10 Flameless Candles That Look Like the Real Thing

Thanks to these tapers, votives, pillars, and candlesticks, you don't need an open flame to create ambience.

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Composite of Flameless Candles
Photo:

Courtesy of Pottery Barn, Lumens, Lights.com

The soft, ambient glow, the rhythmic flicker, and the calming allure of a flame: Lighting a candle sets the tone for a dinner party, a shared glass of wine with your partner, or an evening bath with a good book. Here's the thing: While most of us enjoy them, candles also pose safety concerns. And if you're sensitive to smells or smoke, they could be a no-go in your household.

Before you give up on this mood-setting accessory, consider investing in flameless candles. They come in all kinds of shapes and sizes—from pillars and votives to candlesticks and tea lights—and use batteries to create the same ambience, no open flame required. Best of all? They look exactly like the real thing, so no one will be able to tell the difference.

01 of 10

Eywamage Silver Gray Glass Flameless Candles

Eywamage Silver Grey Glass Flameless Candles

Courtesy of Amazon

With a gray glass enclosure, this flameless candle uses solidified paraffin wax to mimic the design of a traditional candle. The result is a subtle flickering with a warm, white glow—all without lighting a single match.

It calls for two AA batteries and will last more than 350 hours before you have to switch them out. We also love the remote control and timer function that allows you to dim on demand. To help you create a beautiful indoor or outdoor scene, this pack includes three candles of various heights for dimension and character. 

Price at time of publish: $25

02 of 10

Premium Flickering Flameless Outdoor Pillar Candle

Premium Flickering Flameless Outdoor Pillar Candle

Courtesy of Pottery Barn

When you're lounging by the pool or finally indulging in a much-deserved bubble bath, lighting a candle can help you relax and disconnect. You don't have to worry about impromptu splashes with this unscented matte plastic flameless candle with an IPX4 rating (which indicates that it's water-resistant). The faux flame flickers like a wax candle, and you can set a timer function to turn the light on or off. Depending on your desired height, this flameless candle uses AA, C, or D batteries. It can also be controlled via a remote, which is sold separately. 

Price at time of publish: $54

03 of 10

Lights.com "Perry" Open Frame Lantern, Medium, Set of 2

Perry Open Frame Lantern, Medium, Set of 2

Courtesy of Lights.com

While you're sitting in your backyard in the evening, grilling or enjoying the fresh air before sunset, these lanterns add a soft light. Incredibly realistic and stylish, you won't believe batteries created the gorgeous glow. It also features a rhythmic, dynamic flame that flickers (like a real flame does in the wind). This set includes two lanterns constructed with metal that are compatible with a remote control that is sold separately.

Price at time of publish: $42

04 of 10

Graypants Wick Rechargeable LED Table Lamp

Graypants Wick Rechargeable LED Table Lamp

Courtesy of Lumens

Founded by two architects, this brand is renowned for its pendant lights made entirely of repurposed cardboard. Now, they offer an extensive range of lighting products, including this rechargeable LED table lamp that’s sleek and old-world. It’s crafted from recycled materials and just about perfect for lengthy dinner conversations that could go on forever. We love that you can dim the candle to set the mood—and that the flickering light creates a wide-reaching glow as it reflects off the base. 

Price at time of publish: $149

05 of 10

Mantar Cordless Candlestick Table Lamp

Mantar Cordless Candlestick Table Lamp

Courtesy of Mantar Lamps

For a statement-making candle that you never have to light, this gorgeous flameless table lamp is definitely a conversation starter. It takes you back hundreds of years—writers, poets, and composers wrote their masterpieces by the flicker of a chamber stick—except it's been upgraded for modern times. In addition to being flameless, it's also cordless with a touch sensor, so you barely have to brush your finger by the base to turn on the light. It's also highly water-resistant, so it's safe in the tub or outside. You can enjoy this flameless candle for up to 16 hours before charging. 

Price at time of publish: $169

06 of 10

LampLust Flickering Flameless Taper Candles With Remote

LampLust Flickering Flameless Taper Candles with Remote

Courtesy of Amazon

Made of real wax, these tapered candles so closely resemble a traditional white candlestick. With a black wick and a warm, flickering light, these candles can be set up for a dinner party with just a click of the included remote. Ideal for supper clubs, celebrations, or just a romantic evening at home, this budget-friendly buy allows you to set the mood instantly—and fits inside most standard candle holders.

Price at time of publish: $40

07 of 10

Crate & Barrel Flameless White Tealights, Set of 6

Crate & Barrel Flameless White Tealights, Set of 6

Courtesy of Crate & Barrel

Tealights provide a subtle, sparkling glow to your tablescape. However, they often burn out faster than other candle types, creating a hot metal base or wax messes. To extend the life of your light, consider these affordable flameless wax tealights. Not only do they look authentic as they flicker throughout the night, but they also take the stress out of entertaining, especially if you have easily tempted kids and pets around. You can replace the batteries over time, so they last, well, forever. 

Price at time of publish: $12.95

08 of 10

Pottery Barn Premium Flickering Flameless Wax Votive Candle, Set of 4

Pottery Barn Premium Flickering Flameless Wax Votive Candle - Set of 4

Courtesy of Pottery Barn

This flameless candle four-pack is ideal if your dinner party vision requires a slightly taller votive—but not quite a pillar. Crafted from unscented paraffin with a plastic center, the candles have a timer option and use batteries to emit a soft flicker. With more than 100 hours of light time before you need to change the batteries, they will last you for many evenings to come. You can also control these flameless candles via a remote control that's sold separately.

Price at time of publish: $69

09 of 10

Luminara Chalky Flameless Hexagon Pillar Candles With Remote, Set of 2

Luminara Set of 2 Chalky Flameless Candle Hexagon Pillars with Remote

Courtesy of Luminara

If you're looking for a flameless candle that offers a pop of color, try these dark iterations. With a fun hexagonal shape and realistic moving-flame technology, they create a warm light on your mantel, dining room table, or bathroom counter. You can use the included remote to choose from 12 different dimmer or timer settings and enjoy up to 200 hours of battery runtime. We recommend pairing the hunter-green shade with pops of gold or neutral colors, as well as artificial or dried flowers. 

Price at time of publish: $59.95

10 of 10

Amagic Flameless Candles With Remote Timers

Amagic Flameless Candles, Waterproof Outdoor Indoor Battery Operated LED Candles with Remote Timers

Courtesy of Walmart

Some people prefer showers, while others thrive from a daily bath ritual. If you're in the latter group, you'll love these flickering, waterproof, flameless candles that look realistic without the extra hassle. You can decide on the brightness via the included control and even turn the flicker off if you'd prefer a steady glow. This pack of three offers up to 500 hours of candle time—or, you know, a year's worth of self-care. 

Price at time of publish: $14.95

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