I never thought I would write an article like this, as someone that’s never been one to spend money on candles, diffusers, etc.
But being a bit OCD in how clean and organized I like my home; a smart diffuser helps me scratch that itch. And the ones that I like most, because of how low maintenance they are, are the Pura 4 and Aera Mini.
However, the one I recommend to first time users is the Aera Mini. (Click here for my dedicated review of it.)
Looks Aren’t Everything
If you just compare each of these devices on looks alone, then I think the Pura will win most of the time. It’s simple, white, and overall, more incognito when compared to the Aera. The only exception to the Pura is the white top openings that quickly stain with the scents.
To be fair, the Aera Mini has a few color options, so it has that going for it.
Even the Pura app is more simple and slightly easier to navigate. But when I say easier to navigate, it’s like picking between an Apple or Android phone. Aka, the one you think is more intuitive will vary by your experiences and preferences.
I share this because both apps show you what fragrance is in use, how much is left, the scent intensity, and allow you to create custom schedules. Although, the Pura app does allow you to customize the color and brightness of the LED, and you can manage two scents versus one.
With that being said, both have their problems. The Pura app can freak out with the LED setting at times, especially if you have more than one device set up to it.
On each of the apps I’ve had problems with connecting to the WIFI or logging out of the app and struggling to sign back in. Both have helpful resources at least, so it’s easy enough to fix them.
Oh, and in their standard set ups, the Pura app is much more annoying with the number of notifications it sends.
Key Differentiators
Outside of their designs, apps, and basic functionality, there are two key differentiators.
First, how long each device can last before they need to be replaced. The Pura 4 can have two fragrances at a time. Each of them lasting 1-2+ months depending on how much you use it.
The Aera Mini can have one fragrance in it at a time, which can easily last 3+ months. This too will vary by how much you use it.
For my wife and I, we have each of these run for 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the evening at a medium intensity. With this schedule, the two Pura 4 fragrances last us 1.5 months. As for the Aera Mini?
It will last us OVER 6 months!
As someone that loves low maintenance products, this is where the Aera Mini takes the lead… and it only gets bigger with the second key differentiator. The buttons.
I love technology and all, but I hate when physical product requires an app to function. And the Pura 4, is exactly that. I have to use the app if I want to do anything with it.
Meanwhile, the Aera Mini has these ingenious circles on the top. Aka BUTTONS!
Enabling me to control the diffuser instantly.
Money
As nice and convenient as these devices are, they need to make sense financially for me. (If you don’t care about this, then go ahead and skip to the end.)
The Pura 4 is $50, while the Aera Mini is $95. (I don’t understand why the Aera Mini costs so much more.) Pura scents average around $15, while Aera Mini fragrances average around $50. (Again, why so expensive Aera?)
Assuming the same set up that I shared earlier, 4 hours per day at a medium intensity, these are the numbers for the cost of the fragrances. The Aera Mini totals $8.33 per month, while the Pura 4 is slightly more at $10 per month.
*Please look for discounts, as both of these brands are highly promotional.
The Recap
For me, the Aera Mini wins with the buttons and amount of time the fragrances last.
However, my wife prefers the Pura 4 because of how it looks, the customizable light, and being able to try more fragrances throughout the year.
For you, hopefully this brief walkthrough helps you decide which you’ll appreciate more.