Many people prefer to work on things in their garage or basement. To do that, though, you need the best lighting. Often, what’s included with the house isn’t bright enough to work at all hours of the day and night.
It’s important to find the best LED shop lights so that you can see what you’re doing. Plus, LEDs are quite popular and offer a variety of benefits. We are going to discuss all that and show you the top 12 products in this category.
LED shop lights are a newer version of the fluorescent shop lights, but they all contain light-emitting diode bulbs. Shop lights are often used in workshops and garages. You need a cost-effective and simple light fixture to illuminate a small space, such as a workbench or tabletop.
Traditional fluorescent shop lights can accommodate four-foot fluorescent tubes. When compared with incandescent light bulbs, fluorescents lower energy use, provide a longer lifespan, and can balance the colors and temperatures within the room.
Therefore, they are highly appealing for any workshop-style lighting needs.
With LED technology prevalent in the world now, its performance can far exceed that of the fluorescent lamps. Therefore, LED shop lights are better for a variety of reasons.
Of course, LED shop lights have a longer lifespan and are more energy-efficient than fluorescent counterparts. Still, they feature a similar linear form factor and are often available in four-foot lengths. Plus, they feature a fixture style that’s quite similar, as well.
Advantages of Using LED Shop Lights
There are seemingly endless benefits of utilizing LED shop lights. Understanding what the advantages are can help you decide if LED shop lights are right for you and your home.
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For one, they are very cost-effective. They cost less to buy initially, and then they are also going to use less energy, which also saves money.
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Since they are often contained and plug-and-play, they’re quite easy to install. You aren’t going to be required to hire an electrician or handle complex wiring issues.
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It’s also possible to adjust the position and height of the light fixture. Generally, the four-foot fluorescent light fixture is mounted on the ceiling. That is much harder to install and is going to be fixed permanently into place.
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You waste less light when you use the shop light. Since you can position it where you need it, you’re illuminating what is necessary and not the non-essential areas. Therefore, this can save even more on your electricity bill.
Of course, that’s not all. When we compare the fluorescent lights to LEDs, we can see even more benefits.
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The benefits of LED lights hold true for the shop lights. You get no mercury, less consumption of energy, and a longer lifespan.
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Since shop lights are often close to the ground, they could get hit by stray objects or power tools. If a fluorescent tube breaks, it’s dangerous and requires extensive work to clean it up. However, LED lights are made using polycarbonate plastic, so there’s no chemical leakage if they break.
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Fluorescent bulbs emit light using a 360-degree angle. However, LED lights are designed to direct all light downward. That means LEDs are more efficient because none of the light is directed upwards where it isn’t needed.
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LED shop lights offer better light color options, such as photosynthesis and CRI optimization. If you grow plants or need color accuracy, this is quite useful.
The 12 Best LED Shop Lights For Your Applications
Take a look below at our helpful table. It shows all 12 products in a quick-to-find guide. Click links to go directly to the page to purchase any of them.
With the Barrina brand, you get eight single fixtures, and they are all super bright. This means there are more than 2200 lumens in each tube. They use about 20W, which is quite low in terms of consumption.
This product features an extendable design. That means you can connect all eight of the lights in a series by using connectors or connecting cords that are 48 inches long.
Of course, installation is always a concern for people, and these lights are easy to install. In a sense, it’s plug-and-play. Just put them where you need them and plug them in. You get four 59-inch power cords in the package. That means one power cord for two tubes.
There’s a wide application base for these lights. You can use them over a workbench, in a basement, or in a garage. They can also be used under cabinets, in storage areas, and anywhere else within your home so that you get the light you need.
2. Sunco Lighting LED Utility Shop Light
The Sunco brand also has an LED shop light. You get 10 lights, and each is four feet long. Each product is tested for safety and performance, as well.
It features frosted covers, which can help to disperse the light where you need it most. Every light outputs 4100 lumens but only uses about 40W of power. You can also link four lights together at a time.
Installation is a big concern for most people, and these are quite easy to install. There is a helpful guide that explains everything in plain English. You also get the mounting hardware needed.
