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For voracious bookworms and avid bedtime readers, a reliable book light is a handy tool. These gadgets make reading in low light easy and comfortable. Whether it’s used for cozying up in a reading nook or reading in bed without disturbing others, a book light is the perfect partner for a great read.
The best book light is simple to use and can be attached to a headboard or clipped onto a book. Read on for important shopping considerations for choosing one of the best book light options available.
- BEST OVERALL: GearLight NiteOwl Rechargeable Book Light
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Energizer Clip-On Book Light
- UPGRADE PICK: Vekkia Bookmark Book Light
- BEST DUAL LIGHT: Vekkia 12 LED Rechargeable Book Light
- BEST NECK READING LIGHT: Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light
- BEST FOR BEDTIME READERS: Vekkia Amber Rechargeable Eye-Care Book Light
- BEST FOR TRAVEL: Dewenwils USB Rechargeable Book Light
- BEST FOR KIDS: Vekkia Cute Rechargeable 7 LED Eye-Care Book Light
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Book Light
It’s easy to assume that all book lights offer similar performance, but a number of factors affect their functionality. Read on to learn about several of the most important features—including brightness, color temperature, battery life, and more—to consider when choosing the best reading light for nighttime reading.
Light and Brightness
The color of the light and the available brightness levels are two important factors to consider when shopping for the best book light. Light’s color temperature is measured in kelvins (K). Cooler-toned lights (6000K) can feel harsh but can make type easier to see. Warmer lights (2500K) are easier on the eyes and better for nighttime readers. A popular option for late-night readers is amber light (1600K), which has less impact on circadian rhythms. On some book lights, the reader can adjust the light’s color and dimness settings to create the most comfortable reading environment for their particular situation.
Battery Life
A battery-powered book light should hold its charge well and be quick to recharge. Some models use disposable batteries, but others include built-in power banks and can be recharged using a USB cable. Rechargeable book lights tend to be more convenient because users don’t need to keep a supply of batteries on hand. A good-quality light for reading will have a battery life of at least 20 hours so it doesn’t need to be recharged regularly. If opting for a rechargeable book light, consider too the length of time it takes to recharge. Ideally, it should only take about an hour to reach a full charge.
Style and Portability
Book lights come in a variety of styles. Most book lights have a flexible neck and can be adjusted easily, allowing readers to reposition the light as needed. The more lightweight a book light is, the more versatile it will need to be. A lightweight design will comfortably clip to both hardcover or paperback books. Some book lights are designed to be as compact as possible, folding down to a small size to be thrown in a purse, pocket, or suitcase for traveling. Neck book lights go around the user’s neck rather than attaching to the book.
Versatility
Another factor to keep in mind when shopping for a book light is versatility. Standard book lights are designed to simply clamp onto the pages of a book, so they’re not particularly versatile. Some models have larger clamps that can attach to other objects, adding to their versatility. Neck book lights offer the most versatility because they go around the user’s neck, and can therefore be used to illuminate just about anything. They project light only a short distance, so although they may not be ideal for camping or other outdoor activities, they’re handy for crafting and other fine-detail work.
Our Top Picks
Book lights come in a variety of designs, from clip-on lights to neck reading lights. What’s nice about book lights is that they can also be used to illuminate other activities such as crafting, knitting, home repair, and more. A reliable book light is a trusty sidekick for bookworms, crafters, and other hobbyists.
Best Overall
GearLight NiteOwl Rechargeable Book Light
The NiteOwl book light from GearLight packs a variety of features into an affordable product. It features three light modes: gentle white, natural daylight, and soft amber. The white and natural light options are best for daytime and for concentrating on tasks. The soft amber mode is ideal for reading before bed, reducing eye strain and promoting better sleep as it eliminates up to 99 percent of blue light. The LED light bulb is flicker-free and provides consistent lighting.
The light beam is wide enough to light up an area for reading but narrow enough to not disturb others nearby. It’s also easy to adjust the light’s 7-inch, 360-degree bendable neck. This two-pack includes two individually packaged book lights for an affordable price. Each light is rechargeable and lightweight, and each charge lasts up to 30 hours. With a weight of just 2.5 ounces and a padded clip, the light can clip onto any book or device.
