Candles vs Wax Melts: Which Is Right for You?
Candles and wax melts use the same wax and fragrance oils, but how you burn them changes the experience quite a bit — here's how to decide between them.
| Attribute | Candles | Wax Melts |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | £ – £££ | £ (cheaper per hour of scent) |
| Scent strength | Moderate — scent builds gradually as wax melts | Strong — no wick means more fragrance oil can be loaded |
| Burn time | Fixed by wax volume — typically 30–50 hours | Flexible — swap cubes any time, no wasted wax |
| Best for | Ambient lighting alongside fragrance, no extra equipment needed | Stronger scent throw and flexibility, if you don't need the flame/light |
Our verdict
If you want ambient candlelight as well as fragrance, a candle is the better fit. If scent strength and flexibility matter more than the flame itself, wax melts usually work out both stronger and cheaper per hour of use.
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