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A surefire way to hinder progress is by trying to work in the dark, but a good work light can help. Trying to work in low light fatigues your eyes and your mind, potentially leading to mistakes or accidents. The good news is that you can eliminate those problems by equipping your workshop or jobsite with additional lights.
We tested four great lighting options to find out the pros and cons of each type and the circumstances where one might be better suited than the others. In addition to the lights we tested, we also included three options worthy of consideration.
Our top pick was the Husky twin head work light. For a modest price, it puts out tons of light, and since it uses outlet electricity, it offers unlimited runtime. We appreciated that it was lightweight, worked with or without the tripod, and included easily adjustable lamps. However, there are others in our lineup that may be better suited for smaller work areas and off-grid project sites or are built to take along in a tool bag or backpack. This guide will help you choose the best work light for your needs.
- BEST OVERALL: Husky 10,000-Lumen Twin Head LED Work Light
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Performance Tool 3000+LM 120V LED Work Light
↓ Jump to Review - BEST HEAD LIGHT: Black Diamond Storm 400 Headlamp
↓ Jump to Review - BEST TRIPOD: DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Tripod Work Light
↓ Jump to Review - BEST WITH STAND: Lutec 6290Pro 9000-Lumen Portable LED Work Light
↓ Jump to Review - BEST PORTABLE: DeWalt 20V MAX All-Purpose Cordless Work Light
↓ Jump to Review - BEST RECHARGEABLE: Stanley 600-Lumen Rechargeable LED Work Light
↓ Jump to Review
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 4 |
| Time spent testing | 5 hours |
| Tests performed | 4 |
| Price range | $30 to $200 |
Our Top Picks
The following work lights are our top picks for a workshop or jobsite. Depending on your needs, there’s likely a work light on this list that’ll work for you.
Best Overall
Husky 10,000-Lumen Twin Head LED Work Light
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Light Quality 4/5; Portability 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.7/5
Product Specs
- Type: Standing
- Power source: Plug-in
- Lumens: 10,000
What We Like
- Bright, adjustable, wide-area LED work lights
- Use with or without the tripod
- Heavy-duty 8-foot power cord
- Lightweight and easy to transport
What We Don’t Like
- Light-duty tripod
- Lamps are not dust- or waterproof rated
Whether you need temporary construction lights or modular LED workplace lights that you can set up, adjust, and transport as needed, the Husky 10,000-lumen twin head work light could be a great choice. The 120-volt corded LED lamps produce a flood of neutral white light (4000K, or Kelvins, which is a measurement of a light’s color). The twin lamps are equipped with independent power switches along with up/down and right/left position adjustment knobs. It includes built-in feet so it can be used with or without the telescoping tripod.
This work light produced the best general work area illumination of all the lights we tested. Having two light sources to cover the work area gave us the flexibility to intensify lighting in a smaller space, or spread the light across a wider area. We also liked that it has a quick-attach coupler. This let us remove the lamp assembly from the tripod for work in cramped areas, such as an attic or basement crawl space or in a crowded outbuilding. Since this is an LED work light, the heat output was far less than the old-style halogen work lights built on a similar tower platform.
To be fair and honest, this light won’t be perfect for every user. It is limited to locations where a power outlet is readily available. And since it is not IP rated for dust or moisture resistance, you’ll want to use caution in certain conditions. But for home, garage, and other indoor or outdoor projects, this is an affordable and very effective workshop lighting option.
Get the Husky work light at The Home Depot or Amazon.
Best Bang for the Buck
Performance Tool 3000+LM 120V LED Work Light
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Light Quality 5/5; Portability 4/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Standing or hanging
- Power source: Plug-in
- Lumens: 1,542 to 3,032
What We Like
- Bright LED flood light
- Compact and lightweight
- Versatile setup options
- Budget-friendly
What We Don’t Like
- Short 3-foot power cord
Household garage lighting is usually adequate for getting to and from the car, but not much else. If you need a compact-but-versatile automotive work light that won’t break the bank, consider the Performance Tool W2233 corded LED work light. It features a fold-out hang hook, a built-in adjustable stand, and it can pivot on its base to cast up to 3,032 lumens in any direction. There’s no need to worry about dust and moisture ruining the light either, as it’s rated IP54 dust- and water-resistant.
