In a hurry? If you don’t have time to read our in depth guide to each essential oil diffuser but simply want to know our pick of the best – then the answer is the AromaFuse Essential Oil Diffuser from Plant Therapy available here. With its super long runtime, whisper quiet operation and one year warranty, it won this years pick as “Best Essential Oil Diffuser”.
Every home should have an essential oil diffuser. Not only can the oils make a room smell heavenly without chemical ingredients that can harm your health, but they can actually benefit the body, mind, and soul.
Just imagine walking through your door after a busy day at work or school. You’re exhausted and feel like you just can’t take another step. But then, you take a deep breath and feel almost instantly relaxed, calm and re-energized. There are many essential oils that can provide this effect, without potentially harmful side effects of their own. Other oils can purify the air in your home, repel mosquitoes and other insects, help clear nasal passages, and improve the quality of your sleep. The list goes on and on. Plus, with the help of an essential oil diffuser, you can create your own personalized scents and blends out of several different essential oils – there are a wealth of essential oil “recipes” that can be accessed online, and on this very site, to get you started.
What Is An Essential Oil Diffuser?
A diffuser is simply a device that allows the essential oils to evaporate and circulate their scent throughout the environment. It works by distributing essential oil molecules through the air, which is then inhaled and come into contact with one’s nerves, sending them directly to the brain. You can completely transform the character of a room in just a few minutes using only a few drops of an essential oil.
While there are many different types of diffusers, we tested five of the most popular to reveal what we believe to be the very best essential oil diffuser you can buy.
Plant Therapy AromaFuse Diffuser
The AromaFuse is the latest in Plant Therapy’s line of essential oil accessories. When it was released, President of Plant Therapy Chris Jones noted that the company “wanted to create a beautiful diffuser that has all the features our customers want.”
That’s a lofty goal, did the company manage to achieve it? Well, Plant Therapy is undoubtedly my favorite supplier when it comes to essential oils, so this diffuser was definitely worth checking out, and I’ve been enjoying it in my bedroom ever since it arrived.
The Specifics
Style. The AromaFuse is available in either white or wood-grain brown. I chose the brown, as frankly, I think a white device looks more like a piece of medical equipment, while this one best complements a variety of decor and it has a nice, modern sleek look while being a fairly low profile.
The Materials. Plant Therapy is known for using high-quality materials, and this diffuser is no exception. All of the plastic parts are BPA-free, and it also features a special coating to protect against erosion by the essential oils that are used in it, in addition to backing up that quality with a 1-year warranty.
Timer Settings and LED Light. There are five different timer settings, including three intermittent-mist settings and two continuous-mist settings. The intermittent settings on the diffuser allow users to diffuse for 30 seconds on, 30 seconds off; 15 minutes on, 30 minutes off; or 30 minutes on, 30 minutes off. The LED light can be either on, dimmed or off completely while the diffuser is operating.
The Coverage. The large water reservoir holds 300 ml ( a little over 1 ½ cups) which allow for up to 10 hours of continuous diffusion, covering an area that’s at least 500 square feet.
My Favorite Feature
I love that this diffuser holds so much water. No worries about having it turn off in the middle of the night when I’m trying to sleep. One of the early diffusers I had used to turn off at around 4 a.m., after running for about six hours, and it woke me up with a beep every time. Kind of defeats the purpose of diffusing lavender essential oil for a good night’s sleep!
The Pros
As mentioned, it definitely holds a lot of water and can run for a long time, depending on the setting. It can diffuse for up to 10 hours! I also like that it runs very quietly and has a wide, easy-to-fill top as well as an indicator line that can be easily seen. Most other diffusers have a little ridge in the plastic that’s really hard to pick out, especially if you’re under low light. It has plenty of setting options – I can’t imagine anyone would need more than what it offers, and you can turn on the light to use as a nightlight, or keep it off. There are times when I do appreciate having a little light, but others when I have a hard time sleeping with any light at all, so this feature is really a must for me. It also has an excellent mist output – not too much, but not too light. I don’t have to worry about it failing on me anytime soon either, as it comes with a one-year warranty.
