The 8 Best Citronella Candles

Best Overall

Cutter Citro Guard Triple Wick Candle

$20 at Amazon $15 at Home Depot $11 at Lowes

When it comes to citronella candles, you can’t beat the design and durability of the Cutter Citro Guard Triple Wick Candle. It earns the top spot in this roundup for several reasons. We tested this candle and discovered that because the wax melts slowly, you can use it for more nights before it needs to be replaced. 

Thanks to its triple-wick design, this 20-ounce candle can burn for up to 40 hours. It’s made with real citronella oil, which makes it very effective at repelling mosquitoes and other flying insects. Keep in mind that you will need several candles to protect a larger area. 

The design of this citronella candle improves its safety and longevity. It has a wide, stable base to prevent accidental tipping. The high sides also help to shield the flames from wind and drafts. Topping it all off, this candle comes in an attractive copper container to improve the look of your outdoor space. The citronella scent is very strong–even when the candle is unlit. 

During testing, we discovered that as the wicks burn, the candle container becomes heated, making it difficult to move the metal container once it is lighted. For that reason, it’s important to keep it out of reach of children or pets. On a positive note, the handle remains cool to the touch and allows for easy portability as needed. 

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

Best Budget

Coleman Pine Scented Citronella Candle

$5 $4 at Amazon

Despite its low price, this scented candle from Coleman is highly effective at repelling flying insects. This 6-ounce candle can burn for up to 25 hours (about half the amount of our best overall), and once it’s used up, the container is 100% recyclable. One unique feature is the wood wick, which mimics the crackling sound of a fire.

Although it contains citronella oil, it’s infused with a pine fragrance that has a pleasing scent. If you don’t like the smell of citronella or find it too overpowering, this candle is a good alternative. It also comes in two other outdoorsy scents—campfire and s’mores—and you can buy a pack that contains all three fragrances. The candle is housed in a sturdy metal tin, which is ideal for backyards, campsites, and picnic areas. Measuring ‎about the height of a credit card, it’s compact enough to be placed on almost any outdoor surface. 

However, there are a few drawbacks to the small size: Since the sides of the tin are not as tall, the candles can burn out quickly in windy conditions. As is the case with the other candles on this list, you may need to light multiple candles to keep bugs at bay. The good news is the candles are affordably priced at under $5 each, and they’re also available in packs of three or six to save you even more money. 

_{Burn time: Up to 25 hours | Size: 6 ounces | Number of Wicks: 1}

Best Tea Lights

Mosquito Guard Repellent Tea Light Candles

$20 $14 at Amazon

If you want to create a pleasant ambiance while repelling bugs, these tea lights from Mosquito Guard are the way to go. Measuring 1.5 inches in diameter and .75 inches high, these votives are compact enough that you can place them almost anywhere outdoors. They’re also small enough to take on the go—whether you’re camping, boating, or fishing.

These candles don't contain DEET or any other harmful pesticides. Instead, they use a variety of plant-based oils, including citronella, peppermint, rosemary, cedarwood, and lemongrass, to deter mosquitoes and give them a refreshing scent that is not overpowering. 

Each candle can burn for up to four hours—a significantly shorter time period compared to other options. However, you can only expect so much, considering their small size. These tea lights come in a pack of 16, giving you plenty of bang for your buck. Though you will need to replace them pretty frequently, they are an affordable and effective solution. We recommend burning several candles at once to keep mosquitoes at bay. 

_{Burn time: Up to 4 hours each | Size: Not listed | Number of Wicks: 1} 

Best for Camping

Coleman Citronella Candle Outdoor Lantern

$10 at Amazon $17 $9 at Walmart $6 at Lowes

Thanks to an easy-grip handle that doubles as a hanger, this citronella candle lantern from Coleman is an ideal choice for camping. It’s a lot more portable than our other picks, and can be easily carried to campsites and picnic areas.

At just six inches tall, about the size of a smartphone, the lantern is compact enough to place on a table or hang up near your tent. With its whopping 70-plus hours of burn time (the second longest on our list), this candle provides plenty of protection against mosquitoes. Plus, it has a reusable cap that protects it from the elements. 

