The 9 Best Essential Oil Diffusers of 2024, According to Testing

Best Overall

Asakuki Rock Essential Oil Diffuser

$29 at Amazon View on Asakuki.com

We chose the Asakuki 500ml Premium Essential Oil Diffuser as our top overall pick because it received perfect scores in all categories including design, noise, ease of use, features, performance, and value.

We used this diffuser in a large bedroom and thought the small size and neutral design blended in well with decor and fit nicely on top of a bedroom dresser. The top of the diffuser is white and the base has a natural white-wash wood look. This diffuser also comes with a light that rotates through different colors so you can create a relaxing ambiance. 

If you’re looking for a quiet diffuser, this is a great choice. We barely noticed it was running since the sound was so subtle; however, there was a beeping noise when we changed settings.

This user-friendly essential oil diffuser came with controls on the unit and a remote so we could control it from afar. Overall, we found most of the controls easy to use, but we thought the mist intensity button was a little confusing. We had to refer to the manual to confirm whether we were using the high or low mist setting. 

We also liked that this essential oil diffuser had a timer that could be set on constant, one-, two-, or three-hour increments. During testing, we found that it could continuously run for a couple days on a full tank of water, and it automatically shut off when there was no more water.

Overall, we recommend this essential oil diffuser for its simple operation, compact design, and convenient lighting and control features.

How It Performed After Six Months

After using this diffuser for six months, we were pleased that its performance remained consistent throughout the testing period. We liked that it didn’t develop any unpleasant odors or mold or mildew, which was an issue for some diffusers we tested. 

A little bit of scale from the water occasionally formed on the inside of the water reservoir, but it was easy to clean in the kitchen sink with a brush. We continued to enjoy the remote, which made it convenient to change the settings, and we loved changing the color of the diffuser to match our mood.

Product Details: Dimensions: 6.6 x 6.6 x 4.76 inches | Capacity: 500 milliliters | Material: Polypropylene | Power Source: Corded electric

Best Budget

Homeweeks Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser

$10 at Amazon

The Homeweeks Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser has a sleek aesthetic, long-lasting aroma, and LED lights. The base has a faux wood look and comes in a few different color options. Although it was a little smaller than we expected, we appreciated that it was easy to carry from room to room.

The LED lights include light, bold, and muted options as well as no light so you can customize the ambience how you want. There are different control buttons for the diffuser and the lights as well as pre-programmed settings that include an option for a continuous three-hour runtime or 30 seconds on and off.

We also appreciated that there is an automatic shut-off function that will turn the diffuser off when the water reservoir is empty. During testing, it was easy to add water and essential oils to this diffuser after taking off the top, and we didn’t spill any water. We also couldn’t hear it running, which is a plus if you don’t like white noise.

The aroma extended far and remained even after the diffuser stopped running; however, the mist wasn’t as strong as some of the other diffusers we tested. To clean this diffuser, all we had to do was wipe it with a damp cloth and a little dish soap. 

How It Performed After Six Months

We continued to use this essential oil diffuser for six months, and at the end of the testing period it still worked the same as it did the first day we got it. It showed no signs of wear or tear, and it was easy to wipe clean. 

We liked how compact it was, and we found that the color options were soothing. Instead of lighting candles when guests came over, we opted to use this diffuser instead to add a fresh and relaxing aroma to the air. It didn’t make any noise when in use, so it didn’t disrupt any conservations.

Product Details: Dimensions: 6.61 x 4.72 x 4.72 inches | Capacity: 100 milliliters | Material: Polypropylene and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic | Power Source: Corded electric

Best Splurge

Canopy Waterless Diffuser

$65 at Amazon View on Getcanopy.co

Our splurge-worthy pick is the Canopy Diffuser. It has a minimalist yet elevated design that blends seamlessly with all types of home decor. We tested the cream colored diffuser, but it’s available in other color options as well. We liked that it was so compact, which made it easy to move from room to room.