This includes a 10-inch pull switch and a 5-foot cord. You can mount them directly to the ceiling or suspend it from the ceiling. That way, you get instantly bright light in the warehouse, basement, storage area, or garage.
Each tube features a daisy chain so that you can create a more extended design. Connect four of them at a time with the supplied connectors.
3. Hykolity LED Shop Light Linkable
When it comes to having a super-bright LED shop light, the Hykolity brand understands your needs. Its version offers 5000K Daylight White light at 4200 lumens. This means you get an efficiency of about 110 lumens per watt.
The product is designed for durability. It’s made of composite aluminum, which provides for a longer-lasting light fixture. Plus, you get a pull cord with an on/off switch, as well.
You can use this light almost anywhere. For example, it works well in workshops, garages, and storage areas. It’s also possible to use it in an equipment room, warehouse, or basement.
Primarily, people focus on installing and how hard it is to do so. This one is quite easy with a plug connection.
That means you can link it with a variety of lamps. However, it comes in a one-pack, so you need to buy each one separately. Of course, you get the hardware you need to hang it, but you can also install it flush with the ceiling or wall.
4. Bbounder Linkable LED Utility Shop Light
For those who want something that looks high-end and streamlined, the BBOUNDER brand has what you need. In each four-pack of lights, you get a four-foot/48-inch LED light with a beam angle of 240 degrees. There’s no cover, which means brighter light.
Though it only has 4000 lumens and uses 36 watts, it’s a bright light. You can also link all four of the LED lights together with the included connectors. The ends are black, and the lights are white.
This gives you a streamlined appearance. Since there aren’t any covers to worry about, you get something that looks efficient and modern for your basement, garage, or warehouse.
The installation process is simple and includes step-by-step instructions. You get everything you need, including the mounting hardware (a 4.8-foot power cord with a plug). Therefore, you can suspend it from the ceiling with chains (that you buy separately) or directly to the ceiling.
You’re never going to be without the light you need. Work on your hobbies or use it as a spotlight to highlight certain parts of your home.
5. OOOLED LED Shop Light
The OOOLED brand also offers an LED shop light. You get a two-pack, each with two LED tubes that are four feet long. Each set provides 4800 lumens and a 5000K Daylight White light.
You can save some money on the electricity bill and get the best lighting experience. Handle all of your tasks with ease and even use them to generally light up your space.
The mounting options are easy and quick to do. You get to choose between the flush and hanging mounting versions. Both have their benefits, and it depends primarily on your needs.
This light features a plug-and-play option. That means you can set it up, plug it in, and have bright light. You can also link multiple lights together and get the hanging hardware you need to do so.
There’s also a pull cord with an on-off switch. Of course, you’ve got a variety of applications for which to use the light. It works well in basements, utility rooms, garages, and barns.
6. Barrina LED Shop Light
If you’re looking for something more modern and unique, the Barrina brand has you covered. These shop lights are super bright, and each one features 120 lumens per watt. With an 8500 lumen output in each light, you can illuminate anything in your space.
The lights themselves only consume about 72W of power, so you can save money on your energy bill. Of course, they look interesting, as well. The tube looks similar to that of a fluorescent tube, but the lights are in tiny squares along the tube.
You’re going to find an easy installation process with these lights. In fact, you can hardwire them to the light switch or just plug-and-play. Five lights can be linked together, which can illuminate even the darkest of spaces.
Since you get 10 in a pack, you can easily light up two rooms at once. Plus, you don’t have to worry about flickering and buzzing. There’s no UV radiation, hazardous materials, or mercury used, either.
7. FaithSail LED Wraparound LED Shop Lights
Those who want something that looks traditional (such as fluorescent tubes), may like the FaithSail brand. You still get LEDs, but it’s a wraparound style. That means the tubes are encased all the way around.
This also ensures that the light points downward, and you get the most out of your 4400 lumens. The acrylic lens allows for maximum distribution and output of the light. Plus, there’s a unique design that makes the space elegant.
When it comes time to replace the LEDs, it’s an easy process. Of course, you may also find it easier to install the lights on the ceiling.
If that weren’t enough, you can assemble them together in a line with up to 20. Since you get two in a pack, it’s easy to see the potential here.
