5 LED Reading Lamps that Reduce Eye Strain

While we’re all guilty of reading on our phones or tablets, nothing beats cozying up in bed with a good, physical book. It’s also healthier for eyes than staring at a screen. But if you want to really reduce eye strain (and not miss a word of your page-turner), it’s important to maintain adequate lighting while you read.

What to Look for in a Reading Lamp

When you’re shopping for a reading light, it’s best to consider your needs and sensitivities.

Are you reading in a dark room? Dimmable lights help reduce eye strain, so you aren’t getting full wattage in pitch black conditions. Look for a light that has multiple dimming options so you can choose based on the sensitivity of your eyes.

Is portability important? Many of these compact reading lamps have a clamp at their base, meaning you can attach them to a book, desk, or even car visor. Charge is also a key factor. USB-charged lights don’t require an outlet, so you can take them anywhere.

Would you rather skip the switches? Most LED book lamps have touch buttons these days, so they’re easy to turn on and off (which comes in handy when you’re falling asleep after reading one too many chapters).

These LED reading lamps will keep your book well-lit without disturbing your partner, so you can enjoy your novel long into the night.

LED Desk Reading Lamp

$19.47, Walmart

• Dimmable with three levels of brightness
• Touch control, flexible gooseneck with clamp
• Flicker-free soft lighting for eye protection
• Rechargeable with USB

LED Clip Book Light

$15.97, Walmart

• Three modes of lighting
• 360 degree rotation
• Extra bright and portable
• Comes with a USB charging cable

One Walmart reviewer wrote, “This may be the best item I have ever bought! I have one attached to my laptop and one I use for reading. I also purchased one for my daughter-in-law so she can read in bed and not disturb her husband’s sleep. I highly recommend this item and you can’t beat the price!”

Tenergy Dimmable LED Desk Lamp

$27.78, Walmart

• 11-Watt Bulb
• USB charging port
• 5 dimming levels, 4 light color temperatures
• Energy-saving bulb

One reviewer wrote: “It’s a really nice lamp. Base is heavyweight and it seems well-built. I love the different warm/cool light options. I ended up ordering two. Now I have one at my home office and one at my work office. I would definitely purchase again. No regrets! Exactly what I wanted! Helps my eyes strain less.”

EEEkit LED Reading Light

$15.97, Walmart

• Touch sensor on/off switch
• Flexible gooseneck
• Clamp for portability
• Easy USB charge

Mainstays 3.5 Watt Dimmable LED Desk Lamp

$19.96, Walmart

• Energy-efficient LED 5-watt light
• Dimmer
• Touch sensor
• USB port for easy charging

One Walmart reviewer wrote, “Perfect lamp for bedside. Love how it has the color options and dim options. Works great and looks great.”