Best Essential Oil Diffusers: Reviews & What I Use

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Wellness Mama » Blog » Health » Best Essential Oil Diffusers: Reviews & What I Use

I’ve posted before about why we don’t use scented candles and what we use instead. One of my favorite alternatives is to use an essential oil diffuser, and many people asked what type of diffuser I use and recommend.

I’m not an herbalist or aromatherapy expert, but I have tried many types of diffusers and I wanted to share the pros and cons of the ones we’ve tried.

From my experience, not all diffusers are created equal and some work much better than others. I wish that I’d read a review like this before deciding which to purchase and I hope my experience will be helpful to you.

Benefits of Diffusing Essential Oils

So what does diffusing essential oils mean exactly, and why would you do it? Diffusers use various methods to disperse essential oil containing water droplets through the air in a fine continuous mist.

Far from being just a natural substitute for air freshener and nothing more, each type of essential oil contains powerful chemical properties (the “essence”) from its parent plant. These chemicals bind to our olfactory receptors (how we smell) and have an actual effect on our limbic system. These nerves in our brains control our hunger, emotions, anger, sleep, and more, so it makes sense diffusing oils can have a real effect.

There are a number of studies (plus a whole lot of anecdotal evidence) that diffusing essential oils can produce the following benefits, depending on the type of oil:

  • reduces stress
  • improves mental clarity
  • uplifts the mood
  • calms and promotes a sedative effect (useful before sleep)
  • purifies the air

In fact, essential oils are so much more than air fresheners that we need to be cautious about how we use them around our homes and our children.

Types of Essential Oil Diffusers

There are a few different types of essential oil diffusers which is one reason why narrowing down to the right one can feel a little overwhelming. The ones I’m aware of include:

  1. Nebulizer Diffusers
  2. Ultrasonic/Humidifying Diffusers
  3. Heat Diffusers
  4. Evaporative Diffusers

In addition to researching them, I’ve tried each type of diffuser and have learned what I like and what I don’t about each.

1. Heat Diffuser

A heat diffuser, as it sounds, uses heat to turn water with a few drops of essential oil into a gas that disperses into the air. These can be electric or use the heat of a candle/flame.

I have not found a heat diffuser that worked nearly as well as even the worst nebulizer or ultrasonic diffusers I’ve tried, so I can’t make any recommendations on these types of diffusers. Since heat affects the beneficial properties of the essential oils, I definitely don’t recommend this method for diffusing oils in general.

2. Evaporative Diffusers

These diffusers use a fan to increase airflow across an essential oil soaked pad or lining. As the liquid evaporates, the scent (and its properties) move into the air.

Another type of evaporative diffuser is diffuser pendant jewelry. The theory is that the essential oil will naturally evaporate and permeate the air and skin.

I don’t find this type of diffuser nearly as effective as the remaining two.

3. Nebulizing Diffusers

Nebulizing diffusers are often considered the most powerful type of diffusers, and with good reason. They do not need water or heat to get the essential oil into the air and they work by using an atomizer to create fine, airborne particles of essential oils and blowing them into the air.

If you can’t tell, nebulizing diffusers are my favorite type of diffuser. If anyone gets sick they can keep a near-continuous stream of essential oils in the air and can fill a room of many square feet.

Here’s my thought process and experience with this type of diffuser:

Pros:

  • Attaches directly to the bottle of essential oil and can be turned on with the flip of a switch
  • No water or set-up required
  • Strong concentration of essential oils released into the air
  • Timers control run time and rest time let you control how long it runs and provide an option other than continuous use
  • No light so they can be used at night, since we avoid night lights

Cons:

  • Noise level is louder than ultrasonic diffusers
  • Uses oils more quickly than ultrasonic or other diffusers since they attach directly to the diffuser
  • More expensive than most ultrasonic diffusers (though not by much)

We useThis Advanced Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser from Amazon. I’ve now saved up and ordered a couple of these because they work so well. Even just diffusing for 15 minutes will leave a lasting essential oil scent for hours.

