To find the best flameless candles, we researched the various options on the market and narrowed the list down based on type, size, features, and more. We also spoke with Ellie Anderson, owner of the style and decor site The Glossy Nest, for tips on what to look for when shopping for battery-powered candles. Our top pick is the GenSwin LED Flameless Flickering Candles because they’re the most realistic-looking option on our list. They’re made with real wax, have a flickering flame, and come in glass jars. Here are the best flameless candles to create a cozy atmosphere in your home. Who it isn’t for: People who want to use their own jars or containers. Our top pick is this set of three flameless pillar candles from GenSwin, which stands out because it comes with glass jars, just like real candles. Available in gold and gray options, these flameless candles are versatile enough to use in any room of your home, from your bedroom to your living room. The candles are made of real wax and have a flickering flame for a more realistic appearance. We also love that they come with a remote that allows you to toggle between the modes (flickering or steady on) and set the timer from two to eight hours. You can also adjust the brightness levels with the remote. The only thing to note is that batteries are not included, and each candle requires two AA batteries. Product Details:
Sizes: 3 sizes ranging from 3 x 4 to 3 x 6 inchesBattery Type: 2 AA batteries per candle (not included)Features: Timer, remote
Price at time of publish: $40 for 3 Who it isn’t for: People who want candles in multiple sizes and colors. Trying to keep costs low? That doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the quality of your home decor. These inexpensive flameless candles from Target, which come in a set of two, will create a warm, satisfying atmosphere in your home. The pillar candles are made with real wax and have a wavy edge to mimic the appearance of unevenly burned wax. These flameless candles have a flickering LED light that’s meant to look like a real, natural flame. They operate on a timer and come with a convenient remote, so you can control them from across the room and set them to turn on and off at certain times. Batteries are sold separately, but that’s a small hassle considering how great these candles will look and feel in your home, especially at such a low price. The only major downside is that this pick doesn’t come in multiple sizes or colors. Product Details:
Size: 3 x 5 inchesBattery Type: 4 AA (not included)Features: Timer, remote
Price at time of publish: $20 for 2 Who it isn’t for: People who want flameless candles that can be used year-round. Flameless candles make a lovely addition to your existing seasonal decorations, but this pick from West Elm takes it up a notch with its unique pinecone design. We think it would look great mixed with some greenery on your fireplace mantel, windowsill, or tablescape. Plus, you can keep it out well past the holidays since pinecones work all throughout the winter. This decorative flameless candle comes with a remote and has a five-hour timer. It’s available in two different sizes, although each one is sold separately. It costs a bit more than the other flameless candles on our list, especially since it doesn’t come in a set, but we think its design makes it worth the price for anyone looking to upgrade their winter decor. Product Details:
Size: 3 x 4.5 and 4.5 x 6 inchesBattery Type: 2 AA (not included)Features: Timer, remote
Price at time of publish: From $62 Who it isn’t for: People who want to stock up on inexpensive flameless candles. If you want a flameless candle that closely mimics the look of a real candle, then make sure to opt for one with a flickering LED flame. We like that this pick from Pottery Barn comes in a wide range of sizes (ranging from 2 x 5 inches to 6 x 10 inches) and two different colors (ivory and white). It’s also sold individually and as a set of two or four. Each candle is made of paraffin wax with a plastic center and features a battery-powered, amber-hued light that resembles a flame. It also comes with an on/off switch and a helpful timer that keeps the light on for five hours and off for 19 hours. Like many of the other options on this list, batteries are not included (and you’ll either need two C or D batteries per candle, depending on which size you choose). The only other downside is that the remote is not included, either—so you’ll need to purchase it separately if you want to be able to control the candle from afar. Product Details:
Sizes: 6 sizes ranging from 2 x 5 to 6 x 10 inchesBattery Type: 2 C or D batteries, depending on size (sold separately)Features: Timer
Price at time of publish: From $50 Who it isn’t for: People who want thicker, larger candles. Taper candles are long, cylindrical candles that look beautiful when placed in candlestick holders to decorate a table, windowsill, or mantle. This set comes with six flameless taper candles that are made from real wax and feature a flickering LED light. Even though they’ll look best in a decorative holder, these taper candles can also stand on their own. They emit a warm, ambient light and come in several wax colors, including ivory, gray, and red. You can also opt for a “drip” version, which appears to have dripping wax to make the candles look even more realistic. The set comes with a remote control that you can use to adjust the brightness, change the flicker mode, and set a timer for up to eight hours—much longer than many other flameless candles. Product Details:
Sizes: 0.78 x 9.64 inchesBattery Type: 2 AAA batteries per candle (not included)Features: Timer, remote
Price at time of publish: $50 for 6 Who it isn’t for: People who want a candle that comes with a remote. Pillar flameless candles are best for people who don’t want to keep their candles in jars or containers since they can stand alone. Thanks to its elegant ivory color and warm, inviting glow, this flameless pillar candle from Frontgate will look beautiful in any space. It comes in three sizes and has an appealing vanilla scent, which will mimic the presence of a real candle even more. This flameless pillar candle works on a five-hour timer, and its battery life is designed to last 350 hours. The price is a bit higher than that of many other candles on our list (especially for one that comes without a remote), but we think this pillar candle’s realistic appearance, attractive design, and sweet vanilla scent make it worth the cost. Product Details:
