A long-standing tradition for getting yourself ready to go to sleep at night is curling up in bed with a good book. But you don’t want to disturb others who may be nearby using an overhead light or desk lamp. The best solution is to use a good reading light that can be used anywhere.
You’ll want to consider several things before buying a reading light that’s just right for you. If you’re interested in a hands-free reading light that rests around the neck, the Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light is a fully-customizable choice.
There are three main types of reading lights, all of which are hands-free: lights that clip to your book, lights that clip to a headboard, shelf or table and lights you wear.
This is the most common type of reading light. Reading lights that clip to your book focus the light directly on the page from close up and is a good choice for reading anywhere you can find a place to sit or lie down. It usually clips to a book by means of a single spring-loaded jaw mechanism.
This type of reading light has a bigger clip that allows you to attach your reading light to a shelf, headboard or bedside table. Because the light sits farther away from your book than a reading light that clips to the book itself, it will not be as concentrated. On the other hand, you will never have to move your reading light, which is sometimes needed when using one that clips directly to the book.
There are two basic styles of wearable personal reading and task lights. One is U-shaped, drapes around your neck and shoulders and has one light on either side. The other is attached to a headband that you wear and has a single light, much like the kind you see in old pictures of mine workers.
For more information about reading lights, take a look at the full reading light buying guide from BestReviews.
LEDs are the most common bulbs found in reading lights because they are bright, energy efficient and have long lifespans. Avoid reading lights with incandescent bulbs. These can use up to five times the energy to produce the same amount of light as an LED. Incandescent bulbs can get very hot as well, like the high-intensity bulbs once found in most reading lights.
Most reading lights use standard AAA batteries, which are inexpensive but don’t last long. Some of the better reading lights use rechargeable Lithium ion batteries that last a long time.
Look for reading lights that are mounted on a bendable neck that you can adjust to be at the distance from the page you are most comfortable with. Also look for lights with several choices of settings that are adjustable for intensity and mood.
Many simple reading lights with replaceable batteries can be found for $10 or less. Most reading lights with rechargeable batteries cost between $10-$20. Reading lights with USB cables, AC adapters and lots of customizable features cost around $20 or more.
A. Those who read for hours will want reading lights with rechargeable batteries or with AC adapters so they never run out of power. Serious readers will also want lights that adjust for brightness levels and mood.
A. Most reading lights use LED bulbs. The better ones use bulbs that reduce glare and are safe for extended use.
Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light
What you need to know: This hands-free reading light rests around the neck and is fully-customizable for many different activities needing a bright light.
What you’ll love: This reading light has six levels of brightness and three temperature modes, all of which can be adjusted to personal preference. The narrow light beam is no-flicker, blue-light filtered and focuses directly on the book with little light spill to disturb others. Its premium 1000mAh battery is chargeable via the included USB cable. Readers find it is a great light for knitting, doing small repairs and camping.
What you should consider: Some customers say this reading light is too bulky and does not fit smaller people.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
What you need to know: This flexible reading light clips directly onto your book and includes two Energizer CR2032 batteries so you can start reading as soon as you open the package.
What you’ll love: With replaceable batteries that last up to 25 hours, this lightweight device is an ideal choice for travelers. The advanced 14 lumen LED technology recreates natural reading conditions and is easy on the eyes, with a light beam narrow enough for privacy but broad enough to see what you are reading.
What you should consider: The brightness setting on this model is fixed and not adjustable.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Light It! By Fulcrum LED Book Reading Light
What you need to know: This reading light’s MultiFlex clip grabs onto many different kinds of surfaces.
What you’ll love: The gooseneck shape is sturdy, flexible and easy to adjust. The LED bulb uses floodlight technology to provide an ultra bright, glare free, wide beam of light that is easy on the eyes and never needs to be replaced. More than just a book light, this reading light is an excellent task light for typing, crafting and general use inside your car.
What you should consider: This reading light is powered by three replaceable AAA batteries, but you’ll have to supply your own, because they are not included.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
David Allan Van writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
