News

Oct 26, 2024

13 Best essential oil diffusers 2023: Neom to Oliver Bonas | British GQ

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. For many people, the best essential oil diffusers have become increasingly, well,

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

For many people, the best essential oil diffusers have become increasingly, well, essential for anyone struggling to wind down. The way these gadgets work is actually pretty straightforward (and not all that dissimilar to scented candles and reed diffusers): drawing on the principles of aromatherapy, the essential oils included in these diffusers stimulate the body's reaction to scent, something that has been shown to trigger different emotional and physical responses. The result? A calming and sleep-inducing environment.

Whether you want to use essential oil diffusers for sleep, anxiety or even just to imbue your living room with a light, homely fragrance, our pick of the best will keep you calm and make your space look good while doing it. From ultrasonic diffusers to options with light changes and mist modes (plus the smarts of automatic shut-offs and timer settings) we've shone a spotlight on some of the best-selling aromatherapy diffusers you can buy right now, with a bit of information to guide your search.

Beyond the actual diffusing part, you might be interested in common features like timers to ensure that energy isn't wasted all night long. Some models also come with remote controls for convenience, as well as LED lights for an added dash of eye-catching colour.

We've included a more detailed guide to the best essential oil diffusers below, but if you're just after a quick-fire round-up of our favourites, look no further.

Oliver Bonas

An essential oil diffuser that incorporates six light settings and four timer settings, all for less than £50? We'd have to say that's one of the best all-round options on the market. Ideal for mood lighting, it's got all the ingredients of a good night's sleep, and it'll even shut off on its own after a given interval so as not to use up energy overnight.

The White Company

The White Company

Known for its minimalist aesthetic, it's no wonder The White Company has come through with one of the most stylish essential oil diffusers. Sleek and simple, it will actually complement your interior design style, rather than being the kind of device that you have to tuck away whenever you have guests visiting.

Amazon

Amazon is naturally the place to go for an affordable essential oil diffuser, and this one from Asakuku is one of the best you'll find on the online marketplace. Its 15 light settings and four timer settings combine to make this a highly functional gadget, all for less than £40.

Skip to: How we test the best essential oil diffusers | What tank size should I look for in an essential oils diffuser? | How do essential oil diffusers work? | How do essential oil diffusers help you relax? | What are the benefits of aromatherapy and essential oil diffusers? And are oil diffusers worth it? | Which scent should I use?

To assess which essential oil diffusers we felt deserved a spot in our guide, we looked at a range of factors. These included the capacity of the diffuser, the space they can diffuse into (from small to large rooms), the range of additional features like lighting and timers, and how they look aesthetically. We also looked at the price points, to make sure we included a range of essential oil diffusers, all of which target different budgets. Whichever scents and oils you choose to pair them with (more information on how to choose those below), we're confident any of these are up to the task — and then some.

The larger the water or oil tank, the less often you'll have to fill it up. The downside, of course, is that you might be tight on space and/or rather have a more compact unit that won't dominate a space. Tank sizes vary, though typically you'll find them in the 100-200ml range. Essentially, drops of essential oil being pulled into the diffuser will keep your scents filling the room for longer, but more oil will inevitably keep it lasting longer, and different types of diffuser will help keep it lasting longer.

Essential oil diffusers work to put essential fragrance oils into the air, not just to scent your home, but also because they can encourage different responses in the brain to make you feel either more relaxed, to help you sleep better, and also to improve concentration or wake you up. Most high-quality essential oil diffusers work by using ultrasonic waves which break down the oil, mixing it with the water and then diffusing it into the air of larger spaces in a fine mist that you then ultimately inhale. Many of the best essential oil diffusers also incorporate mood lighting to help you relax, as well as timer settings which mean you can set it to automatically shut off after a certain period of time. Different to air fresheners, essential oil diffusers attempt to push aromatic scents to instil a particular sense of wellbeing, be that the aura of your favourite spa or smells that feature calming properties.

The basic principle is actually quite simple: different oils reportedly stimulate different responses in our hypothalamus gland, which then triggers the production of hormones. According to essential oil brand Neom, the hormones then produce different responses within the body as chemical messengers are sent to specific cells, leading to better sleep, less stress, more energy or even a mood boost, depending on the oil. Scent can also be linked to our memories, stimulating positive responses in our bodies and helping to relax us in the evenings.

