Reducing the amount of artificial products used in a home is increasingly becoming popular. People understand that these chemical based products can have adverse effects on their health, their home, and the environment. This includes the use of artificial air freshening products. Using all natural essential oils to freshen your home is the perfect way to eliminate harsh chemicals while giving your home a more pleasant smell.
With so many different oil diffusers for sale on the market, trying to pick just one out of the bunch could potentially be a very difficult and time consuming task. So in order to help simplify your purchasing decision, we invested over 28 hours into researching and comparing 70 different essential oil diffusers, eventually narrowing down the field to just the seven best units. Check out our list and buying guide below, or you can go straight to our comparison chart.
Best Overall: Organic Aromas Dark Radiance 2.0 Nebulizing Essential Oil Diffuser
The Organic Aromas Dark Radiance 2.0 is, in our opinion, the best essential oil diffuser on the market. Offering virtually everything you need in a diffuser, this elegantly designed device effectively releases pure essential oil into the air and does not require water like other oil diffusers. Made with a beautiful hardwood base, the unit compliments any décor and can be used with or without the rainbow LED lighting.
This diffuser works on a 2 minute on 1 minute off cycle for a period of two hours. This helps keep the scent at the ideal level without becoming overpowering. Since it only releases pure essential oils, you’ll really appreciate the scent more instead of having your senses overwhelmed with chemical odors that are masked with artificial scents.
The Organic Aromas Dark Radiance 2.0 can enhance areas of up to 800 square feet in size. The ability of this diffuser to cover a large area has made it a favorite among medical professionals, massage therapists and spa owners who implement aromatherapy into their treatments.
Users will also like the fact that the motor of this diffuser is very quiet. The manufacturers have added an extra layer of protection inside the base to keep the motor from vibrating or causing additional noise like similar poorly made diffusers. This feature alone enhances the functionality of the diffuser because you can use it in any setting, including professional settings or in bedrooms while you sleep.
In addition, this diffuser can be used in any part of the world and comes equipped with the proper plug converter. Great for traveling abroad, you can take your diffuser to freshen up the smell of a hotel room anywhere in the world.
The only true drawback of the Dark Radiance 2.0 is that if you fail to clean it on a routine basis, it may lose its ability to effectively aromatize an 800 sq. ft. space. You’ll be glad to know, however, that cleaning the unit is very simple and can be accomplished with a soft towel and some rubbing alcohol. Read reviews on Amazon >
Best “2-in-1” Oil Diffuser & Humidifier: TaoTronics TT-AH006
The TaoTronics TT-AH006 is a versatile machine that provides humidifier and diffuser benefits all in one unit. TaoTronics’s is a leading manufacturer of humidifiers and this is their flagship model. The TT-AH006 can dish out both hot steam (up to 90 degrees) and cool vapor, depending on what the user prefers.
One thing that people shopping for an essential oil diffuser should be aware of is that a diffuser is NOT a humidifier, even those that produce “mist.” Diffusers are simply too small and can’t hold nearly enough water to effectively humidify a room. The TaoTronics TT-AH006, on the other hand, is a true humidifier, as it can hold up to 6 liters of water, which is about 12 to 60 times the capacity of an oil diffuser. This means that it can be run all night long without having to refill the unit’s tank.
To use the humidifier as an aromatherapy diffuser, you simply add your favorite essential oils to the special tray in the rear of the unit. The machine has three mist settings so you can adjust it to meet your needs. The essential oils will work with either warm or cold settings, so you can use the machine as a diffuser each and every time you use it.
In addition, the unit’s built-in LED display is easy to read and provides users with several additional functions, including room humidity level settings. Moreover, the modernistic TaoTronics TT-AH006 is made using a matte black finish to give it a minimalistic appearance to match any home decor.
There is one downside of this machine, however, although it only applies to those who plan to use tap water with the unit. Tap water often has a lot of minerals in it, and these minerals will move through the mist and settle on furniture as a soft white powder. Even though this powder can easily be wiped away, you can save yourself the problems by using distilled water in the device. Read reviews on Amazon >
Best Value: ISELECTOR Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser
If you’re looking to get the best value for your money, look no further than the ISELECTOR. This essential oil diffuser has a large 500ml water tank, which is one of the largest you’ll find on the market (not including nebulizers and humidifier/diffuser hybrid models).
This elegant looking diffuser has delicate designs that are etched into the unit’s glass and has beautiful LED lights that can be turned on or off allowing the user to set the mood every time they use it. The ISELECTOR is also very quiet and won’t disturb meetings, sleep, or therapy sessions. In addition, the device’s ultrasonic quality helps produce negative ions while discharging the mist, which has been shown to improve the mood levels of those in the surrounding area.
The ISELECTOR can be set to run for 1, 3, or 6 hour intervals, or you can change it manually to run continuously. The high mist setting puts out about 60ml of mist per hour and the low setting produces about 30ml of mist/hour, and the device is programmed to automatically shut itself off if the water level becomes too low as a safety measure.
