11 Best Electric Diffusers 2025, Tried & Tested | Glamour UK

Feb 19, 2025

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Best electric diffuser overall

Best electric diffuser for sleep

Best electric diffuser for large spaces

Most of us would agree there's nothing better than opening your front door to a lovely scent, especially after a long, stressful day. Enter: the best electric diffusers. With the power to lift our mood through scent diffusion, essential oil diffusers can turn our homes into a luxurious, spa-like atmosphere with just the click of a button.

While scented candles and reed diffusers are gorgeous, you’re dealing with a wick to trim, smoke consuming the air and limited scent control. With electric diffusers – or nebulising diffusers, as they're often otherwise referred to – you can fill your home with calming, restorative or energising scents while eradicating the extra fuss and potential risks.

So, how exactly do they work? These essential oil diffusers emit a continuous stream of mist containing drops of essential oil at a high air pressure into your room, filling a space of any size with a beautiful scent and allowing you to reap the potential benefits of aromatherapy.

What's more? They're often fairly affordable to run, can be left unattended thanks to automated time settings, and many of them double up as other appliances like mood lights, speakers or stylish pieces of home decor. Sound good? We think so too. Ahead, you'll find everything you could possibly need to know, including answers to all your FAQs.

SKIP TO: Electric diffusers, aromatherapy and their benefits | The best aromatherapy oils for your diffuser | How we tested | Diffuser FAQs | Is it OK to use a diffuser every day? | Are electric diffusers expensive to run? | Our full reviews.

Essential oil diffusers use ultrasonic pulses to blend drops of essential oil with water before circulating a fragranced, cool mist around your room. Electric diffusers have the power to fill your space with subtly-scented purified air that helps you feel relaxed or perhaps more focused – depending on which essential oil you choose (more on that later). But that's not all. Investing in an essential oil diffuser also allows you to take advantage of the benefits of aromatherapy.

According to Robert Tisserand, an Essential Oil Educator and Aromatherapy Expert from California, "Clinical studies have shown that aromatherapy by inhalation can have real benefits for people with, for example, anxiety, [problems with] mental focus, depressive symptoms, and menstrual pain."

Further research has supported this, showing that essential oils can interact with the brain and nervous system to positively impact your health and mood. That said, Jo Kellett – essential oils expert at Tisserand – added that essential oils should not be applied directly to the skin, even with their numerous benefits. Indeed, Jo explained, “Essential oils need to be diluted before being applied to the skin in either a base oil, lotion, or cream, for example. They are concentrated essences that can, if used neat, cause a severe skin reaction, or over time build up a sensitivity to that essential oil.” Enter: the essential oil aroma diffuser.

When essential oils are concentrated in an essential oil diffuser – and subsequently inhaled – they can easily stimulate the olfactory system in the brain. Thus, running an ultrasonic diffuser can effectively reduce feelings of anxiety and stress – and help you nod off to sleep.

One of the best things about investing in an essential oil diffuser is that you can switch up the oils you’re using depending on your needs at that time. Lavender is good to help you relax before bed (we recommend the Tisserand Lavender Essential Oil), while rosemary will help you stay focused when you're working from home. Cedarwood, lemon, bergamot, vanilla, lemongrass, orange and valerian are good for stress and anxiety, while peppermint is good for a mood boost.

Neom Scent to Sleep Essential Oil Blend, 10ml

John Lewis & Partners

Spa Restore Fragrance Oil

The White Company

Neom Scent to Make You Happy Essential Oil Blend

John Lewis & Partners

Spa Restore Fragrance Oil

The White Company

Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Pure Essential Oil Blend, 10ml

John Lewis & Partners

Pomegranate Fragrance Oil

The White Company

We surveyed the GLAMOUR office to find out what editors and wellness experts look for in the best electric diffuser. Then, we tested every model over a period of at least one month in our homes, adhering to our strict testing criteria, assessing each one on factors like scent throw, ease of use, timers/automatic shut-off, water capacity and design. While we've tested well over 21 diffusers in the past couple of years, our edit features only the final 11 electric diffusers our testers really loved – and we've outlined the pros and cons of each to make your choice even easier.

For more from GLAMOUR UK's Commerce Writer Mayola Fernandes, follow her on Instagram @mayolafernandess.

The White Company

Textured Ceramic Electronic Diffuser

Specifications:

If you're a fan of minimalistic interiors and want something that'll blend seamlessly with your contemporary home, this is it. A gorgeous choice for bedrooms, it boasts a lovely herringbone design and a white base.

It's functional, too: it has three timer settings so you can choose how long the diffuser releases scent (two hours, eight or sixteen hours). Plus, the diffuser will automatically shut off at the end of each time set or when the water level is low.

I’d never tried an electric diffuser before, but this one was incredibly easy to use. Setup was simple — just plug it in, fill the water tank to the line, add 2-3 drops of your favourite fragrance oil, and press the mist button.