The Negatives
The white version looks too much like a medical device – I far prefer the style of the brown, wood-grain diffuser. You may or may not feel the same way. While I do like the soft glow of the light, it is just white, the color doesn’t vary like many other diffusers. Another very minor negative, and something that happens with any diffuser like this one, is that when it has water in it and you remove the lid, some of the liquid may spill out.
Tips For Using
This product is really simple to use, it definitely doesn’t take a genius to figure it out. The instructions are clear and easy to read, and offer a number of good tips as well, such as recommending that the interior be wiped clean when switching out the oils.
Here’s what I’ve found while using it – when taking off the lid, you can prevent puddles on your table or other surfaces it sits on by tapping it a few times first. That’s because a lot of condensation collections underneath the lid while it’s running, so when you remove it, if you don’t tap or move it around a bit first, the water may spill out onto a sensitive surface. Something I’ve learned by using other diffusers is that it’s not a good idea to let water sit inside it for a long period of time, as mildew may start to grow, and that can be very hard to thoroughly clean out. When you aren’t using it, remove all water and let it dry out completely, leaving the lid off.
So did it achieve the company’s goal of providing everything a customer wants? Well, I’m not every customer, but I can say that for myself, it has provided everything I’m looking for in a diffuser.
Think the Plant Therapy AromaFuse Essential Oil Diffuser is for you? Then you can get full details and order your own from this page on the Plant Therapy official website here.
URPOWER 2nd Version Essential Oil Diffuser
The latest version of the URPOWER Essential Oil Diffuser is an upgrade from the first generation product, producing more mist than the original version for adding a scent and moisture to the air in a bedroom, hotel room, an office cubicle and so on. Having had the original version, I decided to make the upgrade and overall am very pleased that I did. I actually loved the first one but did notice that the mist needed a bit of improvement, which is why I pulled the trigger on the second generation product.
The Specifics
The Materials. The unit is made of polypropylene (PP) hard plastic and withstands impact and breakage, and will not leach BPA, so it’s non-toxic too.
5 in 1 Operations. This device serves as a humidifier, an air purifier, an ionizer for beneficial negative ions, a nightlight and an aromatherapy diffuser.
Working Time. It holds 100 ml (almost a half-cup) of water (ordinary tap water is fine) and runs up to six hours. When the water runs out, it automatically shuts off.
Settings and lighting. It includes seven color changing lamps: red, yellow, green, blue, orange, purple, white, and teal, as well as a nightlight and programmable on/off cycles with two adjustable mist settings, intermittent or continuous.
Noise. This diffuser is whisper-quiet, running at a noise level of less than 35 dB.
Style. The unit looks nice just about anywhere, with a modern Japanese design, and can function as a light on a desk, table, or as a bedroom night light. The different lights can create a unique atmosphere of a room, while also making it look more attractive.
My Favorite Feature
While the diffuser is small (3.1″x5.5″), it really pumps out the mist, and it’s incredibly quiet too. But possibly my favorite feature is that you can choose morphing light colors or one specific colored light, matching the color for “light healing” by corresponding to the essential oil you’re diffusing. For example, rose is red, lavender is violet, orange oil is orange, and so on.
The Pros
As this diffuser is small, you can easily carry it with you wherever you go to enjoy a fresh, pleasant, healing scent pretty much anywhere. And, I don’t have to worry about “disturbing the peace” as it’s incredibly quiet. As mentioned, it has a variety of color settings, and I can easily switch to my favorite color, or choose a hue that matches the scent – the LEDs look amazing in the dark. This device also includes a measuring cup so that I know exactly the right amount of liquid to use and don’t have to worry about under- or over-filling. It evens removes pollution, dust, allergens and so on from the air to help create a more healthy environment, and it comes with a one-year guarantee, so there are no worries about poor quality either. Plus, its ionizing ability means I get negative ions that are known for boosting one’s mood and alleviating sad or depressed feelings. I also like that when it runs out of the water it simply stops operating, so there’s no worry about safety issues.
The Negatives
While overall, I love this diffuser, there are a couple of negatives – it lasts only up to six hours, which means that when I use it at bedtime, it’s going to stop working an hour or two before I wake up. It’s not a deal breaker, but I would prefer a device that lasts for at least eight hours for use at night. Also, as it is small, it’s not really effective for a large room like a living room.