This work light has the versatility needed in any workshop setting, but we especially liked it in the garage. We could set it flat on the floor or angled slightly upward to light the undercarriage, or we could hang it from the hood latch at any angle we chose to clearly see the top side of the engine. When we used the low power setting, it lit up an area about the size of a large desktop. The high power setting could illuminate a small room.
In addition to its low price and work performance, we also appreciated the Performance Tool work light’s small stature. It measures about 8 inches tall, 6 inches wide, and 2 inches high in the folded position, and it weighs less than 2 pounds. When it wasn’t in use, we could fold it flat and either hang it on the pegboard wall or slip it into the tool chest for storage. For supplemental LED work lighting in any shop setting, this is an excellent deal.
Get the Performance Tool work light at Amazon or NAPA.
Best Head Light
Black Diamond Storm 400 Headlamp
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Light Quality 5/5; Portability 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.3/5
Product Specs
- Type: Wearable
- Power source: 4 AAA batteries
- Lumens: 8, 180, or 400
What We Like
- Rugged dust- and waterproof construction
- Suitable for any work environment
- Convenient hands-free lighting on demand
- Up to 200 hours of runtime
What We Don’t Like
- Requires single-use alkaline batteries (not rechargeable)
Even more than the best flashlight, headlights offer the convenience of a personalized battery-powered work light in any environment. The Black Diamond Storm 400 headlamp tops our list as one of the most compact and convenient outdoor work lights for hands-free work. Powered by four AAA alkaline batteries, it emits up to 400 lumens, with optional settings for proximity or distance lighting, dimming, and strobe, as well as red, green, and blue modes.
So the user can quickly see the remaining battery life, the Storm 400 includes a three-LED battery meter. It’s built for extended use in the elements, with the lamp and battery housing IP67-rated dust- and waterproof. It can also withstand full immersion under 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. The adjustable elastic headband fits heads, hats, and even allows it to be used as a hard hat light.
We loved almost everything about this light, with the possible exception of its reliance on single-use alkaline batteries. The wide elastic band fit comfortably and held its position even while running. Also, the light itself was incredibly adjustable, from the tiltable face to the variable brightness settings. We appreciated the red lighting to see in the dark without wrecking our night vision. One of our favorite aspects of this headlamp is that we could shine the light out to a distance greater than 100 feet, then adjust it for up-close work. This is the perfect solution for working in dark crawl spaces, when you need a little extra light under the car hood, or for use as a convenient extra light source to keep in the tool bag for whenever the need arises.
Get the Black Diamond work light at Amazon.
Best Tripod
DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Tripod Work Light
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Light Quality 4/5; Portability 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.7/5
Product Specs
- Type: Standing
- Power source: 20-volt battery (not included)
- Lumens: 3,000
What We Like
- Compatible with all DeWalt 20-volt, XR, and FlexVolt batteries
- IP55 rated for dusty, damp worksites
- Adjustable lamp height and tilt angle
- Fast setup and takedown
What We Don’t Like
- Heavier and more expensive than corded lights
- Battery and charger sold separately
Tripod work lights are a great option for larger work areas, indoors and out. We recommend cordless work lights for projects where outlets are not readily available or where power cords would present a tripping hazard. The DeWalt 20-volt cordless tripod work light is fast and easy to set up anywhere, is compatible with all of DeWalt’s 20-volt batteries, and emits up to 3,000 lumens to brighten any workspace.
This light features energy-efficient, long-lasting LEDs and a rugged portable design. The heavy-duty aluminum and plastic tripod folds into a tight cylindrical package for convenient storage, and it includes a molded carry handle for easy transport. Powered by a 6 amp-hour battery (not included), the DeWalt tripod work light offers up to 11 hours of runtime. It carries an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance.
The DeWalt tripod was heavier, more expensive, and produced less light than the other freestanding work light we tested, but the tripod was more stable and the design felt more rugged overall. We felt more confident using the DeWalt model outdoors, and although the lumen rating was much lower than that of the twin lamp model we tested, we didn’t find it lacking in practical applications. This light was fast and easy to set up. We also found it easy to adjust the light, and the level locks held all the adjustments securely. All in all, it was a great user experience.
