Stress Management Management Techniques Relaxation The 10 Best Essential Oil Diffusers of 2022 Transform any room with the Exqline Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser By Emily Stone Emily Stone Emily is a writer specializing in health, wellness, and fitness. She writes about fitness and health products for Verywell Health, Verywell Mind, and Verywell Fit. Learn about our editorial process Updated on October 25, 2021 Fact checked Verywell Mind content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Emily Swaim Fact checked by Emily Swaim LinkedIn Emily is a board-certified science editor who has worked with top digital publishing brands like Voices for Biodiversity, Study.com, GoodTherapy, Vox, and Verywell. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Whether you're seeking stress relief or relaxation, the use of essential oils may help you experience the benefits of aromatherapy. You can use these oils during a massage, in a warm bath, or simply by smelling the contents of a bottle. But Alison Seponara, MS, LPC, Pennsylvania-based licensed professional counselor and anxiety healer, says that one of the best ways to use essential oils for anxiety relief and relaxation is with a diffuser. Reviewed & Approved With a generous water capacity and mist-control knob, the Exqline Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser also functions as a humidifier. If you want to prioritize value for money and ease of use, go for the Tagital 300ml Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser. There are a variety of essential oil diffusers on the market, and while they may look different, they're all designed to spread a therapeutic aroma throughout the room. Dispersing the oils in the form of breathable mist, diffusers are a safe and popular alternative to synthetic air fresheners and scented candles. We researched dozens of essential oil diffusers and evaluated them for reviews, safety, design, value, coverage area, capacity, mist output, and additional features. Each essential oil diffuser chosen is determined to be the best based on these factors. Based on our reviews, here are the best essential oil diffusers on the market. Our Top Picks Best Water Capacity: Exqline Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser at Amazon Jump to Review Best with Humidifier: HoMedics 2-in-1 Warm & Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier at Walmart Jump to Review Best Budget: Tagital 300ml Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser at Walmart Jump to Review Best with Remote Control: URPOWER 1000ml Essential Oil Diffuser at Amazon Jump to Review Best Splurge: VITRUVI Essential Oil Diffuser at Nordstrom Jump to Review Best Portable: SOICARE Car Diffuser at Amazon Jump to Review Best Nebulizing: ArOmis Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser at Amazon Jump to Review Best with Alarm Clock: Daroma Alarm Clock Diffuser at Amazon Jump to Review Best Smart: Sierra Modern Home Smart Essential Oil Diffuser at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Kids: SpaRoom OceanMist Essential Oil Diffuser at Wayfair Jump to Review Best Water Capacity Exqline Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser 4.6 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Diffuser and humidifier Control mist output Quiet Cons Scent may not last Must clean regularly Lid must be completely removed to refill The most significant feature of this diffuser is the exceptionally large water tank. With a capacity of 1,500 milliliters of water, the Exqline diffuser can run between 10 to 20 hours, depending on the mist setting. Plus, the 270-degree knob allows for a much greater degree of control over the level of fragrant mist and humidity emitted. This BPA-free unit functions as both a humidifier and an aromatherapy diffuser, humidifying rooms up to 325 square feet and diffusing essential oils in spaces up to 450 square feet. The whisper-quiet diffuser also features seven different lighting options to conform to different environments and times of the day. Price at time of publication: $40 Dimensions: 5.7 x 5.7 x 9.5 inches | Capacity: 1,500 milliliters | Auto Shutoff: Yes | Run Time: Up to 20 hours | Type: Ultrasonic Best with Humidifier HoMedics 2-in-1 Warm & Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier Walmart View On Walmart View On Homedics.com Pros Diffuser and humidifier Remote control operation 360-degree nozzle Warm or cool mist Cons Difficult to clean extension wand Warm mist is not very warm This ultrasonic humidifier features the best of both worlds. The duo-unit humidifies the air with both cool and warm mist options, while the essential oil tray adds