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13 Best Reed Diffusers That’ll Make Your Home Oh So Aromatic
Get ready to bask in the alllll the amazing smells.
If you’re not a fan of using plug-in air fresheners or the thought of your luxe candles catching your curtains on fire sends you into a panic (I mean, v relatable), then reed diffusers are about to become your new scent BFF. The best diffusers do an excellent job of freshening up your space without overpowering it, and, hey, they also look pretty damn chic while doing so. (We love a good 2-in-1!)
Reed diffusers are a very effortless way to transform a room's overall vibe. If you choose one with a pretty votive, visually they add a lil ~je ne sais quoi~ to your space while filling the air with a subtle luxurious aroma. And, because they don’t require any flames, heat, or electricity, you can bet diffusers are a very safe and energy-saving way to fragrance your home. Now, if you’ve never used a reed diffuser, we promise they’re about as easy to use as you can get. All you gotta do is simply place the sticks in the oil vase and wait for the scent to travel up the reeds and disperse into the air. Easy-peasy, right? And that fear of burning down your apartment building: Extinguished! (Sorry, I couldn’t help it!)
Our top picks for the best reed diffusers of 2023:
Intrigued? There’s more good-smellingness where that came from. We’ve gathered 13 of the best, oh-so-pretty reed diffusers that smell even better than they look. From notes of sweet berries and roses to soft cotton that’ll remind you of freshly done laundry, your new home fragrance awaits.
Voluspa Limited Edition Japonica Reed Diffuser
Voluspa Limited Edition Japonica Reed Diffuser
Pros
- Scent isn't too overpowering
- Glass container complements most decor styles
Cons
- A little harder to smell in a large space
Having people over to toast to something celebratory? Or maybe you just want every day to smell extra fancy. Either way, this sparkling cuvée scent is gonna get the job done. With notes of citrus, Asian pear, orange, and lavender, you'll be feeling bright and sprightly—just like a glass of your favorite sparkling wine.
- Material: Glass, rattan
- Size: 3.25 ounces
- Lifespan: Approximately 2-3 months
- Refill: Available
Binca Vidou Reed Diffuser Set in Bergamot, Vanilla, Lavender & Jasmine
Binca Vidou Reed Diffuser Set in Bergamot, Vanilla, Lavender & Jasmine
Pros
- Affordable
- Good for small rooms or spaces
Cons
- The scent fades quickly, according to some reviews
This warm, floral scent will instantly make your space feel more elevated. It has welcoming top notes of sweet raspberry and bergamot that lead into floral aromas of jasmine, freesia, and peonies topped off with warm vanilla and lavender base notes. Basically, if you love a refreshing garden smell, you’ll be into this one.
- Material: Glass, fiber
- Size: 3.4 ounces
- Lifespan: Approximately 50 days
- Refill: Available
Hotel Collection 24K Magic Reed Diffuser
Hotel Collection 24K Magic Reed Diffuser
Pros
- Lasts for 3-4 months before having to be replaced
- Most reviewers say the scent is refreshing and light but still noticeable
Cons
- Per some reviews, the scent is a little too strong
Inspired by the W Hotel, this home fragrance will transport you to the sophisticated and sensual world of the luxury hotel. Fill your space with an invigorating blend of crisp bergamot, citrus-y lemongrass, and sweet laurel leaves that'll have your guest thinking you're kiiiiind of a ~rich bitch~.
- Material: Glass
- Size: 3.4 ounces
- Lifespan: Approximately 3-4 months
- Refill: Available
Culture & Nature Clean Cotton Scented Reed Diffuser Set
Culture & Nature Clean Cotton Scented Reed Diffuser Set
Pros
- Includes three handmade reed sticks with pretty white flowers
- Great for small to medium-sized rooms and entryways
Cons
- Some reviewers claim scent can be overpowering
- The fragrance oil evaporates quickly, per some reviews
One of the greatest joys in life is the scent of clothes freshly plucked from the dryer. Thanks to this diffuser, you can have that smell without actually having to do your laundry. Plus, peep the pretty little flowers that come with it.
- Material: Glass, fiber
- Size: 6.8 ounces
- Lifespan: Approximately 30 days
- Refill: Available
Sunday Citizen Santorini Reed Diffuser
Sunday Citizen Santorini Reed Diffuser
Pros
- Available in two different sizes
- White reeds look super clean and crisp
Cons
- No refills currently available
Idk about you, but it seems like everyone is enjoying a European vacation this summer except for me. The FOMO is real, friends! So I'm gonna use this opportunity to cultivate a little Mediterranean magic in my home. This particular scent is Santorini-inspired, complete with notes of brisk saltwater, jasmine, and sandalwood. Press play on some soothing ocean wave sounds and you're set for a relaxing at-home retreat.
