We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›
Whether you’re at a commercial or residential construction site or simply need more illumination in your home garage or workshop, the right LED work light can play an important part in creating a safe and efficient environment. LED lights are an especially solid choice for professional and DIY projects since they’re 90 percent more efficient than traditional light bulbs. These long-lasting and energy-efficient lighting devices are available in several styles and offer a variety of features well suited to various tasks.
This guide pinpoints the most important considerations you’ll want to weigh when choosing one of these tools for the type of work you do and where you do it. It also includes results and ratings from our hands-on tests as well as insights we gained after using the following eight options in our garage and backyard workshop. Based on our tests measuring ease of use, light quality, portability, durability, and value, we chose the DeWalt Tool Connect 20V MAX LED Cordless Work Light as our top pick. It provides powerful output in a durable and compact package. We stand behind the other products we highlighted, too, so read on for detailed reviews of the best LED work lights to choose the right one for your next project.
- BEST OVERALL: DeWalt Tool Connect 20V MAX LED Cordless Work Light
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Cat CT1000 Pocket COB LED Work Light
↓ Jump to Review - BEST CORDED: PowerSmith 4000 Lumen LED Work Light
↓ Jump to Review - BEST CORDLESS: Bosch 12V MAX LED Professional Cordless Work Light
↓ Jump to Review - BEST TRIPOD: DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Tripod Work Light
↓ Jump to Review - BEST DUAL POWER: Ryobi 18V One+ Hybrid LED Work Light
↓ Jump to Review - BEST HEADLIGHT: Black Diamond Storm 400 Headlamp
↓ Jump to Review - MOST FEATURES: Ryobi Hybrid Tri-Power Tripod Light
↓ Jump to Review
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 8 |
| Time spent testing | 28.25 hours |
| Tests performed | 6 |
| Price range | $10 to $250 |
Our Top Picks
When shopping for LED work lights for a professional jobsite or home-based project, you’ll want lighting that will be safe, powerful, and efficient. Check out our top picks and see how they performed in our tests before choosing the best LED work light for your needs.
Best Overall
DeWalt Tool Connect 20V MAX LED Cordless Work Light
What We Like
- IP54 rating; dust- and water-resistant
- 5,000 lumens and 3 brightness settings
- Tool Connect app offers remote operation
- Roll cage keeps body safe, doubles as handle
What We Don’t Like
- Inability to direct light output
- Battery-only operation
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Light Quality 4.8/5; Portability 4.5/5; Durability 4.8/5; Value 4.8/5
Product Specs
- Type: Portable
- Power source: Rechargeable battery (sold separately)
- Lumens: 5,000
With its 5,000 lumens of natural white light, this portable, all-purpose, battery-powered work light from DeWalt is powerful enough to illuminate a job site or large workshop. In our tests, it ran on high for nearly 3 hours with a 20-volt (20V) battery, and DeWalt says users will get up to 11 hours on low—which should still provide more than enough light for most uses. While its IP54 rating doesn’t offer the highest level of protection of the LEDs we tested, this unit’s sturdy square shape and protective roll cage (whose grips can double as handles) helped it excel in our durability tests.
Though the light’s onboard on/off and brightness buttons are very easy to use, we actually liked pairing it with the Tool Connect app to set a schedule and see the unit’s remaining battery power. We also really liked the hook that extends from the base of the unit, which allowed us to use it as a hanging work light. While many lights offer features for this purpose, this one is especially nice because it’s made of metal rather than plastic. Since the light is so bright, being able to reliably position it up high or down low is almost mandatory in small spaces.
Still, there are a couple of things we’d change about this LED work light. The fact that you can’t reposition the light’s output means its 5,000 lumens may simply be too bright for up-close, chest-height use. It would also be nice if the unit included a 120-volt AC plug rather than relying only on the battery.
