After testing several reading lights, we decided to give Gritin’s rechargeable option our ‘Best Overall’ label because its design makes it extremely portable, functional, and easy to use. Though it isn’t the smallest on our list, the light can fit in the palm of your hand when folded down. It’s made with a flexible gooseneck that can be toyed around with to deliver the glow exactly where you need it. Though, it’s worth noting that its actual bulbs do deliver enough illumination to light up an entire book page. In addition to providing excellent light with a mix of three temperature options and the ability to dim each one, the reading tool is also very stable. The clip that attaches to the book is sturdy and easily stays in place without weighing your book down. Lastly, it also boasts amazing battery life. All it needs is 2.5 hours to get a full charge that gives you up to 80 hours of juice when used on the dimmest setting. You can also easily keep track of how much charge it has used up by checking out its four indicator lights.
Those that prefer a no-fuss reading light that doesn’t have to be attached to the book will like this option from Glocusent. Built similarly to a personal fan, it’s worn around the neck to illuminate what’s in front of you. In addition to having four temperature options and three dimming settings, we particularly like that each side of this reading light can be operated individually. You can make one side dimmer than the other to truly customize how much light the device emits. We also like that its ends are flexible, so you can play with their angle positioning to better illuminate what you’re reading. The Glocusent Neck Reading Light makes a great option for traveling that doesn’t require you to make packing space for it. It can simply be worn around the neck as you would headphones, and it’s so lightweight it won’t feel like a hassle to walk through the airport with. It is worth mentioning that those with longer hair may have to tie it while using this light, as longer hair can get easily caught in it, one tester noticed. It’s also not the most comfortable if you’re leaning against a hard headboard. But its portability and rechargeable battery life make it a solid option for all readers.
This Glocusent Rechargeable Book Light is so small it probably fits into your pocket. That’s great if you plan on taking it on-the-go somewhere you may need a little extra visibility (like a flight), or if you don’t have much space at home to store yet another gadget. Designed with five brightness levels and three temperature settings, you can customize just how much light you want it to emit. That being said, because the reading light is smaller than others on the list, we found that it doesn’t illuminate as much surface area as the larger options featured here. Still, we love that it’s super functional. Its head can actually be turned to angles of 45 or 90 degrees for better light positioning. The gadget also features four lighted indicators that reflect how much battery life it has left. That way you’re never thrown off by it suddenly dying. As a bonus, you can also grab this reading light in one of five chic colors—not too shabby.
Those looking for more illumination than what a small reading light provides will likely find value in this option from Eyocean. It’s sturdy and a bit on the heavier side, but its clamp is extra secure for attaching to surfaces like a desk or headboard. It allows you to truly customize your lighting experience to your preferences by offering 10 brightness levels and three temperature modes—warm white, natural white, and cold white. During testing, one thing we didn’t enjoy about this light is that it has to be powered on by a USB device, so you must be near an outlet or a power bank that supports one if you plan on using it. Its flexible gooseneck is excellent, though. It allows you to angle the light wherever it is you need some extra shine. Our testers also particularly enjoyed the design of this tool. It looks like a cool piece of home decor, making it the most aesthetically-pleasing on this list even if it isn’t the most functional option for portability.
Similarly to the Eyocean option, this wall-mounted light from Deeloop offers more illumination that your typical clip-on device because its light bulb area is physically more larger than the others on this list. The tool comes with a command strip for attaching it to the wall, or another surface like the headboard, though we found that its adhesive isn’t strong enough to keep the light on the wall permanently. You may have to find a different installation technique to keep the reading accessory secure, but once it is, it will create a cozy ambiance for your night reading. We particularly like that the reading light is designed with five dimmable settings, and a flexible gooseneck you can move into any angle you like. It’s not ideal for situations where you need a more discreet option, like when you’re reading next to a sleeping partner. But it’s perfect for use when winding down if you don’t want to keep your room’s bright overhead light on. Plus, as a bonus the wall-mounted option features a USB port you can use to charge your electronics. Though, it’s worth noting the actual reading light does have to be plugged in to work.
A smaller and more manageable option, the Ktebo reading light packs many of the features the other options featured here do, but at a fraction of the price. The budget-friendly purchase is designed as a book clip that’s super lightweight, so it won’t weigh the book down as you’re reading. Its lighting can switch between three color temperatures, and the lamp has three dimming settings so you can better control its brightness output. Since the light it emits is pretty minimal, it’s a more discreet option, too. Like many of the other lights here, this option is also built with a flexible gooseneck, which allows you to throw a spotlight over the section of book you’re reading. Even better? We like that it’s small and rechargeable, which makes it a great travel-friendly option, too.
Meet the expert
• Julianne Buonocore is a book expert and founder of The Literary Lifestyle, a blog that offers book recommendations, access to reading tips, and more. She’s also an avid reader of over 100 books per year and head of the Gilmore Girls book club. Jasmine Gomez is the Commerce Editor at Women’s Health, where she cover the best product recommendations across beauty, health, lifestyle, fitness, and more. When she’s not shopping for a living, she enjoys karaoke and dining out more than she cares to admit. Follow her @JazzeGomez.
