A good desk lamp will light up your workspace and reduce eye strain. Not only that, but a stylish lamp can accent your interior and improve the look of your room. LED lamps have become increasingly popular, with companies like OttLite offering some great options. However, both vintage lamps and more modern styles are attractive in their own way, so it can be hard to choose the right one for your space.
We rigorously tested 23 bestselling desk lamps to recommend the best for you. mybest defines the best desk lamp as one that provides various lighting options suitable for different tasks while illuminating the entire desk brightly without causing eye fatigue. We ranked the top-performing models, and we'll help you choose in our buying guide.
Paggy Chang is an award-winning lighting consultant and entrepreneur in New York with a passion for photography and travel. With 14 years of experience designing lighting for global projects, she has a broad range of expertise, spanning commercials, residences, places of worship, and institutional facilities. In 2021, she established PAC x Design, a venture committed to providing innovative and budget-conscious solutions. Paggy firmly believes that lighting knowledge can improve everyone's quality of life. Get ready as she prepares to share her insights on Instagram soon. Stay tuned!
Since joining mybest, Mika has been in charge of evaluating household appliances such as air purifiers, air conditioners, washing machines, and vacuum cleaners. She has personally compared and verified over 200 products from major home appliance manufacturers like Sharp, Panasonic, and Dyson to specialized manufacturers such as Daikin and iRobot. Her motto is to "share home appliances that you will love." To accomplish this, she considers not only a product's performance but also its maintenance, quietness, design, and power consumption. She compares all the specifications relevant to the user's lifestyle so she can thoroughly convey the pros and cons of each product.
To find a lamp that brightly illuminates a workspace, we set the standard as a product that can provide 750 lux of brightness to the workspace.
To measure the brightness across a wide area on the desk, welooked for a product that can illuminate the corners of the desk with 700 lux.
When choosing a compact option, it is important the joints of the desk lamp allow you to direct the light where you want it. We looked for products with highly adjustable joints to move light where you want it.
We tested products to find which ones allow easy adjustment of both brightness and light color to suit the space.
Since you will use a desk light often, look for products that are convenient and work without issue through our testing.
We tested products that were gentle on the eyes by seeing which lamps didn't fatigue the eyes even after long work sessions.
All product tests
were conducted in-house at mybest
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.The mybest team independently conducts its own tests to rank products.
Even if the rest of the room is well-lit, your desktop can still be left in the dark. This is where a desk lamp comes in. Don’t just take our word for it, though. Let’s take a look at how a desk lamp can improve your quality of life.
By brightening up your desk, you’ll be able to see what you’re working on more easily. Documents will be easier to make out when reading and writing, no matter the time of day.
Working without a desk lamp and sufficient light doesn't just make it difficult to decipher the letters written on a page. You might also need to squint to see them, which can really wear out your eyes over time. It’s always a good idea to keep your work area well-lit, but it’s especially important when you’re working on something for a long time. A desk lamp will ensure you never have to work in the dark and boost your work efficiency, too.
Most of us work on a laptop or computer these days. But while you might think that the glow of your monitor is enough to light up your desk, the area around it is still dark. This difference in brightness can lead to eye strain.
A desk lamp can not only light up your desk but also illuminate the whole area, maintaining a consistent level of brightness in your field of vision and reducing eye fatigue. No matter what kind of work you do, your desk needs its own source of light. We’re going to show you how to choose a desk lamp that you can use for a long time without hurting your eyes, so keep reading to find out.
Here are the points to keep in mind when choosing the best Desk Lamps.
You might think that any lamp will get the job done as long as it’s a light source, but there’s more to it than that. Let’s take a look at what properties are important to minimize eye strain and ensure comfort over many hours of use.
There are two factors to consider when determining if a desk lamp is suitable for long work sessions: keeping your workspace at 300 lx (27.87 fc), which is a unit of brightness, and a providing wide illumination range.
Ensuring the area around your workspace is well-lit is key to reducing eye strain. We recommend choosing a lamp that can keep the corners of your desk lit to at least 150 lx (13.94fc). Keeping your workspace bright is the number one requirement of any desk lamp, but even if it lights up your workspace well enough, it must also spread out to the surrounding area. Otherwise, the difference in brightness can take a toll on your eyes.
Of all the products we tested, only a few of them were able to light up every nook and cranny, with the BenQ Desk Lamp really standing out from the crowd. This lamp provided 353.3 lx (32.82 fc)of illumination in the immediate area and 218 lx (20.25 fc) in the corners. Since it can cover a large area, your eyes won’t get tired as easily during long work sessions. This also lets you make full use of your entire desk.
After thoroughly testing each product in completely dark rooms, we found two numbers to look for when choosing a lamp for the proper brightness. We recommend products that are capable of illuminating the immediate desk area to 300 lx (27.87 fc) and the corners to 150 lx (13.94 fc).
However, if there is another source of light in the room, a lower brightness may be fine. Assuming that there are about 50 lx (4.65 fc) of brightness in the room, as long as the desk lamp can light up what's in front of you to 250 lx (23.23 fc) and the corners of your desk to 100 lx (9.29 fc), you should have sufficient brightness for your work. For reference, 50 lx (4.65 fc) is the level of brightness at which you can clearly see a person's face from 30 feet away.
In order to read and write comfortably for extended periods of time, choose a lamp with an illumination level of 300 lx (27.87 fc). Anything that scored over 3.6 in brightness at close range means that it produced at least 300 lx (27.87 fc), so make sure to check the ratings for each product.
Ideally, you want a desk lamp that can illuminate a wide range of up to 500 lx (46.45 fc), but we didn’t find any products that met this criterion. However, if you go for a lamp that scored at least a 3.6 in our tests and combine it with other types of lighting, you should be able to get close to 500 lx (46.45 fc). You can get by with a minimum of 150 lx (13.94 fc) for organizing your desk and putting together paperwork, but this is too dark for reading and writing.
If you use your desk for more intricate tasks, such as arts and crafts, 500-750 lx (46.45-69.68 fc) will help you see more clearly and work more efficiently. We found some products that could reach this threshold directly under the light. If you want to use your desk lamp for arts and crafts, doing your nails, or other activities that require precision, take a look at the Brightness Directly Below Light category in our ranking.
As we age, our need for adequate lighting increases compared to young individuals. This is because our retinas receive less light than those of a 20-year-old due to a reduction in pupil size and an increase in the thickness of the crystalline lens. It's crucial to recognize that changes in vision, including a decline in eyesight, typically become noticeable around the age of 40-45.
When judging the range of a desk lamp, we looked for 150 lx (13.94 fc)of brightness in the corners of the desk. For testing purposes, we used a standard 22-by-48-inch work desk.
We found that desk lamps with 300 lx (27.87 fc) brightness at close range and a height of 15 inches or more were able to illuminate the entire desk. A rating of 3.47 in range of illumination indicates that the lamp lit up even the corners of the desk to 150 lx (13.94 fc).
The closer the corners of your desk are to a brightness value of 300 lx (27.87 fc), the more easily you will be able to see everything on your desk.
