Top 10 Inexpensive Candles
10 Top-Rated Candles Under $30 You Don't Have To Smell To Know You'll Love
There's not much that can outdo the warm and fuzzy feeling one gets from lighting their favorite candle after a long day. When you're back from work, dinner is ready, and your favorite show is on, a good candle can be just the thing to achieve peak coziness. If you've officially reached the age where scented wax-related relaxation sparks excitement, you're in the right place. However, while there are a ton of splurge-worthy votives out there, we know that watching your dollars literally burn up in flames is a little bit sad.
But the reality is that you don't have to shell out the big bucks for a good candle. Budget-friendly candles can do the job just as well as (if not better than) luxury scents, and we're here to prove it. So long as you maintain them properly, these affordable candles can last for ages. Simple actions like trimming candle wicks or avoiding allowing debris to pool in the wax can greatly improve each burn, ensuring that you get the most bang for your buck. From pretty options that practically double as home decor to votives that ring up under just $8, there's an affordable candle for every budget and scent preference.
How We Found The Best Inexpensive Candles
We've rounded up an algorithm-approved list of the internet's favorite inexpensive candles, all of which your senses are sure to love. From new and exciting scents to classic picks by Yankee Candle, the top-rated candles ahead will satisfy any scent preference and budget. To ensure that you can feel comfortable purchasing a candle without sniffing it first, we used actual data to round up the best ones on the internet. With the help of our algorithm that factors in real reviews, editor recommendations, social media buzz, and more, we found the 10 most-loved options out there. Keep scrolling to find the perfect scent for your space and stock up guilt-free.
August 1, 2023
Written By:Rank & Style
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Public Goods Scented Candle
Overall Score
4.2
10
Public Goods Scented Candle
4.4
25 User Reviews
2.3
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Cedar And Suede Candle
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
Complete with sandalwood, amber, and leather, this chic candle boasts an elevated, cozy scent you'd usually find at a high-end store for a premium price. Considering the massive size and three-wick design, it's a steal at $16.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
This candle is poured with natural soy wax and cotton wicks, all without dyes, BPAs, or phthalates.
Cruelty Free
Paddywax Candles Soy Wax Blend Candle
Overall Score
4.35
09
Paddywax Candles Soy Wax Blend Candle
4.5
2790 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Tobacco And Patchouli Candle
WHO IT'S FOR
Tobacco may not be the first scent you think of when you want to set the vibe, but it should be. Warm, spicy, and a little bit smoky, this candle can fill an entire room with a cozy, homey feel. Reviewers also rave about its lasting power and scent strength—be prepared to have this one around for a while.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
Because this is a soy candle, it has a cleaner, longer burn, and won't smoke when you light it.
Mrs. Meyers Scented Soy Candle
Overall Score
4.5
08
Mrs. Meyers Scented Soy Candle
4.4
6405 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Honeysuckle Candle
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
Mrs. Meyers doesn't just do Earth-friendly cleaning products—the brand also has a line of plant-based candles inspired by flowers you'd find in the garden. Honeysuckle, for example, is a floral, fruity, and sweet scent that pairs perfectly with a sparkling kitchen.
USER REVIEW
"I can honestly say this candle tops the list of long-lasting candles. The first day I lit it and let it burn for hours (most of the day), I was astonished when I blew it out before bed and saw literally the same candle I lit hours earlier. It wasn't half full or one-third full. It was still a full candle! This is something you just don't see every day! Bravo, Mrs. Meyers!"
Cruelty Free
Brooklyn Candle Studio Minimalist Candle
Overall Score
4.55
07
Brooklyn Candle Studio Minimalist Candle
4.14
46 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Santal Candle
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
There's a certain santal-scented fragrance that's gained major traction over the past few years, and needless to say, it's inspired many a replica. According to reviews, Brooklyn Candle Studio's is a top-notch option thanks to its sexy, woodsy vibe and minimal packaging.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
Even though it's just eight ounces, this candle boasts a 50-hour burn time. Impressive, if you ask us.
Made In Usa
P.F. Candle Co. Soy Candle
Overall Score
4.6
06
P.F. Candle Co. Soy Candle
4.42
1449 User Reviews
3.1
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Amber And Moss Candle
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Few candles out there are as unique as this one from P.F. Candle Co. With its fragrant moss and sage scent, just the strike of a match will take you to a luxury vacay in the mountains—no hiking required. Plus, the apothecary-inspired glass jars, brass lids, and signature labels make for gorgeous decor.
HELPFUL TIP
Grab the reed diffuser while you're at it—reviewers say the scent lasts for months.
Made In Usa
The Collection By Chesapeake Bay Candle
Overall Score
4.65
05
The Collection By Chesapeake Bay Candle
4.9
65 User Reviews
2.5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Brown Sugar Chestnut Candle
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
Don't let the cliché fall name fool you—brown sugar chestnut is one sophisticated scent. With earthy notes of acorns, maple trees, and leaves, it's definitely appropriate for fall but so good you'll want to burn it year-round. Bonus points for the heavy black jars that basically double as decor.
USER REVIEW
"This candle is SO good! It has the most perfect fall scent, and when people come over, I always get compliments on how good the house smells. Little do they know, it's all behind the work of this candle!"
Lulu Candles Scented Jar Candle
Overall Score
4.7
04
Lulu Candles Scented Jar Candle
4.4
3880 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Fresh Linen Candle
WHAT IT DOES
The only thing better than the smell of clean sheets fresh out of the dryer? Getting to enjoy it without doing any laundry. Made with paraben-free, eco-friendly soy wax, Fresh Linen will create a luxurious mood on Sunday mornings—lazy ones included.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
This candle has a whopping 2,500-plus reviews on Amazon, many of which praise its sleek design and long burn time.
Made In Usa
Voluspa Three-Wick Tin Candle
Overall Score
4.7
03
Voluspa Three-Wick Tin Candle
4.61
328 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best French Cade Lavender Candle
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
This isn't your ordinary lavender candle. The scent is joined by energizing lemon verbena and cade wood, making it less of a relaxing-at-home candle and more of a working-from-home candle. It also comes in the prettiest printed tin, which you can use long after you've burned through it.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
You can also pick this up in a 12-ounce size, which will give you a 100-hour burn time (and an even bigger keepsake jar afterward).
Made In Usa
Bath And Body Works 3-Wick Scented Candle
Overall Score
4.75
02
Bath And Body Works 3-Wick Scented Candle
4.7
973 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Mahogany Teakwood Candle
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Described by one reviewer as smelling like "a very beautiful and cologned Hollister model," this candle features B&BW's second most popular scent ever. It's also worth noting that it's the "high intensity" version, which means the rich leather, oak, and lavender can practically send a scent wave through your entire home.
USER REVIEW
"Best candle, best throw, 10/10 plus! This is perfect for anyone—it has a clean, masculine scent that's appealing to guys and girls. Definitely try this one!"
Yankee Candle Jar Candle
Overall Score
4.75
01
Yankee Candle Jar Candle
4.7
56000 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Inexpensive Candle Overall
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
Yankee Candle is notorious for its ability to evoke destinations through scents, and Pink Sands is no exception. With a mix of bright citrus, sweet florals, and spicy vanilla, it somehow manages to transform any room into a tropical getaway. At 22 ounces, it's also the largest candle on the list and a steal at $30.
USER REVIEW
"This is THE candle that made me obsessed with Yankee Candle! Greatest candle of all time! It hits all my fave notes: sweet, citrus, and floral. Amazing throw and scent lasts long after burn!"
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