So this is what we’re all thinking: how does an essential oil diffuser work? At the most basic level, the best essential oil diffusers work by using heat, sonic vibration, or steam to transform the oil’s aromatic molecules into pure vapor or micro droplets that can be distributed through the air. 

Most diffusers also emit a pleasant scent into the air, releasing essential oils and purifying the air, killing bacteria and fungus. Another health benefit is the essential oils that act like a fine vapor throughout the air so they can be absorbed gently into the body through the respiratory system. Importantly, the aroma can prompt the nervous system to transmit signals to the limbic system in the brain which is responsible for emotion and memory. So, the best essential oil diffusers will give you the same feel as smelling your loved ones perfume or the smell of entering a childhood home. 

It is only fitting that we add the best essential oil diffusers for home on our list so that you recall the scent of a cosy environment as you enter. We have also some diffusers for your car and office to let you remain calm and feel happy despite the stress involved at work or while driving. 

As this is mighty powerful for your mental and physiological state, here’s our list of the best essential oil diffusers you can buy online if you were wondering what essential oil diffuser should I buy?

16 Best Essential Oil Diffusers To Buy Today

Vitruvi Porcelain Essential Oil Diffuser – $119

This gorgeous stone diffuser was handcrafted in Taiwan and looks like a standout sculpture from your art collection. Its minimalistic design delivers a continuous stream of your favorite purifying scent in any room while keeping safety in mind. The perfect oil to compliment it? Vitruvi’s certified-organic eucalyptus oil, sourced from France. It emits a solid stream without being too overpowering scent-wise, and the thin light strip on the bottom is optional for those who prefer to keep their rooms dark at night.
This chic porcelain diffuser, which is smaller than it appears, works fabulously well in rooms spanning more than 500 square feet. That in itself makes it one of the best options on the market, but its humidifying capability, emitting 2 fluid ounces of water per hour, helps too.

Homedics Ellia Diffuser – $100

This is not your average diffuser. That’s because the Ellia is capable of so much more than a strong mist. The gorgeous basketweave design and wood-grain accents compliment any decor; the built-in light changes colors, and the remote control allows you to play a library of relaxing and uplifting sounds. It even comes with three samples of essential oil blends: Orange, Fight It, and Pay Attention.

Although a large diffuser in size, the steam produced is minimal, making it perfect for those looking for a low-intensity scent in their homes. Ellia’s Gather diffuser also features color changing lights on the white base, pre-set soothing sounds, and it comes with a required remote (there are no buttons on the diffuser) plus a set of three sample oils.

Besides, this is one of the best essential oils diffusers boasts the calming trifecta: soothing scent, sound, and sight. The device has an internal light (you can choose and change the color) and plays calming sounds, all while pumping out a stronger mist than you’ll find from most diffusers.

SpaRoom Natura Oil Diffuser – $80 

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option, you’ve found it. This diffuser is made from repurposed wood for a classic, warm look, but the strip of color-changing light adds a modern touch. It has mostly five-star ratings because it’s “easy to use, beautiful to look at” and “does its job perfectly.”

Aroma Gem Chrome – $79.95

Who doesn’t love some metallic decor? This diffuser adds a touch of chic accents to any room and a whole lot of happy, calming scents for 450 square feet. Buy it from sage.com.

Dream Essential Oil Diffuser – $78.00

Next up on our list of best essential oil diffusers is something that is definitely for your eyes as much as it is for your nose. The Dream Diffuser would look so pretty on your coffee table as the center flower absorbs, then dissipates oil into the air, all while looking like a tasteful piece of decor. Crafted from porcelain, it also comes with its own oil blend: Moroccan peony or African daisy. Shop for this best essential oil diffuser on anthropologie.com

Stadler Form Jasmine Aroma Diffuser – $60 

Swiss-engineered and designed, this ultrasonic diffuser is called Jasmine, and despite its unsuspecting size (five by three inches), it’s suitable for rooms up to 540 square feet. Its long-running time of 24 hours and low maintenance makes it ideal for both home and office, not to mention it has multiple mist-interval settings and a safety shut-off feature. The black matte finish easily blends in with other popular tech gadgets, so it won’t look weird on your shelf next to other devices.

