This Chic Essential Oil Diffuser Looks Like an Art Piece (2024)

Vitruvi's stylish yet efficient diffuser scored the highest marks across every category of our tests. Emitting a solid stream without being too overpowering scent-wise, its slim build means it won't take up too much shelf room — though testers reported it still gives a good output. The thin light strip on the bottom is optional for those who prefer to keep their rooms dark at night. Many testers compared its sleek, simple ceramic design to a piece of art. "The fresh hues are perfect to add some color to your space while you indulge in your everyday rituals, whether that’s a long bath, cooking dinner or reading your favorite book," says Vitruvi founder Sara Panton. If there's one downfall, it's the price.

Water capacity: 100 ml | Maximum mist time: 8 hours | Dimensions: 3.4 x 3.4 x 7 inches | Material: Ceramic

Escape your space with this affordable model that uses seven different mood lights fit for an added bit of ambience. Its sleek, faux-wood design complements décor well. Like many other models, it automatically shuts off when it runs out of water, and you can choose between continuous and interval mist settings, although some reviewers say the output isn't as powerful as others. Though we haven't tested it in the Lab, Amazon reviewers call out its functionality in small rooms like bathrooms or offices.

Water capacity: 100 ml | Maximum mist time: 6 hours | Dimensions: 3.1 x 3.1 x 5.5 inches | Material: Plastic

At just $16 and a 4.5 out 5-star Amazon rating, the Innogear essential oil diffuser is the whole package. Let any of its four faux wood designs reside in clean, minimalistic areas or opt for the basic white that shows off its built-in LED lights. The top of the Innogear features a lock close at the base, which makes it easier to fill and transport from room to room without spilling. The only note shoppers made was that it gave off a humming sound, which is common in diffusers but notable enough on this one, and it doesn't have an auto shut-off capability.

Water capacity: 100 ml | Maximum mist time: 6 to 8 hours | Dimensions: 5.51 x 3.94 x 3.94 inches | Material: Polypropylene

With more than 47,000 ratings, the Asakuki Smart Wi-Fi model is one of Amazon's best-selling diffusers. It impressed just as much during our tests, still emitting a solid mist stream for hours after the others ran out of water. Its large water tank and compatibility with Amazon Echo's Alexa make it ideal for anyone who wants to infuse a large area (like a living room) while controlling the device from their phone or via voice, though some reviewers reported trouble with voice command. Set up sleep timers, adjust the lighting and control the mist mode remotely!

Water capacity: 500 ml | Maximum mist time: 16 hours | Dimensions: 6 x 6 x 5 inches | Material: Plastic

From sound machines to foot spas, Homedics impresses our experts and GH staffers alike with its relaxing gadgets. The two-in-one humidifier and essential oil diffuser may even help to hydrate skin by using a cool humidifying setting that shoppers say disperses into a fine, even mist. Fret not for constant refills: The humidifier holds up to 0.5-gallons of water, which tallies up to 25 hours of runtime, per the brand. Much like a traditional diffuser, it comes with seven colored night lights, though some reviewers complain they're a bit too bright. Simply add your essential oil of choice to the included tray pad.

Water capacity: 0.5 gallons | Maximum mist time: 25 hours | Dimensions: 8.75" x 8.75" x 10.38" inches | Material: Plastic

Small and sleek, the Stadler Form's Jasmine diffuser became a quick favorite among our testers who enjoyed its elegant look without the high markup. The matte finish easily blends in with other popular tech gadgets (one tester said it resembles an Amazon Echo). We love its easy setup and found it lasted longer than some of the diffusers with similar water capacities, although some reviewers noted the interior gets stained by oils. Plus, our surveys show it's not a hassle to clean.

Water capacity: 100 ml | Maximum mist time: 21 hours | Dimensions: 5.1 x 5.1 x 3.5 inches | Material: Plastic

Designed with sleek ribbed lines, the Jack & Rose corded electric diffuser is one of the more stylish diffusers we've found. It can switch between seven colored lights, and its lightweight build makes it easy to move to different parts of the room. Some found it filled a bedroom well while others said it wasn't strong enough to diffuse a large room like a living room. Others noted they found it difficult to remove the lid for refills. However, should issues arise, many shoppers praised their "professional and outstanding" customer service.

Water capacity: 500 ml | Maximum mist time: 20 hours | Dimensions: 5.1 x 5.1 x 3.5 inches | Material: Plastic

This extra tall humidifier and diffuser comes with a removable attachment wand for extra height and versatile table-to-floor use. "That extra piece is a game-changer," said one GH tester. "I have it on my nightstand with the extension so it can be taller than my lamp without wetting it." In addition to its cool setting, the 360-degree nozzle sends out bursts of warm mist — great for humidifying — while the essential oil tray simultaneously infuses the room with scents.

