If you've ever been left frantic over whether or not you blew out your favorite candle or find air freshers a nuisance to refill, then the best reed diffusers might be for you. Reed diffusers are an exceptional choice for any who wants to immerse themselves in some of the best scents with none of the work.
Plus, in most cases, these diffusers don't just smell good: when selecting the right one, they look good too — making them the ultimate win-win. But, finding the best reed diffuser is no easy task.
Scents are a powerful thing, and you need to know what exactly you're looking for to make the most out of your investment.
Fragrances such as lavender or vanilla create a safe and relaxing space, working wonders on the mind and spirit. While a citrusy scent in your kitchen or bathroom might spark your recollection, transporting you back to a favorite family vacation. Or a whiff of rose petals might be reminiscent of a spring day in the park with friends.
Whether you're looking for a subtle, striking, or in-between scent, we've rounded up a shortlist of the best reed diffusers that are both suited for everyday use or on the days you require a little self-care — and are available in some of the chicest vessels on the market.
Be sure to check out our best candle buying guide for more options!
The best reed diffusers
Take up Jo Malone and her invitation to "decorate with scent" with the help of this best-selling English Pear and Fressia reed diffuser. The fruity-floral scent encapsulates early autumn so beautifully.
Scent
The combination of juicy King William pear mixed with the delicate white floral scent of the freesia and a base of earthy, woody patchouli is a real winner.
Packaging
Designed in a glass bottle, this reed diffuser comes with ten reed sticks. With every bottle and matching stuck wrapped in the iconic Jo Malone box tied with a grosgrain ribbon, it makes the most sensational gift.
What we like about it
The scent is unusual yet subtle that it will not give you a headache or overpower the room. A cult favorite, we think this makes a sensational first foray into the world of home fragrance, which is why it's our top pick.
Are you looking for an affordable reed diffuser to fill your home with fragrance? This natural essential oil blend from AromaWorks is hard to beat on value for money.
Scent
This simple, all-natural scent is pure genius: the cheerful and zingy citrus notes of lime blended with the spicy and fresh mint and then rounded off with lavender and bergamot for extra depth. So serene and lovely.
Packaging
Simple and effective: a frosted glass jar and natural reeds.
What we like
This choice is natural, smells exceptional, and won't break the bank, so of course, we think it's one of the best reed diffusers.
This Tom Dixon home fragrance is in a league of its own and impossible to resist — and trust us, we have tried.
Scent
Part of a series on the four elements, this Earth diffuser is our favorite, with its opaque black jar and matching charcoal reed, making it the best choice for people who do not ordinarily like the look of traditional ones. It also comes with one big British-sourced charcoal diffuser stick.
Packaging
A colored glass vial with a single, thick charcoal reed. Stunningly modern and elegant.
What we like
This exceptional scent comes with a wow factor that is hard to overlook. Everything from the packaging to the fragrance in itself, to even the vessel, screams expensive — making it a must-have gift!
The Dr. Vranjes Rosso Nobile Diffuser has been in our home fragrance collection for a long time, and it deserves its place in the hall of fame of reed diffusers. This elegant and easy-going fragrance lasts and lasts without ever becoming overpowering.
Scent
Full disclaimer: while the brand describes this scent as "a recreating of red wine," we will be honest with you here: it's a very, very sophisticated take on a red fruit scent.
Best suited to someone in the market for a grown-up fruity fragrance without the bubblegum effect you get with some of them.
Packaging
As elegant as the scent: the faceted glass bottle, the deep red juice inside, and the black reeds are just so perfectly poised.
What we like
We say it's pretty much impossible to dislike this lovely, wholesome fragrance; it will never give you a headache.
Are you searching for something that reminds you of summer all year round? Apotheke's Sea Salt Grapefruit Reed Diffuser will do the trick. The smell is citrusy but elevated and clean and reminded us of a fancy hotel lobby in Miami Beach.
Scent
Grapefruit is the lead note, but the diffuser has plenty of depth thanks to hints of pepper, mint, and tarragon. It's more fresh than fruity. As for the strength of the scent, it'll fill up a large room (but isn't overpowering) and claims to last three to four months.
Packaging
The frosted glass bottle feels minimalist and modern, but it's simple enough to suit any style.
