Introduction: The Importance of a Good Reading Light
Reading before bed is a great way to relax, but finding the right balance of light can be tricky. You want to illuminate the text without disturbing your sleeping partner, kids, or roommates. Warm, soft light is ideal for creating a cozy reading environment and helping you feel drowsy. Special reading lights are the perfect solution, offering a variety of shapes and sizes to suit your needs. After testing numerous options, we’ve curated a list of the best reading lights for 2024.
Best Reading Light: Vekkia 14 LED Book Light
Vekkia’s rechargeable reading light is our top pick for its versatility. This clip-on light features an adjustable gooseneck and two swiveling light bars with seven LEDs each. The large, padded clamp can open up to 2.1 inches, making it suitable for hardcover books. It also doubles as a stable base for nightstand use. With five brightness levels and three warm color options, this light minimizes blue light exposure. The battery lasts up to 80 hours on the lowest setting, and it charges via USB-C.
Pros:
- Adjustable gooseneck and swiveling light bars
- Long battery life
- Multiple brightness and color options
Cons:
- Bulky for paperbacks
Runner-Up: Dewenwils Book Reading Light
The Dewenwils Book Reading Light is compact, affordable, and highly portable. It folds flat and weighs just 1.38 ounces, making it ideal for travel. The clip design easily attaches to any book, and the light offers two colors (warm white and amber) with two brightness levels. It charges via a USB-A jack, eliminating the need for a cable. However, the battery life is shorter, lasting around eight hours.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable
- Affordable
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Short battery life
- Struggles with large hardcovers
Best Wearable Reading Light: Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light
For a hands-free reading experience, the Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light is a fantastic choice. This wearable light wraps around your neck and offers three color temperatures (yellow, warm white, and cool white) with six brightness settings. It’s lightweight, adjustable, and provides up to 80 hours of battery life on lower settings.
Pros:
- Hands-free design
- Multiple color and brightness options
- Long battery life
Cons:
- May feel awkward for some users
Best Headlamp for Kids: Black Diamond Wiz Headlamp
The Black Diamond Wiz Headlamp is a fun and functional option for kids. It features adjustable straps, three brightness settings, and an IPX4 rating for splash resistance. The light automatically turns off after two hours, making it perfect for bedtime reading. It runs on two AAA batteries (included) and offers up to 50 hours of battery life on the lowest setting.
Pros:
- Kid-friendly design
- Auto-off feature
- Durable and splash-resistant
Cons:
- Requires AAA batteries
- Higher price point
Best Reading Lamp: Philips Hue Twilight Lamp
For those who prefer a bedside lamp, the Philips Hue Twilight Lamp is a top choice. This dimmable lamp features a downward-cast cone for focused reading light and a back panel for mood lighting. It supports automation, allowing you to customize brightness, color, and temperature. However, it requires a Philips Hue hub and additional lights for full functionality, making it a pricey option.
Pros:
- Customizable brightness and color
- Automation features
- High-quality build
Cons:
- Expensive
- Requires additional Hue products
A Backlit Ebook Reader: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021, 11th Generation)
If you prefer digital reading, the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is an excellent alternative to traditional reading lights. Its backlit E Ink screen adjusts brightness automatically, making it perfect for nighttime reading. The Signature Edition offers 32 GB of storage, wireless charging, and up to 10 weeks of battery life.
Pros:
- Auto-adjusting brightness
- Long battery life
- Water-resistant design
Cons:
- Requires purchasing ebooks
- Higher upfront cost
Honorable and Dishonorable Mentions
We tested several other reading lights, some of which stood out for their quality, while others fell short. Here’s a quick overview:
- Gritin 16 LED Reading Light: A solid choice with a clamp design and multiple brightness levels, but less versatile than our top pick.
- Philips Hue Go Smart Portable Table Lamp: A portable option with automation features, but less customizable than the Twilight Lamp.
- Energizer Reading Light: A simple, affordable option, but lacks brightness controls and uses disposable batteries.