What our tester says: “This light is so bright that I wasn’t sure I liked it at first—it was just too much for the workspace in my 2-car garage. Once I hooked it to an undershelf basket, though, that changed. Elevating the light above eye level made it much easier on my eyes and extended its ample illumination area even more. “—Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the DeWalt Tool Connect LED work light at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Best Bang for the Buck
Cat CT1000 Pocket COB LED Work Light
What We Like
- Impressive light quality for only 175 lumens
- Barely bigger than a marker; highly portable
- Magnetic base allows it to hang from metal
What We Don’t Like
- Rear clip is plastic
- Output is narrow and doesn’t illuminate periphery
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Light Quality 4.5/5; Portability 5/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4.7/5
Product Specs
- Type: Portable
- Power source: 3 AAA batteries (included)
- Lumens: 175
After testing the most powerful light in our lineup, we moved straight into using the least powerful one: the Cat pocket light. We expected the massive difference in output to render this little LED light virtually useless. Instead, we found that it is remarkably effective, albeit for completely different tasks than the larger light. Rather than expecting this 6-inch light to illuminate our entire work area, we discovered it is ideal for more targeted uses. Its 175 lumens are more than enough to help search through tool chest drawers and scan hard-to-reach corners, for example.
As we tested it, we actually started to love this small and lightweight magnetic work light. We connected its base to a metal basket while we dug through a bin for gloves, and we liked clipping it to our front coat pockets to serve as a sort of chest-height headlamp. Within minutes, we were considering buying one for each car and another to clip to our dog’s leash.
So long as your intended use matches the relatively narrow, low-lumen output of this light, you’re likely to be satisfied with this light. Just remember that it isn’t an entire-shop light, and Cat doesn’t list any sort of IP rating, though it survived our drop tests and light sprays of water just fine.
Get the Cat LED work light at Amazon or Walmart.
Best Corded
PowerSmith 4000 Lumen LED Work Light
What We Like
- IP65 rating is highest of all products tested
- Can run constantly with AC power
- Small and lightweight but massive light output
What We Don’t Like
- Cord is only 5 feet long
- Brightness isn’t adjustable
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Light Quality 4.5/5; Portability 4.5/5; Durability 4.8/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Stand
- Power source: AC outlet
- Lumens: 4,000
This corded 4,000-lumen light from PowerSmith is simple, straightforward, and reliable. It doesn’t boast a bunch of fancy features and only operates with a single setting—but if you’ve been burned by lights in the past and just want to get your money’s worth, then this LED stand light is for you. At just 7.25 inches tall by 6 inches wide by 5 inches deep, this relatively little light packs quite a bit of punch without taking up much space. Better yet, its IP65 rating ensures you can use it both outdoors and in.
This portable, weatherproof LED work light features a predominantly metal body, a sealed on/off switch, a stable rubber-capped stand, and a slightly recessed impact-resistant glass lens. It tilts forward at a 30-degree angle and rotates backward an impressive 180 degrees. It also comes with an easy-to-attach extra-large metal hook so that you can hang it for task-focused work.
While it’s small and only weighs 2 pounds, its portability is slightly limited by its 5-foot cord. Even on our workbench, we were surprised how quickly we had to reach for an extension cord to accommodate our tests. Still, the fact that this is corded means it offers virtually unlimited runtime, which only adds to its reliability and value.
Get the PowerSmith LED work light at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, Northern Tool + Equipment, or Blain’s Farm & Fleet.
Best Cordless
Bosch 12V MAX LED Professional Cordless Work Light
What We Like
- Small and lightweight for great portability
- Easy to use thanks to stand, magnet, hanging options
- Pivoting light screen increases usability even more
What We Don’t Like
- Too small for large work areas
- No IP rating listed
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Light Quality 4.3/5; Portability 5/5; Durability 4.3/5; Value 4.7/5
Product Specs
- Type: Stand
- Power source: Rechargeable battery (sold separately)
- Lumens: 330
At just 11 ounces, this lightweight, cordless LED from Bosch provides more light than you might expect given its 330-lumen output. Like other small, low-lumen lights we tested, we found this didn’t impact usefulness as much as it simply changed what we used the light for. We found this compact unit and its 10 high-intensity lights ideal for illuminating small and awkward spaces.
