This Simple Upgrade Can Give Your Garage a Complete Makeover

Good lighting doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated—but it’s essential for a safe, productive garage workspace. Bright, reliable garage lighting makes every project easier and helps prevent trips, slips, and accidental cuts.

The best garage lighting transforms dark, underused spaces into functional workshops, and the additional illumination can kickstart a serious garage makeover. To find the best garage lighting, we tested seven top-rated fixtures hands-on, installing each one to see how they deliver, and identified the Sunco Lighting 2-Pack Industrial LED Shop Light as our favorite, but others we tested might be a better fit to provide the best lighting for your needs. Read on for our results and full reviews. 

1. BEST OVERALL: Sunco Lighting 2-Pack Industrial LED Shop Light
   ↓ Jump to Review
2. RUNNER-UP: Barrina LED T5 Integrated Single Fixture
   ↓ Jump to Review
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Commercial Electric LED Shop Light
   ↓ Jump to Review
4. BEST FLUSH-MOUNT: Lithonia Lighting CPANL LED Flat Panel Light
   ↓ Jump to Review 
5. BEST FOR WORKBENCH: Hykolity 5000K LED Shop Light
   ↓ Jump to Review
6. BEST MOTION-ACTIVATED: Tanbaby 2-Pack Motion Sensor Garage Light
   ↓ Jump to Review

Garage Lighting Comparison Chart

Our Top Picks

Choosing the best garage lighting can be overwhelming, so we hands-on tested these top-performing models to help you decide. 

Best Overall

Sunco Lighting 2-Pack Industrial LED Shop Light

See It

What We Like

• Lights wired in series work individually
• Simple installation with standard plugs
• Long wires for easy daisy-chaining 
• Flexible mounting options

What We Don’t Like

• No mounting holes for flush-mount application

Specs 

• Type: LED
• Lumens: 4,100
• Color temperature: 5000K 

Our Ratings: Installation 5/5, Brightness 4.5/5, Value 5/5

For industrial-quality garage lighting, check out Sunco Lighting’s two-pack of LED shop lights. These 4-foot-long lights provide a 5000K or 6000K color temperature—ideal for garage settings—and produce an ample 4,100 lumens (LM) per light. They mount to the ceiling surface or become hanging garage lights when suspended with the included hardware. Each light has a durable pull chain designed to withstand industrial use and can be linked with others for operation from a single wall switch.

Sunco’s industrial shop lights performed exceptionally well in our tests. Despite being wired together, each light operated independently without affecting others in the chain. The use of standard 110-volt outlet plugs ensured simple installation, while long wires made it easy to daisy-chain multiple lights across the garage. We also appreciated the versatility of mounting options, though flush mounting may require drilling holes through the backplate due to the absence of pre-drilled holes.

Get the Sunco garage lighting at Amazon.

Runner-up

Barrina LED T5 Integrated Single Fixture (Pack of 6)

See It

What We Like

• Lots of flexibility
• Plenty bright for most garages
• Incredibly easy installation

What We Don’t Like

• Jumper wires are too short

Specs 

• Type: LED
• Lumens: 2,200
• Color temperature: 6500K

Our Ratings: Installation 4/5, Brightness 5/5, Value 5/5

This set of LED T5 single fixtures from Barrina is a smart choice for lighting an entire garage without blowing the budget. This pack of six, also available in an eight-pack, delivers 2,200LM per light, which all wire together with simple plug-in jumpers. Just plug them in and clip them in place, and the garage lighting system is complete. 

We opted for the very cool 6500K color temperature. Each Barrina light is 4 feet long and uses very little power—only 20 watts per section. And since they’re LEDs, they’ll work well in very cold environments, so there are no excuses for not tackling those jobs when chilly weather arrives!

Installing the Barrina LED T5 system was a breeze, as it required simply screwing the clip to the ceiling and snapping each light in place. And with six lights in the pack, the flexibility to put a light where necessary is a welcome change from the norm. Also, we found the brightness to be more than adequate for most garages. Our only complaint is that the jumper wires were far too short; the similar system we have in our shop came with wires over twice as long.

