When you spend hours at your desk, the right task lighting makes all the difference. The best desk lamp doesn't just brighten your immediate space, it reduces eye strain, sharpens focus, and provides focused light well into the evening.
We consulted with three experts — an ophthalmologist, an ergonomist, and an engineer — and tested various lighting options. Our picks for the best desk lamps provide consistent, adjustable illumination so you can tackle anything from late-night computer work to hands-on projects without fatigue. For more home office recommendations, check out our guides to the best standing desks and best ergonomic chairs, as well as our favorite useful desk accessories.
Learn more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and researches home products.
Our recommendations for the best desk lamps
Best overall: BenQ e-Reading LED Swing Arm Desk Lamp - $249 at Amazon
Best budget: Honeywell Sunturalux Foldable Modern Desk Lamp - $36 at Amazon
Best for video calls: Humanscale Nova Desk Light - $459 at Lightology
Best for eye strain: Dyson Solarcycle Morph - $699 $499 at Dyson
Best work lamp: FORSÅ Work Lamp - $40 at IKEA
Best design: Gantri Aim Task Light - $348 at Gantri
Best overall
Sporting a modern design, the BenQ e-Reading LED Swing-Arm Desk Lamp provides wide light coverage, a large range of motion, and adjustable brightness and temperature settings.
What we like
What we don't like
A highly adjustable, oversized lamp that's ideal for large desks and monitor setups. The BenQ e-Reading Desk Lamp extends up to 30 inches tall, making it significantly larger than the other desk lamps we tested, and I could easily position it above a full-size computer monitor. The head sits on a ball joint, while the arm rotates 360 degrees at the base, so it was easy to angle the light exactly where I needed it.
Despite its more complex design, the lamp was quick to set up and adjust. It also works with accessories like a desk clamp and floor extension stand, adding versatility if you want to save desk space or use it in a different setup. The sturdy base kept the lamp stable, even though it was the heaviest model we tested.
Its smile-shaped head casts wide, even lighting across a full workspace. The head is just over 15 inches long and illuminated my entire 48-inch desk, so I rarely needed my overhead light. At its brightest setting, the lamp produces 1,800 lux, and the flicker-free LEDs help reduce eye strain.
The BenQ offered the most customization of any desk lamp we tested. It has 22 brightness settings and 13 color temperature options, all controlled by a knob. The ambient light sensor automatically adjusts the brightness based on the room, though I occasionally made small tweaks. I also liked the e-reading mode, which makes the sides of the lamp brighter and the center slightly dimmer to reduce screen glare.
Best budget
The Honeywell Sunturalux Desk Lamp has a compact base for smaller work areas with LED bulbs that offer adjustable brightness and color temperatures.
What we like
What we don't like
A budget-friendly pick for small desks. The Honeywell Sunturalux Foldable Desk Lamp base is just 2 by 4 inches and measures 13 inches tall. The foldable arm hinges up and down 180 degrees, making it easy to fit into compact setups. It also comes in three finishes.
It's best suited for my laptop than my desktop computer. The single dial is simple to use: press it to switch between three light temperatures, twist it to adjust brightness, and hold it down to turn the lamp off.
The light is adjustable, but it can cause eye fatigue at higher settings. A frosted plastic cover helps diffuse the LEDs, but I found the lamp more comfortable when I turned the brightness down or angled the arm slightly away from my workspace.
The USB ports are convenient and easy to access. The base has both USB-A and USB-C ports on top, which came in handy when I needed to charge my phone during the day.
Best for video calls
The Humanscale Nova Desk Light is fully adjustable in positioning and brightness. The LED bulb rotates to deliver glare-free light where you want it most, making it ideal for both video calls and task work.
What we like
What we don't like
A sleek desk lamp that doubles as flattering lighting for video calls. The Humanscale Nova Task has a highly adjustable head that rotates 180 degrees, making it easy to position the light toward your face for Zoom calls and other video meetings. It also works well as everyday task lighting.
The round LED head creates even, diffused light without harsh glare. The LEDs are arranged around the edge of the lamp head and directed inward through layered lighting guides, which helps reduce bright spots and eye strain. The LEDs are rated to last 50,000 hours and are backed by a 10-year warranty.
