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Which One Is The Best Essential Oil Diffuser For Under $40?

September 25, 2020 by Emma Carter 15 Comments

best essential oil diffusers If you’ve been shopping around for an essential oil diffuser, I know the options can be a little bit overwhelming. I remember when I was looking for my first oil diffuser, I didn’t know where to start or what really to look for. And if you’re just getting started with essential oils, you might not like to spend $80 or $100 for your first diffuser.

So, I have compiled a list of really good essential oil diffusers for under $40. Whether this will be your first diffuser, or whether you’re looking to add a 2nd or 3rd diffuser to your home so you don’t always have to carry it back-and-forth between the rooms you wish to use them in, have a browse through this list of some of the most popular and best essential oil diffusers that are available for under $40 with links to their full reviews and arranged by overall rating.

Further, the comparisons are broken down by diffuser water tank size. What if you’re looking for just a small diffuser for a bedroom or bathroom? What if you don’t have a ton of counter space to work with? What if you do? What if your living room is open concept and you need to cover larger areas for the oils to be effective?

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read my full disclosure policy here.

Small diffusers | Mid-sized diffusers | Large capacity diffusers

Typical essential oil diffusers are in the 100 mL- 150 mL water tank range. This will generally get you around 4-6 hours of run time and coverage for an average-sized small bedroom or office. There are mid-range diffusers, from about 150 mL – under 300 mL in water tank size. I would use this in a small spa front desk area, larger bedroom or kitchen. Third, there are the large capacity essential oil diffusers, with water reservoirs of 300 mL and upwards. Use this kind of diffuser if you need coverage for a larger yoga studio for example, or a classroom, or otherwise a bigger space. These units will typically run 8-10+ hours without needing a refill. You can of course still use these large capacity diffusers in smaller spaces, if you like or require just the longer run-time and less frequent refilling feature.

I hope you enjoy this overview and if you’d like me to have a look at, and possibly add your favorite diffuser to this comparison, please drop me a line here.

Contents

  • Average Small Essential Oil Diffusers
  • Mid-Sized Essential Oil Diffusers
  • Large Capacity Essential Oil Diffusers
  • Portable Essential Oil Diffusers
  • What’s the best essential oil diffuser?
  • How do I clean my essential oil diffuser?
  • How do I use essential oils?
  • 5 Benefits of Using an Essential Oil Diffuser
  • Why Aromatherapy?

Average Small Essential Oil Diffusers

These units are between 70 mL – 150 mL in water tank size, and have a run time of around 4-6 hours on average.

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​

Model Price / Size Best Feature Rating
REVIVE oasis diffuser REVIVE Oasis Diffuser $40* / 100 mL Whisper quiet, diffuse with light off or light on. 100% BPA Free. 5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)
Shop Here
plant therapy novafuse diffuser review NovaFuse Diffuser  $29.95* / 70 mL It’s a 2-in-1 ultrasonic aroma diffuser & humidifier, creating instant relaxing aromatherapy AND distributing moisture throughout the air. 5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)
See Full Review
purespa essential oil diffuser PureSpa Essential Oil Diffuser $29.99* / 100 mL Ultra-simple operation with just ONE 3-touch power button. No beeping noises for the auto shut-off! 60-day Money Back Guarantee! 5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)
See Full Review
elegiant aroma diffuser ultrasonic humidifier Elegiant Essential Oil Diffuser $17.99* / 100 mL The lid locks in place. Nice size, solid operation. Vibrant lights! 4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5)
See Full Review
Smiley Daisy Essential Oil Diffuser Review Smiley Daisy Essential Oil Diffuser $25.97* / 100 mL Whisper-quiet advanced ultrasonic technology, doesn’t interfere with work or sleep. 4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)
See Full Review
Innogear Essential Oil Diffuser InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser $19.95* / 100 mL 7-color mood lighting like a personal rainbow. 4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)
See Full Review
 Greenair Spa Vapor Diffuser with Advanced Wellness Instant Healthful Mist Therapy Greenair Spa Vapor+ Ultrasonic Oil Diffuser  $23.99* / 150 mL It’s affordable, reliable, and designed to work for years on end. 4.3 out of 5 stars (4.3 / 5)
See Full Review

* Prices as on Amazon.com at the time of writing and subject to change without notice. Please check Amazon.com for most current pricing information.

