The 10 Best Flameless Candles of 2023

Best Overall

Simply Collected 3D Flickering Flameless Candles

4.6

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The Simply Collected 3D Flameless Candles are as close to the real thing as you’re going to get. Made from extra-thick, unscented real wax pillars, they throw out a bright, warm flame that looks just like candlelight from every angle. You can turn the light on and off manually, or set the four-hour automatic timer if you want the candles to shut off on their own. There’s also a remote (sold separately) that can operate all of the candles at once, so if you have more than one, you can turn them on and off simultaneously.

The candle comes in two colors—white and ivory (for a more golden glow)—and three sizes, so you can create a tiered trio or mix and match around the house. Customers love the white color for its realistic appearance, while the ivory adds a warmer touch to any space—use them as decor inside real or faux fireplaces for a stylish cozy vibe.

Hundreds of satisfied customers relay that the candle is even more realistic than expected. Plus, the battery lasts a long time, and they are inexpensive compared to normal candles.

Price at time of publish: $28

_{Dimensions: 3 x 5, 3 x 6 or 3 x 7 inches | Battery Type: AA batteries | Light Type: LED | Lifetime: Over 800 hours | Material: Real wax pillars}

Best Budget

Homemory Battery Tea Lights with Timer

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If you want to set the mood on a budget, these realistic flickering tea lights from Homemory are up for the job. They can be used as a standalone decoration or placed into any tea light holder for a totally authentic vibe. The light is warm white, with a subtle yellow glow that looks just like actual candlelight from a votive. There’s no automatic timer or remote, but you can easily control the light with a tab switch that’s conveniently placed on the bottom of each candle. They include batteries that last for 100+ hours of use, and each set includes 12 tealights.

Price at time of publish: $20

_{Dimensions: 1.5 x 1.5 inches | Battery Type: Lithium batteries | Light Type: LED | Lifetime: 150+ hours | Material: Plastic, glass}

Best with Remote

JHY DESIGN 3D Flameless Candles Set

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With their exposed wicks, ivory wax body, and warm, white LED lights, these pillar candles from JHY Design have an authentic candle effect that makes it difficult to differentiate them from the real thing—ideal to use as winter decor to brighten up your space. The remote allows you to turn them on and off, set a four- or eight-hour timer, or control the brightness level to set the mood you’re after. The candles also have a “candle” option that emits a flickering light and a “light” option that turns the candles into static nightlights. The package includes three candles in varying heights, plus the eight-key timer remote control.

Price at time of publish: $30

_{Dimensions: 3 x 4, 3 x 5 or 3 x 6 inches | Battery Type: AAA batteries | Light Type: LED | Lifetime: Not listed | Material: Plastic, glass}

Best With Timer

Luminara Real-Flame Effect Pillar Candle

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Made with a combination of LED lights and electromagnetics, these Luminara Pillar Candles move and dance like a real flame, creating a unique flickering effect that will make you forget they’re flameless candles. They’re made with real wax and have a soft vanilla scent that freshens up the room like some of our favorite scented candles without being too overpowering. You can turn the candles on and off manually or set the five-hour timer and let them shut off automatically. While each candle is sold individually, there are three height options: 3, 5, and 7 inches.

Price at time of publish: $30

_{Dimensions: 3.5 x 4, 3.5 x 5 or 3.5 x 7 inches | Battery Type: AA batteries | Light Type: LED | Lifetime: Not listed | Material: Real wax}

Best Pillar

World Market Ivory Flameless LED Pillar Candle

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These Ivory Flameless LED Pillar Candles from World Market don’t have a concentrated light like the other options on this list. Instead, the whole pillar illuminates, doubling as a warm-toned nightlight and creating a cozy ambiance in any room—making them a great living room accessory to use for an instant upgrade. You can operate the flameless candles manually or turn on a five-hour timer that kicks the candles on at the same time every day. At 4 inches wide, these flameless pillar candles are slightly wider than others (most are 3 inches) and come in three different height options.

