# Incense sticks, cones or resin: which to buy?

> Sticks, cones and resin incense differ in form: try sweet frankincense sticks, sweet frankincense cones or amber, myrrh or guggal resin in a 50 g tub.

- Published by Holistic Tree: 2026-10-23; last reviewed 2026-10-23
- URL: https://holistictree.co.uk/guides/incense-sticks-vs-cones-vs-resin

## Key points

- Choose sweet frankincense incense sticks for altars and rituals. Each pack of 5 measures 24.2 x 3 x 2.8 cm.
- Try sweet frankincense incense cones, a plant based pack of 5 for altars and full moon rituals if you love resin.
- Choose the resin incense tub for a smoky fragrance that fills the room, burned on a lit charcoal disc.
- Over £60 we pay the first £6 of delivery on most orders, so one ordinary parcel travels free.

## How did we choose these picks?

We hand-picked every gift in this guide from the range we stock. Each one was chosen for who it suits and what it does, so you can match the incense to the person and the space.

We also aimed for a mix of kinds and budgets, so you can compare sticks, cones and resin side by side. Whether you are new to incense or already keep an altar, there is a choice here for you.

Want to see more? Browse everything in our [Incense](/incense) range, or try [Meditation & Yoga](/meditation-and-yoga).

## What's the difference?

Incense sticks and incense cones are both plant based, sold as a pack of 5, and scented with sweet frankincense. Each stick pack measures 24.2 x 3 x 2.8 cm, so you know the size before you buy.

Resin incense works differently. You get a 50 g tub of amber, myrrh or guggal resin, which you burn on a lit charcoal disc in an incense holder. It gives a smoky fragrance that fills the room. Hold the charcoal with tongs, and add the resin when the charcoal goes grey at the edges.

## How do incense sticks, cones and resin compare?

Sticks and cones are both plant based packs of five in sweet frankincense, while resin is a 50 g tub burned on a lit charcoal disc. Each one is a traditional way to scent an altar or ritual space, so pick the form that suits your set-up.

### [Sweet Frankincense Incense Sticks Pack of 5](/products/plant-based-incense-sticks-sweet-frankincense-pack-of-5) (£6.99)

These plant based sweet frankincense incense sticks come as a pack of 5, so there are plenty to work with. Each pack measures 24.2 x 3 x 2.8 cm, a slim, familiar shape that sits neatly on an altar or beside a candle. Sweet frankincense has a long place in altar and ritual traditions, which makes it a thoughtful choice for anyone who keeps a sacred space. The sticks suit altar keepers and witchy friends who like a simple, classic scent close to hand. Pop one in a holder and let the scent fill the room. If you're new to incense, this is an easy way to find out what you enjoy, one stick at a time.

*Best for: Anyone building an altar.*

### [Sweet Frankincense Incense Cones, Pack of 5](/products/plant-based-incense-cones-sweet-frankincense-pack-of-5) (£6.99)

An easy win for full moon nights, these plant based sweet frankincense cones come as a pack of 5, so you have several to work with. They're made for altars and full moon rituals, so they suit witchy friends who like to mark the moon with a little ceremony. Meditation fans and incense collectors will enjoy trying a new form of a scent many people already know. For anyone who loves resin incense, the cones offer a plant based option in a sweet frankincense scent, a different way to enjoy a fragrance they already like. Light a cone and let the sweet frankincense scent fill the room, one ritual at a time. The pack gives you five chances to explore a classic altar fragrance. Sweet frankincense has a long place in altar and ritual traditions, so it makes a thoughtful choice for anyone who keeps a sacred space.

*Best for: Moon lovers and meditators.*

### [Resin Incense for Charcoal Discs 50g Tub](/products/amber-myrrh-guggal-resin-50g) (from £4.49)

Ideal for anyone who loves resin incense, this 50 g tub holds amber, myrrh or guggal, so you can choose the scent you like best. The tub measures 6.5 x 6 cm, and you burn the resin on a lit charcoal disc in an incense holder. Add the resin when the charcoal goes grey at the edges. It gives a smoky fragrance that fills the room, which makes it a lovely pick for altar keepers and witchy friends who enjoy a richer way to scent a space. Hold the charcoal with tongs, and keep sand in the holder, which helps absorb heat. Keep it away from food, as it's not for eating. The tub's weight is approximate, around 45 to 50 g, so the amount may vary slightly. A good gift for a practice that loves tradition and atmosphere.

*Best for: Resin lovers and tradition fans.*

- [Sweet Frankincense Incense Sticks Pack of 5](https://holistictree.co.uk/products/plant-based-incense-sticks-sweet-frankincense-pack-of-5): £6.99
- [Sweet Frankincense Incense Cones, Pack of 5](https://holistictree.co.uk/products/plant-based-incense-cones-sweet-frankincense-pack-of-5): £6.99
- [Resin Incense for Charcoal Discs 50g Tub](https://holistictree.co.uk/products/amber-myrrh-guggal-resin-50g): From £4.49

## Side by side: the facts

| | [Sweet Frankincense Incense Sticks Pack of 5](/products/plant-based-incense-sticks-sweet-frankincense-pack-of-5) (£6.99) | [Sweet Frankincense Incense Cones, Pack of 5](/products/plant-based-incense-cones-sweet-frankincense-pack-of-5) (£6.99) | [Resin Incense for Charcoal Discs 50g Tub](/products/amber-myrrh-guggal-resin-50g) (from £4.49) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scent | Sweet frankincense | Sweet frankincense | – |
| Size | 24.2 x 3 x 2.8 cm | – | Tub: 6.5 x 6 cm |
| Best for | Anyone building an altar | Moon lovers and meditators | Resin lovers and tradition fans |
| Delivery | Standard dispatch | Standard dispatch | Standard dispatch |

## Which should you buy? Our pick

Our pick is the Sweet Frankincense Incense Sticks Pack of 5. They are plant based, come in a pack of 5, and have a sweet frankincense scent. Each pack measures 24.2 x 3 x 2.8 cm, and they are sold for altars and rituals, which makes them a good fit for most people building a practice.

- Choose the Sweet Frankincense Incense Sticks Pack of 5 if you want plant based sticks for your altar, in a pack of 5.
- Choose the Sweet Frankincense Incense Cones, Pack of 5 if you want plant based cones for altars and full moon rituals.
- Choose the Resin Incense for Charcoal Discs 50g Tub if you want a smoky fragrance that fills the room, in amber, myrrh or guggal.

## How does delivery work?

Every order travels by tracked UK delivery, to your door or straight to theirs if it's a gift. Delivery is the sum of your parcels, from £3.95 each (some items travel free), and free over £60 on most orders: we pay the first £6. Each product page shows the expected delivery dates before you pay. See [delivery](/delivery) for the details.

## Ready to choose?

Choose sticks, cones or resin by the feel you want: sweet frankincense sticks and cones suit altar keepers and witchy friends, while resin suits incense lovers who enjoy a smoky fragrance. Pick your favourite above and add it to your basket: every product page shows its size, price and delivery dates.
More ideas: [Incense for beginners: sticks, cones, resin and holders](/guides/incense-for-beginners) · [Frankincense Meaning](/guides/frankincense-meaning) · [Backflow incense burners: how they work and which to choose](/guides/backflow-incense-burners).

## Questions

### What is the difference between incense sticks and incense cones?

Both are plant based incense sold in packs of 5, so the difference is mainly the shape you prefer. Our Sweet Frankincense Incense Sticks Pack of 5 measure 24.2 x 3 x 2.8 cm per pack, and our Sweet Frankincense Incense Cones, Pack of 5 suit altars and full moon rituals.

### What is resin incense and how do you burn it?

Resin incense is a solid gum, here sold in a 50 g tub of amber, myrrh or guggal resin. It is burned on a lit charcoal disc, which gives a smoky fragrance that fills the room. Our Resin Incense for Charcoal Discs 50g Tub is made for this burn.

### Which incense is a good first choice for a beginner?

Incense sticks are a simple place to start for most beginners. Our Sweet Frankincense Incense Sticks Pack of 5 are plant based, come in a pack of 5, and are made for altars and rituals. They suit incense collectors and witchy friends too.

### Are incense sticks and cones plant based?

Yes, both our Sweet Frankincense Incense Sticks Pack of 5 and our Sweet Frankincense Incense Cones, Pack of 5 are plant based incense. Each is sold as a pack of 5, so you can build up a small set. The cones suit meditation fans, and the sticks suit ritual fans and altar keepers.

### Is delivery free on incense orders in the UK?

Free UK delivery over £60 on most orders: we pay the first £6 of delivery. Every product page shows the expected delivery dates before you pay.