When it comes to filling your home with fragrance, two options stand out, strong scented candles and wax melts. Both are popular, both smell amazing, but which one is actually better?
The truth is, it depends on how you like to fragrance your home.
In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between candles and wax melts, compare scent strength, longevity and value, and help you decide which option is best for your space.
🔥 What Are Strong Scented Candles?
Strong scented candles are designed to release fragrance gradually as the wax melts and the candle burns. Made with quality fragrance oils and natural soy wax, they provide both atmosphere and aroma.
✅ Benefits of strong scented candles
-
Create a warm, cosy ambience
-
Provide a steady, room-filling fragrance
-
Perfect for relaxing evenings
-
No extra equipment needed
Strong scented candles are ideal for living rooms, bedrooms and cosy nights in, where the flickering flame adds to the experience.
🧊 What Are Wax Melts?
Wax melts are small pieces of scented wax designed to be melted in a wax burner. Unlike candles, they don’t have a wick, meaning the fragrance oil is released purely for scent, not burn.
✅ Benefits of wax melts
-
Often stronger fragrance throw
-
Can be turned on and off easily
-
One snap bar lasts multiple uses
-
Excellent value for money
Wax melts are especially popular if you love bold, instant fragrance or want flexibility throughout the day.
💨 Which Has the Stronger Scent?
This is the most common question, and here’s the honest answer.
Wax melts are usually stronger
Because:
-
There’s no flame competing with the fragrance
-
The wax melts faster
-
More fragrance oil is released at once
If you want your home to smell amazing within minutes, wax melts often win.
However…
Candles offer a more balanced scent
Strong scented candles:
-
Build fragrance gradually
-
Feel softer and more atmospheric
-
Are less intense but longer-lasting per burn
⏱️ Which Lasts Longer?
| Product | Longevity |
|---|---|
| Strong scented candle | 35–70 hours, depending on size |
| Wax melts | Up to 60–90 hours per snap bar |
Wax melts often last longer overall, as you can reuse the same wax until the scent fades.
🏡 Which Is Better for Each Room?
Living Room
✔ Strong scented candles
✔ Large double wick candles for bigger spaces
Bedroom
✔ Candles for a calm, cosy feel
✔ Light wax melts for gentle fragrance
Bathroom
✔ Wax melts for quick freshness
✔ Reed diffusers for continuous scent
Hallway or Open Plan Areas
✔ Wax melts for instant impact
✔ Double wick candles for evening ambience
💷 Which Is Better Value for Money?
If we’re talking pure scent per pound, wax melts usually offer better value.
However, candles also provide:
-
Atmosphere
-
Visual appeal
-
A relaxing ritual
So the better option depends on whether you’re buying for scent strength alone or scent plus ambience.
🕯️ So, Candles or Wax Melts?
Choose strong scented candles if:
-
You love a cosy, relaxing atmosphere
-
You enjoy the glow of a flame
-
You want a steady fragrance over time
Choose wax melts if:
-
You want the strongest scent possible
-
You like switching scents easily
-
You want long-lasting fragrance value
The good news is, you don’t have to choose just one.
Many of our customers use candles in the evening and wax melts during the day to enjoy the best of both worlds.
⭐ Our Recommendation
If you’re new to home fragrance, start with our Best Sellers, where you’ll find customer favourites across candles, wax melts and diffusers. It’s the easiest way to discover what works best for your home.