Since this light has so many usability features—an adjustable stand with an inline carabiner-style clip, two powerful integrated magnets, a metal nail hook, and a ¼-inch tripod screw thread—it ended up being one of our favorites during testing, so much so that we took it to our shed and hung it from a shovel hook while we cleaned our seed shelves, and we used it to light the scary crawl space behind our dryer while we fished out a can of touch-up paint. We even employed it in place of a standard overhead light just to see how much longer the battery would last. After almost 6 hours of active testing and passive use, the 12-volt battery finally ran out of power. Bosch says the runtime is twice as long on dim mode, which you can reach by long-pressing the on/off button.
The only thing we can even think to criticize is the fact that, like almost every other light we tested, there’s no low-battery indicator. It also doesn’t come with a battery, but that’s pretty typical as well.
What our tester says: “I would never have bought this light had I not wanted to test it. It seemed overpriced for its low-lumen output, and I didn’t already own a Bosch battery, so that upped the cost as well. Boy was I wrong! This thing has all the features you don’t realize matter until you use them. And it’s way more powerful and long lasting than the numbers indicate. This is a favorite for sure.”—Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Bosch LED work light at Amazon or Lowe’s.
Best Tripod
DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Tripod Work Light
What We Like
- Works with DeWalt’s 20V, XR, and FlexVolt batteries
- IP55 rating is great for indoor/outdoor use
- Carry handle integrated into tripod base
What We Don’t Like
- Weighs just over 16 pounds
- On the spendy side for 3,000 lumens
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Light Quality 4/5; Portability 4.5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.7/5
Product Specs
- Type: Stand
- Power source: Rechargeable battery (sold separately)
- Lumens: 3,000
Tripod work lights, especially those with IP ratings over 45, are great for larger work areas, indoors and out. This model from DeWalt is particularly ideal for jobsite settings since it eliminates the potential tripping hazard of a cord and features an impressive IP55 rating for enhanced dust and water resistance. It’s also quick and easy to set up, compatible with all of DeWalt’s 20-volt batteries, and emits up to 3,000 lumens of natural white light.
This light features a heavy-duty aluminum and plastic tripod that folds into a tight cylindrical package for convenient storage. Though it doesn’t come with a power source, it works with any of DeWalt’s 20-volt, XR, or FlexVolt batteries. It is heavier and more expensive than similar options we tested, however. For those who don’t need anything heavy duty or don’t already own any DeWalt batteries, there are less expensive 3,000-lumen options.
Still, there’s some nuance that becomes more apparent when you actually use a product. We felt more confident using this DeWalt tripod light outdoors than the other light of this style we tested, and overall, it felt more stable and rugged. Setting up and taking it down, adjusting its height and angle, and scrolling through its three brightness settings were all easy and intuitive. All in all, it was a great user experience, and we think that has value.
Get the DeWalt tripod LED work light at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.
Best Dual Power
Ryobi 18V One+ Hybrid LED Work Light
What We Like
- Light face rotates a full 360 degrees
- 3 brightness settings and integrated carry handle
- Works via 18V battery or extension cord
What We Don’t Like
- No IP rating listed
- Many mounting options geared toward Ryobi’s LINK system
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Light Quality 4.5/5; Portability 5/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4.7/5
Product Specs
- Type: Stand
- Power source: Rechargeable battery or extension cord (sold separately)
- Lumens: 3,000
Testing the Ryobi 18V hybrid light was exactly what we expected testing all this guide’s LED lights to be like: simple, straightforward, and not particularly surprising. We popped in our 18-volt battery (not included), turned on the light, and ran through our tests without issue. Though Ryobi doesn’t give this model an IP rating, it withstood multiple drops on our concrete garage floor without issue and didn’t flicker in the slightest when sprayed with a hose. After bathing our workspace in 3,000 lumens of light (its output while on its highest of three settings) for almost 2 hours, it quietly shut off and plunged us into pitch black. For comparison, Ryobi estimates runtime to be up to 16 hours on the lowest setting, which is still quite powerful.