What we like
Besides the scent, which has become one of our go-to's, we love that Apotheke is female-founded, and the products are made in Brooklyn, New York.
The best way to describe this scent is warm and cozy without being heavy (you know, like when you walk into a house that's had a pumpkin spice candle burning all day? It's not like that).
Scent
This West Elm reed diffuser is tantalizing and zesty, but that's not all. There's also an air of richness and sophistication thanks to a combination of mandarin, rose essence, and night-blooming jasmine with notes of tonka bean, sandalwood, and Madagascar vanilla.
Packaging
The glass bottle arrives in a gold-tone angled brass container, which gives it an on-trend look. You'll be happy to display it in full view on a bookcase or mantle.
What we like
The scent, for one, but also that this little diffuser is like two purchases in one. While the diffuser might only last a few months, the brass vessel will look divine when repurposed.
If you're looking for a reed diffuser that makes as much of a style statement as it does a scent one, this CB2 reed diffuser is the perfect pick.
Scent
A little bit woodsy, a little bit fresh, this scent is subtle and a just-right balance of masculine and feminine. While the top notes are primarily citrus, the middle notes of tobacco and lavender give it a slightly rich but nowhere near overpowering.
Packaging
This reed diffuser is a minimalist's dream, arriving in a sleek black box that sits elegantly on a glass cylinder with plants.
What we like about it
Ringing in at a very affordable $29.99, this reed diffuser was created in collaboration with Bright Endeavors, a Chicago-based nonprofit that provides job training for young, underprivileged mothers.
What we don't like about it
Nothing!
Classy packaging and natural scents make Ortigia Sicily's hottest export – making this one of their most delectable fragrances (in our minds!).
The scent
The true orange blossom scent – sweet and a little oily; if you've ever smelled orange blossoms, you'll instantly recognize it. There's nothing synthetic about it, and Ortigia uses actual neroli oil to create a stunning effect.
The packaging
The black engraving on the bottle over the amber-colored juice looks so sleek and makes it completely giftable!
What we like about it
That the company uses natural ingredients in their home fragrance – you can smell that here.
What we don't like about it
The reeds are a bit basic. We'd replace it with satin black ones for a more sophisticated look.
There are so many grapefruit home scents out there – this one is by far the best.
The scent
Fresh and citrusy, this will also delight you with the addition of lily of the valley, which lends it a more sophisticated quality than just straight-up grapefruit.
Packaging
Elegant if somewhat forgettable – a striped frosted glass bottle that reminds us a little of Jo Malone.
What we like
The elegance of this reed diffuser – prepare yourself for the many compliments you'll receive from guests.
What we don't like
This reed diffuser may not be best suited for larger-scaled rooms as it's on the subtle side and might not be strong enough to make an impression.
What to look for in the best reed diffusers?
Reusable
As much as we love candles: once they are gone, that is it, which is not the case with reed diffusers. When reed diffusers run out — or start to run out — you can top them off with brand-new fragrance oil, which in turn provides longevity on your investment.
Safety
Reed diffusers are a breath of fresh air for anyone who lives alone or is constantly worrying about safety. Unlike candles, reed diffusers are pet and child-friendly. Generally speaking, making this choice the safer of the two.
Scent
Finding the 'right' scent is the most challenging aspect of reed diffusers, and that is because it comes down to you and your family's preference. Florals are a simple selection, and when paired with something fruity and fresh, it's an effortless, modernized option. Whereas for a more unexpected choice, you might gravitate towards something woodsy or spicy, or on the total opposite side of the spectrum, like a "greener" scent.
Are reed diffusers safe for pets?
Love a reed diffuser, but heard about the potentially toxic effects on your pet? It's not just a scare tactic: dogs and cats have a much stronger sense of smell than we do and can be overwhelmed by strong scents. Moreover, if there is exposure over long periods to poignant perfume, it can make them ill by damaging their livers. Here are some solutions:
1. Limit the use of your reed diffuser to parts of the house your pet doesn't spend much time in, for example, your home office or bathroom.
2. If you want to keep using a reed diffuser in the main room, keep the space well ventilated and allow your pet access to the outdoors. Consider putting the diffuser away for the night.
3. Some natural fragrances are safe for pets — notable oils such as rose, jasmine, and lavender. Look out for natural and organic reed diffusers that use these calm florals, and avoid anything citrus or pine fragranced.
