13 Best Clip On Book Lights (Full Guide)

by Michael | Updated: June 6th, 2022

Best Clip On Book Lights (Full Guide) from Penglight

There is an old saying in China: In the book, there is a house of gold; On the book, there is a shade of jade, which indicates the importance of reading. A lot of us love reading, to pick a book we like, sit and read after work or before sleep. Though there are many E-books available for us to read on most electronic devices, you simply can't beat the smell and feel of a real book.

If you still love reading the good old way, with a real book, you will need a book light that lets you see properly without lighting the whole room and disturbing your partner when you read in bed. When it comes to the book lights, there are many options available, for example, the neck reading lights – it frees your hand and light exactly on the page, so you can focus on the reading. As well as the bedside table lamps, but it might interfere with your partner's sleep.

In this post, we are going to recommend you another awesome reading lights – the clip on book lights. The clip-on book lights might look basic but they provide a better reading experience overall. They are handy, portable devices that cast the right amount of light on the page so that you can read and others can drift off to slumberland. It's going to your great reading companion!

Anyway, let's jump in and discover the best clip on reading light we pick for you.

13 Best Clip On Book Lights Round-Up

1. USB Rechargeable LED Clip On Book Light 2. Knob Control Clip On Book Lights 3. Bright Clip On Reading Light with 12 LEDs 4. USB and Battery Operated Clip On Book Lights 5. Touch Control USB Clip On Book Lamp 6. LED Clip On Book Light with Dual Heads 7. Clip On Rechargeable LED Orchestra Lamp 8. LED Clamp On Desk Lamp for Reading 9. Slim Style Tube Like LED Clip On Desk Lamp 10. Dimmable and Color Changeable LED Clamp Light 11. LED Clamp On Desk Lamps with Auto Off Timer 12. Ultra Wide Clamp On Light Bar for Workbench 13. Swing Arm LED Clamp-on Desk Lamp with Timer
1. VAVOFO USB Rechargeable LED Clip On Book Light 2. Luminam Knob Control Clip On Book Lights 3. PERFECTDAY Bright Clip On Reading Light with 12 LEDs 4. LEPOWER USB and Battery Operated Clip On Book Lights 5. Vekkia Touch Control USB Clip On Book Lamp 6. Vekkia LED Clip On Book Light with Dual Heads 7. Kootek Clip On Rechargeable LED Orchestra Lamp 8. OASO LED Clamp On Desk Lamp for Reading 9. LEPOWER Slim Style Tube Like LED Clip On Desk Lamp 10. Newhouse Dimmable and Color Changeable LED Clamp Light 11. iVict LED Clamp On Desk Lamps with Auto Off Timer 12. PHIVE Ultra Wide Clamp On Light Bar for Workbench 13. ‎JOLY JOY Swing Arm LED Clamp-on Desk Lamp with Timer
√ Compact, lightweight design,
√ 3 colors: 1600/3000/3500K,
√ 3 brightness levels: low/middle/high,
√ USB Rechargeable.
√ Knob control design,
√ 3 colors: 3000/4500/6000K,
√ 18 brightness, Stepless dimming,
√ USB Rechargeable.
√ Bright enough with 12 LEDs,
√ 3 colors: 2700/3000/4000K,
√ Brightness adjustable,
√ Non-Flicker & Eye-Protection Light.
√ Horizontal design, light up more pages,
√ 3 colors from 2700K-6000K,
√ Brightness adjustable,
√ 2 Operations adjustable.
√ Touch control design,
√ Brightness adjustable,
√ USB rechargeable with 1200 mAh battery,
√ Bright light with 14 LEDs.
√ Dual light heads design,
√ Brightness adjustable,
√ USB rechargeable,
√ Bright light with 12 LEDs.
√ Wide illumination,
√ Two Brightness,
√ Rechargeable,
√ 6W Bright light.
√ Bright lights with 24 LEDs,
√ Dimmable,
√ 3 colors: 1600/5000/6500K,
√ Memory function.
√ Slim design, Tube-like,
√ 3 colors adjustable,
√ Brightness adjustable,
√ Strong clamp,
√ 150cm cord with switch.
√ 4 lamp colors option,
√ 3 colors adjustable,
√ Brightness adjustable,
√ Strong clamp, perfect for reading.
√ Auto-off Timer after 1 min,
√ 3 colors adjustable,
√ 10 Brightness adjustable,
√ Brighter 7 watts with 24 LEDs,
√ Ultra-wide up to 31.5-inch,
√ Very bright up to 20w,
√ 5 brightness adjustable,
√ 4 Color temperatures,
√ Memory function & Touch control.
√ Swing arms and swiveled shade,
√ Super bright,
√ Dimming features,
√ 5 Color temperatures,
√ Memory function & Auto off timer.