SpaRoom AromaSource Mysto Diffuser – $40

Add elegance to any room with the Mysto. The contemporary mesh detailing, two mist settings and two lighting options sets this apart. As one of the best essential oil diffusers it has 80 percent of Bed Bath & Beyond reviewers have given it four stars or above. This mid-size essential oil diffuser comes in two different styles: trendy marble and a shiny bronze. Not only did it have a solid, steady stream of mist, but it was also very easy to use because it only has one button. You can cycle through different mist and light settings by pressing that power button, but take note that there’s no option to turn off the light.

With a contemporary marble and mesh design, this gadget looks way fancier than the reasonable price tag suggests. But that’s not the best part: The diffuser emits a bright or warm light as it mists, making any room infinitely more pleasant.

Aroma Outfitters Galaxy 3D Glass Diffuser – $40 

This magical ball of a diffuser is among some of the most “wished for” products in its Amazon category, thanks to both its especially large water tank that allows for up to eight hours of run time and its mesmerizing LED lights. In addition to being one of the best essential oil diffusers on the market, enjoy what looks like a celestial light show inside a crystal ball, reviewers are loving it for the fact that it mists oil in a “beautiful upward stream.”

Gurunanda Honeycomb Diffuser – $40

Because it’s reliable, diffuses for up to seven hours, and has an extremely impressive output, reviewers have given the Gurunanda diffuser a five-star rating. It also has a built-in, color-changing light, unique honeycomb design, and comes with two preselected essential oils to get you started.

Round Rich Pineapple Essential Oil Diffuser – $35 

This ceramic option is cool in more ways than one. In addition to its adorable design that fits right into any decor style, it serves as both an essential oil diffuser and a humidifier, adding healthy moisture and elegant aromatherapy into the atmosphere. Moreover,  the mist emitted isn’t heated, so it’s ideal for year-round use.

EO Products Everyone Aromatherapy Diffuser- $30

This oil diffuser uses an internal fan to disperse scents all around your home and is lightweight and compact enough to move from room to room. Best of all, the multiple settings and nightlight functions can be controlled with two simple buttons. One Allure editor loves to keep it on her desk with a few drops of the Everyone Relax essential oil blend, which is great on particularly stressful days.

Arvidsson Essential Oil Diffuser – $27.99

A metal shell around this artsy diffuser prevents erosion from essential oils over time (yes, that’s a thing), so you won’t have to clean it as much. Unlike most diffusers, you can also set this guy to run for as little as 30 minutes, if you just want a quick refresh without using too much of your precious oils.

Airome Ultrasonic Harmony Diffuser – $25

With a silent ultrasonic diffusion method and a white ceramic exterior, the Airome Harmony is both quieter and more attractive than most other models. According to reviewers, it’s surprisingly small (holding about one cup of water), yet “puts out a nice amount of oil” and “lasts most of the day.”

InnoGear 200ml Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuse – $24  

With over 2,500 reviews, the InnoGear diffuser is the number-one best-selling option in Amazon’s home fragrance accessories category. It is one of the best essential oil diffusers because it has a gorgeous wood-grain exterior with seven light colors to choose from, or you can cycle through them all. It’s not just about appearances, though. It has four different time-output settings (one hour, three hours, six hours, and steady), a 200-milliliter tank, and a whisper-quiet function.

You can’t beat the below $25 price, you can choose from seven color accents to make the wood pop, you can just twist off the upper lid to clean it, and you can select either a high or low mist output (clutch for small areas and for making your essential oils last longer).

Urpower Essential Oil Diffuser – $20

Next up on our list of best essential oil diffusers, this best-seller has a 130-milliliter tank that’s recommended for up to 215 square feet. It makes virtually zero noise while operating, and it’s available in either black or brown wood grain. Unlike others, the color-changing light comes from inside and shines out the top for a look that reviewers call “very sleek and modern.”

Edens Garden Aromaride Essential Oil Car Diffuser – $14.95

Want to make your car reminiscent of a spa? You should, especially when you’re sitting in traffic. This discreet diffuser clips right onto an air vent, delivering subtle whiffs of whichever essential oil you drip into it, making it our last suggestion on this list of best essential oil diffusers to buy.