These 18 Long-Lasting Candles Will Keep Your Home Scented (and You Happy) for Longer
A candle can make your home feel refreshed and cozy. Whether it’s a scentless taper aiming for ambiance or a fragrant votive to calm your senses, the power of a good candle shouldn’t be underestimated. But when it burns out as quickly as you bought it? That’s no fun. That’s why looking for quality, long-lasting candles is key.
In today’s fast-paced world, finding moments of tranquility is essential, and investing in candles that burn longer ensures you can enjoy their soothing effects for extended periods. Whether you’re looking to set the mood for a cozy night in or seeking to transform your space into an escape away from home, we’ve curated a selection of candles that promise not only longevity but also quality and sustainability. Read on for the 18 best long-lasting candles that are sure to light up your space and spark moments of bliss.
- 01What to look for
- 02Shop our picks
- 03Candle care
- 04FAQ
- Sir Candle Man, fragrance curator, author of Let It Burn, and content creator
Our top 6 favorite candles, at a glance:
- Piecework Puzzles, Heavy Petal Candle, $18
- Boy Smells, Ganni Park Life Candle, $35
- Otherland, The Chandelier Candle, $40
- Malin + Goetz, Dark Rum Candle, $64
- Homesick, Book Club Candle, $29
- Anecdote Candles, Quarter-Life Crisis, $26
What to look for
Wax
Generally soy (and other plant-based wax) reign supreme over paraffin candles, which are cheaper but burn faster. Because soy, beeswax, and other plant-based waxes are softer, they don’t take as much heat to melt. These candles also generally use a cooler-burning wick (meaning that the wick is not burning as hot) and as a result, the wax won’t burn away as quickly.
Wick
Look for wicks made of cotton or wood—these will typically last longer than alternative wicks. Cotton burns slower and more consistently than synthetic fibers, giving the wax plenty of time to throw fragrance around your space and set the mood. It also burns clean, meaning you won’t have to worry about black smoke in your air. Wooden wicks are also popular, thanks to their fire-like crackling sound. But they also burn closer to the wax, which helps throw fragrance further into your space but may increase your burn time slightly.
Oh, and note the size of the wick, too. A larger wick can generate more heat, accelerating the burning process. On the other hand, a wick that is too small might not produce enough heat to melt the wax fully, resulting in tunneling and reduced burn time.
Shape and size
Both shape and size also impact the burn time of a candle. In general, larger candles generally have more surface area, and if the wick is appropriately sized, they can burn for a more extended period. Unconventional candle shapes or designs may impact burn time, too. Stick with candles in containers or jars, as these help retain heat and direct it toward the wax; candles with irregular shapes or vessels can lead to uneven burning.
To prolong your fragrant love affairs, these are the best long-lasting candles that are sure to end up on your wick wish list.
Shop 18 of the best long-lasting candles
Known for its elaborate, maximalist jigsaw puzzles, Piecework debuted its first-ever collection of candles this year and blew us away. Made using a soy wax blend, “Heavy Petal” has an aquatic, fresh floral scent, featuring notes of rose damas, bergamot, and vetiver, along with musk, peony, and sandalwood. And it lasts long, between 50-60 hours, depending on how often you leave it lit.
Burn time: 50-60 hours
Size: 9 oz
Scent type: Floral & musk blend
Wax type: Soy blend
Pros:
- Good value
- Fresh, floral scent
- 50+ hours of burn time
Cons:
- Only available at Piecework
Created in collaboration with Danish clothing brand, Ganni, Boy Smells’ “Park Life” uses a soy and beeswax blend for a long-burning delight. Featuring notes of fresh ginger and basil, along with sweet fig, creamy tonka bean, and earthy sandalwood, it smells like a perfect fall afternoon spent at, well, the park. The only thing more beautiful than the crisp, outdoorsy scent is the green mirrored vessel it comes in.
Burn time: 50 hours
Size: 8.5 oz
Scent type: Herbal, sweet, and earthy
Wax type: Soy-beeswax blend
Pros:
- Gorgeous green mirrored vessel
- Soy and beeswax blend for an extended burn time
- 50+ hours of burn time
Cons:
- Exclusive to Nordstrom
Made with a blend of coconut and soy wax, Otherland’s “Chandlier” candle is as luxe as it gets. Starring notes of champagne, leather, and saffron, it’s a warm, edgy scent that will help you set the mood for a celebratory glass clink or a cozy evening in with friends. Plus, the ingredients are free of synthetic dyes, parabens, and phthalates.