View More

View More

View More

View More

View More

View More

View More

View More

View More

View More

View More

View More

View More

1. VAVOFO USB Rechargeable LED Clip On Book Light

VAVOFO USB Rechargeable LED Clip On Book Light

This VAVOFOclip on book light is one of the most popular and common book lights you can see in the market. It's compact and the goose neck is flexible so you can carry the light around and put the light on the position exactly where you want.

Secondly, it's with 7 LEDs featuring 3 color temperatures 1600K, 3000k, 3500K and it's with 3 brightness settings from low, medium to high. It's perfect for reading at night since it blocks 99.95% blue spectrum light and it's also Non-Flicker. Not only does it protect your eyes, but also helps to maintain your body's natural circadian rhythm.

Additionally, the built-in rechargeable 1000mAh lithium battery brings up to 4-hour lighting time when at the low brightness setting.

Brand / ASIN:‎ VAVOFO / B088D9XWKM
Wattage / LED Counts: 1W / 7 LEDs
Color Temp: 1600K/3000K/3500K
Battery Capacity: 1000 mAh
Operation methods: USB rechargeable
Features: 3 Colors, Brightness adjustable, USB rechargeable
  • Things We Like:

    √ Compact, lightweight design,
    √ 3 colors: 1600/3000/3500K,

    √ 3 brightness levels: low/middle/high,

    √ USB Rechargeable.

    √ The price is very cheap.

  • Things We Don't Like:

    × Battery capacity only 1000 mAh.

2. Luminam Knob Control Clip On Book Lights

Luminam Knob Control Clip On Book Lights

Featuring a convenient knob control design, this Luminam knob control clip on book light lets you adjust brightness steplessly. Short press the button switch on top to turn on the light and adjust color temperatures from cool light to warm light. And, by rotating the button you can adjust the brightness for whatever LEDs you have selected. It has up to 18 brightness to select from.

Another plus is the clamp part, it is not only padded on both inner sides of the clip but also has an adjustable foot so it holds your book snugly and doesn't damage it. What's more, it's built-in with a rechargeable Li-ion battery that brings up to 60 hours of wireless reading (at a low brightness setting), and you can charge it with a micro-USB cable, which is included.

Overall, if you enjoy reading at night and don't want to bother your wife/husband's sleep, you'll never go wrong with these knob control clip on book lights.

Brand / Part Number:‎ Luminam / S70
Wattage / LED Counts: 0.5W / 7 LEDs
Color Temp: 3000K/4500K/6000K
Battery Capacity: Not mentioned by the vendor
Operation methods: USB rechargeable
Features: Knob Control, 3 Colors, Brightness adjustable, USB charge
  • Things We Like:

    √ Knob control design,
    √ 3 colors: 3000/4500/6000K,

    √ 18 brightness, Stepless dimming,

3. PERFECTDAY Bright Clip On Reading Light with 12 LEDs

Bright Clip On Reading Light with 12 LEDs

Another clip on book light that is light-weight, portable, and 3 levels of brightness. The PERFECTDAY LED light evenly covered both pages from top to bottom and side to side of an open hardcover book of typical size, enough so that you do not need to re-adjust the light's position and angle repeatedly as you read. Just great!

In addition, the battery lasts long enough for you to finish another chapter and then just one more and one more. It's easy to use the provided USB cable to fully charge the built-in lithium battery. And, there is a battery charge indicator light that turns green once the battery is fully charged (It's red when begin charging).

What's more, this PERFECTDAY reading light is with 12 LEDs, more than the others that only with 7 LEDs. You especially appreciate the soft yellow setting that reduces glare and is easy on your eyes. Best of all the light doesn't disturb sleeping beauty, you can just focus on your reading.

Brand / Part Number:‎ PERFECTDAY / ‎SXTCAM-YS02
Wattage / LED Counts: 1.5W / 12 LEDs
Color Temp: 2700K/3000K/4000K
Battery Capacity: Not mentioned by the vendor
Operation methods: USB rechargeable
Features: 3 Colors, Brightness adjustable, 12 LEDs
  • Things We Like:

    √ Bright enough with 12 LEDs,
    √ 3 colors: 2700/3000/4000K,

    √ Brightness adjustable,

    √ Non-Flicker & Eye-Protection Light.