Get the DeWalt tripod work light at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.
More Great Options
We limited our testing to showcase the key types of work lights and features many shoppers might be looking for. And while one or more of the previous picks might be right for most use cases, the following models also warrant consideration.
Best with Stand
Lutec 6290Pro 9000-Lumen Portable LED Work Light
Product Specs
- Type: Standing
- Power source: Plug-in
- Lumens: 9,000
What We Like
- Adjustable twin-head work light
- Adjustable height with lever lock
- Corded light for unlimited runtime
- Folds for transport and storage
What We Don’t Like
- Untested construction quality
The Lutec 6290Pro work light is the upgraded version of the company’s highly rated 7,000- lumen 6290XL, and it has a lot of lighting power. This 9,000-lumen work light uses a flip-lock tripod system for a stand, allowing the user to set it up quickly on a sturdy base. The 6290Pro has a heavy-duty die-cast aluminum housing, making it tough enough for the roughest jobsites. The tripod extends to up to 5.5 feet, and the heads swivel 90 degrees up and down and 330 degrees horizontally. It’s also water-resistant, so it can light up a shop or outdoor area without concern.
A work light with a stand and twin lamp heads makes it easy to perform detailed work in dark or dimly lit environments. We like that the lamps on this Lutec stand light offer lots of lumens and multiple adjustment options. Plug-in power is ideal for long work days and eliminates fussing with batteries. Plus, the price is competitive. We do have some concerns about the long-term durability of this light, but that’s simply because we haven’t tested it. Some aluminum stands are stronger than others, and the leg braces here appear to be somewhat undersized.
Get the Lutec work light at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Wayfair.
Best Portable
DeWalt 20V MAX All-Purpose Cordless Work Light
Product Specs
- Type: Standing or hanging
- Power source: 20-volt battery
- Lumens: 5,000
What We Like
- Up to 11 hours of runtime with 6 amp-hour battery
- Use freestanding, hanging, or tripod mounted
- IP54 rated dust- and water-resistant
- Remote control compatible with DeWalt Tool Connect app
What We Don’t Like
- Tripod is not included
For folks who are serious about portable jobsite illumination, the DeWalt DCL074 20V MAX cordless work light is an all-around excellent option. This high-end light runs on DeWalt’s 20V MAX and FlexVolt batteries for up to 11 hours—enough for a full day of work. It provides 5,000 lumens of lighting power and has three flexible mounting options: floor, tripod (not included in this kit), or hanging upside down from the included hook. Its domed lamp can provide 360-degree jobsite illumination. With four side handles, this light is easy to carry from task to task on a jobsite. The DCL074 uses DeWalt’s Tool Connect (a free app) to help users track and manage tools across several jobsites. Since it also has an impact-resistant lens and body, it will be tough enough for routine jobsite abuse.
We like the flexibility to choose from hanging, tripod-mounted, or freestanding installations. If the light needs to be positioned in a hard-to reach overhead location, the remote-control feature will come in especially handy. And the bright 5,000-lumen output is ideal for small and midsize enclosed workspaces. Although the integrated hanging hook is a helpful addition, it would be nice if the light came with the compatible tripod. We also have some reservations about the hefty 10-pound weight of the unit in a hanging situation; a retainer chain might be in order to avoid accidentally knocking it down.
Get the DeWalt all-purpose work light at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Acme Tools.
Best Rechargable
Stanley 600-Lumen Rechargeable LED Work Light
Product Specs
- Type: Handheld, hanging, prop
- Power source: Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries
- Lumens: 600
What We Like
- Portable handheld, hanging, or prop work light
- Charges via USB cable; wall and car adapters included
- Can be used for area lighting or as a flashlight
- Battery holds its charge up to 12 months
What We Don’t Like
- 6-hour runtime is shorter than other options
The Stanley rechargeable work light is a great option for anyone who wants a flashlight’s concentrated beam as well as the wider beam of a work light in one tool. It offers 600 lumens of light and quickly converts from flashlight to work light. The three attached LED panels fold up and swivel to provide light right where it’s needed. This work light uses rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, charging through the onboard USB port via 120-volt, 12-volt, or two-way USB. It has an onboard hook for storage or to hang while using to free up both hands. It also has a magnetic base to help hold the light in place while it’s standing upright on a metal surface, or it can be propped up on the unfolded LED panels.