versatility. Choose to dispense essential oils while humidifying the room, or use the features independently. Notably, this humidifier runs for up to 25 hours with auto-shutoff when the water tank is low. The 360-degree nozzle provides maximum coverage for spaces up to 200 square feet, and settings are easily adjustable with the compatible remote control. The tall, sleek silhouette is designed to sit nicely on a tabletop or on the floor. The unit is also armed with clean tank technology, which helps protect the tank from growing mold and mildew. Price at time of publication: $54 Dimensions: 6.3 x 6.3 x 28.94 inches | Capacity: 2,000 milliliters | Auto Shutoff: Yes | Run Time: Up to 25 hours | Type: Ultrasonic Best Budget Tagital 300ml Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser Walmart View On Walmart Pros Color changing LED lights Four timed misting modes Quiet Cons Better for small spaces Must refill frequently This budget-friendly diffuser is easy to operate with only four steps to get started. Simply fill the water tank, add a few drops of essential oil, connect the unit to a power source, and set the mist and lighting to the desired settings. The mist controls offer three timers, along with continuous mode. Seven colored LED lights also provide aesthetic versatility to any space. Inspired by nature, this ultrasonic diffuser features a wood-grain coating that subtly fits into any room, and it operates both as an essential oil diffuser and a humidifier. The Tagital 300ml Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser runs quietly for up to nine hours and automatically shuts off when the water tank is empty. Price at time of publication: $24 Dimensions: 6.70 x 6.70 x 5.00 inches | Capacity: 300 milliliters | Auto Shutoff: Yes | Run Time: Up to 10 hours | Type: Ultrasonic The 10 Best Books For Anxiety of 2023, According to an Expert Best with Remote Control URPOWER 1000ml Essential Oil Diffuser Amazon View On Amazon Pros Wireless remote control Different timer settings Nightlight function High and low mist modes Cons Buttons may wear over time This 3-in-1 essential oil diffuser not only dispenses your favorite scent but also functions as a nightlight and humidifier. It comes with a wireless remote control so you can manage settings from over 16 feet away. Housing a 1,000-milliliter water tank, this diffuser runs for up to 23 hours in low mist mode. Choose from multiple timed intervals and adjustable mist modes for a personalized experience. The seven LED light settings allow the unit to be used as a night-light, or several functions can be combined for a multi-sensory experience. Price at time of publication: $42 Dimensions: 7.8 x 7.8 x 4.7 inches | Capacity: 1,000 milliliters | Auto Shutoff: Yes | Run Time: Up to 20 hours | Type: Ultrasonic The 8 Best Light Therapy Lamps of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best Splurge VITRUVI Porcelain Essential Oil Diffuser 4.2 VITRUVI View On Nordstrom View On Goop.com View On Havenwellwithin.com Pros Attractive silhouette Candle-like glow Multiple neutral colors Cons Low capacity water tank Expensive If you're searching for a high-quality, high-performing essential oil diffuser that's both attractive and effective, look no further than the Vitruvi Porcelain Essential Oil Diffuser. This sleek diffuser is made out of fine porcelain with a gorgeous matte ceramic finish. It also has a BPA-free plastic base. Choose from two settings including a continuous four-hour mist, or intermittent misting for eight hours. This model boasts an automatic shutoff feature, which is triggered once the diffuser is out of water or battery. Since it’s cordless and weighs only a pound, the Vitruvi Porcelain Essential Oil Diffuser is the perfect decor piece for bedside tables, dressers, and desks. For best results, the manufacturer recommends using 20 to 25 drops of essential oil. Price at time of publication: $123 Dimensions: 3.4 x 7 inches | Capacity: 90 milliliters | Auto Shutoff: Yes | Run Time: Up to 8 hours | Type: Ultrasonic The 11 Best Places to Buy Essential Oils of 2022 Best Portable SOICARE Car Diffuser Amazon View On Amazon Pros Easy to use Portable and compact Quiet Cons No intermittent mode Best for small spaces Small water tank No larger than a smartphone, this handy, compact diffuser fits seamlessly into a purse, backpack, or cup holder for diffusing on the go. It has a cord organizer built into the bottom, and it can be plugged into a USB port or powered using an external battery. The SOICARE Car Diffuser has an auto-shutoff feature, it's double-sealed, and it automatically shuts off if tipped over—keeping all devices safe and dry. This simple, two-button