4. Ultrasonic Diffusers

Ultrasonic diffusers work in a similar way to nebulizing diffusers by creating a fine mist. The difference is that ultrasonic diffusers use water and essential oils to create an ultrasonic cool mist of water/oils that releases into the air. They double as a humidifier, so they are beneficial in winter, but they don’t put out as strong of a concentration of essential oils since they also use water.

Note: It is not recommended to use citrus essential oils with this type of diffuser as they can cause the parts to erode.

Pros:

  • Less expensive than nebulizing diffusers
  • Doubles as a humidifier (beneficial in cold months)
  • Many options to choose from
  • Doesn’t use heat
  • Water tank has a large capacity

Cons:

  • Can’t use citrus essential oils
  • Need water to operate
  • Must be cleaned occasionally
  • Some have lights that can’t be turned off
  • Not as effective as nebulizing diffusers

What we use: Several different types of ultrasonic diffusers and I’ve found that some work better than others. These were our favorites:

  • The Noor Litemist Aromatherapy Diffuser – This simple cone-shape design diffuses for several hours and has an option to turn the light on or off for night time use. (Just please don’t use any LED color-changing lights at night… here’s why!)
  • The Allay Litemist Diffuser – Very similar and slightly cheaper than the Noor Litemist, but it doesn’t seem to have a way to turn off the light which makes it unusable at night (for us).
  • Car Diffuser – I’ve tried smaller models but got tired of repeatedly filling their tiny water reservoirs! This one does take up a cupholder but I like the intermittent/constant control and the sleek design.

Other Ways to Freshen Indoor Air

Essential oils are a great way to freshen indoor air with natural scents but they are definitely not the only way! We keep our indoor air clean naturally with:

Bottom Line: Choosing an Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser

Essential oils may seem like mix-and-match perfumes, but in reality they are powerful essences from plants with medicinal effects. I think using a diffuser is a great step, but urge everyone to do their homework. If you have a family, make sure to diffuse only kid-safe essential oil blends and take breaks by buying a model with controlled mist settings.

This article was medically reviewed by Madiha Saeed, MD, a board certified family physician. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.

Have you ever used a diffuser? What did you like or not like about it? Share below!

A comparison of the most popular essential oil diffuser types: ultrasonic diffusers, nebulizing diffusers, heat and evaporation diffusers and others.
Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

249 responses to “Best Essential Oil Diffusers: Reviews & What I Use”

  1. Kacey Avatar

    I used the OliveTech Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser, 150ml Wood Grain Aromatherapy Diffuser Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier with from Amazon and I think it would have been fine except that it smelled AWFUL even after cleaning it on a regular basis. It smelled so musty. I even used vinegar and dish soap and the smell never went away. 🙁 I’m thinking I may have to save up some $$ to for for the nebulizingr kind.

  2. Irene Avatar

    Thank you! That was helpful! I don’t know anything about diffusers.

  3. Mary Avatar

    I work in Engineering, the current project I am working on is RoHs Restricted Use of Hazardous Substances. In my research I came across some interesting information. Heated Electronic Discussers have been found to emit traces of heavy metals.

  4. Amy Avatar

    Hi Katie, i just wanted to touch on the mention of salt lamps. With himalayan salt being mined at a rapid and extensive pace, it is now having a very destructive impact on the environment. there can be other more ethical choices to be made. As you now have such a big fan base and are listened to by people wanting to make positive change. it would be great if you could help bring this to peoples awareness as i think a lot of people that buy salt lamps are people that care about the environment and are ignorant of the impact that it’s having .

    thanks

  5. Kelsie Huddleston Avatar
    Kelsie Huddleston

    I’m looking into a diffuser for Christmas. You mentioned The Whisper is more expensive……but it seems to be way cheap?! Also is there a reason you use the plant therapy essential oils but don’t use their diffuser? Hope to hear from you soon. Thanks

    1. Katie Wells Avatar

      Their diffuser is great but it is more pricey than some other options. I have one of theirs as well (I need to update the post) and it works really well.