Unfortunately, none of the products we tested this time reached that level of brightness in the corners of the desk. However, if you do have a large desk, products we ranked highly for range of illumination should provide enough light.
For smaller desks, around 18 by 24 inches, if the brightness at close range is 300 lx (27.87 fc) or more, the corners will be bright enough.
Lamps that light up a wide area tend to be on the larger side. But you may want a more compact model if you have a small desk or workspace. If so, look for a lamp that allows you to easily adjust the angle of the light source. A joint that allows you to move it up, down, left, and right is essential to ensure adequate illumination with a smaller lamp.
An adjustable joint helps make up for the limited illumination range of a compact desk lamp. It’s important that the lamp can be moved in all four directions so that you can easily adjust it to light up the desired area. If it can’t be adjusted left or right, you’ll have to pick up and move the lamp or even switch your entire desk layout around every time you want to change the angle. Therefore, a fully adjustable joint will save you a lot of trouble.
Next, you'll need to check whether the arm can move up and down. In particular, make sure it can move down, as even if the light source is relatively dim, you can get better lighting by moving it closer. This can really come in handy when you’re doing arts and crafts, painting your nails, or doing other precise work and want to focus the light on a specific spot.
When choosing your desk lamp, check to see if it scored at least a 3.9 in ease of angle adjustment. These products can be adjusted in all four directions and make it easy to illuminate the desired area.
There are two types of products that scored at least a 3.9 in this area: those with multiple joints and those with a wire construction that allows them to be twisted freely. For the most freedom of movement, a model with a wire arm is the way to go. Be sure to take a look at these products if you're looking for a compact desk lamp.
When choosing a desk lamp, it's important to consider not only brightness but also how it affects your eyes. If you're spending long hours at a desk working, an eye-friendly desk will improve your workspace.
When choosing a desk lamp, making the wrong choice can potentially strain your eyes. The main causes of eye fatigue are harsh lighting and discomfort caused by an unnatural perception of objects. By choosing the right desk lamp, you can create a comfortable environment that reduces eye fatigue and allows for productive work.
To prevent glare, it is crucial that LED light sources are covered by a white, opaque cover. Since LED light can be harsh to the eye, without a cover, there's a risk of the direct light harming the eyes. While LED lamps typically come with a cover, selecting a product that has one will save your eyes.
The ability to adjust a lamp to suit your height and desk environment is important. When the light source is positioned lower than eye level, it prevents light from entering your eyes directly, thus reducing the risk of glare.
Additionally, it is helpful to have joints that can change the angle of the lampshade to help fine-tune the glare. This is especially true for children or individuals of smaller stature who may have difficulties adjusting a desk lamp to the perfect position. Furthermore, desk lamps tend to have a broader illumination range the higher they are placed. Therefore, when you want to illuminate from a position higher than your eye level, it's best to adjust the angle of the shade to directly control the direction of the light.
Desk lamps that only brighten the center of a desk and leave dark space near the edges can cause eye fatigue. Lights that produce an even lighting are easier on the eyes. This is why we recommend a light-to-dark ratio of no more than 2:1 on the surface of the desk.
Even if you have a sufficient brightness of 300 lx (27.87 fc) for your work, if there's too much variation in brightness levels across the desk, it will cause strain on your eyes.
Based on our tests, Uplight Desk's LED Desk Lamp E7 with Clamp and White Crown's LED Desk Lamp both have an average desk brightness that is less than twice as bright as the darkest area.
The color rendering index, or CRI, is the quantitative measurement of how faithfully colors are reproduced by a light source. This is expressed in CRI. The better a light source can reproduce natural colors, such as those produced under sunlight, the closer it is to 100 CRI.
The more natural and vivid colors appear, the less strain they will put on your eyes. However, 80 CRI should be sufficient for typical office work and reading black-and-white documents or books. While the colors won’t be as vivid as those reproduced under an 90 CRI lamp, you won't have to worry about tiring out your eyes from looking at unnatural colors.
If you read a lot of magazines, make arts and crafts, or do other work that involves looking at colorful objects, we recommend going with at least 85 CRI. If you need to distinguish similar colors or highlight vivid colors, look for 90 CRI or higher.
Similarly, a lamp with at least 90 CRI is recommended if using your desk lamp for taking pictures. This will help you take realistic photos with vibrant colors.
In addition to natural coloration, you also have to consider shadows if you do a lot of writing. Desk lamps that create a lot of shadows can exacerbate eye strain over time. Limiting the amount of shadow is vital to ensure you can work comfortably for extended periods. Though some were more noticeable than others, every product we tested for this article produced a lot of shadows. We included photos of this for each product, so be sure to check them out if you plan to write a lot.
If you mostly work on a computer, you don’t need to worry about shadows too much. You’ll mostly be looking at the screen, so you probably won’t really notice them.
Among the products we tested this time, none were able to completely eliminate eye strain to our standards. However, the one that came closest was the ACNCTOP LED Desk Lamp. This desk lamp meets all the criteria for preventing glare and allowing you to see colors naturally.
Additionally, Uplight Desk's LED Desk Lamp E7 with Clamp, which ranked first overall, as well as White Crown's LED Desk Lamp, have a wide range of adjustable joints for height, making it easy to customize to the user's eye level and reduce the likelihood of glare.
However, in situations where adjusting the height is challenging, we recommend the ACNCTOP LED Desk Lamp. The angle can be adjusted with ease, allowing you to control glare without the need to forcibly change the height.
Adjusting the desk lamp to be at a low height to match a child's eye level can sometimes lead to an unnatural appearance since the lamp's joints will be in a closed position and stick out.
Additionally, if the desk lamp has a long arm, the folded arm could get in the way when adjusted to a lower position.
The color of the light source can affect how easily you can read letters, as well as your mood, so it’s important to choose the right color for your work.
Black letters are easier to see under pale light, making them appear brighter. Plus, it's easier to read under a Daylight lamp than Natural White light, even at the same brightness level.
Lighting also has an effect on your mood. Daylight makes you feel awake and refreshed, helping you to focus and concentrate on the task at hand. On the other hand, some people use desk lamps when they want to relax after work. If this applies to you, go for lights with warmer tones. While daylight makes it easier to read, a warm white light is better for reading before bed. Learning to use the right kind of light for each setting will help you feel more comfortable.
The color of light is measured in kelvins, with higher numbers indicating cool colors and lower numbers indicating warm colors. The daylight mentioned in this article is between 6,000 and 6,500 kelvin, while warm white is between 2,000 and 2,700 kelvin. Many products list the color temperature in kelvins, so be sure to look for a number with a “K” after it.
Some LED lamps allow you to switch between different colors without buying another lamp. Otherwise, you’re limited to whatever color the bulb is. If you only have one option to choose from, you could find yourself slipping into relaxation mode and losing focus while you're trying to work. It could also go the other way, with a bright light disrupting your relaxation time. We recommend an LED lamp that can be adjusted to suit most settings and activities.
