The best desk lamps in 2024

Best desk lamps
(Image credit: Ikea)

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

BenQ e-Reading Desk Lamp

(Image credit: BenQ)

1. BenQ e-Reading Desk Lamp

Best desk lamp overall

Specifications

Size: 23.2 x 8.7 x 24.6 inches
Weight: 10.4 pounds
Voltage: N/A
Wattage: 18 Watts

Reasons to buy

+
Adjusts automatically to ambient light 
+
Tone can be adjusted from warm to cool 
+
Lamp covers a wide area 

Reasons to avoid

-
Longer-designed head could obstruct you 

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 $25

Lepower Metal Desk Lampbest value awards badge

(Image credit: Lepower)

2. Lepower Metal Desk Lamp

Best desk lamp under $25

Specifications

Size: 10.4 x 6.1 x 6 inches
Weight: 1.9 pounds
Voltage: 120 Volts
Wattage: 40 Watts

Reasons to buy

+
Budget friendly
+
Sleek metal design
+
Flexible arm

Reasons to avoid

-
Doesn’t come with bulb

If you’re looking for an affordable desk lamp that looks sleeker than its $25 price lets on, look no further than the Lepower Metal Desk Lamp. Its matte appearance strikes a tone between traditional and modern, meaning it will suit a variety of settings. Plus, its flexible neck covers nearly every lighting angle you could need.

This lamp doesn’t come with a built-in LED, so you’ll need to supply your own bulb. This gives you the flexibility to get a bulb with a temperature to your liking, or even a smart light bulb with color and scheduling options. You can also use any spare lightbulb you have around your house, so long as it's an LED bulb rated between 4W and 6W, an energy saving bulb between 8W and 16W, or an incandescent bulb between 20W and 40W.

Best premium

Dyson Lightcycle Morph

(Image credit: Dyson)

3. Dyson Solarcycle Morph

Best premium desk lamp

Specifications

Size: 20.6 x 7.9 x 16.3 inches
Weight: 7.7 pounds
Voltage: 100-240 Volts
Wattage: 11.2 Watts

Reasons to buy

+
3-point revolve motion 
+
Adjusts automatically to ambient light 
+
Can be connected to your smartphone 

Reasons to avoid

-
App can only be connected via Bluetooth and not Wi-Fi 

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 budget

Ikea Forsa

(Image credit: Ikea)

4. Ikea Forsa

An affordable desk lamp with a great design

Specifications

Size: 14 x 6 x 5 inches
Weight: 5 pounds
Voltage: N/A
Wattage: 40 Watts

Reasons to buy

+
Sleek design
+
Adjustable height
+
Comes with bulb

Reasons to avoid

-
Not available for delivery in every market

Ikea doesn’t just sell furniture — you can find almost everything you need for your work from home or home school set up at the Swedish retail giant. Its Forsa lamp (stylized FORSÅ,) for example, is a popular choice because it comes in a variety of colors and costs less than $30. 

The Ikea Forsa desk lamp is made of sleek steel and features a long, adjustable arm. Its rounded shade is adjustable, too, meaning you should be able to find exactly the angle you need. And unlike most desk lamps without a built-in LED, Ikea includes a bulb with the Forsa, saving you the hassle of finding a compatible one on your own. There’s no assembly required, so you can plug it in right out of the box. 

Best for versatility

OttLite Dual-Shade LED Desk Lamp

(Image credit: OttLite)

5. OttLite Dual-Shade LED Desk Lamp

Besk desk lamp for multitaskers

Specifications

Size: 13.3 x 7 x 7 inches
Weight: 1.1 pounds
Voltage: N/A
Wattage: 14 Watts

Reasons to buy

+
Dual LED lights
+
3 temperature settings

Reasons to avoid

-
Touch sensors are difficult to see

Why get one desk lamp when you can get two, built into one? The OttLite Dual-Shade LED Desk Lamp offers just that — two prongs of built-in LED lighting with touch and temperature controls shared in by a single base. This way you direct light over two different work areas, like your laptop and paperwork that you're trying to review at the same time. 

For $40, the OttLite Dual-Shade LED Desk Lamp is one of the best desk lamps available now for multitasking. It’s also slim and lightweight, lending a modern appearance to a cleverly capable fixture. If you often find yourself needing light in more than one spot on your desk, or simply wish your current desk lamp offered more coverage, this is probably the right option (or lamp replacement) on this list for you. 

