There’s a childlike delight associated with reading in bed with a steaming cup of tea or cocoa cooling to a drinkable temperature on the bedside table. Bundled up in fleece-lined blankets and matching pyjama setsbes while reading our favourite fantasy novel series on a winter evening? That’s pure, heavenly delight.
We think that it partially stems from nights spent reading or watching the Harry Potter series during our formative years, given that the eponymous protagonist was well-known for using a Lumos charm to read important or mischievous magical materials after hours.
As adults, the need for a dedicated, portable reading light stems from a variety of factors. Some of us have partners who choose to slumber sans literature at a rather reasonable time, which means that we have to engage in subtle, sleuth reading with the help of a miniature clip-on reading light.
Frequent travellers will know all too well the pains of finding satisfying lighting while reading on planes, trains and (if you have a particularly strong constitution) automobiles. While airplane cabins have overhead, seat-specific lights, they’re often glaringly bright and rather distracting for other passengers attempting to get some shut-eye. They can also cause painful eye strain and post-travel headaches due to the strong white light.
High-tech, portable reading lights tend to be equipped with multiple brightness settings and blue light cancelling modes to help you curate the perfect reading environment without triggering a full-blown migraine. We’ve curated a selection of the best reading lights on the market for all your late-night literary needs.
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Gritin 9 LED Clip On Book Light
Rather than delivering unsettling bright white light, the Gritin 9 LED clip on booklight is equipped with three different eye-protecting light modes for safe reading in darker environments. Adjust the brightness from 100 per cent down to 10 per cent depending on your needs and switch between three colour temperature lighting modes with ease to curate your perfect cosy reading vibe. It also has a rechargeable battery and a 360-degree flexible gooseneck.
Buy now, Amazon
Gritin 19 LED Book Light
Same, but different. We’re big fans of the slightly extended horizontal shape on this 19 LED clip on light by Gritin. Three colours, stepless dimming, soft light for eye protection and a 360-degree flexible neck – think of it as an improved version of the Gritin 9 LED designed for hardbacks and books with larger pages.
Buy now £8.49, Amazon
Glocusent Clip On Reading Light
Small but mighty, this brilliantly portable clip-on reading light by Glocusent is a must-have for frequent travellers and avid readers. It’s equipped with five different brightness levels and three colour modes to protect your eyes. The ‘amber’ mode is designed to filter 99.9 per cent blue light to protect your eyes and reduce eye strain. It’s USB-rechargeable and extends to 150 degrees.
Buy now £12.99, Amazon
Glocusent Innovative Tri-Head Reading Light
Glocusent is the market leader in portable book lights for a reason. This T-shaped option provides oodles of light and has adjustable LED bars, allowing it to switch between a vertical and horizontal-shaped light with ease. Both wing heads can be manoeuvred at a 90-degree angle, and the entire device is equipped with an impressive 27 LED lights for maximum illumination. It’s also rechargeable via USB-C and has three colour modes and five brightness levels.
Buy now £13.99, Amazon
Nordlux Bring To-Go Portable Outdoor Light, Emerald Green
Though technically designed to be a camping light, the Nordlux portable outdoor light is a fantastic, versatile accessory for all your literary needs while on the move. Whether you’re reading outside on a warm summer evening, watching the sunset on a beach abroad or simply enjoying the ambience on your personal terrace, this rechargeable device will be your saviour. It’s made from recycled materials and is dimmable by tapping the surface.
Buy now £24.95, John Lewis
Eurohike 1W Cob Head Torch
Ultra-bright, compact and lightweight, this value-for-money head torch may be a necessity for regular campers, but it can also be used as a handy reading light – especially on weekends spent in the great outdoors. It has an adjustable torch angle and is powered by three AAA batteries which are included in your purchase.
Buy now £6.00, Go Outdoors
Glocusent LED Neck Book Light
Keep the cosy lighting going without compromising your ability to see text with the help of this neck book light. Equipped with six different brightness levels and three light colours, the rechargeable device also has bendable arms to create the perfect light source when reading in bed.
Buy now £18.60, Amazon