Price at time of publish: $13 for 4 x 4

_{Dimensions: 4 x 4, 4 x 6 or 4 x 8 inches | Battery Type: AA batteries | Light Type: LED | Lifetime: Includes automatic five-hour timer | Material: Unscented wax with embedded wick, plastic} 

Best Outdoor

Frontgate Soft Glow Outdoor Flicker Candle

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As their name implies, these lifelike flameless candles from Frontgate add a soft, realistic candle glow to your outdoor space. You can set the five-hour timer so that the candles automatically turn on around dusk and flicker throughout the bulk of the evening. The candles make a statement on their own, or you can combine them with an outdoor lantern that coordinates with your space. There are more than 10 size options, from 3 x 4.5 all the way up to 6 x 18 inches, so no matter what type of outdoor area you’re decorating, you’ll find something that fits your vibe. For example, incorporate them seamlessly into spooky outdoor Halloween decor while making it safe for little trick-or-treaters.

Price at time of publish: $23 for 3 x 6

_{Dimensions: Various sizes available | Battery Type: AAA batteries | Light Type: LED | Lifetime: 150 hours | Material: Not listed}

Best Scented

Pottery Barn Flameless Oil Diffuser Pillar Candle With Remote

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One of the things that is missing from flameless candles is the scent that comes with real candles, but with this Flameless Oil Diffuser Pillar Candle With Remote from Pottery Barn, you can get the best of both worlds. Rather than utilizing artificial scent, this flameless candle doubles as a water-free diffuser, allowing you to switch up scents using your favorite natural therapeutic essential oils. It also features a 3D moving amber flame, plus a dimmer function with four timer settings. If you want the ambiance of a candle but don’t want the scent, you can also turn the candle on without essentials oils.

Price at time of publish: $99

_{Dimensions: 4 x 7 inches | Battery Type: Lithium ion batteries | Light Type: Amber faux flame | Lifetime: Not listed | Material:  Faux-wick}

Best Rechargeable

FPOO Flameless Remote Tea Lights Rechargeable Candles

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A rechargeable set of flameless candles is a great alternative for anyone who frequently hosts events and doesn't want to fuss with replacing batteries, or for anyone who is looking to simplify preparing for their holiday displays, like DIY floating candles. These petite LED tea lights are charged via a USB cable that has six plugs to easily keep track of each light. These lights are offered in both a six-pack and a 12-pack, so you can choose the number that's right for your needs.

Other thoughtful features such as a remote control that turns the candles on and off, adjusts the brightness and sets the timer are also included in this set. Although we love the design that went into this set, we are worried that these candles may not be safe to use around children or pets because they are quite small. We recommend keeping them out of reach of wandering hands if you do decide to purchase them. The flicker feature on these candles is also not completely realistic, but we don't consider this a dealbreaker, as imitating flames is challenging. Overall, these rechargeable tea lights are not only an affordable option, they're also practical for savvy hostesses and avid Halloween decorators alike.

Price at time of publish: $33

_{Dimensions: 1.57 x 1.57 x 1.77 inches | Battery Type: Not applicable | Light Type: LED | Lifetime: Not listed | Material: Not listed}

Best Flickering

Luminaria Ivory Flameless Candle Pillar

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All of the flameless candles on this list flicker, but this pillar candle from Luminaria takes it up a notch. Not only does the light itself flicker, but the “flame” also moves independently, throwing the light around in a really authentic way. The top of the candle is higher on one side and lower on the other to mimic the look of unevenly burned wax, a trademark of real candles. The candle comes in three sizes from 5 to 9 inches tall, so you can create a trio. They offer a safer way to decorate with candles throughout your home.

Price at time of publish: $43 for 3.5 x 7

_{Dimensions: Various sizes | Battery Type: 2D | Light Type: LED | Lifetime: 5 hours | Material: Paraffin Wax}