4. LEPOWER USB and Battery Operated Clip On Book Lights

LEPOWER USB and Battery Operated Clip On Book Lights

We like the design of this LEPOWER book light in that the lights run horizontally, which allows both pages to be effectively lit up at once. What's more, you can either use 3 AAA batteries to power the light, or you can just plug the light into a USB port.

Also, the light has 3 color options, it offers white light, warm light, and natural light, depending on your reading circumstance. Simply long press the button in the back to change the light color. And short press the button allows you to change the brightness. Each color has 3 brightness: low, middle, and high.

Besides, the neck is sturdy, it can twist at a 360° angle and holds position well. So is the clamp, in which the clip has a protective pad so that it can protect the paper away from scratches. And, with 3.5oz weight, the light is easy to carry in the tote bag, suitcase, or travel bag.

Brand / Part Number:‎ LEPOWER / ‎001-BLBL-06-BK
Wattage / LED Counts: 1.5W / 9 LEDs
Color Temp: 2700K-6000K
Battery Capacity: 3 AAA battery
Operation methods: 3 AAA battery or USB cable
Features: 3 Colors, Brightness adjustable, Battery or USB operated
  • Things We Like:

    √ Horizontal design, light up more pages,
    √ 3 colors from 2700K-6000K,

    √ Brightness adjustable,

    √ 2 Operations adjustable.

5. Vekkia Touch Control USB Clip On Book Lamp

Vekkia Touch Control USB Clip On Book Lamp

This Vekkia clip on book lamp is with a touch sensor on the base, making it easy to turn on, just by a touch, and charging it is convenient as well. You can plug into a USB port and run it off your computer or any USB outlet, or unplug it and use the rechargeable battery feature.

Furthermore, this reading light consists of 14 LEDs produce a great sufficient light for reading in bed, and can be twisted every which way without breaking. In addition to clip on the book, it's also suitable for clipping to a headboard, and can be clipped onto a hardback book too.

And, the lamp can stand on its own base so you can also use it as a desk lamp. Though it is a little bit larger than other clip on book lights, the size is great because you can use it while reading a book, playing the piano, and just about anything you do when you need extra lighting.

Brand / Part Number:‎ Vekkia / ‎CL-02
Wattage / LED Counts: 2.8W / 14 LEDs
Color Temp: Cool White
Battery Capacity: 1200 mAh
Operation methods: Rechargeable
Features: Touch Control, Brightness adjustable, USB powered
  • Things We Like:

    √ Touch control design,
    √ Brightness adjustable,

    √ USB rechargeable with 1200 mAh battery,

    √ Bright light with 14 LEDs.

  • Things We Don't Like:

    × Only 1 color option.

    × Someone thought the size is too large to be a book light.

6. Vekkia LED Clip On Book Light with Dual Heads

Vekkia LED Clip On Book Light with Dual Heads

If you want a book light that lights up more page areas, try the Vekkiaclip on book lights that are with dual independent heads. For book reading or for use on a music stand, the lighting can be adjusted to cover two pages instead of the light being concentrated in one spot. You can turn one or both lamps on, and they have 2 different brightness settings each.

As well, this Vekkia light is USB rechargeable, so you don't have to have it plugged in all the time. And the necks are very flexible but strong enough to hold whatever shape you put them in.

In addition, it's with 2 brightness settings in 3000K warm light color, the most perfect color temperature for reading, easy on eyes in the dark, especially good for kid's eyes.

Brand / ASIN:‎ Vekkia / B073RFW8WD
Wattage / LED Counts: 2W / 12 LEDs
Color Temp: Warm White
Battery Capacity: 1000 mAh
Operation methods: Rechargeable
Features: Dual Lamps, Brightness adjustable, USB powered
  • Things We Like:

    √ Dual light heads design,
    √ Brightness adjustable,

    √ USB rechargeable,

    √ Bright light with 12 LEDs.

7. Kootek Clip On Rechargeable LED Orchestra Lamp

Kootek Clip On Rechargeable LED Orchestra Lamp

If you play the piano in the evenings with very little ambient light, for a particular kind of mood; but without a music stand light, it might be difficult to read the music. If that's the situation you're suffering, check out this Kootekclip-on orchestra lamp, it illuminates only the music on the music stand, the illumination is wide enough to use for music books without being a distraction to audiences in performances.

