Have you ever regretted accepting a ride from someone the second you stepped into their car because it smelled like a mixture of yesterday’s pizza pickup and a sweaty soccer kit? Most of us have been there, done that, and bought the T-shirt. But what about when that car is your car?
That’s when it’s time to take some serious action. News flash: standard air fresheners don’t work! They can actually make the problem worse since they add chemicals to the weird smell mixture in the air. Not to mention the possible side effects, like headaches.
Instead, opt for a car essential oil diffuser. These nifty little things shun the chemicals and fill your car with lovely scents that are also antibacterial, antiseptic, and antifungal – doing their part to get to the root of the problem.
Wondering where you can find one? You’re in the right place.
Features to Look for in Car Essential Oil Diffusers
All essential oil diffusers have the same end goal, but they use different means to reach it. Here’s how to tell them apart.
Design
Choosing the right design for your car essential oil diffuser isn’t just about what looks the most aesthetically pleasing (though that’s important too). You also have to think about what’s most practical.
Where will you store it? Some diffusers are shaped to slot into your car’s cupholders, while others are tiny enough to hang up or put anywhere.
If you’re particularly short on space, you could also consider a vent clip, a simple accessory that you can slide into your car’s air vent. However, vent clips produce a weaker scent than electric diffusers.
Waterless
The most common type of essential oil diffuser, the ultrasonic diffuser, relies on water to work – you pour a little water into the tank and mix in a few drops of essential oils. But this can be inconvenient and fiddly, especially if you don’t have water to hand.
An alternative is waterless diffusers (or nebulizing diffusers), which you add essential oils to directly. This is more convenient and produces a stronger scent.
Vent clips also don’t require water.
Mist Settings
The majority of car oil diffusers on the market offer two or three mist settings to choose between, which affect how quickly a diffuser emits the essential oil. Intermittent and continuous are the two most common settings.
Light Settings
Similarly, many diffusers offer various colors to alternate between. Some people like this feature since it means their diffuser doubles as a light during night drives – but others find it distracting.
Power Type
Regular essential oil diffusers must be plugged in at a regular plug socket, but car essential oil diffusers work differently. You can plug some into cigarette lighters or USB ports, and others are rechargeable, meaning you don’t need to keep them plugged in constantly.
Material
Most essential oil diffusers are plastic. This is the most affordable option, but some people prefer to avoid them – mixing essential oils with plastic reduces their soothing properties. However, choosing a BPA-free or noncorrosive plastic is a good way to get around this problem.
Run Time
Diffusers can’t emit essential oils forever. They always run out of liquid, usually within two to eight hours.
Of course, even when the diffuser stops, all you need to do is top it up –a shorter run time might be slightly less convenient, but it’s not the end of the world.
Automatic Shutoff
Leaving a diffuser switched on when it’s run out of liquid is wasteful and could even be a fire hazard – but it’s not easy to stop and turn it off when you’re driving. Thankfully, many diffusers shut down automatically, giving you a little peace of mind.
Now you know the basics, it’s time to skip to the good stuff: the top car essential oil diffusers on the market. The ten options below will be sure not to leave you disappointed.
Top 10 Best Car Essential Oil Diffusers 2021
1. Best Overall Car Diffuser: InnoGear Ultrasonic Car Diffuser
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Charging type: USB
- Run time: Six hours
- Waterless: No
- Material: Polypropylene (PP)
- Auto shutoff: Yes
This light, portable device can be whatever you want it to be – a vaporizer, a night lamp, a humidifier, and of course, a diffuser. It fulfills all these roles beautifully and makes a trusty companion for many future journeys.
The high-quality PP material used is BPA-free, ensuring it’s safe for everyone – including babies. It’s also whisper-quiet, so you won’t need to turn the radio up to drown out its noise.
Special Settings
With seven color settings, you can drive while basking in the glow of your favorite color. It’s great for using as a night light on those dark evening drives.
You can also choose between two modes for diffusing the oils: intermittent or continuous. The first option lasts around six hours, while the second lasts for two hours.