While LED lamps are easier to find with your desired lighting, many people prefer the design of classic bulb lamps. If this is you, look for a bulb that allows you to adjust the brightness and color. It’s a little tedious to operate a lamp with a remote or your smartphone, but you can get the best of both worlds this way.
Many LED lamps allow you to adjust both the brightness and the color of the light. For a hassle-free way to get these settings just right, button operation is a must. First of all, we recommend choosing a lamp that has a button near the base. You want it to be within reach while working, so you can change modes with ease. If it’s on the wire or shade, you may find yourself grappling around to find it, which can be frustrating.
You also want to make sure that there are separate buttons for power, brightness, and color. If there's only one button to control everything, you'll have to remember different combinations, like holding it down or pressing it twice.
Finally, we found that having a slider to control the brightness made things much easier. These products scored 4.3 or higher in ease of use, so be sure to keep an eye out for them.
Products | Image | mybest Score | Click to purchase | Key features | Main Score | Details | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Brightness at close range | Range of illumination | Ease of adjusting angle | Ease of changing light to suit current environment | Ease of use | Gentleness on the eyes | Installation | Power consumption | Power source type | Dimming function | Tone changing function | CRI | Light source width | Maximum height of light source after installation | Minimum height of light source after installation | Base width | Base depth | Total weight | Brightness at close range | Brightness directly below light | Features | Light source color | Adjustable lamp shade | ||||||
1 | BenQ WiT e-Reading Desk Lamp|9H.W3PWT.ESW | ![]() | 4.34 | mybest's Top Choice: Unique Design With a Wide Range of Light | 4.32 | 4.42 | 4.82 | 4.50 | 3.75 | 4.25 | Stand | 18W | Wall plug | Ra97.2 | 12.8 in. | 38.2 in. | 10.9 in. | 8.6 in. | 8.6 in. | 10.4 lb. | 428.00 lx(39.76 fc) | 2950.00 lx (274.06 fc) | Stylish | Warm white、Natural white、Daylight | ||||
2 | Taotronics LED Desk Lamp | ![]() | 4.12 | Multifaceted and Hassle-Free, Very Bright Directly Under the Light | 3.91 | 3.68 | 4.75 | 4.67 | 4.75 | 4.25 | Stand | 12W | Wall plug | Ra82.5 | 9.50 in. | 15.50 in. | 9.63 in. | 7.0 in. | 7.0 in. | 2.73 lb. | 285.75 lx (26.55 fc) | 1430.00 lx (132.85 fc) | Warm white, Natural white, Daylight | |||||
3 | UPLIFT Desk LED Desk Lamp E7 with Clamp | ![]() | 4.06 | Perfect for Large Desks and Produces Gentle Light Over a Wide Area | 4.27 | 3.74 | 4.88 | 4.50 | 3.75 | 3.63 | Clamp | 9W | Wall plug | Ra81.8 | 11.19 in. | 35.75 in. | 5.50 in. | 2.06 in. | 1.89 in. | 5.125 lb. | 353.25 lx (32.82 fc) | 770.00 lx (71.54 fc) | Warm white, Natural white, Daylight | |||||
3 | White Crown LED Desk Lamp | ![]() | 4.06 | Versatile Without Sacrificing Performance, Great for Smaller Desks | 3.95 | 3.56 | 4.94 | 4.67 | 4.75 | 3.88 | Stand | 6W | USB | Ra81.5 | 10.75 in. | 15.20 in. | 0.75 in. | 4.25 in. | 7.06 in. | 1.5 lb. | 277.75 lx (25.80 fc) | 1250.00 lx (116.13 fc) | Warm white, Natural white, Daylight | |||||
5 | KONCEPT Z-Bar Mini LED Desk Lamp | ![]() | 4.04 | Great Design for Any Room; Lacking in Brightness | 3.94 | 3.78 | 5.00 | 3.90 | 4.34 | 4.25 | Stand、Clamp | 8.8W | Wall plug | Ra93.1 | 15.8 in. | 28.5 in. | 3.3 in. | 1.5 in. | 1.8 in. | 3.57 lb. | 271.00 lx (25.18 fc) | 1810.00 lx (168.15 fc) | Stylish | Warm white | ||||
6 | ACNCTOP LED Desk Lamp | ![]() | 4.01 | Exceptional Illumination Range but Lacks Usability | 4.01 | 3.70 | 4.69 | 4.30 | 3.65 | 4.40 | Clamp | 10W | USB | Ra87.7 | 16.56 in. | 26.25 in. | 12.75 in. | 1.19 in. | 1.50 in. | 1.57 lb. | 302.00 lx (28.06 fc) | 573.00 lx (53.23 fc) | Warm white, Natural white, Daylight | |||||
7 | OttLite LED Soft Touch Desk Lamp | ![]() | 3.98 | Can Light up a Specific Area Well, Perfect for Crafts and Reading | 4.30 | 3.64 | 4.75 | 3.65 | 4.00 | 3.95 | Stand | 8W | Wall plug | Ra88.1 | 4.0 in. | 13.38 in. | 7.0 in. | 6.25 in. | 6.25 in. | 1.54 lb. | 419.25 lx (38.95 fc) | 2790.00 lx (259.20 fc) | Natural white | |||||
8 | Airlonv LED Desk Lamp for Office Home | ![]() | 3.93 | Slim Design for Easy Placement, but Awkward Button Placement | 3.83 | 3.61 | 5.00 | 5.00 | 3.19 | 4.25 | Clamp | 10W | Wall plug | Ra90.7 | 15.8 in. | 12.1in. | 3.9 in. | 3.9 in. | 5.9 in. | 1.8 lb. | 220.35lx (20.47 fc) | 952.00 lx (88.44 fc) | Stylish | Warm white、Natural white、Daylight | ||||
9 | Voncerus LED Desk lamp with Clamp | ![]() | 3.89 | Only Illuminates Directly Below the Light and Requires Angle Adjustment | 3.77 | 3.51 | 4.50 | 4.50 | 3.65 | 4.40 | Clamp | 10W | USB | Ra86.2 | 8.94 in. | 24.25 in. | 10.75 in. | 1.25 in. | 1.63 in. | 1.0 lb. | 194.0 lx (18.02 fc) | 415.00 lx (38.55 fc) | Warm white, Natural white, Daylight | |||||
9 | KOOTION LED Desk Lamp with USB Charging Port | ![]() | 3.89 | Great as a Compact, Secondary Desk Lamp | 3.67 | 3.29 | 4.94 | 4.67 | 5.00 | 4.00 | Stand | 12W | Wall plug | Ra84.5 | 7.7 in. | 12.1in. | 3.9 in. | 3.9 in. | 5.9 in. | 1.17 lb. | 145.93 lx (13.56 fc) | 1390.00 lx (129.14 fc) | Warm white、Natural white、Daylight |
Dimming function | |
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Tone changing function | |
Brightness at close range | 428.00 lx(39.76 fc) |
Light source color | Warm white、Natural white、Daylight |
What we loved
What we didn't love
BenQ's WiT e-Reading Desk Lamp features a unique design that illuminates a wide area, making it an excellent choice for users working on large monitors to those reading paperback books. It offers freely adjustable dimming and color tone change, allowing for precise control of brightness and hue according to the usage scenario and ambient light.
