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When I walk into a home, the first thing I notice isn’t what I see—it’s what I smell. I make it a point to always make sure my apartment smells good, whether I’m using one of my luxury candles or a stick of incense (my personal favorites are these from City of Scents). I want my space to make a good first, second, and third impression, and it also makes me smile when I walk into my home and still smell the candle I used hours ago. However, if burning anything in your home makes you nervous, thankfully, there’s another alternative for anyone obsessed with scenting their space: essential oil diffusers.
Our top picks for the best oil diffusers of 2025
These handy devices release minuscule droplets of essential oils, instantly perfuming the air with scents that resemble expensive fragrances. Many of the ones available today also come with extra features, like an app to customize the scent, LED lights to provide mood lighting or act as a night light, or a built-in humidifier. However, with such a plethora of devices to choose from, trying to purchase one can end up causing some serious decision paralysis. To prevent you from experiencing that, we combed the internet for top-rated options, read through hundreds of customer reviews, and compared and contrasted the tools' characteristics to round up the eight best essential oil diffusers we could find.
Pros
Remote-controlled
Lasts for over 12 hours
Cons
Some reviewers noted short cable
This diffuser has racked up over 61,000 ratings on Amazon, and over 20,000 customers have added it to their carts in the past month alone. The reasons are obvious: it’s notably quiet, comes with a remote, and has multiple control settings, including the color of the light, how long you want the diffuser to stay on, and if you want it to mist intermittently. Additionally, you can use the light function even when you aren’t diffusing any oils, so you don’t have to make space for another lighting situation on your bedside table.
Capacity: 500ml
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “The diffuser itself is fantastic. It has a remote, which is incredibly convenient, and the size is perfect—it lasts up to 18 hours without needing constant refilling. It works immediately upon turning it on, with no need to warm up, and it’s really quite pretty, adding a nice touch to the room’s decor. I bought this diffuser because I have a cold, and the heater has been making the air dry, so the claim about offering healthy humidity is definitely appealing. Time will tell how well that works, but so far, it’s doing its job beautifully.”
Pros
Lasts for weeks
Not too strong
Cons
Some have difficulty connecting device to Wi-Fi
Fun fact about me: I used to wear Nest fragrances to bed every night. Something about the perfumery’s blends soothed me right to sleep. Thanks to Pura, you, too, can mist those calming scents into the air before, during, and after bedtime with this plug-in diffuser. You can control the intensity, alternate between fragrances, and set the timer all through an app on your phone.
Capacity: Two fragrances
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I have tried so many scents and applicator machines/plug-ins throughout the years. Nest scents and the Pura plug-in are superior. Currently, grapefruit and bamboo are my go-to scents. They last for over six weeks depending on your settings.”
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Pros
Ceramic material
Two time settings
Cons
Scent may not be strong enough for some
Vitruvi’s option prioritizes form and function and will fit right in among your other ceramic pieces. The brand thought of everything; when the oil diffuser runs out of water, it will automatically shut off, and it comes with a lifetime warranty. The chic device also comes in black, gray, and light brown (did someone say Mocha Mousse?).
Capacity: 90ml
Amazon rating: 4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This is nice quality, and I love that it’s ceramic. It goes with all my other vases and things. This looks so nice and expensive and works wonderfully. It makes my house smell amazing, and it travels from room to room. I love this so much, and I’m so happy I bought it. I highly highly recommend this, and I would absolutely repurchase it.”
Pros
Quiet
Cord on the longer side
Cons
Some find it difficult to put the lid back on
This diffuser-humidifier combo holds an impressive amount of water, which means it can last hours without needing a refill. The material is also easy to wipe down and clean, which is important, as diffusers should be cleaned frequently to prevent bacteria and mold growth.
Capacity: 300ml
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “So far, this lives up to its reputation. Even though it is inexpensive, it works flawlessly. I recommend.”
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Pros
Connects to phone via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
Can blend multiple fragrances
Cons
Only compatible with Atmos fragrances
Atmos’ diffuser holds up to three of the brand’s fragrances. Using an app, you can switch between them and even combine two (or all three) of them to create your own bespoke home scent. The fragrances themselves aren’t one-note, either—some notable ones include Comfort, a blend of banana bread, cinnamon, and vanilla, and Bouquet, a cocktail of honeysuckle, rose, lavender, and sandalwood.
Capacity: Three fragrances
An Atmos reviewer says: “I’ve already gotten tons of compliments about how my home smells. It’s pretty much the first thing people mention when they come over.”
Pros
Works as a night light
Four timer settings
Cons
Does not work without water
Two to three drops of oil and about five ounces of water are all you need to perfume your home or office for hours. Depending on your mood, you can switch between seven different LED light colors.
Capacity: 150ml
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I recently purchased this diffuser with built-in lights, and I am absolutely thrilled with it! Not only does it fill my space with a soothing, aromatic mist, but the lights create an atmosphere that's nothing short of magical. The changing colors are vibrant yet calming, offering a soft, ambient glow that’s perfect for relaxation or setting the mood in any room. The diffuser operates quietly, and the mist lasts for hours, ensuring long-lasting comfort throughout the day or night. Whether I’m unwinding with a book or enhancing the ambiance for a cozy evening, this diffuser has become an essential part of my daily routine. Its sleek design fits beautifully into any decor, and I love the option to customize the light settings. Overall, this is a must-have for anyone who enjoys a peaceful and inviting environment.”
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Pros
No spill risk
Easily portable
Cons
Only accommodates one oil at a time
If you’re traveling and want to take a diffuser with you, Saje’s waterless diffuser is probably your best bet. That way, you can indulge in aromatherapy wherever you are without accidentally leaking water in your carry-on or lugging around an oversized device.
Capacity: One fragrance
Saje rating: 5/5 stars
Pros
Seven light settings
Can go a long time between refills
Cons
Scent may not be intense enough for some
This diffuser acts like a humidifier, helping combat dry air that can make breathing hard in the colder months. Plus, it’s a real looker with its unique shape and faux wood exterior.
Capacity: 550ml
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This has me burning fewer candles and keeping my house smelling better longer! It's all-natural and lasts all night long.”
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How long should I leave my diffuser on?
It all depends on the oil, the diffuser, and the size of your room, so pay close attention to the diffuser’s directions. However, you should always ensure that the room you’re using it in is well-ventilated, as breathing in too much of the oils at once can be detrimental to the lungs.
Are oil diffusers safe for pets?
As a general rule, pet owners should avoid diffusing essential oils in their homes, as certain oils can even be toxic for certain animals. Consult your veterinarian for more information regarding your specific pets.
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Why Trust Elle Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, beauty writer Carol Lee searched the internet for top-rated oil diffusers, perused sites for dozens of popular options, and evaluated each on their features and customer reviews.
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