- Material: Glass, rattan
- Size: 8.4 ounces
- Lifespan: Approximately 2-3 months
- Refill: Not available
Kai Reed Diffuser
Pros
- Comes in recyclable packaging
- Delicately releases scent without taking over a space
Cons
- Pricey compared to competitors
This light scent offers a calming dose of gardenia wrapped in other white exotic florals. One whiff of this beaut and you'll be transported to a tropical island, chillin' on the sand with a refreshing iced beverage in hand. You can also shop this scent in a body butter, candle, room spray, and more!
- Material: Glass, rattan
- Size: 6.75 ounces
- Lifespan: Approximately 2-3 months
- Refill: Not available
Brooklyn Candle Studio Fern + Moss Reed Diffuser
Brooklyn Candle Studio Fern + Moss Reed Diffuser
Pros
- Most reviewers say the scent is very noticeable
- Most reviewers claim the diffuser works well in medium-sized rooms or spaces
Cons
- The brand does not offer returns or exchanges on reed diffusers
Inspired by the scents of the beautiful Fern Canyon, this diffuser is like a getaway to Northern California in a bottle. It’s a lovely blend of sage and lavender with woody notes of spruce and pine that will surely bring a sense of the great outdoors into your home.
- Material: Glass, rattan
- Size: 4.4 ounces
- Lifespan: Approximately 4-5 months
- Refill: Not available
Brooklinen Diffuser - Good Intentions
Pros
- Pretty silver frosted glass bottle
- Soothing aromatherapy scent
- Recyclable vessel and packaging
Cons
- Final sale and not eligible for returns
PSA: Not only does Brooklinen make super cozy bedding, but the brand also has a line of home fragrances! You’ll find a range of candles, room sprays, and reed diffusers that smell wonderful. If you’re after a scent that puts you in a relaxing mood, you have to check out the Good Intentions diffuser. It has a warm blend of fresh basil, minty eucalyptus, and herbal patchouli notes which make for the ultimate combination of a calming scent. It’ll set a super chill and cozy mood for those stressful days.
- Material: Glass, rattan
- Size: 5.1 ounces
- Lifespan: Approximately 90 days
- Refill: Not available
Harlem Candle Co. Savoy Reed Diffuser
Harlem Candle Co. Savoy Reed Diffuser
Pros
- Great for medium to large-sized rooms
- Unique apothecary bottle and pretty packaging
- Most reviewers say the scent isn’t too strong and throws very nicely
Cons
- One reviewer claims the scent takes a while to disperse up the reeds
Love bold, fruity scents but don’t want a bright-colored or over-the-top vase? Enjoy this bright yet sensual aroma featuring notes of rich black currant, tangy mandarin, crisp green apple, fresh pear, sandalwood, and musk in a sleek and subtle apothecary bottle. It smells exactly like how you’d think Ryan Reynolds’ cologne would.
- Material: Glass, rattan
- Size: 8 ounces
- Lifespan: Approximately 6-8 months
- Refill: Not available
Apotheke Charcoal Reed Diffuser
Pros
- Sophisticated matte black bottle
- Great for medium to large-size rooms
- Most reviewers say the scent smells great and is long-lasting
Cons
- Some reviewers say the scent is a little too smokey
You don't have to burn candles to get that deep woodsy aroma you love so much. This Apotheke diffuser has scents of cedarwood and sandalwood mixed with oud and smokey amber to give you that outdoorsy, sitting-by-the-fire scent. The moment those aromas hit ya, it’ll feel like a warm hug.
- Material: Glass, rattan
- Size: 6.7 ounces
- Lifespan: Approximately 3-4 months
- Refill: Not available
diptyque Baies Reed Diffuser Set
diptyque Baies Reed Diffuser Set
Pros
- Great for large-size rooms
- Giftable packaging
- Includes refill funnel
Cons
- Expensive
Okay, this one is pretty expensive, but considering it's by Diptyque, you're sure to get a high-quality fragrance for your home. This set comes with the most elegant vessel and smells like berries and roses with notes of sensual black currant leaves. It's a wonderful blend of both sweet and spicy. Plus, it also comes with a refill funnel, eight reed sticks, and a full-sized bottle of fragrance oil so you can control how much or how little you'd like to fill your reed diffuser. (Y’know, in case you’d wanna take a break from the delicious scent—though I doubt you will…)
- Material: Glass, rattan
- Size: 6.7 ounces
- Lifespan: Approximately 3 months
- Refill: Available
NEST New York Bamboo Reed Diffuser
NEST New York Bamboo Reed Diffuser
Pros
- Pretty striped glass bottle
- Great for medium to large-sized rooms
- Most reviewers say the scent is very noticeable but not overwhelming
Cons
- A few reviewers say the scent is too strong and doesn't last long
Nest is famous for its candles and reed diffusers, so you can trust that you'll get a smell you'll love. This one is a little pricey, but the combination of earthy flowering bamboo, sweet white flowers, and bright, sparkling citrus makes it totally worth it. And, I mean, who doesn’t love the smell of a fresh bouquet of flowers (because that’s what it smells like!).
