Best Book Light & Reading Light: Top Picks for Serious Readers

Book lights and reading lights are essential tools for avid readers, providing a focused and adjustable source of light that allows for comfortable reading in low-light environments or without disturbing others around you. They come in various styles and designs, ranging from clip-on models that attach to your book or e-reader to free-standing lamps designed specifically for reading.

The purpose of the best book light or reading light is to enhance the reading experience by providing optimal illumination without causing eye strain. This is particularly important for extended reading sessions or when sharing a room with someone who might be sensitive to light. A well-designed reading light should be lightweight, portable, and offer adjustable brightness levels to cater to individual preferences and various reading materials.

When selecting the perfect book or reading light, critical factors to consider include battery life, the type of light source (e.g., LED, halogen, or incandescent), adjustability, and durability. Additionally, the design should provide comfortable, flicker-free lighting with minimal glare. Some readers may also prefer lights that offer a range of color temperatures for a more customized reading experience.

After extensively researching and testing numerous book and reading lights, we've identified the top choices that not only provide exceptional illumination but also take into consideration the essential factors mentioned above. So let's delve into the world of book and reading lights and find the perfect match tailored to your specific needs and preferences.

After this article we recommend reading about the Best Book Stands & Holders.

GIPGLOW RECHARGEABLE READING LIGHT

Featured Author

GRIPGLOW READING LIGHT

$18.89

This product is a lightweight, rechargeable clip-on book light with a flexible gooseneck, designed to provide adjustable, portable, and convenient illumination for readers and travelers

View Product Details

This product is a lightweight, rechargeable clip-on book light with a flexible gooseneck, designed to provide adjustable, portable, and convenient illumination for readers and travelers.

Pros

• The clip-on feature with a jaw up to 1.18 inches and a 360° adjustable flexible gooseneck offers versatility for perfect lighting alignment.
• Exceptionally lightweight at 100g, this portable light fits in small spaces, making it ideal for travel.
• The built-in 1000mAh rechargeable battery supports extended use and is conveniently USB-chargeable, reducing battery waste.

Cons

• Its compact size might not be sufficient for those needing to illuminate larger workspaces.
• The intensity of the light on the highest setting may be too strong for some users' preference.
• Despite its portability, the lack of a motion sensor might limit its utility for certain outdoor activities.

The light's portability and ease of use stood out during our assessment, ensuring that reading in the dark or sharing a light during bedtime stories is never a problem. It's a great gift for book lovers and a handy tool for camping and travel, promising long reading sessions without the need for constant recharging.

Overall, the GripGlow Rechargeable Book Light is a smart investment for anyone looking for a dependable and adaptable reading lamp.

Gritin 9 LED Rechargeable Book Light

Featured In This Review

Gritin 9 LED Rechargeable Book Light

$15.99

This versatile and user-friendly book light is an excellent choice for night-time readers and those who need a portable light source.

View On Amazon

This versatile and user-friendly book light is an excellent choice for night-time readers and those who need a portable light source.

Pros

• Stepless dimming and adjustable color temperature
• Eye-protecting with no flicker or shadow
• 1000mAh rechargeable battery with up to 80 hours runtime

Cons

• Might be too small for some users
• Full brightness may be too bright for some situations
• Takes 2.5 hours to fully charge

When we first picked up the Gritin 9 LED Rechargeable Book Light, we were impressed by its compact size and lightweight frame. This makes it an ideal companion for those who love to read in bed or on the go, without causing any discomfort or inconvenience.

During our time using the book light, we found that the stepless dimming feature allowed us to customize the brightness level to our liking, while the adjustable color temperature added to the overall reading experience. The eye-protecting feature also ensured that our eyes did not feel strained even after long hours of use.

The 1000mAh rechargeable battery provided us with up to 80 hours of lighting at the lowest brightness, which is quite impressive. However, it's worth noting that the full charge does take 2.5 hours of time. The 360° flexible neck and sturdy clip made it simple for us to affix the light to our books and e-readers while traveling.

Our only drawbacks were that the small size might not be suitable for everyone, and the full brightness setting might prove to be too bright in some situations. Overall, we highly recommend the Gritin 9 LED Rechargeable Book Light to those who require a handy, portable, and user-friendly solution for their reading needs.

If you take notes when you read you might want to invest in a note card system. We've compiled a list of the 7 best here.

Gritin 16 LED Rechargeable Book Light

Featured In This Review

Gritin 16 LED Rechargeable Book Light

$15.99

Gritin 16 LED Rechargeable Book Light with adjustable brightness and color temperatures. Lightweight and versatile

View On Amazon

The Gritin 16 LED Rechargeable Book Light is an excellent choice for avid readers, offering customizable lighting options and a convenient design.

