Flameless candles are safe to leave unattended—they are easy to maintain, do not get hot, and pose no fire risk. Unlike wax candles that melt, may cause a mess, and need to be replaced, flameless candles are long-lasting, cost-efficient, and mess-free. Jung Lee, event architect and founder of Fête, Jung Lee NY, and Slowdance, explains, “Maintenance and control are two advantages of using flameless candles. It can be safer to use flameless candles especially when there are children present.” Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, creating a tablescape, chilling on a backyard patio, or lighting an outdoor path, flameless candles are appropriate for any time and any home. With many features like timers, remotes, scents, and more, it can be hard to narrow down the best flameless candle for your needs. We found various flameless candles to give you a well-lit home. To find the best flameless candles, we researched the category and considered price, extra features, longevity, battery life, and user reviews to advise our product picks. The GenSwim Flameless candles earned our top spot for its stylish, realistic appearance and customization features, but it wasn’t our only favorite. Here are 13 of the best flameless candles. Keep in Mind: Each candle needs two AA batteries, which are not included. We love the customizable features of these candles. A handy remote control allows you to turn the candles off or on, choose from flickering or non-flickering light, adjust the brightness, and set the candles to stay lit for two, four, six, or eight hours. The timer begins when you turn the candle on and cycles through every 24 hours. We also like how you can light up an entire room with one button. Each candle requires two AA batteries, which are not included. It’s important to remember that the battery life depends on the frequency and duration of use. Avoid placing these flameless candles outside or in any location near direct sunlight. Price at time of publish: $40 Size: 3 x 4, 3 x 5, and 3 x 6 inches | Battery Life: Not listed | Number of Settings: Six Keep in Mind: Neither a remote or batteries are included. Even though the price is low, this candle still has some added features. There’s a mini switch so you can choose between a manual on-off or using the five-hour timer, which helps conserve battery life. Included with this candle are tester batteries, but they won’t last long and will need to be replaced with two AA batteries soon after purchase. There’s no remote on this candle, but you will get a realistic, well-priced candle that comes with a helpful timer. Other candles in this collection come with a remote that is compatible with this single pillar candle, though. Price at time of publish: $10 Size: 3 x 3 x 4 inches | Battery Life: Not listed | Number of Settings: One Keep in Mind: Luminara’s candles are compatible with remote controls that are sold separately. Made of real unscented paraffin wax, the key to Luminara’s candles is the Real Flame Effect. The flames on these candles do more than just simply flicker–they dance, making them look realistic. A timeless addition to any decor, the scalloped edge of the wax candle only enhances the authentic appearance. The pillar shape is available in three different sizes, and all have the same features. This candle runs on two D batteries, which are not included, and should last for up to 1,000 hours of runtime. The candle comes with a manual switch on the bottom to set the timer for five hours on and 19 hours off. One drawback of this candle is, despite its high price tag, it doesn’t include a remote but comes “remote ready” with any Luminara remote (an additional purchase). Price at time of publish: $48 Size: 4 x 4 x 7 inches | Battery Life: Up to 1,000 hours | Number of Settings: One Keep in Mind: All five candles are controlled by one remote, so you can’t vary settings per candle. The pillar candles are all made of wax with realistic melted edges. This set includes a remote to turn the candles on and off, set a timer, and adjust the flicker. Take note, however, that each candle cannot be controlled individually; the setting changes made through the remote affects all candles. Also, be aware that batteries are not included. Price at time of publish: $54 Size: 3 x 4, 3 x 5, 3 x 6, 3 x 7, and 3 x 8 inches | Battery Life: Not listed | Number of Settings: Three Keep in Mind: These taper-style candles need to be placed in a candle holder as they can’t stand on their own. The small included remote allows you to turn the candles on and off, set a timer for two, four, six, or eight hours, adjust brightness, and choose a flicker effect. We like that these candles use long lasting LEDs as the light source and are dimmable for customizable mood lighting. The brand notes that the battery will drain in timer mode. Price at time of publish: $33 Size: 0.78 x 0.78 x 9.64 inches | Battery Life: Not listed | Number of Settings: Three Keep in Mind: Make sure you have the space to use or store seven candles. Each candle requires two AA batteries (not included). The brand states that each candle gives off about 300 hours of light; although, this will vary by use. Along with the seven candles, this wallet-friendly pick comes with a remote control; set the candle flames to keep a steady light or flicker for two, four, six, or eight hours. If you don’t want to use the remote, there’s also an on/off switch at the base of each candle. Price at time of publish: $30 Size: Two 3 x 4 inch candles, two 3 x 5 inch candles, one 3 x 6 inch candle, one 3 x 7 inch candle, one 3 x 8 inch candle | Battery Life: Approximately 300 hours per candle | Number of Settings: Three Keep in Mind: There’s no timer or remote for these candles. This affordable set of flameless tea lights includes 12 candles, so you’ll have plenty for a cozy arrangement or as single accents. Made of plastic, each candle has its own on/off switch on the bottom, and unlike others, this set comes with batteries already installed. There’s no remote included with this set, but the on/off switch is easily accessible on each individual candle. The flames flicker softly, casting a warm glow that bounces off surfaces for a realistic effect. One challenge of having so many candles is storage. Jung Lee, shares her advice, “I like keeping the original packaging to preserve items, but plastic ziplock bags or bins work too.” In this case, the candles come in a sturdy box that can be used again and again for storage. Price at time of publish: $17 Size: 1.3 x 1.3 x 1.4 inches | Battery Life: 100+ hours | Number of Settings: One Keep in Mind: Prolong the life of these outdoor candles by keeping them in a lantern or other weatherproof vessel. This set comes