8 Best Reading Lights & Lamps

Nobody wants to click on a bedside reading lamp that shoots white, bright WAKE-UP-NOW light in your eyes. Mornings are already hard enough! So, what are the best reading lights?

Ideally, you will need a gentle, soothing light that’s still bright enough that you can easily read without straining your eyes, yet buttery and warm enough to let you relax.

Maybe you are not a reader of books, even still, the best reading lights are for more than book readers! They are the perfect amount of glow for crafty crochet projects, journaling, practicing music, or even diving into crossword puzzles.

There are lots of options to consider for reading lights and our criteria for the best ones includes:

• Adjustability
• Gentle Lighting
• Ease of Use
• Low-Profile

We’ve compiled a selection of the 11 best lights and lamps to minimize eye strain so you can focus on reading (or crafting!) Some of these are portable while others can be placed on a flat surface without taking up too much space. A few offer dimmable or adjustable light temperature and one even comes with a timer so it cuts off automatically after 60 minutes. (Perfect for those who sometimes forget to cut off lights or fall asleep reading.)

Whether you need a reading light for when you are on the go or a reading lamp in your favorite reading nook, one of these lights will shine the way for you!

1. Hooga Clip-on Reading Light

The Hooga Clip-on Reading Light is a lightweight, portable, and travel friendly reading light. It produces a gentle, amber hue light that is perfect for reading.

A lot of reviewers love the amber light. It helps them read better in the dark and they found the amber light to be better for reading compared to white light.

A few people mentioned that the battery life is pretty bad. There are also a few who commented that the button on the device is too loud when pressed.

The light’s material is plastic. It is battery operated and it utilizes LED as a primary light source.

If you’re looking for a simple reading light that is good for traveling, then this is the one for you!

View Hooga Clip-on Reading Light on Amazon

2. Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light

The Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light is a reading light that you fix to your neck. It has three light settings, yellow, warm white, and cool white.

A lot of reviewers love the neck light. It’s easy to use and it doesn’t strain your eyes.

A few reviewers mentioned that the reading light is a bit difficult to charge. A lot of them complained that the neck light isn’t compatible with USB-C type chargers.

The light’s dimensions are 10 x 7.4 x 1.1 inches. It weighs 4.6 ounces. The materials used is Abs and rubber.

If you’re looking for a neck light used for reading, then this neck light is the best for you!

View Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light on Amazon

3. Tenergy Desk Lamp

The Tenergy Desk Lamp is a high quality desk lamp that is perfect for reading. It utilizes a touch control and shut off button that automatically shuts off the desk lamp so that you can conserve energy.

Many reviewers really love the lamp. It’s versatile, sleek, and it provides a satisfying light for reading.

Some reviewers mentioned that the lamp’s life didn’t last very long. From an hour to a year, they complained that the lamp broke easily.

The lamp’s dimensions are 17.48 x 7.17 x 2.99 inches. It weighs 3.04 pounds. The material used is plastic with a glossy finish.

If you’re looking for an affordable desk lamp, then this lamp is the best option for you!

View Tenergy Desk Lamp on Amazon

4. Vekkia Rechargeable Clip-On Book Light

The Vekkia Rechargeable Clip-On Book Light provides a comfortable reading experience that isn’t heavy on the eyes. It is easy to use and it doesn’t require any batteries.

A lot of reviewers absolutely adore the light. It provides a bright light that is perfect for reading, some reviewers even used it as a bedside lamp.

A few reviewers complained that the battery life is too short. Readers who binge for hours mentioned that the battery life is pretty inadequate.

The light’s dimensions are 5.5 x 1.8 x 4.7 inches. It weighs 3 ounces. The material used is plastic with a painted finish.

If you’re looking for a rechargeable book light, then this is the best product for you!

View Vekkia Rechargeable Clip-On Book Light on Amazon

5. Flowlamp Clip-On Reading Light

The Flowlamp Clip-On Reading Light is a rechargeable reading light with a 360 flexible neck that allows you to bend and twist to your desired position. It has five brightness modes to suit your different usage.

A lot of reviewers commend the brightness of the lamp. The different settings make it possible to use the lamp in different kinds of ways, not just for reading.

A few reviewers complained that the lamp didn’t last very long. Some reviewers manage to use the lamp for a couple of weeks and some of them used the lamp for a couple of months.

The lamps dimensions are 6.02 x 3.9 x 2.05 inches. The weight is 9.1 ounces. The materials are plastic and metal.

If you’re looking for a multi-purpose clip-on light, then this is the best choice for you!

View Flowlamp Clip-On Reading Light on Amazon

6. TaoTronics LED Desk Lamp

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The TaoTronics LED Desk Lamp is a wonderful desk lamp that is gentle on the eyes. You can choose from five different color modes and seven different brightness settings.

Many reviewers really love the desk lamp. It’s affordable, easy to use, and is unique, because of the different types of settings.

