To pick out the best candles, we spent hours researching different options, making considerations based on scent, wax blend, wick type, and burn time. For expert tips on how to shop for candles, we consulted Naadine Koi, candle specialist at Well Boxed. According to Koi, “the type of wax is the most important factor in determining burn time,” followed by the size of the wick. “A larger wick will burn for a longer period of time than a smaller wick,” she explains, but emphasizes that “it is the type of wax used that has the greatest impact on burn time.” Here are the best candles to make your home smell amazing. Thymes uses 100 percent cotton wicks and paraffin wax in its candles, which have a burn time of 45 hours. Because paraffin wax has a higher melting point, it won’t last as long as a soy or coconut wax candle, but it does pack in a powerful aromatic punch. Plus, the paraffin wax used in this candle is cruelty-free and formulated without petroleum, so it burns clean compared with other paraffin candles. Price at time of publish: $34
Size: 6.5 ouncesWax Blend: Paraffin Wick Type: CottonBurn Time: 45 hours
Price at time of publish: $36
Size: 8.5 ouncesWax Blend: Coconut and beeswaxWick Type: CottonBurn Time: 50 hours
The soy-vegetable wax blend carries fragrance remarkably well, imbuing your house with its earthy aroma for up to 60 hours. The cotton wick results in a cleaner burn and powerful throw. This candle is on the expensive side, but its quality and unique smell make it worth the splurge. Price at time of publish: $65
Size: 7 ouncesWax Blend: SoyWick Type: CottonBurn Time: 60 hours
The standard 7.2-ounce jar is filled with soy wax scented with an earthy blend of sage, lavender, and moss; it’s like you walked into a soothing forest rather than your bedroom. The wax, along with its cotton wick, burns smoothly and slowly for up to 50 hours, and the fragrance oils are paraben- and cruelty-free. If you want a candle with a longer burn time you can always size up to the 12.5-ounce option. Price at time of publish: $24
Size: 7.2 ouncesWax Blend: SoyWick Type: CottonBurn Time: 50 hours
This candle is sustainable, too—it’s made with eco-friendly soy wax, a cotton wick, and an acacia wood lid, so each one is stylish and free from plastic, lead, and other potentially harmful substances. In case you want a larger or smaller candle, Public Goods also offers a 3.5-ounce and a 12.3-ounce size. Price at time of publish: $8
Size: 3.5, 7, or 12.3 ouncesWax Blend: SoyWick Type: CottonBurn Time: Not listed
This candle uses essential oils, which lend a strong scent throw that perfumes the air for 60 hours. Plus, it has a cotton wick that’s less likely to create any unpleasant smoke or soot, so it won’t stain the opaque pink vessel that you’ll definitely want to reuse. Price at time of publish: $58
Size: 8.4 ouncesWax Blend: RapeseedWick Type: CottonBurn Time: 60 hours
The brand’s vegan candles are 100 percent soy wax for a clean burn, and the wicks are made entirely from cotton for a smoke-free candle experience that lasts up to 50 hours. Each candle also comes with a screw-on candle lid that you can use to snuff out the candle or take it on the go. Price at time of publish: $28
Size: 7.5 ouncesWax Blend: SoyWick Type: CottonBurn Time: 50 hours
This candle is made with soy wax and features double cotton wicks, lending to a smooth, clean burn that lasts for up to 80 hours. If you’re unsure about the fragrance, Harlem Candle Co. also offers a travel-sized version of its Lady Day candle so you can get a feel of it in your home before purchasing it at its full size. Price at time of publish: $48
Size: 11 ouncesWax Blend: SoyWick Type: CottonBurn Time: 80 hours
Since it’s made of coconut wax, this candle has a clean burn (no need to worry about soot or smoke), and it has a strong throw that will permeate your entire room. If the large jar candle isn’t your style, Voluspa also offers this fragrance in other candle varieties, including a small jar candle, a five-wick candle, and a candle tin. Price at time of publish: From $20
Size: 18 ounces Wax Blend: CoconutWick Type: CottonBurn Time: 100 hours
Price at time of publish: $82
Size: 8.6 ouncesWax Blend: SoyWick Type: CottonBurn Time: 60 hours
“The Another Life candle is the kind of candle that makes you want to curl up and read a good book,” says commerce editor Jamie Weissman. “It adds a sense of coziness to a space and almost smells like coffee is brewing nearby, but better. Plus, the glass vessel is stunning when the flame is lit.” The 6.8-ounce candle is made with a coconut and soy wax blend and has a burn time of up to 60 hours. Like all other candles by the brand, it has a GOTS-certified cotton wick and is packaged in a box that’s made of 100 percent recycled shoeboxes.