Get the Barrina garage lighting at Amazon.

Best Bang for the Buck

Commercial Electric LED Shop Light

See It

What We Like

• Easy-to-install design
• Casts a bright, neutral light
• Can be daisy-chained with additional lamps

What We Don’t Like

• Plug-style power connection limits location

Specs 

• Type: LED
• Lumens: 3,000
• Color temperature: 4000K

Our Ratings: Installation 5/5, Brightness 4/5, Value 5/5

Looking to light up the workbench on the cheap? Commercial Electric’s shop light fixture is a great choice. Of the LED garage light fixtures we tested, it was one of the easiest to install. It can flush mount to the ceiling by driving two screws into a ceiling joist and attaching the light, or hung from the ceiling using the included twin wire hangers. And since the shop light plugs into a standard outlet, there’s no need to mess around with wiring. Just keep in mind that while the power cord does make it easier to install, the Commercial Electric shop light won’t work if hard-wiring is the only power option. 

Once in place, its 3,000LM LEDs cast a bright neutral pool of light below. We had no problem spotting cutlines or drilling hole marks while working under its bright, clean light. We also liked the long pull chain that makes it easy to turn the light off and on. 

While a single Commercial Electric light only produces enough lighting for a smaller area, additional lights can daisy chain via the socket on the end of the lamp. It would be tough to find a better value in a garage light.

Get the Commercial Electric garage lighting at The Home Depot.

Best Flush-Mount

Lithonia Lighting CPANL LED Flat Panel Light

See It

What We Like

• Attractive flush-mount design
• Excellent light output
• Easy-to-follow installation instructions

What We Don’t Like

• Too large for a workbench light
• Pricey compared to other garage lights

Specs 

• Type: LED
• Lumens: 4,000
• Color temperature: 3500K, 4000K, and 5000K (adjustable)

Our Ratings: Installation 4/5, Brightness 5/5, Value 4.3/5

For a streamlined look with ample illumination, Lithonia Lighting’s LED flat panel is an excellent choice. Its flush-mount ceiling design and clean white panel offer a sleeker alternative to typical utilitarian fluorescent garage lights. 

Along with being one of the most attractive garage lights we tested, this Lithonia is also one of the best-performing. With a large surface area and 4,000LM output, it provided even corner-to-corner lighting for our 20-by-20-foot garage. Adjustable color temperature is a helpful feature, especially when trying to match an existing work light. It offered enough lighting for tasks like using our table saw, though we recommend adding a dedicated light for the workbench. 

Installation required us to drill four holes in the ceiling and attach the lamp mounting bracket using drywall anchors. Though more complicated than other light installations, Lithonia’s installation video made it easy to complete in 30 minutes. 

While pricier than some options, we think the Lithonia LED flat panel is well worth the investment for full-garage lighting. 

What our tester said: “I love this garage light’s low profile sleek design and bright light output—it fully illuminates my two-car garage. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to install.” — Tony Carrick, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Lithonia Lighting garage lighting at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.

Best for Workbench

Hykolity 5000K LED Shop Ligh

See It

What We Like

• Noticeably brighter than other options
• Easy installation process
• Can daisy-chain to other models

What We Don’t Like

• We would prefer a more economical multipack

Specs 

• Type: LED
• Lumens: 4,400
• Color temperature: 5000K

Our Ratings: Installation 5/5, Brightness 4/5, Value 3.5/5

When looking for hanging shop lights, three things are important: a user-friendly power switch, easy installation, and plenty of light. The Hykolity LED Shop Light checks all the boxes. This fixture measures 4 feet long—enough to illuminate most work surfaces. The included hanging hardware allows installers to suspend it from the ceiling or under a shelf. The 42-watt LEDs produce plenty of light at 4,400LM with a cool-toned 5000K temperature. 

The Hykolity LED shop light was an absolute pleasure to work with during testing. First, installation was a breeze, and installing it over a workbench won’t be an issue. Second, this light fixture was noticeably brighter than other single units. It also easily daisy-chains with additional fixtures, as it uses a standard outlet plug. It’s a bit pricey, so we wish it came in a multipack to save money.