Also, it features 10 LEDs that can light up two A4 pages of note. And the width of the lamp makes it perfect for illuminating the whole keyboard evenly. Flexible gooseneck is easy to the position where it's needed. Good strong clip grips a variety of music stands and piano music desks just fine.

However, the supplied charger is not rated to run the light, only to charge the battery! The charging cord is proprietary, can't just use a standard Mini or Micro USB cord.

Brand / ASIN:‎ Kootek / B014F1UKI6
Wattage / LED Counts: 6W / 10 LEDs
Color Temp: Cool White
Battery Capacity: Not mentioned
Operation methods: Rechargeable
Features: Two Brightness, Wide illumination
  • Things We Like:

    √ Wide illumination,
    √ Two Brightness,

    √ Rechargeable,

  • Things We Don't Like:

    × Color not changeable,

    × Not a standard Micro USB cord.

The Best Clamp-On Desk Lamps

Clip on book lights are compact and mini size, so that makes it perfect to clip on the book and thus provide a good amount of light for your reading. Besides, the clip-on reading lights feature small wattage, normally 1w to 2w, as just the pages of the book need to be illuminated.

However, rather than lying in the bed, if you prefer reading at the table, these mini clip-on book lights surely aren't the best option. You will need the reading lights that have longer battery life, to support you read continuously; and it's also able to give off more bright and wide illumination, so your eyes will not get tired or strained.

And, if you prefer to lean against the headboard, these clamp on book lights can also act as a great light assistant. Since their clamps are bigger and with much stronger tension (considering the headboard is very thick), it can clip on the headboard tightly and without wobbling.

Hereby, in the next section, we're going to introduce the best clip on desk lamps (also known as clamp-on desk lamps) for you, which are nicer for reading or working at the table. And, it can be also used as an LED table lamp.

8. OASO LED Clamp On Desk Lamp for Reading

OASO LED Clamp On Desk Lamp for Reading

One of the best clip on desk lamps that work great for our work-at-home space. This OASO LED clamp on desk lamp takes up very little space and looks good. You can either use it for laptop use at night or reading books in bed, the clamp is big enough to just put it right on the headboard of the bed.

The clip is padded to protect the furniture and holds it securely in place. Also, the cord is long and the gooseneck is a nice touch, we can put the light exactly where need it. More importantly, you can read in bed with all other lights off and this is bright enough to see the words on the page without it causing eye strain.

Additionally, it has 3 light colors: Amber lights 1600K, Daylight white 5000K, Cool white 6500K and you can also adjust the brightness. Just press the in-line switch to dim the light and change the colors. Note: the only downside is that you must be plugged in for it to be on, it's USB powered.

Brand / ASIN:‎ OASO / B0881M954D
Wattage / LED Counts: 5W / 24 LEDs
Color Temp: 1600K/5000K/6500K
Battery Capacity: No Battery
Operation methods: USB Plug in
Features: Dimmable, 3 Color Temperature, Amber light
  • Things We Like:

    √ Bright lights with 24 LEDs,
    √ Dimmable,

    √ 3 colors: 1600/5000/6500K,

  • Things We Don't Like:

    × Not rechargeable, only plug-in operation.

9. LEPOWER Slim Style Tube Like LED Clip On Desk Lamp

LEPOWER Slim Style Tube Like LED Clip On Desk Lamp

This is a slim style tube-like LED clip on desk lamp from LEPOWER, which looks very similar to a light used for sheet music. The warm color setting is perfect and the lamp puts out plenty of light. Light is a flexible metal "goose-neck" style that is firm and stable when bent into the desired angle.

Also, the clamp is fairly strong, it opens wide enough, about 2 inches, for clamping. Similarly, the adjustable colors and brightness are very handy for various tasks. It has 3 color temperatures to choose from warm light, natural light, and white light.

In addition, the color, brightness, and on/off controls are integrated into the cord about a foot from the clamp base of the map. The cord is long enough (up to 59 inches) for many uses and includes a detachable USB adapter to plug it into a wall outlet. Very thoughtful!