Size: 6.8 ouncesWax Blend: Coconut, soyWick Type: CottonBurn Time: Up to 60 hours
Notes of neroli, orange blossom, black pepper, pink pepper, and vetiver are combined to create this unique home fragrance. The candle is made with a soy wax blend, but unlike other candles it has Brightland’s popular olive oil at the base. According to Brightland, the olive oil acts as a carrier oil for the essential oils in the candle and protects them from the heat so they don’t burn off immediately.
Size: 8 ounces Wax Blend: Soy Wick Type: Unbleached cotton wickBurn Time: 40 hours
Soy wax gives this candle a long, clean burn, and the clear vessel makes it easy to see when you’re at the end of its 50-hour lifespan. Plus, each candle comes with a complementary matchbox, so you don’t have to hunt for a lighter before burning. Price at time of publish: $40
Size: 9 ouncesWax Blend: Soy Wick Type: CottonBurn Time: 50 hours
Otherland uses 100 percent cotton wicks in its candles, so they don’t crackle or pop while illuminated and last for 55 hours. If you aren’t sure whether you will like the smell, you can try one of Otherland’s scent sampler packages before getting a full size. Price at time of publish: $36
Size: 8 ozWax Blend: Coconut and soyWick Type: CottonBurn Time: 55 oz
Price at time of publish: $58
Size: 9 ouncesWax Blend: VegetableWick Type: CottonBurn Time: 60 hours
Each candle is made with a coconut wax blend and cotton wick with a paper core, yielding a smooth and soot-free burn that can provide up to 58 hours of refreshing aroma. Price at time of publish: $35
Size: 8 ouncesWax Blend: CoconutWick Type: Cotton and paperBurn Time: 58 hours
The coconut-soy candles come with your choice of wick: You can opt for a classic cotton or rustic wooden wick that gives off a pleasant crackling sound when lit. The Cereal Candle will burn between 20–85 hours, depending on which size you get, and your purchase will go towards the greater good: The brand plants a tree with every purchase, and has planted over 30,000 so far. Price at time of publish: From $17
Size: 4, 8, and 16 ouncesWax Blend: Coconut and soyWick Type: Cotton or woodenBurn Time: 20–85 hrs
Diptyque uses high-quality paraffin wax in their candles, which yields a stronger throw that imbues your home with its light and refreshing aroma. This candle is on the pricier side, but there’s nothing wrong with splurging on self-care—plus, it provides 60 hours of burn time. Price at time of publish: $40
Size: 2.4, 6.4, 10.2, 21, or 51.3 ouncesWax Blend: ParaffinWick Type: CottonBurn Time: 60 hours for 6.4 oz
Price at time of publish: $34
Size: 14 ouncesWax Blend: Soy Wick Type: CottonBurn Time: 50 hours
Price at time of publish: $38
Size: 13.75 ouncesWax Blend: SoyWick Type: CottonBurn Time: 80 hours
“It kind of smells like a really attractive man, so if you’re a fan of colognes over super floral scents, you’ll enjoy this,” says Hana Hong, a beauty & fashion editor for Real Simple. “The teakwood, mahogany, and oak notes are really rich, but you can also detect the tiniest hint of lavender in there for an overall soothing olfactory experience.” The candle is housed in a luxe, matte black vessel and comes with a decorative lid as well. You can use the lid if you want to travel, but it’ll also come in handy if you want to prevent any additional scent throw when the candle isn’t lit.