Pros

• Stepless dimming & 3 color modes
• Eye protection design
• Long-lasting 1000mAh rechargeable battery

Cons

• Stiff structure might be uncomfortable for long periods
• Lowest brightness may still be too bright for some
• Takes 2 hours to fully charge

We recently tested the Gritin 16 LED Rechargeable Book Light and found it to be a highly versatile and practical option for reading at night. With its stepless dimming and three color temperature modes (mixed light, white light, amber light), it enables users to easily adjust both brightness and tone for a personalized reading experience.

One aspect that impressed us was the book light's eye protection design. The professional LED lamp beads emit a soft, flicker-free light that ensures a comfortable reading experience without straining our eyes. This feature also made it suitable for children's use.

The built-in 1000mAh rechargeable battery lasts up to 80 hours on the lowest brightness setting, ensuring extended reading sessions without interruptions. However, it does take 2 hours to charge fully using the included Type-C cable, which may be inconvenient for some users.

The 360° flexible neck and sturdy clip allowed us to securely attach the light to books and e-readers, as well as position it at the desired angle. However, the stiff structure might be uncomfortable during long reading sessions.

Overall, the Gritin 16 LED Rechargeable Book Light provides an adjustable and eye-friendly solution for nighttime reading. Its long battery life and versatile design make it an excellent choice for both adults and children.

A perfect addition to a reading light is a lap desk.

86lux Rechargeable Ultralight Clip-on Reading Light

Featured In This Review

86lux Rechargeable Ultralight Clip-on Reading Light

$10.99

A rechargeable, ultralight clip-on reading light with stepless brightness control. Perfect for reading in bed or on the go.

View On Amazon

The 86lux Reading Light is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a versatile, compact, and user-friendly book light.

Pros

• 3 color modes and customizable brightness
• Lightweight, portable, and foldable design
• Long-lasting battery life with USB-C charging

Cons

• Limited to a single color (gray)
• Relatively small coverage area
• May not clamp onto thicker books securely

We found the 86lux Reading Light to be a fantastic companion for our late-night reading sessions. The three different color modes (amber, nature, and cool) offered a pleasant and adjustable reading experience. We particularly enjoyed the stepless dimming switch, allowing us to find the perfect brightness level tailored to our individual preferences.

The portability and compact design of this book light make it ideal for travel or simply reading in bed. Weighing only 60 grams and featuring a foldable clip-on design, it easily fits within our bags or even as a bookmark. Additionally, we were able to enjoy a longer, uninterrupted reading time, thanks to the impressive 80-hour battery life. Charging the light was a breeze as well, utilizing the standard USB-C cable.

One of the standout features of this reading light is its flexible head. It offers ample adjustability to focus the lighting on both pages of our books without bothering our partners sleeping next to us. However, we found the coverage area of the light to be somewhat limited, which might be an issue when trying to illuminate larger reading materials.

Although the 86lux Reading Light performs admirably, we did note a couple of minor drawbacks. Firstly, it is only available in one color (gray), which might not suit everyone's aesthetic preferences. Secondly, the clip mechanism may not be secure enough for thicker books, which could lead to the light slipping or shifting during use.

Overall, the 86lux Reading Light is a fantastic option for book lovers, providing adjustable, comfortable lighting in a compact and portable design. With its few minor drawbacks in mind, we still highly recommend this reading light for avid readers seeking a customizable and enjoyable night reading experience.

A perfect addition to any cozy reading area is a blankets for book lovers.

Glocusent Innovative Tri-Head Book Light

Featured In This Review

Glocusent Innovative Tri-Head Book Light

$20.69

The Glocusent Innovative Tri-Head Book Light is a versatile and efficient reading companion. With adjustable brightness levels and a rechargeable battery lasting up to 10-100 hours, it provides a comfortable reading experience.

View On Amazon

We highly recommend the Glocusent Innovative Tri-Head Book Light for its unique design, versatile lighting options, and long-lasting battery life.

Pros

• Innovative tri-head design for customizable lighting
• Three color temperatures with five brightness levels each
• Rechargeable, with a powerful 1000mAh battery

Cons

• A bit heavier compared to other book lights
• Metal neck sometimes requires adjustment
• Buttons may not be noise-free, causing minor disruptions

The Glocusent Innovative Tri-Head Book Light stands out among its competitors due to its unique T-shaped design that allows for versatile lighting adjustments to cover all sizes of pages. The 90° adjustable wing-heads can be easily positioned for focused or broad lighting, making it ideal for various reading needs. With 27 advanced LEDs, this book light offers more uniform and brighter illumination than most other options on the market.

