The 10 Best Car Air Fresheners of 2023

Best Overall

Febreze Unstopables Car Fresh Vent Clips

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Febreze Air Freshener Vent Clips earn the top spot in our roundup thanks to their unobtrusive design, effective odor, and long-lasting performance. These compact air fresheners clip onto the vents of your car’s dashboard. The airflow from the vents helps to circulate the scent throughout your entire car. The scent can be a bit overwhelming at first. However, the intensity of the scent can be adjusted using the dial on the back of the air freshener. 

Many users find these clips preferable to hanging air fresheners because they aren’t a distraction while driving. They also outlast the competition by a long shot. While many other air fresheners tend to lose their scent after several days or weeks, these Febreze clips can effectively fight odors for up to a month. They may evaporate faster in a hot car, however. 

Like other products in their lineup, Febreze air fresheners don’t just mask scents; they help to eliminate foul-smelling odors from the air. These clips are reasonably priced and can be purchased individually or in packs of three or eight for an even better value. When you consider how long they last and how well they perform, these clips are an all-around, exceptional choice for a reliable car air freshener. 

Price at time of publish: $13

_{Type: Clip | Scent: Fresh | Duration: 30 days}

Best Budget

Little Trees Black Ice Air Freshener

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Little Trees are one of the most inexpensive yet iconic air fresheners on the market. Their black ice fragrance is one of the most popular options, combining sandalwood, bergamot, and lemon to keep your car smelling fresh. Little Trees are available in many scents, ranging from citrus and floral fragrances to more woodsy blends. 

You can hang one of these trees from your rearview mirror, though some drivers may find it distracting. They’re small enough to store just about anywhere, so you have plenty of options. The air freshener can be placed near an air vent or tied to the gear shift, the headrest, or the door handle to help disperse the fragrance. 

These air fresheners are sold in a pack of six and cost about a dollar each, which is an excellent value. The only major downside is that the smell doesn’t seem to last very long. They will likely need to be replaced every few weeks. Some users recommend leaving some of the plastic wrapping on the tree to preserve the scent and extend its longevity. 

Price at time of publish: $7

_{Type: Hanging | Scent: Black Ice | Duration: 2 weeks (on average)}

Best Plug-In

Glade Plugins Car Starter Kit

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If you’re a fan of Glade Plugins, you’ll love this handy air freshener that plugs into your vehicle’s auxiliary outlet. The battery power from your car heats the liquid in the air freshener, emitting a continuous, yummy scent while the car is running. These plug-ins can last for up to 60 days, which is an impressive amount of time when compared to most of the competition. They also come in several different scents, including Floral Perfection, Hawaiian Breeze, and Aqua Exhilaration—all of which are infused with essential oils. 

The sleek design of the plug-in blends in seamlessly with most cars’ interiors. Depending on the setup and size of your console, this air freshener could get in the way of your cupholder. This kit includes one scent cartridge, which you can easily insert into the plug-in. A blue light will illuminate when the air freshener is working and dim when it needs to be refilled. Although the plug-in itself is fairly inexpensive, refills are a bit pricey—almost as much as the product itself. 

Price at time of publish: $7

_{Type: Plug-in | Scent: Assorted | Duration: Up to 60 days}

Best Scent

Air Spencer CS-X3 Car Air Freshener & Refill

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While we realize that scent can be subjective, almost everyone seems to agree that the Air Spencer CS-X3 smells amazing. Although the scent is referred to as fresh squash, the name is misleading. It actually has a sweet citrus scent that most users find refreshing, with some comparing it to Juicy Fruit gum. The CS-X3 is imported from Japan, and it’s one of the pricier options in our roundup—especially when you factor in the cost of refill cartridges. However, its appealing scent and innovative design are well worth the splurge, in our opinion.  

This air freshener can be mounted to your dashboard using the included double-sided tape. However, the scent dissipates quickly in direct sunlight. For that reason, we recommend placing it under your car seats. You can refill the fragrance cartridges, and a sliding louver lets you change the scent's strength. While it’s a bit more conspicuous than other options, the CS-X3 has a sleek, modern design that is fairly unobtrusive in most vehicles. 

Price at time of publish: $30

_{Type: Pod | Scent: Squash fresh | Duration: 4 weeks}

Best Spray

Chemical Guys Leather Scent Premium Air Freshener and Odor Eliminator

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This air freshener spray from Chemical Guys effectively neutralizes and eliminates odors with a few quick spritzes. The Leather Scent is one of their most popular options because it mimics the crisp scent of new upholstery. Plus, this formula contains enzymes that destroy odor-causing molecules in your vehicle. Another advantage to a spray formula is that you have complete control over how much air freshener is released.  