Size: 14.5 ouncesWax Blend: Soy with essential oilsWick Type: Not listedBurn Time: Up to 45 hours
Each candle is made with paraffin wax and perfumed with essential oils, lending it a strong throw that creates a lasting aroma in your home. While it’s pricey for a candle, it has a burn time of 90+ hours. Plus, each candle comes in a porcelain vessel with a luxe bronze lid you can repurpose when its burn time is up. Price at time of publish: $125
Size: 12.5 ouncesWax Blend: ParaffinWick Type: CottonBurn Time: 90+ hours
This candle is designed with a weaker throw that gently perfumes your home, making it well-suited for people who live in cramped quarters or are sensitive to smell. If you want a candle with a stronger presence, opt for one of the brand’s multi-wick candles instead. Price at time of publish: $58
Size: 11 ouncesWax Blend: Soy and coconutWick Type: CottonBurn Time: 90 hours
Byredo’s vegan wax formula is dyed black, adding to its dark academia vibe, and it has a slow, even burn thanks to its cotton wick. The Bibliothèque candle is described as medium intensity, so while it has a presence when lit, it’s not too overwhelming. Price at time of publish: $90
Size: 8.4 ouncesWax Blend: ParaffinWick Type: CottonBurn Time: 60 hours
Price at time of publish: $55
Size: 7.4 ouncesWax Blend: CoconutWick Type: Cotton and paperBurn Time: 45 hours
Price at time of publish: $38
Size: 13.5 ouncesWax Blend: SoyWick Type: CottonBurn Time: 70 hours
Price at time of publish: $49
Size: 8.5 ouncesWax Blend: Coconut and soy Wick Type: CottonBurn Time: 50 hours
The cotton wick and all-natural wax combination create a clean, smoke-free burn that lasts 50 hours, wrapped up in a chic glass jar. This candle only comes in one 8.5-ounce size, which may be a bummer if you were hoping for a large, multi-wick candle, but it still has a powerful aroma that will carry throughout your space. Price at time of publish: $49
Size: 8.5 ouncesWax Blend: SoyWick Type: CottonBurn Time: 50 hours
This candle uses a soy wax blend and cotton wick to perfume your house, and its matte black jar neatly disguises any fingerprints or soot that may appear. Though the opaque glass can make it harder to tell if your candle has reached the end of its 70-hour burn time, we think this striking candle is worth the price tag. Price at time of publish: $42
Size: 11 ouncesWax Blend: SoyWick Type: CottonBurn Time: 70 hours
This candle comes in lots of shapes and sizes that range in burn time from 24 to 50 hours, including a small jar fit for a small nightstand or side table and a three-wick jar best for those who want a stronger scent. Plus, it comes at an affordable price point, so you can treat yourself to a soothing candle without going over budget. Price at time of publish: $13
Size: 8.8, 11, and 12.5 ouncesWax Blend: SoyWick Type: CottonBurn Time: 24–50 hours
Price at time of publish: $36
Size: 8.5 ouncesWax Blend: Soy Wick Type: CottonBurn Time: 60 hours
The candle is offered in either a medium or large size, with burn times ranging form 45-80 hours. Like all other L’or De Seraphine candles, the Whitby is housed in a ceramic container with a decorative design that’ll make a statement once it’s unwrapped. In line with the candle’s sea salt and vetiver scent, this one has a blue and white motif that resembles crashing waves. The candle arrives in a white gift box as well, so you’ll be able to easily wrap it or send it directly to someone if you need.
Size: From 6.4 ouncesWax Blend: Palm waxWick Type: CottonBurn Time: From 45 hours
Beeswax candles are popular as they’re known to burn slower than other wax blends. Though some can be unscented, the Lemon Siracusa Market Candle has notes of lemon, lime, green olives, lemon zest, citrus yuzu, and warm coriander, creating a unique scent unlike others out there. The candle is poured into a textured farmhouse-style ceramic vessel that comes in a vibrant yellow shade. This candle is offered in three other scents and colors as well—Green Market, Rosemary Baguette, and Tomato Vine.
Size: 14 ouncesWax Blend: BeeswaxWick Type: CottonBurn Time: 30 hours
Here For The Burn offers over 60 candles with different sayings, each of which is offered in a selection of scents—mango guava, moroccan amber, bergamot, green grass and tonka bean, spices and evergreen, and musky amber and rose. Though you can choose the phrase on the label and scent, each comes in the same minimal black jar.
Size: 9 ouncesWax Blend: SoyWick Type: CottonBurn Time: 60 hours
The candles are made with sustainable coconut wax, which has a great throw and a soot-free burn. You can expect your candle to last for around 60 hours, which is impressive for its 7-ounce size, bringing a good dose of refreshing and earthy aromas to your home. Price at time of publish: $68
Size: 7 ouncesWax Blend: Coconut Wick Type: CottonBurn Time: 60 hours
Though the candles are offered for one-time purchase, Literie also offers a subscription option if you love the scent. At a discounted price, you can opt to receive one new candle every one, two, or three months.