Water capacity: 2 L | Maximum mist time: 25 hours | Dimensions: 6 x 6 x 15.88 inches | Material: Plastic

An essential oil diffuser doesn't get more discreet than this, but don't let looks deceive: This plug-in wall diffuser is a smart device, which explains the steeper-than-average price. Download the Pura app to control the scent intensity, create custom schedules and switch between the two oils fitted inside. Per the brand, it infuses a space up to 1,000 square feet with its scents. The starter device comes with refreshing aqua and yuzu citron, but the brand frequently collaborates with fragrance brands like Nest and Capri Blue, too.

Water capacity: Not listed | Maximum mist time: 100 hours | Dimensions: 9.37 x 4.75 x 3.12 inches | Material: Not listed

In addition to a 400ml ultrasonic essence diffuser, this set also comes with 10 essential oils including lavender, eucalyptus, tea tree, orange, peppermint, lemongrass, jasmine, nutmeg, clove and spearmint oils. Though some reviewers say it requires frequent cleaning, it's an Amazon best-seller, popular for its cheaper price tag, seven light settings and four-timer feature. One Amazon reviewer raved about the latter: "I usually start the six-hour timer before bed to get the oils started in the bedroom and then it turns off in the middle of the night."

Water capacity: 400 ml | Maximum mist time: 6 hours | Dimensions: 7.05 x 6.93 x 6.77 inches | Material: Wood

Thanks to its compact size, reviewers say this petite pick is perfect for leaving on your desktop or even stashing in the car. The diffuser can continuously mist for about six hours. Users also like that it's easy to install — simply plug it in, tap to power on and hold down the same button to start diffusing. The USB compatibility makes it easy to charge wherever you are, although the outlet plug is sold separately.

Water capacity: 80 ml | Maximum mist time: 6 hours | Dimensions: 5.04 x 4.45 x 2.52 inches | Material: Plastic

✔️ Types: Essential oil diffusers generally come in a few different variations. Here are the difference, per Rachel Rothman, the chief technologist and executive technical director at the GH Institute:

• Ultrasonic diffusers, the most common essential oil diffuser, use vibration to disperse water into a fine mist. This type is ideal for those who want a simple essential oil diffuser since they generally require less power and are lower maintenance to clean.
• Evaporative diffusers use a filter and a fan and may function with or without water. These work better for small rooms since the oils aren't dispersed as far.
• Nebulizing diffusers blast a high pressure air stream into a small tube, which draws the oils and then releases as a pleasant aroma without using water. That means they're great if you want to fill a large room with scent, since they disperse essential oils faster and at a higher concentration.

✔️Automatic timer: Built-in features like an automatic shut-off timer is ideal for those who want a set it and forget it experience, since this turns off the device after a certain time setting or once the water has hit pan for safety purposes.

✔️ Light settings: Those who want a more soothing effect or a night light can look for diffusers with rotating color settings. Most machines offer ambient colors that double as night lights, but if you prefer your room to get completely dark, make sure there are adjustable light settings.

✔️ Run time: Note that a diffuser's average use time can vary upon its stream output and water capacity, not necessarily the size. If you prefer less water refills and more economical oil use, pay close attention to the run times we outlined for each pick. Some options like Vitruvi claim eight hours while a few Amazon options can range up to 20 hours. Some portable ones like the 80 mL option above boast six hours of run time, while pint-sized ones with 400 mL water capacity can last an entire day and night.

✔️ Cleaning: The maintenance of an essential oil diffuser should be minimal. Simply clean your unit with a microfiber cloth after every few uses to prevent essential oils from building up, or just drop a teaspoon of white vinegar into the diffuser and let it run. Otherwise, it can cause the quality of your machine to degrade faster.

Once you've found the perfect diffuser, you'll want a good set of essential oils to match. Lavender and peppermint aside, some lesser-known oils have been studied to see if they combat pain, insomnia and more. Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab Executive Director Birnur Aral recommends geranium oil, bergamot oil and ylang ylang. The pleasant-scented geranium oil is proven to offer anti-inflammatory, sedative, anxiety-reducing and muscle-relaxing benefits. For a bit of mental reprieve, bergamot oil reduces stress, while ylang ylang boosted self-esteem in test groups.

With that said, essential oils are best suited for aromatherapy as much more formal research is still needed on its benefits: "The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies essential oils as food supplements, not drugs," says Dr. Patrick, "and there is no evidence to suggest essential oils are effective (or safe) as the primary treatment of diseases and symptoms that fall outside the mind-body connection."