The best diffusers for your home: 22 genuinely great-smelling diffusers for every mood and budget

From fresh to earthy, floral to spicy, these reed and electric diffusers smell as good as they look

Diffusers are a simple way to keep your home smelling good, whether to mask the many undesirable smells that can pop up or just to give your space a bit of a lift. While scented candles definitely have their place, diffusers can be left unattended so you can be greeted by a lovely aroma as soon you walk through the door (although do keep them out of reach of small children and pets).

Reed diffusers are the most common type and most straightforward to use. It’s simply a case of inserting a pack of reeds – typically rattan – into a container of fragrance oil, whether that’s a synthetic scent or a blend of essential oils in a carrier oil. The reeds slowly absorb the oil and waft the fragrance around the room. They take longer to do their work, so allow 24 to 36 hours to achieve a full fragrance level. They will continue to perfume a room for about two to four months before the oil runs low, though, so can be more worthwhile than their price tag suggests.