Because of the cold and the pandemic, you’ve probably been spending more time at home than usual.
And even if you passed some of the time sitting in front of the humidity-zapping radiator, your skin and nasal passages must be a little drier as well. An effective way to overcome these symptoms is to get a diffuser humidifier.
In this article, we review the best diffuser humidifiers to help heal your dry skin and clear your airways.
Because there are so many models sold today, choosing a suitable diffuser-humidifer is difficult. But the task is further complicated by the different technologies used to get the job done.
If you are confused about what to purchase, then keep reading to learn about our top picks for the best diffuser humidifier.
Our Top 3 Picks
- Uses ultrasonic technology for vaporizing.
- Features a timer function and automatic shutoff
- A single fill of essential oil lasts for long.
- Has a modern cube-shaped design.
- Features an LED light that can alternate between seven different colors.
- It has a huge tank capacity.
- Features LED light in eight colors with two lighting effects.
- Creates a super-quiet and ambient atmosphere.
- Features a considerate sleep mode for nighttime operation.
What's In This Buying Guide
Table of Contents
In this buying guide, you will find our top diffuser humidifier picks for a range of common needs and situations.
We follow our list of top picks with reviews of each model so you understand their configurations and choose the suitable one for yourself.
We’ve also included a buyer’s guide covering the most common questions and options to consider.
Why Buy a Diffuser Humidifier?
A diffuser humidifier may look like a small, simple device, but it is extremely useful.
It raises the humidity level in your home’s air and, at the same time, spreads a fresh scent.
Humidity is a weird thing – too much and it starts causing clamminess, dampness, mold, and health issues; and, very low levels will irritate your mucous membranes, lead to dry skin, and increase the risk of infections.
A humidifier keeps the humidity in your home just right. Adding a diffuser eliminates odors and adds a nice aromatherapy scent every visitor will love.
Here are some other reasons why you may want to consider buying a diffuser-humidifier combo vs. buying just one – or investing in two different devices:
Create a healthy home environment
If you live in a predominantly dry region or are experiencing a drier climate as winter arrives, you should consider buying a diffuser humidifier.
It will return lost moisture into the air. With humidity levels restored, the overall atmosphere of the room will improve.
Ease dryness-induced health issues
Do you snore, have chapped lips and cracking skin, or experience stuffiness or nosebleeds?
Remember that all these conditions are dryness-induced.
Using a diffuser humidifier will reduce the dryness and relieve the issues.
Provide aromatherapy
A diffuser humidifier provides the benefits of aromatherapy. If you use one with a few drops of certain essential oils, it will diffuse them into the air and make you experience their unique effects. For example, lavender oil reduces stress and helps you relax, while peppermint oil helps relieve headaches.
Better and safer than other alternatives
A diffuser humidifier is a much safer way to add a pleasant smell to a room than a candle. Since these units do not contain any open flame, you can use them for aromatherapy without any worry.
What Is a Diffuser Humidifier?
A diffuser humidifier combines the benefits of a diffuser and a humidifier into a single device.
All units features a reservoir where you add water and a compartment where you place a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
The unit converts the water into a fine mist which starts to vent out. On the way out, oil is added to the mist to create a nice-scented stream of water mist.
How Do Diffuser Humidifiers Work?
Diffuser humidifiers work using different technologies.
Some pressurize the air to create a fine mist, and some use ultrasonic waves to break up the molecules and release a fine mist, while others use heating elements or fans to convert liquids into gases and disperse them.
Regardless of the method, the main function remains the same for all: increasing humidity level by adding moisture to the air.