Get the Hykolity garage lighting at Amazon.

Best Motion-Activated

Tanbaby 2-Pack Motion Sensor Garage Light

See It

What We Like

• Motion sensor activated
• Comes with two lights
• Easy to install in a light socket
• Adjustable direction with wings

What We Don’t Like

• Doesn’t cast a broad pool of light

Specs 

• Type: LED
• Lumens: 15,000
• Color temperature: 6500K

Our Ratings: Installation 5/5, Brightness 3.5/5, Value 4.3/5

Tanbaby’s garage lights are easy to install and offer unique features that other garage lights can’t claim. Adjustable flaps let users direct light to specific areas, making the Tanbaby ideal for workbenches or tools like a table saw, though they don’t provide enough light on their own for a two-car garage. They’re better suited for task lighting than they are for use as general garage ceiling lamps. 

Each light also has a responsive motion sensor, a convenient solution for windowless garages where fumbling for a pull string can be frustrating. 

Whether or not to choose a Tanbaby garage light really depends on the electrical wiring in the garage. Tanbaby lights screw into standard Edison sockets, making them an easy choice if the garage is already equipped and rendering the mounting hassle-free. In that case, installation is as simple as changing a lightbulb. Without an existing socket, however, installation is more involved. We had to purchase, wire, and mount a lamp socket to the ceiling’s electrical box before installing the Tanbaby workshop light. 

Get the Tanbaby garage lighting at Amazon or Tanbaby. 

ALSO TESTED

Since 2021, we’ve tested 11 garage lighting options. Some of our former favorites are no longer available, and others have been removed from our final list because we’ve found even better products. We still like the Lithonia Lighting 4-Foot 120V Ballast Strip Light, but we think the options listed above offer better, brighter garage lighting. 

We also tested the Metalux 40-Watt Fluorescent Strip Light with dual fluorescent 4-foot bulbs. Unfortunately, we were disappointed with its build quality. The thin sheet metal bent easily during installation, causing a light mount to detach until we bent the housing back into shape to reattach it. We also struggled to lock the metal cover in place after mounting it to the ceiling. The edges of the sheet metal were so sharp that we had to wear gloves during installation to prevent injuries, so we can’t recommend it.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Garage Lighting

Our garages double as work spaces for our many home improvement projects, so garage lighting is essential. We considered several factors while testing. First, the light needed to be easy to install. Any light with a difficult setup or hard-to-follow instructions lost points.

Naturally, brightness counts. We checked to see how well each fixture or system lit the garage and a workbench. All but one of these models passed muster, with some doing slightly better than others.

Finally, we noted convenient features, such as the Sunco Lighting fixture’s ability to turn each light on and off without affecting the others and the Tanbaby’s fast, sensitive motion sensors.

These factors guided our selections, resulting in a list of top-notch garage lighting solutions to help DIYers deliver on their projects.

What to Consider When Buying Garage Lighting

While shopping for the best garage lighting for your workshop’s needs, keep these important factors in mind. 

Types of Garage Lighting 

The heyday of the incandescent bulb is over. Even those who liked those old-school energy suckers have to acknowledge that they’re a lot harder to find now. Even if they’re available for sale, don’t be fooled by the low price; they’re sure to prove how inefficient they are when the electric bill comes. Instead, most people choose between LED and fluorescent garage lights, each of which has pros and cons.

LED

LED stands for “light-emitting diode,” which means there’s a tiny component inside the bulb that illuminates when electricity passes through it. LED bulbs are popular due to their brightness, energy efficiency, and impressive longevity.

LEDs are popular in devices like flashlights and spotlights because they generate directional light—a very bright beam straight out from the diode that concentrates on a small area. That’s not ideal for garages and other workstations, but lighting manufacturers compensate for it in two ways: they make LEDs with multipositional wings, and they install reflectors to distribute the light evenly throughout a space. Both tweaks offer an excellent alternative to the wide-cast lighting of incandescent bulbs.

Fluorescent 

With fluorescent lighting, a mercury-vapor gas produces light instead of a solid filament (as in an incandescent bulb) or a diode (like an LED). The gas in a fluorescent bulb emits ultraviolet light when electrified.