At under a foot tall and just over 2.5 pounds, this work light is relatively small, making it highly portable. Its face rotates a full 360 degrees, and it features several mounting options. Since we don’t have any of Ryobi’s LINK storage system products, we were only able to test its 2-by mount, hang hook, and keyhole features, which all worked as expected. Other than its straightforward and user-friendly operation, our favorite thing about this light is its dual-power functionality. Though we did most of our tests via 18-volt battery, this hybrid light also has a built-in plug for use with an extension cord.
Get the Ryobi Hybrid LED work light at The Home Depot.
Best Headlight
Black Diamond Storm 400 Headlamp
What We Like
- Runs for up to 200 hours on 4 AAA batteries
- IP67 rated for durable outdoor use
- Red light setting is great for nighttime use
What We Don’t Like
- Would prefer it was rechargeable
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Light Quality 5/5; Portability 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.3/5
Product Specs
- Type: Wearable
- Power source: 4 AAA batteries
- Lumens: 400
Headlamps aren’t just convenient for camping—they bring personalized illumination to work areas as well. With three brightness settings plus red, green, blue, and strobe lights, the Black Diamond Storm emits up to 400 lumens. It runs off four AAA alkaline batteries and can provide light for up to 200 hours on low. Unlike most of the LED work lights we tested, it features a battery meter so that you can see how soon you need to be prepared to swap out its power source.
This light worked like a charm in our indoor tests, and its lamp and battery housing are IP67-rated dustproof and waterproof for reliable outdoor use. The headlamp can even withstand full immersion under 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. Its adjustable elastic headband is comfortable, and it easily fits over a bare head as well as a stocking hat. It’s also compatible for use as a hard hat light.
One of our favorite aspects of this headlamp is that we were able to shine the light out to a distance greater than 100 feet and then dial it down for up-close work. Also, the light output was incredibly adjustable, from its various brightness and color settings to its tiltable face. We especially liked using the red lighting to see in the dark without blasting the other tester in the face whenever we looked up. Frankly, we loved everything about this light—other than its reliance on single-use alkaline batteries.
Get the Black Diamond LED work light at Amazon.
Most Features
Ryobi Hybrid Tri-Power Tripod Light
What We Like
- Low, medium, high, and single-pane settings
- 7-foot tripod; has adjustable base and embedded handles
- Main light body pivots up to 135 degrees
- 4 panels; each individually adjusts for 360-degree illumination
What We Don’t Like
- IP rating not listed; best in protected areas
- Fully plastic other than metal tripod pole
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Light Quality 4.8/5; Portability 3.5/5; Durability 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Stand
- Power source: Rechargeable battery or extension cord (sold separately)
- Lumens: 3,800
Though this tri-power tripod light is user-friendly enough that we didn’t need to consult the product manual, it’s definitely so packed with features that it took us a while to get familiar with it. In fact, this light took us the longest to test. Between retrieving all our Ryobi batteries (an 18-volt, a 40-volt 4Ah, and a 40-volt 6Ah) and waiting for its runtime to end, we spent numerous hours with this model. And we were impressed!
First of all, this unit is essentially two styles in one. You can use the light itself in combination with an 18-volt battery as a standalone device. Or, you can attach the light to the tripod and any Ryobi 40-volt battery. During testing, we did most of our work with the light on the tripod while powered by a 6Ah Ryobi battery. We scrolled through all the settings (low, medium, high, and single-panel mode), adjusted the width of the base and height of the telescoping pole, carried it, dropped it, and sprayed it with water. Once our main tests were complete, we turned all four panels on high and waited. After TK hours, the battery finally ran out. Ryobi estimates the runtime to be up to 25 hours with just one panel on.
