The Best Work Lights for Small and Large DIY Tasks

Having a bright, self-supporting light source is essential when it comes to getting any project completed quickly, correctly, and safely. While flashlights are useful to have on hand, they aren’t always practical for extended projects, and usually require you to use one hand to angle them on your workspace. These dedicated work lights are designed to deliver an impressive amount of light, while also being easy to set up and operate. Plus, they eliminate the need to break out your cell phone light for every project — usually a recipe for disaster with such an expensive piece of equipment.

What to Consider

Take some time to think about the type and scale of projects you’ll be using your work light with. For example, if you’re going to be working on larger projects, like installing a new set of cabinets or building a workbench for your garage, you probably want to choose an elevated option built onto a tripod. If you have some plumbing or other intricate repair work planned, you might want a more compact option that can easily fit into tight work areas. Looking for something that allows you to be extra-mobile? Look into one of our cordless, battery-powered options.

How We Chose

When assembling this list of options, we called upon our considerable experience working in both residential and commercial construction settings. We’ve included a good variety of sizes and styles to choose from, from extra bright 16,000-lumen options, to smaller 1,500-lumen products that would be more suitable for the average user. We also did our best to include a range of prices as well, so whether you’re a casual hobbyist who just wants to be prepared when the occasional task comes up, or a weekend warrior with big renovation plans in their future, you should find an option that fits your budget.