But if you prefer crisp, fresh scents then the brand’s “Alpine Crystal” candle might be the one for you—with notes of juniper, tonic, and lemon fizz.
Burn time: 55 hours
Size: 8 oz
Scent type: Warm, smoky, herbal
Wax type: Coconut-soy blend
Pros:
- A perfect party candle for all occasions
- Non-toxic ingredients
- 50+ hours of burn time
Cons:
- Slightly higher price per ounce compared to some other candles on this list
Malin+Goetz’s best-selling scent is marked by notes of bergamot, plum, leather, and rum, and creates a uniquely warm aroma that fills a room in just a few minutes. For fans of a green, herbaceous fragrance, the brand’s “Cannabis” candle will not disappoint—it brings the subtly zesty scent of cannabis accord (minus the THC, of course), together with fresh bergamot, orange, and cedarwood to create a totally unique scent.
Burn time: 60 hours
Size: 9 oz
Scent type: Warm, leathery, fruity
Wax type: Soy-paraffin blend
Pros:
- Strong fragrance throw
- Slightly larger vessel
- 60+ hours of burn time
Cons:
- Scent may be too strong for some
If you’re a fan of Glossier’s best-selling “You” fragrance, this candle will spread the yummy, viral fragrance around your home. The “You” candle has that nuanced, skin-like scent that’s immediately comforting. Notes of pink pepper, fresh iris, woody ambrette seeds, and ambrox bring instant warmth to any room.
If you love a floral scent with a touch of fruity freshness, check out Glossier’s “Orange Blossom Neroli” candle, which features notes of neroli and pear, along with citrus and cypress.
Burn time: 45 hours
Size: 8 oz
Scent type: Warm, woody, spicy
Wax type: Soy-vegetable-coconut wax blend
Pros:
- Long-burning blend of vegetable waxes
- Fan-favorite scent
Cons:
- Slightly higher price per ounce compared to some other candles on this list
- Not as long-lasting as others on this list
A slow-burning standout among D.S. & Durga’s lineup of expertly crafted fragrances, “Big Sur After Rain” captures the romance of the Pacific Coast Highway. Starring purifying notes of coastal rain and eucalyptus shoot with sweet magnolia and pacific spray, all on a base of wet wood and eucalyptus leaf, this candle’s cleansing aroma is like a breath of fresh air that’s worth every penny.
Burn time: 60 hours
Size: 7 oz
Scent type: Fresh, bright, woody
Wax type: Soy-vegetable blend
Pros:
- Refreshing ocean scent
- Dense vegetable wax blend
- 60+ hours of burn time
Cons:
- Higher price per ounce
With a burn time of 60 to 80 hours, this Homesick candle is one of the longest-burning candles on our list. Inspired by memories of rainy days spent cuddled up with a book indoors, “Book Club” features notes of orange, cinnamon, fresh balsam, and warm amber, recalling the crisp and comforting scent of freshly printed pages.
Burn time: 60-80 hours
Size: 14 oz
Scent type: Spicy, woodsy, sweet
Wax type: Soy blend
Pros:
- 60+ hours of burn time
- Good value for the size
Cons:
- Sells out occasionally
Salt + Stone shoppers say the brand’s Saffron and Cedar Candle is a true Californian scent, and they’re not wrong. The fresh, earthy scent features notes of saffron, neroli, oakmoss, heliotrope flower and surf wax—atop a base of sweet sugarcane and warm cedarwood. If you prefer a citrusy scent, Salt + Stone’s “Grapefruit and Hinoki” candle is an elevated, dynamic take on a zesty classic.
Burn time: 55 hours
Size: 8.5 oz
Scent type: Oceanic, smoky, floral
Wax type: Coconut-soy blend
Pros:
- Sleek, minimalist design
- Clean burning
- 50+ hours of burn time
Cons:
- Slightly higher price per ounce
Grappling with the meaning of life? Might as well do so with a lovely scent in the air. Anecdote’s “Quarter-Life Crisis” candle features notes of grapefruit and mint, as well as bergamot, lavender, and rhubarb—a blend the brand describes as “hectic, yet energizing.” And, like all of Anecdote’s candles, the fragrances are phthalate-free.