design is easy to operate and runs for up to six hours when filled with water. The mini diffuser features seven color-changing light modes that beautifully line the rim. This BPA-free ultrasonic diffuser is the ideal travel companion and is popular for use in the car, office, bathroom, and even in small bedrooms. Choose from black, white, pink, and turquoise. Price at time of publication: $18 Dimensions: 2.99 x 2.99 x 5.04 inches | Capacity: 60 milliliters | Auto Shutoff: Yes | Run Time: Up to 6 hours | Type: Ultrasonic Best Nebulizing ArOmis Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser Amazon View On Amazon View On Aromis.co Pros Easy to use Fills room quickly Aesthetically pleasing Cons May be too loud Needs a lot of oil Nebulizing diffusers provide a fast-acting aroma that’s often viewed as the most effective way to diffuse essential oils while maintaining their purity. Avoid water, heat, and plastic with the ArOmis Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser, which comes with a hand-blown glass diffuser bottle and top, a natural wooden base, and a power cord. This diffuser is user-friendly and it quickly and evenly fills rooms averaging 800 square feet with therapeutic scent. For intermittent diffusing, use the built-in timer to diffuse every ten minutes for four hours. All ArOmis products come with a one-year warranty and the company offers U.S.-based service and replacement parts to keep your unit running like new for years to come. Price at time of publication: $130 Dimensions: 10 x 4 x 4 inches | Capacity: 20-40 drops of essential oil | Auto Shutoff: Yes | Run Time: 4 hours | Type: Nebulizing Best with Alarm Clock Daroma Alarm Clock Essential Oil Diffuser Amazon View On Amazon Pros Alarm clock Bluetooth speaker Diffusing timers Cons Clock may be too bright Must remove lid completely to refill Discrete buttons The ultrasonic Daroma Alarm Clock Essential Oil Diffuser is a sleek pick that also functions as an alarm clock, a Bluetooth speaker, and a mood or nightlight to simplify your countertop space. Choose to display the time via a digital display that uniformly blends right into the wooden speaker. For times when you wish to humidify the air without scent, this unit can be used solely as a humidifier. The compact, square diffuser features a wood-grain base with user-friendly buttons to control music, light, and mist output—including 1-, 3-, and 5-hour timers. This quiet ultrasonic diffuser breaks down essential oils and water into an ultra-fine mist to create a relaxing, fragrant environment. The Daroma Alarm Clock Essential Oil Diffuser is offered in light and dark wood grain with seven color-changing LED light settings. Price at time of publication: $37 Dimensions: 3.6 x 3.7 x 2.0 inches | Capacity: 300 milliliters | Auto Shutoff: Yes | Run Time: Up to 10 hours | Type: Ultrasonic The 7 Best Self-Help Books to Change Your Life Best Smart Sierra Modern Home Smart Essential Oil Diffuser Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Pairs with smart devices Allows you to set timers and schedules Seven lighting modes Cons Complicated Wi-Fi setup Can’t use Alexa to adjust mist levels The Smart Diffuser by Sierra Modern Home uses silent, ultrasonic technology to emit an ultra-fine, aromatic mist. Connect via Wi-Fi and control the diffuser from your smart device including turning it on and off, setting timers and schedules, adjusting the mist intensity, and LED lighting. It's also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Choose from a variety of lighting options and power the diffuser on and off via voice command or through the companion app. The Smart Diffuser by Sierra Modern Home features a 400-milliliter water tank delivering up to 12 hours of continuous mist. Price at time of publication: $60 Dimensions: 8.94 x 6.85 x 6.73 inches | Capacity: 400 milliliters | Auto Shutoff: Yes | Run Time: Up to 12 hours | Type: Ultrasonic Best for Kids SpaRoom Kids Korner OceanMist Essential Oil Diffuser macys View On Wayfair View On Macy's Pros Playful exterior design Four lighting modes Long run time Cons No remote control No digital display Aromatherapy is generally safe for kids, as long as it's administered safely and with supervision. This kid-friendly essential oil diffuser from SpaRoom dispenses a gentle stream of fragrant mist throughout a child's room. With variable mist control, it’s easy to adjust the output. Running up to 24 hours, the OceanMist Essential Oil Diffuser offers both continuous and intermittent modes, and it covers rooms up to 299 square feet. The unit also offers auto-shutoff for safe use. This brightly-colored exterior showcases an assortment of animated sea creatures, along