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Cordless lamps are an attractive and affordable way to illuminate a space without the need for an outlet. These battery-powered lights provide functional lighting wherever it’s needed. They’re ideal for dim corners, spots with no accessible outlet, and for use as portable lighting. Besides their practicality, their cordless design is aesthetically pleasing and can help reduce cord clutter.
The best cordless lamp options are a practical and stylish way to add beautiful lighting to any room. Read on for the features to look for in a cordless lamp and explore some of the best cordless lamps available today.
- BEST OVERALL: O’Bright Portable LED Table Lamp
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Maythank Cordless USB Reading Lamp
- BEST BEDSIDE LAMP: Unifun Touch Sensor Bedside Table Lamp
- BEST LAMP SET: Zeefo LED Battery-Powered Lamp
- BEST DESK LAMP: Axx LED Desk Lamp With Pen Holder
- BEST LUXURY: Verner Panton for &Tradition Flowerpot VP9 Table Lamp
- BEST FOR KIDS: Mubarek Cute Kitty Kids Night Light
- BEST FLOOR: Daylight24 Cordless Daylight Floor Lamp
- BEST SMART LIGHT: Philips Hue Go Portable LED Smart Light
- BEST PORTABLE: IdeaWorks JB6921 Super Bright Portable Desk Lamp
How We Chose the Best Cordless Lamps
The best cordless lamps are functional and stylish—when it comes down to it, these are the two most important features. However, taste and functionality are both subjective. To cover a range of possible uses, we chose a variety of cordless lamp types, from small table lamp picks for the office to tall floor lamps for brightening up a living room.
We chose cordless lamps from reputable brands and looked at shopper reviews to get an idea of user-friendliness, practicality, and how well each light illuminates a space. The top cordless lamps on our list are utilitarian and have features to match, including ones like adjustable heads, brightness levels, light temperature, and extra features like remotes, timers, and smart capabilities.
We also looked at battery type, prioritizing rechargeable lamp options, as well as considering battery life, choosing mostly energy-saving LED light lamps using rechargeable batteries. Lastly, we chose aesthetically pleasing lights since lamps should add to the style of a space, not take it away.
Our Top Picks
With the right cordless lamp, it’s simple to light up outlet-free corners, set up portable lighting, and cut down on cord clutter. These battery-powered lights offer the best in lighting flexibility, making it simple to install new lighting. The best cordless lamps listed ahead are attractive, practical, and flexible to illuminate any room in style.
Best Overall
O’Bright Portable LED Table Lamp
The O’Bright portable LED table lamp marries convenience and style together into an attractive cordless lamp. The rechargeable lamp features a built-in battery that provides up to 48 hours of cordless lighting. It comes with a USB charging cable, which also functions as a power cable if you want to use the lamp as a corded light.
The encased LED offers a soft and romantic white light, which is ideal for the bedroom, living room, or dining room. To set the mood, tap the touch sensor on the top of the light to select from three brightness levels. All of these features are housed in a sleek, modern design with a golden finish.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 4.5 inches wide by 8 inches high
- Power source: Rechargeable battery
- Brightness levels: 3
Pros
- Very long runtime, providing up to 48 hours of lighting
- Includes a USB charging cable that can be used as a power source so the lamp can also serve as a corded light
- Chic and stylish design that matches most contemporary decor styles
Cons
- Lacks a charging indicator light; may not be ideal for some users’ preferences
Get the O’Bright cordless lamp at Amazon.
Best Bang for the Buck
Maythank Cordless USB Reading Lamp
This cordless LED reading lamp from Maythank provides affordable desktop or bedside lighting. With six brightness levels and three adjustable temperature modes, it’s useful for almost any situation, but especially as a work light. The light even remembers its last-used setting, so it doesn’t need to be reset every time.
This lamp features a reading light with a large light board to cast a wide, bright beam that illuminates a desk beautifully. The gooseneck design adjusts 360 degrees to shine light exactly where it’s needed. When the lamp starts running out of juice, plug it into an outlet using the included USB charging cable to top up the built-in battery.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 6.5 inches long by 7.48 inches wide by 15.74 inches high
- Power source: Rechargeable battery
- Brightness levels: 6
Pros
- Great adjustability options with 6 brightness settings and 3 light-temperature options
- The gooseneck design is adjustable 360 degrees to direct the light stream
- The large light board provides a wide ray of light; perfect for reading, working, or crafting
Cons
- The brand does not share battery runtime—some users report short battery life of a few hours
Get the Maythank cordless lamp at Amazon.
