10 Best Incense Sticks – Buyer’s Guide
Incense has been used for many years spiritually for meditation, prayer, and ceremonies, but it has also been used with aromatherapy, as a deodorant, and as an insect repellant according to Wikipedia.
People who are religious, participate in aromatherapy, or simply want to make the bugs go away are the ones who buy incense. There are hundreds of different scents. Some are common and others are one of a kind, usually with their own unique names.
Buying the wrong scent could affect the reason you are buying it. If you want to repel bugs then using incense meant for meditation or spiritual purposes will not help, usually.
Contents
Best Smelling Incense Sticks of 2023
| Product | Type | Quantity | Scents | Burn time | Ash catcher | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sensari Hand-Dipped Incense & Burner Gift Set (Editor's Choice) |  | Natural incense sticks set (12 scents) | 120 + 10 | Balsam Fir, Egyptian Goddess, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Frankincense & Myrrh, Herbal, Myrrh, Nag Champa, Patchouli, Potpourri, Sage, Sandalwood, Vanilla. | 30-60 mins | + | Check Price |
| Gonesh Sticks |  | Best smelling synthetic incense sticks | 20, 80, 100, 240, 260 | Herbs and Flowers; Green Mountains; Mystic Forest; Oils and Spices; Orchards and Vines; Earthly Wonders; Spring Mist; Extra Rich Black Cherry; Extra Rich Dreamcicle; Extra Rich Love; Extra Rich Pine; Extra Rich Sandalwood; Coconut | 30-45 mins | Check Price | |
| Bless Frankincense and Myrrh 100% Natural Sticks |  | Natural incense sticks for relaxation | 100 | Frankincense and Myrrh | 20-30 mins | Check Price | |
| WagsMarket Premium Hand Dipped Sticks |  | Best smelling incense sticks | 100 | Bob Marley; Egyptian Musk; Frankincense and Myrrh; Lick Me All Over; Nag Champa; Patchouli; Pink Sugar; Sage; Vanilla; Sandalwood | 45-60 mins | Check Price | |
| Nag Champa Satya Gift Set |  | Indian incense sticks set (12 scents) | 144 | Sunrise; Romance; Fortune; Rain Forest; Celestial; Super Hit; Nag Champa; Jasmine Blossom; Midnight; Sandalwood; Patchouli Forest; Blessings. | 30-45 mins | Check Price | |
| Kanaiya Sandalwood Sticks From India |  | Indian sandalwood incense sticks | 120 | Sandalwood | 40-60 mins | Check Price | |
| Karma Scents Premium Sticks |  | Indian incense sticks set (6 scents) | 180 | Lavender, Sandalwood, Jasmine, Patchouli, Rose, Vanilla | 30 mins | + | Check Price |
| Satya Sai Baba Nag Champa Agarbatti |  | Indian agarbatti | 250 | Nag Champa | 40 mins | Check Price | |
| Chakras Incense 7 Chakras Root To Crown Incense |  | Incense sticks for meditation | 60, 140 | Muladhara (Patchouli, Vetiver); Svadhisthana (Ylang-Ylang, Jasmine); Manipura (Bergamotte, Ginger); Anahata (Sandalwood, Rose); Vishudda (Frankincense, Peppermint); Ajna (Cinnamon, Sage); Sahasrara (Frankincense, Myrrh, Lotus) | 60 mins | + | Check Price |
| Hem Patchouli Sticks |  | Indian patchouli incense sticks | 120, 240 | Patchouli | 40 mins | Check Price |
1. Sensari Hand-Dipped Incense & Burner Gift Set – for Spiritual Practitioners
Whether you like multiple scents, you are looking for different scents, or you know someone who likes incense, you might want to consider this bundle. If you like natural light and dark wood and distinct fragrances, you could think about giving these a try. There is a mixture of different scents, but the majority are used for spiritual purposes.
- 120 sticks (10 sticks per scent)
- 12 Scents: Balsam Fir, Egyptian Goddess, Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Frankincense & Myrrh, Herbal, Myrrh, Nag Champa, Patchouli, Potpourri, Sage, Sandalwood, Vanilla
- 10-inch long sticks
- 10 extra sticks
- Naturally made
This earns a solid pass not only because of the number of different scents but also because they are naturally made. Also, the length of each stick means it will burn for nearly an hour, meaning over 100 hours of burning time and over 2000 hours of the room retaining the scents.
- Naturally made
- Has multiple scents
- Long sticks
- Mostly spiritual scents
- Has a strong smell
2. Gonesh Sticks – The Largest Variety Pack in the World
With scents like Spring Mist, this package really does have unique scents, especially when compared to others on this list. It has some of the most popular scents like lavender and sandalwood which you might like if you want a variety of spiritual, relaxation, and fresh-smelling incense.
- 240 sticks (20 sticks per scent)
- 12 Scents: Lavender, Sandalwood, Jasmine, Spring Mist, Orchard & Vines, Coconut, Herbs & Flowers, Earthly Wonders and more
- 8 inch long sticks
- Synthetic
They are less popular than the others but they are also cheaper and there are multiple buying options.
