The best electric diffusers to achieve spa-like bliss at home, tried and tested

Score: 96/100

It was hard to find fault with our winning ESPA design, which numerous testers said was the best diffuser they’d ever tried. “I was so impressed by its performance,” said one happy panellist, while another added: “It feels like being in a top-end spa.”

They praised the “classy ceramic design” and found it intuitive to set up and use – simply fill it up with water, add a few drops of your chosen scent (all the ESPA options are gorgeous, FYI) and relax. Cleaning the device is also fuss-free.

It emits a fine mist from the spout at the top and it also has a light mode, which casts a warm, gentle glow over your room – testers said it worked well as a nightlight and helped them de-stress after a hectic day.

If you want to use it overnight to help lull you into a deep slumber, you can rest easy because it will switch off automatically when the water level is running low. It’s also extremely quiet, so it won’t keep you up or get in the way of your R&R efforts.

Score: 94/100

As one of the leading lifestyle and homeware brands on the high street, The White Company’s products come with high expectations. Fortunately, its electronic diffuser didn’t disappoint. It was an instant hit with our panel, who praised the design – they thought the ceramic and light wood finish was supremely elegant and said it slotted in perfectly with their interiors.

Good looks aside, the diffuser scored highly for ease of use. You simply take off the ceramic shell, fill the water tank to the clearly marked max line, add your scent of choice, and you’re good to go. There’s a range of timer settings to give you flexibility and the device itself is very quiet, so it won’t disturb you whether you’re working or relaxing in bed.

Our testers found the scent throw impressive, with many saying it filled up their rooms in mere moments. “It creates a gorgeous aroma,” said one, with another telling us: “I found it really calming; it’s helping me sleep.”

Score: 94/100

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.

Score: 93/100

If you’re tempted by our Neom or White Company runners-up 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.

Score: 91/100

As the name suggests, this battery-operated design is compact and portable, so you can move it around the house easily, move it outdoors and even take it with you on the go. There are no ugly, trailing wires ruining your decor either. “I absolutely loved this product,” commented one panel member, while another said: “It looks good, it’s easy to use and works beautifully.” What more could you want?

Though the shell is made from plastic for practicality, testers raved about the “classy design”, saying it looked just like a ceramic diffuser. It’s also really simple to use thanks to the handy instructions and funnel to help with pouring the oil. There are four timer settings to choose from, a white light option and it comes with a USB lead for speedy charging.

The scent throw was spot on (it wasn’t too overpowering or too subtle) but keep in mind that the diffuser is a little noisy. Still, everyone said they would continue using it and happily recommend it to others.

Score: 90/100

Another aesthetically pleasing ceramic option, this diffuser is designed to help you find your inner zen with a built-in breathwork coach, which guides you through three soothing sequences – simply breathe in and out as the light on the diffuser dims and brightens. This feature was a big hit with our panel, with testers saying it helped them fall asleep faster and enjoy a more restful night.

It also comes with a handy remote control, a dedicated night mode (mist on, lights off) and boasts auto switch-off to create the most relaxing environment possible. Everyone found it extremely easy to set up and use, and liked the ability to customise the mist and lights settings to create their desired ambience. “This really is one of the best diffusers I’ve ever used,” said one chilled-out tester. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Score: 88/100

We’re huge fans of Tisserand’s essential oils, fragrances and pillow mists, so it’s hardly surprising we loved the brand’s diffuser, too. It comes in at under £40, yet it’s still brimming with impressive features.

The petite, elegant design – which proved popular with testers – mists essential oils around the room in 30-second bursts or continuously, depending on your preference. It also offers a range of soothing light settings to help lull you into a state of relaxation. “I like using it as a lamp in the evenings,” said one panel member, while another commented: “The light has smooth transitions between colours, which was nice when unwinding in the evenings.”

It was a doddle to set up and intuitive to use, with no fiddly settings or awkward buttons, and we liked that it automatically shuts down when it’s out of water. We found the lid was a little stiff, but that’s hardly a dealbreaker. Overall, excellent value for money.

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.

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.

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 £20, it’s hard to complain.