<h2 class=”body-h2″>What are the benefits of electric diffusers?</h2><h4 class=”body-h4″><strong>Mood-boosting</strong> </h4><p>Aside from making your home smell incredible, the best electric diffusers also allow you to reap the therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy. </p><p>“Aromatherapy essential oils can have a profound impact on our mood,” says Jo Kellett, aromatherapy essential oil expert at <a href=”https://www.tisserand.com/” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>Tisserand</a>. “When inhaled using a diffuser, they travel directly to a part of our brain called the limbic system, which is responsible for interpreting emotional responses, storing memories and regulating hormones.” </p><p>“Just by smelling the oils, you experience an emotional change that can help with your stress levels and overall mental wellbeing,” she adds. </p><h4 class=”body-h4″><strong>Low maintenance</strong> </h4><p>Unlike candles, you don’t have to worry about leaving an open flame unattended and there’s no pesky wick to trim. “A diffuser is great because you can put it on, then just go about your daily tasks,” points out Kellett. </p><h4 class=”body-h4″><strong>Cheap to run</strong> </h4><p>After the initial investment, electric diffusers are cheap to run. They won’t guzzle energy – like <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/electricals/g26060049/best-kettles/” target=”_blank”>kettles</a> or <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/electricals/g685762/choosing-the-best-dishwasher/” target=”_blank”>dishwashers</a> – with a low average power rating of 12W. </p><p>If you’re on a mission to tackle your energy consumption, opt for a model with a timer and an automatic shut-off button so it’s not puffing out clouds of soothing oil all night long. </p><p>Switching off at the plug and taking it out of the socket when you’ve finished using your diffuser can also help with <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/consumer-advice/a30512495/energy-saving-home/” target=”_blank”>energy efficiency.</a> </p><h4 class=”body-h4″><strong>Versati</strong>lity </h4><p>Many diffusers, such as our <a href=”https://www.amazon.co.uk/NEOM-Wellbeing-Ultrasonic-Essential-Aromatherapy/dp/B0B9T5G52P/ref=asc_df_B0B9T5G52P/” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>Neom</a> winner, double up as mood lamps and have LED lights that can help enhance the ambience of your space. If you’re keeping yours in the bedroom, it can also work as a night light for reading. </p><p>What’s more, you can change the scents as often as you like, depending on your mood and the season. </p><h2 class=”body-h2″><strong>Can I use a diffuser around my pets?</strong> </h2><p>It’s generally safe to use essential oils in a diffuser if you have pets at home, but Kellet advises exercising caution, saying it’s important to keep your diffuser and essential oils out of reach of your furry friends. </p><p>Cat owners should be especially careful. “Cats have very sensitive livers and can’t tolerate essential oils easily,” she says. </p><p>“If you’re diffusing in a house with cats, make sure you’re only doing so for short periods and that the room you are diffusing in is well ventilated.” </p><p>She adds an important reminder that essential oils should never be applied to animals without advice from a qualified aromatherapist or veterinary specialist. </p><h2 class=”body-h2″><strong>What are the best essential oils to use in a diffuser?</strong> </h2><p>Whether you’re looking to de-stress, relax or focus when you’re working from home, there are hundreds of essential oils to choose from to suit your individual needs. Here, Kellet shares some of her favourites. </p><ul><li><strong>Neroli (<em>citrus aurantium </em>amara): </strong>Neroli oil is distilled from the blossom of the orange tree and is known for its stress-reducing, anxiety-easing qualities. </li><li><strong>Peppermi</strong><strong>nt (<em>mentha</em> pipertia): </strong>Peppermint oil, with its cooling, clearing aroma is useful for relieving headaches and can also help with mental clarity. </li><li><strong>French marjor</strong><strong>am (<em>origanum</em> marjorana): </strong>This soothing oil is thought to help you get a peaceful night’s rest. Kellet recommends adding a few drops to your diffuser 30 minutes before bed and closing the door so the aroma can flood the room. Just remember to set a timer or turn it off before lights out. </li><li><strong>Frankincens</strong><strong>e (<em>boswellia</em> carterii):</strong> This oil is said to help calm breathing, soothe anxious thoughts and bring a sense of calm to stressful situations. Pop a few drops into your diffuser when you’re feeling overwhelmed. </li></ul><p>When shopping for essential oils, it’s important to source genuine, high-quality products that are safe for human consumption