From citrus blends to woody aromas, we’ve tested the best reed diffusers, including options from The White Company, Jo Malone, and NEOM.
Author
:
Amber-Rose Hurst
Published Date:
8 November 2024
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Discover the best reed diffusers for effortless, enduring fragrance that adds a touch of sophistication and luxury to any room.
Of all the senses, scent is uniquely powerful in its ability to transport and transform. The right fragrance can evoke a treasured memory, bring serenity to a bustling space, or impart a feeling of warmth and comfort on the chilliest of days. While candles offer flickering light and ambience, reed diffusers provide an enduring alternative - effortless, elegant, and refined.
In my view, reed diffusers are the understated touch of luxury every home deserves. Their beauty lies in their simplicity: no flames, no maintenance, and no smoky residue - just a steady, subtle infusion of fragrance that enriches your home over time. With thoughtfully crafted scents and exquisitely designed vessels, today’s diffusers make a sophisticated addition to any room, standing as both scent and statement.
As Tajinder Banwait MBE, founder of Urban Apothecary London, explains, “Fragrance is an extension of your personal style, infusing your space with a sensory dimension that complements your environment’s visual, tactile and even auditory elements. Just as colours, textures and sounds layer a room, the right scent can deepen its ambience.”
If your aim is to elevate your space with a touch of quiet opulence, or simply to enjoy a hands-off approach to home fragrance, a reed diffuser is an inspired choice. Here, we present a carefully curated selection of the finest reed diffusers available, each one offering an air of timeless elegance that will leave your home feeling, and smelling, irresistibly luxurious.
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The best reed diffusers 2024 - at a glance
Best reed diffuser overall: Rituals Ritual of Karma Reed Diffuser
Best long-lasting reed diffuser: Molton Brown Delicious Rhubarb & Rose Aroma Reeds
Best luxury reed diffuser: Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Diffuser
Best affordable reed diffuser: John Lewis Sentiments Calm Reed Diffuser
Best reed diffuser with essential oils: NEOM Happiness Reed Diffuser
Best reed diffuser for large rooms: The White Company Sicilian Orange Luxury Diffuser
Best reed diffuser for style: True Grace Orangery Room Diffuser
Best scented reeds: Floral Street Sweet Almond Blossom Scented Reeds
How I Tested
Over several months, I tested each reed diffuser, assessing them for fragrance quality, longevity, value, and ease of maintenance. To fully appreciate their impact, I placed them in different rooms in my home: in the bedroom, where I wanted relaxing scents to wind down with, and in the kitchen and bathroom, where fresh, neutralising aromas were key.
Here’s how they performed. If you’re looking to further elevate your home environment, you may also enjoy our guide to the best scented candles.
Best reed diffusers 2024
1. Ritual of Karma Diffuser, Rituals
Best reed diffuser overall
Notes: White tea and lotus flower with hints of bergamot, lemon, musk and sandalwood
250ml
White glass jar with natural reeds
Rituals’ The Ritual of Karma reed diffuser, the largest in this review at 250ml, offers excellent value and impressive longevity. As delightful now as when I first experienced this scent in candle form, its soothing white lotus and bergamot aroma subtly fills the room and lasts beautifully without the need for frequent reed flipping.
Packaged in a stunning tall turquoise-blue tube, it’s ideal for gifting, and refills are available to keep the experience going. With its minimalist, stylish vessel, this diffuser seamlessly complements any decor, making it a luxurious, lasting favourite.
RRP£34.90
Available from Look Fantastic
Elegant bottle
Great value for money
Mood-boosting fragrance
Long-lasting
The design of the bottle, while stylish, may make it a bit more susceptible to tipping over
We like
Elegant bottle
Great value for money
Mood-boosting fragrance
Long-lasting
We don't like
The design of the bottle, while stylish, may make it a bit more susceptible to tipping over
Available from Look Fantastic
2. Delicious Rhubarb & Rose Reed Diffuser, Molton Brown
Best long-lasting reed diffuser
Notes: Rhubarb and rose with hints of vanilla and grapefruit
150ml
Clear glass jar with dark brown reeds
The Delicious Rhubarb and Rose Aroma Reed Diffuser from Molton Brown is a standout product from a well-known British fragrance house, whose exceptional quality earned them the Royal Warrant from Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
As someone who has always loved the scent of rhubarb, I was thrilled by how perfectly this diffuser captures its tangy, refreshing essence. The addition of soft rose notes creates a delicate, balanced fragrance that fills the room with warmth and sophistication.