If you are a person who is not sensitive to synthetically made incense sticks, you should consider trying these out. If you are sensitive to synthetics or you do not want to breathe any possible chemicals in, then you should probably consider another product.
- Comes in variety
- Also available in single, 4, 5, 12, and 13 scent packs
- Synthetic
- Less popular
3. Bless Frankincense and Myrrh 100% Natural Sticks – A Great Bulk Buy
This is possibly one of the best products for those who either like the scent of Frankincense & Myrrh or those who are spiritual and use it for religious purposes. It is cheaper than others out there, made with essential oils, and is one of the most popular products.
- 100 sticks
- 1 Scent: Frankincense & Myrrh
- 8 inch long sticks
- Naturally made
It is a strong yes for this one. Between all of its features and the fact that it is naturally made with a guarantee for freshness, this is a hard-to-beat product. Burning for around 30 minutes long and keeping a room fresh for up to 24 hours is another plus that might make you want to consider trying this out if you know you will like the smell.
- Naturally made
- Cheaper than variety packages and some single scent packages
- Single scent
4. WagsMarket Premium Hand Dipped Sticks – The Longest Burning Incense
Another less popular one, these WagsMarket incense sticks can only be bought in single scents, but they have 8 different scents available. There are mostly spiritual scents, but there are also a few relaxing and fragrance scents as well.
So while they do not have a variety package, they are ideal for those out there who like to buy a scent or more in bulk. What sets these sticks apart from the others is that they are 12 inches long, larger than any others on this list. Because of this, they burn for up to 60 minutes or more and keep the room fragrant for up to about 48 hours.
- 100 sticks
- 1 Scent (available in: Bob Marley, Egyptian Musk, Frankincense & Mrryh, Nag Champa, Patchouli, Pink Sugar, Sandalwood, or Vanilla)
- 12 inch long sticks
- Synthetic
If they were not synthetic and were more popular, they would probably be one of the best products out there. Unfortunately, because they are more expensive, especially considering they are synthetic, they would probably not be the best fit for everyone. For those of you who are sensitive, take caution because they may be too strong for you.
- 12 inch sticks
- 8 different scents available
- Synthetic
- Slightly more expensive
5. Nag Champa Satya Gift Set – for Someone Spiritual Or A New Incense Lover
One of the most popular variety packages on this list, these Nag Champa incense sticks are a great find for new incense users as well as reoccurring customers. This contains over the average number of sticks that are both popular and unique scents like Rain Forest and Midnight. As the name suggests, this would make a well-thought gift set for those who are spiritual.
- 144 sticks
- 12 Scents: Sunrise, Romance, Fortune, Rain Forest, Celestial, Super Hit, Nag Champa, Jasmine Blossom, Midnight, Sandalwood, Patchouli Forest, and Blessings
- 8 inch long sticks
- Naturally made
This earns a big yes. The popularity, the cost, and the fact that it is naturally made are only a few reasons why. These sticks burn slightly longer than others of its length, making it last for up to 45 minutes or more. You should consider using these sticks, especially if you are new to burning incense.
- Contains more than most variety packages
- Cheaper than other products
- Naturally made
- Contains more spiritual scents
6. Kanaiya Sandalwood Sticks From India – One of the Most Exotic
Probably one of the cheapest packages out there, these incense sticks are also less popular than others out there. The reason is that they are made and shipped from India and it is unknown how long the sticks are and if they are made naturally or synthetically. Not only that, but they are also only available in one scent.
- 120 sticks
- 1 Scent: Sandalwood
- Stick length: n/a
- Important from India (unknown if natural or synthetic)
If you are familiar with incense and want to try a different kind, then you might want to try this. It is probably not the best product out there for those who are new to burning incense. True, it is cheaper than most packages, but if you are unfamiliar with the scent or the brand, you may end up regretting getting it.
- Cheaper
- Unknown length and ingredients
- Only available in one scent
7. Karma Scents Premium Sticks – The Most Beautiful Variety Pack
While some of the other products on here come with a burner, this variety pack comes with 6, one for each scent, as well as a beautiful, color-coded holder for each scent. The number of different scents balances out very well with their ideal purpose whether it is meditation, relaxation, or fragrance-inducing.
- 180 sticks
- 6 Scents: Vanilla, Rose, Patchouli, Jasmine, Lavender, and Sandalwood
- 11 inch long sticks
- Naturally made
- Comes with 6 holders
This variety pack is very recommended for first-time incense users, as well as repeat, incense burners. It has the most popular and desired scents, multiple burners, and one of the longest lengths, and it costs a little more than the others. You may also want to consider getting it as a gift for an incense lover that you may know, or maybe for yourself.
- Long sticks
- Naturally made
- Slightly more expensive than average
8. Satya Sai Baba Nag Champa Agarbatti – Best Quality Incense Sticks for Relaxation and Meditation
Joining others that are a little mysterious to us, these Satya Sai Baba Nagchampa incense sticks are made and imported from India. The scent is a combination of a flowery scent as well as oriental spices, making it extremely favored by spiritualists and those who like to burn the incense while they meditate. Some people also love it for its unique and exotic scent alone, but others think it can be too strong.