with a color-changing aquarium light show. Dimensions: 4.3 x 4.3 x 7 inches | Capacity: 300 milliliters | Auto Shutoff: Yes | Run Time: Up to 24 hours | Type: Ultrasonic The Best Stress Management Books, Recommended by a Counselor Final Verdict If you're looking for a reliable essential oil diffuser that won't break the bank, the Tagital Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser (view at Walmart) is a good choice. It features four misting modes and you can control how long it operates thanks to a self shut-off timer. Designed with a wood grain coating and colored LED lights, the diffuser can also add a decorative element to any room. If you're fine with spending a bit more, the VITRUVI Porcelain Essential Oil Diffuser (view at Amazon) won't leave you disappointed. It has a smooth, attractive silhouette and it puts off a candle-like glow. Some standout features include an automatic shutoff function, a cordless design, and up to eight hours of run time. What to Look for in an Essential Oil Diffuser Type Ultrasonic The most common type of essential oil diffuser is an ultrasonic diffuser. This method uses ultrasonic vibrations to break down the mixture of water and essential oils to produce a cool, fine mist that simultaneously humidifies the air. Alison Seponara, MS, LPC prefers this method of diffusing as it only requires a small amount of essential oil to envelope one’s space in a lasting scent. She adds that ultrasonic diffusers are often very easy to operate. Nebulizing As the most powerful, fast-acting mode of defusing, a nebulizing essential oil diffuser uses pressurized air to emit a fine mist—which translates into releasing the oils in their purest form. This method is often utilized for therapeutic benefits due to its potency. On the other hand, nebulizing diffusers do come with a bit more noise, often producing a humming sound. Evaporative Evaporative essential oil diffusers disperse fragrant oil through evaporation. This type of diffuser comes in two styles, both with and without a fan. The traditional evaporative diffuser contains a pad or filter to house the essential oils and an internal fan to circulate the oil particles throughout the room. The simplified version comes without a fan and relies on natural airflow to disperse the fragrance. Evaporative diffusers are generally budget-friendly and are ideal for smaller spaces. Heat As the name suggests, a heat essential oil diffuser heats the oil until the particles evaporate and disperse into the air. The most effective heat diffusers use low levels of heat to slowly and evenly evaporate the oil molecules into the air. The heating source may come in many forms including electricity, a candle, or a lamp ring (similar to a ring light). Each style uses a tray to hold the oil near the heat source. The downside to this method is that heat can change the chemical properties of the essential oil and in some cases, limit the benefits. Timers and Auto Shutoff Timers allow users to run the diffuser for a set amount of continuous or intermittent run time without having to manually start and stop each session. This also helps conserve oil. For those who like to diffuse at night, setting a timer before falling asleep is helpful so that the diffuser doesn’t run all night long. Not only is this a waste of oil but it’s not recommended to diffuse for extended periods of time. Having an auto-shutoff feature is a must-have for safety reasons along with preserving the longevity of the diffuser. Auto shutoff kicks in when the water tank is low to protect the diffuser from burning out. Size When considering an essential oil diffuser, think about the size of the room you plan to use most for diffusing. For optimal results, the room's size should align with the diffuser's area coverage range. Another key metric to consider is capacity. The larger the reservoir or water tank, the longer the diffuser will run without needing a refill. On the other hand, if you enjoy defusing a different scent each session, you may benefit from a diffuser with a smaller capacity. Noise Level Consider the noise level associated with each type of diffuser. If you’re someone who enjoys diffusing at night or while doing work, a silent or whisper-quiet model might be your best bet. For the most part, ultrasonic and heat diffusers are quiet, while nebulizing diffusers tend to produce the most noise of the bunch. Some fans on evaporative diffusers come with a slight soundtrack. On the other hand, there are some people who choose a diffuser with a bit of vibrating noise as it's light enough to aid in relaxation and sleep. Others prefer silence. Frequently Asked Questions How many drops of essential