Mid-Sized Essential Oil Diffusers

These units are around 150 mL – under 300 mL in water tank size, and have a run time of around 6-8 hours on average.

Model Price Best Feature Rating
pilgrim collection alpha essential oil diffuser review Pilgrim Collection Alpha Diffuser $39.99* / 160 mL No lights, no sounds, no bells or whistles. Just a simple, clean, high quality diffuser. Nice!! 5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)
See Full Review
modern looking diffuser Puroma Essential Oil Diffuser $18.99* / 300 mL Cool looking mid-sized range diffuser with adjustable LED night light. 4.4 out of 5 stars (4.4 / 5)
Shop Here
purespa natural wood diffuser PureSpa 200mL Natural $39.99* / 200 mL Natural look from a trusted brand. 4.2 out of 5 stars (4.2 / 5)
Shop Here
earth vibes diffuser Earth Vibes Aromatherapy Diffuser $16.99* / 200 mL Small & compact, great for bathroom or office. 3.9 out of 5 stars (3.9 / 5)
Shop Here

* Prices as on Amazon.com at the time of writing and subject to change without notice. Please check Amazon.com for most current pricing information.

Large Capacity Essential Oil Diffusers

These units are over 300 mL in water tank size, and have a run time of around 8-10+ hours on average.

RELATED:  Aromatherapy Car Diffuser Review - 55ml Portable USB Car Diffuser
Model Price Best Feature Rating
light wood design Archeer Essential Oil Diffuser $22.50* / 300 mL BPA-free, conveniently priced around the $25 mark. 4.4 out of 5 stars (4.4 / 5)
See Full Review
large capacity essential oil diffuser 500 ml URPOWER 500mL Essential Oil Diffuser $19.99* / 500 mL Up to 14 hours of run time due to its large capacity water tank. 4.3 out of 5 stars (4.3 / 5)
See Full Review
aromatherapy essential oil diffuser review URPOWER 300 mL $28.99* / 300 mL Superb starter model with a modest price tag. 4.2 out of 5 stars (4.2 / 5)
See Full Review
easehold 400ml essential oil diffuser Easehold Large Capacity 400 mL Diffuser $35.99* / 400 mL Comes in 2 color choices (dark wood / light pine). Up to 20 hours of run time on intermittent (30 secs intervals) mist mode. 4 out of 5 stars (4 / 5)
See Full Review

* Prices as on Amazon.com at the time of writing and subject to change without notice. Please check Amazon.com for most current pricing information.

Portable Essential Oil Diffusers

These units are UNDER 100 mL in water tank size, but they are portable via USB and/or car charger plug-in. These are handy for traveling, or you can also use them in a small bathroom or other space where you’d like most of the counter to yourself, but still enjoy aromatherapy benefits.​

Model Price Best Feature Rating
GreenAir Scent Pod Oil Diffuser GreenAir Scent Pod $13.99* / N/A mL Uses scent pads, no water. 4.8 out of 5 stars (4.8 / 5)
See Full Review
aiho essential oil diffuser review Aiho Car Diffuser $17.99* / 50 mL The lid snaps into place, which is handy in preventing spills. 4.2 out of 5 stars (4.2 / 5)
See Full Review
portable diffuser by innogear InnoGear USB Car Diffuser $19.99* / 50 mL Handy USB Plug-in; no-spill design for car use. 4.2 out of 5 stars (4.2 / 5)
Shop Here
zaq mini travel portable essential oil diffuser ZAQ Mini Travel $29.99* / 20 mL Looks nice and stylish and because of the round shape, it’s really easy to clean. 4 out of 5 stars (4 / 5)
See Full Review
Rechargeable portable essential oil diffuser ECVISION Cordless Essential Oil Diffuser $19.99* / 100 mL This unit almost counts as a fully functional diffuser with a 100 mL tank, yet it’s still portable. 3.8 out of 5 stars (3.8 / 5)
See Full Review

* Prices as on Amazon.com at the time of writing and subject to change without notice. Please check Amazon.com for most current pricing information.