Design
This diffuser might look like a regular black design, but when you switch it on, you’ll see that it’s much more. The clear panel at the front is actually an LED and lights up in multiple colors as soon as you turn it on.
It’s designed to be perfect for cars. All the buttons are on top of the diffuser, so you won’t need to perform some dangerous gymnastics to control it while driving.
One drawback of the design is that it’s quite large – if your car has smaller cup holders, it might just tip over or fall off.
Pros
- Different light and diffusion settings
- Shuts off automatically
- Stylish design
- BPA-free
Cons
- Could be too large for some cars
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Charging type: USB
- Run time: Eight hours
- Waterless: Yes
- Material: BPA-free plastic
- Auto shutoff: Yes
When we say premium, we mean premium – this diffuser is quite the splurge. But it’s also completely unlike any other item on the market.
The Minidiva diffuser is a nebulizing diffuser – it works without water. There’s some evidence this is more beneficial to health since it means you’re breathing in a purer aroma.
As if that wasn’t fancy enough, it also utilizes atomizing technology, which means it gives off high-frequency vibrations that can atomize a wider variety of essential oils. Not just the usual suspects like tea tree oil, but also Vetiver and coconut oil.
Finally, it emits less than 38 dB of sound.
Can you see what you’re paying for now?
Special Settings
Unlike many of the other products on this list, the Minidiva diffuser doesn’t include a light – this could be a disappointment to some people. If having a light is important to you, try the InnoGear Ultrasonic Car Diffuser.
However, it does offer three settings for mist: low, medium, and high. You might prefer a lower setting since waterless diffusers emit a much stronger scent.
Design
As noted already, this is a car diffuser with a completely different design to anything else on the market. Instead of being a cylindrical shape, it’s a curved rectangle with a hole in the middle that you insert your essential oil bottle into.
This has advantages and drawbacks. At five inches wide, just under six inches high, and under two inches wide, it’s a tiny and nifty device. However, it’s less obvious where exactly you can store it in your car since it won’t slot into your cupholder like other diffusers.
Pros
- Waterless diffuser
- Can use it with other types of oils
- Very small and portable
Cons
- Doesn’t have a light
3. Best Vent Clip Diffuser: ttstar Car Diffuser
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Charging type: Not applicable
- Run time: Not applicable
- Waterless: Yes
- Material: Alloy
- Auto shutoff: Not applicable
Technically, the ttsar Car Diffuser is waterless – but as a vent clip, it works in a different way to electric diffusers. Just open the vent clip up, put a few drops of essential oils onto the refill pad, fasten it up, and stick it on your vent. It really is that simple!
One of the best things about these vent clips is that you’ll get three of them – one for each air vent in your car. This pack also comes with 36 refill pads.
However, although a pack of 36 sounds like a lot, you could get through them quickly. Whereas rechargeable diffusers are a one-time purchase, vent clips involve more consistent expense.
Special Settings
Unlike electric diffusers, you can’t control the intensity of the smell – the overall result is a weaker aroma that might not be strong enough for some people. There’s also no light.
Design
Vent clips look similar to a compact mirror on a clip – but they’re even smaller! The circular clip has a diameter of just over one inch, and the clip part you stick into your air vent is also around an inch long.
The high-quality alloy used to make the main part of the clip gives a classy touch. As a bonus, each vent clip has a lovely, floral design on the front. The reusable refill pads also come in various colors, so they’ll be sure to give your car a funky twist!
Pros
- Come in a pack of three
- Comes with various refill packs
- Nice design
- Don’t need to charge it
Cons
- Scent is weaker than an electric diffuser
- Will eventually need to buy more pads
4. Best Portable Car Diffuser: Weljoy Wood Grain Diffuser
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Charging type: Battery or USB
- Run time: 5.5 hours
- Waterless: Yes
- Material: Polypropylene (PP)
- Auto shutoff: No
There’s portable, and there’s portable – at just five inches wide and four inches high, this car diffuser is definitely portable. Fit it into the palm of your hand or any crevice in your car; the choice is yours.