This diffuser doesn’t require water which makes it more convenient to use than some of the others we tested. There are two ways to add essential oils to it, depending on how strong you want the scent to be. If you want a more mild aroma that lasts for a shorter amount of time, you can place a few drops of oil onto the included puck and then turn on the fan.

If you prefer a stronger, longer-lasting scent, detach the top of the diffuser and place a full bottle of essential oil into the well before turning on the fan. The scent can last up to two weeks when using this method, and we could still smell it even when the diffuser was turned off.

You can adjust the speed of this diffuser from slow to medium to fast, and there are subtle lights to indicate which setting you are on. Unlike most of the diffusers we tested, there are no additional lights or changing colors.

Since this diffuser has a small fan inside, it generates white noise that increases as the speed increases. However, we found it to be pleasant and not too loud. 

Despite the higher price point, we loved the simple design and operation of this diffuser along with the short- and long-term scent options. Since this diffuser doesn’t require any water, you don’t need to clean it as often as some of the other diffusers we tested. When it does need to be cleaned, just wipe it down with a warm cloth.

How It Performed After Six Months

The Canopy Diffuser is still one of our favorite essential oil diffusers after using it for six months. The modern, minimalist design blended in with our existing decor, and the gentle noise of the fan provided relaxing white noise. 

This diffuser is one of our favorites because it has a different design than other diffusers—it doesn’t require water. Because of this, no cleaning is required, making it a perfect option for those seeking a low-maintenance choice. You won’t have to worry about regularly cleaning this diffuser to avoid mold, mildew, or scale. 

We preferred to use the well rather than the puck because the aroma was slightly stronger with this method. However, we did learn that certain bottles of essential oils are too tall to fit in the well, so be sure to stick to smaller bottles.

Product Details: Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 4.2 inches | Capacity: Not applicable | Material: Natural diatomite | Power Source: USB-C power cord

Best with Essential Oils

Better Homes & Gardens 3-Piece Diffuser Set

$27 at Walmart

If you’re looking for a diffuser that comes with essential oils, consider the Better Homes & Gardens 3 Piece Diffuser Set which includes two 5-milliliter bottles of essential oils: one lavender and one peppermint. 

During our tests, we were impressed with how far the smell extended (approximately 10 feet), especially given how small this diffuser is. The mist was also very noticeable and could be seen about 10 to 12 inches above the diffuser. However, there is only one mist intensity level so it isn’t as customizable as some of the other diffusers on our list.

There’s a soft light on this diffuser that could help you navigate around the room at night, but it isn’t as bright as some of the others we tested. There’s also a slight hum and trickle noise from the water which we found to be relaxing.

Keep in mind there are a few more steps involved in using this diffuser than some of the others we tested. First, we removed the cover and pulled off the water reservoir cap.

We then poured in water to the maximum fill line and added 10 drops of essential oils before adding the cap back on. During testing, we did go over the max water line a couple of times, but it was easy enough to pour out. 

Overall, we loved the design, LED lights, and automatic shut-off function of this diffuser, but wished there were multiple intensity settings and that the water fill line was easier to see.

How It Performed After Six Months

We still loved this essential oil diffuser at the end of our testing period. When in use, the diffuser filled the room with a pleasant scent that was noticeable, but not overpowering.

The soft, flickering light that emitted from the diffuser was soothing, and it reminded us of the glow of a candle. The noise level was consistent throughout testing as well, and the warm light combined with the gentle hum and drip of the diffuser made us feel like we were at a spa. 

Product Details: Dimensions: 5.75 x 5.75 x 6.88 inches | Capacity: 100 milliliters | Material: Not listed | Power Source: Corded electric

Best for Large Rooms

Organic Aromas Raindrop Nebulizing Diffuser

$99 at Amazon View on Organicaromas.com

Our favorite essential oil diffuser for large rooms is the Organic Aromas Raindrop 2.0 Nebulizing Diffuser. We used this diffuser in a 1,000 square-foot apartment and were able to enjoy the scent throughout the whole space even though the diffuser despite its small size. 

The sleek design resembles a vase, and it comes with three pieces: a base, flask, and lid. The flask and lid are removable which makes it easy to wash and dry. For added safety and convenience, this diffuser automatically shuts off after two hours when using the highest mist setting.