With a top-class brightness of 2950lx directly below it, this lamp provides ample illumination for tasks such as writing and studying. Additionally, its curved lighting design reaches even the corners of the desk. The high color rendering index of 97.2Ra ensures that colors, whether for nails or drawing, appear vividly. The shade moves widely from side to side, making it easy to adjust without shining in your eyes.
The placement of the button on the lampshade is a minor drawback. Depending on the lamp's position, you may need to reach or stand to operate it. The same button is used to switch between dimming and color modes, and to adjust them by pressing or turning, which can be confusing to determine the current mode.
Despite some minor drawbacks, the high color rendering, brightness, and the ability to adjust light seamlessly are significant advantages. This product, which can be paired with an optional clamp or floor stand to serve a variety of purposes, comes out at the top of our list.
Power consumption | 18W |
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Power source type | Wall plug |
Light source width | 12.8 in. |
Base width | 8.6 in. |
Base depth | 8.6 in. |
Total weight | 10.4 lb. |
Features | Stylish |
Dimming function | |
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Tone changing function | |
Brightness at close range | 285.75 lx (26.55 fc) |
Light source color | Warm white, Natural white, Daylight |
This option by Taotronics uses LED lights that won’t flicker. The design is a modern take on classic lighting fixtures, and it features a USB port that allows you to charge your phone. It produces 285.75 lx(26.55 fc) of light at close range, which should get up to 300 if you have other lighting or natural light from outside. On its own, it can pump out 1,430 lx(132.85 fc) directly under the light source, making it great for arts and crafts and other detail-oriented activities. You can use the fully-flexible joint and rotating shade to get the perfect angle and brightness.
The corners reached 126.1 lx(11.72 fc), falling short of the mark necessary for working. It’s insufficient for studying with several books open or computer work, which requires the surrounding area to be illuminated equally. Its 82.5 CRI isn’t quite adequate if you're working with a lot of colorful materials, but the colors appear natural and don’t cause additional eye strain.
However, it does produce large double shadows and several smaller shadows, which could get annoying after a long work session. There's a brightness slider with seven levels, allowing you to quickly turn it down if it’s too bright directly below the light source. In addition, it has five color options, ranging from cool daylight to warm white. This versatile lamp can be used in a variety of settings.
Power consumption | 12W |
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Power source type | Wall plug |
Light source width | 9.50 in. |
Base width | 7.0 in. |
Base depth | 7.0 in. |
Total weight | 2.73 lb. |
Features |
Dimming function | |
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Tone changing function | |
Brightness at close range | 353.25 lx (32.82 fc) |
Light source color | Warm white, Natural white, Daylight |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The LED Desk Lamp E7 by UPLIFT Desk is a clamp-type desk lamp that can be attached to worktops up to two and a quarter inches thick. There’s also an option to use it with a base as a standing lamp. It has a slim, extendable arm that can be raised up to 35 and 3/4 inches above the desk, which really makes its presence felt.
With 353.25 lx(32.82 fc) at close range and 218 lx(20.25 fc) in the corners, this lamp adequately lights up your whole desk. It provides gentle lighting from a great height, evenly illuminating even large desks. The light reaches 770 lx(71.54 fc) directly below the light source, making it ideal for arts and crafts and other intricate projects. Since it's a clamp-type lamp, it’s a bit of a hassle to move after you’ve set it up. However, it has a joint that allows you to adjust it in four directions, meaning you can bring it closer to your workspace or raise it high above the desk, so it’s not too inconvenient in practice.
One downside of this product is the shade. As it can’t be rotated, you can’t adjust it if the light shines directly in your eyes. Also, while the shadows are relatively light, it does produce large double shadows. However, colors don’t appear unnatural thanks to 81.8 CRI. The brightness can be adjusted freely and it has three color modes: daylight, natural white, and warm white.
The main power switch is on the cord, but the brightness and color button is on the shade. There is only one button, so you have to hold it down or press it multiple times to use the brightness or color adjustment functions. This isn't ideal, but the ability to light up a wide area is a major benefit. This is the best option for anyone with a large desk.
Power consumption | 9W |
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Power source type | Wall plug |
Light source width | 11.19 in. |
Base width | 2.06 in. |
Base depth | 1.89 in. |
Total weight | 5.125 lb. |
Features |
Dimming function | |
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Tone changing function | |
Brightness at close range | 277.75 lx (25.80 fc) |
Light source color | Warm white, Natural white, Daylight |
What we loved
What we didn't love
This LED Desk Lamp by White Crown has a light source that can be raised up to 15 and 3/16 inches but still looks compact on the desk. It has a USB port so you can charge your phone while using it and features a timer too. The brightness at close range was recorded at 277.75 lx(25.80 fc), so as long as the room is not completely dark, you should be able to get above 300 lx(27.87 fc). Meanwhile, it hit a very bright 1,250 lx(116.13 fc) directly under the light source. You may want to adjust the position of the light while reading or crafting over long periods, and with the fully adjustable joint, you can reposition the light without moving the lamp.
Unfortunately, its range is a bit limited. It only reaches 118.25 lx(10.99 fc) in the corners, making it not ideal for reading or writing. It might leave a bit to be desired if you have a large desk or want to lay out several papers for work or study. It has 81.5 CRI, so the colors appear pretty natural. It doesn’t cause eye strain due to flickering, but you should be aware of the difference in brightness directly under the light source and the brightness on the desk. The shade can’t be rotated to stop the light from getting into your eyes, so it might be too bright for small children if their line of sight is beneath the light source.
On the plus side, it offers 10 brightness levels, allowing you to tailor it to the task or activity you're doing. It also has a slider for quick adjustment and five color modes, making it perfect for studying, working, and relaxing alike. This lamp should deliver if you’re looking for a compact option.
Power consumption | 6W |
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Power source type | USB |
Light source width | 10.75 in. |
Base width | 4.25 in. |
Base depth | 7.06 in. |
Total weight | 1.5 lb. |
Features |
Dimming function | |
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Tone changing function | |
Brightness at close range | 271.00 lx (25.18 fc) |
Light source color | Warm white |
What we loved
What we didn't love
KONCEPT's Z-Bar Mini LED Desk Lamp has a slim design, making it easy to match with the aesthetics of any room. It offers a variety of base types, such as clamp and wall-mounted options, and comes in several body colors, allowing for personalized selection based on your room's vibe.
The switch is located on the lower part of the body. With separate power and dimming buttons, operation feels straightforward. Although the dimming and color adjustments have set levels, with six and five levels, respectively, adequate adjustments can be made to suit different situations. The light position is easily adjustable with a light touch, allowing for smooth movement even when the light shines directly into your eyes.
Adjusting the light position can be a bit confusing and requires some getting used to. Furthermore, the overall brightness might feel insufficient, with the brightest setting reaching only 271.00lx. While not too dim for general tasks, it could pose a challenge when reading fine print, like in newspapers.