Best with wireless charging

Ikea Hektar

(Image credit: Ikea)

6. Ikea Hektar

Best desk lamp with wireless charging

Specifications

Size: 6 x 7 inches
Weight: 8 pounds
Voltage: N/A
Wattage: 7 Watts

Reasons to buy

+
Timeless design
+
Qi charging pad

Reasons to avoid

-
No bulb included

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.

Best portable

Two Govee Ambient Portable Table Lamps with different colors

(Image credit: Govee)

7. Govee Ambient RGBWW Portable Table Lamp

Best portable desk lamp

Specifications

Size: 6.1 x 6.1 x 3.7 inches
Weight: 1.65 pounds
Voltage: 100-240V
Wattage: N/A

Reasons to buy

+
Fun to use with precise color control 
+
Versatile design 
+
Useful timer 
+
Good brightness level 

Reasons to avoid

-
Battery doesn’t last very long 
-
Responsiveness is slow at times 

This portable table lamp from Govee offers 16 million colors of light to choose from, which can all be accessed from the Govee Home app on your smartphone. It can also be controlled via a single button on the base, although this limits the color selection. It comes with fun settings, such as being able to sync the light to music, and a scene mode which lets you choose an experience and adjusts the color and tempo to reflect it, such as festivals, candlelight and fireworks. 

It’s chargeable and portable, needing four hours of charge to provide four hours of illumination —  so it's a great option if you have limited plug sockets at your desk. Although, be wary that four hours can go by quickly, so you may need to leave it plugged in most of the time. It’s durable as well with a plastic design, meaning the kids can use it too. Ultimately, it’s a fun desk lamp, which is brighter than you would expect. Two models are available with and without Wi-Fi connectivity, depending on if you want to use voice-control. 

Read our full Govee Ambient RGBWW Portable Table Lamp review. 

Best for style

Simple Designs Lantern Glass Shade Desk Lamp

(Image credit: Simple Designs)

8. Simple Designs Lantern Glass Shade Desk Lamp

A shabby chic desk lamp for filament-style bulbs

Specifications

Size: 9.8 x 5.8 x 18.8 inches
Weight: 3 pounds
Voltage: 120 Volts
Wattage: 40 Watts

Reasons to buy

+
Affordable
+
Shabby chic design
+
Exposed light bulb

Reasons to avoid

-
Glass shade attracts dust

Some of the best desk lamps look more like tech products than home decor. The Simple Designs Lantern Glass Shade Desk Lamp, however, prioritizes style with its industrial-looking hardware and transparent glass shade. As a result, light won’t be streamlined to your desk like it might with a standard downward-facing LED lamp. But it’ll look great, and provide excellent accent lighting to any room.

This lamp doesn’t come with a light bulb, though it will look great paired with a filament or edison-style LED light bulbs. Even certain smart light bulbs, like Philips Hue lights, offer filament-style choices with a variety of brightness and temperature controls. There’s a shabby chic essence to the complete aesthetic of the Simple Designs Lantern Glass Shade Desk Lamp, but for $35, it’s almost as affordable as it would be from a thrift store.

Best for kids

Govee Smart Lamp

(Image credit: Govee)

9. Govee Smart Lamp

Best desk lamp for kids

Specifications

Size: 9.65 x 4.76 x 4.65 inches
Weight: 1.7 pounds
Voltage: 120 Volts
Wattage: Not given

Reasons to buy

+
Connects to Alexa and Google Assistant 
+
16 million colors
+
Good for kids
+
Can sync with music

Reasons to avoid

-
Plastic casing

This smart desk lamp from Govee stands out for being fun to use. It can connect to your smartphone via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and can also be voice controlled by both Alexa and Google Assistant. Using the app, you can choose from 16 million colors, so depending on whether you’re working or reading, there will be a tone to suit. You can also set it to sync with your music so it can create a party atmosphere or amplify movie night. 

If you use the Creative DIY Mode, you can also personalize your own light tone or mood and save it to use later. The customization behind its design makes it really appealing to kids. If you don’t want to use the app, the controls are also accessible on the top of the lamp.

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.

Be sure to check out all of our guides for your home office and home school:

Best office chairs | Best pens | Best computer speakers | Best college laptop | Best laptop bags | Best webcams | Best all-in-one printers | Best Chromebooks for kids

Kate Kozuch

Kate Kozuch is the managing editor of social and video at Tom’s Guide. She writes about smartwatches, TVs, audio devices, and some cooking appliances, too. Kate appears on Fox News to talk tech trends and runs the Tom's Guide TikTok account, which you should be following if you don't already. When she’s not filming tech videos, you can find her taking up a new sport, mastering the NYT Crossword or channeling her inner celebrity chef.