The 8 Best Flameless Candles, According To Our Testing

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Convenient and cozy flameless candles for every style and budget.

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Southern Living

Flameless candles are a convenient way to create a warm and cozy environment in your home. Unlike traditional candles, flameless candles are battery-operated, making them a long-lasting alternative without safety concerns, melting wax, or smoke. For homes with children and pets, they are especially useful.

“The best time to use flameless candles would be for long events, places where an open flame may be dangerous, or outdoors so they don’t blow out,” says Leslie Chilton, owner of Leslie Newpher Interiors.

If you’re on the market for flameless candles, we’re here to help. We tested a variety of flameless candles for over 1,000 hours and evaluated them on ease of setup, design, brightness, features, and value. In addition to Chilton, we also spoke with Sara Ray, owner of Sara Ray Interior Design, to learn more about what to look for when shopping for flameless candles in every style and budget.

Leslie Chilton is the owner of Leslie Newpher Interiors.Sara Ray is the owner and lead designer of Sara Ray Interior Design.

Made of 100% paraffin wax for a realistic look

One of the longest battery lives on our list

Flickering flame that resembles a traditional candle

Easy to operate

Batteries not included

Remote sold separately

“Flameless candles that are made of real wax are more convincing,” Ray says. This pick is made of 100% paraffin wax, and the LED light flickers to resemble a traditional candle’s flame. Overall, we found this candle to be easy to set up and operate. The three-position toggle on the bottom is clearly labeled with on, off, and timer. Most flameless candles average 200 hours of battery life, but this pick comes in at 600-plus hours, which is one of the longest battery lives on our list.

During testing, this candle had a yellow-orange glow that resembled an authentic candle. The whole pillar doesn’t light up evenly, which is also what you’d expect from an actual candle. Both of these design elements contribute to a more authentic appearance. The candle doesn’t have a brightness adjustor or motion sensor, but we still found this pick to be easy to use and aesthetically pleasing.

Most candles we tested had a very unnatural, flat top, but we loved this candle’s realistic uneven edge. It’s available in three heights: 4.5, 6.5, and 8.5 inches. We especially love the timer function, which keeps the candle lit for five hours and turned off for 19 hours. This means you’ll save battery life and won’t have to worry about turning them off at night.

Keep in mind that the remote is sold separately as well as the required C batteries. We tested the candle without the remote and still found it to be user-friendly.

Product Details: Size: 3 x 4.5 in., 3 x 6.5 in., and 3 x 8.5 in. | Battery Type: Two C batteries (not included) | Battery Life: 600-plus hours | Features: Flickering flame, timer, and remote (sold separately)

Wax-dipped finish for a realistic look

Remote control is included

Timer function

Realistic flicker

Takes AA batteries

Brightness cannot be adjusted

Batteries not included

This pick features a warm flame and a wax-dipped finish for a more realistic look. Exposed flames can look less luxe, so we love that this pick has buried wicks. They give off a cozy, flickering flame that looks especially realistic from afar.

“In a budget-friendly candle, I think the most important thing is to make sure that you at least have a warm, white flame,” Chilton says. “Cool lighting is uninviting and sterile, like a fluorescent light.”

During testing, we were impressed that these budget candles include a remote control and a five-hour timer option. We found them especially effective at adding ambiance in multiple spaces, though we wish the brightness or color could be adjusted.

“Personally, I prefer [flameless candles] that take AA or AAA batteries,” Chilton says. “Those are more likely to be on hand if a battery needs to be replaced.” This is one of few picks we found that takes AA batteries, though they are not included with purchase. The battery life is not listed, but we estimate that this pick has a similar battery life to other candles that use AA batteries (200-plus hours).

Product Details: Size: 3 x 5 in. | Battery Type: Eight AA batteries (not included) | Battery Life: Not listed | Features: Timer, remote, and flickering flame

Largest color range on our list

Beautiful, realistic design

Warm, yellow glow

Easy operation

Waxy look and feel

More expensive than most sets of taper flameless candles

Batteries not included

Remote sold separately

These were some of the most beautifully designed candles we saw during testing. They come in 14 color choices, ranging from holiday shades to neutrals, that will work year-round. We tested the Iceberg Green color and found it would be perfect for holiday table settings. Since they’re flameless, these candles would also be a great fit for wreaths or shelving where a traditional flame would be a fire hazard. Ray points out that you also won’t have to worry about wax melting down the candle and candlestick.

