can attest to their ability to make sturdy products.
Equipped with a USB port, this diffuser is designed to fit right in the cup holder of your car. It comes with ultrasonic technology, so it does require water to function but it has a nice automatic shut off feature, which is implemented when it runs out of water. This diffuser is made from BPA free plastic, and it comes with a color changing LED light system that has seven different options.
It is simple to use and comes with two misting modes. The switch is easy to use and you can go from Continuous to Intermittent effortlessly. This diffuser does not come with an adaptor for the car charger so you need to get one yourself. It comes with a 45 Day Money Back Guarantee and a year-long warranty.
Who Should Purchase This?
This is a great option for anyone who is interested in something that has a great lighting system. With all those features, this diffuser is going to be hard to beat. It’s also a great choice for anyone looking for something sleek and modern that will go with the decor of their nice new car.
Aiho USB Essential Oils DIffuser
- Time Settings: Three. 30/60/120 minutes/Off
- Light Options: 7 colors LED mood light
- Multifunctional: Yes. Works as an air purifier
- Design: White with 80% lighting up
- Power: USB Port
- Waterless Shut off: Yes
- Dimensions: N/A
Our next diffuser is also an ultrasonic machine that requires water for diffusing. It comes with a USB connection cable and fits directly into a cup holder, just like the first version we spoke of today. This one comes with a car charging attachment, a power bank, an all-white color, and 80% of it lights up.
Speaking of the lighting system, this one also comes with a 7 color LED system which creates a soft ambiance to relieve stress when you are driving. It also comes with a constant mode, automatic changing mode, or the lights can be turned off completely.
This diffuser comes with an automatic shut off feature, a built-in timer that can run for 30, 60, or 120 minutes. The Aiho diffuser also comes with a 1-year service after sales guarantee and a 30-day money back guarantee. It also works as an air purifier.
Who Should Purchase This?
Lovers of lighting systems should take this device into serious consideration since that’s all it does. Of course, if you get tired of the lights, you have the option of shutting them off. This one is also a good fit for someone in need of several operation modes.
Young Living USB Diffuser
- Time Settings: Three. 10, 30, or 60 seconds
- Light Options: None
- Multifunctional: No
- Design: Memory stick design
- Power: USB Port
- Waterless Shut off: N/A
- Dimensions: 6 x 2 x 1.5 inches
Young Living is a giant in the world of essential oils so it only makes sense that their diffusers would be top of the line as well. While they have a lot of options for smaller spaces, I felt this one deserved a spot on our best essential oil diffusers for your car list simply because of the size.
The USB Diffuser is convenient, doesn’t require a lot of effort, and can be used on your computer or external charger. It has three settings available, 10, 30, and 60 seconds. All you have to do is put a few drops of oil into the oil bottle, place the bottle in the diffuser, close the door, and plug it in.
Who Should Purchase This?
This is a great device for the aromatherapy fan that spends time on trains as well as cars. Fans of Young Living oils should also consider this diffuser for their travel needs because it was invented especially to go with their oils.
RoyAroma Car Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser Stainless Steel Locket
- Multifunctional: No
- Design: Small, metal clip with felt insert. Designs resemble flowers.
- Power: N/A
- Waterless Shut off: N/A
- Dimensions: 30mm diameter
- Coverage: Close area
- Capacity: N/A
Next, we have a diffuser that does not require a USB port or any water because it deals with felt pads and utilizes evaporation as its source of power. When ordering this, you get two lockets, which are round metal designs that are decorated with a floral cut out pattern.
Also, when you purchase this, you get 12 felt pads that are different colors. Basically, you put a few drops of your favorite scent, like Lavender or Ylang-Ylang, and then clip it in the car. The scent will make it to your senses while you drive to work in morning traffic. The pads are interchangeable, which is nice so you aren’t stuck with the same scent day in and day out.
Who Should Purchase This?
This diffuser would be great for a person who isn’t looking for something too difficult to handle. Also, because this does not use water, this is the easiest diffuser on the list to use.
AOMY Mini Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser
- Time Settings: Two. 3 hours and 6 hours
- Light Options: None
- Multifunctional: Yes. Works as a humidifier
- Design: Tubular, black and sleek. Fits into a cup holder
- Power: USB Port, no adapter included
- Waterless Shut off: Yes
- Dimensions: 2.8 inches (70 mm) diameter x 5.5 inches (140 mm)
Sleek and subtle, our next diffuser brings us back to ultrasonic technology and the need for water. That’s okay though, it fits in the cup holder and comes with a USB cable but no adapter. You have choices when it comes to mist with this diffuser. It has two modes of spray time, 3 hours and 6 hours. Each mode has an interval of 9 seconds.
It’s made from materials that are BPA free and will shut off when it tips more than 90 degrees or when it runs out of water. The basin holds 55-ml of water with oils, and it has a one-touch operation that’s easy to use. This diffuser also works as a cool mist humidifier.
Who Should Purchase This?
Anyone who is interested in diffusing on the go but doesn’t want to be overwhelmed by lights should give this model a try. It would blend well with most car interiors would also look great in a hotel room and office.
ZAQ Tour Essential Oil Litemist Aromatherapy Travel Car Diffuser
- Time Settings: One. It operates for 2 minutes on/2 minutes off for 2 hours and then shuts off.