What’s truly impressive is its incredible longevity – the scent lingers for weeks without the need for frequent reed flipping. The elegant bottle design adds a refined touch to any room, making it a luxurious and long-lasting addition to any home.
RRP£48
Available from Fenwick
Long-lasting fragrance with minimal reed flipping
Fresh rhubarb scent
Elegant packaging suits any decor
Scent may not be strong enough for larger rooms
We like
Long-lasting fragrance with minimal reed flipping
Fresh rhubarb scent
Elegant packaging suits any decor
We don't like
Scent may not be strong enough for larger rooms
Available from Fenwick
3. Pomegranate Noir Diffuser, Jo Malone
Best luxury reed diffuser
Notes: Pomegranate and smoky guaiacwood
165ml
Clear white vessel with black reeds
This option is a true delight, and as someone whose all-time favourite Jo Malone scent is Pomegranate Noir, I was excited to try it in diffuser form. The fragrance is rich and complex, with fruity pomegranate mingling with smoky, spicy notes. While more subtle than other diffusers I’ve tested, it’s elegant and timeless, subtly filling my downstairs bathroom with a balanced, lasting aroma.
The sleek black vessel complements any decor, and it’s packaged in Jo Malone’s signature black and white bowed box, making it perfect as a gift. It may be better placed in a small bedroom or bathroom for optimal fragrance diffusion.
RRP£74
Available from Jo Malone
Elegant design
Unique, luxurious fragrance
Beautiful packaging
Pricey
Probably not as suitable for larger rooms
We like
Elegant design
Unique, luxurious fragrance
Beautiful packaging
We don't like
Pricey
Probably not as suitable for larger rooms
Available from Jo Malone
4. Sentiments Calm Reed Diffuser, John Lewis
Best affordable reed diffuser
Notes: Fresh pine, spiced amber, vanilla, and musk
100ml
Grey frosted glass vessel with natural reeds
The John Lewis Sentiments Calm Reed Diffuser is a bestseller, and it’s easy to see why. Offering a soothing blend of fresh pine, spiced amber, vanilla, and musk, it creates a calming atmosphere perfect for unwinding. The scent subtly fills the space without being overpowering, making it a great option for the bedroom.
The 100ml size is just right for smaller spaces, and the minimalistic glass vessel fits seamlessly into any decor. It’s basic, yes, but it works a treat, providing a tranquil, long-lasting fragrance that promotes relaxation and peace. A reliable choice for a serene ambience.
RRP£10
Available from John Lewis
Inexpensive
Soothing fragrance
Minimalistic design
Not the most luxurious option
We like
Inexpensive
Soothing fragrance
Minimalistic design
We don't like
Not the most luxurious option
Available from John Lewis
5. Happiness Reed Diffuser, NEOM
Best reed diffuser with essential oils
Notes: Neroli, mimosa and lemon
100ml
Clear vessel with a silver lid and black reeds
This reed diffuser is the perfect choice for anyone looking to create a positive, uplifting atmosphere in their home. The Neom Happiness Reed Diffuser features a complex blend of 10 of the purest essential oils, including neroli, mimosa, and lemon, delivering a refreshing, spa-like scent. The citrus and floral notes are beautifully balanced, offering a mood-boosting fragrance that isn’t overpowering.
What sets this diffuser apart is its use of high-quality essential oils, providing therapeutic benefits and long-lasting fragrance. The experts at NEOM really know how to make home fragrance, and this sleek, minimalist design is great for any room in the home, promoting wellness and joy throughout.
RRP£45
Available from NEOM
100% natural fragrance
Long-lasting
Therapeutic benefits
Attractive design
Scent may be more suited to summer months
We like
100% natural fragrance
Long-lasting
Therapeutic benefits
Attractive design
We don't like
Scent may be more suited to summer months
Available from NEOM
6. Sicilian Orange Luxury Diffuser, The White Company
Best reed diffuser for large rooms
Notes: Orange, ginger and sandalwood
200ml
Clear square-shaped glass vessel with natural reeds
The Sicilian Orange Luxury Diffuser from The White Company delivers a vibrant, uplifting fragrance with its zesty blend of Sicilian oranges. The citrus notes evoke the essence of a sun-drenched Mediterranean grove, creating an energising atmosphere in spaces like the living room or kitchen. The long-lasting fragrance subtly fills the room without being overwhelming.