The flames flicker and give off a warm, yellow glow that looks just like a real candle. The brightness is not adjustable, but we loved how much light they give off. They turn on with a simple push of a button and include a five-hour timer function.

This pick is more expensive than most sets of taper flameless candles, but we love that they’re made from 100% paraffin wax to make them look even more realistic. Keep in mind that the remote is sold separately as well as the required AA batteries. Smaller batteries usually mean shorter battery life, so expect around 200 hours of use before needing replacements. This set makes a great gift since it comes packaged in sturdy boxes ready for wrapping.

Product Details: Size: 1 x 9.5 in. | Battery Type: Two AA batteries per candle (not included) | Battery Life: 200-plus hours | Features: Flickering flame, timer, and remote (sold separately)

All 24 batteries are included and pre-installed

Realistic flicker

Warm, yellow glow

Excellent value

Sold in larger sets if needed

No timer or remote, which means you have to individually operate each candle

Votive candles are slightly taller than tea light candles, and they look especially great in table settings. This pick from Homemory is great for dinners, weddings, and outdoor events where wind might be an issue. The set comes with 24 flickering flameless candles, and all 24 batteries are pre-installed to save you time. They’re also sold in sets of 12, 50, and 100 to meet your needs.

Our testers said batteries being included and a realistic appearance were two of the most desirable features in flameless candles, and this option checks both boxes. We found these candles looked like actual candles, both in color and texture. The warm, yellow glow and realistic flicker creates an authentic experience. They use coin lithium batteries, which provide 200-plus hours of battery life. Keep in mind that there’s not a remote or timer function, so you’ll have to operate each candle individually.

Since they’re flameless, you’re able to use these candles with holiday decor. Place them inside carved pumpkins for Halloween, line them on your dinner table at Thanksgiving, and add them to your wreath or mantel for Christmas. However you use them, they’re sure to bring a cozy glow to your space.

Product Details: Size: 1.5 x 1.6 in. | Battery Type: One CR2032 coin lithium battery per candle (included with purchase and pre-installed) | Battery Life: 200-plus hours | Features: Flickering flame

Made with real wax for an authentic look

Batteries included

Easy operation

Realistic appearance when turned on

Longer-lasting alternative to traditional tea light candles

No timer or remote

Difficult to unwrap

Look less realistic when turned off

Tea light candles are the smallest option and add delicate lighting to any room. This set from Crate & Barrel includes six candles with a realistic flicker. They’re made of real wax to add to the authentic look, and the wick resembles a candle wick that has been previously lit.

During testing, we found it difficult to take them out of the plastic wrap, but they were easy to set up. We noticed they have a realistic appearance when turned on, but they lost a bit of charm when turned off. They were much brighter than we expected, yet still had a pleasant glow. Traditional tea light candles can burn out quickly, so flameless tea light candles feel like a better investment.

Each tea light measures 1.5 by 0.75 inches. Though small, the classic white design will make a big impact at your event or when added to your home decor. They can even be used for holiday decorating, including in Christmas villages and carved Halloween pumpkins. For outdoor events or weddings, you won’t have to worry about wind extinguishing the flame.

It’s important to keep in mind that there is not a timer or remote, so you’ll need to manually turn off each candle. The website does not list information about the battery life, but similar candles have a battery life of 200-plus hours.

Product Details: Size: 1.5 x 0.75 in. | Battery Type: One CR2032 coin lithium battery per candle (included with purchase) | Battery Life: Not listed | Features: Flickering flame

Made from weather-resistant plastic

Available in four sizes to best fit your needs

Included batteries are pre-installed

Attractive design with curved top

Not sold individually

Flame color doesn’t look authentic in dark settings

No remote control

It’s important for outdoor flameless candles to withstand the elements, and this pick by Arhaus fits the bill with its weather-resistant plastic. We tested these candles for both indoor and outdoor use, and we were impressed by this pick’s ease of setup. The controls are located on the bottom of each candle and feature on, off, and five-hour timer options. Ray is a fan of flameless candles with a hidden wick to help them look more realistic. “If the wick is visible, it cheapens the look in my opinion,” she says.

These Arhaus candles feature a hidden wick, and the LED lights flicker under the attractive curved top. The included timer is a great option to have so you don’t have to remember to turn them off at night, but we think a remote control would be beneficial for outdoor use. Though they look elevated and are nicer than most flameless candles we’ve seen, we found the flame color to be very orange and “fake” looking in dark rooms. However, we enjoyed the subtle flicker.

