The Best Book Lights for Reading at Night

Ophthalmologists recommend options with different brightness settings and adjustable heads.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

If you love to read before bed, you know the struggle of getting cozy under the covers only to have to get back up and turn the lights off before drifting to sleep. Remedy this by investing in a book light that easily clicks off; you can stash it on your nightstand when you're done with your latest page turner. While these mini lamps are convenient gadgets, it's also important to choose a quality iteration to protect your eyes while reading in low light. "When reading a book in dim light or looking at a screen much brighter than your surroundings, your eyes work a little harder to focus and you tend to blink less, which can cause dry eye or eye strain," explains Roma Patel, MD, clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Adjusting lighting to a comfortable setting, she says, can help reduce this discomfort, which is where book lights come in. You have several models to choose from: Some clip directly onto a novel's binding, while others are mounted to the wall—or you can even opt for a bedside lamp that pulls double duty as a book light. Here, we've corralled a number of options that will make your nighttime reading comfortable and strain-free.

Before we dive into some of our top picks, let's break down the qualities that make for a good book light. "Especially for reading, it's best to focus bright light directly where it is needed," says Ilyse Haberman, MB, ophthalmologist at New York University Langone Eye Center. "The older people are, the more light they need to comfortably read. Brighter light helps to constrict the pupil, which helps with your near vision." For that reason, it's best to chose a book light that's bright and adjustable, so it points directly onto the reading material. Additionally, look for lights that have various intensity settings and those with a yellow filter, which can alleviate eye strain and make it easier to focus on the words you're reading.

With three different brightness settings and nine color temperature modes, this fixture checks off so many boxes. The rechargeable book light clips onto your reading material so you can conveniently flip pages. We also love the 360-degree flexible head, which makes it easy to direct the light right where you want it.

This adjustable light is a favorite of Manhattan Eye's board certified ophthalmologist Yuna Rapport, MD, MPH; its multiple settings allows users to control the light's warmth and intensity. What's more, the fixture can clip onto books and e-readers alike. The USB port makes charging a breeze and removes the need for batteries or a wall outlet.

Compact and lightweight, this four-inch-long book light easily folds closed so it can be transported anywhere. Its simple design doesn't sacrifice quality, however. With two brightness settings and an adjustable head, the functional lamp will protect your eyes when you read in bed, on a train, in a coffee shop, and beyond.

Avoid the fuss of clipping and unclipping every few pages by opting for an overhead reading light, instead. This one is easy to install and its bright light is attached to a magnetic mount so it can conveniently be detached from the wall to charge.

Looking for a neck light that doesn't feel like it's weighing you down? This hands-free option is a terrific pick. With two bendable arms that wrap around your head, you'll always be able to get the perfect angle when reading in dim light. It also features three color temperatures (yellow, warm white, and cool white) and three brightness levels.

The glow emitted from this book light fully illuminates the pages without disturbing people around you thanks to its flexible gooseneck design. It's compact enough for travel and battery operated, so you won't need to charge it daily.

Blending form and function, this sleek design from Dyson is the ultimate reading lamp. The high-tech device tracks the color temperature and brightness of your local daylight so it's engineered to give you the correct type of light at the right time of day. Its high-quality brightness reduces eye strain and the swivel neck allows you to aim its glow directly over your reading material.

The sturdy clip base on this light makes it suitable to clamp onto your book or place on your bedside table as a lamp. Additionally, the swivel neck allows you to point the glow where it's needed, while the three intensity settings make it easy for users to control the light's brightness.

If you're going on a road trip or have a long flight ahead and need a book light that holds a charge, this is the one for you. With up to 60 hours of life, this clip-on reading light is the perfect choice. It has three different brightness settings and a 360-degree bendable neck so you can adjust the glow for your desired viewing.

A best-seller at Barnes and Noble, this fixture features a simple, lightweight design that's easily transportable. The paperclip style product is ideal for small paperbacks and magazines, but it will also work with any size reading material. What's more, the illumination is designed to mimic natural light, providing a calm and even glow throughout your reading space.