If you do decide to go with this unit, one thing to keep in mind is that you should use distilled or purified water with it. Using high mineral content water may potentially clog the diffuser by creating buildup in the misting area. Read reviews on Amazon >
4 TaoTronics TT-AD004 Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser
The TaoTronics TT-AD004 has a zen-inspired design and is finished in a very soothing woodgrain finish. Constructed from polypropylene, this diffuser is very sturdy and you will never have to worry about the essential oils causing corrosion to the surface. The soft LED lighting feature gives the device more eye appeal but isn’t too overwhelming so as to prevent you from sleeping at night.
The TaoTronics TT-AD400 has a relatively large 400ml tank, making it about 2-3 times larger than most other diffusers on the market, and allows it to provide about 14 hours of continuous mist. Additionally, this device is designed with an automatic shut off switch if the water becomes too low for safe operation.
This unit has two misting settings, high and low, and each will effectively work to fill a room with a soothing aroma. You can set the diffuser to the higher setting if you also want the benefits of adding a little humidity to the room’s air.
The only real downside of this device is a result of its ultra sleek design. Some users have found the lid to be a little difficult to remove because of the unit’s ultra-smooth surface. However, most have found that once they got used to it, it really didn’t pose much of a problem anymore and they were able to remove it fairly easily for cleaning and re-filling. Read reviews on Amazon >
5 Zen Breeze Cool Mist Essential Oil Aromatherapy Diffuser
The Zen Breeze is a stunning looking oil diffuser with delicate curves and a sleek woodgrain finish. The diffuser has LED mood lighting that comes in 7 different colors and 2 intensity settings. You can use this diffuser as mood or regular lighting, and if you want to use the diffuser while you sleep, you always have the option of turning the light off.
The Zen Breeze holds 300ml of water and essential oils, which is about average capacity, and produces a cool mist using ultrasonic technology. The diffuser can be set to run for 1, 3 or 6 hours or continuously. This diffuser can run for about 10 hours straight before running out of water, and the built-in automatic shut off valve ensures that the diffuser never runs dry.
In addition, this device is very easy to clean and requires no real maintenance. It also comes with a one year warranty for total replacement. The warranty also guarantees that if you are not happy with this product when it arrives, you are entitled to your money back – no questions asked.
Keep in mind that the Zen Breeze generally functions better with distilled or purified water, and doesn’t require a lot of essential oils to be added to it to create a pleasant aroma in your home or office. Read reviews on Amazon >
6 InnoGear IGOD-200ML Ultrasonic Cool Mist Essential Oil Diffuser
The InnoGear IGOD-200ML is delicately designed to look similar to a wooden bowl. The unit’s soft woodgrain finish is quite appealing as is its rounded shape. Additionally, it’s made from polypropylene, so the essential oils will never corrode the finish, and is also BPA free for optimal health.
The diffuser holds 200ml of water and essential oils, which is slightly on the smaller size, and has four settings. You can set the diffuser for 1,3 or 6 hours of run time, or just allow it to run continually. The unit’s automatic stop switch will turn off the machine if the water becomes too low for safe operation.
And like most other diffusers, the InnoGear IGOD, of course, has LED mood lighting. The device’s soft light can be set to rotate between seven different colors, set on one specific color, or turned off at the preference of the user. Perfect for any room in your home, this diffuser can also be used as a soft nightlight in your bathroom, kitchen, or child’s room.
You’ll also like that this device doesn’t make a ton of noise and will not interrupt sleep, business meetings or any type of therapy session. In most cases, it enhances any event because the area you are in always smells so clean and fresh.
The main disadvantage of the InnoGear IGOD is that its water tank is fairly small, which means you’ll have to re-fill it quite frequently if you use it a lot. However, it may not be as big of a deal for you if you only plan to use it occasionally. Read reviews on Amazon >
7 Best Budget Model: InnoGear Essential Oil Aromatherapy Diffuser
The InnoGear is a very affordable, compact oil diffuser that is small enough that you’ll be able to find a place for it just about anywhere in your home or office without it being too obtrusive. Its small size also means that you can take it with you when travelling.
The InnoGear can be set to run intermittently (30 seconds on, 30 seconds off) or continually to enhance the smell of any room. The diffuser offers mood lighting in 7 different colors, and you can set the lighting to high or low depending on your preferences. Users will also like that the unit can even be used as just an accent light without the mist, as well as the fact that it comes with an extra long power cord.
The biggest drawback of this diffuser is that it has a very small water tank which can only hold about 100ml of water. This means that you’re going to have to constantly refill the tank, which could be quite a hassle and inconvenience for some users. Read reviews on Amazon >
Buying Guide: How To Choose The Best Essential Oil Diffuser
What Is Essential Oil?
Essential oils are oils that are naturally derived from different plants. You can create an oil from just about any plant, including spice plants like cinnamon or peppermint, to Echinacea or primrose. People have been using essential oils for as long as there has been recorded history for therapeutic and healing properties as well as for personal hygiene and as food additives.
In the past, these oils were difficult to find in their pure form. You generally had to find them in a health food store, and then the oils were often expensive and limited in flavor or scent. Even as aromatherapy increased in popularity, essential oils were hard to find. All of that has changed. The demand for essential oils and diffusers has become so great that nearly every major retailer carries a supply.
