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Fragrance any space with these tried-and-true favorites.

The Opalhouse Cutout Ceramic Color Changing Oil Diffuser

Photo:Real Simple

Theres a bit of a learning curve to figure out what the different beeps mean.

Plus, it runs so quietly that we were even able to sleep with it on.

The controls are intuitive, and it beeps discreetly as you adjust the prefs.

Essential Oil Diffuser

PHOTO: Amazon

Adding oil was easyjust lift off the top cover and drop the desired amount into the water reservoir.

Overall, we found this process simply and spill free.

It lasted through six months of testing with no changes in quality or noticeable odors.

Asakuki Rock Essential Oil Diffuser emitting mist

With its sleek design, the Asakuki Rock Essential Oil Diffuser fits in seamlessly with our bedroom decor.PHOTO: Real Simple

With its neutral and minimalistic design, the InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser fits in with any decor and style.

This compact diffuser emits relaxing lights, filling any small room with its fragrance.

Given its portable size, we don’t think it would be as effective in a larger space.

Asakuki Rock Essential Oil Diffuser emitting mist

Cleaning it with water and a baby bottle brush was a breeze, too.

Once you push the button, a green light indicates that the diffuser is on and mist comes out.

The other button correlates with the LED lights, cycling through the colors as you press it.

Asakuki Rock Essential Oil Diffuser emitting mist

After six months of use, the diffuser is still exceeding our expectations.

It only comes in two neutral color options.

We were impressed by the Organic Aromas Raindrop Nebulizing Diffuser’s reach, covering up to 860 square feet.

Asakuki Rock Essential Oil Diffuser emitting mist

We also loved the slight purring noise it made while operating, which we found non-disruptive and surprisingly relaxing.

The timer alternates between two minutes on and one minute off for two hours straight.

After six months of daily use, it still works just as well as the day we got it.

Innogear 100 ml aromatherapy diffuser

PHOTO: Amazon

Its a little pricey, and too-tall essential oil bottles won’t fit in the well properly.

While its one of the pricier models we’ve tried, it feels elevated and top notch.

Aside from these, there are no other light features available.

The InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser with blue light on

The InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser offers seven LED light colors you can cycle through.PHOTO: Real Simple

Once we turned the fan on, the aroma spread around the room wonderfully, lasting about two weeks.

After six months of use, it’s still working perfectly.

One drawback: The diffuser won’t fit tall bottles of essential oils.

Close up of the InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser on wood table

There arent any other color options, and the light cant be switched off.

This small yet mighty 5-inch-tall Eco Nebulizing Diffuser is modern, sleek, and simple.

Throughout six months of use, it’s maintained its quality with no clogs or changes in output.

The InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser with blue light on

The mist was also truly invisible, just as the manufacturer claimed.

Every 50 seconds, the machine dispenses scent for 10 seconds, which sounds like a small pump.

Since there is no water or sticky mess, cleaning simply consists of dusting it every so often.

Close up of the InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser on wood table

If you keep it across the room, the light and scent shouldnt be too much of a problem.

you’re able to’t use it if you don’t have a smart phone.

This diffuser doesnt make any noise whatsoever, so you’ll practically forget it’s there.

Amazon Organic Aromas Raindrop 2.0 Nebulizing Diffuser

PHOTO: Amazon

After two months of use, the diffuser is still exceeding our expectations.

From 10 to 15 feet away, we found the aroma pleasant without being overpowering.

That said, this might not be the best option for those who arent particularly tech savvy.

The Organic Aromas Raindrop Nebulizing Diffuser on top of a side table in use with the lights

With eight colors to choose from, the Organic Aromas Raindrop Nebulizing Diffuser enhances the vibe of any space.PHOTO: Real Simple

For a budget-friendly option, we recommend theInnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser, which offers ambient lighting and noiseless operation.

We then cleaned the diffusers, noting the ease or difficulty of the process.

For portable models, we took them out for a spin and tested how easy they were to transport.

The Organic Aromas Raindrop Nebulizing Diffuser in use with the red light on

Using our findings, we compiled a list of the best essential oil diffusers on the market.

These differ based on the way that they disperse the essential oils into the air.