It also comes with a cord, so you can hang it from your mirrors like a traditional chemical air freshener.
It’s a waterless diffuser, but unlike some other options, it won’t break the bank. It also comes with eight refill pads.
However, there is one big caveat: there’s no automatic shutoff.
Special Settings
You can choose between three different diffusion modes: Level 1 (lasts for 5.5 hours), Level 2 (lasts for 2.5 hours), and Level 3 (lasts for 1.5 hours) – the one you choose depends on the intensity level you’re after.
Sadly, it doesn’t last as long as other diffusers, even on the least intensive level – that might be something to do with the tiny size. If that’s a dealbreaker, consider a more long-lasting option, like the LEASTYLE essential oil diffuser.
Design
As discussed, this diffuser is tiny, and it’s also pretty cute – the wood grain finish gives it a somewhat quaint and vintage feel.
However, bear in mind that it’s not actually made of wood – it’s plastic. Still, the materials are reasonably high quality, with medical-grade and BPA-free plastic.
Pros
- Very small and portable
- Waterless
- Comes with refill pads
Cons
- Doesn’t last as long as other options
- No automatic shutoff
5. Best Budget Car Diffuser: TOPLANET Car Diffuser
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Charging type: USB
- Run time: Eight hours
- Waterless: No
- Material: Plastic
- Auto shutoff: Yes
Plug the TOPLANET car diffuser into your USB plug, and you’ll be ready to rumble. It has a 300ml water capacity, doubles as a humidifier, and automatically shuts down when it runs out of water to avoid dry burning.
Plus, it won’t cramp your style by being too noisy. The gadget operates at under 36 decibels – for some context, that’s a similar noise level to a library.
Unfortunately, some customers have complained that their diffusers broke within a few weeks or months, so that’s something to be aware of.
If you’re not willing to take this risk and want a more high-quality option that’s less likely to break, consider the InnoGear Ultrasonic Car Diffuser instead.
Special Settings
There are seven light settings to choose between – including shades of red, purple, and green. This makes it perfect for using as a night light for children or babies.
It also has two mist settings: continuous (which lasts for four hours) and discontinuous (lasts for eight hours).
Design
Although it’s our budget option, this TOPLANET diffuser just might be the most attractive on the list. With a blue top that looks semi-metallic and a white bottom that lights up in multiple colors, no car is too chic for this stylish gadget to look out of place.
It’s also ultra-portable, weighing in at just 192 grams. Wherever you’re heading, just chuck it in your travel bag and you’re good to go – or keep it in your car’s cupholder permanently.
Pros
- Seven color settings and two mist settings
- Automatic shutoff
- Very portable
- Attractive design
Cons
- Some products have broken quickly
6. Best Ultra-Quiet Car Diffuser: Gocheer Car Diffuser
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Charging type: USB
- Run time: Six hours
- Waterless: No
- Material: Polypropylene (PP)
- Auto shutoff: Yes
We’ve already seen a few diffusers that operate between 35 and 40 decibels, or the noise level of a library – and anyone would concede this is pretty quiet. But the Gocheer diffuser blows them all out of the water, with a noise level of under 30 decibels. That’s about the noise level of a whisper!
We might have reached controversial territory by suggesting whispers are quieter than libraries, but we digress.
Special Settings
There are seven different color settings to choose between, giving you plenty of choice.
The light is more subtle than other diffuser models, featuring a ring around the top instead of an entire light-up section – this could be a good or bad thing depending on your taste.
Another limitation is that there aren’t different mist settings – you can only choose to turn the mist on and off. For more choice, check out the InnoGear Ultrasonic Car Diffuser.
Design
One nifty element to this diffuser’s design is the way you can control it. Instead of having to reach back to the cupholder while you’re driving (inconvenient), you can simply use switches by the charging cable.
It’s also made of corrosion-free material to help it last as long as possible.