The benefit of fluorescent lighting—in general, and for garage work in particular—is that it distributes light very evenly. The gas is enclosed in long glass tubes, so the light shines out in a 360-degree pattern. Although they’re long-lasting, the trouble with fluorescents is that when they do burn out, they must be taken to a hazardous waste disposal center. Due to the toxicity of mercury gas, fluorescents aren’t as convenient to throw away or recycle as LEDs are. 

Brightness 

Garages receive little or no natural light, so when upgrading a lighting setup, choose fixtures that put out a lot of bright light. The lighting industry measures brightness by lumens (LM)—a measure of light produced during a specific period. Bottom line: the more lumens, the brighter the light.

Lumens measure brightness, while watts measure energy use. A 75-watt bulb produces about 1,100LM. As a general rule, the ideal range for workbench lighting is around 3,500LM. 

Color Temperature 

Color temperature refers to the color the light produces and is measured in kelvins (K). Temperatures range between 3500K and 6000K, with the lower end being warmer and more yellow and the higher end cooler and bluer.

Cool lighting enhances a garage’s industrial look, while warm tones can appear dingy. Aim for a temperature around 5000K. A 5000K bulb produces light that is slightly blue but not glaring or harsh on the eyes. 

Some fixtures have adjustable color temperatures, allowing DIYers to experiment with different colors and choose the one that works best for them.

Energy Efficiency 

Regardless of the lighting system chosen for a garage, a modern fixture will use far less energy than older incandescent bulbs. Fluorescent bulbs can reduce energy consumption by about 70 percent over an incandescent bulb producing the same amount of light. LED bulbs are even better, cutting as much as 90 percent of energy consumption compared to an incandescent bulb. And since LED lights last more than 10,000 hours versus 1,000 for incandescents, the savings certainly add up.

Installation and Connectivity 

Installation and connectivity may play a large role in deciding on the best garage lighting fixtures. There are easy-to-install options that produce great results for DIYers without a lot of electrical experience. The easiest way to upgrade to good garage lighting is with screw-in bulb replacements. These multipositional LED fixtures screw into a basic light base and don’t require any extra wiring (or much effort) on the part of the installer. Check out our guide to the best light bulbs for help choosing the right replacement bulb for the situation.

There are also plug-in shop lights that DIYers can string throughout a garage to produce a tremendous amount of light. These systems work through standard outlets: Simply plug them in and flip the light switch. They often include “jumper” wires that connect a set of lights together to illuminate an entire garage with only one plug, and installation is usually as simple as fastening a few clips.

Most fluorescent lighting, on the other hand, requires a bit more during installation. These lights have ballasts that regulate the voltage to the light bulb and require hardwiring into an electrical circuit within the garage. While not overly complicated, this process is more involved.

Longevity

An LED bulb can last 25 to 30 times longer than an incandescent bulb, all the while reducing the amount of energy consumed. A fluorescent bulb can last as long as 9,000 hours compared to an incandescent bulb’s 1,000 hours. The reason LEDs and fluorescents last so much longer than incandescent varieties is that they don’t have a sensitive, fragile filament that can break or burn up. 

Climate

LED bulbs don’t need to heat up, so they become bright immediately and produce consistent, energy-efficient light in very cold temperatures. In fact, LEDs become more efficient in colder temperatures. That means LED bulbs are the most suitable choice for unheated garages in areas with bitterly cold winters. By contrast, some fluorescent lights cannot operate if the air temperature is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Those who live in regions where temperatures often dip below freezing will do best with an LED setup for the best garage lighting.

Other Features

While upgrading overhead garage lights, it’s wise to upgrade the workstation as well. Consider hanging a chain from the ceiling to lower a fixture or attaching an LED light strip below a cabinet—essentially, establish direct task lighting. There are plenty of great options, and systems can combine to create ideal conditions. While a general overhead fixture is fine, adding an illuminated, positionable arm (like those used by fly-tying fishermen) can make it easier to see small parts. 

