The Best Essential Oil Diffusers in Canada

Aromatherapy can be a great way to relax after a hard day’s work. Nothing can be more peaceful as a  gentle, invigorating aroma wafting throughout your home while you read, game or just hang out. Some essential oil diffusers can also help humidify your space, and some essential oils have anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, so running a humidifier can help freshen your space.

We think an oil diffuser can be a great way to improve how your space smells and feels, and we hope this list helps you find the best oil diffuser for you.

Our top picks

What to look for in an essential oil diffuser

Type: We think one of the most important features to consider in a diffuser is what type of diffuser you want, as different varieties have different pros and cons. Nebulizing diffusers need no heat or water, but are on the expensive side. Ultrasonic diffusers utilize water to disperse the essential oil as a mist into the air, which can act in a small humidifier. Heat diffusers use heat to spread the essential oils, but heat can change the aroma of the essential oils. Evaporative diffusers use fans to spread the aroma of the essential oil without heat or water but are not as effective as regular diffusers, since different components of the whole oil diffuse at different times.

Due to the significant flaws of the latter two types of diffusers, we’ve excluded them. Ultrasonic diffusers are the cheapest and the most popular type of diffuser available in Canada and made up most of this list. However, we did include one nebulizing diffuser, due to its strong performance.

Capacity: The capacity of how much essential oil, or in the case of ultrasonic diffusers, how much water, a diffuser can hold impacts how long a diffuser can run for and how often you will need to refill the diffuser.  The larger the capacity, the more likely the larger the overall footprint of the diffuser, so think about how much space you want your diffuser to take up.

Coverage: Some diffusers advertise the amount of space they can fill with a diffused aroma, and others do not. If you have a particular room or space you need to run a diffuser in, trying to find a diffuser with compatible coverage is a sensible solution.

Functions: There is a range of functions that some diffusers have, including timers that can help you run the diffuser for a set period of time, intermittent diffusing so you can set your diffuser to turn on and then off after a period of time, lights, or Smart home compatibility. Consider which types of functions or features would be used optimally for your uses.

Style: The style of your diffuser will determine how well it fits in with the rest of your décor. There are many styles of diffusers out there, so choosing one that suits your space will be beneficial.

Our methodology

When doing research for this buying guide, we considered a number of factors we believed were important in how a diffuser operates. Things we valued in a diffuser included how well the diffuser generated mist and aroma, the settings and functions the diffuser had, the build quality of each diffuser, and for ultrasonic diffusers (which made up the majority of this list) how much capacity the water tank had. We also considered smaller details that could impact a user’s enjoyment of their diffuser, like price, size and aesthetics.

Our methodology for selecting products for this review included referring to professional reviews, user reviews online, and our own opinion. We put over 15 hours reviewing different diffusers online to create this buying guide. When searching for products, we primarily focused on products with an average review of 4 stars and higher online, to ensure customer satisfaction with their products.

Best ultrasonic oil diffuser

Anjou Essential Oil Diffuser Set

Amazon’s most wishlisted diffuser is this Anjou Essential Oil Diffuser set, which combines a solid ultrasonic diffuser with a selection of 12 essential oils, so you can enjoy the aroma of these essential oils as soon as you see the package with a smile on it on your doorstep.

As diffusers go, the Anjou diffuser included is a solid ultrasonic diffuser with a reservoir that can hold 300ml of water. The diffuser has 4 modes: 1 hour, 3-hour and 6-hour timer settings, with an option for a steady mist if you just want to leave the diffuser on, which you can without worrying thanks to the Anjou’s auto-off feature.

The Anjou features an interesting design, with a light on the top and a faux-wood base that one user described as a “glowing chestnut”. The LED light shines in 7 different colours, which it can cycle through or pick one colour to stay on or be turned off. The Anjou does have a larger footprint than many of the diffusers available, which may make finding an optimal spot for this diffuser a struggle if you have limited space.

