The Best Car Diffusers

InnoGear USB Car Diffuser

Ultrasonic Humidifier and Essential Oil Diffuser

Personalize your vehicle's scent with your choice of essential oils in this innovative diffuser.

Best Overall

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When it comes to car diffusers, you need something that is incredibly user-friendly. In fact, you want something you don’t have to pay any attention to – after all, you’re in the car to drive. With that in mind, part of the reason we have this particular car diffuser at the top of the list is that its operating switch is right there at the top for easy access. Other bonuses: it is exactly the right size to fit in your cup holder, it’s powered off of the USB port, and it uses essential oils to scent your vehicle. And because it uses essential oils, you can totally personalize the scent of your space according to your tastes, mood, and tolerances.

Pros:

• Auto shut-off when the water level gets to a certain level.
• Travel-friendly: wherever you have a USB port, you have a mini diffuser.
• Also works as a cool-mist humidifier.

Cons:

• With two very basic settings on this diffuser, there’s not much room for personalization of how you run the diffuser. It would be nice to be able to adjust the fragrance release to your own timing preferences.

econoLED Mini Car Air Purifier and Aroma Diffuser

Small Swiveling Car Diffuser

This is a rotating mister that plugs right into your vehicle's DC jack.

Most Convenient

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While the above two featured car diffusers are definitely handy, they do take up valuable cupholder space. Problem solved: this mini car humidifier and aroma diffuser operates from the DC jack, keeping your cupholder completely free. With a clear reservoir, it’s easy to see when you’re running low on water and oil. Time for a refill? The design is a cinch: lift the top to expose the reservoir and fill it. Snap it back together, plug it in, and you’re good to go. In fact, it’s so easy that on long road trips you can refill it right there in the front seat of your vehicle.

Pros:

• Small size is ideal for compact vehicles.
• User-friendly: fill with water, a few drops of essential oil, and plug it in. That’s it.
• Built-in two-hour shut-off feature.

Cons:

• The mini size of this car diffuser means you may frequently be filling it.

Syntus Car Diffuser USB Essential Oil Diffuser

Sleek Sophistication

If you're not just concerned with scent, but with style, too, this is the sleek design you've been looking for in a car diffuser.

Most Stylish

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Similar to other designs on this list, the Syntus car diffuser is compact, portable, and can plug into any USB port. With an opaque middle that allows for a soft glow, this diffuser is ideal for bringing calming scents with you wherever you’re headed. With an easy on/off switch and an auto shut-off feature for built-in safety, this unit has a sleek, thoughtful design that is classy and understated. In fact, that’s one of our favorite features: it’s a diffuser that just looks nice.

Pros:

• Two misting modes and an easily accessible on/off switch.
• 50ml tank capacity.
• Color changing feature for a bit of extra fun.

Cons:

• The wire is a bit on the short side. It’s fine for vehicles, but if you plan on moving this inside anywhere, it’ll need to be right near a port.

RoyAroma Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser Locket

Diffuse the Situation

Would you prefer not to have a cluky diffuser taking up space in your vehicle? These mini clips solve that problem by fitting perfectly on your car's vents.

Best Mini-Sized

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These mini diffusers don’t use water and oils to disperse any scent, but rather tiny felt circles. Arriving completely unscented, all you have to do is add a few droplets of your favorite essential oil and pop it in the locket. When it comes time to place it in your vehicle, the choice is up to you. A popular location tends to be a heater vent, as this allows the essential oil scent to be circulated around the vehicle. For this reason, there’s a handy vent clip attached to the back of each locket.

Pros:

• With two diffusers included, one can be in your vehicle, and one in your bag, bathroom, garbage can, or anywhere else you need a little extra freshener.
• Included are 12 felt circles and two diffuser lockets. When you run out of felt, it’s entirely possible to cut your own.
• The small size means the essential oils won’t overwhelm your vehicle with their scents.

Cons:

• It’s important to use high-quality essential oils with this diffuser, as lower quality ones won’t last as long on the felt. This can get a bit pricey.

Frequently Asked Questions

For essential oil diffusers, should you use diluted or undiluted essential oils?

While you’ll definitely want to consult your user manual for your particular essential oil diffuser, it is typically not necessary to dilute the oils prior to adding to your diffuser. Essentially, you’re diluting them anyway when you’re adding them to a diffuser that has a water reservoir.

How do you clean a diffuser?

While it depends on the type of car diffuser you have, it’s actually pretty easy to clean a typical diffuser. In most situations, you simply empty the diffuser completely. Next, you’ll fill it with clean water and white vinegar and gently scrub around the crooks and edges. Rinse it out, and voila – it’s ready to use again.

Are essential oils safe for pet passengers? 

Essential oils are mostly safe, depending on their use. If you’re using essential oil in your car diffuser and you frequently bring along your pup, you’re definitely going to need to make sure that the essential oils that you’re using are safe for your beloved pal. There’s a long list, surprisingly enough, but some of the harmful ones include a few favorites such as cinnamon, peppermint, tea tree, and pine, among others. You’ll definitely want to double-check prior to using one if Fido frequently rides along.