Our top choice is the Pure Smart Fragrance Diffuser, which calls on low heat diffusion to disperse microscopic droplets of naturally scented oil into the air. We should note that air fresheners may contain chemicals such as phthalates, which that can adversely affect some bodily functions. We considered the presence of those and other chemicals in the air fresheners we recommend below. This user-friendly device calls on low heat diffusion to create microscopic droplets of fragrance. It holds two cartridges at once, so you can switch between scents with a quick tap, depending on your mood. It can also be paired with Nest fragrance oil cartridges. What’s more, you can schedule when you want it on and off, adjust the scent intensity, and even use it as an ambient night light. The diffuser itself and the refills are pricey, but it might be worth the investment for the high-quality, customizable design. Price at time of publish: $70 The concept is undoubtedly clever, and we appreciate the all-natural formula. That said, while the directions on the bottle are clear, one potential drawback is you can’t necessarily expect every person to read them and use it as directed. Price at time of publish: $8 The brand has a patent on its reliable deodorizing technology. Instead of masking smells, it neutralizes alkaline and acidic particles in the air (aka the stinky ones) with a chemical reaction. The scent can be a bit strong, but it dissipates within an hour or two. We note that the ingredients list “fragrances,” which could include phthalates, Please check the label for complete ingredients information. Price at time of publish: $20 This air freshener attaches to a vent; we like that you can adjust the intensity using the little dial. However, we should note each clip only lasts about a month on the lowest setting, so you’ll need to switch them out relatively often. We note that the ingredients lists “fragrances,” which could include phthalates, Please check the label for complete ingredients information. Price at time of publish: $13 We like that this product doesn’t contain any parabens, phthalates, or artificial colors, and the non-aerosol bottle doesn’t use propellants. It’s also Leaping Bunny Certified as cruelty-free. We note, however, that the effects seem to vary, from long-lasting to needing to re-spray several times a day. Price at time of publish: $16 (pack of 3) The scent—which the manufacturer describes as “aromatic lavender essence rounded off with gentle chamomile and precious woods”—is somewhat strong, but you can choose from five intensity settings. It’s super budget-friendly too—the starter kit only runs you a few bucks, and the refill cartridges are even more affordable. To replace a cartridge, you simply insert a refill into the plug-in until you hear a click. The refills should be compatible with any similar Air Wick warmer. When we looked to see when “fragrances” was listed as ingredients, we were directed to the manufacturer’s website, which lists many chemicals under “fragrance component.” Price at time of publish: $3,50 This is one of the few products we evaluated which expressly state can be sprayed on laundry. In fact, we note that buyers have effectively used this as a fabric softener! It doesn’t offer a continuous scent experience and doesn’t circulate around your space. Still, this spray is an excellent choice for those looking for a once-in-a-while air freshener in the $10 range. The ingredients list notes several natural products but also lists “fragrance,” which could imply the presence of phthalates. Price at time of publish: $12 The solid, biodegradable gel is made of 98 percent naturally sourced ingredients. It comes in over 2 dozen scents, ranging from fresh rain to calming lavender to apple-cinnamon. You have to replace the cones often, but you can get a set of 12 for around $15. This product lists “fragrance” as one of its ingredients, which could indicate the presence of phthalates. Price at time of publish: $14 (pack of 3) Each cartridge lasts about 50 days. This is impressive, considering the starter kit is less than $20 and comes with five refills. The only drawback is that the device takes up an entire standard wall outlet, leaving no room to plug in anything else below or above. However, the product does rotate to fit horizontal outlets. However, we note that the product must remain upright or oil may fall out of it. The ingredients list “fragrance oil,” which could indicate the presence of phthalates. Price at time of publish: $19 Considering each refill lasts 60 days, when set for 36 minutes, this is a pretty decent deal for under $15. The refills also are a snap to change, with an easy-open latch. We do have a problem with the way the manufacturer says they “believe in…ingredients that are authentic” and then decline to mention them, saying only “air freshener.” We strongly recommend reading the product label for full disclosure. Price at time of publish: $12 It runs for 8 hours, then switches to standby mode for 16 hours. The scent lasts the entire time it’s powered down, but you can adjust the intensity if needed. You can set it to deliver mists over different intervals as well: Low (4-second mist, 17-minute pause), Medium (5-second mist, 12-minute pause), and High (6-second mist, 10-minute pause). Refills change easily by inserting them into the bottom of the unit. And you can purchase refills in any of five fragrances. Just a heads up, this product uses three AA batteries, which die pretty quickly. So make sure you have plenty on hand. The manufacturer lists the ingredients, which include “fragrance,” indicating the possible presence of phthalates. Price at time of publish: $11 Choosing a type also means choosing how easy to use or customizable you want your air freshener to be. Something you can plug into an outlet or set on a table is arguably more convenient than having to spray from a pump bottle every few hours. And it might be a better pick for areas with consistent smell issues, such as the bathroom. On the other hand, if you only want to freshen the air on certain occasions, such as when company is coming over, it might be easier just to spray the air before guests arrive.
Fragrance
Do you want a fragrant air freshener or one with a more subtle scent? When making this decision, consider family members, friends, pets, or co-workers who might be sensitive to heavy perfumes. You also need to decide whether you want to control the level of fragrance released, as with the Renuzit Gel Air Freshener, if that’s important to you. Some air fresheners let you adjust the intensity, while others are all or nothing. Please also note that “fragrance” is often listed as an ingredient. This omnibus description may include chemicals called phthalates, which have been found to increase the risk of allergies, The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency advises consumers to avoid products with those ingredients.
Purpose
If you have strong odors, you need to treat the source of the smell in addition to adding a freshener. Nothing smells worse than bad odors mixed with perfume. However, sometimes you need to experiment with products to find the one that works best for your needs. If moisture is a problem, bamboo charcoal does a better job of absorbing it than sprays or oils. But if your room just needs a gentle refresh, those methods should work fine.
Scent Duration
Consider the scent duration as well. Manual options you spray into the air usually last 2 to 4 hours. On the other hand, automatic air fresheners, such as the Air Wick Plug-In Kit, continuously release fragrance into the air until the cartridges run out, which can be anywhere from 5 to 60 days.
Coverage Area
Some air fresheners are better for deodorizing and refreshing small spaces, but others have a strong enough fragrance to easily cover a larger space, as with Febreze Air Freshener Spray and Glade PlugIns Scented Oil Air Freshener.
Why Trust The Spruce
Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer and product tester specializing in home improvement, decor, and lifestyle. For this story, she compiled insights from our home testers, then researched today’s best air fresheners. She then narrowed it down to the most effective, user-friendly options for every preference and use. Theresa has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019, covering home scents, cleaning products, and organizational solutions. For these reasons, it’s important to never spray air fresheners on or near your pet or child. As with all cleaning products, store them securely and out of reach.