The controls are minimal, and the motion sensor makes the lamp feel almost hands-free. You adjust brightness with a touch bar, which dims between 14% and 100%, and tap it to turn the light on or off. I mostly rely on the motion sensor: it turns on when I approach, remembers my last setting, and shuts off after 15 minutes of inactivity. On rare occasions it turned off when I was sitting very still, but a quick movement turned it back on.
The Nova is sturdy, smooth to adjust, and available in several mounting options. The aluminum body and steel hinges feel well-made, and the head, arm, and lamp body are easy to move with one hand. It's made with 70% recycled materials and can be configured with a tabletop base, clamp mount, wall mount, or charging base. The 3000K Warm Light version is most widely available, while the Cool Light version is available directly from Humanscale.
Best for eye strain
The Dyson Solarcycle Morph automatically adjusts its brightness and light temperature throughout the day based on your precise location, helping to reduce eye strain.
What we like
What we don't like
A smart desk lamp that automatically adjusts throughout the day. Few lamps with auto-adjusting dimmers came up in my research, but this Dyson Solarcycle Morph met our criteria for testing. This Energy Star-certified model changes its brightness and warmth based on your location, though you'll need to give the MyDyson app location access for the feature to work.
During testing, it never caused eye strain. The lamp optimized its settings to suit my environment with micro-adjustments that happen every 60 seconds. It can also automatically turn itself off and on when you leave or enter the room.
The Solarcycle Morph has the sleek, modern design you'd expect from Dyson. I was surprised by its 7.7-pound weight, but the lamp is impressively flexible. The vertical stem rotates 360 degrees, and the horizontal arm can twist to direct light sideways or upward for ambient lighting.
The app is easier to use than the lamp's built-in controls. You can adjust warmth and brightness from the top of the arm, but I found the controls finicky. The MyDyson app makes it much easier to customize the light, save settings for specific situations, and even tailor the lighting based on your age.
Best work lamp
The FORSÅ Work Lamp has a sturdy metal construction, and its architect-style design offers a wide range of motion.
What we like
What we don't like
An affordable architect-style lamp with a sturdy, highly adjustable design. The Ikea FORSÅ work lamp has a hinged arm and domed shade to give it a more traditional work-lamp look. It's currently available in a shiny nickel-plated finish. I tested it in a turquoise color that is no longer available.
It takes more setup than most of the lamps I tested. I had to attach the arm to the base, set up the springs that control its movement, and connect the dome that holds the bulb. It also doesn't come with a light bulb, so you'll need to buy an E12-style bulb (often called a chandelier bulb) separately.
Once assembled, the FORSÅ feels stable and offers excellent range of motion. The weighted base kept it from tipping over, and its three hinges let me move the lamp into virtually any position. Of all the lamps I tested, this one offered the most adjustability.
The domed shade creates useful task lighting without shining directly in your eyes. I tested it with a 40-watt soft white E12 bulb, and it lit up a surprisingly large area of my desk. The main downside is that it isn't dimmable and has a simple on/off switch, though you could use a smart E12 bulb, like this one from Philips Hue, to add dimming and color controls.
Best design
The Gantri Aim Task Light will be a statement piece on your desk, thanks to its contemporary 3D printed design.
What we like
What we don't like
A rare desk lamp that's both stylish and functional. Most of the lamps I tested were either good-looking or practical, but the Gantri Aim Task Light manages to be both. Its sculptural design makes a statement on a desk while still working well for everyday task lighting.
The 3D-printed design looks surprisingly polished. The lamp is made from plant-based materials and assembled to order in California, so delivery can take up to 30 days. Despite being 3D printed, the exterior is smooth and seamless, and it comes in a wide range of colors.
It's adjustable enough for task lighting or softer ambient light. The arm rotates 360 degrees, and the shade tilts back and forth so you can angle the light toward your workspace. You can also rest the head on the base for a gentler glow, though the lamp is bulkier than most and needs a decent amount of desk space.