Burn time: 40-50 hours
Size: 9 oz (3.4 oz and 7.8 oz options available)
Scent type: Fresh, clean, floral
Wax type: Coconut-soy blend
Pros:
- Good price-per-ounce value
- Phthalate-free fragrances
- Packaging and vessel make for a great gift
Cons:
- Slightly shorter burn time than other candles on this list
Voluspa’s candles are made of a proprietary coconut blend that’s free of pesticides and parabens, and they have natural cotton wicks to help them burn clean. What’s more, they’re hand-poured into gorgeous jars that you can repurpose after you’ve burned through the candle. The ever-popular “Forbidden Fig” scent has notes of musk, mandarin, and, of course, fig to bring warmth to any room. At a whopping 140 hours of burn time, your space will smell amazing for what feels like forever.
Burn time: 140 hours
Size: 18oz (44oz and 123oz options available)
Scent type: Fruity, floral
Wax type: Coconut blend
Pros:
- Excellent value
- Strong fragrance throw
- Gorgeous vessel (with multiple size options) makes a great gift
- 100+ hour burn time
Cons:
- Fragrance may be too strong for some
If The White Lotus were a candle, it’d smell like this Vacation candle. Hand-poured using a premium soy wax blend, this chic candle encapsulates the scent of glossy magazines, fresh-cut tropical flowers, and a soothing ocean breeze. It’s the kind of scent that will make every day feel like PTO. To experience the transportive, coconut-y scent of Vacation’s best-selling sunscreen at home, check out the limited-edition “Vacation” black-label candle.
Burn time: 85 hours
Size: 8 oz
Scent type: Floral, oceanic
Wax type: Soy blend
Pros:
- 80+ hour burn time
- Smells like vacation
- Premium soy wax blend
Cons:
- Narrow vessel can become tricky to light after a while
Of all the celeb-owned brands that have launched recently, Courtney Cox’s home-care brand, Homecourt, has wowed us. This candle touts an invigorating fresh scent marked by notes of spearmint, eucalyptus oil, and black tea, with a hint of citrus and woods. And it’s hand-poured into a kiln-fired ceramic vessel that’s label-less and ready to repurpose.
Burn time: 60 hours
Size: 8 oz
Scent type: Woodsy, fresh
Wax type: Soy blend
Pros:
- Beautiful vessel is great for repurposing
- Clean burn
- 60+ hour burn time
Cons:
- Higher price per ounce compared to others on this list
Minimalism is everything in this Maison Louis Marie candle. With no artificial dyes or ornate labels, it’s as simple as they come. The refreshing, herbal aroma evokes the true scent of lavender—one that’s earthy and woody, but never cloyingly sweet or soapy.
Rumor has it the brand’s “No.4 Bois de Balincourt” candle is a (less expensive) dupe for Le Labo’s famous “Santal 26,” featuring notes of sandalwood, vetiver, and amber wood. It lasts just as long, too.
Burn time: 55 hours
Size: 8.5 oz
Scent type: Herbal, earthy
Wax type: Soy blend
Pros:
- Clean, simple aesthetic
- Budget-friendly Le Labo dupe
- 50+ hour burn time
Cons:
- Slightly shorter burn time
Speaking of “Santal 26”… if you’re in the mood to treat yourself, you can’t go wrong with this Le Labo staple. Featuring sophisticated notes of amber, sandalwood, cocoa, vanilla, and spices, the “Santal 26” candle boasts a soft and smoky fragrance that simply never gets old. The 100 percent pure soy wax candle contains high concentrations of essential oils that give it a pure and powerful throw (candle-speak for how the scent carries in a room), making it well worth the steep price tag.
Burn time: 60 hours
Size: 8.6 oz
Scent type: Smoky, spicy, sweet
Wax type: Soy
Pros:
- Coveted Le Labo scent from premium essential oils
- Makes a great gift
- 60+ hour burn time
Cons:
- Priciest candle on this list
P.F. Candle Co. makes all its candles in California using domestically sourced soy wax, fine fragrance oils, and cotton-core wicks. The scents are all luxurious, including this “Golden Coast” candle, which has hints of eucalyptus, sea salt, redwood, and palo santo, all reminiscent of Big Sur. Plus, the fragrances are paraben- and phthalate-free.
