Katie Thomas
Luxury candles are incredibly chic and I love them, but they cost a pretty penny and can feel like they burn in a flash. The best reed diffusers, on the other hand, last much longer, smell just as great and they don't leave smoke marks on the wall. A great room diffuser will last months, rather than hours, unlike some of the longest-lasting autumn candles.
Much like a candle, reed diffusers give off the most stunning scent that can fill a room, create ambience and set a mood. Oh, and they look just as chic as some of the prettiest candles out there (sometimes even chicer, if I'm being honest). Beyond that, unlike candles, which need caring for, reed diffusers can be left well alone. Gone are the days of bulb vases with questionable fragrances; in their place comes a whole raft of beautifully designed bottles filled with the finest aromas. Just remember to flip your reeds every couple of days to boost your home's scent.
So, if one of your aims this autumn is to invest in your space a little more or supercharge the power of your candles, keep scrolling for our roundup of the best reed diffusers the market has to offer. Trust me, they leave your home smelling almost impossibly expensive—I should know, I've tried them all.
Best reed diffusers 2025: QuickLinks
- Best mind-soothing diffuser: M&S Apothecary Calm Diffuser, £17 | M&S
- Best bedroom reed diffuser: The White Company Sleep Diffuser, £38 | The White Company
- Best floral reed diffuser: Diptyque Fleur d'Oranger Diffuser, £75 | Diptyque
- Best refillable diffuser: Neom Happiness Reed Diffuser, £55 at Face The Future
- Best reed diffuser for autumn: Nobody's Child Rhea Reed Diffuser, £24 | Nobody's Child
Best reed diffusers
1. M&S Apothecary Calm Diffuser
The wellness perfume trend has been everywhere this year, and it's coming for our diffusers, too. The Apothecary diffusers from M&S deliver exceptional value for money—and the Calm option is my favourite of the lot. With clary sage and sandalwood, it delivers a deeply mind-soothing result, but thanks to orange and lavender the scent remains light on the nose and totally unimposing. I keep one on my desk at home to keep my mind balanced and calm while working—it's a real win considering the price tag.
2. The White Company Sleep Diffuser
For when candles in the bedroom aren't your vibe, this stunning reed diffuser might just be for you. Not only does it look very chic on the bedside table, but the mind-soothing blend of lavender and chamomile acts as the perfect aromatic lullaby. It's strong enough to be noticable but subtle enough to create the perfect environment for sleep.
3. Rituals Private Collection Savage Garden Reed Diffuser
This super-fresh, grounding scent from Rituals is one of my all-time favourites, and frankly I want every room in my home to smell like it. The throw of these diffusers is seriously impressive, and the earthy, citrus, green-floral aroma of this one is particular has won be countless compliments form guests. So much so, in fact, that after a recent visit one of my best friends went home and ordered one for every room of her house.
4. Diptyque Fleur d'Oranger Diffuser
Things truly don't come much chicer than this. Not only will your house thank you for filling it with the bright, zingy and fresh orange blossom (arguably one of the most beautiful fragrance notes used in perfumery), but it will also applaud you for choosing such a beautiful design piece that looks good anywhere. Top tip: buy Diptyque's stunning glass vessel and then refill with any of its glorious scents as the seasons change.
5. Jo Malone London Pomegranate Noir Diffuser
The iconic Jo Malone London fragrance that we all know and love also comes in reed diffuser form. It suits any time of the year, but its spicy richness works particularly well for autumn. It's the perfect warming addition to the home.
6. Molton Brown Re-Charge Black Pepper Diffuser
There's only one way to describe this scent: spicy and sexy. With black pepper, it tickles the nose, while ginger and vetivert keep it luxe-smelling and punchy. It's the sort of scent that oozes expense.
7. Acqua di Parma Signatures of the Sun Oud Room Diffuser
Simple, sophisticated and strong is what Acqua di Parma does best—both in fragrance and appearance. Paired with the brand's iconic citrus notes are deep, leathery woods to create what is, hands down, one of the punchiest, hardest working and most luxurious reed diffusers to have ever existed.
8. Bella Freud 1970 Ceramic Diffuser
Just look at this—it is a thing of beauty. It would look smart on any surface, in any home. Give it pride of place and put it on display, it deserves it. As does the fragrance, by the way, which is rich with notes of frankincense, patchouli and sandalwood.
9. Carrière Frères Sichuan Pepper Diffuser
This is, hands down, the strongest reed diffuser I have ever encountered. While it's punchy and zingy (in an invigorating sort of way), it really knows how to fill a room. In fact, we have had an empty bottle sat in the middle of the Marie Claire offices for well over a year, and it's still scenting the space beautifully.
10. Neom Happiness Reed Diffuser
We couldn't do a roundup of amazing home scents and not include Neom. The brand has always done reed diffusers, but earlier this year it launched this stunning ombre glass piece that would smart in any room, in any house, with any kind of decor. What's more brilliant is that once you've finished your first essential oil experience, you can move on to another but this lovely glass stays put. And the fact that it's only £55 makes this a great investment.
11. Nobody's Child Rhea Reed Diffuser
Last year fashion brand Nobody's Child made the move into fragrance and we are beyond thrilled that they did. We live in the brand's beautifully cut dresses year-round and their impeccable taste stretches to its scent collection too. Rhea is that perfect blend of woody sweetness. It fills the room almost instantly, which is seriously impressive for the price. The sandalwood and patchouli add warmth, whereas the vanilla and coconut make it inviting