- Light Options: None
- Multifunctional: No
- Design: Metallic and black
- Power: 2 rechargeable lithium batteries
- Waterless Shut off: N/A
- Dimensions: 68mm/2.67inches wide at the base and 160mm/6.29 inches tall
Along the same lines as a few of these devices, this one also fits into a cup holder. The design is different in the color scheme. It’s white with an olive center, and like our last model, it doesn’t have a lighting system. Named Tour for a reason, this diffuser is small and was specifically designed for someone who travels for a living.
The Tour is also made from BPA Free materials and runs for up to four hours. It holds 60 to 80-ml of water and is energy efficient. It comes with an adapter to fit in the cigarette lighter of your car, but it does not come with USB technology. The Tour comes with a one year warranty.
Who Should Purchase This?
This is a good model for someone who isn’t interested in lights and doesn’t consider the USB option important. I like the color scheme because it reminds me of a nice garden.
Rocky Mountain Oils Droplet Diffuser
- Time Settings: One. 6 hours
- Light Options: One color. Choices are blue, green, purple, or red
- Multifunctional: No
- Design: White, orb-like and it lights up
- Power: USB Port. No Adapter
- Waterless Shutoff: No
- Dimensions: 4 inches diameter x 3.75 inches
Here we have another diffuser that has been designed by a company who is known for the essential oils they produce. It’s a small machine but has the power to fill a 400 square foot area with your favorite essential oils. The water basin holds 150-ml and it can run for 6 hours.
It has only one option when it comes to diffusion time, but it comes with three options when it comes to lighting. Your choices are a continuous stream of either blue, green, purple, red, or no light at all. The Droplet is more orb-like in design, and it is also made of BPA free materials.
Who Should Purchase This?
This model is a good choice for anyone who isn’t interested in the cup holder design. This can fit in another area of your car because at 4 inches in diameter and 3.75 in height, this isn’t a big machine. It’s also a good choice for someone who drives a larger vehicle since this covers so much area.
Organic Aromas Mobile-Mini Wireless Rechargeable Diffuser
- Time Settings: One. It operates for 2 minutes on/2 minutes off for 2 hours and then shuts off.
- Light Options: None
- Multifunctional: No
- Design: Metallic and black.
- Power: 2 rechargeable lithium batteries
- Waterless Shut off: N/A
- Dimensions: 68mm/2.67inches wide at the base and 160mm/6.29 inches tall
Going back to a consistent cup holder design in the car diffuser world, this one also has a tubular shape, although it has a notch cut out toward the top and has a metallic finish. Measuring in at 2.67 inches in diameter and 6.29 inches tall, this diffuser is different from the others on our list because it has the nebulizing technology, which makes it waterless and the most efficient in breaking your favorite essential oils, like lemongrass, into a mist.
It operates on lithium batteries that come with the machine, which can be charged via the USB cable in a few hours and can run for more than sixteen. It doesn’t use heat and has a glass reservoir where you place your oils.
Who Should Purchase This?
This diffuser is perfect for the aromatherapy fan who prefers a nebulizing diffuser. It’s also a great choice for someone who isn’t interested in fancy lighting schemes and is just looking for something sleek and shiny.
InnoGear USB Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser
- Time Settings: Two. Continuous and intermittent
- Light Options: 7 colors that rotate, stay fixed, or turn off completely
- Multifunctional: Yes. Works as a humidifier
- Design: White with lighting options
- Power: USB cable
- Waterless Shut off: Yes
- Dimensions: 5.1 x 2.7 x 2.7
Next, we have another model from InnoGear, which isn’t surprising since they are a well-known name in the world of aromatherapy. This model has two modes of operation, continuous and intermittent, and it also has a nice lighting system. This travel diffuser comes with LED lights in seven colors which will rotate if you want, stay fixed on one, or shut off completely.
It is small and should fit in a cup holder and can be transported easily from your car to your yoga studio or office. This diffuser has a waterless shut off feature and works as a cool mist humidifier too
Who Should Purchase This?
This model is great for the person who is into lighting options. As for strength, if this model works as well as their other machines, this device would work well in a larger vehicle like a tour bus or minivan.
Plant Therapy Diffuse On The Move
- Time Settings: Three. 10, 30, and 60 seconds
- Light Options: No
- Multifunctional: No
- Design: Small, metallic, plugs right into a USB port. Comes in four colors; black, white, pink, and champagne.
- Power: USB adapter
- Dimensions: 1.5 x 0.6 x 2.1
- Coverage: Very small area
The last diffuser on our list is a model like none others we’ve seen today. While it works in the same way the Young Living USB Diffuser does, this pocket-size diffuser is slightly larger. It has three modes of operation, 10, 30, or 60 seconds, and it comes with a USB car adapter and works with a 12V port. It’s sleek and is available in four colors; black, white, pink, and champagne.
Because it uses atomizing technology, this device does not require any water. Diffuse On The Move does not require heat and comes with an extra wick cap and bottle.
Who Should Purchase?
This model is a good choice for someone who walks long distances or rides a bike. You could attach it to an external charger and put it in your basket. With something this small, you could diffuse when you hike and hide it in your fanny pack.
To Conclude
When we have professions that keep us in our car, truck, van, or bus, it’s nice to have an option of finding relaxation via aromatherapy. Whether you fly coast to coast via private jet or you are driving a truck, you deserve the same options as someone who doesn’t travel as often for their job, like the ten essential oil aids we just covered.
Do you travel for your job and a fan of essential oils? If so, let us know if these products appeal to you. If you know and love someone who travels a lot and adores diffusing oils, then any of these can make a great gift or just share this article with them.