Burn time: 60-70 hours
Size: 7.2 oz (12.5 oz option available)
Scent type: Woody, aromatic
Wax type: Soy
Pros:
- Clean burning cotton wick and soy wax
- Paraben- and phthalate-free fragrances
- 60+ hour burn time
Cons:
- Smaller size
- Not much variety in design
Beauty brands have officially gotten into candles—and Ceremonia’s version is a shining example. It features top notes of guava, peach, and lemon zest, middle notes of jasmine, violet, and black tea, all on a base of woodsy vetiver, warm tonka beans, and sweet brown sugar, recalling the fruity flavors of summer. Pro tip: The brand’s hair-care products smell just as good, in case you want to double down on the scent.
Burn time: 50 hours
Size: 9 oz
Scent type: Fruity, zesty, woodsy
Wax type: Coconut-apricot-soy blend
Pros:
- Fan-favorite fragrance
- Unique vessel is great for repurposing
- Dense blend of vegetable waxes
- 50+ hour burn time
Cons:
- Can sell out quickly
Made with a blend of coconut and soy wax, Brooklinen’s hand-poured candles were developed in collaboration with expert perfumers to help set the mood for relaxation. “Bright Idea” is characterized by notes of fresh geranium, comforting cardamom, and earthy vetiver that’ll help you clear your mind and decompress after a long day.
For a crisp, focus-boosting scent, try the “Good Intentions” candle, which features notes of fresh basil, minty buchu leaf, and bright citrus notes.
Burn time: 60 hours
Size: 8 oz
Scent type: Earthy, floral
Wax type: Soy-coconut blend
Pros:
- Crowd-pleasing scent, developed by perfumers
- Available as a one, two, and three pack
- 60+ hour burn time
Cons:
- Vessel isn’t the most interesting on our list
According to W+G contributing writer, Jamey Powell, the St. Louis brand Civil Alchemy makes a seriously long-lasting candle. “I picked up this Fireside-scented candle in the Civil Alchemy store when I was visiting family last year. Even after a few hours of burn time it looks basically brand new, the cotton wick and vegetable wax make it burn so slowly. Plus, the throw of the woodsy scent is just right and the price is hard to beat for a candle of this size and quality.”
Burn time: 60 hours
Size: 9 oz
Scent type: Smoky, earthy, pine
Wax type: Vegetable wax
Pros:
- Good value per ounce
- Handmade in St. Louis by a small biz
- 60+ hour burn time
Cons:
- Only available at Civil Alchemy
How to make long-lasting candles last...longer
In addition to prioritizing quality waxes (remember: skip the paraffin!) and wicks, there are a few basic care tips to remember if you want to make your candle last longer.
As fragrance curator and candle expert Sir Candle Man previously told Well+Good, “...make sure you trim your candle wick, let the candle burn until it has a full melt pool, and give the scent time to envelope the space." Most candle brands recommend trimming the wick a quarter of an inch before each burn—that’s especially true for cotton wicks, which tend to curl at the top. Also, let the candle burn long enough for the wax to fully pool, ensuring a more even melt and helping avoid any wasted wax on the sidelines. They’re simple maintenance steps, but they make all the difference in how your candle burns (and how long it lasts).
FAQs
Are there candles that never burn out?
Any wax- or oil-based candles will eventually burn out. That said, battery-operated LED candles have come a long way, and some (like these from Eywamage) look pretty realistic. However, you will need to replace the batteries every once in a while. And, if scent is what you’re after, they won’t throw any fragrance into your home.
Do expensive candles last longer?
Not necessarily—it all comes down to ingredients. Yes, there are some pricier options on our list (lookin’ at you Le Labo), but you can also find a great long-lasting candle for less than $35 (there are a handful on our list, too!). As long as the candle you’re interested in uses a blend of soy, coconut, or vegetable wax and a cotton wick, you’ll enjoy a longer burn time. For best results, don’t forget to follow the brand’s guidance around wick trimming and burn time.
What candles to avoid?
Be wary of brands that withhold information about the ingredients in their candles—you should be able to find out what’s inside, either on the packaging or the brand’s website. Wherever possible, try to avoid synthetic dyes or fragrances and, instead, opt for un-dyed candles and fragrances made of essential oils.
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