Best Diffuser Humidifiers
- 1. Best Overall : Anjou 500ml Cool Mist Humidifier
- 2. Runner-up: URPOWER 700ml Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser Humidifier
- 3. Best for the Money: Homasy Cool Mist Humidifier Diffuser
- 4. Best Ultrasonic Diffuser Humidifier: VicTsing Essential Oil Diffuser
- 5. Best Budget Pick: VicTsing 150ml Essential Oil Diffuser
Anjou 500ml Cool Mist Humidifier
Best Overall
Run Time on Low speed:
11 to 15 hoursRun Time on High Speed:
6 to 10 hoursTank Capacity:
17 ouncesDimensions:
10.4 × 7.5 × 7.3 inchesWeight:
2 poundsType:
Ultrasonic
URPOWER 700ml Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser Humidifier
Runner-up
Run Time on Low speed:
20 hoursRun Time on High Speed:
10 hoursTank Capacity:
24 ouncesDimensions:
6.5 × 6.3 × 5.7 inchesWeight:
1.8 poundsType:
Ultrasonic
Homasy Cool Mist Humidifier Diffuser
Best for the Money
Run Time on Low speed:
30 hoursRun Time on High Speed:
15 hoursTank Capacity:
85 ouncesDimensions:
7.3 × 7.3 × 11.6 inchesWeight:
2.2 poundsType:
Ultrasonic
VicTsing Essential Oil Diffuser
Best Ultrasonic Diffuser Humidifier
Run Time on Low speed:
Up to 10 hoursRun Time on High Speed:
6 to 8 hoursTank Capacity:
300 mlDimensions:
6.7 x 6.7 x 6 inchesWeight:
1.4 poundsType:
Ultrasonic
VicTsing 150ml Essential Oil Diffuser
Beat Budget Pick
Run Time on Low speed:
5 to 10 hoursRun Time on High Speed:
3 to 6 hoursTank Capacity:
150 mlDimensions:
3.6 × 3.6 × 6 inchesWeight:
1.12 ouncesType:
Ultrasonic
Features
- It has good aesthetics.
- Tank capacity is big at 500 ml.
- Lasts long with just a single fill of oil.
- Uses ultrasonic technology to vaporize water and oil.
- Creates a fine, cool-to-touch mist.
- Features an automatic shutoff as an added safety precaution.
Summary
This is a relatively new addition to the diffuser humidifier market. It does not only look but also functions with some modern and smart features.
These include ultrasonic technology, variable speed, timer, and automatic shutoff.
The ultrasonic technology enables it to create a fine mist that adds to the humidity without causing dampness.
The timer function allows you to set an operational time limit, after which it turns off, while the automatic shutoff turns the device off five seconds after the tank is empty.
It has a tank capacity of 500 ml. You can control its runtime and coverage area with the variable speed function.
PROS
- It offers two speed settings to choose from
- Boasts a long run time on both high and low speeds
- It comes with a timer function
- The design is visually pleasing
- The fine mist does not cause dampness
CONS
- Difficult to restart after the timer ends
- Leaves behind a white powdery residue
This is a compact and stylish unit that won’t look out of place on a nightstand, a side table, or even a kitchen island.
The sleek design with modern wooden accents simply looks splendid. And the option of choosing between seven colors of LED light really makes it worth mentioning on our list of the best diffuser humidifiers.
Features
- It features a sleek and modern design.
- Very suitable for small rooms and spaces.
- Features a color-changing LED light inside the cube.
- Allows you to choose between seven lovely colors.
- Offers two speed settings.
Summary
The URPOWER diffuser humidifier is a unique-shaped humidifier that will immediately catch your eye with its pleasing wooden accents and colorful LED light.
The design is modern with a touch of elegance and class. It blends well with any décor and blends artfully with any interior to keep it fresh and full of fragrance.
Although it does not have a separate compartment for placing oil, you can simply add a few drops to the water while filling the tank and let it work its magic.
With a bigger tank capacity, this device operates longer than the other units on this list. It can last as long as 20 hours, after which the device automatically switches itself off to prevent damage.
It utilizes ultrasonic technology to vaporize the water, so its operation is almost noiseless.
Furthermore, it has a LED light that can light up in seven different colors, allowing you to portray your mood or match your décor.