Pros
- Has automatic shutoff
- Very quiet
- Control it by the charging point.
Cons
- Light isn’t very strong
- No mist settings
7. Best Black Car Diffuser: MADETEC Ultrasonic Car Diffuser
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Charging type: USB
- Run time: Unclear
- Waterless: No
- Material: BPA-free plastic
- Auto shutoff: Yes
Some might think it’s fickle to choose a diffuser based solely on its color, but if your car is your pride and joy, you don’t want to choose a diffuser that ruins your vibe! Especially when it’s so prominent in your vehicle.
Besides, you don’t need to worry about compromising functionality here. The MADETEC diffuser comes with a range of features, including automatic shutoff and various settings.
Special Settings
It features seven light settings, although there are only subtle differences between each one.
One major drawback is that you can’t control the mist settings, and it’s also unclear what the average duration is.
Design
The cool black design is perfect for anyone who likes to go for a monochrome vibe.
It has two power buttons (one on the diffuser itself and the other on the body) so that you can always be in control. Another convenient touch is a dedicated slot for the USB cable underneath the device, allowing you to store it effortlessly.
Pros
- Minimalist, classy design
- Auto shutoff
- Dual power button
Cons
- No mist settings
- Unclear how long it runs for
8. Best No-Mist Car Diffuser: Weftnom Essential Oil Diffuser
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Charging type: Lithium rechargeable
- Run time: Not specified
- Waterless: Yes
- Material: Polypropylene (PP)
- Auto shutoff: No
This Weftnom diffuser is a diffuser like no other. It uses nanovibration technology to diffuse the essential oils, meaning it doesn’t produce fog or water – it emits essential oils into the air in the purest way possible.
This is great for anyone worried about mist distracting them as they drive. It also makes the diffuser a lot quieter than many alternatives.
Unfortunately, although it requires refill pads to work, it doesn’t come with a pack of them, meaning you’ll incur a fair bit of extra expense. An alternative is the Weljoy diffuser, which does come with some refill pads.
Special Settings
Since this style of diffuser doesn’t produce fog or light, there aren’t any extra settings to choose between. But that’s the beauty of this model – and minimalists will rejoice.
Design
The design makes this diffuser extremely easy to set up – just slide the lid off, slot in your refill pads, blot the essential oils on the pads, and turn it on.
However, the design isn’t quite as convenient to slot into your car as some others on the list. It’s wider and flatter, so you can’t put it in your cupholder.
Pros
- Waterless
- Very quiet
- Doesn’t produce mist
Cons
- Shape is less convenient for the car
- Doesn’t come with refill pads
9. Best Pink Car Diffuser: LEASTYLE Essential Oil Diffuser
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Charging type: USB
- Run time: 10 hours
- Waterless: No
- Material: Plastic
- Auto shutoff: Yes
If we give you the best black diffuser, you can be sure that we will also give you the best pink diffuser! Some people just need a little color in their life. And nothing can beat this gorgeous LEASTYLE portable diffuser.
But color isn’t all this diffuser has going for it. It lasts for up to 8 hours, making it the longest-lasting option on the list.
Special Settings
Like most other diffusers with light settings, there are seven colors to choose between. Also, a red light will appear once the water has almost run out.
Unfortunately, you can’t adjust how much mist comes out.
Design
The simple but effective design makes this diffuser very easy to control. Just press it once to turn the mist and light on, press it twice to turn the light off; then give a long press to turn off the diffuser altogether.
You’ll get the hang of it quickly, we promise!
One bonus is that it comes with an anti-slip mat – perfect if you want to be sure that it doesn’t fall off your cup holder and cause havoc during your journey.
Pros
- Easy to control with one button design
- Lasts up to ten hours
- Comes with no-slip mat
Cons
- No mist settings
- Only comes in pink
10. Best Wood Car Diffuser: One Fire Car Diffuser
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Charging type: USB
- Run time: Unclear
- Waterless: No
- Material: Abs
- Auto shutoff: Yes
Most car diffusers on the market tend to be made of plastic and block colors like black, white, or pink. While there’s nothing wrong with this, some people prefer a more rustic feel to their car. If that’s you, we’ve got just the thing!
