The Best Reading Lights

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Ben Murray
Published on
August 19th, 2019

Expert BioExpert Bio

Ben’s formal training and certifications in cleaning include the ASD (Advanced Structural Drying), AMRT (Applied Microbial Remediation Technician),
WRT (Water restoration technician), CCT (Carpet Cleaning technician), and bio hazard cleanup, as well as several other certifications from the IICRC. Ben has managed teams involved in cleaning projects around the United States. Ben’s passion for cleaning dates all the way back to keeping his rugby gear tidy while a young lad. Ben holds an undergraduate degree from Oxford, a Master’s degree from Oxford, and a mountain of hands on experience at the school of hard knocks.

The Cleaning Institute

If you are an avid bedtime reader, having the perfect lighting is a must. There are a lot of things that must be considered before you can choose the perfect fit for your needs, including finding the right size and placement to the adequate wattage and hue. We know how easily that seemingly simple task can become overwhelming. Our 35 years of experience in product reviews can easily help you weed out the good from the not so good options available. We tested countless different styles and brands of reading lights in the following categories until we had found the top picks for your convenience. First there is the Led Clip Reading Light, which has a cordless rechargeable feature and eye protection and was among the highest quality tested. We also liked the LuminoLite, which was not as bright as out top pick, but it had some nice features just the same. Lastly, our favorite energy saver was the Newhouse Lighting Clamp Lamp, for obvious reasons.

Testing Categories

Brightness

A key component to the right lamp is the amount of light it provides. However, in a reading light, the effects have to be just right in order to provide adequate lighting for reading in order to not overpower the rest of the room. Our contenders were tested in both complete darkness, as well as daylight and brightness, and away from other lighting sources.

Eye Safety

As science learns about this topic more and more each year, different types of light can affect the eyes differently and put more or less strain on them, depending on the potency of the light used. The light that looks the brightest isn’t always the best on your eyesight. Pure white and blue hues are easiest on the eyes when reading, as they emit a crisp, clean glow that covers the whole page evenly.

Size/Weight

Reading lights are different from other types of lighting because you want them to be as portable as possible without them being too small. You also don’t want them to be too heavy, since they will need to cling onto a headboard, desk, chair, or similar items.

Clamp Grip

The clamp is another important element, as what good is a reading light that keeps falling out of place? For this test, we took into account the full width of the clamp mouth, as well as slippage and how well it could withstand movement.

Ease of Adjustment

Once the clamp is firmly in place, no one wants to go through the trouble of refastening it to achieve that perfect lighting angle. That is where an adjustable head comes in handy. Contenders got high marks for extra flexible heads that could bend and twist with ease. We found that even if most of the lamps tested could bend easily, they would fall back out of place. Of course, they lost points for this.

Charge/Efficiency

Wires are a thing of the past when it comes to any type of home decor, including lighting. We loved the lamps that offered a plug free design, however, it was sort of a bummer if the charge didn’t last long and the light ended up going out in the middle of the chapter.

Top Pick

Led Clipe
Reading
Light

This modern lighting option offers an easy one touch access to three different levels of lighting. Powered by a rechargeable USB outlet, it is well suited for use at home or on the road.

Price Check

Most notable upside: USB interface for simple recharging wherever you are. Adjustable lighting levels for any time of day or night. Sturdy anti-slip design and 360 rotation, so you can find the ideal angles. Can last up to 24 hours on one charge. Soft LED light is easy on the eyes, so you can keep reading without the strain.

Biggest downsides: Light is a little too big for clipping to a book. On/Off controls are very sensitive, leading to accidental lighting adjustments. Clip is difficult to open and can sometimes come unhooked. Battery loses life span over time.

Honorable Mention

LuminoLite B076SVC7SN Rechargeable
3000K Warm 6 LED Book,Easy Clip Lights Bed

Warm and inviting lighting really set this lamp apart. With a dependable, rechargeable battery that lasts up to 60 hours, it is petite enough for children and adult readers alike.

