For many at-home DIYers, the garage is a workshop designed to accomplish any home or automotive problem that may arise. But many DIYers run into one consistent problem in their garage – there simply is not enough light to see what they are working on! Many modern garages are built without windows and few offer more than a lone lightbulb or two overhead for lighting. So, what’s a DIYer to do?
The best option for lighting up your garage DIY space is through the use of devoted garage lights, designed with hands-on work and versatility in mind. Professional automotive and repair shop owners have long used so-called “shop lights” to illuminate their critical working spaces, so it’s time for you to take a page from their book and install a new garage lighting system of your own.
Choosing the right garage lighting system with plenty of lumens can take hours of time and come to little progress. After all, how can you know how a certain garage light model will perform until you’ve used it in your own DIY space for a while? You won’t have to struggle with that kind of travel and guesswork now, thanks to this handy guide on the best garage lighting in 2021.
With this guide, you’ll be able to compare garage lighting systems based on information gathered from real testing. Each of these light fixtures is designed to bring focused, high-caliber lighting to where you need it most in your garage. Once you install a set of garage lights, the difference will be like night and day. Simply put, you won’t regret illuminating your DIY space with garage lighting fixtures.
Best Garage Lighting – Comparison
IMAGE | NAME | FEATURES | PRICE |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Striker Concepts 00342 TRiLIGHT |
| Check Price |
![]() | LEONLITE 2 Head LED Outdoor |
| Check Price | ![]() | LEPOWER 3000LM LED Security |
| Check Price |
10 Best Garage Lighting Options for Home and Professional Spaces
Based upon a wealth of industry research, here are 10 of the brightest and most versatile garage lighting fixtures that you can pick up from brick-and-mortar and online retailers today. Be sure to read on for a detail-by-detail review of each of these high-performing models, including a breakdown of what features make each model a standout in its class.
No matter how large your garage is or how tight your budget may be, you will certainly find a garage lighting system on this list that checks every one of your “must-have” boxes. Good luck and may your future DIY projects be “brighter” than ever!
Best Garage Lighting – Reviews
1. JMTGNSEP Deformable LED Garage Ceiling Light
The JMTGNSEP Deformable LED Garage Ceiling Light has become a repeated best-seller on leading online retail platforms for all of the right reasons. With durability and performance to lead the pack and versatility beyond compare, the JMTGNSEP has earned its high billing on its merits alone.
As with any indoor or outdoor lighting fixture, lighting capacity and quality are paramount. The JMTGNSEP powers through the darkness with 6000 lumens of light across its three prongs, bringing even a wide garage into daylight-like brightness instantly. At a 6000k white light temperature, these 60-watt LED lights won’t hurt your eyes during operation either.
Often, “best-selling” models gain their status by cutting corners to attain a cheaper product. Not so with the JMTGNSEP, which is cased in an aluminum alloy body that is built to remain durable through many years of DIY work. Even better, this aluminum alloy body dissipates heat far more effectively than steel or plastic-cased competitors. This allows the JMTGNSEP to remain safe and non-flammable, even when sharing spaces with combustible materials.
Traditionally, you’ve needed to “hang” shop lights, which takes time away from your main projects. The JMTGNSEP doesn’t need all that extra fuss. In fact, if you already have a standard 60-watt lightbulb socket installed in the appropriate location, all you need to do is screw this model’s specialized adapter in the socket. For power and energy efficiency, the JMTGNSEP is a perfect fit in these 60-watt sockets.
For all of this quality, you might expect to pay a small fortune. But in truth, the JMTGNSEP is among the most affordable options on this list. DIYers online have taken notice of this quality in particular. After picking up just one JMTGNSEP, installing it in their garage, and loving the results, these reviewers picked up a couple more to really illuminate every last inch of their garage without going over budget.
Simply put, the JMTGNSEP should be one of the first garage lighting options you turn to while renovating your outdoor DIY space.
- 6000 lumens of 6000k white light that won’t hurt your eyes
- Durable aluminum alloy body that effectively dissipates heat
- Tri-arm design that can be adjusted to fit your various lighting needs
- Requires pre-installed 60-watt lightbulb socket
- Lacks an adjustment switch for how long lights remain on
- LED light bulbs can be expensive to replace
2. Sunco Lighting 2 Pack LED Utility Shop Light
Sometimes, the tradition garage lighting method is the best one to accommodate your unique DIY space. If you’re looking for modern innovation on a classic design, check out the Sunco Lighting 2 Pack LED Utility Shop Light. This traditional length-wise garage lighting fixture preserves a common form factor while packing in a variety of special features that help it far exceed its predecessors.