Despite its modest brightness, this stylish and chic lamp is easy to operate and could be a viable option for those prioritizing design. It efficiently performs both dimming and color adjustments, ensuring it doesn't significantly fall short in terms of usability.
Power consumption | 8.8W |
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Power source type | Wall plug |
Light source width | 15.8 in. |
Base width | 1.5 in. |
Base depth | 1.8 in. |
Total weight | 3.57 lb. |
Features | Stylish |
Dimming function | |
---|---|
Tone changing function | |
Brightness at close range | 302.00 lx (28.06 fc) |
Light source color | Warm white, Natural white, Daylight |
This is a clamp-type model that can be attached to desks up to two and 3/8 inches thick. If you keep the light source horizontal, it can be raised up to 26 and a quarter inches. It has a great range and claims to be good for architectural drafting. You can work for a long time with this lamp without straining your eyes, as it produces 302 lx(28.06 fc) of light at close range. It can illuminate a wide range from high up, hitting 158 lx(14.68 fc) on the perimeter.
It’s hard to move after you set it up due to the clamp, but you shouldn't really need to because it can completely light up even a large desk. This product is also notable for its flexible arm, allowing you to match it to the height of your monitor and what kind of work you’re doing. However, moving it to the left or right loosens the screw used for setup, so be careful. If you like reading magazines or doing arts and crafts, note that this lamp’s 87.7 CRI is perfect for anyone who looks at colorful materials for extended periods.
It reaches 573 lx(53.23 fc) directly under the light, so it’s not so bright that it causes discomfort and also doesn’t produce many shadows. However, it does create some double shadows, which is one downside. It has five levels of brightness and five color options, making it highly adaptable to different scenarios. Unfortunately, it’s not so user-friendly. The buttons are on the cord, so you have to pull it in to press them, and you have to press them multiple times to change the brightness or color. While its versatility is great, we wish it was easier to use.
Power consumption | 10W |
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Power source type | USB |
Light source width | 16.56 in. |
Base width | 1.19 in. |
Base depth | 1.50 in. |
Total weight | 1.57 lb. |
Features |
Dimming function | |
---|---|
Tone changing function | |
Brightness at close range | 419.25 lx (38.95 fc) |
Light source color | Natural white |
OttLite’s LED Soft Touch Desk Lamp is covered in a soft silicone material. It's compact, with a maximum height of 13 and 3/8 inches with the light source flat. This lamp's close-range brightness measured in at 419.25 lx(38.95 fc), providing great lighting over the most used part of the desk. You'll be more than satisfied if you want a lamp for reading or other activities that require good illumination in a single area.
Considering it’s a compact lamp, it’s no surprise that it struggles to illuminate large desks, only reaching 142.45 lx(13.23 fc) on the outer edges. However, its flexible arm allows it to be adjusted in any direction, allowing you to point the light at your desired area and helping to cover up this weak point. This is a good choice if you want a smaller lamp. It produces natural colors, earning itself an 88.1 CRI. As long as you don’t need to discern the difference between similar colors, this should be good enough.
On the flip side, the difference in brightness at close and long range is something to consider, and you should use the shade and adjust the brightness to avoid dazzling light. Also, while it does a good job lighting up your workspace, it creates some shadows, which can cause more strain on your eyes when writing.
The lamp offers three brightness levels, but no option to change the color. While this lack of features makes it easier to use, it also only has one button that controls the brightness, turns it on, and turns it off depending on how many times you press it. It gives off a natural white light, so it’s good for midday reading and crafts.
Power consumption | 8W |
---|---|
Power source type | Wall plug |
Light source width | 4.0 in. |
Base width | 6.25 in. |
Base depth | 6.25 in. |
Total weight | 1.54 lb. |
Features |
Dimming function | |
---|---|
Tone changing function | |
Brightness at close range | 220.35lx (20.47 fc) |
Light source color | Warm white、Natural white、Daylight |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The Airlonv desk light features a flexible arm that allows for easy adjustment of height and angle without taking up much space. Its clamp-style base also helps to minimize desk area usage. Additionally, it includes both dimming and color adjustment features.
One drawback is the placement of the control buttons midway along the power cord. This can be cumbersome as the cord often gets in the way. Depending on where the light is set up, changing the color or brightness might require getting up from your chair. Moreover, the brightness is somewhat lacking; directly underneath, it reaches only 952lx, which is lower compared to other products. Although its horizontal design minimizes brightness variation across the desk, it's not very bright.
However, the arm's flexibility is a significant advantage, allowing for easy adjustment to match your posture or hand position. This makes it easy to avoid direct light in your eyes. Its stylish design is less obtrusive, making it suitable for desks with multiple monitors. The dimming and color adjustments, not bound by levels, also allow for customizable lighting that is easy on the eyes, depending on the situation and time of day.
While the lamp's flexible arm and lack of joints are convenient, the lower brightness is a significant limitation. It might be suitable for low-light activities like reading in bed, but it is not ideal for more intensive tasks like studying or desk work.
Power consumption | 10W |
---|---|
Power source type | Wall plug |
Light source width | 15.8 in. |
Base width | 3.9 in. |
Base depth | 5.9 in. |
Total weight | 1.8 lb. |
Features | Stylish |
Dimming function | |
---|---|
Tone changing function | |
Brightness at close range | 194.0 lx (18.02 fc) |
Light source color | Warm white, Natural white, Daylight |
This is a clamp-style LED lamp that can be attached to desks up to two and a quarter inches thick. It can reach a height of 24 and a quarter inches while keeping the light horizontal. The pole is slim from the shade to the base, so it doesn’t overwhelm your desk. Unfortunately, it leaves a lot to be desired in terms of brightness, as it only reaches 194 lx(18.02 fc) at close range and 104 lx(9.66 fc) in the corners. You'll have to squint to read printed or written text, which causes strain over time.
It makes use of a flexible arm to move in four directions and illuminate a wide area. It hits 415 lx(38.55 fc) directly under the light, so it can illuminate specific areas fairly well. Because the light is on the dimmer side, you don’t have to worry about blinding brightness, and it provides a consistent glow over the work area. In addition, it has 86.2 CRI, so it’s gentle on the eyes even when viewing colorful materials. However, it does cast large shadows.
It offers 10 brightness levels and three color modes: daylight, natural white, and warm white. However, the settings don’t differ that much, and it’s hard to switch between them, as the button is on the cord and has to be pressed multiple times.
Power consumption | 10W |
---|---|
Power source type | USB |
Light source width | 8.94 in. |
Base width | 1.25 in. |
Base depth | 1.63 in. |
Total weight | 1.0 lb. |
Features |
Dimming function | |
---|---|
Tone changing function | |
Brightness at close range | 145.93 lx (13.56 fc) |
Light source color | Warm white、Natural white、Daylight |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The KOOTION desk lamp is compact yet offers a variety of dimming and color adjustment options. Although its illumination area is limited, the base's buttons allow for quick and convenient control. Given its affordability, it might be suitable as a secondary desk light.