Tips For Using
For optimal performance, be sure the water level is just below the max line. If you put too much water in, you’re not going to get enough beneficial mist. Also keep in mind that when there is no water in the reservoir, the device won’t turn on until the reservoir is filled with water again.
Proper maintenance is essential for continuous optimal functioning as well. After about every 5 or 6 uses, it should be cleaned. You can do so by unplugging the unit from its base and filling the reservoir with about two cups of water and two tablespoons of white vinegar. Use a cotton ball or a cloth to wipe it out after allowing the water/vinegar solution to soak for about 10 minutes. Pour out the liquid, being careful not to let it get into the air outlet hole on the side. Never submerge the device in water. Once you’ve cleaned it out, you can air dry it, or use a paper towel to dry the inside and out. Never let the diffuser sit with water in it for long periods – when not in use, clean and dry it thoroughly for storage.
Think the Urpower Essential Oil Diffuser is the one for you? You can get more details and order your own diffuser from this page on Amazon.
VicTsing 300ml Cool Mist Humidifier Ultrasonic Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser
This diffuser is really attractive – one of the reasons I chose it is that I wanted a diffuser to use specifically in my living room, and the light wood grain beautifully matches my furniture. It also has a gorgeous light source and a contemporary, modern look. At the same time, features are important too – it doesn’t take up a lot of room, as it has a compact design (6.6″ x 6.6″ x 5.7″), but it can run up to 10 hours, holding up to 300 ml (1 ¼ cups) water and offers excellent mist output.
The Specifics
The Materials. The shell is a plastic wood-grain color and is smooth to the touch. It is made of PP (Polypropylene), ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), and PC (Polycarbonates), which is lightweight and doesn’t shatter, making it extremely durable. It is not BPA-free, however.
Style. The diffuser has a unique compact egg-shaped design, with a natural looking light faux wood grain finish that goes especially well with wood furniture, and just about any décor.
Water Capacity. The unit holds 300 ml (about 1 ¼ cups) of water and can run up to 10 hours on continuous output, producing up to 30 ml (one ounce) of moisture every hour.
Noise. This device is extremely quiet thanks to ultrasonic technology.
Settings and Lights. There are four-time setting modes: 1 hour, 3 hours, 6 hours and steady on. It also features adjustable LED lighting, allowing the user to choose from 7 colors, and between two modes, either steady or changing color – and, each of those colors can be adjusted between bright and dim.
My Favorite Feature
I especially love the look of this device. It instantly becomes the centerpiece wherever it’s placed, with the light wood grain finish giving it a natural, organic look that goes with a wide range of decor. It looks amazing in my living room – in fact, nearly everyone who’s visited and seen it for the first time remarks at how appealing it is, and it can really set the mood of a room too.
The Pros
I said it before, but it’s worth saying again, this piece is really eye-catching, looking kind of like a fruit or plant with a slim mouth area at the top, where the wonderful smelling mist makes its way out through the room. Of course, looks aren’t everything, this product does what it’s supposed to do and then some. In addition to its appearance, it has great capacity, holding 300 ml, whereas many other diffusers have just a 100 or 120 ml reservoir. It can run continuously for 10 hours on the low mist setting, long enough to run all the way through the night! There are larger diffusers out there, but anything much bigger than this would take up too much room and be difficult to travel with.
Another one of the best features of this unit is that you can set it for however long you’d like it to run: one hour, three hours, six hours or continuously. When using the continuous mode, it automatically shuts off when the water runs out. You’ll also notice how strong the mist is making it a great diffuser for a large room, in fact, in some cases it may reach two or even three rooms. If you don’t want that much coverage or strength, simply adjust it to the low mist setting. I like the lighting options too – you can let it rotate through the colors or set it to one specific color. And, you can use the light without diffusing essential oils if you wish.
The Negatives
While this is a great diffuser, there is one big negative: it’s not BPA-free. It also has one other minor issue in that the top does not screw in or lock in place, so if it gets knocked over (by a cat, or child, for example), there’s no way to prevent a spill.
Tips For Using
Due to the possibility of a spill, be sure to keep your diffuser in a place where it’s least likely to get knocked over. It’s also important to keep your essential oil diffuser in good working order, as it can break if not properly maintained. To clean the VicTsing diffuser, fill it up halfway with clean water, and then add about 10 drops of white vinegar. Allow the diffuser to run for about 5 minutes, which allows the solution to clean the unit. Afterward, unplug and drain it completely of all liquid. Use a cotton ball or cloth that’s been dipped in vinegar to clean out the nooks and crannies, and then rinse it out with clean water. You can air dry it, or use a paper towel.
