Our testing team trialed a range of reed diffusers from our favorite top brands, including everything from citrus-based to floral aromas over a number of weeks. For many of our top picks, our on-staff editors Jaclyn Turner and Annie Collyer had hands-on experience; others were narrowed down through recommendations from independent reviewers. All are rated based on how long the scents last, how widely the scents travel around the house, and how the reed diffusers look. Price and value for money, of course, play a part, too. You won’t be surprised to hear that the options in our list are some of the best home fragrances money can buy, as rated by the Homes & Gardens team.
Holiday Reed Diffuser deals
Fragrance, such as candles, are only occasionally marked down among, and it varies by brand, type, and even scent.
Anthropologie (opens in new tab): Select candles and reed diffusers are 30% off, making it a good idea to stock up on your favorite scents from Capri Blue, Nest, and VoluspaBloomingdale’s: (opens in new tab)Fragrances from Antica Farmacista, LAFCO, Nest, Voluspa, and more qualify for 25% off, discount added in cart. Nordstrom: (opens in new tab) Select diffusers from Apotheke, Jo Malone, and Volupsa are up to 35% offSephora: (opens in new tab)Take 20% off your purchase with code GETGIFTING through Dec. 11th
The best reed diffusers
The Capri Blue ‘Volcano’ Reed Diffuser is the hassle-free way to enjoy the already-iconic scent. Dare we call the Volcano scent intoxicating? What it smells like With nods of tropical fruits and sugared citrus, it’s the paradise-in-a-jar that so many of us are craving this time of year. Why we love it ‘The simple blue bottle adds an air of modern elegance while the long-lasting reed diffuser in itself is just as powerful as the candle, but with the added safety of being flameless. Plus, the 8oz size is reasonably priced and more than accommodating for those looking for a worthwhile investment,’ reports Annie. Dreaming of a seaside escape? That’s where Lafco’s Sea & Dune diffuser directly transports us to for an experience that is both relaxing and uplifting. What it smells like Sea and Dune combine fresh lotus, sea grass, and amber for a refreshing concoction that’s well suited for any space, especially bedrooms and bathrooms. Top notes include Lemon Oil and Coastal Lily, while the body suggests Blue Lotus and Beach Grass and the bottom brings aromas of ginger and warm sand. Why we love it It’s a relaxing and soft scent that feels fresh and new every time you re-enter a space. No detail is overlooked from LAFCO from the impeccable packaging to an extra set of natural wooden reeds and of course its high-quality materials. ‘The essential oil-based fragrances can last up to a year, and from there you can easily order a refill or repurpose the handblown glass vessel into a vase, or a tapered candle holder,’ reports Jaclyn. While a Limited Edition scent, it’s a recurring Nest tradition available only during the fall and holiday seasons. The Holiday Reed Diffuser is a special signature you’ll want to add to your space throughout the festive season. What it smells like The holidays: with a blend of pomegranate, mandarin orange, pine, cloves, and cinnamon with a hint of vanilla and amber. How rich. Why we love it Nest’s typical glass vessel gets a holiday upgrade with gold foil in a diamond pattern etched into its glass. ‘This reed diffuser releases an exquisite scent slowly and evenly into the air for approximately 90 days, offering a pleasing cozy scent all through the winter season. The intensity of the scent can be adjusted by placing up to eight all-natural rattan reed sticks,’ says Annie. This sophisticated scent from Voluspa captures the essence of fall and creates an absolutely stunning and inviting aroma for rooms large and small. What it smells like Warm and sensual, with notes of amber resin, sandalwood, cedar and vanilla orchid. Why we love it It may be a smaller-sized vessel than some of the other picks on our list, but it’s affordably priced (under $30) and still provides a long-lasting scent for four to six months. ‘The maximalist in me loves the detailed glass vessel, turning this diffuser into a beautiful piece of decor,’ says Jaclyn. The overall impact of the scent is strong, but not overpowering, and you can always adjust the number of reeds to reduce or amplify the smell. The Jo Malone London English Pear and Freesia Reed Diffuser is so sleek in design. This reed diffuser effortlessly and continuously adds an enveloping scent to any space. What it smells like Fully capturing the essence of spring, the sensuous freshness of just-ripe pears is wrapped in a bouquet of white freesias and mellowed