Your Guide to the Differences Between Diffusers and Humidifiers

PDF download Download Article
Find out how diffusers and humidifiers differ in their purposes and benefits to you
PDF download Download Article

They both disperse a beautiful mist into the air and can make your home a better place, but how are diffusers and humidifiers truly different? For starters, diffusers add yummy and relaxing scents into the air while humidifiers bump up the moisture levels in your home. To help you find out whether a diffuser or humidifier is the right device for you, we’ll tell you what each one does and how it can benefit you in your home. Read on to learn more about diffusers and humidifiers!

Things You Should Know

  • Diffusers disperse fragrance into the air while humidifiers add moisture, raising the humidity in a room.
  • Diffusers use essential oils , which might be able to treat stress, poor sleep, and some infections.
  • Humidifiers add moisture back into the air, which can help relieve congestion, sore throats, and dry skin.
Section 1 of 4:

What’s the difference between diffusers and humidifiers?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/Diffuser-vs-Humidifier-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Diffuser-vs-Humidifier-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/Diffuser-vs-Humidifier-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Diffuser-vs-Humidifier-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It can be easy to mix these devices up because they both use water to work. However, their purposes are completely different! Most diffusers use essential oils and disperse their aromas through the air with the help of water droplets. [1] On the other hand, humidifiers just spread a mist of water through the air to increase the humidity in the room. [2]
    • Diffusers are typically smaller than humidifiers, with most having basins that can hold 1 to 2 cups (200-500 mL) of water. So, diffusers usually work the best in small spaces.
    • Compared to diffusers, humidifiers are typically larger. Their water basins usually hold at least 1 gallon (3 L) of water.
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

Diffuser Purpose and Benefits

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Diffuser-vs-Humidifier-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Diffuser-vs-Humidifier-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Diffuser-vs-Humidifier-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Diffuser-vs-Humidifier-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Most diffusers have a tray that you pour water into and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. When you turn the diffuser on, it moves the water around quickly, turning it into a mist. The diffuser then sprays the scented mist into your room. [3]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a5\/Diffuser-vs-Humidifier-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Diffuser-vs-Humidifier-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a5\/Diffuser-vs-Humidifier-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Diffuser-vs-Humidifier-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    While all diffusers add clean and relaxing fragrances to your home, some emit more powerful scents than others. Knowing what each one does can help you purchase a diffuser that works for your needs. [4]
    • Ultrasonic diffuser : this is the most common type of diffuser. It vibrates quickly to disperse scented water vapor into the air
    • Steam diffusers : these also use water, but heat it up to spread the essential oils instead of vibrating.
    • Nebulizing diffusers : unlike other types, these don’t use water. Instead, they atomize essential oils, turning them into vapor. Because there’s no water, the aroma is usually stronger than from other diffusers.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e8\/Diffuser-vs-Humidifier-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Diffuser-vs-Humidifier-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e8\/Diffuser-vs-Humidifier-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Diffuser-vs-Humidifier-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The essential oils used in diffusers might have healing properties. While spreading relaxing scents is a benefit on its own, diffusers are often used for aromatherapy. This is the process of using scents to treat common conditions. For example, orange essential oil can be used to reduce stress and anxiety, while tea tree oil might be able to treat fungal infections like athlete’s foot. [5]
    • Lavender, peppermint, and lemon oil are some great scents that can reduce stress, improve your mood, and smell great to boot.
    • When using a diffuser for aromatherapy, blend your essential oils to create a wonderful aroma and treatment that works for you.
    • If you’re using your diffuser for aromatherapy, buy essential oils that are sold for aromatherapy use. They usually provide cleaner scents.
    4. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