Think the VicTsing Diffuser is for you? Then you can get all of the details and order your own from this page on Amazon.
URPOWER Essential Oil Diffuser, 400ml Wood Grain Aromatherapy Diffuser Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier with Color LED Lights
This Urpower diffuser has a really large capacity and a gorgeous natural wood grain finish with a unique vase-shaped design that provides a fabulous “zen” kind of look to create a more relaxing environment for any room. It’s easy to operate, extremely quiet and can run for up to 12 hours. It can work as both a humidifier or a diffuser too.
The Specifics
The Materials. This unit is made of PP (Polypropylene), ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), and PC (Polycarbonates), which means it’s incredibly durable. It’s also BPA-free, so there are no toxins to worry about.
Style. The diffuser has a classic wood grain look and a vase-shaped design that makes it a unique centerpiece and practically a work of art.
Water Capacity. The unit holds 400 ml (about 1 ¾ cups) of water and lasts for 6 to 12 hours, depending on the setting.
Noise. This device is whisper quiet, making it ideal for use when sleeping or working.
Settings and Lights. The unit has 4 mist control and timer settings, running for one hour, three hours, six hours or continuously. You can also adjust it for a stronger or weaker mist, and it features seven different light colors that can be cycled through or set to one fixed color. Each color can also be made brighter or dimmer.
My Favorite Feature
There are two things I really love about this diffuser – one is that it has a huge water reservoir so it will last all through the night, and beyond, so I don’t have to worry about it shutting off when I’m sleeping, and two, it’s so quiet I don’t even know it’s on, other than the fact that it really does it’s bit in helping me to relax so that I can get some good shut-eye.
The Pros
I can’t say it enough, the 400 ml water reservoir is incredibly useful to have as it can run for up to 12 hours. I don’t have to worry about it when the water runs out either, as it will automatically shut off. If you don’t want it to run continuously, you can set it to run for either 1 hour, 2 hours or 3 hours instead. And, it’s so quiet, it won’t interrupt your sleep. I have a friend who uses this one for her baby’s room and it never causes any problems there either.
Another outstanding feature of this unit is that you can control the mist – just press the button for a few seconds and it will beep once for a strong mist, or twice for a weaker mist. It also looks really cool, like a piece of beautiful decor, with its vase-like shape. Plus, it has seven different colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet and pink. The fragrance is pretty powerful too, covering fairly large areas – up to over 1,000 square feet.
The Negatives
If you don’t get the lid closed just right, it won’t operate, so you’ll need to make sure the lid is closed to fit perfectly. Of course, that can be a pro too, as you know if it gets tipped over, the water isn’t going to all spill out. You’ll also need to clean the unit at least once a week to ensure proper functioning. Some people find that the LED lights are a bit too bright, but they don’t have to be used, you can simply shut them off.
Tips For Using
As mentioned, it’s important to clean this device at least once per week for proper functioning. You can clean it like you would most other diffusers, by first unplugging it from the power source and then emptying out all water and oils inside. Fill it about halfway with clean water and then add about 10 drops of white vinegar, allowing the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes. Then empty out the water/vinegar solution and use a clean cloth or cotton ball to wipe out any debris, and get into any tight spots. Rinse it with clean water and then air dry, or dry with a paper towel.
With this diffuser, also remember to always add water below, and never above the maxline. Before pressing the “mist” button, ensure that water is added to the reservoir first.
Think the Urpower Wood Grain Diffuser is for you? Then you can get all of the details and pick up your own from this page on Amazon.
Levoit Essential Oil Diffuser
From the makers of one of our favorite Himalayan salt lamps, this Levoit diffuser has a nice natural look, made of beechwood and frosted glass, with a small, compact design that’s ideal for smaller rooms. As it’s just 4.25″ x 4.25″ x 4.09″ it’s also easy to travel around with so that you can enjoy the aromatherapy benefits just about anywhere.
The Specifics
Style. The diffuser is an attractive piece, made with frosted glass and beechwood. It has four rubber feet on the bottom, so it’s sturdy and won’t slide around, and also comes with two extra rubber feet pads.