One notable feature of this book light is its ability to offer three different color temperatures to suit individual preferences. Ranging from a gentle 2700K for a soothing ambiance to an invigorating 6000K for enhanced focus, each color option has five adjustable brightness levels. The long press button makes it easy to select the preferred color and level of brightness without any hassle.

The Glocusent book light is equipped with a Type-C charging port, ensuring faster and safer charging. Its built-in 1000mAh battery allows users to enjoy up to 10 hours of continuous use at the brightest setting, and a remarkable 100 hours at the lowest. This extended battery life means less time spent charging and more time spent reading. Moreover, the Tri-Head Book Light is designed to be partner-friendly. By adjusting the light heads, readers can create ample lighting while maintaining a dim enough environment for their partner, making it perfect for shared bedtime reading.

Overall, the Glocusent Innovative Tri-Head Book Light is an excellent choice for avid readers looking for a customizable, versatile, and long-lasting reading light solution.

Another spectacular addition to any reading area is a reading backrest pillow.

Gritin 19 LED Rechargeable Book Light

Featured In This Review

Gritin 19 LED Rechargeable Book Light

$14.99

A versatile and rechargeable book light with adjustable brightness levels, perfect for comfortable reading in any environment.

View On Amazon

The Gritin 19 LED Rechargeable Book Light is a versatile and reliable choice for book lovers seeking an enjoyable and comfortable reading experience.

Pros

• Wide illumination range for better reading
• 3 color temperature modes with stepless dimming
• Eye-protecting soft light with 360° flexible neck

Cons

• Might feel a bit heavy for some users
• Limited to 8-80 hours runtime depending on brightness
• Build quality may not be top-notch

We recently started using the Gritin 19 LED Rechargeable Book Light, and it has certainly improved our late-night reading sessions. With its horizontal head design and 19 high-quality LED lights, it provides a uniform and soft light that covers both the pages of a book, ensuring an uninterrupted reading experience.

The availability of three color temperature modes (Amber light, Mixed light, and White light) along with a stepless dimming function allows us to customize the brightness and color according to our preferences. The built-in 1200mAh battery offers 8 to 80 hours of runtime depending on the brightness level, which is quite impressive.

Our eyes have been truly thankful for the eye-protection feature of this book light. The LED lamp beads emit natural, soft light without any flickering or glare, reducing eye strain during our prolonged reading sessions. The 360° flexible silicone gooseneck lets us adjust the direction of the light according to our needs, ensuring a comfortable reading position.

While the Gritin Rechargeable Book Light offers numerous benefits, there are a few downsides to consider. Its weight might be a bit heavy for some users, and it can become a concern during long reading sessions. Also, the build quality could be better, as it seems slightly flimsy in comparison to other options on the market.

In conclusion, the Gritin 19 LED Rechargeable Book Light offers a brilliant reading experience with its customizable lighting modes, eye protection, and flexible neck. However, users who are looking for a lightweight option or those concerned about build quality might want to explore other alternatives.

Here is our list of 15 gifts for book lovers and writers.

Buying Guide

When looking for the best book light or reading light, it's essential to consider several factors that ensure a pleasant reading experience. In this buying guide, we'll discuss the key features and aspects to help you choose the best product for your needs.

Brightness and Adjustability

The brightness of a reading light is crucial for comfortable and strain-free reading. Look for a light with adjustable brightness settings, so you can choose the perfect level depending on your environment and personal preference. Additionally, some reading lights come with color temperature options, allowing you to switch between warmer and cooler light tones for added comfort.

Battery Life and Power Source

A long-lasting battery life is important, especially if you plan to use your reading light for extended periods. Some lights are rechargeable, while others use disposable batteries. Rechargeable lights are cost-effective and eco-friendly, but ensure that the battery life will suit your reading habits. Disposable battery-operated lights should have a long run time to minimize the frequency of battery replacement.

Clip-On vs Stand-Alone

Consider whether you prefer a clip-on or stand-alone reading light design. Clip-on lights attach directly to your book or e-reader, making them portable and convenient. Stand-alone designs, such as desk lamps or floor lamps, offer more stability and may have extra features, but they require dedicated space and might not be as portable.

Flexibility and Adjustability

A reading light with a flexible neck or adjustable lamp head allows you to direct the light exactly where you need it. This feature will enable you to optimize the light positioning and minimize glare or shadows.

Portability and Travel-Friendliness

If you enjoy reading on-the-go, opt for a compact and lightweight reading light. It should be easy to pack and transport, with a durable design to withstand the rigors of travel. Some lights even come with travel cases or built-in storage compartments for added convenience.

By considering these essential features and factors, you'll be well-equipped to choose the perfect reading light for your needs. Enjoy hours of comfortable, well-lit reading!