The best cheap essential oil diffusers in the UK 2023

To enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy, the best option is to buy an essential oil diffuser. However, it is not easy to choose one because of the varied offer and the not always reasonable prices. If you have a tight budget to spend on your purchase, rely on our guide to the best cheap essential oil diffusers.

Amazon Basics - Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser 1
9/10

Editor's Choice

Amazon Basics - Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser

The best cheap essential oil diffuser in 2021

This ultrasonic essential oil diffuser is very pleasant to use. Indeed, it does not annoy the ears so it is discreet! Occasionally, it also serves as a Bluetooth speaker or alarm clock.

25,25 £ on Amazon

Equipped with a digital clock, Bluetooth speaker, nightlight and alarm clock, this Amazon Basics model is the multi-functional essential oil diffuser you need in your bedroom or office. Reliable and simple, the device has an adjustable timer with 3 modes, as well as an automatic shut-off function once the 300 mL tank is empty.

Sober, but modern, this cheap essential oil diffuser has a cubic shape, made of wood and plastic particularly well arranged. To use it, simply fill the tank with distilled water and add a few drops of the essential oil of your choice. Thanks to the ultrasonic technology, the device does not disturb the night, but do not use it more than 1 hour, except to humidify the room.

Puressentiel - Essential oil diffuser with gentle heat 2
9/10

Gentle heat essential oil diffuser

Puressentiel - Essential oil diffuser with gentle heat

A great cheap essential oil diffuser with gentle heat

Thanks to the thermal regulation system, this diffuser evaporates the essential oil at a constant temperature without risk of overheating. Thus, the natural extracts of plants keep all their virtues.

22,42 £ on Amazon

This inexpensive essential oil diffuser has a minimalist design, yet it is effective in releasing essential oil particles into the air. Acting as a thermal regulator around the heating element, the built-in ceramic keeps the heating temperature below 45°C. This allows the essential oil to burn delicately and thus preserve all its virtues and aroma.

Contrary to what the price suggests, this essential oil diffuser does not have much to envy to models 2 or 3 times more expensive. After 10 minutes of operation, it reaches its maximum power of diffusion. After 58 min it stops automatically. Its compactness and its shape allow it to be used both in nomadic and sedentary mode.

Medisana AD 625 - Bamboo nebulizer with wellness light 3
8/10

Aromatherapy, sound therapy and light therapy

Medisana AD 625 - Bamboo nebulizer with wellness light

The best cheap essential oil diffuser to relax with

The Medisna AD 625 combines aromatherapy and light therapy. It owes its diffusion performance to its ultrasonic technology with microfine atomization, which transforms the essential oils into a light mist that is easy to assimilate.

37,60 £ on Amazon

As it has no visible control, this diffuser is often confused with a simple decorative object or a Bluetooth speaker! But this is a real essential oil diffuser, and a cheap one at that! You can install it in any room of the house, especially the living room and the bedroom. It owes its diffusion performance to its ultrasonic technology with microfine atomization. This technology transforms the essential oils into a light mist that is easy for the body to assimilate.

In addition to spreading essential oil molecules and humidifying the indoor air, the Medisana AD 625 also diffuses ambient light. Unfortunately, there is no timer. However, this small shortcoming will be compensated by the automatic shutdown function. The device systematically turns off when its tank is empty, which saves energy.

Salking - Essential oil diffuser with changing colors 4
8/10

Ultra quiet

Salking - Essential oil diffuser with changing colors

A cheap essential oil diffuser with no noise

Both an ultrasonic essential oil diffuser and an air humidifier, this device made of metal can change color according to the desired ambiance. An asset for daily well-being.

20,79 £ on Amazon

The Salking appeals with its oriental design. However, this ultrasonic device is not only elegant. Indeed, despite the limited capacity of its tank, this cheap essential oil diffuser has a good autonomy. The device also offers several diffusion cycles, moreover, it has a timer system that allows you to limit its activity during the day or night.

With its expertly designed patterns, this essential oil diffuser is a true work of art that will find its place in any room of your home as well as in a spa, yoga or massage salon. In addition to projecting ambient lights, it has a function that allows it to be used solely as a nightlight.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best cheap essential oil diffuser

Any specific needs?