by amber, patchouli, and woods for a luscious and golden olfactory sensation. Why we love it ‘This reed diffuser lasts from anywhere to three to four months; this long-lasting vessel will not only look stunning on display, but it will repeatedly add a fresh-smelling aroma to any space or living quarter that’s impossible to resist,’ says Annie. Allow the Nest New York Grapefruit Reed Diffuser to uplift and exhilarate moods wherever, whenever. It’s even vegan and cruelty-free, just to top it off. What it smells like Belonging to the fresh/citrus family, this reed diffuser features nods of pink pomelo grapefruit and watery green notes combined with lily of the valley and coriander blossom. Why do we love it ‘It arrives housed in a glass vessel etched with elegant, frosted stripes and eight all-natural rattan reed sticks. It’s expertly crafted with the highest quality fragrance oils. This reed diffuser releases an exquisite scent slowly and evenly into the air for approximately 90 days, delivering a continuous fragrance uninterrupted,’ reports Annie. This distinctive and quirky scent will gain you compliments from all of your guests. The apothecary aesthetic of the bottle is understated too and would fit subtly into your home. This fragrance should transport you to a sunlit outdoorsy setting. What it smells like The top notes of this diffuser are moss and lavender, which give it a different edge from other classic scents. This pairs with sage, orange, amber, and musk, to bring together a wonderfully curated smell. We say to use it when it’s cold outside for the best effect. Why do we love it ‘Branching out into more masculine smells can feel risky, but this scent is interesting and subtle enough to pull it off. You’ll see your choice of scents in a whole new light with this diffuser,’ says Annie.
Best places to buy a reed diffuser
How we review the best reed diffusers
The majority of these reed diffusers have been tested by staffers Annie Collyer and Jaclyn Turner, as notated by a star rating. Both consider factors such as the unboxing experience, product quality, the longevity of the scents, room coverage, and if a refill is available. Both regularly place them in different-sized rooms from the bathroom to bedrooms and an open living space to see how the scent fills and smells in the different spaces. We acknowledge that scent is majorly subjective, but it helps to know the type of scents you personally prefer, whether you like sweet and fruity or musky and spicy. Annie’s description of the scents she tested should help inform you of what you can expect it to smell like. As there are countless home fragrances available, we also invite you to explore the other scents from the brands we’ve included, as we endorse them based on our experience with their products. For more insight into our hands-on review process, refer to our how we test review guidelines.
What to consider when buying a reed diffuser
Choose your scent wisely Selecting a reed diffuser means finding a scent that complements your space — and the mood you are trying to create. We recommend buying a reed diffuser to replicate the season. It’s worth noting that rich scents like wood and spices usually warm up a room making these scents great for winter and fall, whereas fresher scents like mint, apple, and citrus will cool a space. Use these fragrances in the spring and summer. Which room your new diffuser will be living inside? The majority of people like to place a reed diffuser in a living room, where they spend lots of their time, or an entryway to flood all of their rooms with a subtle fragrance. Otherwise, a reed diffuser works well in a bathroom for a constant aroma, and to balance odors. Are refills available? Unlike candles, the majority of reed diffusers can simply be refilled once the fragrance has finished, to help save the environment and to save you a little money. Be sure to check that the reed diffuser you’ve picked can be refilled, otherwise, if you like it, you’ll have to buy the entire vessel time after time, instead of just a bottle of the fragrance.
How often does a reed diffuser need to be changed?
On average, a person will need to replace a reed diffuser’s sticks every six months. Specific circumstances might call for substituting them sooner, or they might exceed six months. But in most cases, that is the duration you should be thinking and a good rule of thumb to follow. It would be a smart idea to check, before buying, that the reed diffuser you would like to buy comes with refills available. This will mean that you need only buy the vessel once, and then you can refill it forever with your favorite fragrance. Saving the planet – and a little money.