with two outdoor-safe plastic candles and a remote. Plastic is sturdier than wax for outdoor use since it won’t melt in the sun and can withstand varying temperatures, making it the best flameless candle for outdoor use. The remote features options for dimming or turning on a flicker effect, and allows you to set timers for two, four, six, or eight hours of light. The remote also adds a convenience factor, making it easy to adjust the candles from a distance. Two AA batteries are required but not included. These candles are suitable for indoor or outdoor use and while they are fully waterproof, take caution with the delicate faux flame—it could be ruined by the elements. Price at time of publish: $26 Size: 6 x 3.25 inches | Battery Life: 500 hours per candle | Number of Settings: Six Keep in Mind: There’s an option for a quiet crackling sound to accompany the flickering light, but it can be turned off with the remote. The sunken flame and crackling sound effect adds to the realism of these wax candles. Because of the material, the manufacturer warns these should not be used outdoors or stored in direct sunlight since they might melt. As with the other candles on our list, this set has multiple timer options, but the 24-hour loop feature and the freedom to customize the candle settings with two remotes earned its spot on our list as the best flameless candle with a timer. Price at time of publish: $26 Size: Two 2.2 x 4, two 2.2 x 5, one 2.2 x 6, one 2.2 x 7, one 2.2 x 8, one 2.2 x 9 inches | Battery Life: Approximately 300 hours per candle | Number of Settings: Seven Keep in Mind: The candle weighs more than 3 pounds, so prepare a sturdy spot to support it. Three flickering faux flames give this oversized wax candle a realistic look. An included remote makes it a cinch to light the candle and set it to your desired brightness. There is also a manual switch on the bottom of the candle to set it on a timed schedule for five hours of light and 19 hours off, keep it on indefinitely, or turn it off completely. Overall, this is the best flameless candle to set in a nonworking fireplace, large lantern, or as a table centerpiece because of its oversized appearance. Price at time of publish: $78 Size: 6 x 6 x 9 inches | Battery Life: Not listed | Number of Settings: Six Keep in Mind: Not all candle sizes are available in all six colorways. We love that the color choices aren’t garish or overly bright, just rich and warm, which is why it earned a spot on our list as the best flameless candle in colorful hues. There are three sizes available but not every color is available in all sizes. Each candle comes with a remote control, and if you buy more than one candle, one remote works for all candles. These wax candles are meant to remain indoors and are powered by four AA batteries per candle. Grandin Road has a 90-day return policy, giving you plenty of time to make sure these flameless candles are right for your decor and needs. Price at time of publish: $17 Size: 3 x 4 inches, 3 x 6 inches, 4 x 8 inches | Battery Life: Not listed | Number of Settings: Six Keep in Mind: These have a vanilla scent. If you want all three candles to be the same color, that’s simple to achieve by just pressing the color of your choosing. There is also a “multicolor” option that cycles through all 12 colors. These candles also have a timer feature that’s remote-activated. Unlike other flameless candles with four timer settings, this one just has a four or eight-hour timer option. Price at time of publish: $20 Size: 3 x 4, 3 x 5, and 3 x 6 inches | Battery Life: Not listed | Number of Settings: 18 Keep in Mind: The diffuser fragrance oil is sold separately. To use, simply open a bottle of essential oil and place the open bottle within the center of the candle. (Pottery Barn’s diffuser oils are sold separately.) When the candle is on and the bottle is inside it, it’ll diffuse the scent throughout your house for up to 150 hours. Turn the candle off, and the diffuser stops as well. We love that this versatile candle can also be used without a scent. The unique moving flame looks realistic as it dances atop the candle. The included remote has on/off buttons, a dimmer, and four timer settings. While this flameless candle is on the expensive side, you’ll save money since it comes with a rechargeable battery and USB cord–no need for batteries. Price at time of publish: $99 Size: 4 x 7 inches | Battery Life: Rechargable | Number of Settings: Six
What to Know About Flameless Candles Before Shopping
Size
Consider your needs, lifestyle, and storage space before shopping. If you won’t be leaving the candles out all the time, bigger candles will need more storage space. Embrace sets with a variety of sizes of candles. Jung Lee encourages home decorators to use flameless candles in multiple sizes, which adds height and dimension. “They are great for filling a space,” she says.
Battery Life
Battery life depends on the frequency of use. To extend the life of your candles, rely on the timers (if included) rather than your memory, to turn them on and off.
Number of Settings
Consider whether you’ll want control over the candles’ brightness, flicker, and color. If you’re concerned about battery life, opt for candles that come with a timer setting. If you want easy, hands-off ambiance, look for candles with remotes that allow you to customize from afar.
Your Questions, Answered
How long do flameless candle batteries last?
Battery life varies based on how much you use the candles. To extend the life, manually turn off candles after use or use the timer function.
How long do the timers last on flameless candles?
Timer settings vary with the candles. Many have two, four, six, and eight-hour timers, others have just one timer setting. Check the product description prior to purchase if a timer is important to you.
Are flameless candles safe?
Yes, flameless candles do not get hot, cannot melt, and will not burn anything. They are extremely safe and recommended for households with kids, pets, or those that prefer not to have open flames around.
Who We Are
This article was written by Maya Polton, an experienced freelance writer for Better Homes & Gardens who has written for a wide variety of publications. In looking at flameless candles, she searched for products and brands that offer a variety of styles and sizes, affordable prices, and feature long-lasting materials. She also spoke with event architect of Fête NY, Jung Lee, for advice. Maya has three kids so loves using flameless candles around her house, since there’s no risk of fire or burning. She also hosts a very large Thanksgiving and her table is always covered with flameless votives that safely add tons of atmosphere to the table.