The best cheap essential oil diffuser in 2021

A great cheap essential oil diffuser with gentle heat

The best cheap essential oil diffuser to relax with

A cheap essential oil diffuser with no noise

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best cheap essential oil diffusers

THE BEST Gentle heat Multifunctional Ultra quiet
Amazon Basics - Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser 5
9/10
Puressentiel - Essential oil diffuser with gentle heat 6
9/10
Medisana AD 625 - Bamboo nebulizer with wellness light 7
8/10
Salking - Essential oil diffuser with changing colors 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Amazon Basics - Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser
Puressentiel - Essential oil diffuser with gentle heat
Medisana AD 625 - Bamboo nebulizer with wellness light
Salking - Essential oil diffuser with changing colors
This ultrasonic essential oil diffuser is very pleasant to use. Indeed, it does not annoy the ears so it is discreet! Occasionally, it also serves as a Bluetooth speaker or alarm clock.
Thanks to the thermal regulation system, this diffuser evaporates the essential oil at a constant temperature without risk of overheating. Thus, the natural extracts of plants keep all their virtues.
The Medisna AD 625 combines aromatherapy and light therapy. It owes its diffusion performance to its ultrasonic technology with microfine atomization, which transforms the essential oils into a light mist that is easy to assimilate.
Both an ultrasonic essential oil diffuser and an air humidifier, this device made of metal can change color according to the desired ambiance. An asset for daily well-being.
Type
Ultrasonic essential oil diffuser
Soft heat essential oil diffuser
Ultrasonic essential oil diffuser
Ultrasonic essential oil diffuser
Dimensions
12.7 x 9.7 x 12.2 cm
10 x 14 x 15.5 cm
17.5 x 17.2 x 15.6 cm
9.1 x 9.1 x 15.7 cm
Materials
Wood and plastic
Ceramic
Bamboo
Metal and plastic
Tank capacity
300 mL
400 mL
100 ml
100 mL
Features
Auto shut-off function, Bluetooth, alarm clock, timer
Auto shut-off function
Ambient light. Automatic shut-off function.
Window.30 min, 1 hr, 2 hr and 3 hr adjustable timer

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Buying guide - cheap essential oil diffuser

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How to choose your cheap essential oil diffuser

To acquire the cheap essential oil diffuser adapted to your expectations, here are the criteria of choice to remember when comparing:

#1 - Settings

The idea that an essential oil diffuser must be on all the time to be effective is wrong. On the contrary, this device should not be used more than ten minutes, 3 times a day. And still, it is necessary to let pass 2 h between each diffusion. Indeed, the particles of essential oils remain suspended in the air during hours, even after the stop of the diffuser. So choose a device whose operating time is programmable. You can thus define the cycles of diffusion and rest according to your needs. If the device has an automatic shut-off function, it's even better.

#2 - Spread rate

A cheap essential oil diffuser offers basic functions, so don't expect miracles. Nevertheless, it should offer total control over the rate of essential oil dispersion in the air. The device must offer a function that allows you to vary the power of diffusion of therapeutic oils in the rooms of your house. This way, you will be able to modify the intensity of the odors, which is very practical if some of your loved ones have sensitive noses.

#3 - Tank capacity

An essential oil diffuser equipped with a small reservoir is impractical in that you have to refill it day after day. To avoid this inconvenience, choose a model with a good capacity tank. The best products on the market have a tank of about 300 mL, which is the equivalent of 10 to 15 hours of diffusion, at a rate of 30 mL/h.

#4 - Additional features

Most essential oil diffusers come with other interesting features such as a Bluetooth speaker, LED lighting and a white noise diffuser. Some models play relaxing music while they diffuse the essential oil into the surrounding air. Think of them as essentials, not just extras. These features are beneficial: they will instill a zen-like atmosphere in the home.

#5 - Noise level

Aromatherapy is all about well-being. Logically, a noisy device will not help you relax especially if you like to be in the room when the essential oil diffuser is working. This is the main reason why you should opt for a device that is fairly discreet or that, failing that, can diffuse soothing sounds that are reminiscent of a spa. Indeed, you can rarely find cheap essential oil diffusers that are completely silent.

Essential oil diffuser: instructions for use and contraindications

Essential oils for diffusers have powerful properties, which is why they must be used with care.

Do essential oils mix?

No ! Never try to mix several essential oils, as they could interact with each other and eventually become inoperative or toxic. The best thing to do is to buy ready-to-use mixtures. On the other hand, you can add a few drops of citrus essence (lemon, grapefruit, orange) to your diffuser to neutralize the unpleasant smell of an essential oil. Before using a diffuser, talk to a health care professional to find out if aromatherapy is right for you.

What are the precautions to take and contraindications?

The atmospheric diffusion of an essential oil must always be done in a reasonable way, both in quantity and duration. A few droplets are enough, and you should not exceed 2 to 3 diffusions of about ten minutes per day. As aromatherapy specialists point out, an essential oil is only effective at a given dosage and for a given duration.

