While reading in bed is an enjoyable and relaxing experience, doing so in dull lighting can lead to unpleasant eye strain and headaches. Book lights are an ingenious solution to this problem, providing flicker-free technology to illuminate your book pages in dimly lit areas so that you can read comfortably.
We’ve reviewed the best book lights of 2024 in this post, so you can catch up on your reading material without experiencing discomfort or disturbing your partner. We’ve included many top contenders, but our favorite is the Glocusent rotatable book light because of its dual-row LED lighting system and convenient 360-degree rotation.
The best book lights
Glocusent rotatable book light – Best overall
The Glocusent rotatable dual-row book light is the ultimate companion for immersive and comfortable reading experiences. This innovative book light is designed with avid readers in mind, offering a plethora of features that make delving into your favorite book a delight, day or night. At the heart of this book light’s appeal is its dual-row lighting system. Featuring two rows of powerful LEDs, it provides an even, consistent illumination that eliminates pesky shadows and reduces glare on your pages.
Say goodbye to straining your eyes or disturbing your sleeping partner with uneven lighting. What sets the Glocusent apart is its 360-degree rotatability. The flexible neck allows you to position the light precisely where you need it, ensuring that you can read comfortably in any setting. Whether you’re reading in bed, on a plane, or in a dimly lit corner, this best overall book light is your versatile and adjustable solution.
Pros:
- Two rows of LED lighting
- 360-degree rotatability feature
- Rechargeable battery life
- Multiple brightness levels
Cons:
- No amber light option
Glocusent book light – Most versatile
This Glocusent book light combines functional lighting with modern design. The fully customizable book light has three color temperature modes and six brightness levels, allowing you to optimize the brightness level according to the ambient conditions. Unlike traditional fluorescent lamps, this book light has a blue light filter and flicker-free technology that reduces glare and eliminates eye fatigue while reading.
Great for lighting up a good read, this premium-quality book light features a flexible neck-hugging design to emit a narrow beam of light, allowing you to immerse in a whole new reading experience. What’s more, it has a built-in 1000 mAh rechargeable battery that can last up to 80 hours after every full charge. You’ll be amazed by how this reading light can excel in all aspects, including durability, functionality, and convenience.
Pros:
- 3 adjustable color modes
- Blue light technology
- Wider illumination range
- 80 hours on a full charge
Cons:
- The back could be more padded
86lux book light – Most compact
The 86lux book light is the best way to enjoy a good book in the comfort of your own bed. It’s super lightweight and features a compact clip-on and foldable design for easy portability. The long-lasting battery allows up to 80 hours of runtime with the dimmest setting, so you don’t need to worry about running out of power at an inopportune time, and it’s conveniently rechargeable with a standard USB-C cable.
The lamp features three different color modes and adjustable dimming, so you can customize your own comfortable ambient light. Plus, the flexible head of this book light allows you to adjust the angle of the lamp to get the perfect beam of light, broad enough to see the entirety of a book but still narrow enough so that it won’t disturb your asleep partner.
Pros:
- Sturdy clip holds onto any hardcover
- Lightweight and sleek design
- Fast USB-C charging
- Long-lasting battery life
Cons:
- No power indicator
GearLight book light – Most affordable
If you’re searching for the most affordable option on the entire market, then you should certainly take a deep look at the all-new GearLight book light. It’s designed to provide you with maximum performance at an exceptional value. The light has three different brightness settings, including gentle, eye-friendly, and natural. You can freely switch between the modes by pressing the button.
The book light features a lightweight and portable design that’s perfect for traveling. You can use it while reading, studying, or working. The battery is also pretty strong and can last for up to 30+ hours with a single recharge, allowing you to focus on your reading without interruption.
Pros:
- Lightweight and flexible
- Ultra strong battery
- Optimal brightness
- Excellent value
Cons:
- The charging port feels flimsy
Nachteule book light – Most convenient
The Nachteule book light may be one of the most convenient options around. Now available in the U.S., It’s specifically designed and manufactured in Germany, so you can rest assured knowing that this product offers maximum quality and durability.