Water Capacity. The unit holds 120 ml (one half-cup) of water, and runs up to six hours. When the water runs out, it automatically shuts off.
Noise. This unit is very quiet, ideal for use in a baby’s room, while sleeping, working, and doing just about anything else.
Color settings. The device offers seven different color settings so that you can change the color according to your decor, mood or both: purple, blue, cyan, green, yellow, orange, and red.
My Favorite Feature
I like that this device is small so that I can take it with me on the road and enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy in a hotel room, or any other indoor environment. It’s nice to be able to use it as a nightlight in places I’m unfamiliar with, so that I’m not stumbling around in the dark too.
The Pros
This unit is small, so you don’t have to worry about lugging some big device around or having to pay overweight baggage fees when traveling by plane. While it doesn’t have various mist settings, it does have the option to display various changing colors, going through the entire color spectrum, or setting it to one preferred color. It’s very quiet, so you can gently drift asleep to the calming atmosphere you’ve created. And, it automatically shuts off when the water reservoir is emptied, so that you’ll have peace of mind when falling asleep. It also has an outstanding two-year warranty, longer than most, and even lifetime support from Levoit.
The Negatives
This unit is very basic. There aren’t a ton of settings to play around with, and the reservoir is small, something that can be both a pro and a con. It’s ideal for traveling with, but perhaps not so great at home, especially when you want it to run while you’re sleeping, as it’s not going to last more than six hours.
Tips For Using
If you want to use this as a night light, press the button to the left – press it again if you want to stop and let it remain on a specific color. It will beep to let you know you’ve made a selection. The unit comes with two extra rubber grommets – be sure to remove them from the diffuser before use.
Clean the unit after 5-6 times of use by unplugging it from the power source, emptying any water and then filling it halfway with clean water and 10 drops of white vinegar. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes, and then use a cotton ball or cloth to wipe up any debris; rinse with clean water and air dry, or wipe dry with a paper towel.
Think the Levoit Essential Oil Diffuser is for you? Then you can get all the details and order your own from this page on Amazon.
My Absolute Favorite Essential Oil Diffuser Is…
When I first decided to write this article, I set out to discover what the very best essential oil diffuser is. After spending a lot of money on various diffusers and after many hours experimenting with my brand new purchases, I have come to the conclusion that the Plant Therapy AromaFuse Essential Oil Diffuser is the best.
The company has an excellent reputation when it comes to essential oils and I’ve purchased many of their products before from their official website, so there was a good chance this one would finally be the one I’d really want to keep.
The AromaFuse checks all of my must-have boxes, it has:
- An automatic shutoff
- A dimmable LED light
- A large reservoir that can hold 300 ml of water
- It runs for up to 10 hours continuously
- A manufacturer’s warranty
As soon as I got this diffuser, I knew we were a perfect match. It’s just the right size for my limited space and it’s fairly stylish too. But the most important part: it holds lots of water and runs even longer than the time I need to sleep. Unless I get extremely ill, I don’t think I’ll ever sleep for as long as it will run without shutting off, a full 10 hours! I’m lucky if I can squeeze in 7 or 8. It’s also whisper quiet, easy to fill, and the light is dim enough that it won’t bother me when I’m sleeping, or trying to fall asleep either. Plus, I like the mist output, not too much, not too little. Just right. All that and it was inexpensive too. Overall, an excellent value and it does exactly what it’s supposed to without fail. I might just have to invest in another one for my office!
If you think the Plant Therapy AromaFuse Diffuser is for you, then you can purchase it from this page on the official Plant Therapy website.
The Best Essential Oil Diffuser For You?
While the Plant Therapy AromaFuse Diffuser was the best pick for me (and I think it will be for many others), it might not be right for you depending on your wants and needs.
Since testing dozens of essential oil diffusers over the last few months (many very good, but some very poor!), I feel uniquely qualified to help you pick. So take a look below and I’ll recommend the best diffuser for your needs…
The best diffuser for large spaces? The VicTsing Ultrasonic Diffuser
The best portable diffuser? The Levoit Essential Oil Diffuser
The best budget essential oil diffuser? The Urpower 2nd Version Essential Oil Diffuser