This pick is available in four sizes, and we love the largest size (6 x 12 inches) for patio decor. For this size, each candle weighs 1 pound and takes three C batteries, which are included and pre-installed. Though the battery life is not listed on the website, similar flameless candles with the same batteries can run for 600-plus hours. It’s important to keep in mind that these candles are not sold individually, so if you need an odd number to fit your outdoor space, you’ll pay for an extra candle.

Product Details: Size: 3 x 6 in., 5 x 6 in., 5 x 9 in., and 6 x 12 in. | Battery Type: Three AAA batteries per candle for 3-x-6-in. size (included with purchase); three C batteries per candle for all other sizes (included with purchase) | Battery Life: Not listed | Features: Flickering flame and timer

Adjustable timer

One of the longest battery lives on our list

Exterior is 100% paraffin wax for a realistic look

Motion flame

Batteries are not included

Remote sold separately

Not all flameless candles have the same look. Pottery Barn’s Sugared Birch Flameless Candle is an elevated option with a bark-inspired design and sugared glass coating. The plastic center is coated with 100% paraffin wax, and the warm LED light flickers for a realistic look. The base of the candle has an on/off switch, and the optional remote is sold separately.

During testing, we found this pick to be as realistic as it is aesthetically pleasing. The flickering flame resembles that of a traditional candle with a warm, yellow glow. Though it’s one of the more pricey flameless candles on our list, we thought it was an excellent value for the quality. On top of the elegant design, it has one of the longest battery lives of any candle on our list. Most flameless candles run for 200-plus hours on AA batteries, but with two C batteries, you’ll get 600-plus hours of runtime with this pick. Keep in mind that the batteries are not included with your purchase.

For those who enjoy a completely carefree experience, you’ll love the programmable timer. It comes ready to run for five hours and off for 19 hours, but you can adjust this by hourly increments. This pick comes in three different sizes: 3 x 3 inches, 3 x 6 inches, and 4 x 8 inches. They look stunning on their own or displayed as a group of mixed heights on your dining table.

Product Details: Size: 3 x 3 in., 3 x 6 in., 4 x 4.5 in., and 4 x 8 in. | Battery Type: Two C batteries (not included) | Battery Life: 600-plus hours | Features: Flickering flame, timer, and remote (sold separately)

Can be used indoors and outdoors

Several sizes available

Batteries are included

No discount for buying as a set

Remote control sold separately

Top is not tapered

This candle by West Elm can be used both indoors and outdoors, which means you’ll get double the value for the price. It comes in heights ranging from 4 inches to 12 inches, and there are several set sizes to choose from. The larger candles will add a cozy element to your front porch while the smaller, more delicate candles will look great styled on living room shelves.

Ray is a fan of this candle’s buried wick for a more realistic glow as well as the remote and timer features. Keep in mind that while batteries are included, the remote is sold separately.

During testing, we found the three-toggle switch to be easy to operate. However, we thought the candles lacked design and wished they had a tapered top to add an authentic feel. The flame appeared more orange than warm yellow, but it gave off the right amount of brightness. The flicker was more subtle than other candles we tested, which we thought gave it a realistic appearance.

This candle is made of plastic instead of wax to withstand outdoor elements, and the simple yet elegant design will never go out of style. Typically when you buy sets, it’s less expensive than buying each product individually. However, with these candles, keep in mind that it’s the same price to buy four individual candles as it is to buy a set of four.

Product Details: Size: 3 x 4 in., 3 x 6 in., 3 x 8 in., 4.5 x 9 in., 6 x 12 in. | Battery Type: Not listed (included with purchase) | Battery Life: Not listed | Features: Timer and remote (sold separately)

The Luminara White Flameless Pillar Candle is our top pick because of its easy setup, realistic flickering flame, and long battery life. We also love that it’s made of 100% paraffin wax to resemble a traditional candle. Our budget pick, the Threshold LED Flameless Pillar Candles, comes in a set of four and offers a great value per unit. They are easy to set up, come with a remote control, and are wax-dipped for a high-end look.

We tested a variety of flameless candles for 1,092 hours and evaluated them on ease of setup, design, brightness, features, and value. We included pillars, tapers, votives, and tea lights in multiple price points to see if some were more realistic and easier to use than others.

