When it comes to home fragrance, the Pura Plus Smart Diffuser is certainly a premium option for if you’re seeking an elevated, app-controlled scenting experience, rather than a device that’s simply manually turned on or off.
The Pura Plus has very powerful diffusion capabilities, and their scent marketplace provides access to a wide range of high-end fragrances, in doing so positions itself as a strong competitor in the crowded home fragrance market.
But how does it perform, and how does it compare to Pura’s previous offerings, like the Pura 4 smart diffuser, for example – the plug in smart diffuser that I reviewed earlier this year?
Well, stick around because this Pura Plus review will reveal all, and in roughly 3 minutes you’ll learn everything you need to know about it, as well as whether I think it’s worth buying for $80 from pura.com or Amazon.com.
About the Pura brand
Pura has carved a niche in the home fragrance world by offering smart diffusers that prioritize safety, convenience, and aesthetics. Their other model, the Pura 4, remains a popular choice for smaller spaces and those seeking a budget-friendly introduction to smart diffusers in their home.
If you’re curious about the Pura 4 and how it compares, check out my Pura 4 review here or keep reading for a short comparison coming up.
What makes the Pura Plus so special?
The Pura Plus builds on the brand’s strengths with some key features:
- Enhanced Coverage: While the Pura 4 is great for bedrooms or offices, the Pura Plus is designed to handle more expansive spaces, making it ideal for open-concept living areas.
- Fragrance Options Galore: Collaborations with premium brands mean you’ll never run out of luxurious, clean-scented options – this is the same fragrance marketplace and vials that are used in Pura’s other diffusers.
- Flame-Free Operation: A safer alternative to candles, especially in households with pets or children.
- Refined Design: Its subtle aesthetics ensure it doesn’t draw attention, while still feeling like a premium home accessory.
What’s good
The Pura Plus Smart Diffuser provides a premium home fragrance experience, and one of its key strengths, in my opinion, is its ability to scent large spaces quickly. The Pura Plus has been able to create a consistent scent without the need for multiple devices plugged into multiple power sockets.
Another major plus for me is the app experience – I loved how easy it was to setup and use schedules when I first tried the Pura 4, and the experience is the same for the Pura Plus.
The ability to schedule scents, adjust their intensity, and even switch between fragrances (you can load two into this machine at once) makes the Pura Plus incredibly versatile, and customizable. Being able to personalize your home’s ambiance with just a few taps is going to be a huge draw for many prospective buyers out there.
I do wish the Plus had some mood lighting on it like the Pura 4 does however – maybe in the next version, the Pura Plus 2?
Unlike candles, it operates without an open flame, eliminating fire hazards, and for households with pets or kids. This, as well as the fragrances being pet safe, should bring peace of mind to many – we have a cat and dog in our household so we know after having researched that there are a lot of other diffusers out there that are not safe for pets.
Although this is a smart device, I like that there’s not a reliance on the mobile app for full functionality as you can tap either of the two buttons on the front of the Pura Plus to control which of the two scents you activate along with the intensity you want the purifier to be set to.
A press of either button activates the corresponding diffuser refill for 4 hours, and you can tap the same button again to reduce the intensity of the output, down to 3 levels of intensity.
If you want to use the schedule features, however, there is going to be a reliance on the App, as you need to use it to set them up.
Lastly, I feel like the modest design of the Pura Plus deserves praise too; Its minimalist and modern aesthetic blends into any home decor, enhancing the space without becoming a focal point.
What could be improved
While the Pura Plus offers a lot of great features for $80, it’s not flawless, and some of these drawbacks that I’m going to mention now won’t be an issue for most, but it’s important I give you the full, honest picture, just in case it doesn’t meet your expectations after buying it.
The main drawback I’ve noticed is the noise produced by its built-in fan; In quiet environments or if you prefer (or need) to work in silence, the whirring hum is noticeable and potentially going to be distracting.
Another consideration is the cost of fragrance refills – yes, the scents are high-quality but frequent use can add up over time, especially if you prefer running the diffuser at higher intensities to fill a larger room more quickly. This makes the Pura Plus a potentially pricey commitment for those who want to use it daily.
To be fair though, Pura does offer subscriptions with benefits, that make buying fragrances cheaper in the long run.
Pura Plus vs. Pura 4: Which is right for you?
The Pura 4 is a great option for smaller spaces or if you’re just starting out with smart diffusers. It’s compact, holds two scents, and costs less upfront. However, the Pura Plus takes it to the next level, with stronger diffusion power and coverage for large areas. If you’re looking to scent an open-concept home or larger rooms, the Pura Plus is the better choice.
For smaller spaces or as a gift, you might still prefer the Pura 4 – you can read my full thoughts on that one, in my Pura 4 review.
I do, however, feel that the Pura 4 is a cleaner solution based on how it looks. In some situations you may find it difficult to hide the power cable that it requires (it’s cleverly reeled up behind the diffuser in my photo above).
My verdict
The Pura Plus Smart Diffuser is a great product if you’re after a powerful and attractive diffuser for larger spaces. Its range of premium fragrances and app-based customization make it a joy to use.
While it has a few quirks, like noise levels and refill costs, to me – if you want one of the best diffusers available, with fragrances to complement the hardware/software, then the benefits outweigh the downsides.
Have you tried the Pura Plus or Pura 4? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! And don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter and YouTube channel for more reviews like this one.