This convertible lighting option offers grab-and-go convenience for home, camping, or roadside emergency situations. The 600-lumen output is adequate for a small personal workspace. It’s also handy to use when changing a tire at night or setting up a tent after dark, or when refueling and starting a portable generator. To ensure it’s ready in those situations, the battery holds its charge up to 12 months in storage. It’s important to note that this handheld unit is not designed for large area lighting or extended use. And although the runtime is limited to 6 hours, that shouldn’t be a concern when it’s used as it’s intended.
Get the Stanley work light at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose and Tested the Best Work Lights
We considered all of the ways a work light might be used, then targeted four types for testing. We chose from respected brands that are popular with those who rely on them the most: builders, auto mechanics, and emergency services professionals. We opted to test a headlamp and a convertible corded prop light with lots of flexibility for hands-free lighting. And since we thought it was important to showcase key options among stand lights, we chose a single-lamp battery-powered model and a twin-lamp corded model.
To test the lights, we simulated a few emergency projects in the dark, such as changing oil, fixing a flat tire, finding and operating the water and gas supply valves in our house, and starting a portable generator. We evaluated the lights based on how easily we could read labels and see the project details while working. We also noted our observations with regard to portability, safety considerations, and durability.
What to Consider When Buying a Work Light
With the different types of lights in mind, it also helps to understand what to look for in the best work lights. The following considerations can be useful when shoppers are choosing among the wide range of work lights on the market. Whether the light is intended for a particular type of project or there’s a preference for a certain type of power source, shoppers will have a good idea of what they need by the time they evaluate their lighting needs and desired features.
Types of Work Lights
There’s no need to remain in the dark about the best work lights. There are plenty of options on the market that will work well for your needs, so bone up on their characteristics and available styles to choose the right one for the project you’re working on.
Handheld
Handheld work lights are much like flashlights in that they’re small, bright, and can easily go along with a worker into tight spaces. However, work lights cast a wide beam of unconcentrated light to illuminate the entire work area, whereas flashlights tend to focus their beam in one small area.
It’s not always convenient to hold a work light in your hand, though. For times you need both hands for a project, some of the best handheld work lights come with hooks or magnets. This makes it easy to hang them overhead or attach them to something in the work area.
These work lights are great for plumbing jobs under cabinets, vehicle maintenance jobs under the hood of a car, or even simply as an alternative to a flashlight when needed. They’re often not as effective at illuminating a large workspace.
Self-Stand
Those who tackle large projects will enjoy the convenience of a work light with its own stand. Workers and DIYers can set up the work lights almost anywhere they find a reasonably flat surface to cast wide beams of light throughout large spaces. These models sometimes come with two or three lights mounted to a stand, so the light can sit in the center of a room and cast light wherever it’s needed.
These work lights are perfect for large construction projects such as renovations or even lighting the site during a foundation excavation. They also work quite well in a workshop if positioned correctly so they don’t shine in your eyes.
Type of Project
Some lights work better for certain types of projects than others. The type of large project you’re undertaking or common work-lighting needs should factor into choosing a work light. For large projects with wide-open spaces, a self-stand work light is the best way to go. These powerful lights cast wide beams of light and will brighten up a large room or even an entire floor on a construction site before the drywall goes up.
For technicians, those who work in attics or basements, and mechanics, it’s best to have a small handheld work light that’s easy to take anywhere. Hauling a tripod up a ladder or under a crawl space isn’t practical.
Work Conditions
Work conditions are definitely a factor. This doesn’t just mean weather, although that is a consideration. When you’re working outside, it’s important to have a work light that’s waterproof and dust-resistant, since the elements can destroy an easily penetrated work light.
Aside from the weather, the jobsite might determine the best work light. For projects without electricity, the light will need power, either from a built-in battery or a generator. Although there are some battery-powered stand-style work lights, typically only smaller handheld work lights come with rechargeable batteries.