The dimmer and replaceable bulb make it more practical than many LED lamps. A slider on the cord lets you adjust brightness, and the diffuser helped reduce eye strain during testing. The fixed 2,700 K color temperature may not suit everyone, but you can swap in a different bulb if needed. The Anglepoise Type 80 was a close runner-up, but it isn't dimmable and caused more eye strain during testing. It is a larger style that is well-suited to working with monitors, however,
Read our Gantri review with a few of our favorite styles.
What to look for in the best desk lamps
Choosing the best desk lamp might not seem like a complicated task, but there are a number of features you'll want to look for when selecting what fixture will work best for your needs.
Range of motion: All experts consulted for this guide agreed that lamps should be adjustable, and the larger the range of movement, the better. McGowan said lamps should have "the ability to be positioned to exclude glare on the work surface, keyboard, input display, computer display, or other equipment." A wide range of motion also allows you to move a lamp's light source closer to paper or other objects when needed.
Base: The best desk lamps come in various shapes and sizes. If you have minimal desk space, try a lamp with a clamp base that can attach to your desk, headboard, or kitchen table. If you've ever wondered why some desks have holes in them, it is actually for a desk lamp and other cords, so the wires and base can slip through the bottom to be hidden.
Brightness and color temperature: Extended computer use can cause eye strain, but proper lighting can help minimize the effects. "Having the appropriate color spectrum has been shown to benefit our sleep/wake cycle, contributing to fatigue and eye strain," said Bert. Look for a light with brightness settings and different light temperatures, allowing you to adjust the color spectrum throughout the day.
LED: LEDs are long-lasting, don't get overly warm, and are often adjustable for brightness and color temperature (more warm or cool). For the most natural-looking light, look for a higher Color Rendering Index (CRI), between 85 and 100.
Energy efficiency: If you're using a lamp all day, an energy-efficient model can help save you money. Luckily, most of today's best desk lamps use LED bulbs, which consume less energy and last significantly longer than incandescent bulbs. You may also want to look for a light that is Energy Star-certified, which must use 90% less energy than traditional models using incandescent light bulbs.
Additional features: Many desk lamps offer additional features, including wireless charging or USB ports. If you're looking for a model that can charge your phone, make sure it's compatible with your particular phone model — some only work with the latest iPhones and Androids.
How we tested the best desk lamps
I've been a product reviewer for four years now, so I used my experience testing household products, including lamps, to develop a comprehensive testing methodology. I also consulted various experts, including Benjamin Bert, MD, an ophthalmologist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center; Blake McGowan, director of ergonomics research at VelocityEHS; and Matthew Thorpe, a senior sales engineer at Fagerhult Lighting in London.
With their advice in mind, I came up with several essential features to evaluate, and from there, I was able to determine which of the best desk lamps to test. When testing these desk lamps, I considered several key factors, including their range of motion, brightness levels, and ease of control. I used each one in my home office for at least two full consecutive workdays.
Desk lamps FAQs
What is the difference between a table lamp and a desk lamp?
While it makes perfect sense to place any sort of lamp at your desk, a standard table lamp offers broader, more ambient light and functions more as decor and ambiance, while desks lighting will have more targeted and focused light dedicated toward tasking. They often will have features like adjustable arms or brightness aimed at reducing eye strain and increasing visibility.
Are LED desk lamps good for the eyes?
LEDs can be harsh on your eyes when not diffused. "Bare LEDs are an extremely bright point source — lots of light from a very small space — so look for a well-made fitting that will control the light with a diffuser," says Thorpe.
What are the disadvantages of LED lamps?
LED lamps are more expensive than those with replaceable bulbs, and it can be difficult to replace built-in LEDs at the end of their life cycle.
Which bulbs are the best for a desk lamp?
A dimmable LED light is the best bulb choice for a desk lamp. They are energy-efficient and long-lasting, making them well worth the investment.
What color temperature should my desk lamp be?
It depends on what you're looking for in a desk lamp. Cool lights boost productivity, whereas warm lights are more soothing and relaxing. For getting the most work done, a cooler tone is ideal. If you're having a stressful day and need some extra soothing, warm light is a good bet. Many of the lamps we tested and recommend let you toggle between warm and cool lighting depending on your personal preference.
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