Best Bedside Lamp
Unifun Touch Sensor Bedside Table Lamp
Wind down for the night with the Unifun touch sensor lamp. This stylish little lamp has a diffusing cover that provides soft and warm lighting, ideal for the bedroom. A variety of adjustable light settings can help you set a wakeful or relaxing mood at your bedside.
This LED lamp features four adjustable brightness settings, three fixed color settings, and an optional auto-cycle setting that calmly rotates through multiple colors. Tap through the settings using the easy-touch controls.
The small size makes this lamp easily portable to carry around and also means it can fit on crowded bedside tables. After 4 to 8 hours of use, this rechargeable lamp will be due for a charge with the included USB charging cable.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 3.54 inches in diameter by 4.72 inches high
- Power source: Rechargeable battery
- Brightness levels: 4
Pros
- Its small size makes it great for bedside tables, even crowded ones
- Touch panel controls offer easy operation and quick changes
- Excellent customizable options, with 4 brightness settings and 3 color modes
Cons
- Only runs for 4 to 8 hours on a single charge, which may be too short for some users to use as a daily bedside lamp
Get the Unifun cordless lamp at Amazon.
Best Lamp Set
Zeefo LED Battery-Powered Lamp
For a more traditional style, consider these matching lamps from Zeefo. Each lamp features a classic lamp shape with an elegant cloth lampshade. This matching set is ideal for decorating a set of bedroom nightstands or living room corner tables.
With an energy-saving LED, these lamps stay cool and emit a warm, diffused light. Each lamp runs on three AA batteries or can be connected to a power source and used as a corded light by employing the included USB cables.
The lamps offer five adjustable brightness levels, from cool to warm. Use the included remote control to adjust settings and switch the lamp on and off, or set the timer to automatically turn off the lamp after 15, 30, or 60 minutes.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 5.51 inches in diameter by 11.8 inches high
- Power source: AA batteries
- Brightness levels: 5
Pros
- Classic lamp design, complete with a traditional cloth lampshade
- Includes 2 matching lamps to use on 2 nightstands or side tables
- Includes a remote control and timer feature for easier control
Cons
- Requires disposable batteries, though it does come with a USB cable to use as a corded light
Get the Zeefo cordless lamp at Amazon.
Best Desk Lamp
Axx LED Desk Lamp With Pen Holder
The Axx LED desk lamp is designed to create a well-lit workspace and keep your desk organized. A wide LED light board sits on an adjustable gooseneck arm, which enables you to adjust the lighting angle. The base features two pen organizers and a phone holder set on a nonslip mat to keep the lamp in place.
Choose from three brightness levels over three color modes for a total of nine adjustable settings. This flexibility means you can customize your work lighting to increase focus and lower eye strain.
The lamp features a rechargeable built-in battery that lasts for 2 to 6 hours after each charge, which is suitable for short study sessions. In case it runs out of juice while in use, the lamp can plug into a computer or wall outlet using an included USB cable to provide light and charge at the same time.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 4.7 inches long by 4.5 inches wide by 16 inches high
- Power source: Rechargeable battery
- Brightness levels: 3
Pros
- Perfect for office desks—works as a lamp, pen holder, and phone holder
- The wide LED light on an adjustable gooseneck arm allows for flexible adjustments
- Can charge and provide light at the same time when plugged in
Cons
- Rather low battery life of 2 to 6 hours; only enough for a few short study sessions
Get the Axx cordless lamp at Amazon.
Best Luxury
Verner Panton for &Tradition Flowerpot VP9 Table Lamp
Practical and so stylish, the Verner Panton for &Tradition Flowerpot VP9 is an iconic choice, ideal for shoppers looking for a piece of decor as well as a cordless light. Designed in the 1960s by Verner Panton, its look is as relevant as ever and suits midcentury modern homes beautifully. Seven colors are often available (expanded up to 13 colors for the 2023 collection), which range from bright pink to shiny chrome plated to classic matte black. There’s a color to suit most decor styles.
While this light looks eye-catching, it’s more than just a pretty pick. It’s rechargeable, providing up to 10 hours of light on a full charge. It also has three brightness levels so you can choose your lighting mood.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 6.3 inches in diameter by 11.6 inches high
- Power source: Rechargeable battery
- Brightness levels: 3
Pros
- Chic and iconic 1960’s design from Danish interior designer Verner Panton
- Wide color range; shoppers can choose from bright, chrome, and matte colors
- Made of polycarbonate, so it’s very sturdy, lightweight, and easy to move
Cons
- Comes with a luxury price tag—significantly more expensive than most cordless lamps
- Requires 8 hours of charging to reach a full charge
Get the Verner Panton for &Tradition cordless lamp at Lumens, Neiman Marcus, or Anthropologie.