Instead of spraying this air freshener directly onto the seats, we suggest using it in the car's footwells or under the seats. Otherwise, you might find that your clothes reek of leather. We also read some reports that say the nozzle leaks, clogs or doesn’t spray evenly. You should always perform a few test sprays to avoid any spills or mishaps. When it comes to longevity, reviews are mixed. Some say the product lasts for several weeks, while others say it’s gone in a day or two. However, the formula is concentrated, so a 16-ounce bottle should go a long way. 

Price at time of publish: $10

_{Type: Spray | Scent: Leather | Duration: Not specified}

Best Can

California Scents Can Air Freshener

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These compact little tins from California Scents can keep your car smelling fresh for 60 days or more, making them one of the longest-lasting air fresheners on this list. Unlike gel formulas, these spill-proof cans contain wood fiber blocks for effective deodorizing, and they’re compact enough to fit in most cup holders. Some say the scent can be very strong at first. However, you can adjust the vented lid to control the amount of fragrance that’s released. 

These 1.5-ounce scented cans are sold in packs or individually. Each pack has a variety of scents that remind you of California, like Coronado Cherry, Monterey Vanilla, and Laguna Breeze. Several retailers, including Walmart, sell them individually, which is great if you want to give one a try without committing to a full supply. Eco-conscious shoppers will be pleased to know that these aluminum cans are recyclable.   

Price at time of publish: $28

_{Type: Can | Scent: Assorted | Duration: 60 days or more}

Best Gel

Ozium Odor Eliminator Gel

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Ozium gel comes in a compact container that can be placed almost anywhere in your vehicle. You can tuck it discreetly under the seat or store it in your cup holder. Unlike sprays that require multiple applications, this gel formula is a great set-it-and-forget-it option. Ozium is an effective air freshener and odor eliminator, and it’s powerful enough to tackle stubborn cigarette smoke odors. 

Although a specific scent isn’t listed, we've read a few reports that it can be strong or unpleasant at first. The good news is that the smell tends to dissipate within a few days. This container has an adjustable lid, which allows you to control the fragrance level. You can also extend the lifespan of the air freshener by partially venting the holes on the top of the lid. This multipurpose air freshener can be used in the car, the locker room, the bathroom, the trash can, and pretty much anywhere else unpleasant odors might be lurking. 

Price at time of publish: $11

_{Type: Gel | Scent: Original Scent | Duration: Not specified}

Best for Essential Oils

RoyAroma Car Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser

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This essential oil diffuser allows you to combat foul odors with the power of aromatherapy.  The set includes two decorative stainless steel diffusers that feature a Tree of Life pattern. They have a clip on the back that easily attaches to your car’s air vents. This set also includes 12 felt pads in a variety of colors. All you need to do is apply your essential oil of choice to the felt pad and place it inside the diffuser to make your own air freshener. The vents will help circulate the aroma throughout the cabin of your car. 

Note that this set doesn’t include any scents or essential oils—you will have to supply your own. Their effectiveness and longevity largely depend on the type of oil that you use. Herbaceous or resinous oils, such as basil, frankincense, and amber, tend to last longer than citrus or floral oils. In addition to eliminating odors, essential oils can help relieve stress and keep you alert while you’re driving.  

Price at time of publish: $13

_{Type: Diffuser | Scent: N/A | Duration: Not specified}

Best Natural

Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag

4.8

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Activated charcoal is used in the Moso Natural Air Purifying Bags to absorb odors, moisture, and pollutants in your car. Unlike many other car air fresheners, this product doesn’t contain any synthetic fragrances or chemicals, making it our top choice for a natural car air freshener. The charcoal is contained in a stylish linen bag, which you can place almost anywhere in your car. Each bag holds 200 grams of activated bamboo charcoal, enough to freshen the air up to 90 square feet.

This air freshener has a very impressive lifespan and can last up to two years. To maintain its effectiveness, however, you have to put the bag in the sun once a month for one hour. These bags are significantly pricier than other options, but they provide all-natural, incredibly long-lasting odor protection that’s well worth the investment. In addition to vehicles, the Moso bags can be used throughout the home in closets, bathrooms, pet areas, etc. 

Price at time of publish: $48

_{Type: Bag | Scent: Unscented | Duration: Up to 2 years}