While I’m more of a fan of their rounded vessels, the sleek, elegant glass design still complements any décor. The quality of the fragrance is exceptional, offering a refreshing and calming experience. A perfect choice for anyone seeking a fresh, premium scent that lifts the mood.
RRP£38
Available from The White Company
Long-lasting
Scent subtly fills large rooms
Large size offers value for money
Some may prefer the brand’s rounded vessel design over this more angular one
Refill not available
We like
Long-lasting
Scent subtly fills large rooms
Large size offers value for money
We don't like
Some may prefer the brand’s rounded vessel design over this more angular one
Refill not available
Available from The White Company
7. Orangery Reed Diffuser, True Grace
Best reed diffuser for looks
Notes: Orange Blossom, amber and petitgrain
200ml
Smoked glass vessel with black reeds
If you’re looking for another orange-scented option, the True Grace Orangery Room Diffuser fills your home with an uplifting blend of citrus and floral notes, creating a vibrant, energising atmosphere. Its uniquely shaped black vessel, adorned with the brand’s monogram, is one of the most stylish diffusers available.
The high-quality tube packaging, complete with a satin bow, makes it perfect for gifting. The fragrance is beautifully balanced, providing a subtle, long-lasting scent that fills the room for weeks without being overpowering. While it is on the higher end of the price range, the elegant design and premium quality make it a worthwhile investment for any home.
RRP£60
Available from True Grace
Elegant design
Beautiful packaging
Strong scent that isn’t overpowering
Great for gifting
Price is on the higher side
We like
Elegant design
Beautiful packaging
Strong scent that isn’t overpowering
Great for gifting
We don't like
Price is on the higher side
Available from True Grace
8. Rose Oudh Reed Diffuser, Urban Apothecary
Best floral reed diffuser
Notes: May rose, damask rose, oudh wood, blackcurrant buds, plum and amber
200ml
Black vessel with black reeds
The Rose Oudh Luxury Charity Diffuser from Urban Apothecary offers a sophisticated blend of rose and oud, creating a warm, elegant fragrance that adds depth to any room. The scent is strong without being overpowering, making it perfectly suited for spaces like a living room where it can gently infuse the atmosphere without overwhelming the senses.
The earthy oud is beautifully balanced by the sweet, delicate rose notes, creating a luxurious, inviting fragrance. Packaged in a monochrome, elegant glass bottle, it’s not just a treat for your home, but also a wonderful way to support a good cause, with a portion of the sale of each diffuser going to Hearts & Minds Foundation.
RRP£50
Available from Sephora
Balanced scent throw
Lovely floral fragrance
Elegant design
Charity contribution
On the pricier side, but a donation of the sale goes to charity!
We like
Balanced scent throw
Lovely floral fragrance
Elegant design
Charity contribution
We don't like
On the pricier side, but a donation of the sale goes to charity!
Available from Sephora
9. Sweet Almond Blossom Scented Reeds, Floral Street
Best scented reeds
Notes: White almond blossom, vanilla, matcha and tonka bean
Five scented reeds
For something a little different, Floral Street’s Sweet Almond Blossom Scented Reeds offer a unique twist on traditional home fragrances. Pre-scented, these reeds eliminate the risk of spillages, providing a fuss-free option for those seeking a subtle, long-lasting scent. The fragrance blends sweet almond with delicate floral notes, creating a warm, cosy atmosphere. Simply place them in a small bud vase or mix with faux flowers to mimic the scent of fresh blooms. These reeds are perfect for smaller rooms, as they aren’t as strong as traditional reed diffusers.
RRP£20
Available from Floral Street
No risk of spillages
Can be arranged in a vase of your choice to suit your decor
Subtle scent wouldn’t be enough to fill large rooms
We like
No risk of spillages
Can be arranged in a vase of your choice to suit your decor
We don't like
Subtle scent wouldn’t be enough to fill large rooms
Available from Floral Street
10. Buongiorno Room Diffuser, Acqua Di Parma
Best sophisticated scent reed diffuser
Notes: Italian lemon, mint leaves, rosemary, lavandin, jasmine, cedarwood and musk
180ml
Yellow/amber-coloured glass vessel with black reeds
Acqua di Parma’s Buongiorno Room Diffuser offers a sophisticated blend of citrus, floral, and woody notes, evoking the freshness of the Italian countryside. The scent throw isn’t as strong as some other diffusers I’ve tried, but it adds a subtle, refined aroma to the room that gradually fills the space. The fragrance lasts for weeks, offering a delicate yet enduring presence.