Product Specs
- Battery life: 30 hours
- Number of light modes: 3
- Power source: Rechargeable battery
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Powered by a rechargeable battery
- Multiple color temperatures are available
- Comes in a 2-pack
Cons
- Design is not versatile
Get the GearLight book light on Amazon.
Best Bang For The Buck
Energizer Reading Light Book Clip On
This clip-on light from Energizer is a simple, battery-powered book light. The light runs for up to 25 hours on two CR2032 batteries, which are included. It has an oversize spring clip that easily attaches to books, e-readers, laptops, and more. Although its design is simple, this light has a flexible neck to allow for adjustments. The drawback, however, is that the neck only moves up and down and does not allow for 360-degree adjustments.
The Energizer book light has a warm, bright white LED light that shines in a narrow beam and won’t disturb others nearby. Be aware, however, that this light is on the brighter side and has a 4-meter beam distance. The flexible neck and spring clip features give this book light versatility for an affordable price.
Product Specs
- Battery life: 25 hours
- Number of light modes: 1
- Power source: Replaceable batteries
Pros
- Affordable price
- Oversize spring clip
- Long beam distance
Cons
- Lacks 360-degree flexibility
Get the Energizer book light on Amazon.
Upgrade Pick
Vekkia Bookmark Book Light
This ultraportable book light from Vekkia has a cool, unique design. When not being used as a book light, it’s thin enough to use as a bookmark—just detach the removable clip and adjust the flexible neck flat. The flexible neck can be bent closer or farther from the page, but it does not rotate 360 degrees.
This book light has adjustable brightness and light-color features. With the click of a button, the user can switch between brightness levels as well as three light modes: warm white light, cool white light, and mixed. The adjustable light feature offers flexibility on top of the unique design.
Another nice thing about the Vekkia book light’s design is that it eliminates the scramble for misplaced charging cables: The middle tab of the neck is a built-in USB charging cable. Each charge offers up to 20 hours of light. What’s more, this book light is super-lightweight, weighing in at just 1.5 ounces.
Product Specs
- Battery life: 20 hours
- Number of light modes: 3
- Power source: Rechargeable battery
Pros
- Doubles as a bookmark
- Features built-in USB charging cable
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Lacks 360-degree flexibility
Get the Vekkia bookmark book light on Amazon.
Best Dual Light
Vekkia 12 LED Rechargeable Book Light
This adjustable dual-head book light offers maximum coverage that illuminates larger pages. Each adjustable arm offers 360-degree flexibility to point in any direction. The bendable arms and dual-head design offer a wider light beam than most single-head book lights. The Vekkia 12 LED is perfect for those who read oversize books and magazines, and it’s also a good pick for musicians or hobbyists who need a larger field of light.
Each light contains 12 LED bulbs, which produce a brighter light and a wider beam. Each head also features an adjustable brightness setting, allowing the reader to choose either the soft-light mode or the bright-light mode. The lights also have a diffuser optical lens to keep the bright lights from feeling too harsh. This book light is rechargeable and a charge lasts up to 20 hours. The clip-on design can attach to desks, headboards, books, and more.
Product Specs
- Battery life: 20 hours
- Number of light modes: 2
- Power source: Rechargeable battery
Pros
- Features 360-degree flexibility
- Dual-headed design offers maximum coverage
- Long battery life
- Customizable lighting settings
Cons
- Lacks cool light setting
Get the Vekkia rechargeable book light on Amazon.
Best Neck Reading Light
Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light
For readers who prefer a hands-free option, this neck reading light from Glocusent is a terrific pick. This neck light features an ergonomic design and two bendable arms that wrap around the back of the neck and can be adjusted to the perfect angle. The lights have a narrow beam to focus on the task at hand without disturbing others. The hands-free design and concentrated beam make this an ideal light for reading, knitting, repairs, and more.
Each light head has an independent switch that allows the user to adjust its light color and brightness level. This neck book light offers three color temperatures (yellow, warm white, and cool white) and three brightness levels. The Glocusent neck reading light is rechargeable and will produce 6 hours of light at its highest setting and up to 80 hours of light on the lowest, single-head setting.
Product Specs
- Battery life: 6 to 80 hours
- Number of light modes: 3
- Power source: Rechargeable battery
Pros
- Hands-free design
- Adjustable for optimal comfort
- Each light features an independent switch
Cons
- Short battery life on the highest setting
Get the Glocusent book light on Amazon.