First, we set up the flameless candles according to the manufacturer’s instructions. We turned them on and off at least once per day during the initial five-week period, and we used all of the available features and light settings when applicable.

For ease of setup, we considered the overall packaging, if batteries were included, and if the batteries needed to be replaced during the testing period. For design, we studied the controls to see if they were easy to use, the overall aesthetic of the candle, and the realistic appearance of the votive and the flame/wick. For brightness, we considered if the color of the candle light was a traditional warm yellow or cool white. We took note of the candle’s flickering flame and if the brightness was adjustable. Special features including timers, schedules, ability to adjust brightness and color, motion sensors, and an included remote control were considered as well. Finally, we determined if the price was reflective of the product’s value and all of its features.

We’re continuing to test the candles and at home and updating the article with additional insights.

Southern Living

Flameless candles are a great alternative to traditional candles for a worry-free experience. However, some are more realistic-looking than others. The overall design of a flameless candle will determine if it looks authentic or obviously fake. For this reason, Ray is a fan of flameless candles without an exposed wick. Buried wicks are surrounded by a wax tunnel and give off a similar glow to traditional candles. For candles with exposed wicks, a flickering feature gives a more authentic look.

Chilton says one of the most important things to consider is a warm, yellow flame. “Cool lighting is uninviting and sterile like a fluorescent light,” she explains.

Flameless candles come in a variety of sizes, and most sets come with multiple heights for visual interest. When picking sizes, Chilton says she likes multiple sizes and heights mixed together, and 6-inch-tall candles are a great height to consider. Ray adds that you won’t have to worry about flameless candles melting down like traditional candles, so you’ll be able to enjoy them at the same height as the day you bought them.

Battery life usually goes hand-in-hand with the battery type. Our best overall and best decorative picks take large C batteries and have a battery life of 600-plus hours, while other picks on our list take smaller AA or AAA batteries and have a battery life of 200-plus hours.

“Personally, I prefer [flameless candles] that take AA or AAA batteries,” Chilton says. “Those are more likely to be on hand if a battery needs to be replaced.” Some flameless candles run on a powered cable instead of batteries. This means you won’t have to buy replacement batteries, but you’ll deal with outlets and long cords.

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Not all flameless candles are made alike. Some candles have special features to make your experience more enjoyable, and usually, this comes at a higher price tag. When searching for flameless candles, Chilton says she’d look for a flickering feature to resemble more of an authentic flame. She adds that a timer feature comes especially in handy if you’re using multiple candles or for events and parties.

“Also, a remote control feature is always a bonus for many reasons, such as flame brightness, on/off switch in one hand, or to get your guests’ attention without turning the main lights on and off,” Chilton says. Though additional settings and special features are typically more expensive, we think the features mentioned above are worth the upgrade.

For a more realistic look, Chilton likes to put flameless candles in a frosted glass container that is at least an inch taller than the candle. She says this presentation conceals the wicker flame, shows off beautiful illumination, and mimics movement of a real candle. If you prefer to display just the flameless candle, try a buried wick for a similar glow to a traditional candle.

You won’t have to worry about burning through flameless candles, unlike traditional candles. With a set of new batteries, your flameless candle will light up anywhere from 200 to 600 hours. Most of the LED lights used in flameless candles’ wickers have a lifespan of 100,000 hours, so you’ll never burn through the bulb.

Flameless candles are not a fire hazard when left on overnight. They do not have an open flame, and most won’t even be hot to the touch when left on for extended periods. However, leaving flameless candles on when they’re not being enjoyed will quickly run down their batteries.

Southern Living

Addie Morton is a writer for Southern Living who specializes in home decor and lifestyle content. To compile this list, we tested a variety of flameless candles for over 1,000 hours and evaluated them on ease of setup, design, brightness, features, and value. Morton spent hours sifting through the results of our Lab testing and researching products that made the cut.

She also spoke with two interior designers: Sara Ray and Leslie Chilton. Ray is the owner of Sara Ray Interior Design, which opened in Nashville in 2013. From managing full-scale construction pieces to styling and décor, Ray assists with every step, bringing clarity and simplicity to the complex process of designing unique spaces. Chilton is the owner of Leslie Newpher Interiors and has 30 years of experience in Nashville and the surrounding areas. Her company is a full-service interior design firm that helps clients from the construction or renovation process all the way through furnishing and decorating.