Unfortunately, it’s unclear exactly how long the average run time is for this diffuser, and the water capacity is fairly low. The price you pay for style…
For an option that will last longer, consider the LEASTYLE essential oil diffuser, which can last up to ten hours.
Special Settings
One Fire makes up for the poor run time You can choose between a continuous and intermittent mode for the mist, plus seven lighting modes.
Design
Although the wooden exterior is the standout design element, the panel in the center is equally charming – especially when it lights up with one of the seven different colors available.
Meanwhile, the shape is designed to slot perfectly into your car’s cupholder. That’s about as practical as it gets!
Pros
- Has automatic shutoff
- Slots easily into cupholder
- Has a rustic design
Cons
- Unclear how long the runtime is
- Low water capacity
How to Choose the Right Car Essential Oil Diffuser
You’ve seen what’s on offer – but how can you choose between them? If one particular diffuser isn’t jumping out at you (or maybe it is and you’re doubting your judgment), here are some criteria you can use to pick which one is right for you.
Why Choose a Car Essential Oil Diffuser?
The main benefit of car essential oil diffusers is obvious – they get rid of those horrible odors and help you enjoy your journeys more. But why choose an essential oil diffuser over a conventional air freshener or incense sticks?
Predictable Fragrance Output
A diffuser is more efficient than incense sticks – instead of suddenly stopping working for no apparent reason, an oil diffuser is predictable. It will last as long as it remains plugged in/charged and has liquid inside.
Can Work as a Humidifier
Diffusers are also the only option that can second as a humidifier if need be – great for dry weather and improving air quality.
Can Have Therapeutic Effects
And did you know that aromatherapy has the word “therapy” in it for a reason? Certain essential oils do a great job of relieving stress, energizing you, and more.
Although not all the benefits outlined above apply to vent clips, they do use authentic essential oils instead of chemicals.
How to Use Your Car Oil Diffuser
Exactly how to use a car oil diffuser depends on the type of diffuser you have.
Some things are universal – you should always add three to five drops of essential oil – but other elements vary.
For diffusers that rely on water to run, you must fill up the tank with water before adding the essential oils. You also need to refill the tank when the water runs out and clean the tank after using it.
If you have a waterless diffuser, you only need to add essential oils to your diffuser, and you also won’t need to clean it.
For vent clips, you need to replace the reusable pad after each use, and you can also skip the water step.
Which Type of Car Oil Diffuser Should I Choose?
There are a few different types of car oil diffusers out there, and they each have their pros and cons. To figure out which is best for you, it helps to think about how long the typical journeys you take are, where you can or will store your diffuser, and how strong a smell you want.
Water Diffusers
Diffusers that use water are by far the most popular, and for good reason. They’re very affordable, they often have added features like light or mist settings, and they double as dehumidifiers. One of the best on the market is the Innogear Ultrasonic car diffuser.
Waterless Diffusers
Alternatively, you might want a waterless model.
If you’re lazy, the idea of being able to switch your diffuser on instantly without the extra step of adding water undoubtedly holds appeal. And they also involve less cleaning!
But it’s not just lazy people that should be rejoicing. Waterless diffusers might also be healthier – because water doesn’t dilute the oil, you can get the full benefit that essential oils provide. Which is everything from boosting immunity to providing antioxidants, by the way!
If you want a waterless oil diffuser, consider the Minidiva diffuser.
Vent Clip Diffusers
The final option is a vent clip. These small diffusers can be clipped onto a car’s air vents, allowing them to slowly and gradually diffuse oils into the air when you use the air conditioning or heating. A great option is the ttstar car diffuser.
Vent clips never need to be charged since they’re not electric – but they also have a much more subtle effect. If your car needs some more intensive treatment, a vent clip might not be sufficient.
