The 7 Best Essential Oil Diffusers Of 2023

This device proves you don’t have to spend a ton of money for a quality diffuser. For just under $30, you get a multifunctional device with four mist timer modes, seven changing LED light colors, and four setting options (continuous, 60, 180, and 360 minutes). The unit runs until there’s no more water and essential oil to pull from—and, should you leave it on when you’re not home, there’s an auto-off feature for your peace of mind. Just note, with only one speed setting, there’s not much room for customization. 

That said, over 5,000 Amazon shoppers have given this diffuser a perfect five-star rating. One person writes, “I use this diffuser in my office and usually have an uplifting scent to keep me energized and focused during the workday. I like that the color changes and that it’s really quiet…It lasts for about six hours, which almost covers my full work day. I like the timer setting and the automatic shut-off when empty.”

With a decently large (and easy to clean) water tank, a mist nebulizer mode, seven LED light options, auto-shut off, and four remote-controlled timer options, this diffuser leaves little to be desired. You can select the continuous “on” mode, or set a precise timer to 60, 120, or 180 minutes. What really makes this pick stand out is the option to run the diffuser and humidifier separately or simultaneously.  

Given the diffuser’s compact dimensions, it’s perfect for smaller spaces, such as apartments, bathrooms, or tiny kitchens. The best part? The brand recently upgraded to an ultra-quiet fan for hum-free humidifying and diffusing—so even in close proximity to the diffuser, you won’t hear a peep. 

With over 36,000 ratings, this device has proven to be a fan favorite for those who appreciate peace and quiet. One reviewer shares, “I wasn’t expecting this level of quality for such a good price. I’m going to end up buying a couple more for other rooms in our home. Big water reservoir, quiet, and adjustable. The night light is awesome.”

The Canopy has become one of the most popular devices on the market due to its efficacy as both a diffuser and a humidifier. It’s available in two sizes (regular and plus), to suit a variety of room sizes, with a modern design and multitude of colors that fit any decor. You can buy the diffuser-slash-humidifier on its own, with a filter subscription, or with an aroma subscription. You don’t need to buy the brand’s signature essential oils, but they do smell lovely and fit perfectly in the well (located at the top of the unit). 

Since it doubles as a humidifier that disperses microscopic water molecules into the air, you might notice a subtle hum—but not so loud that it would wake you up in the night. The device has built-in sensors to help optimize the humidity in the room, depending on the time of day. Plus, with dishwasher safe parts, cleaning couldn’t be easier. 

Our commerce editor, Carleigh Ferrante, recently added the Canopy to her home and can attest to how low-maintenance the upkeep is and how soothing the oils smell. She loves that you get two devices in one, and says not a single person has walked into her apartment without commenting on the air quality since she plugged this device in.

Cool mist diffusers are best for dispersing highly concentrated scents into large rooms, as the cool mist respects the integrity of the oils. This pick relies on tiny vibrations to create a cool, odorless water mist that breaks down the essential oils into microscopic particles and disperses them into the air. 

Recommended for medium to large-sized rooms, this diffuser can run for 11 to 22 hours and is whisper-quiet.  

Fans love its sleek design and large reservoir. One shopper shares, “I’m on my second diffuser and I just love them. I like that it has a larger volume capacity and that it runs for a long time. It does exactly what I want it to and it’s rather inconspicuous with my decor.”

A truly unique device, this diffuser highlights the brand’s patented Microdroplet Technology, which allows you to control the diffuser via the accompanying app or an Amazon Alexa. Choose the scent strength (ranging from 1 to 10), monitor the fragrance remaining in each essential oil cartridge, and even schedule run times. 

The diffuser works well for rooms of varying sizes (up to 1,000 square feet) and is very easy to move throughout your home. Although it’s only compatible with the brand’s fragrance blends, they’re strong and last up to eight hours. What’s more, each essential oil is ethically-sourced and hypoallergenic, making this an ideal choice for home use (and safer for children and pets!). 

Amazon customers love the smart features on this device. One says, “I love that I can use my cell phone to get a nice smell drifting through my home when I’m not there or simply don’t want to go downstairs. While I wish there were more features, it’s worth every penny being able to cover that dog scent before I even walk through the door.”

Diffusers and humidifiers have a reputation for being clunky—but the Vitruvi Stone Essential Diffuser is the complete opposite. Designed to look like a simple piece of pottery, the Vitruvi unit can be placed on display or neatly tucked away. With 4- and 8-hour run times, you can choose whichever setting best suits your needs. The diffuser comes equipped with an automatic shut-off feature and an optional LED light that resembles the soft glow of a candle. Best of all, it has a light-free “night mode” feature so it won’t get in the way of your sleep. 

Something to note: Because this diffuser is ultrasonic, it relies on vibrations rather than heat. This means it can get clogged with oil from time to time. If this happens, no need to worry. It simply means it’s time for a deeper clean. Per the brand’s instructions: Fill the reservoir halfway with water, add a tablespoon of white vinegar, and run the diffuser for three to five minutes before emptying and wiping it down. 

No matter your aesthetic, this diffuser will blend in seamlessly. One happy Amazon customer writes, “I was in search of a diffuser that was both aesthetically pleasing and smelled great without giving me a headache. This one first the vibe of my room so well it almost looks as though it’s decor, which I love! The smell is just enough and makes walking into my room, working from home, and falling asleep at night so much better.”

This plug-in diffuser is small but mighty. It’s controlled by an app, so you can schedule diffusing sessions and set timers from afar. Each device holds two fragrances, with the option to toggle between both or create a custom blended scent. Additionally, you can alter the scent intensity and even turn on an ambient LED nightlight to set the vibe.  

Just keep in mind: You can only use the brand’s proprietary fragrances, as others won’t fit properly in the device. While the oils smell great, some people complain about the price ($12 to $15 per vial). 

Otherwise, there are plenty of pleased customers that swear this diffuser has made a huge difference in the ambiance of their environment. One writes, “For someone who constantly has room sprays, candles, wall plugs, you name it…this is a game changer for me! Being able to control the scent intensity, see when it’s about to run out, and have a cute night light, it’s an instant sale for me. I’ve quickly purchased more and will continue to do so.”