- 250 sticks
- 1 Scent: Nag Champa
- 8 inch long sticks
- Unknown if natural or synthetic
Even though it is unclear if it is made naturally or synthetically, the popularity and the price are its redeeming qualities that give this incense a recommendation. Though like with other single scent packages, it is recommended that new incense users try similar scents before buying this in case they do not like it.
- Meant for meditation
- Very popular and cheap
- Unknown if naturally or synthetically made
- Only one scent available
9. Chakras Incense 7 Chakras Root To Crown Incense – for Those Who Meditate to Clear Their Chakras
This 7 Chakra incense variety pack is another choice to consider, especially for those who are spiritual. What makes them stand apart from all of the other incense is that each scent is specifically for meditation for each Chakra point.
The Root Chakra stick is a combination of Patchouli and Vetiver. The Sacral Chakra stick is a combination of Ylang Ylang and Jasmine. The Solar Plexus Chakra stick is a combination of Bergamot and Ginger. The Heart Chakra stick is a combination of Sandalwood and Rose. The Throat Chakra stick is a combination of Frankincense and Peppermint. The Third Eye Chakra stick is a combination of Cinnamon and Sage. The Crown Chakra stick is a combination of Frankincense & Myrrh and Lotus.
- 140 sticks
- 7 Scents for Chakra Meditation
- 11 inch long sticks
- Naturally made
If you are a spiritualist and love naturally made incense, then you may want to give these incense sticks a try. They last for 60 or more minutes which is ideal for long periods of meditation. Regardless, if you are simply curious about the unique combination of scents, you may want to test one of these sticks out.
- Meant for Chakra meditation
- Can buy individually as well
- Long sticks
- More expensive
10. Hem Patchouli Sticks – One of the Cheapest Bulks of Patchouli
These Hem incense sticks are pretty average when comparing them to the others. Like some of the others, they are made in India, and they only come in one scent: Patchouli, though it is not an overly-thick scent. What particularly stands out is the fact that they are about half of the price of other incense sticks.
- 120 sticks
- 1 Scent: Patchouli
- Length unknown
- Unknown if made naturally or synthetically
- Made in India for aromatherapy and/or meditation
When considering that not everything about the product is known, particularly if it is naturally or synthetically made, then it is probably not the best choice out there for new incense users. Those who are not sensitive to synthetically made ones may want to give it a try, but those who are should probably keep looking at other products in case this may irritate your nose or lungs.
- Cheap
- Made for mediation and/or aromatherpy
- Only one scent
Buyers Guide
Length of the stick
The length of the stick can determine how long it will burn for as well as how long the scent will linger in the room. Sticks that are around 8 inches long can burn as short as 20 minutes while the longer ones that are around 12 inches can burn for up to an hour long. If you plan to use them for a short time or you are unfamiliar with the scent, you might want to get shorter sticks first since the longer ones usually cost a little more. There are some sticks out there that are only 3 inches long and others that are over 14 inches long.
Amount of sticks in a package
Some packages can have as few as 10 sticks or as many as 300 or more. Buying in bulk is a good option if you know which scents you like because those packages are usually cheaper. If you are trying out a new scent or brand, then you should try a smaller package option in case you end up not liking it.
Number of scents
Some packages are strictly one or two scents which are usually meant for those who want to buy them in bulk. Other packages can have a variety of a dozen or more different scents. These can be great for those who are trying several at once or those who like the convenience of choice when burning.
Purpose
Insense have been used for spiritual and health purposes. They have been burned while people pray, meditate, and relax. People also use them to establish a routine and bring fragrance into a room or home. Each scent has a particular purpose as well.
Certain fragrances work wonders in promoting relaxation, such as Jasmine, Lavender, Pine, Chamomile, Lemongrass, and Vanilla. On the other hand, scents like Sandalwood, Frankincense, Myrrh, Musk, Patchouli, Sage, and Eucalyptus are known to ignite spiritual feelings. And if you’re looking for room fresheners, you can try some popular room scents like Vanilla, Strawberry, Rose, Coconut, Citronella, Cinnamon, Cherry and Potpourri.
Natural vs Synthetic
If you are sensitive to certain perfumes or chemicals, then it is important to check what the incense sticks are made of. Ones that are made naturally are scented with real herbs and plants and are the preferred choice because they are healthier to breathe and smell better. Synthetically made sticks are color dyed to appear prettier, have perfumes that can smell strong and flowery, and also carry chemicals to keep them smelling longer but make it unsafe to breathe.
Those who are sensitive to synthetically made incense sticks can have trouble breathing, or may experience other symptoms similar to that of allergies or even an asthma attack.
Conclusion
Now you not only know what incense is used for but also different types, how many are usually in a package, how long they burn and more. Also, if you are starting aromatherapy or meditation, you have a general idea of which incense sticks would work best compared to others. More and more scents are made every year by both small vendors and large companies so keep your eyes out for any new scents and stock up on the unique ones. The less popular ones tend to not stay on the shelves or online for very long.
Note: burning incense can lead to certain health risks. Read here for more information.