To remember

It is necessary to air a room well during the diffusion and to abstain from diffusing in rooms occupied by fragile and/or sensitive people, even in their absence. Even if essential oils offer many health benefits, they should never be diffused in the presence of asthmatics, epileptics, pregnant women, young mothers, children and pets.

Unless a doctor's advice is positive and unless you are fond of them, do not diffuse essential oils with a high concentration of phenol (clove, compact oregano, thyme...) in your home. The smell of these essential oils is likely to cause headaches or nausea.

How to clean your essential oil diffuser?

The diffusers by soft heat and ventilation are cleaned with a cloth, nothing very tedious. As for the models by misting and by nebulization which function with electricity, they are cleaned by diffusing pure alcohol at 90° or a liquid cleaner during about twenty minutes. Keep in mind that cleaning by diffusion must be done near an open window or outside.

The different types of cheap essential oil diffusers

You will find 4 types of essential oil diffusers on the market, each with its strong and weak points.

The diffuser of essential oils by nebulization

Also called micronizer or micronization diffuser, the essential oil diffuser by nebulization pleases for its diffusion performances. Generally, this device consists of a glass part and a pump that is hidden in the base of the diffuser. The diffusion is done by the venturi effect. To put it simply, the essential oil is sucked in, blown and then projected at high speed against the glass wall, creating a mist of pure essential oil. The microparticles are then diffused into the room through the top of the glass part.

The diffuser of essential oils by misting

Unlike the nebulizer, the essential oil diffuser by misting only works if the essential oil is mixed with distilled water. The operating principle of this device is very simple to understand. When the tablet which is positioned at the bottom of the diffuser starts to vibrate at high frequency, the water is transformed into a fine and cold mist. As it is released from the tank, this mist carries with it the essential oil molecules which will then be released into the atmosphere.

The diffuser of essential oils by soft heat

The essential oil diffuser by gentle heat is of a rather archaic operation, if we can express it this way. The diffusion is done by simple heating at low temperature of essential oils. If the temperature exceeds 40°C, the therapeutic oils risk losing their virtues. The oil which is poured in the tank evaporates under the heat exerted by a resistance or a candle.

The diffuser of essential oils by ventilation

The principle of diffusion of the device by ventilation is more complex than those of the other types of diffusers. In fact, the molecules of the essential oils that are soaked on a blotter are torn off with a cold air flow before being dispersed in the environment. This category of essential oil diffusers is only effective in small areas. In addition, the particles propelled into the air are so fine that they do not last long.

Essential oil diffuser or vaporizer?

Essential oil diffuser

Whatever its mode of operation, the essential oil diffuser transforms an essential oil into molecules or droplets before projecting it into the air. In addition to naturally scenting a home, this device allows us to enjoy all the benefits of aromatherapy. Purification of the respiratory tract, revitalization of the body, immune reinforcement, elimination of bacteria in the air, many are the benefits offered by the essential oil dispensed by a diffuser.

Sprayer

Automatic or manual, the vaporizer is also a great way to diffuse essential oil in a room. To use it, simply add a few drops of essential oil to a spray bottle filled with distilled water and spray the mixture directly into the air. As basic as it is, the spray bottle helps to quickly perfume and disinfect a room. In addition, the humidifying properties of the spray protect the respiratory tract from dryness.

Verdict

Unlike an electric essential oil diffuser, the vaporizer cannot transform essential oils into fine particles that are easy for the body to assimilate. For this reason, it is not as effective as the diffuser and is best suited for non-allergic people.

Why invest in an essential oil diffuser?

Sanitize the interior

Most essential oils have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. You can use them to sanitize the environment of a home, which is particularly the case for lavender, lemon and mint essential oils. Other varieties of essential oils such as Scots pine and ravintsara will bring a touch of freshness to an interior.

Perfume the air

Well beyond this purifying aspect, essential oils simply allow to perfume a room. Remember that some diffusers are powerful enough to spread essential oil particles over a large area. Living in a house that smells like plant, fruit or bark extracts is highly sanitary.

Strengthen the immune system

The antiseptic and antiviral properties of essential oils help strengthen the immune system. They help boost the body's defenses and fight against winter infections. For example, inhaling particles of ravintsara, eucalyptus or Scots pine essential oil clears the bronchial tubes, unblocks the nose and makes breathing easier.