A few reviewers complained that the LED bulb in the lamp is irreplaceable. They complained that if the bulb burns out you’ll have to replace the entire lamp and not just the bulb.

The lamp’s dimensions are 12.99 x 7.09 x 15.75 inches. It weighs 0.32 ounces. The material used is metal with a painted finish.

If you’re looking for a desk lamp that has different types of settings to fit your mood, then this lamp is just perfect for you!

View TaoTronics LED Desk Lamp on Amazon

7. JUKSTG Desk Lamp

The JUKSTG Desk Lamp is an eye-friendly desk lamp with a sensitive touch control and memory function, perfect for reading. You can choose from five lighting modes and ten brightness settings.

A lot of reviewers said that this lamp is the best lamp they bought! The different types of settings makes it unique it perfect for home or work.

There are a few reviewers who complained about the life of the desk lamp. It didn’t last very long for some of them and there are others who didn’t manage to use the lamp at all.

The lamp’s dimensions are 5.9 x 5.9 x 16.92 inches. It weighs 1.14 pounds. The materials used are ABS + PC+ Aluminium alloy metal with a painted finish.

If you’re looking for a multi-purpose desk lamp for your home, then this lamp is the best option for you!

View JUKSTG Desk Lamp on Amazon

8. LEDGLE Rechargeable Neck Book Light

The LEDGLE Rechargeable Neck Book Light is an adjustable book light with flexible joints so you can adjust the light to your liking. The neck book light has three different brightness settings.

Many reviewers love the quality and the battery life of the lamp. Whether you’re reading or doing some crafts such as knitting, this lamp will provide the light that you need.

A few reviewers complained that the lamp wouldn’t work unless plugged in. For the majority of the reviewers the lamp works perfectly fine, but for these folks, the lamp doesn’t work without being plugged in.

The light’s dimensions are 10.24 x 5.5 x 1.38 inches. The weight is 4.7 ounces. The material used is plastic with a painted finish.

If you’re looking for a practical neck light, then this neck light is the best option for you!

View LEDGLE Rechargeable Neck Book Light on Amazon

Top Features of the Best Reading Lights

Buying a reading light or lamp is not a huge investment, but you want to make sure you get the most bang for your buck! Here’s a short guide covering important features to keep in mind as you choose your source of reading illumination.

Plug-In Reading Lamp or Portable Reading Light?

There are many different reading lamps and lights to consider. The first thing to know is whether or not you want a portable light (like a clip-on reading lamp) or a standing bedside reading lamp. 

Portable Book Lights: Often battery operated, small, lightweight, and portable. These are perfect for travel or even nighttime reading, especially if you have a partner who goes to bed earlier than you! Booklights often clip onto your book or a nearby surface. Some modern designs loop around the neck. 

Stand Alone Reading Lamp: There are a wide variety of reading lamps that may be fitting for your bedside, reading nook, or desk (for more unique desk lamps, check out our post here). Often these can be plugged into a wall outlet and feature adjustable necks with a stable base. Since these have a consistent power source, they may also have other features like a USB port or charging base.

If you prefer a floor lamp, check this list of creative floor lamp ideas!

Reading Light – Color & Brightness

First of all, natural light is the best. However, in the evening or when you need light to shine on a specific task to help you get it done, having the correct lighting can make all the difference.

• Yellow Light: Warm, friendly, and a great solution for reading or relaxing. It is the best solution for when you are reading before bed. (2700 – 3000 K)
• White Light: Generally bright, intense, and helps you focus. Many times this type of lighting is installed in the kitchen and office to keep you alert. (3000 – 5000)
• Blue Light: Cold and potentially harmful blue light often comes from screens. Exposure to blue light decreases melatonin and may delay sleep for up to 3 hours. It is crucial to avoid or limit blue light before bed.  (5000+)

Dimmable, Smart, or Adjustable Lighting

Having the ability to adjust the brightness of your light means you can use your lamp at different times of the day. This is especially important if you don’t have a lot of natural sunlight. 

Positioning (Focused Lighting)

Reading lights and lamps are designed to shine light where you are directing your attention. This is one of the most important factors when selecting a reading light because it is one of the best ways to minimize eye strain.

Power Source for Reading Lights

Often portable lamps are battery-powered or rechargeable. Make sure to get information about how long the battery life is or if the lamp is easily and quickly rechargeable. That may mean you have a USB cable for charging or a rechargeable battery.

Corded reading lamps are perfect for setting up in your home. They often have a low profile and can fit into small spaces or be set up inconspicuously. Just make sure you have a plug nearby! 

Bulb Types

• Incandescent: Classic household bulbs. Affordable, energy INefficient, but super affordable.
• Halogen: Long life, very bright yet warm lighting.
• CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lighting): Produces a cold white light. 
• LED: Many reading lamps now use LED lighting because it is affordable and energy-efficient. LED bulbs are long-lasting and often feature dimmable options at very little added cost.

FAQ’s