Its compact size is advantageous, but the brightness is somewhat lacking. It is bright at 1390lx directly underneath but quickly dims with distance—only about 200lx at 11.81 inches and 60lx at 19.69 inches. This makes it less suitable for spreading out notebooks or illuminating desk corners for study or work. Additionally, its color rendering index of 84.5Ra does not enhance colors vividly.
The arm is flexible enough to move with one hand, and the touch-sensitive control panel on the base makes color changes easy, even for small children. Although overall brightness is inadequate, the light distribution is uniform, and adjusting the shade to avoid direct eye exposure is simple, making it relatively gentle on the eyes.
While the brightness may be insufficient for some, its ease of operation and usability could make it a viable secondary desk lamp. However, those seeking a primary desk light should consider other options.
Power consumption | 12W |
---|---|
Power source type | Wall plug |
Light source width | 7.7 in. |
Base width | 3.9 in. |
Base depth | 5.9 in. |
Total weight | 1.17 lb. |
Features |
Dimming function | |
---|---|
Tone changing function | |
Brightness at close range | 293.25lx (27.24 fc) |
Light source color | Warm white, Natural white, Cool light |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The Honeywell Foldable Modern Table Lamp HWT-H01 is perfect for those who prioritize ease of use. Its foldable design and simple base switch make adjusting the light settings a breeze.
You can choose from three color temperatures: 3,000K (warm white), 4,000K (natural white), and 5,500K (cool white). The brightness has a wide adjustability range from 15% to 100% with a dial.
The light is covered by a milky white guard, which softens the light and reduces harsh glare, making it gentle on the eyes. Although the lamp cannot swivel left or right, it offers ample vertical adjustment.
However, it falls short in brightness, with an average of 293.25 lux at the center and 161 lux at the edges of the desk, indicating a limited illumination range. This lamp is ideal for those who value adjustable brightness but may not satisfy those needing strong, wide-ranging light.
Power consumption | 10W |
---|---|
Power source type | USB |
Light source width | 16.14 in. |
Base width | 7.09in. |
Base depth | 7.09 in. |
Total weight | 2.44 lb. |
Features | Foldable, Modern |
Dimming function | |
---|---|
Tone changing function | |
Brightness at close range | 406.00 lx (37.72 fc) |
Light source color | Warm white, Natural white, Daylight |
The Lepro Innovation LED Desk Lamp is a metallic lamp with a matte finish. It’s compact and adjustable to a maximum height of 15 inches. The brightness at close range averaged at 406 lx(37.72 fc), so you should be able to get up to 500 lx(46.45 fc) with other light sources, helping you to work efficiently. It also lit up the corners to 171.25 lx(15.91 fc), meaning this lamp can get the job done all by itself.
This lamp has a great range for a compact model, but the joint doesn’t have a very good range of motion. This brought it down in the ease of angle adjustment category. In particular, it lacks the ability to turn to the left or right, so you have to move the entire lamp to change the positioning of the light. It doesn't weigh a lot, so it's easy to move, but you can’t adjust it the way you'd like.
84 CRI means that this lamp shouldn’t cause eye strain when carrying out normal office work. However, it does cast a lot of shadows, which can seem a bit gloomy after a while. On top of that, the shade can’t be adjusted to help block the light from entering your eyes. With five brightness levels and three color settings, this lamp can be adjusted for a number of different situations. It also has separate buttons for power, brightness, and color, which is very convenient.
Power consumption | 9.5W |
---|---|
Power source type | Wall plug |
Light source width | 9.69 in. |
Base width | 4.06 in. |
Base depth | 6.31 in. |
Total weight | 1.87 lb. |
Features |
Dimming function | |
---|---|
Tone changing function | |
Brightness at close range | 365.0 lx (33.91 fc) |
Light source color |
The Caskey Metal Desk Lamp by Zipcode Design has a matte finish and looks very modern. A notable feature is the power outlet on the base. The brightness depends on the bulb used, and for this test, we used the equivalent of a 60-watt, 810-lumen E26 LED bulb. The brightness at close range was 365 lx(33.91 fc) and 151.75 lx(14.10 fc) in the corners. The shade completely covers the bulb, but it can reach a height of 17 and 3/8 inches. The shade doesn’t block the light from spreading out too much, so it can illuminate a wide range.
It’s made of metal and pretty heavy, but luckily you don’t have to move it much because it has a fully adjustable joint, so you can point it wherever you need some light. You can also adjust the angle of the shade, which allows you to position it with precision and helps keep the light out of your eyes. But part of the light reflects off the shade, creating double shadows.
The coloration depends on the bulb used, so check the CRI of the bulb you use with it. While you can alter the brightness and coloration by using a different bulb, you can’t change these settings on the unit itself. In addition, even though it looks very stylish, it lacks some functionality you may want from a desk lamp. The power button is also on the back of the shade, so you have to reach around to press it when the lamp is raised up.
Power consumption | unknown |
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Power source type | Wall plug |
Light source width | 5.25 in. |
Base width | 7.0 in. |
Base depth | 7.0 in. |
Total weight | 4.18 lb. |
Features | Stylish |
Dimming function | |
---|---|
Tone changing function | |
Brightness at close range | 366.5 lx (34.05 fc) |
Light source color |
This bulb lamp by Mainstays has a multifaceted base that helps you organize your desk, charge your devices, and can even be used as a phone stand. We used an 810-lumen bulb for this lamp in our tests, which is standard for a 60-watt E26 size. We found that the brightness at close range was 366.5 lx(34.05 fc) and 103.45 lx(9.61 fc) in the corners. It can only reach a height of 10 inches, so it’s on the smaller side. Also, the shade completely blocks the bulb, reducing its range significantly.
However, it has a flexible arm that allows you to adjust the angle precisely, which helps make up for its limited range. If you only need to light up a specific spot, such as while reading, this lamp might get the job done. The shadow produced by the bulb and the shade together creates a double shadow beneath the light source. The coloration depends on the bulb, so choose a bulb with a CRI close to 100 if you want to protect your eyes or need to see colors precisely. Because it uses light bulbs, you can’t adjust the brightness directly. If you think it’s too dark, you can try adjusting the angle of the shade. It also doesn’t have any other color modes, so make sure to get the right bulb for your intended use.
Power consumption | unknown |
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Power source type | Wall plug |
Light source width | 5.0 in. |
Base width | 7.44 in. |
Base depth | 5.0 in. |
Total weight | 1.54 lb. |
Features | Stylish |
Dimming function | |
---|---|
Tone changing function | |
Brightness at close range | 211.65 lx (19.66 fc) |
Light source color | Warm white |
The Type 75 Desk Lamp was designed by the industrial designer Kenneth Grange in 2003 and is sold by Anglepoise. The same company is said to be the first to manufacture arms and joints with springs attached to allow free movement, so this lamp is definitely a traditional choice. We used the bulb included with the lamp for testing, recording 211.65 lx(19.66 fc) at close range and 121 lx(11.24 fc) along the perimeter. The bulb generates a gentle light that spreads out but lacks brightness. This, combined with its height of 19 and 3/4 inches, renders it incapable of illuminating the whole desk.
