10 Best Portable Work Lights In 2021: Buying Guide and Reviews
Work is not always fully done by dusk, but unfortunately, there is not much you can do without enough light. You have two options when it gets dark; to wrap up your tools and call it a day or get the best portable work lights on the market and keep going till you are done or too tired. If you choose the latter, then some great products on the market will make your life so much easier.
How easy is it to get the best LED work light? Without a guide such as this one, it is quite hard. We put together 10 of the products we feel fit the bill perfectly to make it so much easier for you to keep working on your project hours after dark. Read on for a proper buying guide, FAQ, and unbiased reviews.
Table of Contents
- Portable Work Lights – Review & Buyer’s Guide
- 1. DEWALT (DCL050) 20V MAX LED Work Light
- 2. WARSUN Portable LED Rechargeable Work Light
- 3. Hallomall Spotlights Work Lights
- 4. PowerSmith PWL110S Weatherproof Tiltable LED Portable Work Light
- 5. GLORIOUS-LITE 50W LED Adjustable Working Lights
- 6. OTYTY Rechargeable Portable Waterproof LED Flood Lights
- 7. sunzone Portable LED Work Light
- 8. Coquimbo Rechargeable LED Work Lights
- 9. Neiko 40339A Cordless Work Light
- 10. Ustellar Waterproof Portable Flood Lights
- LED Portable Work Lights – Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Portable Work Lights – Review & Buyer’s Guide
1. DEWALT (DCL050) 20V MAX LED Work Light
The Dewalt 20V Max LED is one of a kind for various reasons. One, it has 3 LEDs that light up a larger space than usual – broad lighting, and two, the 500 lumens ensure lots of brightness. A 4.0Ah Li-ion battery stays in for about 17 hours on high brightness, and you can fully recharge it in five hours. Because it has two brightness settings – 250 lumens for low brightness and 500 lumens when it shines at its brightest – you can dim it appropriately to extend the runtime.
When you want to work on surfaces that are not flat, then you can count on the 140-degree pivoting head to allow you to manipulate the torch. A built-in telescoping and 360-degree rotating hook make this tool versatile for any project you would think of, making it ideal for home and workshop use because it can hover two inches above the project or surface.
The torch is made of durable material – hard plastic – as is and topped with an over-molded lens for enhancement. Non-marring surface ensures the lens will not be broken. It is also quite light at 14 ounces.
- Two brightness settings – 250 and 500 lumens.
- Made of durable hard plastic.
- A 360-degree rotation.
- The flashlight is not waterproof.
2. WARSUN Portable LED Rechargeable Work Light
Warsun’s work light with two built-in rechargeable 1800 mAh batteries is a winner for its price, bright light, and simplicity. It is quite wide – 4.3 x 2.6 x 1.4 inches – and so its magnetic base makes it possible to work with by placing on a surface. You can stick it overhead to shine down on a project. Thanks to its 1200 lumens, you can count on brilliance and broad coverage. The batteries take nine hours to charge fully and they will stay on for between four and 12 hours depending on brightness levels.
This flashlight only weighs 9.6 ounces, and so you can carry it anywhere. Since it is made of durable alloy, water will not ruin it and so you can use it both indoors and outdoors. Though the magnetic base works perfectly, you can also hook it on to a surface when you want to shine sideways. It has a two-way switching setting that is easy and unfaultable. Because it has three modes, you have options for brightness between high brightness, medium brightness, and low brightness. The manufacturer throws in a one-year warranty. The torch has been taken through a 4. 9ft drop test, the manufacturer says, that it passed.
- 1200 lumens for brightness.
- The batteries last up to 12 hours in various settings.
- Can handle a 4. 9ft drop.
- Not the easiest to hold, thanks to its shape.
3. Hallomall Spotlights Work Lights
![Hallomall [15W 24LED] Spotlights Work Lights Outdoor Camping Lights, Built-in Rechargeable Lithium Batteries (with USB Ports to Charge Mobile Devices and Special SOS Modes)](https://portablebeasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Hallomall-15W-24LED-Spotlights-Work-Lights-Outdoor-Camping-Lights-Built-in-Rechargeable-Lithium-Batteries-with-USB-Ports-to-Charge-Mobile-Devices-and-Special-SOS-Modes.jpg)
This Hallomall Spotlight with 24 LED lights lets so much light that you can comfortably use it on a project at night without any other light. Its built-in lithium battery is rechargeable and will keep shining for up to 10 hours depending on the level of brightness you choose. It comes with a USB cable but its ports are similar to those of any mobile device and so you can use your regular charger to bring the battery back to life. It needs 5 hours to charge fully.