However, if there’s power available but lighting is scarce, self-standing work lights are the best option to provide as much light as possible. Depending on the task at hand, many jobs require a combination of both handheld and self-stand options.
Light Output and Brightness
It’s tough to work around a handheld light that’s too bright or a self-stand light that’s too dim. A bright handheld light can temporarily blind users with every slight mishandling. And dim self-stand lights will have to be moved closer to work tasks, negating the convenience of setting it up in the middle of the room.
LED bulbs measure brightness in lumens. The best handheld work lights have between 250 and 600 lumens, with 500 being right around the sweet spot. Some handheld work lights are adjustable, making them perfect for most scenarios.
Standing work lights can range in brightness as well, but power in the 3,000- to 10,000-lumen range offers the most flexibility. A 3,000-lumen light can illuminate up to 100 square feet, which could be perfect for most indoor and limited outdoor projects. But large work areas and travel zones (from the truck to the project, for example) benefit from additional lighting.
Power System and Battery Life
The best type of work light for a job might depend on the type of power available. In a workshop, it is inconvenient to swap out batteries when there is plenty of power available. Instead, choose a corded work light to help improve lighting and workflow.
If electricity is not connected at a worksite, or for those who need lighting on demand without the hassle of extension cords, it makes sense to choose a battery-operated work light. It’s best to buy a work light that runs on the same battery system as the rest of the cordless tools in the shop to avoid having to carry several types of chargers and batteries. It’s also important to check the battery life ahead of time to make sure the light will last until the work gets done. Battery runtime is directly related to output demand, both of which vary significantly.
Portability
Portability is a hallmark of work lighting, but there is considerable variation among the different options. Wearable headlamps are the most portable of all, giving users the ability to spotlight the precise area in front of them. A headlamp easily fits in a pocket, tool bag, or backpack when not in use. At the other end of the spectrum, stand lights are a great option for temporary or semipermanent wide-area lighting. Stand lights don’t weigh much and can be folded or disassembled for storage and transport. However, they are bulky enough that you’ll want to plan for the amount of space they’ll require. In between you will find an array of drop lights, clamp lights, and other midsize options that can be used to brighten a workspace approximately the size of a workbench.
FAQs
Even if you’ve already decided on a work light, you may still have some questions. Below are the most frequently asked questions and answers.
It really depends on the scenario, but for a handheld model, 250 to 500 lumens is ideal. For a stand model, 3,000 to 10,000 is a wide but useful range.
You can get by with only one work light, as long as it’s one of the best work lights available. Otherwise, and if the budget allows, you might want to purchase both a self-stand light and a handheld model to be sure you’re always covered.
Projects and workspaces differ significantly, so there is no one-size-fits-all work light. Depending on the size of the work area and the complexity of the task, between 3,000 and 10,000 lumens should be adequate.
Safety is an often-overlooked but important part of using work lights. Be sure to take the time to secure cords and cables to avoid tripping hazards; position hanging or mounted lights above head height; and add weight to the feet of light stands to prevent tipping. Also, when replacing bulbs, use only the bulb type and wattage that the fixture was designed for.
To get the most out of your work light, inspect the power cord, controls, and switch regularly, and keep all components clean and free of dust and debris. Always use bulb types and wattages that are compatible with the light fixture.
To supplement light coming through windows, cool white (4000K) light is suitable, but in spaces with little or no natural light, daylight (6,500 K) lighting will provide the light quality required for detail work.
Work lights use either LED, incandescent, halogen, or fluorescent bulbs. Currently, the most energy-efficient and effective work lights are those equipped with LED bulbs, although they cost more than the other types on average.
LED lights are the most energy-efficient option. Although they cost more up front, they use less energy, produce more light per watt, and have a longer working life than other bulb types.
Meet the Tester
Mark Wolfe is a writer, product tester, and avid DIYer who lives in an older home with a long to-do list of maintenance tasks. When he isn’t writing, he spends his time upgrading, repairing, and replacing anything and everything in his house, yard, and garden. He tests and writes reviews about all kinds of tools, lawn care and home repair products, and outdoor-living goods.
Additional research provided by Tom Scalisi.