Essential oil diffuser sets may be beneficial for reducing anxiety, as Dr Chris George explains: “Some small studies support the use of lavender essential oils for a reduction in stress and anxiety. One study, in particular, used lavender oil preparation Silexan in the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder and compared this to benzodiazepine medication [a commonly prescribed drug for anxiety]. What they found is that the lavender preparation had comparable positive effects on sleep as traditional medication. However, the huge advantage is that the lavender oil did not produce many of the unwanted side effects associated with the medications.

“Currently in the UK essential oils are not prescribed by NHS doctors. These preparations are considered as part of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), which falls outside of mainstream healthcare,” explains Dr George. “However, this is not to say that there is not a role for essential oils to go alongside everyday medicine.”

The scent you choose to diffuse from your essential oil diffuser really depends on three things: what you're looking to get out of it, a little bit of your own personal preference in scents, and also the time of day. If you're a beginner in the essential oils world, it's probably worth experimenting a bit before settling on the blends and scents that are right for you.

Lavender oil is one of the most commonly used oils, and is particularly beneficial for its ability to help with sleep and anxiety. Tisserand aromatherapist Jo Kellett recommends starting with lavender oil and geranium, while the head aromatherapist for Neal’s Yard Remedies recommends frankincense to help slow the breath and calm the mind, before moving on to neroli or camomile.

Some of the zestier scents can also be good options during the daytime as some, such as lemon or orange, have been thought to help you feel more energised and improve concentration.

For more interiors, fashion and technology releases delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our GQ Recommends newsletter.

The White Company

The White Company

Reasons to buy: Very aesthetic | Good timer settings | Includes an auto shut-off

As far as home fragrances are concerned, The White Company can do no wrong. Whether you pair it with one of the brand's bestselling home fragrances or not, this electronic diffuser always manages to dispense exactly the right amount of fragrance in a matter of minutes, meaning you can spend more time relaxing than fiddling with different settings. And with a range of timer settings, you can turn it on before you go to bed and trust in the power of an auto shut-off. £70. At thewhitecompany.com

Oliver Bonas

Reasons to buy: Comes in three colours | Includes six light settings and four timer settings

Oliver Bonas’ Ceramic Aroma Diffuser is almost always sold out and for good reason. Available in three colours, the ridged design and ceramic cover fit nicely with minimalist home aesthetics, while the colour light settings can set a relaxing mood of an evening. With four different time settings, you can use this overnight and late in the evening to fill your bedroom with a calming mist of fragrance. £45. At oliverbonas.com

Selfridges

Reasons to buy: Range of aromas | Can be gift-wrapped in classic Jo Malone box

Not particularly an electric diffuser but worth investigating all the same, Jo Malone's scent diffuser is among the best we've used for getting that spa-level aroma wafting around your room. There's no technical wizardry here, just good old fashioned essential oils being sent to your nostrils to help you relax. This particular flavour is pomegranate, but of course, being Jo Malone, you can find plenty of alternative options.

Neom Wellbeing

Reasons to buy: Small footprint | No water tank | Nebulizing/atomising direct from the bottle | Battery operated up to 50 hours

Don;t let the diminutive stature or the name fool you, NEOM's Wellbeing Pod Mini packs an incredible aromatic punch to help you relax in almost any setting. One of the easier diffusers we've used, you simply swap out the different scents quickly with a single button press, and since there's no water tank, it's smaller, easier to use and can be taken in the car safely, too.