The material that makes up most of the outer parts is hard plastic and so it is water-resistant. Rust and corrosion have nothing on this flashlight, and the maker says it is waterproof too. The base is sturdy enough to place this product on a flat surface – but the catch is it has to be completely flat. Its design allows it to rotate to 360 degrees so that it faces any direction you want it. It goes to SOS mode with 2 Blue and 2 Red Flashing LEDs. It indicates when the battery is almost drained to notify you of charge requirements. Also, it is quite big and weighs 2lbs, but it has an ergonomic handle at the top.
- SOS flash LEDs.
- Can charge with a regular phone charger.
- Waterproof.
- Material is durable and can handle falls.
- Quite big – weighs 2lbs.
4. PowerSmith PWL110S Weatherproof Tiltable LED Portable Work Light
This Power Smith light has a total of 1080 lumens that ensure brightness that you can thankfully manipulate when working from up close. The LEDs are made to last and they will never need replacing while the metal hook at the top of the torch enables you to hook it to get an overhead light. The material that makes up this light is water-resistant, and so your Power Smith is all-weather. It works ideally both indoors and outdoors.
You don’t have to worry about the light hovering but not shining down on a particular spot when you can switch its position, thanks to an adjustable 360° tilting head. The On/Off switch is sealed and protected from the elements just like every other vulnerable part of this light. It is corded since it is powered by electricity, but that is not a disadvantage if you can plug it in a nearby power source. A rugged metal stand is welded to the flashlight so that you can place it on any flat surface if you prefer to set it down. It is backed by a 2-year warranty.
- 1080 lumens for maximum brightness.
- All-weather and so ideal for indoor and outdoor use.
- A large metal hook.
- It is corded.
5. GLORIOUS-LITE 50W LED Adjustable Working Lights
This 6000k Glorious-Lite portable light weighs 4lbs and measures 11 x 8.9 x 11.6 inches, which is just ideal for its use. Because it made of durable material – die-cast aluminum body, tempered glass for the lens and metal stand – it lasts long and the 18-month guarantee is proof. With 64 LED chips and 5,000 lumens, you can trust it to illuminate brightly and widely. You can vary the brightness between 4500 and 5000 lumens to save power as well as protect your eyes from extreme brightness.
Being adjustable, you can rotate the head 360 degrees on its axis to pint it exactly where you want it to be. You can also move it up to 270 degrees vertically for better illumination, which is how this flashlight becomes a favorite for those working on specific projects.
It is rated IP66 for waterproofness, which means you can submerge it in water for up to 50 meters without any internal or external damage. The handle at the top is sturdy and ergonomic, while the 5m cord allows you to use this flashlight liberally. An on/off switch on the side is easy to use and reachable while the standing bracket enables you to place it anywhere.
- Waterproof – IP66.
- Bracket for level placement.
- 5,000 lumens.
- Not battery powered and so it is limited by the 5m cord.
6. OTYTY Rechargeable Portable Waterproof LED Flood Lights
OTYTY’s two-pack rechargeable light is quite affordable and according to the features, a great investment for indoor and outdoor use. The 30W handheld portable light with its 1500 lumens emits enough light to light up spaces widely. You can even use it as an emergency light when there’s a power blackout.
It is three brightness modes; high, low, and strobe, and you can extend runtime by switching between these as may be required. An IP65 waterproof rating makes it possible to use the light outdoors even when it pours heavily while its hard-plastic construction ensures the elements won’t get to it.
It is powered by two 18650 lithium-ion rechargeable batteries that are included in the package and recharged in 7 hours using a USB cable that is also part of the package. This light has a handle that makes it easy to carry and handle. A stand would also have been a nice touch, but you can bend the handle to place it on its side. You can also hang it facing down – using the handle – when you prefer it to act as an overhead light.
- Light, compact with a wide handle.
- Waterproof.
- 1500 lumens for brightness.
- No stand or magnetic base.
7. sunzone Portable LED Work Light
Working outdoors requires a work light that can handle fluctuating weather conditions, which is what makes this Sunzone light a treasure with its IP44 waterproof rating. With three brightness modes, you can manipulate your working conditions while the handle makes it possible to hang the light overhead so it shines down on your work surface. Its three modes; High, Low, and SOS Flashing Mode enable you to save power when you don’t need too much brightness.
The handle is ergonomic for easy handling and it easily turns into a stand when you bend it slightly. You can even rotate it 180 degrees to shine on the parts you prefer. Being a super light lamp – 1.6 ounces – you can take this product anywhere. It uses a 3.7V Lithium-ion battery that discharges for 5 hours at maximum brightness. It is cordless too, and so quite flexible.
This lamp is made of TPR with some parts being nylon, and so you can count on it to take a fall without cracking. It is backed by a year’s unlimited warranty.
- Lightweight and compact.
- A year’s unlimited warranty.
- Three brightness modes.
- Not as rotatable as those with stationary stands.
