Incense has been used for centuries in various cultures for spiritual, medicinal, and aromatic purposes.
The two main types of incense are sticks and cones.
These fragrant products fill rooms with pleasant scents and can create a relaxing atmosphere.
Many people use incense as part of their meditation or yoga practice, while others simply enjoy the aroma in their homes.
Incense sticks are thin, cylindrical sticks coated with aromatic materials.
When you light them, they release fragrant smoke as they burn slowly.
Cones are small, cone-shaped pieces of incense that burn from the top down.
Both types come in a wide range of scents, from floral and fruity to woody and earthy.
When choosing incense, it’s important to consider the quality of ingredients.
Some cheaper incense may contain synthetic fragrances or harmful chemicals.
We recommend looking for natural, high-quality incense made from plant-based materials.
The burning time and strength of scent are also factors to think about when making a purchase.
We tested dozens of incense sticks and cones to find the best options for creating a pleasant atmosphere at home.
Best Incense Sticks and Cones
We’ve put together a great list of top incense sticks and cones for you to choose from.
These products offer amazing scents to freshen up your home or create a relaxing atmosphere.
Check out our picks below to find the perfect incense for your needs.
TRUMIRI Nag Champa Incense Set
We think this incense set is a great buy for anyone looking to create a calm and fragrant space at home.
Pros
- Variety of sticks and cones
- Comes with burners
- Natural ingredients
Cons
- Strong scent may be too much for some
- Cones burn faster than sticks
- Packaging could be better
We tried out this TRUMIRI incense set and were very happy with it.
The pack comes with both sticks and cones, which is nice for mixing things up.
We liked having options for different moods and times of day.
The Nag Champa scent is really nice.
It’s sweet and woody, perfect for making a room feel cozy.
We burned a stick while relaxing in the evening and it helped us unwind.
The smell isn’t too strong, but it does fill up the space nicely.
One thing we really liked was that everything you need is in the box.
You get holders for both the sticks and cones, so you can start using them right away.
The burners look good too – simple but cute.
We put ours on a shelf and it fits in well with our other stuff.
The incense is made in India using old methods, which we think is pretty cool.
It’s nice to know it’s all natural and not full of fake smells.
We felt good about using it in our home.
We did notice the cones burn faster than the sticks.
This isn’t bad, just something to keep in mind.
If you want a quick burst of scent, use a cone.
For longer-lasting fragrance, go for a stick.
The only real downside we found was the packaging.
The sticks and cones come in paper packs that don’t seal.
It would be better if they had a way to close them to keep the scent fresh.
YU&CH Incense Set
We think this incense set is a great choice for anyone looking to create a relaxing atmosphere at home.
Pros
- Long-lasting scents
- Includes incense sticks and cones
- Comes with a chakra bracelet
Cons
- Some scents may smell burnt
- Cones take time to start the waterfall effect
- Scent strength varies
We tried out this YU&CH incense set and were really impressed.
The box comes packed with 180 incense cones and 60 incense sticks in six different scents.
We loved the variety – it let us pick the perfect scent for our mood.
When we lit the cones, we noticed it took a little while for the waterfall effect to start.
But once it did, it was really cool to watch.
The smoke flowed down like water, creating a calm vibe in our room.
The cones burned for about 15 minutes each, which was nice for a quick relaxation break.
We also tried out the incense sticks.
They were easy to use with the included holder.
The set even came with a fireproof mat, which made us feel safer using it.
As a bonus, we got a chakra bracelet.
We put some essential oil on the lava stone beads, and the scent lasted for ages.
It was a nice touch to an already great set.
HEM Assorted Incense Cones
We think these HEM incense cones are a great buy for anyone wanting to fill their home with a variety of natural scents.
Pros
- Wide range of fragrances
- Long-lasting aroma
- Natural ingredients
Cons
- Some scents may be too strong
- Not all fragrances appeal to everyone
- Ash can be messy
We’ve been using these HEM incense cones for a while now, and we’re big fans.
The set comes with 12 different scents, giving us plenty of options to match our mood or the season.
We love how each cone fills the room with fragrance for a good amount of time.
The natural ingredients make a big difference.
We noticed the scents seem more pure and less artificial than some other brands we’ve tried.
Our favorites so far are the White Sage and Frankincense, but it’s fun to try them all.
