The 8 Best Citronella Candles of 2023

Best Overall

Cutter Citro Guard Triple Wick Copper Candle

View On Lowe's View On Shop.com

The Cutter Citro Guard Triple Wick Candle is a top pick for several reasons. Not only does it have a large triple-wick design that will burn longer and cover a larger area, but it’s also attractive and affordable. Each candle is 20 ounces and can burn for up to 40 hours, and they’re made with real citronella oil for optimal results. 

These citronella candles have a wide, stable base to prevent tipping, and the high sides help to prevent the flame from being extinguished on windy days. The container has an attractive copper finish that gives it a more decorative look, but we found that you may need to purchase a few to protect a larger area. We also noted that the smell of the candle is pleasant, but it can be a little overwhelming if you sit too close to it.

Price at time of publish: $76

_{Burn Time: Up to 40 hours | Size: 20 ounces | Number of Wicks: Three}

Best Budget

Coleman Scented Citronella Candle

View On Amazon View On Basspro.com

These budget-friendly 6-ounce candles are ideal for small areas or tossing in your pack when camping. They’re also a good choice for those that don’t like the smell of citronella, as the candles come in a variety of other woodsy scents, including campfire, pine, and s’mores. Don’t worry, though; they’ll still keep the bugs away! 

The Coleman citronella candles have a wooden wick that crackles pleasantly when burning, and each one burns for around 25 hours. They’re lightweight and easy to use, and when you’ve burned through the candle, the eco-friendly tin containers can be recycled.

Price at time of publish: $16

_{Burn Time: Up to 25 hours | Size: 6 ounces | Number of Wicks: One}

Best for Mosquitoes

Repel Triple-Wick Citronella Candle

View On Amazon View On Walmart

You can keep mosquitoes away when relaxing outside with the Repel Triple-Wick Citronella Candle. These large 20-ounce candles burn for up to 40 hours each, and they’re made with real citronella oil to repel pesky mosquitoes, as well as other flying insects. 

These candles come in a plain green container with a wide base to prevent tipping, and they even have a small handle that makes them easier to move around. The three wicks ensure a more even burn, and for best results, you’ll want to place several of the candles around the perimeter of your outdoor living area. 

Price at time of publish: $7

_{Burn Time: 40 hours | Size: 20 ounces | Number of Wicks: Three}

Best for Camping

Coleman Citronella Candle Outdoor Lantern

View On Walmart View On Lowe's

Insects are typically more plentiful in wooded areas, so it’s a good idea to bring along a product like the Coleman Citronella Outdoor Lantern when you go camping. The 6.7-ounce candle comes in a convenient lantern container that you can place on your table or hang up near your tent, and despite its relatively small size, it can burn for up to 50 hours, making your trip a far more comfortable experience.

Not only is the lantern attractive, but it also comes with a cover that lets you protect the candle from the elements. The only downside is that the brand doesn’t sell replacement candles for the lantern, so you can't refill the container once the wax burns down.

Price at time of publish: $11

_{Burn Time: 50-70 plus hours | Size: 6.7 ounces | Number of Wicks: One}

Best for Patio

Mainstays 30-Ounce 3-Wick Bucket Outdoor Citronella Candle

View On Walmart

The Mainstays Bucket Citronella Candles are one of the best options for your patio—not only are they extremely large and long-lasting, but they also come in a wide range of colors to match your decor. Each candle is 30 ounces and has three wicks, and the bucket is roughly 7 inches across, with a convenient handle for carrying.

These candles contain 3 percent citronella oil to deter insects, and each one can burn for up to 50 hours. They come with plastic lids to protect the wax when not in use, and the sturdy design of the bucket helps to reduce the risk of the candles tipping over.

Price at time of publish: $6

_{Burn Time: Up to 50 hours | Size: 30 ounces | Number of Wicks: Three}

Best Tea Lights

Mosquito Guard Repellent Tea Light Candles

View On Amazon View On Walmart

You can arrange the Mosquito Guard Tea Light Candles around your home or patio to repel bugs and create a welcoming ambiance. These little candles are made with a variety of natural, plant-based ingredients, including citronella, peppermint, rosemary, cedarwood, and lemongrass oils, all of which deter insects. 

These tea lights come in a pack of 16, and they’re handy for bringing out to a picnic or camping, thanks to their compact size. The scent is designed to be refreshing and not overpowering, and each of the small candles will burn for up to four hours.

Price at time of publish: $14

_{Burn Time: Up to 4 hours each | Size: 30 ounces | Number of Wicks: One}

Best Natural

Murphy's Naturals Murphy’s Mosquito Candle

View On Amazon View On Murphysnaturals.com

If you’re hoping to find a candle made with safe, natural ingredients, Murphy’s Natural Mosquito Repellent Candle is the way to go. These candles are made using five insect-repelling oils—rosemary, peppermint, citronella, lemongrass, and cedarwood—and they contain a 100 percent soy and beeswax blend for a cleaner burn. They don’t contain any petroleum, dyes, synthetic fragrances, or chemicals. 

Each of these 9-ounce candles can be burned for around 30 hours. And they’re made right here in the United States, so you can feel good about supporting a domestic company. The citrusy blend of oils smells light and refreshing, so you won’t even mind having it burning on your patio.

Price at time of publish: $14

_{Burn Time: 30 hours | Size: 9 ounces | Number of Wicks: One}