I used mine in my bedroom, but I’d say it’s better suited for larger or open-plan spaces — though that might be because the fragrance oil I chose was stronger than expected. The only drawback is the visible wire, a wireless option would be a welcome addition to its chic design.

ESPA

Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser Starter Kit

Specifications:

Crafted to complement ESPA's essential oils range, this spa-inspired diffuser is equipped with a night light and automatic switch-off function, ensuring the creation of the ultimate relaxing ambiance to help you ease into a peaceful sleep.

The starter kit comes with the brand's signature blend that is designed to relax the body and mind with its fragrant blend of Myrrh, Sandalwood, Rose Geranium and Frankincense. Whether you use it as a nightlight, to cultivate a serene atmosphere for meditation, or simply to help yourself fall asleep, this mood-boosting design offers a swoon-worthy scent experience.

The oils smell divine, and each one brings a unique, calming vibe to my home. Every time I walk into my living room when i've got the diffuser on, I’m greeted with the most relaxing aromas — it’s like stepping into a spa. The fragrance really lasts, too, which is great because I don’t have to keep topping up the oils constantly.

It’s become a key part of my self-care routine, and I love how the diffuser helps create such a peaceful atmosphere. The price point is on the expensive side, but I definitely think it's worth it. It would even make a wonderful housewarming gift!

The White Company

Electronic Diffuser

Specifications:

This bestselling diffuser not only looks super sleek and stylish on my bedside table but delivers the perfect amount of scent in minutes. I used it with The White Company’s spa restore fragrance oil, and I only need 1 or 2 drops for the scent to be just right.

I loved that there were different time settings to choose from (2h, 4h, 8h) and that the diffuser automatically shut off at the end of the time set. It looks great on display, even when off, but its compact design makes it easy to store if needed.

Another thing I’ve really enjoyed is the subtle sound the diffuser makes when it’s running. It’s not loud at all — in fact, I find it quite relaxing. It adds to the whole soothing experience, especially when I’m winding down for the night.

I've had it for over a year and love it so much that I've already purchased two more as gifts for my best friend and sister. Now, I'm already thinking of getting one for my mum for Mother's Day.

Oliver Bonas

Sage Green Essential Oil Electric Aroma Diffuser

Specifications:

Oliver Bonas' diffusers are some of best-value options on the market, delivering up to three hours of soothing and calming oil scents. This sage green iteration doubles as a calming mood light, with six colour settings to choose from, including white, blue, green, and yellow to enhance the calming mood.

It's very effective and incredibly easy to use, plus it earns extra points from me for its sleek, stylish design. The ridged texture adds a contemporary touch, making it a chic home accessory when placed on my coffee table.

Despite its budget-friendly appeal and multifunctional design, I found that it did take a bit longer to diffuse compared to other essential oil diffusers I've reviewed. It also doesn't come with a remote control feature, limiting control options to the built-in buttons.

Save when you shop for the best essential oil diffusers with these Oliver Bonas discount codes.

NEOM

Amazon

John Lewis

Wellbeing Pod

Specifications:

NEOM's wellbeing pod not only looks really sleek, but it delivers the perfect amount of scent quickly – making it better than some of the best luxury reed diffusers on the market.

In general, NEOM's natural essential oil blends are among our favourites. You actually only need to fill it up to the maximum water level line and add 10 drops of your chosen NEOM Wellbeing Essential Oil Blend to get going (they're sold separately).

With the simple touch of a button, it will instantly release a heatless, fine mist that noticeably improves your mood. It has a low-energy LED light and night light, and the timer can be set to one, two, three or four hours.

Controlling both light and diffusion intensity via the touch-sensitive display, the scent from this diffuser lingers for more than 7 hours. I loved the guided breathing mode, which delivered a sense of calmness, with the light alternating between 7-second illumination and 11-second dimming intervals, providing a gentle rhythm to guide your breath. I found it simple to set up and clean, and its sustainable design is an added bonus.

Look Fantastic

Amazon

John Lewis & Partners

Neom Organics London Luxe Wellbeing Pod

Specifications:

Larger and more powerful than both the original, best-selling Wellbeing Pod and the brand's portable Pod Mini, the NEOM Wellbeing Pod Luxe is designed to deliver the perfect amount of scent to an open-plan home, large office space or bedroom in minutes.

I tested the diffuser with the brand's signature essential oil blends, including my new favourite blend of Lavender, Jasmine, and Sandalwood. It's very easy to clean, and the compact design features a white ceramic diffuser cover set on an upcycled light wood base.

The brand claims the diffuser covers up to 100 square meters, and I'd say that's spot on — I placed mine in the lounge and could smell the lovely scent all the way down the hallway into my kitchen.

It's the perfect addition to a self-care night, and makes it feel like you’re at your very own home spa. Setting it up was a breeze too – it's equipped with a remote control for easy operation and boasts touch sensitivity.

Save when you shop for the best essential oil diffusers and home fragrance with these John Lewis vouchers.