First and foremost, the Sunco Lighting fixtures are plenty bright enough to illuminate most small to medium garages with ease. With 40 watts supplying the 4100 lumen bulbs, you’ll be quite surprised how much better this modern long garage lighting fixture is over older shop models. To this end, this Sunco model’s 120-degree beam angle spreads the light effectively around the space while preserving the majority for the space directly below it.
On the shelf, this Sunco model garage light may appear to function precisely like long shop lights of yesteryear. But once you flip it on, you’ll literally see the difference. In this case, you’ll see that rather than employing twin bulbs full of difficult-to-dispose fluorescent gas, this Sunco model uses twin LED tubes to provide a similar form factor while pushing new garage lighting innovation.
All together, these LED tubes can provide you with upwards of 50,000 hours of quality lighting in your garage before you’ll ever even need to think about replacing them. Because this model has held to the traditional long form factor, it is still among the best options to hand above a workbench or tool wrack in order to provide optimal visibility.
Finally, this Sunco model is particularly damp resistant, according to its current users. One Sunco user first test his new lights in his very damp basement before moving them outdoors to his garage. He found that the moisture in both locations did not interfere with the fixture’s performance and reliability one bit. This is just one more way this Sunco model really recarves the well-worn path that long typified shop lights.
- 4100 lumen twin LED bulbs instead of long fluorescent gas bulbs
- 120-degree beam angle
- Damp resistant that is ideal for outdoor use in the muggy summer
- Bulbs are made of an easily damaged soft plastic
- Lights turn off independently, even when daisy-chained
- May ship with incorrect mounting hardware
3. GLORIOUS-LITE 100W LED Flood Light
While overhead lights are often the general solution to garage lighting your DIY space, you sometimes need a powerful lighting solution that you can take around the garage to shine light at an unusual angle. For this kind of versatility in placement, the GLORIOUS-LITE 100W LED Flood Light reigns supreme. With a compact form factor that is simply plugged in with a UL plug, you can be sure that this compact flood light will see all kinds of use in your DIY space.
As the name suggests, the GLORIOUS-LITE is designed to act as an outdoor flood light, providing illumination for an unenclosed space. However, many home DIYers have found the GLORIOUS-LITE to be as useful in their garage as it is on their driveway. In fact, many vouchers for how easy it is to use while trying to illuminate hard-to-reach spaces such as under a car.
Because of its intended use as a floodlight, the GLORIOUS-LITE is built to resist a wide variety of workplace-related contaminates that are likely to short-out lessor models. For instance, this model is effectively waterproof, thanks to its tight-fitting outer shell and washer sealed power inline. This air-tight construction helps keep out even ambient moisture, which is known to cause problems in old garage lighting systems.
As noted, the GLORIOUS-LITE is very, very bright. This model uses 100 watts to power a nearly 8100-lumen central fixture, which will provide more than enough illumination to any large or extra-large garage. Rather than blowing its illumination in a beam like a common flashlight, the GLORIOUS-LITE spreads its light out as broadly as possible using its conical scale-like central reflector.
When overhead lights won’t cut it, flip the switch on the GLORIOUS-LITE. You’ll see the difference shining through immediately.
- 100 watts power an impressive 8100 lumen central fixture
- Extremely portable
- Extremely waterproof and debris resistant
- Fragile when dropped
- Does not last for as long as other devoted shop light models
- Often requires an extension cord
4. Airand 5000K LED Shop Light Flush Fixture
Though it looks like an office light fixture, the Airand 5000K LED Shop Light Flush Fixture is a garage light through and through. With the illuminative power to shine a light on your projects without choking down extra electricity, this garage lighting fixture really can pay for itself in no time flat.
At 1800 lumens, the Airand 5000K appears at first to be on the weaker end of the garage lighting spectrum. In reality though, this model simply doesn’t use extra electricity in order to attain fractionally more illumination square footage. In fact, the Airand 5000K runs very efficiently, allowing you to remain green while you work on your DIY projects and kind to your pocketbook every time you flip it on.
When talking square footage of illumination, the Airand 5000K meets the industry standard. With up to 25 square feet of crisp, warm light, you’ll have plenty of space to repair whatever ends up on your workbench. You can even buy a couple of these affordably priced models in order to really maximize your large garages working space.
The Airand 5000K also provides some great versatility when it comes to mounting. While this model can primarily be installed flush with the ceiling, it can also be mounted to a wall with the included brackets in order to accommodate even the most unique DIY space parameters.
All in all, the Airand 5000K is a great budget-minded choice for those DIYers who want to save money on their lights and save further money on their upkeep and operation down the line.
- Flush installation, with alternative wall-mounting options
- Energy-efficient operation
- Nearly 30,000-hour lifespan
- Less bright than many other long garage lighting fixtures
- Low wattage, at 18 watts
- Fairly small fixture, at only two feet in length
5. Striker Concepts 00342 TRiLIGHT Screw-in
Often imitated, never truly replicated. That’s what Striker Concepts has to say about their innovative 00342 TRiLIGHT Screw-in Motion-Activated Ceiling Light, which has found a home in many garage-based DIY spaces across the United States. As a fine American product, you can bet that the Striker Concepts 00342 TRiLIGHT will remain the safest garage light fixture you will ever use.