- Material: Glass, rattan
- Size: 5.9 ounces
- Lifespan: Approximately 90 days
- Refill: Available
Homesick Hawaii Reed Diffuser
Pros
- Most reviewers say it reminds them exactly of the island
- Able to fit in small areas because of compact size
Cons
- Sells out often
If you're looking for a scent that drifts you out to sea, you need to snag the Hawaii reed diffuser from Homesick. Think: An oil that’s the mix of perfect salty and sweet thanks to the aromas of pineapple, coconut, the seashore, cyclamen flowers, sugar, vanilla, and musk mixed together. It creates a fresh, nostalgic scent that'll transport you to the ultimate tropical beach vacay.
- Material: Glass, rattan
- Size: 4 ounces
- Lifespan: Approximately 2-3 months
- Refill: Not available
How does a reed diffuser work?
It's simple, actually! When you buy a reed diffuser, it'll be in a set that includes a vessel of some sort (typically, it's made of glass), a scented oil, and bamboo or rattan sticks. To activate it, all you have to do is pour the oil into the vessel and place the sticks inside. The fragrance will rise up to the top of the sticks and ~diffuse~ the aromas into the air once it reaches the tips of them. FYI: The more reeds you add, the more intense and potent the scent will be.
And if you want even more of the scent (I mean, who wouldn't), let the sticks soak for 24 to 48 hours then flip the sticks to fill your room with a fresh waft of the fragrance. Repeat this cycle every two to three days. Enjoy!
How long do reed diffusers last?
This really depends on a lot of things like how many reeds were utilized, the design of the vessel, and/or how much oil was used… So it can vary! They'll definitely last at least a month—but do, on average, have a life expectancy of two to five months.
Some things you can do to help your reed diffusers last longer are to reduce the number of reeds you use and flip the reeds less. Yes, I know these are both ways to really strengthen the delightful aromas. Though they can also run your fragrance oil out quickly. We're not saying to never use a lot of reeds or never flip them, but maybe do so every once in a while when you really, really want to. We know you'd rather not be dropping $$$ once a month on reed diffusers!
Where's the best place to put a reed diffuser?
The ideal space to keep a reed diffuser is in a high foot-traffic area, somewhere with a lot of movement and activity. Reed diffusers rely on air circulation for their scent to spread, so a spot that you know will have a lot of airflow is where you want it to be. We suggest your bedroom, living room, office, bathroom, or at the entryway of your home.
Make sure to not have it next to a fan, window, or air conditioner though! Strong air circulation can cause the scent to dissipate fast. Also, try to keep it away from direct sunlight so that the heat doesn't evaporate the oil.
Why trust 'Cosmopolitan'?
Cosmo’s team of digital lifestyle experts—which includes editor Mekita Rivas and assistant shopping editor Megan Uy—have years of combined experience in the industry. They spot relevant trends before they even hit your TikTok FYP or Insta Explore Page and conduct research across retailers of all kinds—testing many brands IRL—to bring you the best home and lifestyle picks. Basically, we’ve curated the internet to bring you the chicest options like it’s our job (because it is, heh). Each of our shopping articles adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge and includes products for all sizes.
For these reed diffusers, we did our best to include an option for any personality and any occasion—so you have plenty of choices. We only selected items that had great reviews, too, because we know how important transparency around a product is!
Mekita Rivas is an editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle. She writes about everything from the best leather totes and books she can't put down to plants, podcasts, and politics. Prior to joining Cosmopolitan, she was a senior contributing fashion editor at PopSugar and Bustle. Her writing has been published in dozens of publications including The New York Times, Vogue, Harper's BAZAAR, Women's Health, Refinery29, and others. She currently splits her time between New York City and Washington, D.C. Follow Mekita on Instagram, where you'll typically find a mix of her snapshots from fashion week and various editor travels.
Megan Uy is the assistant shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she searches for the best products in all things fashion, home, beauty, sex, gifts, and more, so you don’t have to. When she’s not writing for the site, she’s whipping up some cool and trendy content for the fashion section of the print magazine. She’s been with the brand since 2019 (when she was an itty-bitty editorial fellow), and she's also written for Delish, House Beautiful, and People. Follow her on Instagram to get some BTS of the editor life and chaotic NYC content. Also, feel free to hit her up if you ever wanna discuss the madness that is TikTok.
Jacquelyn Greenfield is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers the best gift ideas, sales, and more across all things beauty, fashion, lifestyle, and sex. She has a serious obsession with sneakers and lives for a great clear lip gloss. She previously worked at Nylon and has had bylines in The Zoe Report, Coveteur, and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter.
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