Best Matches of 2026

Bonnie Salem Avatar
Bonnie Salem
Last Updated: Jan 23, 2026

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Matches are an essential household item that can be used for a variety of purposes. They are commonly used to light candles, stoves, and fireplaces, making them an important tool for maintaining a comfortable and functional home. Matches come in a variety of sizes and styles, including wooden, paper, and safety matches. They are also available in waterproof and windproof varieties, making them ideal for outdoor activities such as camping and hiking. Matches are a simple but essential product that every household should have on hand.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Diamond Greenlight Strike Matches, 300 Count Cover #TOP 1
Diamond Greenlight Strike Matches, 300 Count
ftb score rating icon 9.8
BIC Diamond Greenlight Strike Matches Cover #TOP 2
BIC Diamond Greenlight Strike Matches
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Stansport Waterproof Matches 4-Pack Cover #TOP 3
Stansport Waterproof Matches 4-Pack
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Matches

#TOP 1

Diamond Greenlight Strike Matches, 300 Count

Diamond
533-377-861
White
300 Count
Diamond Greenlight Strike Matches, 300 Count Cover
Diamond Greenlight Strike on Box Matches, 300 Count, 3 Pack

Diamond Strike Matches are ideal for anyone who enjoys lighting fires, whether at home or outdoors. Each box comes with 300 sturdy wooden matches that are designed to be struck on the box for easy lighting. Their extra thickness ensures a longer burn time, making them perfect for various uses, from lighting candles to starting a barbecue. Additionally, these matches are made from sustainably sourced aspen wood, supporting responsibly managed forests. You can feel good about using them, knowing they are packaged with recycled materials, combining convenience with environmental responsibility.

What We Like
Durable wood stick
Easy to ignite
Long length for safety
Reliable for emergencies
Quick shipping
What We Don't Like
Can be hard to extinguish
Slightly pricey
#TOP 2

BIC Diamond Greenlight Strike Matches

BIC
4546
1.75 Inch
BIC Diamond Greenlight Strike Matches Cover
Diamond Greenlight Strike on Box Matches - 32 count

The BIC Strike-On-Box Matches are designed for convenience and safety. Each match is 1.75 inches long, making them easy to handle and use. With 10 boxes containing 32 matches each, you get a total of 320 matches, ensuring you have plenty on hand for various needs. These matches are a strike-on-box type, meaning they won't ignite on their own, adding an extra layer of safety for you and your family. Proudly made in the USA, these matches are perfect for lighting candles, starting fireplaces, or any other task where a reliable flame is essential.

What We Like
Consistent ignition
Reasonable price
Long-lasting supply
High quality wood
What We Don't Like
Occasional striker wear
Some matches break

Stansport Waterproof Matches 4-Pack

350-4
Multi
One Size
Stansport Waterproof Matches 4-Pack Cover
Stansport Waterproof Matches - 4 Pack

The Stansport Waterproof Matches are designed to help you start fires even when conditions are damp or wet. Each box contains about 40 matches, giving you plenty of chances to light a fire when you need it. The matches use a special mix of safe chemicals that ignite reliably, even in wet weather, making them ideal for camping or emergency kits. Plus, the striking surface on the box has a moisture-resistant coating, so you can easily light a match without struggling with a soggy striking area. These compact matches, measuring 1.75 inches long, are a handy tool for anyone who spends time outdoors.

What We Like
Reliable ignition when wet
Works well in damp environments
Easy to light
Slower burn time
Compact size
What We Don't Like
Not strike-anywhere matches
Initial impressions only

Extra Heavy Duty Long Safety Matches

M-6150
Pack of 3
Extra Heavy Duty Long Safety Matches Cover
11-Inch Extra Long Wooden Safety Matches (3 Pack) - Ideal for Lighting Fireplace, Candles, Grills & Camping Firepits - Strike on Box - Heavy Duty Long Matches for Fireplace - 150 Count

The Extra Heavy Duty Long Safety Matches from FryOilSaver Co. are 11" long and strike-on-box matches that are eco-friendly. These matches are perfect for camping, backpacking, campfires, grills, furnaces, stoves and fireworks. The value pack contains 3 boxes of 50 matches each (total of 150 matches).

What We Like
Long reach for easy lighting
Reliable ignition
Heavy duty quality
Multi-purpose use
Attractive display
What We Don't Like
Occasional wind sensitivity
Somewhat expensive
#TOP 5

D.D. Bean & Sons 50 Plain White Matches Matchbooks for Wedding Birthday Wholesale Made in America

BHBUSAZIN026996
1 Pack
1 Pack
D.D. Bean & Sons 50 Plain White Matches Matchbooks for Wedding Birthday Wholesale Made in America Cover
D.D. Bean & Sons 50 Plain White Matches Matchbooks for Wedding Birthday Wholesale Made in America

D.D. Bean & Sons 50 Matches is a wholesale bulk lot of 50 matchbooks, each containing 20 matches, for a total of 1000 large matches. These matches are made in America, ensuring quality and supporting local manufacturing. The matchbooks are perfect for weddings, birthdays, or any occasion where you need a large number of matches. With 1000 matches, you won't have to worry about running out anytime soon. The plain white design is versatile and can match any decor or theme. Whether you need matches for lighting candles, starting a fire, or any other purpose, D.D. Bean & Sons 50 Matches has got you covered.