In fact, Striker Concepts proudly proclaims their safety record with this product. Among other protections, this model is OSHA certified, meaning that it can safely be used even in professional shops. For you, an at-home DIYer, you can take this certification mean that this product has passed a rigorous government regulatory test and still come out on top – a sure sign that it’ll remain safely functionally in your garage.
Even for this degree of safety and quality inspection, the Striker Concepts 00342 TRiLIGHT does not sacrifice on core performance. In fact, this model outputs at 3000 lumens, which is more than enough to illuminate most mid-sized garages on its own.
The Striker Concepts 00342 TRiLIGHT’s motion sensor is another unique built-in feature that you’ll really appreciate. As soon as you step within 120 feet of the sensor, this garage lighting fixture flips on and warms up to peak brightness in 90 seconds.
As noted, Striker Concepts sees their products imitated often. However, their original products are designed in Troutman, North Carolina. There, their devoted customer service team is available when you need them to answer service and installation questions. Even years after you purchase this model, they’re more than happy to help you troubleshoot problems that may arise.
When it’s American-built quality or nothing, turn to the Striker Concepts 00342 TRiLIGHT and never need another garage light again.
- 3000 lumens spread over tri-honey-comb-panel layout
- OSHA-certified regiment of safety features
- Made in the USA
- Takes 90 seconds to reach maximum brightness after turning on
- Known problems turning off in a timely manner
- Very expensive, especially compared to comparable models
6. LEONLITE 2 Head LED Outdoor Security
When you work in your garage’s DIY space, you may occasionally feel the need for a “spotlight” to fall on your work to really illuminate every minute detail. At times like that, the LEONLITE 2 Head LED Outdoor Security Floodlight should really come in handy. Mounted high up on the wall like a traditional flood light, this model can really brighten up your garage with enhanced versatility.
The LEONLITE’s versatility primarily derives from its three lighting modes, none of which are seen in comparable models. With “on time” mode, you’ll have full manual control of this garage light fixture (the best mode for use while completing DIY work). Meanwhile, “auto” mode provides for intelligent auto-fading to fit the time of day and “D2D” mode switches on only for the nighttime hours.
The LEONLITE’s casing is nothing to cough at either. While some cheaper models settle for easy-to-warp plastics, the LEONLITE’s case is built from die-cast aluminum to ensure your garage lighting solution remains durable long after installation.
The LEONLITE also holds the potential for major savings. Not only is it extremely well priced, but it’s also been shown to save up to $715 during its entire lifetime if used with energy efficient lightbulbs. Pair that with regionally available energy efficient rebaits from your power company and you may just be able to install this garage light at no extra cost to you.
A garage light that pays for itself? Now that’s an offer from the LEONLITE that you shouldn’t miss out on.
- Three unique lighting modes
- Massive potential savings with energy efficiency
- Durable die-cast aluminum body
- Relatively short “on time” of only 5 minutes
- Runs hot, at up to 104 degrees
- Requires specialized installation
7. LEPOWER 3000LM LED Security Light
Another great offering when it comes to implementing outdoor lights inside of your garage, the LEPOWER 3000LM LED Security Light provides a great deal of luminosity while incorporating special design features to keep it durable for the long-term.
The first (and perhaps, most important) of the LEPOWER’s enhanced durability functions is its built-in heat sink. Many other garage lighting options are plagued by overheating, which can cause cheap cases to warp and wires to become faulty in time. This built-in heat sink works during operation to dissipate excess heat, rather than allowing it to collect and damage the fixture.
In addition, the LEPOWER is effectively waterproof. While you may not experience direct rain showers in your garage, you will likely experience some humidity (especially during the summer months). This model’s waterproof case locks out that moisture, preventing it from accessing and damaging the internal electronics.
All of these durability improvements don’t interfere with the main luminosity capacity. With 28-watts of power producing 3000 lumens of light, this model can stand among other competitors at the industry standard. Even so, the LEPOWER effectively uses its energy resources to last over 50,000 hours before it ever needs to be replaced.
For a durable outdoor lighting option that can really enhance your indoor garage space, the LEPOWER should certainly be among the top choices on your list.
- 28-watt power for 3000 lumen illumination
- Specialized heat sink
- Waterproof die cast aluminum casing
- Does not operate well when installed at an angle
- Works best with a manual switch
- Crossbar screw in the package is not nearly long enough for safe installation
8. Amico 3 Head LED Security Light
Many security-style garage lighting fixtures settle for functioning just like the rest. The Amico 3 Head LED Security Light goes just a step beyond this standard-setting mentality by providing an upgraded lighting capacity and unique tri-tipped lighting arrangement. With this model, you’ll certainly find a product that is a firm cut above the rest.