PROS
- Offers two output settings
- Has an automatic shutoff
- Boasts a long runtime
- It comes with a bright, colorful LED light
- The operation is very quiet
CONS
- Lacks a separate compartment for oil
- Produces a lot of condensation below the lid
Features
- It has a massive tank capacity of 85 ounces.
- Features a simple and easy-to-fill design.
- Comes with a sleep mode for more comfort during the night.
- The 360-degree humidification allows for better coverage.
- The transparent tank displays a mesmerizing effect.
Summary
Unlike the other units mentioned on our list, this device is the easiest to fill. It features a top-fill design with an easy-to-remove lid.
Simply open it and fill the tank; there is no need to disassemble or remove any parts.
It is also the longest-running unit on our list. It is remarkably designed to last up to 30 hours of continuous usage.
It effectively increases the humidity level of a room with its 360-degree humidification. This means it circulates the mist effectively in all directions.
And if you add a few drops of essential oil to the tank, it will also circulate a burst of fragrance around the entire area.
PROS
- Features a very user-friendly design
- The transparent tank allows you to enjoy the movement of water
- It is an effective humidifier that adds a sufficient amount of moisture to the air
- It has a huge tank capacity
- Installed with a sleep mode for a peaceful night sleep
CONS
- Does not have a separate compartment for oils
- Its operation is a bit noisy
Features
- It features a sturdy wood-like construction.
- Equipped with an LED light strip with 15 light modes.
- Light modes include 14 color cycles.
- Emits an audible beep before switching off.
- It is very easy to use and pretty to look at.
Summary
The VicTsing Essential Oil Diffuser is essentially designed for personal usage.
It does not add much moisture to any environment; however, if you want a diffuser for aromatherapy purposes, this is a worthy choice.
It is a powerful piece of equipment that uses ultrasonic frequency to produce a fine, cool, and fragrant mist.
It features a durable plastic body that is designed to look like wood.
Near the base, it features an LED light strip that gives it a breath of life.
The strip can light up in 14 different colors and can also cycle between different colors for a visually-pleasing effect.
The design is ergonomic, with buttons inlaid along the base.
It boasts noiseless operation but does emit an audible beep when it runs out of water and is about to automatically switch off.
PROS
- Includes a timer and an automatic shutoff
- Size is compact and small
- Colorful LED effects are very pretty
- It does not make a lot of noise
- Works well as a personal humidifier
CONS
- Not suitable for medium or large spaces
- Beeping sound can sometimes be annoying
Features
- The compact design is easy to fill and carry.
- Tank capacity is big enough to cover a small area.
- You can set it to work throughout the night with sleep mode.
- Prevents burnout with automatic shutoff.
- Colorful LED light brightens its appearance.
Summary
This machine is perfect for small rooms and areas with its powerful atomizing plate.
It oscillates about 3 million times to create a fine, cool-to-touch mist that blows out the top and spreads all around.
Use it with your favorite essential oil and envelope your visitors with a thick, powerful, and fragrant mist.
The device can run up to 10 hours on low settings. You can set it up once and let it function without having to get up for refilling.
Rest assured that once it runs out of water, it won’t burn. Instead, it will automatically switch itself off after five seconds.
Hence, it is a smart device that deserves serious consideration.
PROS
- Compact design is easy to carry and fill
- Ensures a good night’s sleep with its sleep mode
- Auto-shutoff prevents burnout
- The LED light can switch between eight different colors
- It can function as a night light as well
CONS
- The top is a bit tricky to take off
- It has a small coverage area
Features to Consider When Buying a Diffuser Humidifier
A good diffuser humidifier combines the humidifier’s goodness and the essential oil diffuser in one unit.
Earlier, we used to operate them as two separate units, but with technological advancement, manufacturers have come up with ways to combine these in a single unit, making it cost-effective and energy-efficient in the process.
The idea proved to be a bandwagon, and the market is now full of a wide range of diffuser humidifiers offering all sorts of features and benefits.
