We Tried the Best Car Diffusers for Essential Oils That Make Aromatherapy Portable
Updated: Nov. 30, 2023
This car diffuser has nearly 7,000 five-star ratings, and will turn any errand run into a relaxation session.
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From car trash cans to car cleaning putty to car seat gap fillers, the best car accessories can make rides cleaner and safer—but they can also make them more enjoyable.
The InnoGear Car Diffuser on Amazon makes aromatherapy portable, so you can enjoy an aromatic mist on your ride to work, the grocery store, school or wherever else you need to go with a little added peace. With more than 10,000 reviews on Amazon, this mini diffuser has become a popular car accessory and automotive gift.
On This Page
What is a car diffuser?
The device is a portable car diffuser and humidifier that plugs into your car using a USB port. It’s ultra-lightweight and fits into the cup holder, so you can enjoy the mist of essential oils and drive in comfort. The USB power supply makes it easy to connect to a computer, so you can take it out of your car and into the office, too.
The car diffuser has two mist settings, a continuous and intermittent spray (30 seconds on, 30 seconds off). It has a two-button operation system: one that powers the mist’s on and off function and another that turns on the color-shifting light. It also provide a fun and natural alternative to car air fresheners. With this quiet, BPA-free diffuser/humidifier, you can eliminate unwanted smells in your car while enjoying an ultra-fine, relaxing mist.
Car Diffuser Product Features
The InnoGear Car Diffuser fits into any car cupholder, and its two operating buttons are on top so you can control it when it’s in place. If your car has a USB outlet, then this diffuser will plug right into it. If it doesn’t, you’ll need an adapter (5V 1A car charger) to plug in the diffuser. With a standard 5V input, the diffuser’s USB power cord connects to a laptop or desktop computer, too. The diffuser weighs less than one-third of a pound, so it’s lightweight enough for travel and office use (because who doesn’t need extra stress relief in those environments?). The ultra-fine mist sprays at a pressure effective enough to provide aromatherapy to the entire car and a bit of moisture to your car environment on dry days.
How We Tested It
After unboxing the InnoGear Car Diffuser, I immediately loaded it with a little bit of water and my two favorite essential oils: vanilla and lavender. I plugged it into an indoor outlet first to power it on and make sure it worked, and it did.
After testing it inside, I took it with me on my next car ride. My car has a USB outlet under the head unit, so I plugged the diffuser in there and set it in my center console cupholder. It only took seconds for the fragrance of the essential oils to fill my car and, honestly, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. With my iced coffee in one cupholder and the diffuser in the other, I drove around feeling ultra-relaxed and like I really had my life together (if only for the time it took me to drive to the grocery store).
The fine mist came out powerfully and steadily, and I even received compliments from friends on the way my car smelled. If you’re someone who is perpetually anxious while driving because you’re normally running late (just me?), you might also find that this diffuser makes you feel a little more at ease on your route. I did.
I will say, however, I had some trouble switching the mist mode to the intermittent setting. So, when I used it, I left it on the continuous mist mode. The light mode has one setting, and it cycles through different colors. I didn’t notice it too much when I was driving, as the base of the diffuser was mostly hidden by my car cupholder. However, when I had it plugged in inside, next to my computer, the changing light was a nice added feature.
I did make sure to unplug the diffuser when I turned off my car to avoid any risk of draining the battery. You’ll probably want to do the same if your car doesn’t have an accessory power shut-off feature. The diffuser does power off when it runs out of water, however, so that’s a helpful feature if you forget to unplug it.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight and compact
- Built-in multicolored nightlight
- Easy to use
- USB-powered
- Powers off when water runs out
- Mist and light can function separately
- Runs several hours on one water filling
- Quiet
Cons
- Light may be distracting while driving
- May experience some difficulty switching between mist settings
FAQ
Is a humidifier good for your car?
Car diffusers, such as the InnoGear Car Diffuser, act as a mini humidifier for your car, which can help prevent dryness and even keep you cooler during warmer months. The key benefits of a car diffuser, however, are its relaxation and natural air-freshening properties.
How do you use a car mist humidifier?
Using a car diffuser is as easy as using a traditional diffuser or smart diffuser. Simply fill the tank with water and your choice of essential oil(s), plug it in and power it on.
What is a diffuser good for?
There are many benefits to diffusing essential oils. Aromatherapy can help improve clarity and focus and boost your mood. Diffusing essential oils in the car can help relax you on the ride home after a long day at work, and promote feelings of calm when you’re traveling.
A cool mist humidifier in your car can also help with chapped lips and dry skin when you have the heat or air conditioning going, as these functions often dry out the air.
What Other Reviewers Had to Say
Verified purchaser, Tommy L. Freeman, says, “I like the fact the product is easy to use. It’s very simple. It performs well. Just add a little bit of essential oils and water, of course, and you’re good to go.”
Erin Buttermore gave the diffuser a five-star review on Amazon, and says it’s much nicer than a car air freshener. “I use this in my car with a few drops of peppermint oil,” she writes. “The aroma is quite intense due to the high essential oil:water ratio, but I quite like that. It very quickly refreshes my car after I’ve traveled with takeaway food, the dog or my daughter’s teenage guy friends.”
Laura Cross Worth writes, “This is the best purchase I have made in years. This product arrived to me two months ago. Within days I filled [it] with water and a few drops of essential oil. That fill has lasted over seven weeks and has been in my car when the temperature was below 20 degrees for days at a time. I have no clue how it didn’t freeze and how long the liquid/scent has lasted… I would buy this over and over and over.”
Final Verdict
For its price point and ease of use, you really can’t beat the InnoGear Car Diffuser. It provides quality scent coverage for compact spaces and is very travel-friendly. You should also try it if you’re someone who finds that your nose dries out after long hours in the car with the heat on.
Where to Buy a Car Diffuser
Never let road rage keep you from maintaining inner calm again, and snag the InnoGear Car Diffuser on Amazon for around $25.
Originally Published: March 01, 2023