Brand / Part Number:‎ LEPOWER / ‎001-CL-12-BK
Wattage: 4W
Color Temp: Warm light, Natural light, and White light.
Battery Capacity: No Battery
Operation methods: USB Plug in
Features: Dimmable, 3 Color Temperature, Silm design
  • Things We Like:

    √ Slim design, Tube-like,
    √ 3 colors adjustable,

    √ Brightness adjustable,

    √ Strong clamp,

    √ 150cm cord with switch.

  • Things We Don't Like:

    × In-line switch is not easy to reach if it's far from the outlet.

10. Newhouse Dimmable and Color Changeable LED Clamp Light

Newhouse Dimmable and Color Changeable LED Clamp Light

Ideal for tables, shelves, or benches, this Newhouse LED clamp light is with the classic table light head that is in a round shade. It is extremely well made and heavy-duty with a magnetized clamp that fits tightly and securely on the frame of the headboard, cabinet, or desk.

Also, it can be easily adjusted and the light can be aimed where you need/want the light to be. Not only it is dimmable, but it's also with 3 color temperatures to adjust with: 3000/4000/5000K. You can achieve these functions by using the convenient on/off switch, which is near the base of the lamp.

In addition, it has 4 lamp colors for your option, they are Black, White, Blue, and Purple. So besides the classic black and white color, if you're looking for a colorful option, the blue or purple is a good choice.

Brand / Part Number:‎ Newhouse / ‎NHCLP-OL-BK
LED Lumen: 4.5W / 350lumen
Color Temp: 3000/4000/5000K
Battery Capacity: No Battery
Operation methods: USB Plug in
Features: 3 Brightness Levels & 3 Color Modes, Perfect for reading.
  • Things We Like:

    √ 4 lamp colors option,
    √ 3 colors adjustable,

    √ Brightness adjustable,

    √ Strong clamp, perfect for reading.

11. iVict LED Clamp On Desk Lamps with Auto Off Timer

iVict LED Clamp On Desk Lamps with Auto Off Timer

It could be a very useful function if the clamp on desk lamp can turn off automatically when you lie in bed after finishing reading or working. So you can just go to sleep and never bother to get up to turn off the light. Now, this particular clamp on desk lamp with auto-off timer from iVictcan help you achieve this.

When you finish reading and go to bed, just press the on/off button for 2 seconds, you can see the blue light flashes, then the clamp lamp turns off after 1 minute automatically. Very practical and useful! What's more, the clip-on desk lamp can automatically remember the brightness setting of your last usage. What it means is when you turn it back on, the last set brightness and the last set mode are retained.

Same as the other clamp on book lights we discussed above, this one is also with 3 lighting modes and up to 10 brightness levels. You can adjust the light color from 3000K, 4500K to 6500K, and adjust the illumination of each color to meet your preferred needs.

Brand / Part Number:‎ iVict / ‎8541999474
Wattage / LED Counts: 7W / 24 pcs
Color Temp: 3000/4500/6000K
Battery Capacity: No Battery
Operation methods: USB Plug in
Features: 10 Brightness Levels & 3 Color Modes, Auto-off Timer
  • Things We Like:

    √ Auto-off Timer after 1 min,
    √ 3 colors adjustable,

    √ 10 Brightness adjustable,

    √ Brighter 7 watts with 24 LEDs,

    √ Strong clamp, Eye protection.

  • Things We Don't Like:

    × Only comes with a USB plug, without a power adapter.

12. PHIVE Ultra Wide Clamp On Light Bar for Workbench

PHIVE Ultra Wide Clamp On Light Bar for Workbench

Up to 31.5-inch wide, this PHIVEultra wide clamp on desk lamp delivers 200% wider and larger lighting coverage. It spreads the light across the whole desk, perfect to use for a large workbench or use as a monitor light.

Most of the other clamp on desk lights are around 5 – 7w, while this one is up to 20w, it's much brighter than the others. And you can also dim the light if you found it too bright, it's with 5 brightness levels and 4 color modes from 3200k, 4200k, 5200k, and 6200k. A simple tap on the touch switch can achieve these functions.

Besides, it's with memory function, which means when you turn on next time it remembers the last color temperature and brightness level and still light in the same performance. And it does come with a tool to simply screw it together, and make it up, clamp to the table.

Overall, if you're looking for a bright lamp for drawing, working, etc, wide enough to cover a large surface, and to clamp on the table (not a stand light), this is an excellent choice.