What We Like
Excellent value for price
Customizable plain white design
Reliable ignition performance
Perfect for labeling or stickers
Large quantity per purchase
What We Don't Like
Strike strip wears quickly
Less wind resistance outdoors

Diamond Long Reach Matches

S3924
Diamond Long Reach Matches Cover
LIJA Diamond Long Reach Matches, 2 Pack (150 Count), Wood, Extra Thick Splint for Longer Burning

Diamond Matches are multi-purpose long reach matches that are perfect for various uses. Made in the USA, these matches come in a pack of 2 boxes, each containing 75 matches, giving you a total of 150 matches. The extra thick splint ensures longer burning, allowing you to easily light candles, campfires, or any other fire-related needs. These matches are designed with a longer reach, making it convenient to light hard-to-reach places such as deep candles or barbecues. With Diamond Matches, you can enjoy a reliable and long-lasting flame for all your household or outdoor activities.

What We Like
Long, sturdy design
Lights candles and fire logs easily
Reliable strike-on-box feature
Strong and break-resistant
Great for hard-to-reach wicks
What We Don't Like
Occasional breakage when striking
Sometimes doesn't light immediately
#TOP 7

Thankful Greetings Long Wood Safety Matches

4" - 100 Matches
Thankful Greetings Long Wood Safety Matches Cover
4" Brown Stick Black Tip Espresso Matches (100 Count, + Striking Stickers) | Decorative Unique & Fun for Your Home, Gifts, Accessories & Events | Premium Long Wood Safety Matches by Thankful Greetings

The Thankful Greetings Long Wood Safety Matches are a unique and functional decorative item that come in a pack of 100. Measuring 4 inches long, these matches are perfect for accessorizing any chic or modern decor in your home, office or at events. They come with a large bumble striker sticker and 2 small bumble striker stickers. These matches are high quality and slow burning, making them perfect for lighting candles, festive craft projects and as a unique gift. The Thankful Greetings Long Wood Safety Matches come in different colors and sizes, and are shipped directly from the manufacturer for fast delivery.

What We Like
High quality construction
Strikes easily and reliably
Sturdy wood, rarely breaks
Long length, safe lighting
Stylish appearance
What We Don't Like
Occasional breakage if handled roughly
Not as reliable as standard matches
#TOP 8

Diamond Strike on Box Matches, 32 Count (Pack of 10)

Diamond
28127986
Black
Original version
Diamond Strike on Box Matches, 32 Count (Pack of 10) Cover
Greenlight Diamond Strike on Box Matches, 32 Count (Pack of 10)

Diamond Matches are a reliable and convenient way to light candles, stoves, grills, fireplaces, campfires, and more. With 320 matches in total (32 count per box and 10 boxes per pack), you won't run out of matches quickly. These matches are made with a strong, sturdy splint that ensures they won't break easily. They also burn clean with minimal smoke, making them ideal for indoor and outdoor use. Whether you're camping or having a cozy night in, Diamond Matches are a must-have for any household.

What We Like
Good strike anywhere matches
Convenient pocket size
Reliable, don’t break easily
Reasonable price for quantity
What We Don't Like
Small match size
Occasional hard lighting
#TOP 9

MEIRUBY USB Rechargeable Electric Arc Lighter

MEIRUBY M-13
Champagne Gold
MEIRUBY USB Rechargeable Electric Arc Lighter Cover
MEIRUBY Electric Candle Lighter, Christmas Stocking Stuffers Gifts for Women Mom Men Wife Sister, USB Arc Rechargeable Windproof Long Lighter for Candle BBQ Housewarming Birthday Gifts Idals

The MEIRUBY Electric Arc Lighter is a handy tool designed to work well in any weather, thanks to its windproof and splashproof build. This means you can light candles or grills easily without worrying about the wind or rain. It’s an eco-friendly choice, replacing up to 300 traditional lighters, saving you money and reducing waste. The lighter is rechargeable via USB and holds enough power for about 600 uses on a single charge, showing you the battery level in real-time so you’re never caught off guard. Its slim design makes it comfortable and elegant to handle for everyday use.

What We Like
Rechargeable and long-lasting charge
Safe around kids and wax
Easy to use and store
No smoke or soot
Effective for candles and fire starters
What We Don't Like
Charging issues for some units
Requires specific charging cable
#TOP 10

100 Plain White Matches Matchbooks

Meg-9137
White
Standard
100 Plain White Matches Matchbooks Cover
100 Plain White Matches Matchbooks for Wedding Birthday Wholesale Made in America

MegaDeal Matchbooks are a practical and versatile choice for any occasion. With 100 matchbooks in total, each containing 20 matches, you'll have a total of 2000 matches at your disposal. The matchbooks feature red tip matches, ensuring a reliable and quick ignition. The plain white exterior of the matchbooks provides a sleek and elegant look, while the tannish-gray interior adds a touch of sophistication. Manufactured by D.D. Bean & Sons Co., these matchbooks are proudly made in the U.S.A. Whether you're hosting a wedding, birthday party, or any other event, MegaDeal Matchbooks are the perfect accessory to have on hand. With their ample supply of matches, you'll never have to worry about running out during your celebration.

What We Like
Reliable ignition performance
Easy customization
Good value for bulk
Consistent quality
Ideal for events and gifting
What We Don't Like
Color mismatch in product photo
Buying Guide Image

A Guide to Choosing the Right Matches

Introduction

Choosing the right matches for your needs can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be hard to know where to start. In this article, we will provide some useful tips and considerations to help you make an informed decision when choosing matches for your home or outdoor adventures.

Types of matches

One of the first things to consider when choosing matches is the type of match you need. There are several different types of matches available, each with its own specific use and advantages.

  • Wooden matches are the most common type of match. They are made from splints of wood and are typically used for lighting candles, fireplaces, and grills.

  • Strike-anywhere matches are a type of wooden match that can be lit on any rough surface, making them a convenient option for lighting fires in the wilderness.

  • Waterproof matches are specially treated to be able to light even when wet, making them a useful option for outdoor activities such as camping or hiking.

  • Windproof matches are designed to stay lit even in strong winds, making them a good choice for outdoor activities in windy conditions.

Considerations for choosing matches

When choosing matches, there are a few key factors to consider to ensure you get the right type for your needs.

  • Purpose: Consider what you will be using the matches for, as this will determine the type of match you need. For example, if you need matches for lighting candles, a standard wooden match will suffice. But if you need matches for lighting a campfire in the rain, waterproof matches would be a better option.

  • Quantity: Consider how many matches you will need, as this will determine the size of the matchbox or container you need. If you only need a few matches for lighting candles at home, a small matchbox will suffice. But if you need a large number of matches for a camping trip, a larger container or waterproof match container would be a better option.

  • Size and portability: Consider the size and portability of the matches and their container. If you need matches for outdoor activities, a compact and portable container would be a good choice. But if you need matches for home use, a larger container may be more convenient.

  • Safety: Consider the safety features of the matches and their container. Look for child-resistant containers and safety tips on the matches to prevent accidental fires.

Conclusion

Choosing the right matches for your needs can be a challenging task, but with the right information and considerations, you can make an informed decision. Consider the type of match you need, the quantity, size and portability, and safety features to ensure you choose the best matches for your specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can eating matches kill you?

Unintentionally swallowing a few match tips is not dangerous but would be expected to cause some minor irritation to the mouth and stomach. Swallowing a large number of matches can cause serious effects including damage to red blood cells and organs such as the kidneys and liver.

2. Who invented matches?

Samuel Jones from London copied his idea and marketed his matches as "Lucifer's"! In 1826, John Walker, a chemist in Stockton on Tees, discovered through lucky accident that a stick coated with chemicals burst into flame when scraped across his hearth at home. He went on to invent the first friction match.

3. How do you spell matches?

Correct spelling for the English word "matches" is [mˈat͡ʃɪz], [mˈat‍ʃɪz], [m_ˈa_tʃ_ɪ_z] (IPA phonetic alphabet).

4. What are matches used for?

A match is a tool for starting a fire. Typically, matches are made of small wooden sticks or stiff paper. One end is coated with a material that can be ignited by frictional heat generated by striking the match against a suitable surface.

5. What does matchstick mean?

1 : a slender piece especially of wood from which a match is made. 2 : something resembling a matchstick especially in slenderness cut a carrot into matchsticks.

Editor's Notes

During our match research, we found 24 match products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 161,892 customer reviews through our big data system to write the matches list. We found that most customers choose matches with an average price of $6.03.

The matches are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of matches, including Diamond, BIC, Stansport, THE FRYOILSAVER COMPANY, D.D. Bean & Sons. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 329 consumers with an average rating of 2.3.

Written by
Bonnie Salem Avatar

Bonnie Salem is a stay-at-home mother with two-year-old twins and has spent almost half of her life surrounded by baby products. As a mother and a professional copywriter, she has an insightful and unique eye for researching products suitable for infants. Bonnie Salem is an expert in health and nutrition who lives with her family in New Jersey. She has over 15 years of working experience in an institute of medicine after graduating from the University of Toronto. She is highly interested in personal health and wellness.

Matches Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Diamond BIC Stansport THE FRYOILSAVER COMPANY D.D. Bean & Sons LIJA Thankful Greetings Diamond MEIRUBY MegaDeal
Item Weight 8 ounces 3.17 ounces - 0.24 Ounces 1 pounds 1 pounds - 0.353 ounces 0.06 Kilograms 8 ounces
Material Wood Wood - Wood - Wood - - Aluminum -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
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