The joint allows free movement in all four directions, so you can light up any area you like, regardless of where you place the lamp. However, the length of the arm means you have to fold it down when bringing it close, and the arm juts out backward. If your desk is up against the wall, you might have to consider where you place the lamp.
The included LED bulb has 91.3 CRI, delivering vibrant and natural colors. Because it produces a soft light, the outlines of the shadows it produces are light. You can’t change the brightness because it uses a bulb, but it’s not too bright to be a concern. In addition, you can’t change the coloration on the light itself. The included bulb has a reddish-orange tint that's ideal for relaxation. So if you’re looking for a lamp to use for work, we suggest replacing the bulb with a white one.
Power consumption | unknown |
---|---|
Power source type | Wall plug |
Light source width | 5.44 in. |
Base width | 7.63 in. |
Base depth | 7.63 in. |
Total weight | 6.8 lb. |
Features | Stylish |
Dimming function | |
---|---|
Tone changing function | |
Brightness at close range | 278.0 lx (25.83 fc) |
Light source color |
The Forså from IKEA is a classic-style stainless steel work lamp. It has a compact shade and uses E12 bulbs, which are smaller than average. We used a 440-lumen bulb for this test to match those used by the manufacturer. The light bulb is completely hidden by the shade, so we were worried that it wouldn’t distribute the light well. But while it did manage to record a brightness of 278 lx(25.83 fc) at close range, it only reached 122.45 lx(11.38 fc) in the corners. The light source can be raised to 16 and a quarter inches, but the shade prevents it from being a good option for lighting up desks thoroughly.
The joint offers plenty of vertical movement to light up specific areas by moving it closer. It can only turn 90 degrees to the left and right, but you can increase this range by loosening the screw on the base. Look out for the shade angle joint, though, as it loosens easily when adjusting it.
It casts double shadows from the bulb and shade, but the shadow from the shade is light and mostly unnoticeable. While it’s not too dazzling, the light is concentrated in one area due to the compact shade, so looking directly at it can be uncomfortable. You can’t change the brightness or coloration since it uses a regular bulb. And though having a single switch makes things simpler, it's located on the cord and thus hard to reach.
Power consumption | unknown |
---|---|
Power source type | Wall plug |
Light source width | 4.94 in. |
Base width | 5.75 in. |
Base depth | 5.75 in. |
Total weight | 5.82 lb. |
Features | Stylish |
Dimming function | |
---|---|
Tone changing function | |
Brightness at close range | 328.75 lx (30.54 fc) |
Light source color |
The Blackened Bronze Richarson by Trent Austin Design is a striking metal lamp with a pulley-based design. The light can be raised up to 25 and 3/4 inches and has a wide shade better suited to larger desks. We used a typical E26 60-watt bulb with a brightness of 810 lumens. It can shine down from a great height and the shade doesn’t block the light, allowing it to illuminate a wide area. We recorded a brightness level of 328.75 lx(30.54 fc) at close range and 208.5 lx(19.37 fc) on the outer edges. The brightness depends on the bulb, so it's possible to light up your entire desk if you buy the right one.
The shade and bulb hang from a rope, which allows it to be raised and lowered, but you can’t alter the angle. In addition, you have to adjust several other parts to raise and lower the light, including loosening the screw you tighten during setup and pulling the pin from the rope. The bulb sticks out from the bottom and the angle of the shade can’t be adjusted, so you can’t move it to block the light from entering your eyes.
It casts two shadows from the bulb and the shade, resulting in a double shadow over your workspace. If you’re worried about eye strain or distinguishable colors, look for a bulb with a high CRI rating. You only have one option for brightness and color, unless you buy a different bulb. Plus, the power switch is located on the shade, so it’s a bit of a hassle to reach up to press it. The design makes it stick out, and its usability is lacking for a work lamp.
Power consumption | unknown |
---|---|
Power source type | Wall plug |
Light source width | 12.25 in. |
Base width | 8.5 in. |
Base depth | 8.50 in. |
Total weight | 12.1 lb. |
Features | Stylish |
Dimming function | |
---|---|
Tone changing function | |
Brightness at close range | 168.825 lx (15.68 fc) |
Light source color | Warm white, Natural white, Daylight |
This lamp by SUPTREE can be plugged into the wall or charged and used wirelessly. Its maximum height is 13 inches and the light source is only five and a half inches, so it’s quite compact. It features a unique base with pencil holders and a phone stand. It doesn’t light up workspaces very well, as it only reaches 168.83 lx(15.68 fc). The light comes in at an impressive 1,200 lx(111.48 fc) directly below the source, but doesn’t spread across the desk. The outer edges only reached 52.28 lx(4.86 fc), which is far from sufficient.
You can easily adjust the position of the light source using the flexible arm, but it’s not enough to make up for its very limited range. The unit is very light, and the padding on the bottom of the base causes it to wobble. The colors appear natural, and that is reflected in its 86.4 CRI. That being said, it casts a lot of shadows, especially on the daylight setting intended for reading and writing. However, the biggest issue is the lack of brightness, which can wear out your eyes if you use it for too long.
It has three brightness and color settings, which should meet most people's needs. Unfortunately, it only has one button, so you need to press it in different ways to change the settings.
Power consumption | 5W |
---|---|
Power source type | USB |
Light source width | 5.50 in. |
Base width | 4.69 in. |
Base depth | 4.44 in. |
Total weight | 0.57 lb. |
Features |
Dimming function | |
---|---|
Tone changing function | |
Brightness at close range | 363.25 lx (33.75 fc) |
Light source color |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The Adjustable Metal Desk Lamp from Better Homes & Gardens features a chic design. We tested a model that does not include a bulb.
Brightness depends on the bulb you choose, as the lamp does not come with one. The shade covers the bulb, potentially creating differences in light intensity across the area, requiring careful position adjustment. However, the height adjustment is limited, ranging from 6.5 to 10.8 inches, which is less than many other lamps that offer over 10 inches of variability.
The lamp effectively illuminates nearby areas, although its range is narrow. Brightness and color will vary with the bulb used, suitable for tasks like reading or crafting. Note that the lamp's neck only tilts vertically, not horizontally, so you'll need to move the base for side-to-side adjustments.
This lamp works well as a light for small tasks but has limited overall usability. It's not ideal for those needing one lamp for multiple activities like reading, desk work, and crafting, so exploring other options might be better.
Power consumption | |
---|---|
Power source type | Wall plug |
Light source width | |
Base width | 7.1in. |
Base depth | 7.1in. |
Total weight | unknown |
Features |
Dimming function | |
---|---|
Tone changing function | |
Brightness at close range | 259.25 lx (24.09 fc) |
Light source color |
This lamp by Simple Designs is a unique choice with its transparent glass shade. The main body is made of iron and uses a warm white Edison light bulb, giving it an antique look. We used a 1100-lumen bulb that can be purchased together with the lamp. Thanks to its glass shade, the light shines in all directions, lighting up not only the desk but the entire room.