Sizes: 3 sizes ranging from 3.5 x 5 to 4 x 9 inchesBattery Type: 2 D batteries per candle (not included)Features: Timer, vanilla scent
Price at time of publish: From $59 Who it isn’t for: People who prefer large candles to serve as a centerpiece or focal point. They may be tiny, but tea lights can make a huge difference in the ambiance of the room and the overall decor. These flameless tea lights from Luminara come in a set of two, which is enough to add a bit of warmth to a small space. They’re made of plastic with a matte finish and have a smooth top with a flickering LED light. They don’t have the realistic, melting wax details that some other flameless candles have, but you can still make these tea lights look more lifelike by placing them in small jars. These candles have an on/off switch and a timer that keeps them on for five hours before turning them off for 19 hours. The brand has a compatible remote that’s sold separately, but batteries are included so you can turn on these candles as soon as you take them out of the package. Product Details:
Sizes: 1.4 x 2 inchesBattery Type: 1 CR2450 button per candle (included)Features: Timer, remote (sold separately)
Price at time of publish: $30 for 2 Who it isn’t for: People who don’t want to buy separate containers. Like tea lights, votive candles are small, delicate, and great for those who love the look of numerous flames. These flameless votive candles from Homemory can be placed in most votive jars for a more authentic look. Available in a set of six, these candles have warm LED lights, a realistic dripping wax look, and a melted edge design. They even have a black wick at the center, so your guests are more likely to mistake these flameless candles for the real thing. The automatic timer keeps the light on for six hours and off for 18 hours, but you can also control the candle with the on/off switch. Batteries are included, which is helpful for people who don’t have extra button batteries around the house. Just note that you’ll need to purchase votive jars or containers separately to achieve the most realistic look. Product Details:
Size: 2 x 2 inchesBattery Type: 1 CR2450 battery per candle (included)Features: Timer
Price at time of publish: $25 for 6 Who it isn’t for: People who are looking for small candles like votives or tea lights. Flameless candles are most often used indoors, but that doesn’t mean you can’t replicate the look outdoors, too. You just need to make sure you’re using flameless candles that are designed specifically to handle the elements. This option from West Elm is made of plastic, which makes it easy to wipe down and keep clean. Available in four different sizes, the candle has a warm white LED light. Another great aspect of this outdoor flameless candle is that batteries are included, saving you time and money since you won’t have to grab them separately. The candle also operates with a five-hour timer and can be controlled via remote, which will come in handy if you forget to turn off the light before you’ve already gone inside for the night. Product Details:
Sizes: 4 sizes ranging from 3 x 3 to 6 x 12 inchesBattery Type: Not listed (included)Features: Timer, remote
Price at time of publish: From $17
How to Shop for Flameless Candles Like a Pro
Design
Like real candles, flameless candles come in a variety of designs, including pillar, votive, taper, tea light, and more. If you prefer the look of larger candles, then you’ll probably want to opt for flameless pillar candles. But those who prefer tiny and intricate candles around their home should pick flameless votive or tea light candles instead.
Size
Most flameless candles come in similar sizes as regular wax candles, although they’ll be listed in inches rather than ounces. When choosing a size, make sure to think carefully about the space the candle will be placed in, as well as whether you prefer the look of a single candle taking the spotlight or multiple placed side by side. When in doubt, you can even opt for a set that includes flameless candles in several different sizes.
Features
Many flameless candles on the market come with timers and remotes, which Anderson says are fairly standard features. Other features to look for when shopping for flameless candles include rechargeable batteries, color-changing designs, and waterproof materials.
Questions You Might Ask
What are the benefits of flameless candles?
Flameless candles are a pretty safe and easy way to add a warm ambiance to your home. “Because of the lack of a real flame, flameless candles are a great option to use around pets, kids, or any other situation where safety is a concern,” says Anderson. And if you’re hosting a party or gathering of some sort outside of your home, these types of candles can really come in handy. “Many event venues no longer allow the use of real wax candles due to the open flames, so using flameless candles in these types of situations is a great alternative,” Anderson adds.
How do you make flameless candles look more realistic?
Even though they function pretty differently than regular scented candles, there are a few things you can look for to make your flameless candles appear more realistic. “Generally, a wax coating (instead of plastic) and a moving, flickering flame (instead of a static flame) make a flameless candle look more realistic and similar to a wax candle,” says Anderson. “The overall shape, edges, and finishings also play an important role in making the flameless candle appear more convincing.”
How do you clean flameless candles?
You should always check the manufacturer’s instructions, but generally, the best way to clean flameless candles depends on the material that they’re coated with. “Plastic-coated flameless candles can generally be cleaned with a mild cleaner and soft cloth,” says Anderson. “Care should be taken not to get any of the electronic components wet. Wax-coated flameless candles can be cleaned using an old pair of pantyhose rubbed gently against the wax.”
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Rachel Simon, a writer for Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, The New York Times, and many other publications. She frequently covers home products and did significant research on flameless candles for this story, including speaking with Ellie Anderson, owner of the style and decor site The Glossy Nest.