Amazon

Reasons to buy: Affordable | Very quiet

Salking has gone all-in on a Moroccan-inspired take on the diffuser. It won't suit all dècors, of course, but there's absolutely no denying its standout design, which separates it from many of the other cookie-cutter models out there. With a 100ml tank, night light functionality, and various timers, it functions as well as it looks, which is saying something. £27. At amazon.co.uk

Amazon

Reasons to buy: Affordable | Very quiet

The toasteresque look of Rooted's offering won't be to everyone's taste, but its RGB flame effect is bound to win some people over — as is its generous 200ml tank capacity, which means less refilling compared to some of the other offerings on our list. the bundled remote control makes it ideal for lazy in-bed operation as well. £20. At amazon.co.uk

Amazon

Reasons to buy: Affordable | Very quiet

The trippiest essential oils diffuser you're likely to come across on this or any page, this Bobolyn model promises to hypnotise and dazzle users with its mind-bending 3D LED effects, which resemble, for lack of a better description, the creation of a new universe. With a decent 120ml capacity and an auto-timer function, you can also choose to turn the theatrics off if they prove too distracting. £25. At amazon.co.uk

Amazon

Reasons to buy: Affordable price | Comes with a set of essential oils | 15 light settings

At only £40, this aromatherapy essential oil diffuser from Asakuki deserves its place as the best budget diffuser you can find. Affordable as it may be, it actually functions as a humidifier, diffuser and table lamp all in one. It's quiet, it gives off a nice cool mist and it even comes complete with a set of six essential oils to get you started, from tea tree and peppermint to eucalyptus and lemongrass. £31.99. At amazon.co.uk

Neals Yard Remedies

Reasons to buy: Stylish bamboo design | Made with sustainably sourced bamboo

Sophisticated and stylish, this diffuser from Neal’s Yard Remedies is an ideal choice for around the home, whatever the size of your room. Produced from sustainably sourced hand-cut bamboo, it creates a fine mist of water with your blend of choice, which will not only be strong enough for you to actually see the benefits, but can also be beneficial for counteracting the damaging impact central heating can have on our skin. £60. At nealsyardremedies.com

John Lewis

Reasons to buy: Higher capacity | Can be used as a table lamp

Saving you counter space, Beurer's essential oil diffuser doubles up as a table lamp. To get set for a relaxing, calming evening in, pop a few drops of your favourite essential oil blend into the bamboo base and then turn on the colour-changing LED light to really help set the mood. Targeting two senses, rather than just one, consider this your best friend for your next self-care night. £52.99. At johnlewis.com

LookFantastic

Reasons to buy: Diffuses at a nice pace |Works as a nightlight or humidifier

The challenge with essential oils is making sure enough of the oils are diffused so that you start to feel the benefits of aromatherapy, but not so much that it's overpowering. Managing to perfectly bridge that thin line is ESPA's diffuser, it's designed to release fragrance with ultrasonic vibrations that make sure the perfect amount of vapour ends up in your living room, while also releasing a fine mist and creating a calming light. Use it as a nightlight, use it as a humidifier or just sit back and relax with the aromas. £60. At johnlewis.com and lookfantastic.com

Stoneglow

Reasons to buy: Aesthetic colourways | Incorporates an auto shut-off

These Stoneglow essential oil diffusers win the prize for the best selection of colours, ranging from a pastel pink to a black, grey and white option. Whichever you fancy, whether it be the sleeker black or minimalist white, they have an elegant, sophisticated feel that fits into any space. And the features aren't bad either. With five colour settings and a dark mode, it works both during the day and at night, while also being specifically designed to ensure the right amount of oil is diffused into the room to prevent an overwhelming scent. £60. At amazon.co.uk

SpaceNK

Reasons to buy: Can be used with Diptyque fragrances | Luxurious

Given it will be displayed in your home no different to a candle, lamp or vase, an essential oil diffuser should really bring something to the table in the aesthetics department. None do it better than Diptyque. While it isn't technically an essential oil diffuser (it uses Diptyque fragrance capsules rather than pure essential oils), the relaxing fragrances will work their charm to make your home feel calm, comfortable and, above all, luxurious. If you're after a decadent spin on the traditional essential oil diffuser, this is it. £245. At Space NK. At spacenk.com

Amazon

Reasons to buy: Affordable | Very quiet

A budget-friendly choice, Tisserand’s Aroma Spa Diffuser uses ultrasonic diffusion without heating the water (and damaging the essential oils) to distribute a fine, fragranced vapour into the air. The intermittent mist setting is useful, working at 30 seconds on and 30 seconds off, while the colour-changing light adds a nice touch. £35. At amazon.co.uk

NOW READ

Could hypnotherapy help cure your anxiety?

How to stay calm when things get scary

Ten tips to help you live longer