Work lights are one of those tools that have been around since the dawn of man. As long as people have had to work at night or indoors (or caves), a version of the work light has been needed. Today’s work lights are in many ways marvels of modern technology. Some LED lights can give off such a bright light, and survive off such minimal power, that they have become exponentially more capable than the lights of only a decade or two ago.
From worksites to emergency lighting needs, a good work light can come in handy in a vast variety of scenarios. The newer technology has led to a boom in the market for more niche devices or new takes on old designs – some of these are fantastic, others not so much. Either way, even the best work light can fail under tough enough conditions.
The trick is to get a light that fits your needs but doesn’t break the bank. Something you aren’t afraid to get dirty with, but whose abilities you can come to rely on.
To help you find a work light that both helps you tackle the tasks ahead of you, while also having the longevity to justify the investment, we have put together a guide for some of the best lights out there. Every Work light on the list is a worthy choice, and we have tried to break down both the strengths and weaknesses of each.
3 Best LED Work Lights – Comparison
| IMAGE | NAME | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Bosch FL12 LED |
| Check Price |
 | Milwaukee 2360-20 M18 |
| Check Price |
 | Tacklife 5000LM |
| Check Price |
10 Best LED Work Lights – Review
1. Bosch FL12 LED Cordless Work Light
Bosch FL12 is a compact cordless work light sporting ten incredibly bright LED lights (330 Lumens). This is ideal for the worksite that needs massive amounts of hands-free lighting and can withstand the pressures of professional use. The LED lights are all around more hardy than the old bulb lights. This Bosch can self-stand or be mounted with the built-in magnets or even carabiner clip to illuminate your work area. With 200° articulation, the Bosch FL12 can also be directed with a great deal of accuracy.
The battery can reportedly last 12 consecutive hours with a 4.0 Ah battery, a lifespan which can be doubled with the added dim mode function.
This is a pocket-sized work light and may be underwhelming at first glance, but the versatility and bright light really make a fantastic buy.
- Versatile and compact
- Bright
- Long Lifespan, that can be increased with the dim mode.
- Durable.
- Will auto shut off at high temperatures (110 degrees plus can be a real problem) which can be a drawback for some professions.
- Unless you already have Bosch batteries, it is an investment.
2. Ustellar 4500LM 50W
Is a corded (16.4 FT) self-standing work light that produces a fantastic amount of light? 50W, 4500LM which can be adjusted down to 25W if need be. This is an excellent reproduction of the traditional 400W halogen bulb self-standing work lights and can be mounted and adjusted in all of the same ways – but you’ll be saving on about 85% on the electricity bill with LED.
The Ustellar 4500LM has an efficient cooling system that allows you to use it in tight spaces without dealing without excess heat. The fixture is built with a sort of “fin type heat sink” which helps it diffuse heat. The LED lights and durable build guarantees a long lifespan and infrequent need for part replacements.
- Great meshing of tried designs with new technology.
- Good, bright light.
- Durable, rugged, work site ready.
- A little heavier than halogen versions.
3. PowerSmith PWL21100TS Two-Head
The PowerSmith PWL21100TS is a 10,000 Lumen Dual-Head LED Work Light built onto a Tripod. Like all LED lights this work light will stay cool to the touch, operate more efficiently “5x more energy efficient,” and the LEDs themselves will more than likely not require any replacement.
The tripod itself will extend up to 65” and has an easy to use quick release for the lights. It is also durable enough for the worksite. The impact-resistant glass lenses and sealed die-cast aluminum housing give it the extra level of strength to not be a liability on-site. The light has an overall IP65 rating.
This is a modern remake of the classic tripod work light. It works just as well and cost you less to operate, and doesn’t require bulb replacements. 50,000 hour rating with no maintenance. The light will tilt to 30° down, 90° up. It uses a 9 ft power cord with grounded plug.
- An LED improvement on a tried and true design.
- Lacks long distance projection.
- While the stand is tough enough for a worksite, it is just barely.
4. Milwaukee 2360-20 M18 Trueview
The Milwaukee 2360-20 M18 Trueview is a LED flood light, 20% brighter than the typical halogen flood lights. This is designed to be the LED replacement for your classic work flood light, and it handles the job nicely. The light has three modes, and the brightest operates at 3,000 lumens of high definition light – 2 hours at the highest setting. 4-9 hours on the mid and low settings. The tool can be used as a corded device or can take M18 REDLITHIUM XC 5.0 Battery Packs.
Overall the tool is lightweight and compact allowing for easy and efficient storage and placement. The tool is also as durable as its halogen counterpart. It is built with a “roll-cage” design and impact resistant lenses.