Humidifier Purpose and Benefits

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9d\/Diffuser-vs-Humidifier-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Diffuser-vs-Humidifier-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9d\/Diffuser-vs-Humidifier-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Diffuser-vs-Humidifier-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    There’s nothing worse than the air in your house drying out with the change of the seasons. Luckily, humidifiers exist to add moisture back into the air. Most humidifiers work similarly to diffusers, where you add water to a tray or basin. When you turn the humidifier on, it vibrates quickly to release droplets of air into the room as mist. [6]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a0\/Diffuser-vs-Humidifier-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Diffuser-vs-Humidifier-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a0\/Diffuser-vs-Humidifier-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Diffuser-vs-Humidifier-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Some humidifiers add warm air to your home, while others disperse a cool mist. However, there’s no best humidifier to buy. Just choose the one that fits the size of your home and your moisture needs. [7]
    • Evaporative humidifier : these suck in dry air and blow it through a moisture wick or filter, releasing moistened air back into the room.
    • Ultrasonic humidifier : one of the more common humidifiers, these vibrate at an ultrasonic frequency to turn water into a mist that’s released into the air.
    • Impeller humidifier : similar to ultrasonic humidifiers, these use a rotating disk to vaporize water and turn it into a cool mist.
    • Central humidifier : some homes come with these humidifiers, which are installed along with your home’s air conditioning system. This allows you to control the humidity in every room.
    • Vaporizer : these work similarly to humidifiers and add moisture to your home. They heat up the water in their basin and disperse it as steam.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Diffuser-vs-Humidifier-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Diffuser-vs-Humidifier-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Diffuser-vs-Humidifier-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Diffuser-vs-Humidifier-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Dry air can dry out your nasal passages and throat, leaving you stuffy and sore. Because humidifiers and vaporizers add moisture back into the air, they help to give your body much needed moisture too. They can even relieve your dry skin and lips as well! [8]
    • Experts recommend keeping your home between 30-50% humidity. While too little humidity can dry you out, too much can invite unwanted bacteria in your home.
    • When using a humidifier, check the moisture levels in your home regularly. A simple hygrometer will do the trick.
    • Clean out your humidifier regularly , too. To make sure you’re receiving clean air, fill your humidifier with fresh water each day and clean the basin and filters every few days. About once a month, fully replace the filters.
    4. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

Should I buy a diffuser or a humidifier?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d9\/Diffuser-vs-Humidifier-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Diffuser-vs-Humidifier-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d9\/Diffuser-vs-Humidifier-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Diffuser-vs-Humidifier-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A diffuser is your best bet if you’re looking for sweet, citrusy, or calming aromas to fill up your house. They are an especially great choice if you want to get into aromatherapy. [9] But, if you just need to add back some moisture to your home, a humidifier is what you’re after. [10]
    • Unfortunately, you can’t add essential oils to a regular humidifier. However, some humidifiers come with a tray specifically for essential oils. That way, you add fragrance and moisture to your home simultaneously.
    • Because diffusers are so small, the amount of water vapor they emit isn’t enough to raise the humidity. If you want to increase the moisture in your house, humidifiers are your best bet.


Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Use a Vicks Humidifer
      How to
      Use a Humidifier Safely (Plus, Setup & Cleaning Instructions)
      How to
      Clean a Vicks Humidifier
      How to
      Use a Dehumidifier
      How to
      Avoid White Dust from a Humidifier
      How to
      Control Your Room's Humidity
      How to
      Make a Vaporizer
      How to
      Clean a Humidifier Filter
      How to
      Reduce Humidity in Your Home Without a Dehumidifier
      How to
      Choose the Size of a Dehumidifier
      How to
      Clean a Crane Humidifier
      How to
      Clean and Disinfect a Cool Mist Humidifier
      How to
      Remove Mold from a Dehumidifier's Tank and Clean the Filter
      How to
      Adjust a Humidifier on a Furnace
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.health.com/condition/stress/essential-oil-mistakes
      2. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/humidifiers/art-20048021
      3. ↑ https://www.health.com/condition/stress/essential-oil-mistakes
      4. ↑ https://www.livescience.com/air-purifier-vs-essential-oil-diffuser
      5. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/aromatherapy-do-essential-oils-really-work
      6. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/humidifiers/art-20048021
      7. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-you-can-tell-if-you-need-a-humidifier/
      8. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-you-can-tell-if-you-need-a-humidifier/
      9. ↑ https://www.livescience.com/air-purifier-vs-essential-oil-diffuser
      1. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-you-can-tell-if-you-need-a-humidifier/

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 24,759 times.
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement