“Better” depends on your goals as a maker.
Wood wicks for candles are often chosen for their aesthetic appeal in clear glass jars, relaxing crackle, and broader melt pool in properly wicked containers. They create a sensory experience that many customers associate with premium candles.
Cotton wicks remain reliable across many applications, especially in pillars or specific wax blends. However, if your brand emphasizes ambiance and modern design, a wooden wick may align more closely with your product vision.
As with all candle wicks, performance depends on proper testing. Wax type (including soy and paraffin waxes), fragrance load, container diameter, and wick size all influence the final result.