Types of Essential Oil Diffusers
Now that these diffusers are more readily available, it is important to know what type of diffuser to purchase. There are four types of diffusers that are available on the market. Each one performs differently and meets different needs. The types of diffusers available are:
- Evaporative Diffusers
- Ultrasonic Diffusers
- Nebulizing or Cool Air Oil Diffusers
- Heated Oil Diffusers
Evaporating Diffusers
Evaporating diffusers are your most basic type of diffuser. These diffusers work just as their name explains: they allow the essential oil to evaporate into the air. Basic models consist of a vase with bamboo sticks placed in them. The oil travels up the sticks and evaporates into the air for a refreshing aroma. More advanced evaporating diffusers are designed for you to fill a cotton pad with essential oil and then a small fan blows from underneath the pad, pushing the air through the pad and the oil to allow it to evaporate into the air.
These are nice for a very small space and for limited use. However, if you use lighter oils in these types of diffusers, such as citrus based oils, the oil will evaporate very quickly. Heavier oils are necessary for lasting effects. Another drawback if you use the diffuser with the bamboo rods is that you are basically stuck with one scent because the oil will absorb into the wood.
Ultrasonic Diffusers
Ultrasonic diffusers are very popular because they are easy to use and will clean the air over a lot of square footage. These diffusers work by placing water in the holding tank and adding a few drops of oil. The oil naturally floats on the water. The ultrasonic action of the machine causes vibrations to go through the water and when they reach the oil, the oil evaporates and floats into the air.
Ultrasonic machines can run for long periods of time and cover large rooms. Because their motors are very quiet, many professionals prefer these diffusers for their therapy rooms. As an added bonus, the ultrasonic waves do not change the essential oils in any way, so you will receive the full health benefits of the oils.
Nebulizing Diffuser (Cool Air)
A nebulizing diffuser works very similar to an evaporative device. Water and oil are placed into a holding tank and then cool air is circulated through the diffuser. The air causes the oil to be pushed up through the nebulizer where it is changed into a mist and released into the air. These are very popular diffusers because the diffusers can hold large amounts of water and run for extended periods of time.
Additional benefits of these diffusers are their ability to be programed to light or heavy mist, most have LED lighting that can be used as mood lighting or as a nightlight. and they can be programmed to run for short or long periods of time. Since the nebulizers use cool air, the essential oil retains all of its properties and healing features.
Heated Oil Diffusers
These diffusers are set up similar to every other type of diffuser that uses water and oil in a tank. The main difference about this diffuser is that it uses heat to make the oil and water evaporate instead of a cool air. By using heat, the water also evaporates and adds a lot of moisture to the air. Many of the heated essential oil diffusers also work as humidifiers.
The benefits to these types of diffusers are the added moisture to the air. These are perfect to use during dry winter months or hot summer days when your skin also needs the extra moisture to feel good. However, the heat used for the evaporation process has the potential to alter some essential oils and diminish their healing effects. For this reason, many people only use a heated one for the air freshening qualities and moisture benefits.
Questions To Ask Before Purchasing A Diffuser
Some of the more important questions to ask before making a purchase should include:
- What Is The Tank Capacity? Larger tanks can run for longer periods of time without needing to be refilled.
- What Is The Square Foot Coverage? Every diffuser has a different sized area it can cover. Make sure that the one you select will meet your needs.
- Is There Lighting? Not all diffusers have lighting. If it does, check if it has the ability to also turn the lighting off in the event you don’t want to use it at any time.
- Run Settings? Can you change the settings for a stronger or lighter mist, can you change the length of time it runs? You will want one that allows you to use it as you desire.
- Does It Turn Off Automatically? Most, but not all, essential oil diffusers have an automatic shut off valve if the water in the tank becomes too low while running. However, not every manufacturer offers this feature. Always look for one that will shut off when the water is low.
Essential oil diffusers are the perfect way to enhance the way your home or office. The pleasant aromas have a calming effect, and in many cases can also be beneficial to healing. These simple devices are easy to use and very cost effective. They are also the perfect way to eliminate chemical air fresheners from your home.
Comparison Chart
Our Top Pick
$$$$$
Nebulizer
Does Not Use Water
Yes
Glass & Natural Wood
Yes
Best Value
$$$
Ultrasonic
500 ml
Yes
Glass & Plastic
Yes
Best Budget Model
$
Ultrasonic
100 ml
Yes
Plastic
Yes
Best Diffuser/Humidifier
$$$$$
Warm/Cool Mist + Humidifier
6 L
No
Plastic
Yes
Top Rated
$$$
Ultrasonic
400 ml
Yes
Plastic
Yes
Very Good
$$$
Ultrasonic
400 ml
Yes
Plastic
Yes
Good
$$$
Ultrasonic
300 ml
Yes
Plastic
Yes
Good
$$
Ultrasonic
200 ml
Yes
Plastic
Yes
Top Rated Nebulizer
$$$$$
Nebulizer
Does Not Use Water
Yes
Glass & Natural Wood
Yes
Very Good Nebulizer
$$$$
Nebulizer
Does Not Use Water
No
Glass & Natural Wood
Yes
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