An aroma diffuser gives a room a light, steady scent without a flame. Most of ours are ultrasonic: they turn water and a few drops of essential oil into a fine, cool mist, and many add a night light or a flickering flame effect so they look good on a nightstand or desk. The range also includes 3L humidifiers for larger rooms, waterless oil diffusers that run on pure oil, compact portable and car diffusers, a WiFi smart diffuser, and glass diffuser bottles.

How to Choose

• Water based or waterless: Ultrasonic models mist water with oil and add a little moisture to dry air. Waterless diffusers use oil only and give a stronger scent from a smaller unit.
• Tank size: A larger tank runs longer between refills and suits living rooms and bedrooms. Mini and USB diffusers fit desks, cars and small spaces.
• Light and mood: Flame effect and color changing lights let a diffuser double as ambient light. If it will run while you sleep, check that the light can be switched off on its own.
• Controls: Look for timers and mist settings in the product details, and choose the WiFi model if you want to run it from your phone.

Safety and care: Stand the diffuser on a flat, water resistant surface away from electronics and out of reach of children and pets. Empty and wipe the tank regularly, and use the type of water the manual recommends, since hard tap water can leave white mineral dust. Always follow the product's instructions.

Placement tip: Set the diffuser at about waist height on a side table or dresser, a few feet from the bed or sofa, so the mist disperses before it reaches you.

Prefer a traditional ritual? See our incense holders and burners.