Weighing only 0.31 ounces, you can comfortably take this book light anywhere you need it. With this purchase, you will also receive a protective case, a headband, a USB cable, and user guidance. Plus, it even features a strong battery that can easily handle up to 200 pages of reading without a recharge. Just switch the “ON” button and you’re good to go.
Pros:
- Easy to adjust
- Portable and convenient
- Focused light
- Lightweight design
Cons:
- No brightness settings
Energizer book light – Most lightweight
The Energizer book light is a convenient and compact way to enjoy reading in a dark area. It features advanced optics that increase the beam distance and intensity to 4M to illuminate the whole page. This product also comes with an adjustable and flexible neck that allows you to shine the light wherever you need it most. It also features a versatile clip-on function that enables you to clip it onto books, magazines, and e-readers for an optimal reading experience.
Furthermore, the integrated clip functions as a versatile base, so you can easily attach it to car visors or place it on flat surfaces. It’s perfect for simplified reading while in transit. Thanks to its energy-efficient design, this book light can easily last for 25 hours on a single set of batteries. Plus, the batteries are included with the package, making it ready to use straight out of the box.
Pros:
- Flexible design
- Extremely lightweight
- Integrated clip to attach to book
- Advanced LED technology
Cons:
- It’s not rechargeable
Vekkia book light – Best for extended use
Reading just became a lot more rewarding with this book light by Vekkia. Using advanced SMD LED, the lighting area is three times larger than that of an ordinary LED light. Adjustable brightness and color-changing temperature make it the ideal lighting solution for nighttime reading, studying, knitting, and more. The rechargeable battery using a 1000mAh Li-ion battery allows you to read for up to 70 hours without requiring another charge.
It’s super lightweight, making it easy to clip on your book pages, allowing you to create a private reading space for yourself. With its secure padded clamp and flexible neck, you can change the position and focus of the light as your needs change.
Pros:
- Super lightweight
- Does not weigh on the pages
- Simple to use
- Extended battery life
Cons:
- Charging cord could be more durable
Dewenwils book light – Best brightness
If you want a book light that doubles as a bookmark, then the Dewenwils book light is worth investing in. The LED lens can be swiveled 360°counter-clockwise and clockwise to shine the light from different angles. Featuring 3000K warm white LEDs and 2 brightness levels adjustable, this book lamp provides the perfect reading atmosphere while reducing strain and eye fatigue.
The book light has a soft cushion clip that attaches securely and won’t scratch or damage your books or other objects. On top of that, it contains a high-capacity lithium battery that plugs into any USB port to charge, and with just one and half hours of charging time, you can read eight glorious hours. It’s also perfect for traveling, camping, and bedtime reading.
Pros:
- Lightweight, portable & durable
- USB rechargeable battery life of 8 hours
- Adjustable brightness & 360° flexible neck
- Non-flicker LED lights
Cons:
- Light may be too bright for some
Vont book light – Easiest to charge
Now you can read your novels in pitch-black darkness or even under a blanket like a real secret agent with the Vont LED book light. It has a rigidly built yet flexible gooseneck that allows you to focus the light precisely where needed, so you can read comfortably in any position. With 16 high-quality LED bulbs and flicker-free technology, this reading lamp offers strong yet soft light, protecting your vision and reducing eye strain. The flicker-free light also allows you to use the lamp at night or in dimly lit areas without disturbing others with a harsh glare.
Additionally, the built-in 1000 mAh rechargeable battery provides up to 60 hours of reading time per charge. Plus, this book light has three light intensity levels, so you can easily adjust the brightness according to your needs. Built for comfort and convenience, this energy-efficient rechargeable LED book light is perfect for reading in bed, on airplane trips, and camping.
Pros:
- Quick USB charging
- 3 level of brightness
- Glare-free eye protection
- Extremely energy efficient
Cons:
- The light is not too bright
Book lights: a buyer’s guide
For many people, reading a book at night is a relaxing pastime. Unfortunately for others, the bright lights from reading a book in bed can be distracting and disrupt sleep. To help mitigate this issue, manufacturers have come up with book lights.
These little gadgets allow you to read at night without disturbing anyone nearby. To help you make an informed purchase, we’ve got you covered with our handy guide to buying the ideal book light for your needs.