Brand / Part Number:‎ PHIVE / 5841492543
Wattage: 20W
Color Temp: 3200/4200/5200K/6200K
Battery Capacity: No Battery
Operation methods: Plug in
Features: 5 Brightness Levels, 4 Color Temperatures, Super Bright up to 20w
  • Things We Like:

    √ Ultra-wide up to 31.5-inch,
    √ Very bright up to 20w,

    √ 5 brightness levels adjustable,

    √ 4 Color temperatures,

    √ Memory function & Touch control.

  • Things We Don't Like:

    × Too bright for some cases.

13. ‎JOLY JOY Swing Arm LED Clamp-on Desk Lamp with Timer

‎JOLY JOY Swing Arm LED Clamp-on Desk Lamp with Timer

For this JOLY JOY swing arm clamp on desk lamp, we'd like to use a customer's review for it, which may give you the vision that how incredible this lamp is:

"I love this lamp in a surprisingly unnatural way. It is such an exquisite piece of industrial design in every conceivable way. It is beautiful, minimal, built like a tank, the range of light temperature and dimmable range is astounding, the controls are really easy to figure out (press and hold for subtle dimming/color change; tap for abrupt switching). I have a brand new computer that I absolutely love next to it, but I spend more time gawking at my lamp".

Technically, this swing arm lamp consists of 98 pcs eye-care LEDs that produce up to 900 Lumen and with 5 adjustable color temperatures from 3000 to 5500K. And, it's with a 10/40 minutes auto-off timer, which makes it also a cool bedside reading lamp and as a reminder for sleep. The swing arms and swiveled shade enable you to customize your most handy angles and directions.

Brand / Part Number:‎ ‎JOLY JOY / ‎JH-DL2A-BK
Wattage: 9W
Color Temp: 3000/3500/4000K/4500/5500K
Battery Capacity: No Battery
Operation methods: Plug in
Features: Memory Function & Stepless dimming, 5 Color Temperatures, Swing Arm Function
  • Things We Like:

    √ Swing arms and swiveled shade,
    √ Super bright with 900lm (9w),

    √ Stepless dimming features,

    √ 5 Color temperatures,

    √ Memory function & Auto off timer.

Buyer's Guide

When shopping around these clip on book lights (or clamp on desk lamp), you might be overwhelmed by a large number of different styles of reading lamps. They are in a variety of sizes and comes in all kinds of functions and different designs. To guide your purchase and save your time in searching, we have included all the key factors for your consideration. Read on, and see how to buy the best clip on book lights.

What are the Common Features of Clip On Book Lights?

A good clip on book light always contains the following features so that it's able to serve its purpose and serve it well.

  • Soft light and Easy for eyes.

Most of the good clip on book lights are equipped with quality LED chips and it's without any blue light that may cause you eye strain. And the light color is pleasant and no flicker at all, that is, you will not see any hotpots or glares on the pages of the book. The popular light color is 1600k, the so-called "Amber light". Plus, it's with several light color temperatures to adjust with, from 1600k to 5000k, so you can adjust it according to your actual reading circumstance.

  • Brightness Adjustable

When reading, different people will have different sensitivity to the light, whether it's too bright or too dim could directly affect the reading experience, and as a result of getting unnecessary eye strain. Therefore, the best book lights or desk lights come with the option to adjust the brightness is necessary and important. If you find them too bright to read in bed, you can adjust it to lower illumination. And if you want a brighter light, you can also adjust it to the max brightness.

  • Lightweight and Portable

These clip on book lights, as the name implies, it's clip on the books, so remember that you don't want it to be bulky and heavy. You need it as lightweight and portable as it is, so when you hold the book with the lights, you will not feel it heavier. And the portable feature allows you to carry the light around, in spite of you're traveling or on vacation, you can read with the book light every time.

But, if you're looking for the clamp on desk lamps, you will need it to be as much as sturdy and stable instead of lightweight and portable. So it can hold on tight and stable to perform the best lighting purpose.

  • Power Source and Battery Life

Almost all the clip on book lamps are run on battery. The difference is whether it's a built-in rechargeable lithium battery or replaceable AAA batteries. Booklights with rechargeable battery are convenient and easy to charge when it's run out of power, just plug in the USB port to charge. But the battery life is also shortened after use over time because of the Li-battery quality. As for the booklight runs on AA batteries, it's disposable use and you can always replace a new battery when energy drain out, just it's not eco-friendly. Both of the power methods are with its pro and cons, it's hard to tell which is better, you need to select the one that best fits your usage situation.