Best for Kids
Mubarek Cute Kitty Kids Night Light
Power cords and breakable light bulbs can be a hazard in children’s rooms. For a safe and affordable lighting option, consider this cuddly cat-shaped light from Mubarek.
The LED lamp has a soft outer cover made of BPA-free washable silicone. The opaque silicone gives this lamp a diffused light ideal for nighttime lighting. With a 10-hour runtime after each charge (using the included USB cable), it can be used as an overnight night light.
With its touch controls, the lamp can cycle through seven fun color options. Plus, the cute cat design makes it an endearing sleeping buddy for young kids.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 6 inches long by 3 inches wide by 4 inches high
- Power source: Rechargeable battery
- Brightness levels: Not specified
Pros
- It doesn’t get much cuter than this design—cartoon cat is adorable to kids and adults
- The design puts safety first with a cool LED lamp and soft silicone outer cover
- 10-hour runtime is suitable for use as an overnight night light
- 7 color options to customize the lighting to a child’s preferences
Cons
- Quite a bright light; might be too bright to use as a night light in small children’s rooms
Get the Mubarek cordless lamp at Amazon.
Best Floor
Daylight24 Cordless Daylight Floor Lamp
While most cordless lamps are tabletop size, larger floor lamps are available. To throw a wider cast of light, choose the Daylight24 Cordless Daylight floor lamp. This floor lamp uses LED bulbs to provide a bright, natural white light that’s great for reading and working. The lamp has a traditional floor lamp design—in passing, it’s hard to tell it’s not a regular corded version. It measures 56 inches high and has a gooseneck section at the lamp head to make it easy to adjust the light direction.
The lamp runs on four D batteries to provide up to 33 hours of continuous light. It can also be used as a corded lamp with the included A/C adapter. A dimmer switch allows you to adjust the lighting to your needs.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 56 inches high
- Power source: D batteries
- Brightness levels: Dimmable
Pros
- Measuring 56 inches high, it’s a full-height cordless lamp that looks like traditional corded versions
- Includes an AC adapter so you can convert it to a corded lamp
- Has a dimmer switch to adjust light brightness to preferred levels
Cons
- Only provides up to 33 hours of runtime on 4 D batteries; frequent users may find it goes through too many batteries
- The battery hatch is on the bottom of the lamp, so it needs to be put on its side for battery changes
Get the Daylight24 cordless lamp at Amazon, Brookstone, or Daylight24.
Best Smart Light
Philips Hue Go Portable LED Smart Light
For brightening up bedside tables, living rooms, and other living spaces, consider the Philips Hue Go portable LED smart light. This nifty smart lamp packs a ton of features into a modern and portable domed design.
Choose your ideal room ambience by selecting a white light or one from among an entire color wheel. Next, choose the dimness level for a subtle glow or to light up a section of a room. Lighting settings are adjustable using the free Philips Hue app via Bluetooth, by connecting to a Philips Hue Hub, or by using voice controls via compatible Alexa or Google Assistant devices.
The small lightweight lamp can be placed anywhere to set the mood in the living room or provide a warm, ambient glow for outdoor dining. Recharging is simple using the included charging cable.
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 5.9 inches in diameter by 3.1 inches high
- Power source: Rechargeable battery
- Brightness levels: Dimmable
Pros
- Smart enabled, giving you the ability to control the light through the smartphone app and Amazon Alexa or Google
- Assistant devices
- Provides from 2.5 hours up to 18 hours of light, depending on the lighting mode
- Flexible lighting options, with dimmable brightness and millions of colors to choose from
Cons
- Easy to knock the light over due to stand design; may not be suitable for homes with children and pets
Get the Philips Hue cordless lamp at Amazon, Best Buy, Lightology, or Philips.
Best Portable
IdeaWorks JB6921 Super Bright Portable Desk Lamp
With its compact folding design, this small LED desk lamp provides reliable lighting while you’re traveling or commuting. The lamp features an adjustable arm that makes it easy to control the light beam. The arm has a collapsible design, folding the lamp down to a compact 6.5-inch-long by 3.25-inch-wide by 1.75-inch-high rectangle when it’s time to pack up.
This LED lamp features a cool white light that is ideal for working. Using the touch controls, scroll through three adjustable brightness levels. The lamp can be powered using the included USB power cable or by putting in four AA batteries (not included).
