Humidifier vs. Diffuser: Which To Buy and What’s The Difference?

Difference Between Humidifiers and Diffusers

Diffusers and humidifiers are sometimes mistaken for one another. They look similar and function the same in some instances. But, there are differences that you should be aware of. They do not offer the same benefits. Depending on what your needs are, you should pick one over the other.
 
This article will give you a good understanding of the differences between a humidifier vs. diffuser. You will know the differences between a humidifier and diffuser so you can decide which to buy.
Type Pros Cons
diffuser pros and consDiffuser
  • Disperses essential oils into the air
  • Freshens the air 
  • Reap in the health benefits of essential oils
  • Doesn’t really clean your air from pathogens
  • Can be more expensive than a humidifier
humidifier pros and consHumidifier
  • Alleviates respiratory issues
  • Significantly increases the moisture of your home’s air
  • Eliminates and/or prevents some bacteria in the air from forming
  • Can make your air too humid
  • Makes noticeable noise during operation
  • Large and industrial looking design.

What is a humidifier, and should I buy one?

Humidifiers are machines that add moisture to the air. They help increase the air’s moisture and reduce the dryness of a space. Humidifiers are great at treating dryness of the skin, nose, lips, and throat. They can help lessen the symptoms caused by the flu or common cold.
 
Buy a humidifier if you want to increase your air’s moisture and ease health issues. They help relieve the following health symptoms:
 
  • dry skin
  • sinus congestion/headache
  • dry throat
  • nose irritation
  • dry cough
  • cracked lips
  • bloody noses
  • irritated vocal cords
 
Room humidifiers are useful if you want to reduce the symptoms of your illness. They work well at improving the moisture in your air.
 
They have a bigger water tank compared to essential oil diffusers. Increasing moisture levels in the air is the primary goal of a humidifier. A humidifier has a bigger size compared to ultrasonic diffusers.

Should I Get an Essential Oil Diffuser?

Ultrasonic diffusers are the most common type of essential oil diffuser you can buy. They work similarly to humidifiers. The size is much smaller than a humidifier. The primary purpose of an oil diffuser is to diffuse your essential oils into the air. Ultrasonic diffusers use water mixed in with oils to disperse the air in your space. This helps you inhale your favorite essential oils and reap the health benefits.
 
You can use a diffuser as a humidifier only in certain instances. There are hybrid diffuser/humidifiers that you can buy to fulfill both benefits. Make sure that you buy one that specifically mentions that combination or else you will not get the full benefits.
 
Ultrasonic oil diffusers are different that humidifiers in that they have the following benefits:
 
  • Eliminates Odors
  • Safer Than Candles
  • Promotes a Good Night’s Sleep
  • Encourages A Wakeful Morning
 
Ultimately, a diffuser works as a humidifier, but at a smaller scale, due to the size of the reservoir. Standard oil diffusers will humidify the immediate space very little. Depending on the size of your room, it will not have any moisturizing effect.
 
Essential oil diffusers cost between $30 – $100. They are a little more expensive than humidifiers.
 
If you are sick and want to reap the benefits of your essential oils at the same time, there are many combinations of Humidifier/Diffuser Combos to choose from. We will go into detail and provide our reviews of the best ones to buy.

Still Can’t Decide between an oil diffuser or humidifier? Take this short quiz:

Best Humidifier/Diffuser Combos – Which To Buy?

If you are in the market for a Humidifier/Diffuser Combo, take a look at our recommendations. We scoured the internet and came up with a shortlist of the best diffuser/humidifier combinations you can buy.

Frida Baby 3-in-1 Humidifier with Diffuser and Nightlight

frida baby 3 in 1 humidifier diffuser
Specifications:
Features: Covers up to 320 square feet with a 0.5-gallon tank. Great lighting options. Equipped with a range of nightlight colors. Auto-stop feature. Perfect for babies.
Type: Cool Mist Humidifier
Ratings:

4 out of 5 stars

Pricing: $$

Everlasting Comfort Humidifiers for Bedroom (6L)

Everlasting Comfort Humidifiers
Specifications:
Features: The option of the white or black casing. A humidifier with a special essential oil tray. Auto shut off feature. Extra quiet. Does not need a filter.
Type: Cool Mist Humidifier
Ratings:

4 out of 5 stars

Pricing: $$

Costway 6L Cool Mist Humidifier Air Diffuser

COSTWAY Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
Specifications:
Features: Purifies the air along with humidifying it. It is slender to help save space in a tight room. Uses a digital display and is operated with a remote control. Very quiet operation.
Type: Cool Mist Humidifier
Ratings:

3.5 out of 5 stars

Pricing: $$$

LEVOIT Humidifiers for Bedroomfier Air Diffuser

LEVOIT Humidifiers for Bedroom
Specifications:
Features: Large top opening allows you to clean inside. Includes a cleaning brush. Includes an essential oil tray. Does not need a filter.Features 3 mist speed settings to choose from.
Type: Cool Mist Humidifier
Ratings:

4.5 out of 5 stars

Pricing: $$

Choose the best that’s right for you!

I hope this guide has been informative for you. Both devices have similarities and differences that only you can decide which is important. If you are looking for an actual, true essential oil diffuser, I highly recommend you check out the best ultrasonic diffuser guide. It will explain to you all you need to know about ultrasonic diffusers and help to decide which to buy.

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