The only things this model doesn’t have are a high price and an IP rating. While it did just fine in all our hands-on tests, we can’t say how it would perform during extended use in rougher outdoor environments.
What our tester says: “Testing this thing was like peeling an onion. We discovered one feature after another and were pretty impressed with the obvious effort that went into designing this light. We loved how customizable it is. There’s really not much you can’t adjust to your needs.”—Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Ryobi Tri-Power LED work light at The Home Depot.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best LED Work Lights
Since almost every model we tested is a rechargeable work light, the first step was to fully charge our lineup of DeWalt, Ryobi, and Bosch batteries. We did most of our tests on the workbench along the length of our 2-car garage, though we also took some models into the basement and out to the shed.
We measured how much of our work area each model illuminated, how easy they were to adjust, and how effective their individual features were. We carried them, dropped them, and sprayed them with a hose. We hung them from hooks and a metal basket (or put them in our pockets or on our heads). We shined their light in drawers and waited hours for their batteries to run out. After each test, we assigned them ratings and calculated their final scores to determine which we should recommend and why.
What to Consider When Choosing an LED Work Light
When shopping for the best LED work light for your project, consider the type and scope of the job and its location, the required lumen output, the distance from a power source, the need for portability, and potential exposure to the elements.
Type
Different tasks and locations require different types of lights. One task might necessitate a close-up, hands-free lighting option, while another job may require an entire workshop to be brightly lit. Portable work lights are important for transitory job sites, but bulkier, more stationary lights may be appropriate when setting up a home workshop. Since choosing the right LED workplace lights depends on your specific task and location, make sure to match the product features to your needs.
Portable
Perfect for garage lighting, construction sites, and home renovation projects, portable LED work lights are small, easy to transport, and will light up any space. You can set them on the ground or on a table so you can see clearly to complete your projects. Many versions attach to tripods to become fully adjustable stand lights. Generally speaking, portable LED work lights are larger than handheld lights. If you’re looking for something small, you may want to consider something from our best flashlights guide.
Stand
An essential tool for contractors, LED work lights that use a stand or tripod may be the best lighting for job sites or work outside at night. You can also use these versatile and typically height-adjustable lights to light up a room or to set up a home workshop for large-scale projects like painting.
Retractable
Because of their small size, LED work lights that use a retractable cord are a solid option when you need portability. You can also mount this type of light to a wall or ceiling for a more permanent solution. Both the lengthy extension cord and the extra plug provide added convenience. When not in use, the cord retracts into the casing for easy storage and to prevent trips and falls.
Purpose
A mechanic working under the hood of a vehicle or a plumber enclosed in a crawl space both need focused lighting that they can use in small spaces, while a painter needs adjustable work lights to illuminate each section of an entire room.
Contractors working on job sites without power rely on battery-operated solutions to light their way. They may also need protection from the elements, such as dust or water, to keep their lights functional.
Whatever the task, there are many options to meet lighting needs. Be sure to review each product you are considering to ensure you receive the level of brightness, power options, portability, and adjustability required.
Lumen Output
While brightness is measured in watts for incandescent light bulbs, it is measured in lumens for LED lights. A higher number of lumens means a brighter work light. For example, the brightness of a typical 100-watt incandescent light bulb equates to an LED light with 1,600 lumens. However, the benefit of an LED light is that it uses less than 30 watts of energy. LED work lights are more energy efficient and longer lasting than traditional incandescent light bulbs.
To determine if an LED work light meets the level of brightness required for a workspace or project, first check the lumen output on the product, then the product’s beam angle, which measures how the light is distributed and how far the light travels before brightness is reduced.
Power Source
When shopping for a new LED work light, remember that different models will have distinct features related to their power source. Options for powering LED work lights include AC power, solar power, rechargeable batteries, or a combination of power options.
