AmbiPure 3volution €11.49 for 20ml Highs:What, you might well ask, is so, er, 3volutionary about this product?

Well, not only has it magically captured and bottled the essence of Oriental dreams, it has three distinct scents which waft gently from the plug-in on a rotational basis every 15 minutes or so. The changing scent means it is "always noticeable", AmbiPure promises us. Whatever about that, the fragrance is actually quite subtle, not excessively chemical and not at all unpleasant.

Lows: The packaging promises it will last 90 days, which seems quite good. Closer inspection reveals, however, that it will last this long only if used on the lowest setting for 12 hours a day. Working out how long it would last on full power for 24 hours required computational skills that PriceWatchlacks. Not long, we'd imagine.

Verdict: Gentle and lingering

Star rating: ***

Dettol Neutra Air Freshmatic Express €16.99 for 250ml

Highs: Of all the artificial air fresheners we tried, this smelled the most pleasant. It actually succeeds in its stated aim of creating a certain degree of freshness in a room, although opening a window might have a similar effect at a considerably lower cost. It makes a surprisingly satisfying "pshhh" sound each time it sprays its little gusts of freshness, at intervals you can specify.

Lows: These little sprays are quite loud and can be startling when they happen in the night. The container is comparatively massive and looks for all the world like a computer speaker or miniature fridge and is anything but discreet. While PriceWatchbought on special offer in the local Tesco, at its full price, listed above, it would seem to be excessively expensive.

Verdict: Nice smelling, odd sounding

Star rating: ***

Oust Odour Eliminator €7.99 for 12ml

Highs: This is the most discreet and the most portable of the air fresheners tried. It's not a plug-in and the fan is powered by the battery, which is included. This eliminates odours instead of just masking them, or so the packaging claims, although quite how it manages this is not explained. At €7.99 it is the cheapest of the air fresheners tried although we were unable to find an estimated life span on the packaging. The scent it releases is almost as discreet as the fan.

Lows: The scent might, if anything, be too discreet and we fear it might struggle against strong odours. It certainly was no match for the fried bacon we tested it against in the PriceWatchkitchen. The fragrance is "outdoor scent" - ridiculously vague even by the ludicrous naming standards that seem commonplace.

Verdict: Cheap and discreet

Star rating: ***

Glade Circulair €8.49 for 20ml

Highs: If you want to "create a mystical atmosphere in your home", this might (although we do stress might) be the one to go for. The sweet, strong perfume is propelled by a fan which is very, very quiet - so quiet in fact that until the fragrance took over the room we were not sure if it was working correctly. It has five settings and weeks of freshness are promised.

Lows: Weeks of freshness sounds a bit vague. How many weeks, exactly, would be nice to know. While the scent might appeal to some, PriceWatchfound it to be somewhat sickly and a little oppressive. We have no idea what an enchanting night smells like but we sincerely hope it is not this.

Verdict: The strong, silent type

Star rating: **

A bunch of lilies €7.99

Highs: While these will certainly work out as the priciest option, when it comes to adding a fragrance to your room they will win hands down every time. Unlike all the other room fresheners, the flowers actually deliver a scent which is entirely natural and easy to identify. Not only do they smell great, they look pretty good and are a welcome addition to any room.

Lows: While most lilies deliver a very strong fragrance, there is always the risk you'll pick up a dud bunch that will smell of nothing and do nothing to mask the lingering smell of bacon (or artificial air freshener). Then there's the pollen, which attaches itself all too readily to your clothes. They are also the priciest option, will die, and are the hardest to organise on a consistent level.

Verdict: Smell great, look great, 100 per cent natural

Star rating: ****