and for diffusing indoors. Look for words such as ‘pure’ and ‘organic’ on the label and steer clear of oils that contain synthetical chemicals and pesticides. </p><p><a href=”https://neomwellbeing.com/” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>Neom</a>, <a href=”https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/tisserand-orange-organic-pure-essential-oil-9ml-60039858″ target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>Tisserand</a> and <a href=”https://www.amazon.co.uk/Miaroma-Rosemary-Refreshing-100-Essential/dp/B07NDZLFMZ” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>Miaroma</a> are brands known for their high-quality oils. </p><h2 class=”body-h2″><strong>How we test</strong> </h2><p>To find the best electric diffusers on the market, our GHI panel tested a range of devices. Each one was sent to at least five people who used them regularly over a three-week period before reporting back on their experience. </p><p>The diffusers were judged on a range of factors, including the practicality of their design, how easy they were to set up, use and clean, and crucially, their mood-boosting qualities. </p><p>Back at the <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/a24657702/good-housekeeping-institute-product-reviews/” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>GHI,</a> our experts looked at energy efficiency and sustainability claims. Only the top performing products made our final line-up. </p><p>Here are the electric diffusers they believe are worth investing in. </p>”/>
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1
Best electric diffuser
Neom Wellbeing Pod Diffuser
1
Best electric diffuser
Neom Wellbeing Pod Diffuser
Score: 94/100
As the name suggests, this stylish Neom device is all about supporting your wellbeing. As well as four automatic timer settings and a dimmable night light to create a cosy ambience, it boasts a breathing mode, which slowly brightens for seven seconds as you inhale then dims for 11 as you exhale – a useful tool to help you de-stress before dozing off. Our testers were impressed by how quickly their chosen scent filled a room and rated its staying power. It was simple to set up and clean and its sleek design earned extra brownie points.
Offering both style and functionality in spades, this luxe diffuser is a self-care dream. “The incredible aromas made me feel like I was in a high-end spa,” said one satisfied tester. Thanks to the sophisticated packaging and array of starter packs on offer, it would make a gorgeous gift, too. The touch controls were a tad hit and miss, but that was our only niggle.
Key specifications
| Dimensions (mm) | 143 (H) x 92 (W) |
|---|---|
| Power source | Mains-connected |
| Mist time | Up to 7 hours |
2
Best for under £50
Oliver Bonas Electric Aroma Diffuser
2
Best for under £50
Oliver Bonas Electric Aroma Diffuser
Score: 93/100
If you’re tempted by our Neom winner but can’t justify the spend, this ceramic design from Oliver Bonas looks just as chic and comes with a range of timer settings and light options. Our testers liked how quickly it infused even larger spaces with heavenly scents and enjoyed flitting between the six colourful light modes depending on their mood.
Unlike some diffusers which vibrate loudly when pumping out oil, the motor was ultra quiet and didn’t get in the way of their relaxation. Stellar performance aside, the ridged ceramic shell adds a stylish touch to any mantlepiece. Choose from three colours: grey, sage or natural. “It’s a beautiful addition to my home,” gushed one tester, while another said they’d recommend it to all their friends and family.
Key specifications
| Dimensions (mm) | 155 (H) x 90 (W) |
|---|---|
| Power source | Mains-connected |
| Mist time | Up to 3 hours |
3
Best plug-in diffuser
The White Company Motion Sensor Plug In Electronic Diffuser
3
Best plug-in diffuser
The White Company Motion Sensor Plug In Electronic Diffuser
Score: 90/100
Not your average diffuser, this clever plug-in device from The White Company scored top marks for portability and ease of use. It will save you precious surface space, you can move it from room to room and you don’t need to faff around filling up the water tank each time – just fill the bottle with your favourite fragrance, pop in a filter stick and it’s ready to go.
Choose between the ‘motion’ mode, which diffuses fresh oil when it registers movement day or night, and the ‘scent’ mode, which regularly releases aroma throughout the day. Panellists confirmed it was “highly effective” and were amazed by how simple it was to set up and use.
Look to one of our other options if R&R is the name of the game, but if you simply want something that will make your home smell amazing 24/7, call off the search. Granted, it’s on the pricey side for a plug-in but you only need to change the oil every six to eight weeks.