One thing to keep in mind is that these cones can produce quite a bit of smoke.
We found it’s best to use them in a well-ventilated area.
Also, not every scent was a hit with everyone in our household.
But with so many options, we all found ones we liked.
Raajsee Natural Incense Variety Pack
We think this incense set is a great buy for anyone looking for natural, long-lasting scents.
Pros
- 12 different natural scents
- Long burn time of 45 minutes
- Made with organic ingredients
Cons
- Some scents may be too strong
- Sticks can burn quickly in drafty areas
- Not all fragrances appeal to everyone
We tried out the Raajsee incense sticks and were really happy with the variety of scents.
The pack comes with 12 different fragrances, so there’s something for every mood.
We loved the Nag Champa and Sandalwood scents the most.
The sticks are about 8 inches long and burn for about 45 minutes.
This is great for longer meditation or yoga sessions.
We noticed the scent lasted in our room even after the stick was done burning.
One thing we really liked was that these incense sticks are made with natural ingredients.
There’s no chemical smell, which can give some people headaches.
The scents are strong enough to fill a room without being too much.
Just be careful in small spaces – a little goes a long way!
KARMAPLEDGE Orange Blossom Incense Sticks
We think these hand-dipped incense sticks are a great buy for anyone looking to fill their home with a lovely orange blossom scent.
Pros
- Natural ingredients
- Long burn time
- Lovely orange blossom fragrance
Cons
- Scent may be too light for large spaces
- Some users found the smell unpleasant
- Not cedar-scented as some expected
We tried out these KARMAPLEDGE incense sticks and were really happy with them.
The orange blossom smell is nice and fresh without being too strong.
We lit one stick in our living room and it filled the space with a nice aroma.
Each stick burns for about 45-60 minutes, which is pretty long.
We liked that we could enjoy the scent for a while without having to light new sticks all the time.
The sticks are made from natural stuff like resins and wood powder, so we felt good about using them in our home.
We found these incense sticks great for making our home smell nice after cooking.
They also helped us relax during yoga.
But keep in mind, some people might not like the smell.
It’s best to try one stick first to see if you like it.
Also, make sure to open a window when you use them to let some fresh air in.
Aneco Backflow Incense Cones
We think these incense cones are a great buy for anyone looking to try different scents without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Lots of cones for the price
- Nice mix of scents
- Comes with storage bag
Cons
- Scents may be hard to tell apart
- Smoke can stain surfaces
- Not ideal for windy areas
We just tried out these Aneco backflow incense cones and were pretty happy with them.
The pack comes with 180 cones in 10 different scents, which is a ton for the price.
We liked having so many options to choose from.
The cones burn for about 5 minutes each.
They worked well in our backflow burner, creating a cool smoke effect.
We noticed the smoke can leave marks, so it’s smart to put something under the burner.
One thing we weren’t crazy about was that all the scents come mixed together in the bag.
It was tricky to figure out which cone was which smell.
But for the price, we can’t complain too much.
We just picked random ones to try.
These cones are great for relaxing at home.
We burned them in our living room and bedroom.
They helped create a nice, calm mood.
Just make sure to use them in spots without much wind, or the smoke won’t flow right.
Buying Guide
When shopping for incense, we want to help you find the perfect sticks or cones.
Here are some key things to look for:
Scent
The aroma is the most important factor.
Pick scents you enjoy and that suit your mood or purpose.
Some popular options:
- Floral (jasmine, rose)
- Woodsy (sandalwood, cedar)
- Spicy (cinnamon, patchouli)
- Fruity (apple, citrus)
Try sample packs to discover new favorites.
Burn Time
Longer-burning incense lasts 30-60 minutes.
Shorter sticks burn for 15-30 minutes.
Choose based on how long you want the scent to linger.
Natural vs Synthetic
Natural incense uses plant-based ingredients.
Synthetic versions have artificial fragrances.
Natural tends to smell more authentic but costs more.
Smoke Level
Some incense produces more smoke than others.
Low-smoke options are good for small spaces or if you’re sensitive to smoke.
Holder Compatibility
Make sure the incense fits your burner.
Sticks and cones need different types of holders.
Package Size
Incense comes in various quantities.
Larger packs offer better value.
But, try a small amount first to test a new scent.
We recommend reading reviews and asking for samples when possible.
Trust your nose and pick scents that bring you joy!