Some LED work lights feature charging ports for USB devices or plugs that power other tools. The voltage on these charging ports varies, so make sure to research each product to determine whether it offers the right amount of power. Check the runtime on each product’s power source as well, so you aren’t left without light when it matters most. If the light is battery operated, it may be a good idea to purchase extra batteries so as to always have a fully charged backup battery available.
Corded vs. Cordless
LED work lights last longer and are more energy-efficient than their halogen and incandescent counterparts.
If you spend a lot of time in a workshop, corded work lights provide the brightness you need without worrying about whether they will power down when they are needed most. However, when on the go, cordless LED work lights are more versatile. Look for features like multiple brightness settings to save battery power and charge indicators to let you know when the batteries are low. It’s easy to appreciate the portability and convenience of a light that can help finish a job in a pinch—especially if you find yourself without power.
IP Rating
An IP rating is a two-digit safety rating assigned to electrical equipment by the International Electrotechnical Commission. The rating refers to ingress protection, which is the ability of particles to enter the electrical device. A higher rating means higher confidence that the electrical components are protected against damage that could cause safety issues or stop them from functioning effectively.
The first digit refers to how well a product repels solid particles like dust and ranges from 0 to 6, while the second digit refers to liquids, like rain and snow, and ranges from 0 to 7. Look for a higher IP rating if you may be using your LED work lights in dirty or wet conditions.
Adjustability
Most people who buy LED work lights will use them for a variety of jobs. For most task lighting, work lights adjust to direct the brightness exactly where you need it. Luckily, many of the LED work lights on the market are adjustable to meet a variety of needs.
LED work lights can be accompanied by a stand or a tripod that can easily make the light taller or shorter. The lights themselves often sit on arms that can pivot or swivel to point light in the direction you need it to go. Some portable lights have flexible necks that bend as needed; some lights have either on/off or dimmer switches that allow you to adjust the level of brightness, and some models even feature adjustable color temperature, which is a great option for painters.
Portability
For those who work in a trade profession or travel between multiple job sites, portability is an absolute must. Portable LED work lights offer the most flexibility for users on the go. Look for lights that will fold up or retract to easily pack into small spaces, and make sure the lights are durable enough to withstand bumps and falls that may occur during travel.
If you are often on the go without the ability to plug in to a power source, consider cordless work lights that use rechargeable batteries. Just remember to take note of the runtime and required charging time of each product, in addition to always having a backup light source on hand.
FAQs
Hopefully, this guide has provided the information you need to choose the best LED work light for your situation. If you still have questions about which light best suits your needs, check out these frequently asked questions and their corresponding answers.
The best LED work light will depend on your task, your location, and the current lighting in your environment. If the options in this guide don’t fit your needs, our guide on the best LED shop lights offers several other excellent choices.
While estimates vary, a general rule of thumb is 130 to 150 lumens per square foot of workspace, but personal preferences, eye health, and the wall colors will have an impact.
Durability varies by brand and price point, but LED work lights are generally made to be durable for expected use on construction sites or as garage work lights. Look for items that are protected by shields and rubber that prevents damage if the light falls or hits the ground.
Light color temperature is measured in degrees of Kelvin (K) on a scale from 1,000 to 10,000. To a certain extent, the best color LED light for work is personal preference. For workspaces, many people prefer a neutral or cool color (between about 4000K and 5500K) as it will be bright without distorting the color of the project.
Yes and no. Although initial costs for LED work lights may be slightly higher, they are more energy efficient and last longer, which lowers their operating costs.
It depends. The standard suggested IP rating for outdoor lighting is IP45 or higher. IP65 LED work lights are completely dust-tight and will resist damage from jets of water, so they’re a great choice for outdoor use.
Meet the Tester
Much like the LED work lights in this guide, writing and testing light up Michelle Larson’s life. Because she’d rather spend a little more up front than buy a tool or appliance twice, she strongly believes in the power of research and reviews for finding quality items that are meant to last. Still, nothing is as informative as actually using the products themselves, which is why she’s always particularly delighted when a test turns out differently than she expects.
Additional research provided by Shari Talbot.