John Lewis & Partners

John Lewis ANYDAY Ultrasonic Diffuser

Specifications:

From John Lewis' affordable ANYDAY range (available in-store and online at johnlewis.com) comes the best essential oil diffuser for practicality – thanks to the plethora of features which make it so easy to use.

You can scent your room at the touch of a button with the John Lewis ultrasonic diffuser – it starts misting immediately and dispenses fragrance immediately, too – and it has an auto shut-off function for peace of mind which activates when the water tank is empty.

There is a range of LED light functions depending on your mood, and the mist comes out in a constant stream for 0.5 hours, one hour, two hours or three hours – as opposed to 30-second on/off intervals.

It’s diffused perfectly every time I've used it, and at £50, I think it's one of the best budget diffusers on the market. Consider your home a spa.

Neal's Yard Remedies

Esta Aroma Diffuser

Specifications:

Neal's Yard Remedies electric diffuser comes in the form of this smart and compact bamboo design, which we love for its abilities to be used as a night light.

It's compatible with any of the brand's fragrance oils, works within seconds and makes a great addition to a WFH desk. Crafted from sustainably sourced bamboo, that has been carefully cut by hand, it stands out as a top pick for eco-conscious shoppers.

I found the diffuser to be very easy to assemble, taking me only 10 minutes to set it up. The design of the product was impressive, with its bamboo effect adding a stylish touch to my room and enhancing the overall peaceful ambience of the diffuser.

Among the oils I tested, the lavender essential oil stood out the most, providing a soothing scent that has facilitated many peaceful night’s sleep.

The only downsides to the diffuser for me was that the mist was super fine. Personally, I like my diffusers to create quite a large amount of mist as I like the calming feel it gives off. I also would have loved the light to be a little brighter.

Look Fantastic

Amazon

John Lewis & Partners

Aromatherapy Associates The Atomiser Pure Essential Oil Ceramic Diffuser

Specifications:

Inspired by spa atomising technology, this ultrasonic diffuser uses powerful air compression to disperse a micro-fine mist direct from the bottles of 100% natural, pure essential oil blends – without any cold water.

You get what you pay for: unlike other electronic diffusers in this edit, there is no water tank, which means the integrity of the pure oils is preserved. And the fragrance is more potent as an air freshener for living rooms and large spaces.

We love that it has multiple runtime options, including 'Boost mode', which speeds up the process of making your home smell oh-so-good. The design is minimalist and chic, and the fact that it’s completely portable is handy too, so you can move it around to suit your needs.

I wouldn’t say there are any downsides to the diffuser itself — I’m really pleased with the overall quality. However, it did take almost six hours to charge, which is significantly longer than some others I’ve reviewed.

Feelunique

LookFantastic

Amazon

NEOM Wellbeing Pod Mini Essential Oil Diffuser

Specifications:

Using cold fusion technology rather than water, your drops of the essential oil blend are converted into micro fine vapour without using heat or water and released into the atmosphere to stimulate your senses and boost your well-being.

It's fully portable with 50 hours of battery life (lasting today, tomorrow and even a bit of the next day after that!) and has a USB charging port for your laptop. Plus, there is no need to clean in between.

This diffuser is perfect for small spaces where you want a little boost in well-being — like a compact work-from-home setup, modest bathroom, or small room. Even though it’s compact, I was pleasantly surprised by its impressive scent throw.

Net-A-Porter

DIPTYQUE Un Air de Diptyque Electric Diffuser

Specifications:

The most expensive essential oil diffuser in this edit comes from luxury fragrance house Diptyque, famed for their insane scented candles – namely Baies and Roses.

Crafted from ceramic for an expensive-looking finish, it's adorned with gold lettering (making it one of the most beautiful additions to your living space) and slowly emits perfume through the air. It's easy to set up, too – you simply need to slot one of the brand's perfume capsules in the back, and you're ready to go.

It's pretty expensive and does a rather similar job to more affordable diffusers in this edit. It's also only compatible with Diptyque diffuser capsules: Baies, Figuier and Feu de Bois Diffuser Capsule – which all smell divine but will each set you back £38.

Yes. Essential oil diffusers are safe, and their risk of harm is minimal. In fact, inhalation is arguably the safest means of administering essential oils like eucalyptus or tea tree. To be extra safe, when shopping for your essential oil blend, be sure that it specifically says on the bottle or website that it’s considered safe for internal consumption. This means the essential oil is safe to diffuse indoors and is high-quality.

Jo explains one of the ways she ensures her oils are still safe for use if you've owned them for a long time: “Essential oils may change odour or colour and more importantly may cause skin sensitivity if used beyond their best before date. We, therefore, recommend that you use your essential oils within one year of opening them to minimise this risk.” She continues: “A good way to keep a check on this is to place a sticker on your bottle with the date of opening.” Take note.

Not particularly, and they're not particularly expensive to run. If you're worried, you go for something cordless or powered via USB that you can simply plug-in. You just need a few drops of essential oil and some water, and you're good to go.