The Safety of Car Oil Diffusers
There are conflicting messages floating around about essential oil diffusers. Some rave about their health properties, while others warn that they could actually be harmful. Who should you trust?
Generally, car oil diffusers are safe, but there are a few exceptions. Certain groups – like pregnant women, diabetics, and children – are at greater risk. Especially when it comes to lavender and tea tree essential oils.
Something else to worry about is that essential oils can corrode plastics and alter the properties of essential oils, possibly exposing us to harmful chemicals. One of the most worrying ingredients is BPA, which is linked to various health conditions – especially in children.
To err on the side of caution, opt for a BPA-free diffuser like the Weljoy wood grain diffuser and avoid the most problematic essential oils.
Which Oil Is Best for Your Essential Oil Diffuser?
Most car diffusers don’t come with essential oils – so your next question is probably which essential oil to opt for. There’s no right or wrong answer here (unless you have an allergy or another condition), so we recommend experimenting, but here are a few suggestions:
- Cedarwood
- Frankincense
- Lemongrass
- Sweet orange
- Sandalwood
- Vanilla
As mentioned already, certain essential oils have more side effects, like lavender, tea tree, chamomile, eucalyptus, and peppermint.
FAQs
Still got a few burning questions? We’ll answer them to the best of our ability.
How Long Will a Car Essential Oil Diffuser Last?
Every model of oil diffuser lasts for a different length of time – there’s no set duration. Most diffusers also have different settings that affect its run time: a continuous mode that doesn’t last quite so long, and an intermittent mode that lasts longer.
However, on average, you can expect a diffuser to last anywhere between two and eight hours.
What Type of Water Should I Use in My Car Essential Oil Diffuser?
If you take your aromatherapy seriously, you might be wondering whether it’s best to opt for distilled water or tap water in your diffuser. This depends on which type of oil diffuser you choose – they all come with their own instructions, which might specify the type of water you need to use.
Some diffusers work best with distilled water since they have fewer minerals, resulting in less buildup of mineral deposits. However, most modern diffusers recommend using tap water since the minerals help to diffuse the water into mist. Who knew?!
Can a Car Oil Diffuser Be Used as a Humidifier?
Diffusers and humidifiers are very similar: humidifiers emit water into the air to regulate the moisture level, whereas diffusers give off smaller amounts of water along with a scent (unless it’s a waterless diffuser).
In theory, it’s possible to use an essential oil diffuser as a humidifier – all you need to do is run it without any essential oils and use water instead. This will ultimately have the same effect.
However, it’s unlikely to be as effective as a “true” humidifier since diffusers are smaller and use less water.
Are Car Oil Diffusers Safe for Dogs?
Many essential oils are indeed harmful to dogs. The dogs should only be in danger if you apply essential oils to their skin directly or if they ingest them – but diffusers may also be harmful to dogs with respiratory issues. Certain essential oils are more toxic than others, such as pine, tea tree, eucalyptus, cinnamon, and citrus oil.
If your dog vomits, coughs, or sneezes frequently, this could be a sign of overexposure to essential oils.
Are Car Oil Diffusers Safe for Cats?
As with dogs, essential oils shouldn’t harm cats as long as they don’t directly ingest them and you don’t apply them to your pet’s skin. However, cats are even more sensitive to essential oils than dogs since their livers aren’t as effective at metabolizing them.
You might prefer to tread carefully and switch the oil diffuser off when your cat is traveling with you!
Kiss Goodbye to Your Stinky Car
A car essential oil diffuser is one of those things that most people never realize they need, yet almost everyone does need. Come on – how many times have you stepped into somebody’s car and thought, “it smells lovely in here.” Very rarely (if ever), right?
You’ve clearly realized that you do need one, putting you ahead of 99% of the population. For that, you have our full respect. You’re about to become the owner best-smelling car in town – just make sure to keep it a secret, or everyone you know and their grandma will be asking for rides from you!
Source: Tools - autoquarterly.com
