Even though both diffusers and humidifiers emit mists, a diffuser uses essential oil to make the indoor air aromatic, whereas a humidifier releases water vapor to add more moisture. Other than this, both have unique health benefits, require different levels of maintenance effort, etc.
Table of Contents
The following table shows all the differences between a diffuser and a humidifier.
| Factors | Diffuser | Humidifier |
| Working Concept | Adds essential oil to the indoor air to make it more fragrant. | Adds steam or water droplets to the indoor air to moisturize it. |
| Operating Essentials | A mixture of water, essential oil, and other aromatic. | Water and essential oils (optional) |
| Health Benefits | Improves sleep and mood, reduces stress and anxiety, etc. | Good for dry skin, eye irritation, and sometimes asthma. |
| Other Benefits | Repels pests, improves the ambiance, etc. | Good for wooden furniture, musical instruments, and houseplants. |
| Noise Level (approx.) | 15 - 40 dB | 28 - 47.6 dB |
| Energy Consumption (approx.) | 0.024 - 0.6 kWh | 0.24 - 2.28 kWh |
| Possible Concerns | Could trigger allergies | May contribute to mold growth if not used properly |
| Maintenance | Easier to maintain | Harder to maintain with low-quality humidifiers |
The basic working concept of a diffuser is to break down a mixture of essential oil and water into small particles and spread them across the room to make the room more aromatic. A humidifier also works on a similar note, but it usually turns water into vapor to make the indoor air more humid.
Now, depending on the process of breaking down essential oils, there are basically 4 types of diffusers:
There are also other types of diffusers that don't use electricity or any mechanism to release the scent. Instead, they rely on the natural properties of evaporation to release the scent. Essential oils are absorbed by the diffuser material (reeds, wood, crystals) and then slowly evaporate into the surrounding air.
Similarly, there are also 4 different types of humidifiers based on their working process.
A diffuser usually needs a mixture of water and essential oil to work, while a humidifier usually only needs water.
You can also put different types of aromatic ingredients and oils in diffusers, such as herbs, citrus leaves or slices, flower petals, and more. With the natural aromatic ingredients, you can create a subtle vibe in your indoor environment with a gentle fragrance.
On the other hand, humidifiers only need water to get their job done. However, there are certain humidifiers that allow the use of essential oils.
Wait, does that mean you can use humidifiers as diffusers?
Yes, you can use humidifiers as diffusers; you can use essential oil along with water in ultrasonic, impeller, and steam humidifiers. However, traditional evaporative humidifiers cannot be used as humidifiers because the essential oil will ruin its filter and break the device.
By the way, even if you have an ultrasonic, impeller, and steam humidifier, be sure to check with the user manual or the manufacturer before you use it as a diffuser.
Also, remember that even though you can “use” a humidifier as a diffuser, you can only receive the benefits of proper aromatherapy with a diffuser. The humidifier may release some sort of scent but the fragrance from a diffuser will always be better.
Diffusers have become popular for their role in aromatherapy and are used for mainly mental health benefits like reduced stress and anxiety. In contrast, humidifiers address issues of dry air, relieving common issues like congestion and itchy skin.
People who are not really a fan of aromatherapy and diffusers may think that “it just smells good, it has no real benefits.”
Well, they’re wrong.
It has been scientifically proven that aromatherapy or “good smell” has a lot of mental and physical health benefits that include reduced anxiety and depression, nausea relief, improved sleep and appetite, etc.
Also, aromatherapy has also been linked to pain relief, fatigue recovery, and other physical health benefits.
Since the main purpose of a humidifier is to add moisture to the air, it works best for preventing and relieving the negative impacts of dry air.
If you have sensitive skin, dry skin can itch, cause rashes, flake, crack, and, in the worst scenario, cause eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.
Also, breathing in dry air can cause problems like sinusitis, flu, sore throat, eye irritation, snoring, and nosebleeds.
Except for several health benefits, a diffuser can improve the ambiance of your home and deter pests. As for humidifiers, if you have plants and wooden furniture or musical instruments, they appreciate the proper level of moisture.
Diffusers can help create the perfect mood in your home. Relaxing scents like lavender or chamomile can create a peaceful atmosphere, while peppermint or lemongrass can give you an energizing boost.
Apart from the mood setting, certain smells can repel pests and keep your home safe. For example, citronella oil deters mosquitos and flies, while peppermint oil discourages ants.
On the other hand, humidifiers create a more hospitable environment for houseplants, like ferns or orchids, which prefer higher humidity levels.
Wooden furniture and musical instruments are prone to damage in winter when the air is dry. In this scenario, you can regulate the humidity level in your home and prevent them from cracking.
Compared to humidifiers, diffusers are more decorative and aesthetic in appearance.
Diffusers tend to be smaller and often come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, with materials like ceramic, glass, wood, or even plastic. Some diffusers even feature built-in lights.