Choosing the right unit from this wide range is quite difficult. We have listed some important features that you should consider when buying a diffuser humidifier for yourself to help you out.
Tank Capacity
The tank capacity plays an important consideration in any humidifier. The amount of water it can hold determines how long it can function before needing a refill.
However, unlike regular humidifiers, diffuser humidifiers have relatively smaller tank capacities. On average, most models have a capacity of 20 ounces. Smaller ones can hold about 16 ounces of water, while larger units can hold about a gallon of water.
Noise Levels
Diffuser humidifiers are good for unwinding. But if the machine itself is noisy, it will increase your headache rather than relieving it. That’s why it is a good idea to check the noise level before you purchase a unit. Most users love silent diffusers whose silent hum does not interfere with their tranquility and inner peace. We also recommend purchasing a unit whose noise level is no more than 23 decibels.
Area Covered
The coverage area is the area across which the combined machine can effectively spread its mist. It is measured in square feet and is mentioned in all the available models.
If you are purchasing a unit for a small covered area, go for a unit with a 150 square feet coverage area. For an average bedroom, choose a unit with 251 square feet of coverage area. And 324 square feet and 700 square feet for medium and large rooms, respectively.
Easy to Fill
A good diffuser humidifier is not only easy to operate, but it is also easier to fill as well. During your search for a suitable model, you will come across different models. They will look beautiful and function well, but they are not a good choice if they are not easy to fill. When finalizing your purchase, make sure to choose a unit that you can fill without any difficulty.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Just like any other machine, diffuser humidifiers also require regular cleaning and maintenance. They may require even more care because they work with water, leading to the development of mold inside them.
Also, prolonged exposure of essential oils on plastic parts can leach it, and when not cleaned, the leached chemicals will also disperse into the air with the mist. We strongly advise that you choose a model that is easy to clean and maintain.
Speed Settings
It is a great idea to purchase a unit that supports variable speed settings. This allows you to choose the intensity of the mist coming out of the unit as well as regulate its runtime according to your needs. When choosing a device for yourself, look for one that offers variable speed settings.
Filter or No Filter
This is an important consideration because, in order to convert into a fine mist, the water should be clean and free of impurities. Most units that have a built-in filter can operate with regular tap water.
However, those that lack a filter may require distilled water or at least sieved water in order to function properly. So, carefully analyze your application and choose accordingly.
Cost & Warranty
The most important consideration in any unit is, of course, the cost. While diffuser humidifiers are simple units that usually don’t cost much, you should still keep your budget in mind.
Also, make sure to check the warranty coverage, so if you run into any trouble with the machine, you can get help and support to rectify it.
Types of Diffuser Humidifiers
As mentioned earlier, a diffuser humidifier combines the benefits of both diffusers and humidifiers. It works to increase the humidity of a room and freshen it with your diffused essential oils. The best part? It does so in more than one way. Depending upon their method of operation, diffuser humidifiers are classified into four types.
Ultrasonic
Ultrasonic diffuser humidifiers use ultrasound waves for diffusion and humidifying. Using these waves, the unit vibrates a small metal plate.
The frequency of vibration is so high that the molecules of water and oil break down and convert into a cool fine mist that pushes out the top.
However, they leave behind a white powdery residue of the minerals in the water you used. Using additive or distilled water in such units reduces the white dust.
Heat
Diffuser humidifiers that use heat to vaporize water are called warm mist humidifiers. They contain a heating element that heats the water and converts it into steam that comes out of the top of the unit.
Regardless of the name, the mist these produce is actually not that hot. It actually cools down before reaching your lungs. However, they consume more energy and are somewhat expensive than other types.
Evaporative
Evaporative diffuser humidifiers are very common. They use a small fan to turn water into gas, making it evaporate into the air. They also use a wick that acts as a filter, so all that shoots up into the air are the vapors of oil and water. However, as the oil evaporates, it loses some of its potency, and because of the fan, they are a bit loud.