Motion sensors can make garage lighting safer and more convenient. Some LED systems have sensors that will turn the lights on when they detect someone walking or moving in the garage. Not only will these lights illuminate a garage without the user needing to fumble for a light switch, but motion sensors can also deter unwanted guests from helping themselves to the contents of the garage.

For those who prefer to replace incandescent bulbs with screw-in LED units, choose some with multipositional wings. These fixtures can make a huge difference in the effectiveness of garage lighting. When an area isn’t receiving enough light, simply position a wing in that direction to improve illumination. Since LEDs don’t get nearly as hot as incandescent or fluorescent bulbs, they’re often cool enough to touch bare-handed. This also keeps LEDs running as efficiently as possible.

The Advantages of Owning the Best Garage Lighting 

Being able to see well makes a world of difference both while working on a project and with the end result. Poor lighting can be very frustrating, especially when small pieces like nuts or bolts are involved—if it’s dropped, good luck finding that tiny fastener against a dark floor! 

Struggling to see in dim lighting can lead to some undesirable physical effects, such as eyestrain and headaches. Factor in the increased chances of a tripping accident, and proper garage lighting will keep everyone far safer and healthier.

The best garage lighting will also save money. Not only are the best lighting products much more energy efficient than older models, but they also burn out less often, so far fewer light bulbs will need to be replaced. Even with the higher price of LED and fluorescent bulbs compared to incandescent ones, the less-frequent replacement will save money in the long run.

• Better lighting leads to a more enjoyable workflow and environment.
• Upgraded lighting will reduce the chances of accidents and eyestrain.
• LED and fluorescent bulbs last far longer than incandescents, saving time and money. 

FAQs

If you’re still in the dark about the best garage lighting, check out our answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.

Q. What is the difference between lumens, kelvins, and watts?

These are by no means interchangeable terms. Lumens describe the brightness of a bulb. Kelvins describe the temperature color. Watts represent energy consumption. 

Q. Does a higher color temperature bulb produce more light? 

No. A higher temperature bulb produces a cooler, bluer tone but not more light. 

Q. Are LED bulbs brighter than fluorescents?

A bulb’s brightness is dependent on lumen output, not bulb type. When comparing bulbs of similar wattages, LEDs will be more efficient and, therefore, brighter.

Q. Do LED lights lose brightness over time?

Yes, LEDs do lose their brightness over time. They don’t burn out like standard bulbs, but they will slowly become dimmer. 

Q. How many lumens do you need to light a garage?

A few thousand lumens may suffice if you only need enough light to get in and out of your car. If you use your garage as a workshop, then you’ll want around 10,000LM of overhead light plus a 3,500LM light for your workbench. 

Q. What is the best color light for a garage?

Cool white light that registers between 4,000K and 5,000K, the ideal temperature on the Kelvin scale for task lighting, is the best lighting for garages.

Q. Where should interior garage lights be placed?

When setting up your home workshop, you should place your garage lighting on the ceiling in a central location in order to get an even swath of light that illuminates the entire garage. Larger garages may have multiple electrical boxes spaced around the ceiling that allow you to install multiple garage lights for better coverage. Along with overhead lighting, you’ll also want a light positioned directly above the workbench if you have one. 

Meet the Tester

Tom Scalisi is a freelance writer specializing in the home design, construction, tools, and automotive industries. He has been involved in the trades for over 15 years as both a contractor and a commercial building mechanic. As a lover of all things tools, construction, and DIY, he’s always looking for new tools and techniques while also sharing his knowledge with the DIY world. 

Tony Carrick is a freelance writer specializing in home improvement, landscaping, technology, home security, and design. His articles have been featured on such sites as Popular Mechanics, Futurism, SFGate, Pro Tools Review, and more. Tony has conducted rigorous product testing on everything from power tools to home security systems to backyard grills. With each review, his goal is to help readers determine whether a product meets their needs and if it is or isn’t worth its price tag.

 

Everything You Need for a Lush and Healthy Lawn

Keeping your grass green and your plants thriving doesn’t just take a green thumb—it starts with the right tools and supplies.

SEE OUR FAVORITES