Candle Brands Better Than Yankee | Best Alternatives

September 27, 2025

Candle Brands Better Than Yankee Candle: Top Alternatives in 2025

For decades, Yankee Candle has been a household name. Known for their massive jars, signature scents, and nostalgic packaging, they’ve dominated the candle aisle. But in recent years, many candle lovers have started asking: Are there better options than Yankee Candle?

The answer is yes. While Yankee remains popular, other brands now offer cleaner ingredients, longer burn times, stronger fragrance throw, and more stylish designs. If you’re looking for candle brands better than Yankee Candle, this guide highlights the best alternatives in 2025 — including why many are switching to soy candles and luxury 3-wick jars.

Shop Affinati

Why People Look for Alternatives to Yankee Candle

Before diving into the best brands, let’s look at why many shoppers are moving away from Yankee:

Paraffin Wax – Most Yankee candles are made from paraffin, which burns faster and can release more soot compared to soy or coconut wax.
Single-Wick Design – Large jars often use one wick, which can cause tunneling and wasted wax if not burned correctly.
Fragrance Throw – While Yankee has many scents, some users report they aren’t as strong or consistent as newer premium brands.
Aesthetic – The large jars are iconic, but many modern buyers prefer minimalist or luxury-style vessels.

If you want a candle with a longer burn time, stronger scent, or cleaner burn, here are the brands that outperform Yankee in 2025.

1. Affinati 3-Wick Soy Candles (70–90 Hours)

When it comes to burn time and fragrance performance, Affinati stands out as one of the best candle brands on the market.

Wax Type: Premium soy wax blend
Wick Design: 3-wick jars prevent tunneling and ensure even burns
Burn Time: 70–90 hours per candle (longer than Yankee’s large jars)
Fragrance Throw: Balanced and room-filling without being overpowering
Design: Modern, elegant glass jars that fit any home décor

Popular scents include:

French Vanilla – creamy, smooth, and timeless
Honey Lavender – soothing and floral
Mahogany Teakwood – bold, rich, and masculine

Unlike paraffin-based Yankee candles, Affinati’s soy candles burn cleaner, longer, and with stronger fragrance distribution. For shoppers who want a luxury experience without wasted wax, Affinati is a clear step up.

“candle brands better than Yankee Candle,” “best soy 3-wick candles,” “long lasting soy candles 70–90 hours”

Try our S'mores 3-Wick Candle

2. Bath & Body Works 3-Wick Candles

Bath & Body Works has become a go-to alternative for those who want strong seasonal scents.

Wax Type: Paraffin-soy blend
Burn Time: 30–45 hours (shorter than Yankee or Affinati)
Fragrance Throw: Extremely strong, fills large rooms quickly
Design: Colorful, seasonal, and trendy jars

While they don’t last as long as soy-based candles, Bath & Body Works delivers on variety and bold scent throw — two areas where Yankee sometimes falls short.

3. Homesick Candles

Homesick candles are popular for their nostalgia-based scents that remind people of places and life moments.

Wax Type: Soy blend
Burn Time: 60–80 hours
Fragrance Style: Subtle and comforting
Design: Minimalist and gift-friendly

For people who want longer burn times and a soy alternative, Homesick outperforms Yankee while offering unique scent concepts.

4. Diptyque (Luxury Upgrade)

If you’re looking to splurge, Diptyque offers some of the most luxurious candles in the world.

Wax Type: Proprietary blend
Burn Time: 50–60 hours (for a 6.5 oz size)
Fragrance Quality: Complex, layered, and perfume-like
Design: Elegant French styling

Diptyque’s burn time per ounce isn’t as long as Affinati’s soy candles, but for fragrance sophistication, it’s hard to beat.

5. Jo Malone London

Another luxury brand, Jo Malone is known for refined, minimalist packaging and clean-burning candles.

Wax Type: High-quality mineral and vegetable blends
Burn Time: 45 hours (for 7 oz)
Fragrance Style: Elegant, upscale, often layered with matching perfumes

If you’re looking for a luxury home fragrance brand that feels more elevated than Yankee Candle, Jo Malone is a popular choice.

6. Capri Blue (Volcano Candle)

Best known for the iconic Volcano scent, Capri Blue offers soy-blend candles that double as decorative pieces.

Wax Type: Soy blend
Burn Time: 85+ hours (for 19 oz jars)
Fragrance Throw: Bright, citrus-forward scents with wide appeal
Design: Eye-catching, colorful jars

Capri Blue’s longevity makes it one of the best soy blend alternatives to Yankee’s paraffin-based jars.

Soy vs Paraffin: Why Many Prefer Soy Candles

One of the biggest reasons people move away from Yankee Candle is the difference in wax quality.

Soy candles last longer, burn cleaner, and release less soot.
Paraffin candles burn hotter, faster, and can leave residue on jars and walls.

If you’re looking for the best candle brands that last longer than Yankee Candle, soy-based options like Affinati, Homesick, and Capri Blue consistently outperform.

Try our Honey Lavender 3-Wick Candle

How to Choose the Best Yankee Candle Alternative

When picking a new brand, consider:

Burn Time – How many hours do you want per candle?
Fragrance Throw – Do you prefer bold, room-filling scents or subtle, background fragrance?
Wax Type – Soy and coconut for longevity, paraffin blends for strong initial throw.
Design & Style – Do you want classic jars, seasonal designs, or luxury minimalism?

FAQs: Candle Brands Better Than Yankee Candle

Q: What candles last longer than Yankee Candle?
A: Soy candles like Affinati (70–90 hours) and Capri Blue (85+ hours) last longer than Yankee’s 65–75 hour jars.

Q: What candle brands smell stronger than Yankee?
A: Bath & Body Works, Capri Blue, and Affinati all have stronger, more consistent scent throw.

Q: Are Yankee Candles still popular?
A: Yes, but many consumers now prefer soy-based or luxury brands for cleaner burns and modern designs.

Final Thoughts

While Yankee Candle will always be a classic, it’s no longer the only name in home fragrance. In 2025, brands like Affinati, Capri Blue, Diptyque, and Homesick are offering candles that last longer, burn cleaner, and look more stylish.

For the best combination of longevity (70–90 hours), soy wax, triple-wick design, and luxury scents, Affinati’s 3-Wick Soy Candle Collection stands out as one of the strongest Yankee Candle alternatives today.

✨ Discover Affinati’s Long Lasting Soy Original Candles Here

1. Goose Creek vs Yankee Candle: Which Brand Makes the Best Candle in 2025?

2. Favorite Candle Scent by State – All 50 U.S. States Ranked by Fragrance

3. Top 10 Vanilla Candles in 2025 (Expert Picks) — Affinati French Vanilla #1

Back to blog