Whether you’re working, studying or reading, the best desk lamps will provide the right amount of lighting for your task. Not only will this brightly, illuminate your space, but will reduce the risk of eye strain.
But with so many different types and sizes on the market, it can be tricky to know which one is ideal for your needs. Before buying, there are a few things to consider. First, what design and size do you prefer? Is it adjustable to suit your needs and workspace? Also, what other handy features do you prefer? There are some that operate via a touch operation to adjust the lighting levels, or a remote control.
What's more, you might prefer a desk lamp to be compatible with a handy USB port for charging smartphones. While other lamps will have motion sensors to save on energy. What's more, there are desk lamps that will adjust automatically to ambient light, varying the brightness depending on the time of the day.
Finally, how much were you looking to spend? The best desk lamps can start from as little as $20 right up to $2,000 for a premium model. Luckily, we've done all the hard work for you by doing extensive research and taking note of customer feedback. We've selected some of the best desk lamps to suit every home, need and budget.
The best desk lamps you can buy today
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Best overall
The BenQ eReading LED Desk Lamp is the best lamp because of the level of customization it offers. You can adjust how cool or warm you want the tone, depending on if you’re trying to concentrate at work or reading a book. It also adjusts itself thanks to built-in smart technology which detects the level of ambient light in the room.
The wide LED head also means this lamp offers great coverage, so you can see everything across the desk. It’s highly flexible too, with a ball-joint connecting the head to the stand and two other points which can be adjusted in the stand. If you’ve got a toned office, it’s available in a range of colors to suit. Our only qualm is that the wide head could be obstructive on a small desk.
Best under $40
If you’re looking for an affordable, multifaceted desk lamp that looks sleeker than its $40 price lets on, look no further than this option from Afrog. Normally, I'm wary of products that are hard to find outside of Amazon, but this lamp has proven its mettle as a budget pick with its shockingly bright LED and built-in charger.
On top of a solid light (or rather below it), this lamp has a side light that allows you to see around the base in case you're using this lamp on your bedside table. It also has warmth adjustment for the main light, which could additionally be a relief if you don't want a harsh daylight-esque glow illuminating your bedroom at night.
Best premium
Dyson’s Lightcycle Morph Desk Light makes the list because of its innovative design and the tech it brings to the table, literally! When connected to your smart device, this lamp automatically adjusts its brightness depending on the time of the day and can also be customized in terms of temperature and brightness using the controls under the lamp head. It features 3-point revolve motion, which gives it great flexibility, and the head can even be docked into the stem for storage or to create a reduced ambient light.
Using the Dyson Link App via Bluetooth, you can choose from pre-set programs including Study, Relax and Precision or even create your own using the temperature and brightness settings. The lamp contains a motion sensor as well, which if enabled will switch it back on as you sit at the desk. The only drawbacks with the Dyson Lightcycle Morph Desk Light are the price, being very expensive for a lamp, and the fact that it needs to be connected via Bluetooth and can’t use Wi-Fi. So you can’t control it once you’re out of the house.
Best clamp-on design
Though this type of lamp doesn't work with every type of desk, clamp-ons are a superb solution to the issue of desk space. By attaching to the outer edge of your desk and extending overhead, you only sacrifice a few square inches of space while getting a full-power lamp.
This Uplift model works especially well because its sleek design packs all its controls into one button. Simply tap the power button once the lamp is switched on to swap between three different shades, and use the switch on the power cord to turn it off when you're done. It may not have the adjustability of other lamps on this list, such as the BenQ lamp we crowned Best Overall, but I was happy to see that it at least had some customization opportunities.
Best for video calls
Want to use a desk lamp to light up your face in a dark room instead of looking like you're about to tell a scary story around the campfire? This lamp from Vari is incredibly easy to configure at just about any angle you'd like, including directly facing you. The adjustment is effortless, but it also doesn't sag over time like some cheaper lamps can.
This lamp is fully adjustable through one knob and soft-touch button located at the base. All you have to do to turn it on is hit the knob once, then you can adjust brightness by turning it. To toggle through the three available light temperatures, simply tap the soft touch button.
Best with wireless charging
A lamp with a built-in wireless charging pad on its base can save you precious table space and allow for everyone’s work-from-home desk dream: less wire clutter. While there are many options with wireless charging out there, the Ikea Hektar might do it best. Not only does the Ikea Hektar desk lamp bear a timeless, steel design, but it will juice up your Qi-compatible smartphone while you work, too.
At $65, the Ikea Hektar is on the expensive end of the best desk lamps. Plus you’ll need to provide your own E14 bulb. However, you’ll get quality in return, and a lamp that offers greater functionality than simply illuminating your desk space.
What is the best desk lamp for you?
The best desk lamp for you depends on your budget and needs, so there are a couple of things you’ll want to take note of before shopping. First, how much do you want to spend? Some desk lamps may appear affordable, but the fine print reveals they don’t come with a light bulb.
That’s why the OttLite lamp might be ultimately less expensive. Plus the options with built-in LEDS often have temperature controls, which could be better for you if you have sensitive eyes.
On the other hand, if you use Amazon Alexa, Google Home or Apple HomeKit, lamps that let you provide your own bulbs could be more compatible with smart home devices. You can outfit your desk lamp with a smart light bulb so you can integrate it in smart home routines or control it hands-free with your voice assistant of choice.
Are LEDs better than bulbs?
Generally, LED desk lamps are better for your vision and may prevent eye strain or other related illnesses. Plus, most LED lamps deliver a more natural brightness that is ideal for remote working.
In addition, the lifespan of LED lighting is up to 40 times longer than the incandescent or halogen bulb. They are also predicted to last for at least 50,000 hours, which means an LED desk lamp would never need regular replacement.
Where is the best place to put a desk lamp?
This will depend on the size of your desk, but the positioning of your lamp needs to be right, to ensure the right amount of lighting. As a rule of thumb, the ideal distance is 15 to 36 inches away from your work area. However, you find desk lamps with adjustable arms so you can get the suitable height.
Additionally, if you are a right-handed person, place the desk lamp on your left side and vice versa if you are a left-handed person.
Features to look out for
Adjustability is a big plus point for desk lamps in more ways than one. Firstly, an adjustable frame is useful for getting the height and angle of the light correct. The last thing you want is a lamp that shines straight into your eyes! Some desk lamps also come with adjustable tones from warm to cool, so you can set the light depending on the task. A few, such as BenQ e-Reading Desk Lamp, can even adjust automatically based on ambient light, so you don’t need to mess with the settings.
App connectivity is another rare, but useful feature. An example of this is the Dyson Lightcycle Morph which can connect to your smart device using the Dyson Link app. In doing this, you can control the desk lamp hands-free and choose from pre-set programs.
A more common feature to look out for is a USB port for charging your phone. Some even charge wirelessly if you want to take it a step further! It sounds like common sense, but you should also consider the size of the desk lamp — bigger isn’t necessarily better and you don’t want it to obstruct your view while you work.
How we tested
Our guide for the best desk lamps were based on extensive, consumer report research and online reviews. We rated things like how well it illuminated the area, and adjustable settings. In addition, we looked at how user-friendly and practical it was to use, size, and design features.
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