- A straightforward upgrade of a classic favorite.
- Both corded and battery capable.
- The proprietary batteries make the price/value ratio lower than it should be. Then again, find non-proprietary batteries.
5. Tacklife 5000LM 50W Work Light
TheTacklife 5000LM 50W Work Light is another more efficient rendition of a classic halogen work light forebearer. This Tacklife checks all the typical LED improvement boxes such as longer lifespan, lower maintenance, and reduced energy usage. On top of that, this Tacklife LED light also can compete with, and likely surpasses, the durability of the old halogen work lights.
Tacklife guarantees the lifespan of this light up to 30,000 hours or more. Part of this confidence comes from the charging plug which can withstand sudden changes and instability better than most other devices. An aluminum casing complements the aluminum and tempered glass construction and grid design on the back made to dissipate heat and increase longevity. Capable of withstanding wet conditions well. We would rate it at semi-waterproof.
- Very durable.
- Good improvement on a classic light.
- Long life expectancy.
- Cord could be longer.
6. Snap-on 922261 LED Work Light
The Snap-on 922261 is another long-lasting LED rendition of the standard 400W halogen bulb self-standing work lights. This work light produces 2000 lumens led with bulbs that never need replacing. The casing is durable and sealed allowing for outdoor use in even inclement weather. The cord is 6ft.
These LED lights are fantastic for a wide variety of needs such as automotive repairs, construction, or even some forms of photography.
- Durable Casing
- Built to last.
- Some defects cause a number of lights to stop working after a few months of use. Get the warranty.
7. Cat CT1000 Pocket COB Light – Brilliantly Bright
The Cat CT1000 is a handheld flood beam light that utilizes all-new COB (chip on board) tech for significantly improved lumen-output per square inch which gives you a much more efficient device. Overall the Cat CT1000 produces 175 lumens of COB LED Light for a tremendous amount of illumination from such a small device.
The light is lightweight but sturdy enough to withstand a day on-site. It is built with an “ABS thermoplastic body” that is impact-resistant and water-resistant. The magnetic base and pocket clip let you carry the light easily on long treks or for secure storage.
The Cat CT1000 takes 3 AAA batteries for around 6-8 hours of light.
- Very bright for the size.
- Long life for the battery cost.
- Cannot stand on its own.
8. EverBrite 2-Piece 27 LED Compact Work-light
These small keychain ready EverBrite lights are perfect for camping or outdoor work that goes well into the evening. This little guys put off a fantastic amount of light and can last well over 100,000 hours (or so we’re told). The hands-free design lets you clip it to gear or wherever, giving you a much more comprehensive range of options.
The material is sturdy and durable enough for any adventure. Rescue workers, night fishermen, loggers and more all swear by these things.
- Bright.
- Long life.
- Inexpensive.
- Life-saver.
- Light projection is not great.
9. Hallomall 15W 24LED Spotlight
The Hallomall Spotlight is another LED rendition of the classic 400W halogen bulb self-standing work light but is a little more suited for at home and DIY work. The light is still very bright, with all the benefits of LED: Long life, no replacements, lower bills. This light will take very little out of your pocket and has USB ready ports in the back for emergency phone charging. Another emergency feature is the red and blue flashing LED lights.
Since this light uses built-in Rechargeable Lithium Batteries, it is an all-around great addition to a survival kit – it is also both waterproof and lightweight.
- Good for the DIY’er
- Handy Survival Gear.
- The colored LEDs are not very bright.
10. Coquimbo USB Rechargeable Work Light
The Coquimbo rechargeable light is another handy little device to replace that old flashlight for emergency situations. Multiple lighting modes ranging from very bright to relatively dim, as well as an emergency strobe. The head can rotate a full 360 degrees making this an excellent utensil for a car repair tool chest. The magnetic base and swivel also add to the tool’s ability in that regard.
Small and durable and with long battery life, this is an excellent addition to any garage, glove box or campsite.
- Perfect for camping and outdoor emergencies.
- USB chargers can be temperamental.
Final Thoughts
While there is always a desire to just only buy the lowest cost tool that claims to accomplish the tasks you need, you should also expect to have to replace that tool in a short amount of time. When it comes to tools, lights included, investing in the higher quality device will more often than not save you both time and money down the road.
Some lights will handle what you need to do more than others. Take a careful look at your future jobs, and the capabilities of the lights. Find the one that you think will fit your work style the best. Don’t put a square peg into a round hole.
Versatility is valuable, but you need to make sure that the tool is perfect for your most common needs before you commit to a purchase.
Evaluate each of these lights for yourself, and the workload ahead of you, and make a rational decision about what you will be paying, the features you want, and what you expect out of the tool.
