The 10 Best Essential Oil Diffusers We Tried in 2026 (And 2 to Avoid)

I first learned about Pura from a friend whose house always smelled like a high-end boutique under all circumstances. A cooking project, a water leak…no matter what was going on in her house at the time, all I could smell was berries. Having two cats and a multi-sport teenager, I knew I needed that. Now, after owning several Puras for over two years, I have a few thoughts.

While my Pura journey began with the now-discontinued Pura 3, I’ve also since tested the large-chamber Pura 4 and Pura Plus, both of which have dual slots for two of Pura’s oil cartridges, as well as the Pura Mini. Both the Pura 4 and Mini plug into an outlet and can only be controlled through the companion app (or Alexa or Google Home). This is convenient for setting up schedules and timers, switching fragrances (or using the handy new auto-alternate feature), and changing the color of the optional night light, but there were also numerous occasions where I wanted to stop, start, or change a schedule but couldn’t because I forgot my password or the diffuser couldn’t connect to Wi-Fi. At that moment, it was infuriating. Fortunately, the Pura Plus standalone cylinder has handy on and off controls on the front. The smaller Pura 4 and Mini are best for enclosed spaces, like a long hallway for the former or a small bedroom for the latter (note that all Puras only work with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi). If you have high ceilings or any type of open floor plan, you will get better results from the Pura Plus. Just note that, unlike the silent Pura 4 and Mini, the Plus emits an audible 32dB of sound, which is equivalent to the sound of a low-profile fan.

Perhaps the best feature of Puras is the brand’s extensive library of scents from companies like Anthropologie, Nest, Capri Blue, and more. (Including deluxe seasonal releases—spring offerings include Studio McGee Violet Fig, Brooklyn Candle Studio Tulum, and Otherland Chandelier, among many, many others.) Quality and duration can vary widely, and they’re not cheap—$11 to $34 for 0.33 ounces—but most smell better than cartridges from any other diffuser brand I’ve tried, and they all come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Given the small size and price of the cartridges, the Pura may not be the best choice if you want to smell like your diffuser all day, every day, as you’ll end up spending a small fortune. However, if you love unique, luxurious scents and only need them occasionally and/or on demand, Pura is the perfect solution. —Kat Merck