If the Amico 3 Head is memorable for anything, then it would have to be for its eponymous “three heads.” Each attached to the wall mounted the main base, these rectangular heads are all design to pivot about and fold between 90 and 180 degrees. This really provides you an extra bit of versatility, as you can move each separate head to illuminate different parts of your garage at once.
These three heads work together well, providing up to 3500 lumens of 6000k light across the breadth of your DIY space. At 39 watts, this model can begin to draw a little extra power when not needed, but not enough to make you seriously reconsider implementing it in your garage.
The Amico 3 Head’s 5-year warranty is not to be missed, either. Though problems aren’t likely, it’s always good to know that this model’s manufacturer is willing to replace it if you are truly dissatisfied. Don’t expect dissatisfaction with the Amico 3 Head though, as its versatility will be able to satisfy your garage lighting needs with ease.
- 39 watts power up to 3500 lumens
- Long-lasting year warranty
- Unique three head arrangement that is all adjustable
- Smaller lights are known for shorting out unexpectedly
- The sensor may not read as far as advertised
- Fairly short “on time”
9. ZJOJO Deformable LED Garage Ceiling Lights
Many LED garage lights run with nearly the same amount of illumination capacity, which frankly may not be enough for your DIY needs. Thankfully, there is one model that blows through this ceiling cap and that is the ZJOJO Deformable LED Garage Ceiling Lights. With the most illuminating capacity by far, this model will bring the power of an artificial sun right into your garage.
With 12500 lumens, there’s really no argument that this ZJOJO is the best and brightest in its class for illumination. Powered by 100 watts, you can clearly see that this model is designed for DIYers who are serious about making their garage as well-lit as possible – even in the middle of the night. All of that illuminating capacity is easily enough to cover a double and even a triple garage with workable light levels.
At this degree of illuminating capacity, you might expect this model to be real eye-strain. But at a 5000k light temperature, this ZJOJO’s light output is as comfortable as being outside on a sunny day.
Installation is a breeze with this garage lighting option as well. Simply unscrew the standard lightbulb already present in your ceiling-mounted socket and pop in this purpose-built light fixture. This ZJOJO model is designed to fit a standard E26 lightbulb socket, so there’s hardly any need to complete any new wiring to install this fixture.
With a 24-month warranty backing up its full function, you can be sure that this ZJOJO model will remain useful every time you head to the garage to complete a DIY job.
- Immense 12500 lumen capacity
- Easy installation into E26 standard lightbulb fixture
- 24-month warranty
- Unreliable “metal” frame
- No multi-mode lighting options
- May fade over time, as bulb degrades
10. ZJOJO Linkable LED Shop Light for Garage
Finally, one solid alternative on the traditional long “shop light” form factor is the ZJOJO Linkable LED Shop Light. Built to aesthetically imitate the fluorescent shop lights of yesteryear without copying their energy inefficient function, these garage lights are definitely a solid choice if you are looking for options when it comes to implementing LED garage lighting.
For starters, these LEDs aren’t weak, consumer-grade bulbs. At 5200 lumens and 42 watts, this ZJOJO model can certainly fill your medium-sized garage with plenty of useful light – even more so if you install a couple of sets. Though the 6000k lighting temperature might run a little harsh on the eyes, you can easily avoid this trouble by installing the lights in a location where you won’t need to constantly look at them.
Perhaps most unique in this model is its surprisingly durable casing. Built from a robust blend of industrial aluminum and specialized thermoplastics, these lights are both heat and impact resistant beyond what is generally expected of shop lights.
These construction materials combined are not heavy, making this model among the easiest to install. Given how much time hanging old-fashioned shop lights usually is, this kind of one man installation should really apply to the season DIYer.
- 5200-lumen output at 42 watts
- Robust aluminum and thermoplastic construction
- The lightweight frame is easy to install and hang
- May flicker at times
- Some wiring faults appear when shipped
- Difficult to attain warranty
Conclusion
At the end of the day, you’ll find that there are a great many options available to you when it comes time to illuminate your DIY space with garage lighting. Each model provides a unique portfolio of special features that range from energy efficiency to hassle-free installation, making it difficult to pick just one model to serve as the best garage lighting of 2021.
When it comes down to it, the garage lighting option you should choose is the model that best fits your budget while still providing an optimal amount of illuminating capacity for your garage. I highly encourage you to take time and use these reviews to determine which model will become your go-to lighting solution when it comes time to brighten up your DIY space. With lights like these in place, you’ll be ready to tackle a whole new tier of DIY projects.