What’s the best essential oil diffuser?

best essential oil diffuser reviewsPersonally, my winner is the PureSpa Essential Oil Diffuser just because it’s so simple and straight forward to use! You can read the full review of it here.

How do I clean my essential oil diffuser?

If you’re wondering how to best clean your essential oil diffuser, have a look at this blog post here with some quick-n-dirty tips on how to best maintain your unit so it can last you a long time! Please not that of course, each diffuser will be slightly different and the best thing to start with is to consult the instruction pamphlet that came with your diffuser. For defects or other customer service requests, get in touch with the person, company or manufacturer that you purchased your unit from.

How do I use essential oils?

Diffusing essential oils into the air with an oil diffuser is only one way to apply the well-being that essential oils can bring to your daily life. For other ways on how to get the most out of your essential oils, read how to use essential oils, the top 10 lavender essential oil benefits (& how to use them), or my very popular blog post on using essential oils for headaches (something I do quite often as I’m plagued by migraines).

5 Benefits of Using an Essential Oil Diffuser

  1. essential oil diffusing benefits

    Purification and disinfection of the air in your home.

  2. Sets the mood and impact for aromatherapy.
  3. Focuses energies and sets a positive health aura.
  4. Tangible reduction of stress and anxiety.
  5. Spreads sweet fragrances around you and your home.

Why Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is an increasingly well-known term in the area of alternative medicines. Aromatherapy, as its name suggests, takes help of unprocessed aromas and fragrances to guarantee overall well-being of the body. It is as much about the components of the remedy as it is the scent. Although it has been defined in various ways, basically it is the process of diffusing scents into the air to make people feel better. It has been proven to provide physical and psychological benefits with proper implementation of the oils and scents.

Electric aromatherapy diffusers don’t need a flame, whereas oil burners need a heating source such as a candle. Today’s essential oil diffusers do not utilize heat or water to operate, keeping the oils in their normal state as they turn into a healthfully scented mist.

bergamot essential oil

You should always use aromatherapy along with consulting your regular health care practitioner. It is not a replacement for prescribed drugs or medical assessments.

Questions?

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me directly or leave your comments via the form below. I’d love to hear from you!

best oil diffusers

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Filed Under: Diffuser Reviews

About Emma Carter

As I'm getting started with essential oils for more natural well-being in my life, I hope to provide you with many valuable resources, tips, tricks and reviews to help you do the same. My essential oils journey has evolved over the past 5 years and I am now also studying to become a Certified Aromatherapist!

Previous Post: « Top 6 Essential Oils for Headaches
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Iva

    July 11, 2020 at 11:43 am

    which diffusers under $40 are made somewhere other than CHINA

    Reply
    • Emma Carter

      July 14, 2020 at 12:44 pm

      Hi Iva, out of this list, the diffusers with the best plastic quality are the Pilgrim Collection diffusers. While they are assembled in China, they are designed in Italy. The Pilgrim Collection company’s assembly line is BSCI certified (Business Social Compliance Initiative) and is among ISO quality standards (International Organization for Standardization). While still a plastic diffuser, the quality is top notch and not what you may otherwise call “cheaply made”. If you want the best plastic diffuser under $40, I’d buy one of the Pilgrim models. The Alpha is $39.99.

      Reply
  2. Deb

    October 18, 2019 at 7:59 pm

    I just found your site and I am NEW to essential oils. This information about diffuser (and the oil company reviews) have been an awesome resource. Thank you for taking the guess work out of this!! I feel like I can make good choices even with just starting out.

    Reply
    • Emma Carter

      October 19, 2019 at 4:05 am

      Amazing! Glad to hear it Deb! Thank you. ?

      Reply
  3. Ginger L Davila

    October 6, 2019 at 2:09 pm

    The very first one ~ Pilgrim Collection Anton Diffuser, I just ordered on Amazon for only 9.99! I am really hoping that it is as wonderful as mentioned! Especially since I got it for such an awesome price right now! I cannot WAIT try it out and use my essential oils! Especially going to use the Fall Diffuser Blends recipes! Several of the oils included in the Fall Diffuser Blends are used for repelling fleas so even MORE reason to give them a try! Thank you so so much for your ratings on diffusers and the oil blend recipes! A win~win to me!