Housed in a sleek, minimalistic glass bottle, it adds a touch of luxury to any décor. While it’s on the pricier side, the quality and understated elegance make it a great choice for those seeking a premium home fragrance.
RRP£88
Available from Sephora
Sophisticated and invigorating scent
Sleek, colourful bottle
Luxury
Expensive
May not be strong enough for larger spaces or those who prefer a stronger fragrance
We like
Sophisticated and invigorating scent
Sleek, colourful bottle
Luxury
We don't like
Expensive
May not be strong enough for larger spaces or those who prefer a stronger fragrance
Available from Sephora
How to choose the best reed diffuser
A reed diffuser should not only fill a room with a pleasant aroma but also create an atmosphere that aligns with the room’s purpose. “Start by thinking about how the room is used. When you consider function, you begin to consider the emotional requirements – how you want to feel in a space,” says Emma South, fragrance and lifestyle expert at Jo Malone.
“For example, kitchens are often where we start the day, where food is prepared and conversations flow; this calls for energising, enlivening scents. Bedrooms, on the other hand, want to be a sanctum of calm. In the hours before sleep, our sense of smell is heightened, making peaceful scent choices even more important,” she continues.
“When choosing the right reed diffuser for different areas of the home, consider how you can use scent to enhance the room’s mood,” says Taylor Perlis, fragrance evaluator at Yankee Candle. For the kitchen, fragrances with citrus notes are ideal in helping to cut through cooking smells and maintain a fresh, invigorating space.
Roger Biles, founder of True Grace, agrees, noting that a good diffuser “should fill a space with an evocative scent that transports you to a cherished place or time,” and that the right blend of natural and synthetic fragrances can offer a superior scent throw.
For bedrooms, Taylor suggests floral, soothing scents like lavender or gardenia to create a relaxing, spa-like feel. In the conservatory or a garden room, Tajinder recommends bright, fresh scents: “Think citrus and floral notes that capture the essence of sunlight.”
In more luxurious settings like a lounge or formal dining room, you may want a scent as rich as the decor itself. “Intricate patterns or grand decor call for fragrances like oudh wood, plum, amber, or geranium to mirror the room’s opulence,” advises Tajinder.
Roger agrees, saying, “These scents bring a sense of depth and warmth, perfect for creating a comforting and elegant atmosphere in larger spaces.”
Finally, for a home office, opt for energising aromas to promote clarity. For quieter rooms like bedrooms or a snug, choose soothing blends that prepare you for moments of rest.
Why choose a reed diffuser over a candle?
Reed diffusers work by drawing scented oil up through porous reeds, which then release the fragrance gradually into the air, filling the room with a continuous aroma without the need for heat or flame.
“Working tirelessly in the background, reed diffusers provide an impressive foundation of scent that greets you whenever you enter the space,” says Emma. “They are particularly low maintenance, with reeds that simply keep emanating fragrance without needing to be turned, and of course, there is no supervision required of a naked flame.”
How long do reed diffusers last?
Reed diffusers typically last between two to four months, depending on the oil quality, room temperature, and how often you flip the reeds. “Avoid placing diffusers near heat sources like radiators or direct sunlight, as this can cause the oils to evaporate faster than intended, potentially affecting the fragrance balance,” explains Tajinder.
How to use reed diffusers
Reed diffusers are an effortless way to fill your home with a beautiful fragrance. “Take your bundle of reeds and add them to your filled diffuser bottle. Once suffused with a blend of scented oil, the reeds will give your room a beautiful fragrance,” advises Roger. “To intensify the fragrance, ensure that you rotate the reeds. I’d recommend replacing the reeds every 12 weeks to ensure the scent continues to fill the space as desired.”
Should you flip the diffuser reeds?
After using your reed diffuser for some time, you may find the fragrance becomes less noticeable. Simply flipping the reeds can help refresh the scent and keep it going strong.
Tajinder recommends doing this about once a week. “You’ll instantly boost the fragrance in the air by gently flipping the reeds, which is ideal for creating a more pronounced scent profile before entertaining or whenever you want to elevate the ambience,” she explains.
“Think of it like adjusting the volume. Flip more often for a bolder scent, less frequently for a subtle backdrop,” she concludes.