Price Check

Most notable upside: You can charge with any standard micro-USB cable. Lightweight and easily portable for private reading on the go. Very long lasting charge can keep you reading for days. Bendy and adjustable, perfect for focusing light right where you need it.

Biggest downsides: On switch can come on, accidentally wasting the battery life. Even the lowest light setting can be a little too bright. Light can start to flicker after an extended period of time.

Green Pick

Newhouse Lighting
3W Energy-Efficient
LED Clamp Lamp Light

Brighten up any area of your home with this colorful, high quality lamp light. This powerful, compact light is energy efficient, perfect for students or use for bedtime reading.

Price Check

Most notable upside: Very durable and well-built, so it’s good for kids. Light is very powerful and can be adjusted to fit your needs. Very sturdy neck stays in place when you adjust it.

Biggest downsides: After extended use, bulb can start to lose contact and not function properly. LED bulbs cannot be replaced. Can only hold on two smaller objects.

All Our Picks

Tips for Effective Reading Lights

The correct type of lighting needed depends highly on where you prefer to read, or whatever your intended purpose is. The type of reading lights you would place on a desk would be quite different from the type you would use when trying not to disturb a partner while reading in bed.

When choosing a reading lamp, you also want to think about the type of lighting you would like to use. If you read primarily at night, a softer type of lighting, with a white or bluish hue, is a must. On the other hand, if you need it just for extra light during the daytime, the lighting hue can be just about any color, and it would have a less negative effect on your eyes.

Next, look for the clamping capabilities. If you intend to clamp a light directly onto a book, choosing a light with a smaller clip would work just fine. However, if you need to attach a lamp to a desk or table, you must look for one that can expand to your needed thickness.

A Note About Safety and Storage

Always pay close attention to how the lighting affects your eyes. If you feel any sort of strain, you may want to think about switching to a lower setting or a different type of lighting for your personal eyesight needs.

When storing reading lights, ensure that they are turned off to save battery power. If they use a cord, make sure that it is wrapped and secured in a way that will not damage the wiring. As always, ensure that any electric components are stored away from water and moisture, and that if traveling, the light is protected from high amounts of turbulence.

The Best Reading Lights

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Ben Murray

The Cleaning Institute

Testing Categories

Led Clipe
Reading
Light

LuminoLite B076SVC7SN Rechargeable
3000K Warm 6 LED Book,Easy Clip Lights Bed

Newhouse Lighting
3W Energy-Efficient
LED Clamp Lamp Light

All Our Picks

Led Clipe
Reading
Light

LuminoLite B076SVC7SN Rechargeable
3000K Warm 6 LED Book,Easy Clip Lights Bed

Newhouse Lighting
3W Energy-Efficient
LED Clamp Lamp Light

Tips for Effective Reading Lights

A Note About Safety and Storage

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The Best Reading Lights

Your guide to this review today is by Cleaning expert Ben Murray

The Cleaning Institute

Testing Categories

Led ClipeReading Light

LuminoLite B076SVC7SN Rechargeable 3000K Warm 6 LED Book,Easy Clip Lights Bed

Newhouse Lighting3W Energy-Efficient LED Clamp Lamp Light

All Our Picks

Led ClipeReading Light

LuminoLite B076SVC7SN Rechargeable 3000K Warm 6 LED Book,Easy Clip Lights Bed

Newhouse Lighting3W Energy-Efficient LED Clamp Lamp Light

Tips for Effective Reading Lights

A Note About Safety and Storage

Quick Links

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Led Clipe
Reading
Light

LuminoLite B076SVC7SN Rechargeable
3000K Warm 6 LED Book,Easy Clip Lights Bed

Newhouse Lighting
3W Energy-Efficient
LED Clamp Lamp Light

Led Clipe
Reading
Light

LuminoLite B076SVC7SN Rechargeable
3000K Warm 6 LED Book,Easy Clip Lights Bed

Newhouse Lighting
3W Energy-Efficient
LED Clamp Lamp Light