    Reply
  4. Lisa

    August 19, 2018 at 5:42 pm

    We recently moved from Virginia to Texas and my diffuser was a casualty. This article of yours is exactly what I was looking for and so much better than doing a random Google search. Thank God for Pinterest, right? Of course, then I started checking out other areas of interest on your site. This old retired teacher felt the need to congratulate you on your concise, clear, informative format. I’ve been using essential oils for over 20 years and there is some pretty confusing, inaccurate information out there in cyberspace about them. Essential oils are potent as well as harmful if used improperly. Thank you for this. I am following you now and also telling my children and friends about this blog.

    Reply
  5. Rosemarie

    July 11, 2018 at 4:06 pm

    Hi Emma,
    I’ve been a migraine sufferer for many, many yrs. I’m using both essential oils and medication, though I’m trying to wean myself from the meds. I normally mix Lavender, Eucalyptus & Peppermint Essential Oils in my diffuser. Is there a mixture of Essential Oils you can recommend that would work better for migraines? When I get them they just hit me hard, and I get the whole enchilada, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, fatigue, jack-hammer pounding, etc. Your advice would be greatly appreciated.
    Thank you, Rosemarie

    Reply
  6. Karen

    April 24, 2018 at 3:39 am

    What do you think of piping rock essential oil’s

    Reply
  7. Marcelo

    March 10, 2018 at 1:46 am

    Hi ? Wonderful site! Thanks so much for all your reviews. I was wondering why I seem to never smell my oils when being diffused. The peppermint and orange I do smell sometimes even from across the room, but my favorite one, eucalyptus, I never seem to smell. I’ve tried different brands on 2 different diffusers and still no smell. Any advice? Maybe a specific eucalyptus oil to use? Thanks so much for your help. ?

    Reply
  8. Syed wahab

    October 21, 2017 at 5:57 pm

    Hi
    i want some essential oil for my electric difffuser.

    Reply
  9. Steffi Goldman

    January 3, 2017 at 4:48 am

    I’ve used essential oils for over 12 years … I do appreciate the Young Living brand, however it’s just too pricey for me. I use a lot of oils!
    Essential Oils are my “colognes” (usually Eucalyptus, Clove (or a mixture of both … which isn’t unlike Four Thieves). Occasionally, I’ll use Jasmine. Yes, it’s very “floral,” but its scent reminds me of the orange blossoms I smelled in my grandfather’s groves … I think the olefactory sense is the most powerful where memories are concerned. Daily, I use Eucalyptus & Clove oils. I just enjoy their scents. Besides burning, diffusing, using on my pulse points and on things like barley bag eye covers (for Savasana in class or at home), I’ll just hold a bottle to my nose and inhale. Simply doing that definitely elevates my moods and outlook! I also place empty, open bottles in things like shoes and dresser drawers.
    BTW: I’ve tried many oils, but IMHO, the best (my criteria are purity of scent; strength must be robust and, last, but an important factor: cost. For these reasons, I go with NOW. Perhaps it’s not an elite brand, but I’ve tried many, and – besides Young Living [especially Four Thieves] – I like it the best. I buy 4 OZ bottles, 6 at a time of Eucalyptus, 2 of Clive and one of Jasmine on Amazon.

    Reply
    • Emma

      January 3, 2017 at 6:00 pm

      Thanks so much for your opinion Steffi! Read my NOW oils review here: NOW Foods essential oils review.

      Reply
  10. Melissa Puricelli

    July 11, 2016 at 12:20 am

    Hi. I’ve been researching essential oils for 7 years now, tried several brands. There is a small company in Switzerland called just Swiss. I have been usuing their products for 6 1/2 years now. I recently became a consultant. Iam wondering why there are never any articles about this company?

    Reply
    • Emma

      July 16, 2016 at 12:34 pm

      Hi Melissa, thank you for your comment! I will most certainly have a look at the company you mention. :)

      Reply
  11. Sophie

    December 24, 2015 at 5:18 pm

    Hi, Is it possible for you to explain about using Aroma oils for a bath?

    Reply

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Meet Emma

essential oil haven author emmaHello and welcome to Essential Oil Haven! I'm an Aromatherapist in training. I use essential oils daily for more natural well-being in my life, and hope to provide you with many valuable resources, tips and reviews to help you do the same.
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