  6. Amanda Avatar

    Do you think it matters if a diffuser is made of plastic or not? It seems like all of the diffusers have some plastic components somewhere

  7. Sarah Avatar

    I love the idea of humidifying and diffusing with an ultrasonic humidifier, but do not know much about the technology and the effects of ultrasonic waves on humans. Any words of wisdom?

  8. Linda Avatar

    I just got a ceramic oil burner that uses a tea light candle and I have to say I love it! You can use varying amounts of essential oils but I don’t need more than a few drops in water for my bedroom. I wouldn’t want it any stronger. Completely plastic free too! I am primarily using it for scent so I do think it’s a great, inexpensive option for that.

    I’m going to look into at what temp the oils degrade. I’m not sure if this is correct but I read that the essential oils are distilled at about up to the same temp as my burner (it read 139° F) so it may not be losing much potency except with citrus oils.

  9. Amy Avatar

    I have found a company that I have been extremely satisfied with here in Texas, Hope Well Oils. I have been using them for several years now and the owner is dedicated to educating and helping people. I find the oils to be consistent and effective. I hope you at least look into them because their pricing is very affordable for what they offer and I would not hesitate to recommend anyone to them.

  10. Chloe Avatar

    I noticed that the Whisper has LED lights on it and it seems like most do. It looks like it’s a small area that the light is coming from, have you had problems with this?

  11. Sharon Avatar

    I read recently that salt lamps cause inflammation. Himalayan sea salt when not mined properly had high concentrations of heavy metals to be careful of unless the manufacturer specifically had tested for heavy metals.

  12. Robin Carter Avatar
    Robin Carter

    See? This blog is a great example of why I refer you to others and why you are a go-to for myself, Katie! Now I want “that” nebulizer!

  13. Ed Avatar

    You noted the need to be careful when using around children. Can you expand on that?

  14. Kristen Avatar
    Kristen

    Research has shown that ultrasonic devices are irritating and stressful for pets who hear sounds humans can’t. I would assume this is true for the nebulizer as well. Can you shed light on this? Especially the one thats “completely silent-That may be true for us but not dogs and cats. thanks!! Love your blog! So educational and helpful.

  15. Diane Avatar

    For everyone asking about citrus oils in an ultrasonic diffuser. If you get one that is made from hospital grade plastic you won’t have this issue. That plastic is designed to take abuse and last.

  16. Ruchi Singh Avatar
    Ruchi Singh

    Heat DIffuser is the better than other ones.

    Thank You!!!

  17. Olivia Avatar

    I have small hands and find this shape very difficult to open. I always have to get my husband to open it for me, very annoying.

  18. Lani Avatar

    Wellness Mama thank you! I have a question for you – the one ultrasonic diffuser I had eventually made all EO’s smell the same because I think all the different scents started sticking to the inside of it, do you have a recommendation for a certain diffuser that might circumvent this issue? Do you think the nebulizer would be better for this? Thank you!

  19. Ruth Avatar

    I want just an inexpensive diffuser that put aroma into the air of a room and has no lights and is not also a humidifier. Can’t seem to find such a thing

    1. Sarah Avatar

      Ruth,
      i used a lot of diffusers in the past and eventually, all broke down, some sooner than others. I’ve purchased this one a year ago and it’s still going strong. It’s a nebulizer, very powerful and quiet, and only uses very little oil, plus is has a great sturdy design. It’s pricy, but it’s worth every penny, plus the company offers one-year warranty + replacement parts, and post-warranty service. so I hope to have this one for at least 2 more years. I came to realize that you always get what you pay for. https://herbaterraorganics.com/collections/nebulizers-and-accessories/products/oil-diffuser-nebulizer-with-nanotechnology-silver

  20. Mila Avatar

    Hey Katie, I have been recently interested in buying a steam diffuser as the one above. However after a short search online I read that some (or all, I have not figured out yet) essential oils can be carcinogenic by making bonds with other harmful particles that can be found indoors and then enter our body by inhalation. What is your opinion about that? Do you think a steam diffuser with essential oils is safe?

    Thanks!

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