Best for Bedtime Readers
Vekkia Amber Rechargeable Eye-Care Book Light
Blue-light book lights aren’t the best idea for bedtime readers; blue light can disturb sleep patterns and contribute to eyestrain. This amber book light from Vekkia is an ideal pick for reading in bed because its warm white light is 99.9 percent free of blue-spectrum light.
This warm amber light is also less disruptive to sleeping partners. Instead of flicking through a menu of light settings to find the amber shade you want, this book light shines only a soft, orange hue.
The 360-degree flexible neck and three brightness levels allow readers to customize the lighting as they wish. The brightness levels range from a low glow to the full brightness setting, which lights up two full pages. This book light is rechargeable, with each charge providing up to an impressive 70 hours of use. It features a sturdy clip and weighs just 2.15 ounces.
Product Specs
- Battery life: 70 hours
- Number of light modes: 1
- Power source: Rechargeable battery
Pros
- Free of blue-spectrum light
- Ultra-long battery life
- 360-degree flexible neck
Cons
- Lacks brighter light setting
Get the Vekkia amber book light on Amazon or Vekkia.
[product-card-7]This handy book light looks more like a large USB stick than a standard book light. It’s only 3.7 inches long and 1.5 inches wide and weighs just 1.3 ounces. It has a built-in charger and detaches from its clip to charge. It’s super-easy to keep charged, which is a good thing because you’ll only get about 8 hours of use before the charge needs to be topped up. To charge it, plug the USB end directly into a USB outlet, phone charger, or power bank.
Despite the small size, this book light offers plenty of flexibility. Although it does not have a bendable neck, this book light can rotate 350 degrees around the clip. The LED head can also adjust to a 90-degree or 180-degree rotation as well as a 45-degree downward angle to illuminate the page. This book light offers two light settings. The light is a warm, white light that is glare-free to reduce eyestrain.
Product Specs
- Battery life: 8 hours
- Number of light modes: 2
- Power source: Rechargeable battery
Pros
- Includes built-in charger
- Features adjustable neck
- Comes in multiple colors
Cons
- Short battery life
Get the Dewenwils book light on Amazon.[product-card-7]
[product-card-8]Using a book light is a great way for kids to wind down before bedtime. This model from Vekkia is designed specifically to appeal to children, with a fun printed design that comes in four colors. The light is easy to use and can be turned on with the push of a button. Older children can also control both the color temperature and brightness level in order to create a customized level of light.
It uses a rechargeable battery that lasts 7 hours at the highest setting and 40 hours at the lowest setting. Because it’s small and lightweight at just 1.8 ounces, it won’t be too heavy for soft-cover children’s picture books.
Product Specs
- Battery Life: 7 to 40 hours
- Number of light modes: 3
- Power source: Rechargeable battery
Pros
- Available in multiple colors
- Ultra-lightweight
- Both brightness and color temperature are adjustable
- 360-degree flexible neck
Cons
- Short battery life on the highest setting
Get the Vekkia cute book light on Amazon.[product-card-8]
Our Verdict
After reviewing this guide, you now know more about shopping for the best book light. We recommend the GearLight book light because it includes all the necessary features and comes in a two-pack. Those on a budget may appreciate the Energizer book light, which offers similar performance at a lower price point.
How We Chose the Best Book Lights
Years of experience covering home products and electronics as well as extensive product research went into creating this guide. We explored more than 30 book light options and weighed a number of practical considerations before making our recommendations.
We prioritized models with multiple lighting settings that allow readers to customize both the brightness of the LED bulbs and their color temperature. We aimed to primarily include models that are compact and lightweight, making them suitable for travel as well as everyday home use. Book lights are generally available at an affordable price, but we also kept overall value in mind when making our recommendations.
FAQs
Although you now know more about choosing the best book light for your needs, you might still be looking for more information about how to use it. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about book lights and book light safety.
Q: Are book lights good for your eyes?
It was long believed that reading in dim light could cause permanent damage to people’s eyes, but this myth has been debunked. Using a reading light, however, prevents eyestrain and short-term effects such as headaches.
Q: How bright should a book light be?
The best reading lights should have brightness levels of between 3000 lumens and 6000 lumens to offer the best performance.
Q: Is yellow light better than white?
When it comes to using a book light before bed, it’s best to use a warm, amber-toned light to prevent your brain from being stimulated by bright, blue-toned light.