Users are very keen on this diffuser set from Anjou. Users have generally good things to say about the diffuser, and 12 different essential oils included on top of that is icing on the cake. However, there are flaws we feel the Anjou has, but none of which seem like potential deal-breakers. The device beeps when it shuts off, which can be irritating for users who use a diffuser when they sleep.

Pros
  • Features everything you need to get started, with 12 different essential oils.
  • Light that glows in one of 7 different colours.
  • Solid range of settings for most uses.
Cons
  • Larger footprint than some other diffusers.
  • Machine beeps when it shuts off.

best cheap oil diffuser

Asakuki 500ml Essential Oil Diffuser

For a budget essential oil diffuser, you cannot go wrong with the Asakuki Premium Essential Oil diffuser. This larger unit features strong mist production and a handful of features while still being the cheapest option on this list, as of writing.

The Asakuki is an ultrasonic diffuser with a large 500 ml reservoir, which lets the Asakuki run up to 16 hours on its weaker setting. This diffuser also features three timer settings: 1 hour, 2 hour and 3 hours intervals, or you can leave it on with little worry due to its automatic shut-off button. While most users found the Asakuki quiet, it does have a slight sound, which should not bother most people. The mist production of this diffuser is effective, with up 30 square meters of coverage.

The Asakuki diffuser features a light with 7 different colours, with two brightness modes, or you can turn the light off while the diffuser runs.

There are a few issues that may make you consider other diffusers over this Asakuki model. Firstly, it features a larger footprint than many comparable diffusers, and the device plugs in from the bottom, meaning you should not fill the diffuser’s tank directly from the tap, as you will then need to plug the diffuser in while the device is full of water. Another flaw of the Asakuki is the device does not recall settings, so if you need to turn the device off to refill the tank, the settings will default to factory settings each time. With default kaleidoscopic lights, this can be an annoyance you regularly have to deal with. Users found operating the device by its buttons clunky yet functionable, and the Alexa interface limited. The in-app controls on the other hand seem to be comprehensive and easy to use.

Pros
  • Large tank can last significantly longer than lots of diffusers on this list.
  • Large area of coverage, great for larger rooms or the main living area in your house.
  • Most budget diffuser on this list.
Cons
  • Does not recall its settings.
  • Somewhat clunky controls via buttons or Alexa.
  • Awkward plug location.

Best essential oil diffuser for small space

Urpower 300ml Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser

The Urpower 300ml Aroma Essential Oil Diffuser is another great budget diffuser, with solid performance. Its smaller stature will make it a great choice for college students and people in smaller apartments alike.

The Urpower 300 ml diffuser is a powerful ultrasonic diffuser, producing vibrations 2.4 million times per second to spread essential oils throughout your space without the use of heat. With 300ml of capacity, this Urpower diffuser can run for up to 8 hours on a one-fill. With three timer modes of 60-minute, 120-minute and 180-minute runtimes, you can run the Urpower diffuser to your desired time, and an auto-off function protects your diffuser when it runs out of water.

The Urpower produces a decent amount of vapour, which spreads the room with aromatic vapour that is prominent, which the company claims can be effective in a range of 20 square meters, or provide humidifier-like results in a range of 10 square meters.

Functionally, the Urpower diffuser has a size and shape that makes it fit most rooms, with its circular design with a diameter of 11cm, taking up much less space than other diffusers on this list. The Urpower 300ml features a LED light that glows in a range of 7 colours, helping it match the mood of the room, or you can turn it off entirely.

Users are generally happy with the results of the Urpower 300ml Aroma diffuser, with the strong stream of vapour it produces with aromatic results. Another benefit users enjoyed was the ease of cleaning and the overall size, which is small enough it can fit any table or shelf you might want to place the Urpower on. Some users found the Urpower of lower build quality than some other diffusers, with the chief symptom of this issue being the lid that is too tight and difficult to access the reservoir. Another negative feature we do not particularly enjoy is that the machine emits a beep when it turns off.