4
Best for discreet design
Muji Aroma Diffuser
4
Best for discreet design
Muji Aroma Diffuser
Now 20% Off
Score: 88/100
Our testers loved the design of this tall, slim Muji model, which looks more like a pillar candle than an electronic device. It offers four automatic timer settings between 30 minutes and three hours and two light modes for setting the mood, whether you’re bedding down for the night, entertaining or working away at your desk.
Panellists found it a cinch to operate from the get-go thanks to the clear instructions and said it delivered the perfect amount of scent in seconds every time.
Blending seamlessly with any interior style, this is a great pick for those who prefer an understated look. One tester said they’d prefer the mist to be dispersed more gently as they found it a touch distracting, but that comes down to personal preference.
Key specifications
| Dimensions (mm) | 140 (H) x 80 (W) |
|---|---|
| Power source | Mains-connected |
| Mist time | Up to 4 hours |
5
Best for sleep
Rituals Sleep Aroma Diffuser
5
Best for sleep
Rituals Sleep Aroma Diffuser
Score: 83/100
Need some help unwinding before bed? Consider this beautiful Japanese-inspired diffuser, which is designed to be switched on just before you drift off. For 10 minutes, it pumps out a snooze-inducing blend of lavender and sandalwood essential oils to help soothe the mind and prepare you for a restful night. It also emits a peaceful glow to help turn your bedroom into a tranquil haven, and if you scan the QR code on the box, you can follow a guided meditation. Unlike most of the diffusers on our list, this one doesn’t require water, using a cartridge instead.
Testers couldn’t get enough of the “delicate and heavenly” scent, saying it filled their bedrooms within moments. They also loved how easy it was to use (you simply click the fragrance pod into place and use the single control button to switch it on) and said it was whisper-quiet – just what you want before bed.
It only comes with one fragrance, which means you can’t switch up the scents and the USB cable is on the short side, but those were the only gripes. Overall, this is a reliable and aesthetically pleasing device, which deserves a spot on your nightstand.
Key specifications
| Dimensions (mm) | 150 x 120 |
|---|---|
| Power source | Mains-connected |
| Mist time | 10-minute cycles |
6
Best budget buy
Salter Teardrop Aroma Essential Oil Mist Diffuser
6
Best budget buy
Salter Teardrop Aroma Essential Oil Mist Diffuser
Score: 78/100
You don’t have to spend over the odds on a diffuser with innovative features, as this Salter gem proves. The dinky device won’t take up heaps of space on your windowsill or bedside table – ideal for those who are short on space – but it still packs a punch.
Our panel rated it for scent throw and longevity, with one tester saying, “I was so impressed with how long it went on for.” They also liked the colour-changing LED lights, which are perfect for creating a cosy, comforting ambience in the evening.
The build isn’t as premium as some of the pricier products in our top five and the base and lid don’t clip together, so you risk water spillages (particularly if you have children or pets), but that wouldn’t stop us from using it again. For under £25, it’s hard to complain.
Dimensions
| Dimensions (mm) | 162 (H) x 114 (W) |
|---|---|
| Power source | Mains-connected |
| Mist time | Up to 6 hours |
Priyankaa is our senior health and wellness writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and roundups on the latest health and fitness products. From walking boots to running machines, Priyankaa has written about hundreds of products and is passionate about providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. Plus, as an avid runner and gymgoer, she knows exactly what to look for when finding the right gymwear, fitness tracker or earphones.
Priyankaa has an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and over five years’ experience in health and fitness journalism. Priyankaa has written for Stylist’s Strong Women Training Club, where she regularly wrote about diversity in the fitness industry, nutrition tips, training advice and her experience completing various fitness challenges. She has also written for a variety of publications including Business Insider, Glamour, Bustle, Metro, HuffPost UK, gal-dem and more. Outside of work, Priyankaa can usually be found trying out a new gym class, seeking out London’s best eats or watching a Spanish TV show in a bid to keep up her language skills. You can follow Priyankaa on Twitter @_priyankaajoshi and on Instagram @priyankaajoshi
Kim Hawley is our health and fitness product tester. Her career in fitness has spanned over 30 years. Prior to joining the Good Housekeeping Institute, she worked as a personal trainer, writer and fitness instructor for some of London’s most prestigious health clubs, including The Harbour Club, David Lloyd and The Chelsea Club. Passionate about women’s health and fitness, especially in pre/post menopause, she is also a Level 4 PT and holds a professional nutritional qualification. Kim is responsible for rigorously testing everything from cross trainers to smart watches.
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