Choosing the right type of book light
There are three different types of booklights available in the market right now: clip-on, wearable, and freestanding options. Consider your purposes when making your decision.
Clip-on book light
Clip-on book lights are by far the most common type of reading light available in the market. These lights are similar to mini flashlights and come with a small clip that you can attach to your favorite novel or the reading material you are carrying.
These lights are most suitable for those who want to read magazines on their laps or while they are traveling.
Wearable book light
Wearable book lights are practically the same as clip-on, except they have elastic straps that allow you to wear them around your neck just like headphones so that you can have both hands free as you read. These types of lights are ideal for people who are always on the move.
They often consist of a flexible neck that makes it possible to direct the light in any direction you want. Additionally, they’re incredibly lightweight, so you can use them for extended periods of time without worrying about neck strain or discomfort.
Freestanding book lights
As the name implies, freestanding booklights usually come with a sturdy stand that allows them to stand steadily on any surface at a particular angle. Since they can be adjusted and positioned easily, you can read without disturbing others in the room.
These convenient book lights are extremely portable and versatile. You can use them for reading, doing art and craft projects, and nursing your baby at night.
Choose one with multiple brightness levels
The primary benefit of LED lights is their ability to provide the perfect brightness for reading. Booklights are available in varying brightness levels, so choosing the right one can be tricky. If you read in a dim-lit room, then you need something that offers minimal brightness.
However, if you prefer to read in a dark place, a high-power light might be an ideal option. It’s advisable to choose a light with multiple brightness levels so you can adjust it according to your preference.
The brightness level also depends on the color temperature of the light source. Most people prefer warmer lights with a lower brightness level and higher Kelvin temperatures, while others prefer brighter white lights while reading. It’s always best to opt for a book light with multiple color temperature levels to have maximum customization options.
Consider light with non-flicker technology
Reading in front of flickering lights can cause strain on your eyes and make it difficult to focus. A device that boasts non-flicker technology will help keep your eyes safe and make it easy for you to read for as long as you want.
The best products also come with anti-blue light technology that acts as a filter to protect your eyes from blue-light radiation emitted by devices including tablets, smartphones, and television screens. It’s essential to check how well this technology works before making your purchase decision.
Check the flexibility
Another important consideration is the flexibility of the booklight. Some lights have flexible neck bands that swivel from 90° to 360° to direct the beam of light on the reading area, while others come with a foldable or collapsible design that can easily fit in your purse or bag.
Always opt for a book light that allows you to adjust its position according to your reading angle and style.
Opt for a long-lasting battery
You do not want to run out of charge in the middle of your reading session. Therefore, ensure that the booklight comes with lost lasting battery performance. While many clip-on book lights use AAA batteries, others come with built-in rechargeable batteries — some even charged through USB cables.
If you don’t want to replace the batteries every other month, you should go for rechargeable batteries as they are more reliable than those powered by batteries. You should also check how long the battery takes to recharge, as extended charge times can be inconvenient and frustrating.
Common questions about book lights
Are reading lights harmful to your eyes?
No, reading lights usually come with flicker-free technology that reduces the strain on your eyes and improves your focus while reading any book. However, if you’re having eye strain while using your booklight, try to adjust the direction of light on the page to minimize the glare.
It may also be helpful to take breaks every so often and allow your eyes to rest, reading lights usually come with flicker-free technology that reduces the strain on your eyes and improves your focus while reading any book. However, if you’re having eye strain while using your booklight, try to adjust the direction of light on the page to minimize the glare. It may also be helpful to take breaks every so often and allow your eyes to rest.
How much does a reading light usually cost?
If you’re looking for a basic clip-on light, you can find many options for under $10. These book lights may be bare-bones, but they get the job done without breaking your budget. However, if you’re looking for something sturdier or fancier, there are many options available at higher price points. On average, these lights can cost anywhere between $30-$50.
How often should I replace the batteries of my booklight?
Different models have different battery life. Some AAA battery-operated booklights can last about 50 hours at full brightness, while others rechargeable ones can last a few hours before needing another charge. It all depends on the model you buy.