Boost cognitive functions

The molecules of essential oils would be very effective to supercharge the brain cells. The adaptogenic properties of these natural oils serve as a pick-me-up when you feel sluggish. Plus, when you're in a good mood, it's easier to focus on your work. By inhaling the essential oil in a mindful manner, the underlying causes responsible for impaired cognitive function magically disappear.

Keeping insects away

It's about keeping insects at a safe distance, not killing them, mind you! Mosquitoes, flies, moths and spiders will not dare to squat in your home thanks to essential oils. These insects are very sensitive to the molecules of essential oils of cedar wood, rosemary, citronella or clove.

The best brands of cheap essential oil diffusers

In our opinion, the best brands of cheap essential oil diffusers in 2022 are :

Air Wick
Puressentiel
Medisana
VicTsing
Zen ’Arôme

Air Wick's beginnings date back to 1943 in the United States. After the immense success of its first home fragrances, the company decided to go international by establishing itself in Europe, Canada and Australia. Today, Air Wick is one of the major players in this market.

Since its creation in 2005, Puressentiel has made it its mission to offer consumers 100% organic, 100% pure and 100% natural essential oils. More recently, the laboratory has completed its offer with diffusers that meet all expectations.

Medisana is a company created in Germany in 1981. The objective of this company has always been to provide quality devices related to health and well-being. Medisana's products include essential oil inhalers and diffusers of all kinds.

In business since 2012, VicTsing is the epitome of a company that really dabbles in everything. From audio players, to cables and including toys or essential oil diffusers, VicTsing offers a huge variety of accessories that are very useful on a daily basis.

Not many people know this, but this company is one of the European leaders in the aromatherapy industry. Design, simple to use and effective, its range of essential oil diffusers is one of the most popular with consumers.

What is the price for a cheap essential oil diffuser

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
15 £ to 25 £
Mid-range
25 £ to 35 £
High-end
more than 35 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Never dilute the essential oil with tap water

Essential oils should never be diluted with tap water. Once in the diffuser, this mixture may turn into a sort of pasty solution. Specialists recommend using distilled water instead, in small quantities.

Add power to the size of the room where you install the diffuser

Whatever diffuser you use, never forget to adjust its power according to the surface area of the room to be sanitized. This way, you won't overuse the device. In addition, only a reasonable amount of essential oil particles will be released into the environment.

Clean the diffuser container before use

If you use different varieties of essential oils, clean the diffuser container before each use. This will reduce interactions between the products, as you remove any residue that gets stuck on the walls of the device. Also, be sure to use a proper cleaning product.

Dose the essential oil well

Essential oil is a highly concentrated product. An overdose can quickly damage the diffuser. To prevent this from happening, follow the manufacturer's recommended dosage to the letter.

Take care of your essential oil diffuser

Cheap essential oil diffusers don't get cleaned just any old way. To optimize their longevity, you need to maintain them properly with gentle products. Keep your device away from detergents, thinners or abrasive cloths. You should give it 1 cleaning a week, and that's a minimum.

FAQ

Is it possible to mix essential oils together?

In theory, essential oils can be mixed together, but we advise against it! Indeed, it is quite possible that their properties cancel each other out during the mixing. Once at this stage, you will not get any benefit from the mixture which would be a pity. The best thing would be to be well informed about the components or to buy already made mixtures.

Are there any contraindications in the use of an essential oil diffuser?

Yes, the use of an essential oil diffuser is proscribed for people considered sensitive or fragile. This includes all people who have respiratory concerns, especially asthmatics. Pregnant women, those who have just given birth and children should also be kept away from diffusers unless a doctor's advice is positive.

How to clean my essential oil diffuser?

For the device to work properly, a cleaning must be dedicated to it at least once a week. Classic diffusers are simply cleaned with a cloth. For electric models, pour rubbing alcohol into the tank and turn it on. This product will rid the walls of essential oil residues that have clung to them. White vinegar can also be used as a cleaner for nebulizers.

How long should I use an essential oil diffuser?

To enjoy the multiple benefits offered by the essential oil particles, the diffusers must be activated for 10 min. The fine particles will remain in gravity in the air for a minimum of 2 hours. After this time, you can reactivate the diffuser. Be careful not to exceed 3 uses per day to avoid overdose.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information. See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Amazon Basics - Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser 9
Amazon Basics - Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser
Puressentiel - Essential oil diffuser with gentle heat 10
Puressentiel - Essential oil diffuser with gentle heat
Medisana AD 625 - Bamboo nebulizer with wellness light 11
Medisana AD 625 - Bamboo nebulizer with wellness light
Salking - Essential oil diffuser with changing colors 12
Salking - Essential oil diffuser with changing colors

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