That’s why it’s very easy to find a diffuser that really goes with your decor.
Even though a bit less aesthetic compared to diffusers, humidifiers also come in different shapes and sizes. With the increasing demand for humidifiers, manufacturers also prioritize the aesthetics of the device as well as functionality.
A great example of such a humidifier is Ergonomc’s Rain Cloud. It creates a soothing environment with realistic rain sounds and light displays. It also has other aesthetic features that elevate it to a higher level than other humidifiers.
Diffusers are to be virtually silent, while humidifiers typically operate with minimal noise.
Ultrasonic diffusers use vibrations to break down essential oils and water into a fine mist. This process is almost silent, the only sound you can hear is a faint hum from the fan used to disperse the mist.
Heat and evaporative diffusers are also the same, you may hear a light hissing sound. Nebulizers may produce a comparatively louder noise, while reed diffusers are completely silent.
Because humidifiers process a large amount of water while running, they generate a little bit more noise. Depending on the size of your room, a humidifier may need 1-3 gallons of water per day whereas a diffuser usually needs 100 ml.
Ultrasonic humidifiers use the same working principle, but because of the higher water volume, they generate more noise. The same goes for other types of humidifiers. However, these noises are at a minimal level and are not disruptive at all.
Diffusers consume less energy to operate than humidifiers. This is simply because it takes less energy to process a small amount of water to spread the aroma.
Diffusers require only a couple of tablespoons of water to create a mist for hours. Ultrasonic and evaporative diffusers use energy-efficient processes that require minimal power and reed diffusers require no power at all.
Also, you don’t need to run a diffuser for more than 30 minutes at a time because of olfactory fatigue.
On the other hand, humidifiers process a large amount of water every day. Although they use a similar working concept to the diffuser, they need more energy to run.
Aside from that, humidifiers are used for hours at a time and it's also possible to use them overnight. The amount of usage also contributes to the energy consumption.
Even though essential oils are beneficial to mental and physical health, they may trigger allergic reactions in some people.
If you have atopic dermatitis or have skin reactions after using lotions or creams, you are more likely to get an allergic reaction. Some essential oils, such as oregano oil, lemongrass oil, jasmine oil, etc., trigger more reactions than others.
So, to be careful, you can avoid these essential oils or dilute them before using.
Humidifiers, on the other hand, have been known to cause mold growth. But humidifiers don’t really cause mold in your home; rather, mold grows within a humidifier if you do not regularly clean it.
That’s why if you buy a humidifier, you should be prepared to clean it at least once every three days.
However, if you are not up for these vigorous cleaning sessions, you should opt for a humidifier made with high-quality material. Premium materials resist mold, and you won’t have to clean it as frequently.
Humidifiers tend to be a higher maintenance product whereas diffusers don’t really require any maintenance.
If not regularly cleaned, humidifiers can grow internal mold. Therefore, they must be cleaned once every three days. The cleaning process can be complex depending on the parts your humidifier has.
Also, if you own an evaporative humidifier, its filters must be changed once every month.
But that’s not all. You also need to replace the tank’s water every day to prevent mineral buildup.
Even though diffusers need water too, they don’t have the risk of mold or mineral buildup just because they require only a small amount of water. Just perform a deep cleaning once every month for dust and you’re good to go.
Also, if your diffuser uses a filter, you only have to replace it once a year. For reed diffusers, you need to change the sticks once a month, which to be honest, is not a hassle.
If you have sensitive skin or probably have respiratory problems, you should get a humidifier. If you suffer from stress or anxiety or are in the market to uplift your home’s ambiance, a diffuser is your best bet.
Since these devices have different purposes and functionalities, it actually comes down to what you need.
However, you can use a humidifier and a diffuser together if necessary. There are no problems with using them simultaneously in the same home.
That being said if you do need both but don’t have the budget, then get a high-quality ultrasonic humidifier that has the capability to disperse essential oil. You can use it as a humidifier and a diffuser while saving lots of money.
No, you cannot use a diffuser as a humidifier. Diffusers do not have the capacity to hold a large amount of water, which limits their ability to raise the humidity level in a room. A dedicated humidifier is recommended for effective humidification, especially in larger spaces.
No, diffusers do not have the functionality to improve air quality, they can only make it more aromatic. If you need to improve the air quality of your home, you will need an air purifier.
Yes, a humidifier can reduce bad smell from indoor air. Especially humidifiers that can disperse essential oil and warm mist humidifiers. However, for optimal smell reduction, a diffuser is the best option.
When choosing between a diffuser or humidifier, or perhaps even both, remember: quality matters!
Choosing a reliable humidifier or diffuser made from safe, durable materials ensures a longer lifespan, efficient performance, and most importantly, peace of mind.
Ergonomc LLC
30 N Gould St Ste R
Sheridan, WY 82801
+1 (929) 312-6528
support@ergonomc.com