Product Specs
- Dimensions: 6.5 inches long by 3.25 inches wide by 10.75 high (extended)
- Power source: AA batteries
- Brightness levels: 3
Pros
- Folds down into a compact package, making it very easy to take on the go
- Can be powered by disposable batteries or by plugging it in using the USB cable (to use as a corded lamp)
- The cool and bright LED light bulb is ideal for working
Cons
- Requires disposable batteries, which can be less convenient for travelers
Get the IdeaWorks cordless lamp at Walmart.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Cordless Lamp
Cordless lamps do away with annoying power cords, which can be an eyesore or a tripping hazard. These lamps are the ideal pick for rooms with limited outlets, providing lighting without the need for new wiring or lengthy extension cords. When choosing the best cordless lamp for a room, consider the lamp’s size, design, battery type, and any additional convenient features it may offer.
Size
While cordless lamps can range in size from small night-light styles to full-size floor lamps, most cordless lamps are tabletop size.
Their lower wattage and brightness make them especially suitable for tabletop lighting. Many shoppers choose a cordless table lamp to light up a nightstand, desk, or corner of a room. A smaller size makes it easy to move these lamps around the home to bring flexible lighting where and when it’s needed. Larger floor lamps are great for rooms that need more permanent lighting.
Consider the intended use when choosing a lamp size. For a desk lamp or working light, most shoppers will prefer a taller lamp to light up the work space. For ambient lighting, height is less of a concern. Instead, choose a size and style that suits the room decor. If portability is a concern, choose a smaller size that is easy to carry.
Design
Similar to corded lamps, cordless lamps come in a variety of styles, from traditional lamps with a lampshade to sleek and modern metallic designs. They can include convenient features like flexible gooseneck arms, clip-on stands, and built-in organizers. There are plenty of possibilities, so it’s best to browse around to find a suitable design, both in terms of looks and practicality.
Most cordless lamps use an energy-saving LED light bulb to cut down on power use. The light source will impact lamp design, lighting temperature, and whether the light has a targeted light beam or a softer, diffused effect. Flexible or adjustable gooseneck lamp necks are best for directing the stream of light for work lighting, while a lamp with a diffusing cover can provide softer background lighting.
Some cordless lamps have a built-in dimmer or step-adjustable brightness settings. These features can help adjust the light’s ambience and harshness.
Battery
Battery life is an important factor to consider when choosing a cordless lamp. A long battery life is ideal; there’s no point in owning a cordless table lamp if the lamp is always charging. Cordless lamps can use single-use or rechargeable batteries.
Cordless lamps that use single-use batteries will never need a wall outlet—when they run out of juice, just change the batteries. With these lamp types, ongoing battery costs are a factor to consider.
Rechargeable lamp options feature a built-in battery that is often rechargeable via a USB cable. These lamps need outlet access to recharge, which puts them out of commission for a little while, but they won’t require costly disposable batteries.
Additional Features
Cordless lamps can include a variety of convenient features, including touch controls, remotes, timers, and smart capabilities.
Touch controls have a touch sensor to make it simple to turn the lamp on and off with a tap. To control the lamp from across the room, look for a model with a remote control.
Timers enable the lamp to switch off after a certain amount of time to retain battery life. These are ideal for bedroom lighting since they can be set to turn off after drifting off to sleep.
Smart cordless lamps bring smart capabilities to this portable lighting type. Like other smart devices, these convenient and tech-forward lights can be app or voice controlled.
FAQs
Cordless lamps are a practical, flexible, and affordable lighting option, giving you the freedom to add a light source anywhere in a room and move it around as needed. There’s likely a dim spot in any home that could benefit from an illuminating portable lamp. Still choosing the best cordless lamp for your needs? Read on for some frequently asked questions and answers.
Q. How long does a cordless lamp last once it’s fully charged?
A cordless lamp’s runtime depends on the lamp type, bulb type, and battery. Usage habits and brightness settings can also have a big effect on runtime. There’s a wide range: Runtimes can vary from 2 hours to over 20 hours on a full charge.
Q. Are battery-powered LED lights safe?
Yes, battery-powered LED lights are a very safe home lighting option. LED lights stay cool to the touch so they aren’t a burn risk to children or pets. Plus, battery-powered options mean there’s no cord to contend with, so there’s also less electrical risk and less of a trip hazard.
Q. How many lumens do cordless lamps give?
The lumen output completely depends on the light, ranging from glowy night-light types of lamps that may emit 50 lumens to cordless working lights emitting more than 1,000 lumens. Many household cordless lamps fall between 100 and 600 lumens. Choose an appropriate lumen rating depending on your intended use: brighter lights for functional use and dimmer lights for background ambient lighting.