8. Coquimbo Rechargeable LED Work Lights
Coquimbo’s COB lights come in twos and for the price, we think this deal is too good to pass on. This light uses an 18650 lithium battery that takes 2.5 hours to charge and stays on for 2.5 hours when on full brightness mode. Unlike most lights that only have three modes, this has five – three white lights on high brightness, medium brightness, and front light and steady-on and strobe both red lights. You only need to press the switch to change modes.
Made of ABS plastic and metal, this 2 LED light is excellent for outdoor working as it withstands the elements. It is also foldable and light – 2 ounces – to take on your outdoor expeditions. The base is magnetic to enable it to stand on its own on surfaces. You can even place it overhead when working on unique projects that need light shining from above.
For versatility, this light has a 360-degree rotation that enables you to work on different projects with unique lighting needs. The handle is long and easy to handle and overall, the light is easy to use. It comes with a 12-month warranty.
- Magnetic base.
- 5 modes.
- Compact.
- 360-degree rotation.
- Light not broadly distributed.
9. Neiko 40339A Cordless Work Light
The Neiko work light has 700 lumens and LEDs for distribution of light that enables it covers a wide area. It is powered by a rechargeable 3.7V 4,400 mAh Li-ion battery that takes 2.5 hours to charge and has an indicator for when the battery is low. It is 17.4 x 3.4 x 2.8 inches and weighs 1lb, which makes it super portable. And, it is also easy to hold as it is a slim lamp with a hook at the top to enable you to hang it when working on projects that need overhead projection.
When the battery is fully charged, it will give you these runtimes; 4.2 hours on medium mode: at 400 lumens, 6.5 hours on low mode-250 Lumens, and 11.5 hours on the lowest setting. The package includes a detachable magnetic base and two hooks that rotate all round for precise illumination. An industrial-grade polycarbonate lens that will withstand just about anything and an impact-resistant aluminum body make this product quite durable, but not waterproof. You can still protect it from rain as it is handheld and easily portable.
- Has a detachable magnetic base.
- Inbuilt battery that is recharged in 2.5 hours.
- Slim build makes it easy to hold.
- Foldable and compact.
- Not waterproof.
10. Ustellar Waterproof Portable Flood Lights
This Ustellar emits 6000K white light that is quite bright, thanks to its 6,000 lumens. With an IP65 waterproofing rate, you can use it in any circumstances including outdoor expeditions where it cold rain heavily. This 60W LED light shines broadly to let you work on a wide space easily. It is placed on a stand that makes it rotatable – 360 ° horizontally and 180 ° vertically. Its unique aluminum housing handles heat well, making this lamp all-weather. This construction also makes it durable.
This light is not battery-powered, and so it comes with a 16.4ft/5m power cable. An on/ off switch is placed conveniently within reach for ease of use. Thanks to a 12-month warranty, you can rest assured that this lamp will be working well for longer than that. It weighs 5lbs.
- Waterproofing – IP65.
- 6000 lumens for bright light.
- Vertical and horizontal rotation.
- It is corded and so its portability is limited.
LED Portable Work Lights – Buying Guide
There aren’t that many things to look into when buying a work light. Here are some of the most important as far as we are concerned. Price is not one of the most vital point for us as we believe a good product could cost more but it does return that value.
Brightness
One of the most important features you want to consider before buying a work light is its brightness. The more the lumens, the brighter it will be and vice versa. If you are looking at projects that need lots of attention such as plumbing, then 3000 to 5000 lumens is great. If you don’t need lots of light, then you can go lower but still maintain it at 500 and above.
Power Source
There are two main sources; battery operated LED light and electricity-powered LED work lights. Electric-powered ones require proximity to a source of power, and so they are limited most of the time. Battery-powered lights are more versatile as they do not limit you to one spot. They are ideal for outdoor and remote working. If yours is for indoor working, then you may prefer an electric-powered one that also has the advantage of being brighter.
Anchoring System
Do you mind holding your work light on your hand as you work or would you rather it be anchored on a surface? Well, most handheld lights are less powerful as compared to anchored ones, and they are also quite tasking to hold through a project especially when you need to use both hands. You may also prefer a self-anchored one for its ability to rotate to specific angles that make your work easier. Having said that, there are those smaller handheld ones with magnetic bases that hold up perfectly without your intervention. In the end, it boils down to personal preference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion – Wrapping Up
With the many brands on the market, you will get the right portable work light for anything you need. We insist on lightweight lights as it would not be portable without this quality. You also want a premium product as the cheapest is not necessarily the nest. Construction is key as are the features.
We only used products readily available on the market for this article, and so each of these lights is rated highly and recommended. We hope you now find it easier to buy a work light or you found one among these reviews that you liked. Also, we will keep updating this piece in keeping with what’s available online.