For the clamp on desk lamps, it's only USB plug-in available, since it's with higher wattage and gives off more illumination. The difference is some lights include the adapter while some don't. And the USB cable is with an in-line switch to control the light, while some lights have the switch and lamp integrated together.

  • Sturdy Clip and Flexible Neck

The metal clip should be strong enough so it can clip on the book or desk tightly and without any wobbling when you need to direct the light. Also, the clip should with scratch-resistant form pad (non-slip surface) to protect the furniture without a scratch. In addition, different clips the open height is also different, it could be from 1.5-inch to 2.5-inch. As for the flexible gooseneck, it can be easily bended at 360° and can hold still at any adjustable angle to get the desired light direction.

What's the Difference Between Clip On Book Light and Clip On Desk Light?

Clip on book lights and clip on desk lights (aka clamp on desk lamps) are both clip on styles but their usage could be rather different, as well as serve a different purpose.

  • Wattage is different, as well as illumination

Clip-on book lights are normally 1w to 2w small wattage, it does not have to be super bright since it just needs to light up two pages of the book. No more light required because you don't want to disturb your lover next to you when you're reading. But for the clamp on desk lamps, they are designed to light up the whole desk area or the workbench, it produces more light output to cover the area thus its wattage could be up to 5w to 10w or even 20w.

  • Comes in different sizes

LED clamp on desk lamps are much bigger than clip on book lights. Take its gooseneck as an example, LED clamp lights are with longer gooseneck from 15inch to 22inch or even longer, while clip on book lights are around 7 – 9.5inch long. And clamp on lamp also with a stronger and bigger clamp to clip on the thicker subjects, such as desk, headboard, table, etc.

  • More LED quantities provide even light.

Most of the clip on book lights consist of 7 – 10 LEDs, but the clamp on desk lamps can be built with up to 24 LEDs. Compared with the same size of lighting, the more LEDs, the better lighting performance. It illuminates the even light without any dark spot and light color is more consistent, as well as to prevent your eyes from unnecessary eye strain.

  • Portability and Functionality

The clip on book light is compact and foldable, and it's easy to carry in a case that you can then put in your bag. But clamp on reading lights are designed to clip on the desk or tabletop for long time use and they are with more functions. For instance, most of the clamp lights are with memory features and auto-off timer functions. It gives you more convenience while using these lamps.

How to Choose the Best Clip On Reading Lights?

1. Color Temperature : Choose the one with amber light that is 1600K color temp or at least warm color. This warm color temperature is great for kids to use while reading in bed at night without disturbing their circadian rhythms or suppressing their melatonin production. If you choose the cool white light 6000K, it contains more blue light in it. Blue light suppresses melatonin production and you will stay awake.

2. Battery capacity : Choose the light with bigger battery capacity. If you check carefully, the very same light could have a different battery option. Some batteries are 1000mAh capacity, not so bad, but some could be up to 1200mAh or even higher. When it comes to reading deep at night, the most annoying thing is there is a sudden light out. So to support a continuous reading, choose the book light with longer battery life.

3. Adjustable colors and brightness : Reading lights with multiple color options are better than the light with a single color. So you can adjust warm white to cold white depends on the actual situation. If you want to stay awake at night, you can adjust it to cold white. You may also want to look for a light with multiple brightness settings, so you can choose the one that's most conducive to your task or the time of day.

4. Style and features : There are almost as many styles of reading lights as there are genres of books. Some have a flexible neck (or even two) while others wrap around your neck. And some are designed to clip onto an e-reader while others are well-suited for a flimsy paperback. Some lights also come with useful features, like an auto-off timer that prevents you from sleeping with the light on. As it's impossible to have all features built into one light, you need to consider the most important factor and go with it.

Other Things to Think of

Life Span and Warranty – LED clip on book lights are inexpensive and it's also well made and built with good quality. Since the lifetime of LEDs can up to 50,000 hours, as long as the battery is not dead, the book light should work well. If there is any defective issue that happens after a short period of use (say a few days or several months), the light is not qualified and you deserve a return or refund. So check about the warranty period which will be a good indicator of whether it's good quality or not.

Conclusion

Open one of your favorite books, read and immerse in the book's world, it could be the most peaceful moment we have during the day. And we hope that this article can help you pick the nice book lights, so you can continue the reading at night. Or no matter where you're, when you need extra light for reading, this little clip on book light can accompany with you.

Disclosure: We independently select these products and we only recommend products that are of good quality and utility. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.