oil should you put in your diffuser? The general guidance surrounding essential oil quantities for diffusing suggests starting slowly until you get used to a scent and know how your body reacts. The number of drops you put into a diffuser depends on the unit’s size. Diffusers under 100 milliliters require three to five drops, a 200-milliliter unit requires six to ten drops, a 300-milliliter unit requires nine to 12 drops, and a 400-milliliter unit requires 12 to 15 drops.If you’re using more than one essential oil, divide the total number of drops needed by the different scents. For instance, a 200-milliliter unit may be filled with three drops of lavender essential oil and three drops of bergamot—not six of each. How to clean an essential oil diffuser Before the first scrub down, always check a diffuser’s cleaning protocols to ensure its longevity. Get acquainted with the unit’s layout—like the placement of the reservoir’s drainage outlet—to avoid getting water inside any electrical parts. It's also important to note that while some people like to clean with vinegar, some manufacturers state that doing so will automatically void the warranty of certain models. For optimal performance and longevity of an ultrasonic diffuser, empty and dry out the diffuser’s water tank after each use and give it a quick wipe down using a microfiber cloth. For a deeper clean, use the tiniest bit of plant-based dish soap in the water reservoir. Then rinse with water and let the parts air dry. Next, dip a Q-tip in rubbing alcohol and glide over the ultrasonic chip or plate to remove any excess oil. Some people prefer to wipe down the base and lid with a baby wipe.To clean a nebulizing diffuser, use a dropper to add a few milliliters of rubbing alcohol to the reservoir. Turn on the diffuser for anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes. Pour the liquid out and let it air dry. If the diffuser has a quick-change top, simply soak the top in rubbing alcohol for 30 minutes to an hour and let it air dry.For evaporative diffusers, if the pad is reusable, ideally wash it between uses. Clean the tray with warm water and plant-based dish soap using a soft, microfiber cloth. Also, use the cloth to gently dust the fan blades. For a heat or electronic essential oil diffuser, after the unit cools, use this same method to clean the tray and wipe off the heat plate. How long should you run an essential oil diffuser? In general, aromatherapists suggest running an essential oil diffuser for 30 minutes at a time. One of the dangers of leaving it on all day is that the oils can cause sensitivity or allergic reactions in some cases."I personally like to diffuse for about an hour at a time," Seponara said. "Most diffusers have timers which makes this easy because it shuts off automatically. I sometimes will do this a couple of times a day." What essential oils are safe to diffuse around pets? For pet owners, Tina Wismer, DVM explains that in many cases, it's ok to use an essential oil diffuser for short periods of time in a secured area. Wismer is a Senior Director of Toxicology at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. "With inhalation from using an essential oil diffuser, the concern is more about respiratory irritation than exposure to a specific scent," she said.Diffusing should be avoided around cats and dogs with a history of asthma or respiratory problems as well as around birds, which are known to have extremely sensitive respiratory tracts. In addition, small animals like hamsters and guinea pigs may not be able to move away from the aroma and can intake high amounts of vapor.Wismer advises pet owners to “pet-proof” each designated diffusing space. If your pet has been in direct contact with essential oils and is experiencing health issues, contact your veterinarian or call APCC’s hotline at (888) 426-4435. Why Trust Verywell Mind Emily Stone is a Chicago-based journalist specializing in wellness and lifestyle content. She researches and reviews products for Verywell Fit, Verywell Health, and Verywell Mind. As a health and wellness writer, she is all about clean, green products and is passionate about seeking out reliable, honest brands. 3 Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Lis-Balchin M. Essential oils and “aromatherapy”: their modern role in healing. Journal of the Royal Society of Health. 1997;117(5):324-329. Orecchio S. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (Pahs) in indoor emission from decorative candles. Atmospheric Environment. 2011;45(10):1888-1895. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. How Aromatherapy Can Help Children. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit