
18 Best Candles Under $50 to Set the Mood (and Freshen Your Space)
July 16, 2025
Overview
Transform your home into a haven of tranquility with our selection of the 18 best candles under $50. This curated guide features a diverse range of scents, from calming lavender to invigorating citrus, all designed to enhance your space and set the perfect mood. Whether you're looking to unwind after a long day, create a cozy atmosphere for entertaining, or simply freshen up your home, these affordable candles offer exceptional value and quality, making them ideal gifts or personal indulgences. Find the perfect fragrance to suit your style and budget with this collection of top-rated candles that will elevate any room.
Our picks
The Best Lavender Candle for Ultimate Relaxation: Lavender Zum Glow Candle, $15.50
The Most Invigorating Citrus Candle for Freshness: Bamboo Votive Candle, $48.00
The Best Cozy Candle for Fall & Winter Nights: Roughneck Patchouli + Lavender Candle, $40.00
The Most Stylish Candle to Elevate Any Decor: Santal Rock Rose Candle, $46.00
The Best Gift Candle for Any Occasion: PyroPet Kisa Cat Candle, $38.80
The Best Long-Lasting Candle Under $50: Fresh Linen Candle by Our Own Candle Company, $15.99
Relaxing Lavender & Calming Scents
Candles with lavender, chamomile and other scents to promote relaxation and tranquility.
7
Listful
Score
Roughneck Patchouli + Lavender Candle
$40.00
With its intriguing mix of patchouli and lavender, the Roughneck Candle offers an earthy yet soothing aroma perfect for winding down. During our review, it earned a 7/10 for its clean-burning soy wax and phthalate-free oils. Although some may find its $40 price tag steep for a 16 oz candle, its quality ingredients and tranquil scent make it a worthy addition to any relaxation routine.
The Good
• Made with 100% American-grown soy wax and phthalate-free fragrance oils for a cleaner burn.
The Bad
• The 16 oz size is priced at $40, which may be considered high for some buyers.
Scent: Patchouli and Lavender / Burn Time: Not specified / Wax Type: Soy / Wick Type: Not specified
9
Listful
Score
Lavender Zum Glow Candle
$15.50
Perfect for relaxation and mood-setting, the Lavender Zum Glow Candle is a true standout with a 9/10 score. This natural soy wax candle boasts a soothing lavender scent that creates a serene atmosphere for up to 30 hours. Some found the aroma intense in prolonged use, but its calming essence and clean burn make it an ideal choice for imparting tranquility to any room.
The Good
• Made with natural soy wax and essential oils for a clean burn.
The Bad
• Some users find the scent too strong if left burning for extended periods.
• The wick may break off more easily compared to other candles.
Scent: Lavender / Burn Time: 30 hours / Wax Type: Soy / Wick Type: Cotton
Invigorating Citrus & Fresh Scents
Candles with bright citrus notes to freshen your home and boost your mood.
6.5
Listful
Score
Impressionist Sea Salt & Sage Candle
$12.71
Compact and travel-ready, the Impressionist Sea Salt & Sage Candle offers a fresh fragrance perfect for smaller spaces. Priced at an affordable $12.71, it scored 6.5/10 in our testing due to its smaller size and limited burn time. Ideal for a quick aromatic uplift, this tin candle provides an elegant fragrance inspired by art while staying budget-friendly and portable.
The Good
• Compact size makes it suitable for small spaces or travel.
The Bad
• Limited burn time due to its small size.
Scent: Sea Salt & Sage / Burn Time: Not specified / Wax Type: Not specified / Wick Type: Not specified
6.5
Listful
Score
Peony and Sea Salt Candle
$15.75
Experience a touch of handcrafted elegance with the Peony and Sea Salt Candle. Despite a modest score of 6.5/10, this candle impresses with its handmade quality and delicate floral scent accented by salt and suede notes. Hand-poured using soy wax with a soothing wood wick, it offers a cozy yet brief 15-hour burn, making it a delightful travel companion or quick indulgence.
The Good
• The candle is hand-poured in Grand Rapids, MI, ensuring quality craftsmanship.
The Bad
• The burn time is limited to 15 hours, which may be shorter than some users prefer.
Scent: Pink peonies blended with sea salt, cashmere musk, and an accent of suede / Burn Time: 15 hours / Wax Type: Soy / Wick Type: Wood
8.5
Listful
Score
Fresh Linen Candle by Our Own Candle Company
$15.99
For a refreshing scent that doesn't break the bank, the Fresh Linen Candle is our top scorer at 8.5/10. Ideal for large rooms, it provides a robust, clean aroma that freshens up any space with a 100-hour burn time. While its captivating scent can be overwhelming in smaller quarters, this tin candle stands out for its excellent value, making it a perfect choice for persistent fragrance lovers.
The Good
• The candle offers a strong and refreshing scent that effectively freshens up the space.
• The candle provides a long burn time, offering good value for its price.
The Bad
• Some users may find the scent too powerful for smaller rooms.
• The packaging may become hot after use, requiring careful handling.
Scent: Fresh Linen / Burn Time: 100 hours / Wax Type: Soy / Wick Type: Cotton
7
Listful
Score
Volcano Petite Candle
$25.00
Quickly transform your space with the Volcano Petite Candle's vibrant, sugared citrus fragrance, an instant mood booster. While it boasts an impressive scent throw and even burn, our review discovered some packaging issues, like missing lids, which can affect presentation. Its 40-hour burn time, though sufficient, has been noted to end faster than some users expect. Despite these drawbacks, at $25, it remains a refreshing addition to any room, if you're prepared to overlook its modest weaknesses.
The Good
• The candle emits a refreshing and uplifting aroma that fills the room without being overpowering.
• The candle burns evenly and lasts a long time, making it well worth the investment.
The Bad
• Some customers report receiving the candle without a lid, which affects its presentation and usability.
• Some customers mention that the candle burns faster than expected, leading to a shorter lifespan.
Scent: Tropical fruits and sugared citrus / Burn Time: Up to 40 hours / Wax Type: Soy / Wick Type: Cotton
7
Listful
Score
Bamboo Votive Candle
$48.00
For an invigorating and fresh ambiance, consider the Bamboo Votive Candle. This elegant candle infuses home spaces with a lively bamboo scent, perfect for refreshing any room. However, our testing found the scent may be excessively strong for those with sensitivities, and uneven burning could lead to wax waste. While it scored a solid 7/10, you might weigh these factors when opting for its stylish and reusable glass holder as an addition to your décor.
The Good
• The candle emits a fresh and clean scent that enhances the ambiance of any room.
• The candle is housed in an elegant, reusable glass holder that complements various decors.
The Bad
• Some users report uneven burning, leading to wax waste and reduced burn time.
• The scent may be overpowering for some individuals, making it less suitable for those sensitive to strong fragrances.
Scent: Bamboo / Burn Time: 20-28 hours / Wax Type: Other / Wick Type: Cotton
8.5
Listful
Score
Chesapeake Bay Candle Balance + Harmony (Water Lily Pear)
$12.34
Seek tranquility with the Chesapeake Bay Candle Balance + Harmony. In our testing, this candle impressed with its clean and subtle aroma of water lily pear, earning a high score of 8.5/10. It's a standout pick for its value and calming scent experience. Note, however, some reported quicker burning than expected and wax discoloration issues. Despite these minor aesthetic downsides, its 50-hour burn time and gentle fragrance make it an affordable indulgence for peaceful recollection.
The Good
• The candle emits a clean, subtle scent that is noticeable without being overpowering.
The Bad
• Some users report that the candle burns down quickly, reducing its overall burn time.
• The wax may discolor after a few hours of burning, affecting its aesthetic appeal.
Scent: Water Lily Pear / Burn Time: 50 hours / Wax Type: Soy / Wick Type: Cotton
Cozy & Warm Scented Candles
Find candles that smell like your favorite season, perfect for snuggling up.
8
Listful
Score
Cedar & Sagebrush Candle by P.F. Candle Co.
$24.00
Bring the essence of the outdoors inside with the Cedar & Sagebrush Candle by P.F. Candle Co., which scored a strong 8/10. This soy-based candle offers an impressive burn time of up to 50 hours, perfect for long-lasting enjoyment. While the fragrance might be subtler than some prefer, its combination of granite, sage, and juniper notes provides a gentle, calming backdrop for any room.
The Good
• Made with 100% domestically-grown soy wax, fine fragrance oils, and cotton-core wicks.
• Burns for 40-50 hours, providing long-lasting fragrance.
The Bad
• Some users may find the scent throw to be lighter than expected.
Scent: Granite, dry sage, and Sierra juniper / Burn Time: 40-50 hours / Wax Type: Soy / Wick Type: Cotton
7.5
Listful
Score
Santalum Candle by Ranger Station
$44.95
Warm and sophisticated, the Santalum Candle brings a touch of Nashville craftsmanship to your space. Scoring 7.5/10, it boasts a rich blend of sandalwood, amber resin, and leather that fills larger spaces with a robust scent for up to 40 hours. While some found the fragrance overwhelming in smaller areas, its quality soy wax and elegant jar make it a standout choice for larger rooms.
The Good
• Hand-poured and packaged in Nashville, TN.
The Bad
• Some users may find the scent too strong for smaller spaces.
Scent: Sandalwood, Amber Resin, Iris, Leather / Burn Time: 40 hours / Wax Type: Soy / Wick Type: Cotton
6
Listful
Score
Black Fig Candle
$24.00
Offering a little piece of orchard heavens, the Black Fig Candle comes with a 40-50 hour burn time and scored a respectable 6/10. In our experience, it's crafted from 100% soy wax with fine fragrance oils but might fall short for those desiring a robust scent throw. Its inviting aromas of evergreen and spiced fig are perfect for creating a comforting ambiance in more intimate settings.
The Good
• Made with 100% domestically-grown soy wax, fine fragrance oils, and cotton-core wicks.
The Bad
• Some users report that the candle has little to no fragrance throw when burned.
Scent: Black Fig / Burn Time: 40-50 hours / Wax Type: Soy / Wick Type: Cotton
7.5
Listful
Score
Bois de Balincourt Candle
$38.00
Exuding sophistication at a 7.5/10 rating, the Bois de Balincourt Candle melds sandalwood, cedarwood, and vetiver into a refined, woody scent evocative of high-end fragrances. While some noted occasional soot issues, this soy-wax candle, with its 60-hour burn time, still offers tremendous value and makes an elegant, gift-ready impression. Its subtle fragrance is best suited for smaller or medium-sized spaces.
The Good
• The candle features a sophisticated scent that is comparable to higher-end brands at a more affordable price.
• The elegant packaging makes it suitable for gift giving.
The Bad
• Some users report that the candle burns with soot, leaving black residue on the glass.
• The scent may not be strong enough to fill larger spaces effectively.
Scent: Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Vetiver, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Amber Wood / Burn Time: 60 hours / Wax Type: Soy / Wick Type: Cotton
7.5
Listful
Score
Santal Rock Rose Candle
$46.00
The Santal Rock Rose Candle envelops your space in a luxurious spa-like aroma, a treat for the senses with its serene sandalwood and musk blend. Our experience highlights its 60-70 hours of burn time, though some did find the scent too subtle unless nearby. While wick issues occasionally hampered burn quality, the elegant packaging and premium soy wax blend make this candle a worthwhile indulgence when seeking a sophisticated ambiance.
The Good
• The candle offers a luxurious spa-like fragrance that fills the entire space.
• The candle is made with a premium soy wax blend and essential oils.
The Bad
• Some users report the scent is too subtle unless in close proximity.
• A few customers experienced issues with wick performance and burn quality.
Scent: Santal Rock Rose / Burn Time: 60-70 hours / Wax Type: Soy / Wick Type: Cotton
5
Listful
Score
HINOKI FANTÔME Travel Spray
$30.00
The HINOKI FANTÔME Travel Spray brings a unique, smoky fragrance experience with its woody and leathery notes, perfect for those who cherish distinctive scents. Although practical for on-the-go use, our review notes that some users found the heavy cap design less than ideal, detracting from its portability. Furthermore, its strong, particular scent profile might not align with everyone's taste, yet it remains a compelling choice for the adventurous fragrance aficionado.
The Good
• The fragrance offers a unique blend of woody and smoky notes, appealing to those seeking a distinctive scent.
The Bad
• Some users find the scent too smoky or leathery, which may not suit everyone's preferences.
• The packaging design, particularly the large cap, is considered impractical by some users.
Scent: Cardamom, Pear, Cedarwood, Hinoki, Oakmoss, Smoked Amber / Burn Time: N/A / Wax Type: N/A / Wick Type: N/A
Unique & Stylish Candle Designs
Candles that are as beautiful to look at as they are to smell, a great decor piece.
7
Listful
Score
PyroPet Kisa Cat Candle
$38.80
If you're looking for a truly unique conversation starter, the PyroPet Kisa Cat Candle might just be your pick. Although it scored 7/10, this candle captivates with a metallic cat skeleton reveal once the paraffin wax melts away. In our review, it delivered visual intrigue, but lacked fragrance, so it's not ideal for scent lovers. Keep in mind some users noted the skeleton's quality could be improved.
The Good
• Unique design reveals a metallic cat skeleton as it burns.
The Bad
• Unscented, which may not appeal to those seeking fragrance.
• Some users report the skeleton is flimsy and of lower quality.
Scent: Unscented / Burn Time: 20 hours / Wax Type: Paraffin / Wick Type: Cotton
Candles as Gifts for Any Occasion
Great candles to give as gifts. Discover the perfect candle for any friend or family member.
6.5
Listful
Score
Santal Candle by Brooklyn Candle Studio
$45.00
Ideal for those who value sustainability, the Santal Candle by Brooklyn Candle Studio offers an eco-friendly burn with its 100% soy wax. During our review, we noted it excels in providing a clean burn; however, the fragrance tends to be too subtle for some, lacking robust scent throw. Coming in at a slightly higher price point, its value may not impress everyone. Its sophisticated blend of hinoki cypress and sandalwood is best appreciated in more intimate settings.
The Good
• Made with 100% soy wax for an eco-friendly clean burn.
The Bad
• Some users report the scent is too subtle or non-existent when burning.
• Priced higher compared to similar candles, leading some to question its value.
Scent: Hinoki Cypress, Cedar, Pine, Vetiver, Sandalwood / Burn Time: Up to 50 hours / Wax Type: Soy / Wick Type: Cotton
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