Nebulizer
Nebulizers pressurize the air to diffuse a mist. They don’t require water or heat, so they are more similar to diffusers. They atomize the oil with a bit of pressurized air. A vacuum then pulls it towards the distribution tube and expels the particles, resulting in a burst of aroma into the air.
Pros and Cons of a Diffuser Humidifier
While diffuser humidifiers are extremely beneficial, they have their own shortcomings. Let’s take a look at both aspects:
Pros of diffuser humidifiers
Help you breathe easier
Dry weather brings with it a stuffy nose, dry throat, and, sometimes, nosebleeds. It also leads to snoring and difficulty in breathing. Using a diffuser humidifier, especially before going to bed, really helps resolve these issues. By bringing back the moisture, they help you breathe easier.
Enable you to experience the different abilities of essential oils
Do you know that different essential oils have different benefits? A diffuser humidifier lets you experience their abilities most conveniently. Just add a few drops of oil to the water or place them in a separate oil compartment. The machine will vaporize them and let you enjoy a relaxing aromatherapy session.
Soothe dry skin and chapped lips
Dry skin and chapped lips are the most obvious signs of dry air. Although unsightly, if you don’t take good care, these conditions can aggravate and turn painful.
A diffuser humidifier helps soothe and relieve the condition. By adding appropriate moisture to your interior atmosphere, they help restore the moisture of your skin.
Spread lovely scents across the room
Have you ever experienced the sensual aroma of different essential oils? A diffuser humidifier lets you experience it. They have a separate compartment where you place a few drops of your favorite scented essential oil and let it envelop you in the refreshing scent.
Create a well-balanced home environment
A diffuser humidifier plays a crucial role in creating a well-balanced home environment, especially during cold seasons when the air moisture level is low. It returns the lost moisture to the air and normalizes the humidity level to make it more humid.
Cons of diffuser humidifiers
Bacteria can grow in the liquid
Diffuser humidifiers use water, so you have to be very precise about their care and maintenance. If the liquid is left sitting inside, it can harbor bacterial growth.
And if you use the same liquid next time, it can make you very sick.
Can cause allergies
Some people are sensitive or allergic to essential oils. Pregnant women especially are more sensitive, and so are pets.
So while using one of these, make sure that there no one is sensitive and there are no pets or infants around as they can develop serious allergic reactions to any essential oil, even if it is in vaporized form.
FAQs
Are diffusers bad for air quality?
Unfortunately, this popular device that purifies and cleans the air does have some unpleasant side effects. They cause indoor pollution. A study conducted by The University of Melbourne on 24 different essential oils found that each emits numerous volatile organic compounds.
What are the benefits of a warm-mist humidifier?
Warm-mist humidifiers are generally good for health. They can achieve higher levels of moisture saturation, so it is possible to use them with different medicated products for better cough and sinusitis relief.
They are also great for inhibiting the growth of bacteria, germs, and other microorganisms.
Can I use a diffuser as a humidifier?
Yes, you can use a diffuser as a humidifier. Although it may not add as much moisture to the air as a regular humidifier, it will certainly improve the humidity level to some extent.
Can a diffuser act as a cool-mist humidifier?
Not all types of diffusers can act as a cool-mist humidifier. Ultrasonic and evaporative diffusers can act as cool mist humidifiers. Heat-operating diffusers can work as a warm mist humidifier, while nebulizers cannot function as humidifiers at all.
Final Verdict: What is the Best Diffuser Humidifier for You?
After going over the different models and units, we declare the Anjou 500ml Cool Mist Humidifier as our top contender for the best diffuser humidifier.
On the second spot stands URPOWER 700ml Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser Humidifier for its huge tank capacity.
Meanwhile, the VicTsing 150ml Essential Oil Diffuser stands tall as our top budget pick.
I’m a degreed ME (mechanical engineer) who is passionate about machines of all kinds. I created MachineWonders.com as a way to connect with others who love machines like me – or need help choosing one for their needs, application, or situation.