Nebulizers do not need water to operate and therefore have no tank.

The Organic Aromas Raindrop Nebulizing Diffuser on top of a side table in use with the lights

The tank size is only relevant in relation to how long the machine can run before needing a refill.

“This is a field of plant medicine where more is not necessarily more effective.”

However, ceramic, marble, rattan, and glass diffusers are also available.

The Organic Aromas Raindrop Nebulizing Diffuser in use with the red light on

Some models feature funky lighting with adjustable prefs, and/or interesting shapes and stylish exteriors designed to be displayed.

These are usually best for larger spaces and are typically more expensive.

An extra button may be for the light feature.

Amazon Canopy Waterless Diffuser

PHOTO: Amazon

The most important feature is a timer equipped with an automatic shut-off, Winquist says.

All other nuances are more for aesthetic purposes or efficiency in the case of a remote.

With evaporative diffusers, you just need to swap out the replaceable pads once they become oversaturated.

Closeup of the Canopy Waterless Diffuser on wood table

The Canopy Waterless Diffuser can run for up to two weeks without interruption, and the waterless design requires minimal cleaning.PHOTO: Real Simple

Heat diffusers typically don’t use water, so they require minimal cleaning, as well.

Ultrasonic and nebulizing diffusers have a slightly more involved cleaning process.

We initially struggled taking the top on and off, though this process got easier as time went on.

A hand putting drops of essential oil inside of the Canopy Waterless Diffuser on wood table next to plant

We could smell the essentials from over 10 feet away.

Questions You Might Ask

What are the benefits of a diffuser?

Essential oils work in a multitude of ways, the most immediate and sustainable way being inhalation.

Closeup of the Canopy Waterless Diffuser on wood table

What size essential oil diffuser should I get?

When choosing the right size essential oil diffuser, it’s important to consider the size of your space.

Their smaller tank size also allows for more frequent scent changes.

A hand putting drops of essential oil inside of the Canopy Waterless Diffuser on wood table next to plant

In addition to room size, aesthetics also play a role.

What jot down of essential oils are best to use around pets and children?

If you have pets, there are several essential oils you should never diffuse.

ECO Modern Essentials Nebulizing Diffuser

PHOTO: ECO Modern Essentials

Check thePet Poison Helplinefor complete infoit has specific recommendations for bothdogsandcats.

Context is key, Winquist says.

The most important element to consider is the purity of your essential oils.

The Eco Nebulizing Diffuser on a white table

Despite its compact size, the Eco Nebulizing Diffuser delivers an impressive output, allowing us to smell the fragrance from up to 15 feet away.PHOTO: Real Simple

Know your source and build your own lexicon of purity through study and practice.

Again, just consult your doctor to confirm what’s best for your family.

For this roundup, we tested 24 different oil diffusers over the course of six months.

A person holding up parts of the Eco Nebulizing Diffuser and an essential oil

Aromatherapy for Children: Whats Safe and Whats Not.The Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia.

The Eco Nebulizing Diffuser on a white table

A person holding up parts of the Eco Nebulizing Diffuser and an essential oil

Amazon Pura Smart Fragrance Diffuser

PHOTO: Amazon

The Pura Home Fragrance Diffuser pluged into an outlet

The Pura 3 Home Fragrance Diffuser is so compact and quiet, you’ll practically forget it’s even running.PHOTO: Real Simple

Different fragrances that can be added into the Pura Home Fragrance Diffuser

The Pura Home Fragrance Diffuser pluged into an outlet

Different fragrances that can be added into the Pura Home Fragrance Diffuser

A person adding essential oil into the BZseed Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser

We found that the more essential oil we used, the stronger and longer the scent lasted.Real Simple

The Organic Aromas Raindrop Nebulizing Diffuser in use with the red light on

Many of the essential oil diffusers we tested featured adjustable LED lights, letting you choose your preferred brightness and color.Real Simple

The Homeweeks Essential Oil Diffuser near a record player

Our favorite diffusers were the ones that were discreet and blended in seamlessly with our decor.Real Simple

The Vitruvi Stone Ceramic Diffuser on a wooden side table

Some diffusers ditched the typical plastic casing for more attractive materials—another feature we looked for and loved.Real Simple