This outdoor lantern features a classic design that creates a peaceful outdoor ambiance. The only downside is that you can’t buy replacement candles for it. When the wax burns down, you have to buy a whole new lantern, which is wasteful in terms of sustainability. On a positive note, this lantern is affordably priced, so it’s not a big expense to replace it. 

_{Burn time: 70+ hours | Size: 6.7 ounces | Number of Wicks: 1}

Best Scent

La Jolie Muse Citronella Candles (Set of 3)

$36 at Amazon

These decorative candles from La Jolie Muse come in a variety of light and refreshing scents. In addition to classic citronella, you can choose from lavender eucalyptus, orange blossom, and pumpkin cinnamon—just to name a few.

These candles are made from pure soy wax, which results in a cleaner and longer burn without any black smoke. We like that these are ideal for indoor or outdoor use, making them one of our more versatile options. 

Each candle has one cotton wick, which provides an estimated 35 to 45 hours of burn time. The candles are encased in colorful floral tins, so you improve your ambiance while repelling bugs. Although the manufacturer doesn’t offer replacement candles, the attractive tins can be repurposed as storage if you remove all the wax. 

_{Burn time: Up to 45 hours | Size: 6.5 ounces | Number of Wicks: 1}

Best Eco-Friendly

Murphy's Naturals Mosquito Candle

$25 at Amazon

If you’re looking for a candle with all-natural ingredients, Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Candle is a great choice. It contains five plant-based, insect-repelling oils—rosemary, peppermint, citronella, lemongrass, and cedarwood—to deter mosquitoes.

It has a citrusy scent, which can be described as light and refreshing. This candle also contains a blend of sustainably sourced soy and beeswax for a cleaner burn. To top it off, it’s free from any dyes, parabens, or synthetic fragrances—plus, it fights off mosquitoes without DEET or pesticides. 

While this candle effectively repels mosquitoes, it can attract bees since they attracted to the scent of beeswax. Each 9-ounce candle can burn for up to 30 hours. Though you will have to replace these candles more frequently, the good news is that they’re affordably priced and come in packs of 2 or 6 for added convenience. Murphy’s Naturals is a small business brand whose products are made right here in the United States, another factor that may appeal to eco-conscious consumers. 

_{Burn time: 30 hours | Size: 9 ounces | Number of Wicks: 1}

Most Effective

Trendy Home & Garden Large Citronella Candle

View on Walmart

While most citronella candles contain 6% pure oil, this candle is made with 8% pure citronella oil–making it one of the most powerful options on the market. It’s also one of our most attractive options for repelling mosquitoes. This 16-ounce candle comes in a hammered copper votive, and it has a matching lid with a decorative floral design. Another advantage to this citronella candle is that it doesn’t smoke, which means it’s safe to use indoors.

With an impressive burn time of 80+ hours (the longest on our list), this candle will last a long time before you have to replace it. While the container itself can be repurposed, the manufacturer doesn’t offer replacement candles. You’ll have to buy a whole new candle when its time is up, which is a potential drawback, considering its fairly steep price tag. 

_{Burn time: 80+ hours | Size: 16 ounces | Number of Wicks: 1}

Best for Patio

Mainstays Bucket Outdoor Citronella Candle

$6 at Walmart

The Mainstays Outdoor Citronella Candle makes an excellent choice for patios, decks, and other outdoor spaces. This 24-ounce candle can burn for up to 40 hours, and it has three wicks to ensure a more even burn. The wicks throw off a good amount of candlelight, so you brighten up your yard and fight off mosquitoes at the same time. 

It contains 3 percent citronella oil, an ideal amount to effectively repel mosquitoes–though some users find the scent a bit strong. For best results, the manufacturer suggests placing several candles around the perimeter of your gathering area. These candles are available in several colors—black, gray patterned, nature patterned, and sunflower—to match your outdoor look. The bucket has a sturdy design that prevents it from tipping, as well as a lid that protects the candle between uses. It also features a convenient carrying handle for easy transport. 

^{Burn time: Up to 40 hours | Size: 24 ounces | Number of Wicks: 3}