Humidifiers and essential oil diffusers are two home appliances that can make a substantial difference in the quality and comfort of your life at home. 

While they do share some similarities and have some overlapping functionality, humidifiers and diffusers are different on many levels, and you'll want to have both plugged in to get the full range of benefits for you and your family. 

Here are the top 5 differences between humidifiers and essential oil diffusers, with some pro tips thrown in for good measure.

1. Humidifiers Are Mainly for Moisture

As the name implies, the primary role of a humidifier is to vaporize water molecules and disperse them throughout your living space to increase the level of humidity, or moisture, in the air that you breathe.

Not only does this assist your body in numerous ways, such as improving respiration and softening skin, but it can extend the lifespan of your furniture and flooring as well, in addition to helping plants and pets acclimate better. 

If you find yourself catching colds, overusing lotion, or getting nosebleeds too frequently in the winter months, a humidifier may be exactly what you need to boost your comfort and health.

2. Diffusers Are for Essential Oils Only

Unlike a humidifier, the main purpose of an oil diffuser is to do that exact job - disperse essential oils into the air and allow the scent to fill the room quickly and effectively.

This lets you enjoy the smell and atmospheric enhancement of your favorite essential oil, along with any therapeutic benefits you might seek. Some essential oils are meant to alleviate stress and anxiety, while others are designed to help you sleep better through the night.

While there isn't a wealth of hard science regarding the outcomes of essential oil use, it's hard to deny the relaxing and calming effects of lavender, or the boosted concentration you get from peppermint oil in the air. 

A diffuser is a great counterpart to a humidifier, and using them in tandem allows you to create an ideal environment for maximum comfort, clarity, and calm. 

3. Each Use Unique Technologies

On the tech side of things, the differences between humidifiers and diffusers are not as different as you may think, but distinctions can be found.

Humidifiers come in four main types: evaporative, impeller, steam, and ultrasonic.

Evaporative humidifiers are old-school and basic, relying on a simple wick that draws water from a basin and evaporates it slowly in the air. Impellers use a spinning disk to break up droplets and fling them at a cool temperature throughout the room. 

Steam machines heat the water to the boiling point, then sends it into the room with a bacteria-killing effect. Finally, ultrasonic humidifiers use a fast-vibrating mechanism to disperse cool mist into the air. 

Diffusers utilize many of the same processes, including evaporation, heat dispersal, and ultrasonic frequencies to disperse the oil. However, the most popular type of diffuser is a nebulizer, which uses airflow through long narrow tubes to send oil particles airborne.

4. They Require Different Maintenance Protocols

Both of these appliances need to be maintained to ensure safety and effectiveness. Humidifiers should be rinsed out fully with soapy water at least once a week, then put through a more intense vinegar or bleach bath once a month to kill bacteria.

Diffuser basins should be cleaned every time you switch out essential oils, which could be multiple times a day depending on your rotation. You want to fully experience the essence of each oil, so a thorough scrub is necessary each time. 

5. You Can Have the Best of Both Worlds

With a humidifier and an oil diffuser, you can transform a normal old living room into a relaxing zen sanctuary in no time. Learn the right combinations and settings, and find the perfect setup for perfect comfort. 

Not sure who won the humidifier vs. diffuser debate? Make things easy and find a humidifier that also includes an essential oil basin, rolling the benefits into one amazing machine.