We also liked that this diffuser came with a rotating knob that we could turn to select our preferred intensity level and runtime. There’s also a timer setting that alternates between two minutes on and one minute off for two hours straight, which helps control the amount of aroma in the air.

Similar to the Asakuki 500ml Premium Essential Oil Diffuser, this one comes with LED lights that can be rotated periodically, or you can set your favorite color for a custom look. We really liked this diffuser because of how far the scent stretched and the relaxing white noise effect, but wish there were more color options for the base aside from just black or wood.

How It Performed After Six Months

Despite using this diffuser for six months, it still worked like new at the end of the testing period. We enjoyed being able to change the color of the diffuser depending on our mood, and we appreciated the wide range of power settings. 

The noise level of the diffuser was quiet, and it sounded like a faint hum or purr. While we could rinse the diffuser out in the sink easily, we weren’t able to clean it as well as other options due to the shape. However, there was no mold or mildew detected during our testing. 

Product Details: Dimensions: 5 x 9 inches | Capacity: 12 fluid ounces | Material: Glass and hardwood | Power Source: Alternating current (AC)

Best Small

InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser

$16 at Amazon

The InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser is a great choice for small spaces such as a bathroom or office, and the neutral design makes it ideal for any style. Our favorite feature was the LED light function that helped create a relaxing environment.

There are eight soothing colors to choose from and the light can be adjusted from dim to bright. We loved that it gave off a relaxing ambiance when the lights were on. We also appreciated how quiet this diffuser was, and it shuts off automatically when the water is gone.

This essential oil diffuser comes with two buttons—one to turn on the diffuser and start the mist, and another to turn on the colored LED lights. Twisting open the diffuser to add water and essential oils was simple.

However, the water fill line was a little difficult to see. We didn’t have to deep clean this essential oil diffuser during our testing, but we wiped the inside and outside with a warm damp cloth.

You can choose between intermittent mist or continuous mist, depending on your preferences. The intermittent mist setting runs for six to eight hours and pauses every 30 seconds.

The continuous mist setting runs for three to four hours or until all of the water runs out. The mist wasn’t as noticeable as most of the diffusers we tested, but we don’t think this is a bad thing.

How It Performed After Six Months

We used this diffuser daily for six months, and it consistently performed well throughout the testing period. One of our testers used it in their son’s room at night, and the noise level of this diffuser was gentle enough not to disturb him while sleeping. 

Because it’s so lightweight, it was easy to move when we wanted it in a different room. We cleaned this diffuser once a week, and it was easy to do—we just ran it under hot water and scrubbed it with a baby bottle brush.

Product Details: Dimensions: 3.9 x 3.9 x 5.5 inches | Capacity: 100 milliliters | Material: Polypropylene | Power Source: Corded electric

Best for Cars

InnoGear Car Diffuser

$16 at Amazon

Another winner from InnoGear, the InnoGear Car Diffuser is compact yet powerful, and it's designed to fit right into your car’s cup holder. It earned high scores during our testing for its ease of use, quiet operation, and performance.

Like other essential oil diffusers on our list, this one comes with LED lights that can be set on a certain color, cycled through multiple colors, or turned off. The lights may be distracting to some while driving, so we appreciate that the lights can be turned off completely. 

It was easy to add water and essential oils to this diffuser, but we did have to take it in and out of the car when filling up which wasn’t the most convenient. It may be easier to keep a water bottle in your car to refill it with ease.

This essential oil diffuser has only one intensity setting, which could be a downside for some. However, we thought it gave off just the right amount of scent and mist during our tests. Although we could hear a subtle fan noise while this diffuser was running, we could still listen to music in the car without the sound of the diffuser overpowering it.

This essential oil diffuser can run for about two hours at a time before needing to be refilled. We also appreciate that it comes with an automatic shut-off function, which is valuable in case you forget to turn it off when getting out of your car. To clean this diffuser, we simply wiped it out with a paper towel. 