Pros
  • Strong mist production, with a range that can fill most rooms.
  • Multiple color lights that can change color or stay on your favourite hue.
  • Smaller stature can fit in most shelves or table.
Cons
  • Build quality is not impressive, and users struggle with the lid in particular.
  • Machine beeps in the night when it turns off, which interrupted some light sleeping user’s sleep.

Best oil diffuser for large spaces

Raindrop 2.0 Essential Oil Diffuser for Aromatherapy by Organic Aromas

The Organic Aromas Raindrop 2.0 is also the best oil diffuser without water. 

If you want the most aroma from your diffuser, opting for a nebulizing diffuser like the Organic Aromas Raindrop 2.0 diffuser might be the right choice for you.

Nebulizing diffusers are different than the ultrasonic diffusers that make up the majority of this list, as they operate by using high velocities to produce a mist from your essential oils, without requiring water. Without diluting the essential oils, nebulizing diffusers like the Raindrop 2.0 produce strong aromas and clouds. The Raindrop 2.0 only has one mode: an intermittent cycle that diffuses for 2 minutes, stops for 1 minute and shuts down after 2 hours. However, this mode is able to produce strong-smelling aromas and a fine mist that can be adjusted in strength. However, with this Nebulizing diffuser, you will need to be careful of its placement, as oils in the air will settle around your diffuser in a thin film.

The Raindrop 2.0 features a LED light source, but with no colour range – which may be a pro or con depending on your taste. The Raindrop 2.0 comes in two styles: a version with a black base and a version with a natural woodgrain base, the latter we appreciate amongst a bunch a number of diffusers with garish faux-wood plastics. With its small footprint, plenty of spaces can benefit from using the Raindrop 2.0.

Users tend to love the results that the Raindrop 2.0 produces, with high-quality mist and aroma that can fill rooms – or even small houses. However, Nebulizers have their own sets of downsides that are important to discuss. One of the primary downsides is the noise: Nebulizers can be the noisiest type of diffusers, and while quiet on lower settings, the Raindrop makes noticeable noise on higher settings. Nebulizers also typically require as much cleaning as ultrasonic diffusers and can be more difficult to clean than ultrasonic diffusers, although some users had luck swishing the glass components with rubbing alcohol to clean. Overall, if you want premium aromas from your diffuser, the Raindrop 2.0 is a fine choice.

Pros
  • Powerful nebulizing performance provides a potent mist.
  • Requires no water.
  • Unique design featuring real wood base.
Cons
  • Produces noise, which can be annoying at higher strengths.
  • Only one mode – a 2-hour intermittent cycle.
  • Harder to clean than ultrasonic diffusers.

Virtruvi Stone Diffuser

Virtruvi Stone Diffuser

Diffusers contribute to the overall look and feel of the room you are in, and if you are willing to spend top dollar on a gorgeous diffuser, the Vitrui Stone diffuser is a great choice.  This ultrasonic diffuser from the Vancouver-based company adds a chic diffuser that can add an extra element of atmosphere to most rooms.

The Vitruvi Stone Diffuser features a minimal design, letting its appearance fit the room it’s placed in and quietly goes to work. The Vitruvi features minimal features, with two functions: a 4-hour continuous mode and an 8-hour intermittent mode, as well as auto shut off. The Vitruvi also features a LED light mode designed to emit a candlelike glow. The Vitruvi has a reservoir with 100ml capacity, although this information is missing from the Amazon link and the website, for some reason.

There are a few flaws that users brought up regarding the Vitruvi essential oil diffuser. A primary flaw that a few users brought up was that the diffuser just is not potent, as users compared this diffuser to cheaper diffusers they owned and found that this diffuser does not emit as strong an aroma as other diffusers. On the Virtruvi website, they suggest using 20-25 drops per 100ml, which is a lot more compared to that of other diffusers. Some users complained about how the modes are set up, disliking that the intermittent mode is connected to a timer option, and finding the longer timer options less than ideal for their average session using the diffuser. Finally, the ceramic cover is prone to marks from scratches and fingerprints.