On the desk, we recorded brightness levels of 259.25 lx(24.09 fc) at close range and 153.5 lx(14.26 fc) on the edges. This lamp intentionally lacks a joint, so you have to move the entire unit to change the position of the lighting. You don’t really need to move it due to its wide range, but we wish there was a way to change the height.
The glass shade means that the light shines directly into your eyes, costing it points in that department. In addition, it casts a lot of shadows and the glass shade reflects light and glimmers, so this isn’t great for long work sessions. As with other lamps that use bulbs, you can’t adjust the brightness or color settings easily. Also, the power switch is on the cord, so you either have to leave it on your desk or pull it towards you whenever you press it.
Power consumption | unknown |
---|---|
Power source type | Wall plug |
Light source width | 5.0 in. |
Base width | 5.88 in. |
Base depth | 5.88 in. |
Total weight | 3.2 lb. |
Features | Stylish |
Dimming function | |
---|---|
Tone changing function | |
Brightness at close range | 207.75 lx (19.30 fc) |
Light source color | Daylight |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The Curved Arc Dimmable Metal Table Lamp is perfect for interior or bedside lighting. Its sleek, curved design adds a stylish touch to any desk.
The LED light source is covered with a milky white guard to reduce glare. However, its color rendering index of 83.0Ra is slightly low, so colors may not appear very vivid. The warm white light might not be ideal for tasks requiring precise color perception, such as nail art.
With an average brightness of 207.75 lux, it falls short for detailed work. In our tests, the average illumination at the edges of the desk was 96.05 lux, making it unsuitable for those who need wide-ranging light. Additionally, the lamp's angle cannot be adjusted. While brightness can be set to three levels, there is no color temperature adjustment.
The base switch is convenient, but having both the ON/OFF and dimming functions on the same button can be a bit cumbersome. This lamp is best suited for those who prioritize design over functionality.
Power consumption | 10W |
---|---|
Power source type | Wall plug |
Light source width | 7.87 in. |
Base width | 1.89 in. |
Base depth | 3.94 in. |
Total weight | 3.5 lb. |
Features | Stylish |
Dimming function | |
---|---|
Tone changing function | |
Brightness at close range | 70.13 lx (6.52 fc) |
Light source color | Warm white, Natural white, White light |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The Woputne Desk Clip-on Lamp is ideal for versatile use in various locations. It easily clips onto surfaces and features a flexible arm that can be adjusted freely, making it highly portable.
The flexible arm allows for easy angle adjustments in any direction. With three light modes and 10 levels of brightness, it can be customized for different settings.
However, the average brightness at the center is only 70.13 lux, and the edges of the desk receive an average of 25.63 lux, which means its illumination range is quite limited. It may not be suitable for tasks requiring a wide, well-lit workspace.
The separate ON/OFF and dimming buttons are convenient, but the dimming button requires multiple presses, which can be tedious. Additionally, the switch is located on the cord rather than the base, making quick adjustments challenging. Despite these drawbacks, this lamp is useful for various settings like beds or desks, as long as strong brightness is not a priority.
Power consumption | 5W |
---|---|
Power source type | USB |
Light source width | 3.35 in. |
Base width | 2.95 in. |
Base depth | 4.13 in. |
Total weight | 0.61 lb. |
Features | Simple |
Dimming function | |
---|---|
Tone changing function | |
Brightness at close range | 49.90 lx (4.64 fc) |
Light source color | Warm white、Natural white、Daylight |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The Cresswell Lighting Metal Stick Table Lamp is ideal for those who want to finely adjust their lighting. It offers continuously adjustable brightness from a range of 10% to 100%, and the LED light source is covered with an opaque white guard to reduce glare.
However, the average brightness at the center is only 49.90 lux, and the edges of the desk receive an average of 21.35 lux, indicating a narrow illumination range. The light source can not move up, down and sideways, making fine angle adjustments difficult.
The lamp's ON/OFF and dimming switch are combined, requiring a long press for dimming, which is less convenient than models with separate buttons.
Its simple, modern design makes it a good choice for ambient lighting, but the limited brightness and angle adjustment make it unsuitable for tasks that require focus and high visibility.
Power consumption | 7W |
---|---|
Power source type | USB |
Light source width | 3.03 in. |
Base width | 3.03 in. |
Base depth | 3.03 in. |
Total weight | 0.5 lb. |
Features | Stylish |
mybest defines the best desk light as one that provides various lighting options suitable for different tasks, illuminating both the working area and the corners of the desk brightly. It should also minimize eye fatigue during extended work periods and be user-friendly.
In order to find the best product, we gathered 23 top-selling desk lights from Amazon, Walmart, Wayfair, and other sites, and thoroughly tested them based on the following six criteria.
Products we tested
To find a lamp that brightly illuminates a workspace, we set the standard as a product that can provide 750 lux of brightness to the workspace.
We set up a desk with dimensions commonly found in office environments, measuring 22 inches in height and 48 inches in width, in a room where external light was blocked out. Within this designated workspace on the desk, we checked the brightness at close range.
To measure the brightness within this range, we took readings at four points extended at 60 degrees from the center of the light, reaching distances of 11.81 in. and 19.69 in. in both directions. We set evaluation criteria based on the recommended workspace illumination from the International Education Standards (IES). With 750 lux (69.68 fc) as the upper limit, the higher the average brightness at the four points, the more recommended the product. We scored the recommendations accordingly.
Testing Equipment:Konica Minolta CRI Illuminance Meter CL-70F (Conforms to JIS A Class and DIN Class C)
To measure the brightness across a wide area on the desk, welooked for a product that can illuminate the corners of the desk with 700 lux.
During the test, we measured the brightness in four outer areas of a typical work desk (22 in. x 48 in.) in a room with blocked external light. Using the recommended desk brightness according to the IES (Illuminating Engineering Society), we set a limit of 700 lux (65.03 fc) as the upper limit. The higher the average brightness of the four points, the higher the score the product received.
Testing Equipment:Konica Minolta CRI Illuminance Meter CL-70F (Conforms to JIS A Class and DIN Class C)
When choosing a compact option, it is important the joints of the desk lamp allow you to direct the light where you want it. We looked for products with highly adjustable joints to move light where you want it.
Testers tested and scored each product based on the following points.
We tested products to find which ones allow easy adjustment of both brightness and light color to suit the space.
Testers checked each product and assigned scores based on the following criteria.
Since you will use a desk light often, look for products that are convenient and work without issue through our testing.
Testers checked and scored each product with the following criteria in mind.
We tested products that were gentle on the eyes by seeing which lamps didn't fatigue the eyes even after long work sessions.
Testers checked and scored each product with the following criteria in mind.
No. 1: BenQ|WiT e-Reading Desk Lamp|9H.W3PWT.ESW
No. 2: Taotronics|LED Desk Lamp
No. 3: UPLIFT Desk|LED Desk Lamp E7 with Clamp
No. 3: White Crown|LED Desk Lamp
No. 5: KONCEPT|Z-Bar Mini LED Desk Lamp
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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