Overall, we really liked the compact size, portability, and value of this diffuser. However, we wish the cord was shorter since it has to be plugged into a USB outlet. 

How It Performed After Six Months

We enjoyed using this diffuser during our testing. The noise level was quiet, and though there was a soft hum, we couldn’t hear it when our car and radio were on.

It released a soothing amount of aroma into the air without being overwhelming or distracting to us while driving. Cleaning the diffuser was easy, too—we wiped it clean with a paper towel, and we never noticed any mold or mildew.

Keep in mind that if you live somewhere that experiences freezing temperatures during the winter, the water in the diffuser will freeze and you won’t be able to use the diffuser. In this case, be sure to empty the diffuser after each use until the weather warms up. 

Product Details: Dimensions: 3.15 x 2.95 x 5.12 inches | Capacity: 50 milliliters | Material: Polypropylene | Power: USB

Best Waterless

Eco Modern Essentials Nebulizing Diffuser

View on Ecomodernessentials.com

The Eco Nebulizing Diffuser is our top pick among essential oil diffusers that do not require water. It has a simple yet modern design with a silver shell and white top. However, we wish it came in multiple color options.

This diffuser is fairly small at just 5.19 inches tall, so it’s easy to relocate throughout your home. Just be aware that there’s a ring around the bottom that glows when the diffuser is on (and it can’t be turned off), which could be distracting if placed right beside your bed at night.

This diffuser wasn’t too loud compared to some of the others we tested, but we could still hear it running each time it dispensed scent. Unlike some of the essential oil diffusers we tested that required just a few drops of oil at a time, this one can hold an entire bottle of essential oils at once.

We liked this feature because we didn’t have to worry about adding more drops of oil as frequently as other options we tested. We were also impressed with how far the scent extended, but we thought it was a little strong when we were right next to the diffuser.

Since there is no water required, this diffuser is easy to use. It also only has one button which is the on/off switch. This diffuser runs intermittently for 10 seconds on and 50 seconds off for up to two hours before automatically shutting off, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to turn it off. 

How It Performed After Six Months

At the end of our six month testing period, this diffuser showed no signs of wear or tear, and we never experienced any malfunctions with it. We were impressed with the range of this diffuser—it filled an entire first floor of a house with a pleasant, relaxing aroma. 

Because it doesn’t require water, we didn’t really have to clean it beyond a quick dusting occasionally. Similar to other diffusers on our list, it emitted a gentle hum when it was on, which we felt was soothing. We switched scents about halfway through our testing process, and we didn’t notice any lingering scent from the previous essential oil. 

Product Details: Dimensions: 2.83 x 5.19 inches | Capacity: Not applicable | Material: Not listed | Power: USB

Best Humidifier Diffuser Combo

Levoit Dual 150 Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

$44 at Amazon $37 at Walmart View on Levoit.com

The Levoit Cool Mist Top Fill Essential Oil Diffuser is a humidifier and diffuser combo, and it scored high for effectiveness and value. We love that it didn’t take up too much space, and that you can adjust the humidity setting based on your preferences.

When we tested out this diffuser, it added a noticeable amount of humidity to the air, especially when on the high setting. This humidifier diffuser combo was incredibly quiet, and we couldn't hear it at all when we were sitting just a few feet away from it. 

Unlike most of the diffusers we tested, this one doesn’t come with any lights. You can turn the unit on and adjust the amount of mist by rotating the dial. Our only complaint about the dial is that it can be turned lower than the arrow indicates, but we didn’t notice any change in mist so we weren’t sure if it actually works at that low of a setting. 

Although this diffuser was relatively easy to use, it was not easy to clean. We had to remove three pieces from the machine to soak in vinegar, and the whole cleaning process took about 50 minutes. The water line was also a little difficult to see through the frosted plastic.

Despite the lengthy cleaning process, we were still impressed with the humidifier diffuser combo, and we appreciate its relatively low price for a two-in-one device. 

Product Details: Dimensions: 7.2 x 8.1 x 11.6 inches | Capacity: 3 liters | Material: BPA-free | Power: ETL Certified AC Power Adapter