We would say that in terms of aesthetics, the Virtruvi is a gorgeous diffuser, but as one of the more expensive diffusers available, its performance leaves something to be desired. As a statement piece, many users love the design, however, some users have noted that this diffuser is outperformed by some of the cheaper diffusers available.

Pros
  • Gorgeous design makes this diffuser a lovely centerpiece.
  • 4-hour continuous mode and 8-hour intermittent mode keep spaces feeling fresh and inviting.
Cons
  • Requires a large amount of essential oil.
  • Expensive for what it is.

Best car oil diffuser

InnoGear USB Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser

There are countless diffusers for the home, but since we all live busy, stressful lives, how about a diffuser when you are on the go? Whether in the car or in the office, the InnoGear USB Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser goes where you go, giving you the benefits of a diffuser and a miniature humidifier in one.

The InnoGear diffuser is a USB-powered ultrasonic diffuser so small it can fit in a cupholder, making it a solid travel companion, or a desktop diffuser for use in the office. With its small size, it’s predictable that the InnoGear will have a little water capacity, which caps out at 50ml. Even with its small size, the InnoGear can run for 3-4 hours on its continuous mode and twice as long in intermittent mode. The InnoGear also features the ever-handy auto-off function for when it runs out of water.

With buttons handily located near the top of the device, controlling the InnoGear is an easy task. The InnoGear diffuser features an internal light that can slightly illuminate where it’s placed but will not interact with your vision if used while driving after dark. The InnoGear comes in white or black, however unfortunately the white version seems to be available in limited qualities and is commanding a staggering price, however, we think the sleek black option looks way better.

Users seem to enjoy the portability of the InnoGear USB diffuser; however, the diffuser is on the weaker side, able to provide a nice aroma within a car or by your desk, but unable to fill a room. Due to the small reservoir, many users found this diffuser running out of water too quickly or too frequently. There does seem to be some issues with quality control, as most of the negative Amazon reviews discuss issues with the device failing, however many users who contracted the company got a replacement, so we appreciate the company’s customer service.

Pros
  • USB powered so you can diffuse on the go.
  • Small size perfect for fitting in a cupholder on top of your work desk.
  • Company has reputable customer service.
Cons
  • Small reservoir does not last long.
  • Some quality control issues.

Best smart diffuser

Atomi Smart WiFi Aroma Diffuser

If you are looking for a diffuser that will fit perfectly in your smart home, the Atomi Smart Diffuser will be a great fit with either Google Home and Alexa.

The Atomi Smart diffuser is a larger ultrasonic diffuser, with a tank of 400ml which can produce up to 12 hours of mist throughout your week. The diffuser has many features that make it easy to set and forget, with quiet operation and waterless auto-shutoff. The Atomi also features a multicolour light at it’s base that can set the mood or run through its colour gamut.

Seeing as its primary feature is its Smart technology, the Atomi boasts a very programable feature set, as the device can be controlled via Alexa, Google Home or its own app for iOS and Android. Via these controls, you can set automatic schedules, turn the device on and off and control the diffuser and light settings.

Users overall seem to enjoy the smart controls of the Atomi Smart diffuser, although some users found setup of the diffuser via WiFi on the difficult side. One other factor we did not like is the design: its larger base makes it take up considerably more space, and the faux wood combined with fluorescent lights and its flared top contribute to its unique aesthetic that not everyone will appreciate.

Pros
  • Large tank can last up to 12 hours of runtime.
  • Compatible with both Alexa and Google Home.
  • Fully controllable with free iOS and Android app.
Cons
  • Set up on WiFi can prove difficult.
  • Aesthetic design will not suit every space.

Frequently asked essential oil diffuser questions

What is an essential oil?

An essential oil is a plant extract suspended in an oil that has the “essence” of the plant’s aroma.

What are the essential oil diffuser types? How do oil diffusers work?