Size: 9 ouncesWax Blend: Soy, coconutWick Type: CottonBurn Time: 50 hours
Each candle is made with coconut wax in small batches to ensure quality, and is scented with essential oils that contribute to a bold fragrance. Candlessentials also has an eco-friendly emphasis: The brand uses compostable packaging embedded with wildflower seeds, so you can plant your candle box in your backyard and grow some beautiful blooms. Price at time of publish: $32
Size: 6.5 ouncesWax Blend: CoconutWick Type: CottonBurn Time: 40 hours
Wax Blend
The most common types of candle wax are paraffin wax and soy wax. Koi says that paraffin wax, which is petroleum-based, is widely used “because it is a by-product of the oil refining process, [so] it is relatively inexpensive and easy to obtain.” She adds that “paraffin candles are also easy to produce, as the wax can be simply poured into molds.” However, they “produce more soot than candles made from other wax types.” If possible, Koi suggests buying high-quality paraffin candles that produce less soot than their cheaper paraffin counterparts. For an inexpensive, all-natural alternative to paraffin wax, try soy wax. Koi explains that soy candles are made from soybeans, which “is a renewable resource” that “burn[s] clean.” Additionally, “soy candles also tend to be more affordable than other types of candles.” Koi also recommends coconut wax because it “burns very cleanly, producing little soot.” She mentions that “it is also more expensive than soy and is not as easy to find in stores,” but is “a good choice for people who want an environmentally-friendly option that burns cleanly and slowly.” Beeswax is another common candle wax. “Beeswax candles burn slower and longer than other types of candles, making them a more economical choice,” says Koi. But there’s a catch: “Beeswax candles can be more expensive than other types of candles, and they may not be available in as many scents or colors,” she says. While shopping for candles, there are a couple of less common types of candle wax you may come across. There’s palm wax, which comes from the fruit of the palm tree. Koi lists its benefits as “boasting a long burn time and producing little to no soot,” but says “it is not as widely available.” Additionally, there is some debate about how environmentally friendly palm wax is. “Palm wax is considered to be a sustainable resource since it comes from a renewable source,” Koi says, “however, some environmentalists say the production of palm wax can lead to deforestation and habitat loss for animals.” Lastly, we have rapeseed wax. These candles are “made from the pressed seeds of the rapeseed plant” and “are a relatively new type of candle on the market, but they have already become popular for their clean burning properties.” Koi also mentions that rapeseed candles “produce very little soot and when used for taper candles, they are less likely to drip than other wax types.”
Wick Type
“Cotton wicks are one of the most popular choices for scented candles,” says Koi, who adds that cotton wicks “are made from natural materials, which helps to ensure a clean burn” and “produce a small amount of smoke, which helps to distribute the fragrance evenly throughout the room.” For that reason, Koi recommends a cotton wick candle if you’re planning on using it for aromatherapy, as opposed to synthetic wicks, which are polyester or nylon. While less expensive, they “can sometimes produce an artificial smell when burned,” according to Koi. Wooden wicks are another popular option. “They add a touch of rustic charm to any candle,” Koi says, “and they also help to create a more intense fragrance experience.” She adds that “when burned correctly, wooden wicks can crackle and pop like a real fireplace,” which adds to the atmosphere created by your candle. Additionally, some candles have multiple wicks as opposed to just one. A multi-wick candle can release more fragrance because they form larger pools of wax, so you may want to consider how strong you want your candle to smell when looking at wick types.
Burn Time
Burn time can vary based on the size and quality of your candle. Koi lists “the type of wax used, the size of the wick, and the thickness of the wick” as factors that can impact your candle’s lifespan. Most manufacturers will list an expected burn time for candles (usually listed as a range of hours) so you have an idea of how long each candle should last.
Questions You Might Ask
What are the different types of candles?
Candles come in lots of shapes and sizes. When candle shopping for the home, the most popular type is container candles, which consist of scented wax poured into a jar. Other types of candles include pillar candles made with thick wax that doesn’t require a container, tea lights, unscented candles, and taper candles (aka candle sticks). There are also different types of candle wax to consider. Beeswax candles have a long burn time, but they have a faint honey scent that doesn’t mix well with other fragrances. Paraffin candles are more affordable and better at retaining smells because paraffin is odorless, but produce more soot than other options. Soy candles are a great alternative; they’re made from natural materials, they burn clean, and they have a long burn time.
What are the strongest-smelling scented candles?
If you’re looking for a candle with a strong throw—aka scent—your best bet is a large, multi-wick candle. These types of candles create bigger wax pools that release more fragrance than a single-wick candle. Some candle experts will say that paraffin wax candles produce the strongest aroma, but a good-quality soy candle with a thicker wick can be just as pungent. When looking for a strong candle, also consider the scent itself. Look for candles that feature top notes, which are aromas that evaporate fast and quickly fill a room.
Can you reuse candle jars?
Using old candle jars is a great way to create cute, quirky storage for small items. To reuse a candle jar, stick it in the freezer to solidify any leftover wax, then use a dull butter knife to scrape it out. You can wash it to remove any residual fragrance, or keep it as is and use it to organize your dresser, pot a succulent, tidy up your desk, and more. You could even use it as a jar to DIY your own candle instead of buying a new one.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Jen Woo, a freelance design, lifestyle, and culture writer and content strategist with over 10 years of experience. To write this article, she thoroughly researched candles and considered factors like scent, wax blend, wick type, and burn time to make her final picks. For expert insight on choosing the best compost bin for your needs, Jen spoke to Naadine Koi, a candle specialist at Well Boxed.
