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Low-light conditions can lead to frustrating and unsafe working conditions. These handy work lights are designed to illuminate whatever you’re working on, whether it’s a small home repair task or a larger construction project.

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.

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.

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.

This pair of LED lights is compact enough to be transported and stored easily, but still packs an impressive 1,500 lumens of brightness each. We also appreciate the design of its adjustable handle, which folds back and allows you to angle the light using any of its five positions. 

Its IP65 waterproof rating also makes these well-suited for areas that may have dust and water splashes. If you don’t need two lights, this model can also be purchased as a single unit as well. Since they’re cordless, they’re also convenient for use in areas that may not have available power outlets.

The protective metal cage on this light makes it great for areas where it might get banged around, preventing damage to its 500 Watt halogen bulb. Its heat-resistant handle makes it easy to carry around while you work, and the foam covering provides a comfortable and secure grip. 

A series of aluminum reflectors help produce the 3,300-lumen output that makes this light so effective, and its yellow color also makes it hard to miss on a job site, reducing the chances of anyone accidentally tripping over it. Its 4-foot power cord isn’t very long, but you’ll probably be using an extension cord anyway. 

Users looking for a versatile option should consider this LED model, designed to be used either elevated on a tripod, or detached for use on the ground or workbench. Its tripod is also adjustable, extending up to 5.5 feet, and lowering to 3 feet, making it simple to customize to your specific project. 

Its waterproof switch also makes it a bit more suitable for outdoor use than more delicate models, although it probably won’t be able to stand up to heavy rainfall. Its aluminum housing and steel stand add strength and durability, and its wide-set, nonslip feet provide a sturdy base. 

If you’re just looking for a low maintenance work light without breaking the bank, this Bayco model might be just what you’re looking for. Its metal hook allows you to hang it from a rafter, car hood, or off a shelf, while the flat bottom design lets it stand on its own if you prefer to set it on your work surface. 

Its compact size and ergonomic handle also make it ideal for jobs that require you to maneuver it into tight or awkward spaces. Its metal shield protects the 75-watt bulb it requires, although you will need to supply it yourself. 

Those short on storage space will appreciate the compact size of these handheld LED lights, measuring just 6 inches when folded closed. Unlike other lights that require a surface or tripod to stand on, the magnetic base of these lights allow you to mount them on practically anything metal, like under the car hood, or even on the hood of your barbecue grill. 

You can also adjust their light output, with five settings to choose from. Their batteries are charged via USB, and we love that you can either use both at the same time—or for longer projects, keep one charging while the other is in use. 

We love the oversized handle of this Stanley model, which makes it comfortable to carry around and set up, even when wearing bulky work gloves. The sturdy base lets you easily adjust the angle of the beam, and also reduces the chances of it getting accidentally knocked over while you work. 

The integrated USB port on the front of the unit is a convenient feature, and allows you to charge your mobile device, or a secondary flashlight, while you work. Its 3,500-lumen output is nice and bright, and a two-step dimmer lets you customize the levels to your specific task. 

If your priority is maximum visibility, this twin-head model and its 16,000-lumen output could be a great choice. Each head can be adjusted and powered on independently of the other, so you can illuminate two different areas at the same time. The wire grills are designed to be rugged enough to protect the glass covers and halogen bulbs beneath, but thin enough so as not to create any unnecessary shadows. 

Its telescoping tripod can reach up to 42 inches high, and a convenient storage bracket keeps the 5-foot power cord wrangled when not in use.

This compact little work light is one of our favorite tools, and an invaluable piece of equipment to keep in your backpack, toolkit, or glove box. Its small size and reinforced clip make it easy to carry around in your pocket, and its LEDs provide an impressive 175-lumen output. It’s also remarkably durable, with a ABS plastic body that can survive drops and falls that would likely damage a similar-sized pocket flashlight. 

Its magnetic base makes it easy to mount onto metal work surfaces, and the included AAA batteries provide 7 hours of continuous running time.