There are four primary variants of diffusers: nebulizing, ultrasonic, heat, and evaporative. All of the oil diffuser types aim to turn the diffuser oil into a vapour, and then spread the vapour throughout the room, however they have different ways of doing this. Nebulizing diffusers use high velocity to diffuse essential oils into a fine mist, without the use of heat or water. Ultrasonic diffusers use water and ultrasonic frequencies to break the essential oil into micro-particles and disperse the particles as a fine mist. Heat diffusers heat the oil to evaporate the aroma into the air and evaporative diffusers use airflow to spread the scent of the essential oils.

What are the benefits of essential oils?

Essential oils can smell really nice and can be used to set a soothing atmosphere, or help you relax after a stressful day. Using a diffuser may have an impact on relaxation, and some essential oils have been found to have anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties.

However, essential oils are at the center of a debate on the efficacy of aromatherapy and alternative medicine. While there are certainly helpful chemical compounds naturally found in plants, there is no sufficient evidence that essential oils can treat any chronic diseases or illnesses, and systematic reviews looking into studies that have yielded data that suggests otherwise shown serious flaws in the methodology of the studies.

You are probably aware of some of the health benefits certain plants do have, so what makes essential oils largely ineffective against most illnesses? Even if an essential oil contains a chemical compound with a certain benefit, like for example alleviating a headache, it is highly unlikely that this compound will effectively be delivered to the body via essential oils, as there are potentially thousands of compounds within an essential oil, that may interact with the body differently and have wide-ranging effects.

Modern medicine, on the other hand, is significantly more effective, as modern medicine isolates specific chemicals or compounds that have positive impacts on diseases and illnesses, and doses them in a way that is readily usable by the body.

We recommend essential oils as a great way to relax and improve the aroma and atmosphere of your space, but they are no alternative to medicine.

How many drops of essential oil should I use in a diffuser?

It depends on how much water the reservoir of your diffuser can hold. Typically, people recommend between 3 and 5 drops of essential oil for every 100 ml in your diffuser, although this number ranges with each diffuser. We recommend reading the instructions thoroughly to help discover the optimal amount of drops your diffuser needs.

Are essential oil diffusers okay to use around pets?

It is important to do research if you want to use essential oils around pets or young children. While certain essential oils will be safe to use around pets and some can be harmful or potentially deadly. Knowing which essential oils are toxic to your breed and if your pet has any allergies is an important first step to take. We recommend using diffusers in well-ventilated rooms if you do have pets and ensuring the oils you use are safe with your animal. Bird and cat owners should reconsider buying a diffuser.

How to clean an essential oil diffuser?

It is important that you clean your diffuser semi-regularly – still, water can accumulate bacteria or even mould after a long period of time. Cleaning a diffuser is easy: empty the remaining water inside the reservoir, wipe it down with a clean cloth or piece of paper towel, and rinse clean!

What are the best essential oil brands?

Saje and Young Living are some of the most popular brands available in Canada. Virtruvi and Healing Hollow are some of our favourite essential oil brands based in Canada.

Diffuser vs humidifier: What’s the difference?

The essential difference between a diffuser and a humidifier is its function: a humidifier’s job is to control the moisture level in the air, whereas a diffuser’s job is to vaporize essential oils and diffuse them in the room. A humidifier is great if your home has dry air, or to help alleviate symptoms of colds and flus, where diffusers smell nice and can set the atmosphere of a room.

Saje vs Young Living: Which one is the best?

Saje is a lovely essential oil company dedicated to using pure plant extracts, with no fillers, no additives or anything non-natural. Unfortunately, this means that their products come with a higher price range. Young Living is one of the largest American essential oil companies and is dedicated to high-quality, pure essential oils with their Seed to Seal promise, and are available at slightly cheaper prices. You cannot go wrong with either.

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Updated date

January 11th, 2024

About the author

Sam Beetham

Sam Beetham is a writer who has accomplished his childhood dream of rating things professionally. When not gazing deeply into the LCD display, he can be found cooking, designing DND dungeons or working on music with his band.
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