They can be used almost anywhere, such as a garage, office, kitchen, and laundry room. You can also use them in the basement, meeting rooms, closets, and hallways.
8. LUCECO LED Integrated T8 Shop Light
When simple is what you need, the LUCECO brand has the T8 shop light you need. It’s a super-bright light with over 1900 lumens. They only use about 19W of power, so that can save you a lot on your energy bill.
The cool white light, at 4000K, gives you the right light experience for almost any needs. It works perfectly for a storage area or garage. Plus, you can use it under cabinets, in basements, and as office lighting.
It’s a strip light, so it only includes one tube. However, you get two in a pack, and they are linkable. That way, you can link up to 20 of them for a total of 20 feet in length.
You’re going to see the frosted cover over the tube light. This is done to reduce glare, but it also provides a slightly softer light. That way, you don’t feel like you’re in the spotlight each time you go to do your work.
9. Lithonia Lighting High Performance LED Shop Light
The Lithonia brand is slimline and streamlined. You get one light, but it is 48 inches long and ready to use. You can put it in almost any location where you need bright light.
It comes with a long (5-foot) power cord, but you also get an on/off switch. Therefore, you don’t have to hardwire it to your home. You also get the S hooks and the 9.5-inch chains so that you can easily hang it without having to buy more materials.
The LEDs are integrated and provide you with 3200 lumens. Plus, it uses minimal power of about 36 watts. That’s an 88 lumen-to-watt ratio. Each light lasts about 35,000 hours.
Of course, this light is CSA listed for safety standards in both Canada and the US. That means you can put it up and not worry about any safety concerns.
The housing of the light is metal and features decorative end caps made of plastic. These are often red, but you may get white ones, depending on when you order.
10. Hyperikon LED Shop Light
With the Hyperikon brand, you get a four-pack of shop lights. Each one features 4500 lumens and doesn’t need to be replaced very often. You get 5000k Daylight Light for full brightness, and you don’t have to deal with the flicker found in fluorescents.
This brand likes to help you integrate the fixture to work for you. That means there is a versatile mounting option. You can suspend them from the ceiling or fix them to it.
Though not included, they are compatible with daisy chains. You just have to supply them for yourself.
The light is designed to reduce headaches and eyestrain from working in poorly lit areas. You may feel more energized and focused while in the presence of these lights.
With an easy-to-follow installation guide, you are going to have the lights set up fast. Plus, you don’t need to hardwire it, which means you save money by not hiring an electrician.
11. Airand LED Shop Light
Those who want an ultra-bright light are sure to like the Airand brand. It’s got a 3600 lumens output and uses about 36W of power. It comes in two sizes: two feet and four feet.
You only get one light, but you get all the hardware you need. The snap joints are included to hang it up. You’ve also got cords for hardwiring if you prefer to go that route.
Though it is designed to be an under-cabinet light, you can install it on the ceiling of any room. It’s also linkable, so you can add up to 10 tube lights with the seven-inch connector cord, which is included.
The plug-and-play feature is suitable for most applications and makes installing it a breeze. Of course, the insulation covering is water-, moisture-, and dust-proof. This ensures that you can use it in almost any setting imaginable.
This light features a 180-degree angle beam. Plus, there are no hazardous materials or mercury used in it. Therefore, it’s not going to produce IR or UV radiation and doesn’t flicker or hum like traditional fluorescent lights.
12. YiaMia LED Basement Garage Lights
If you’re looking for something unique, you need the YiaMia brand. This LED light actually looks like a fan, so you get a spotlight of light (in the center). You also get four blades of light to illuminate any space.
Plus, everything is adjustable so that you can put the light where you need it most. Inside, there are about 246 LED chips to provide full coverage with no dark spots.
The material used is heat-conducting, so it’s insulated. That means the light never gets hot and isn’t going to give you an electrical shock. This is helpful, seeing as you can adjust the light to your needs and don’t have to turn it off each time to adjust it.
You get about 50,000 hours of light from this product. It’s also lead- and mercury-free, so there’s no radiation.
Of course, this works well in a variety of situations. Use it in a recreational room, garage, basement, and many other locations.
What to Look For When Buying LED Shop Lights
When choosing LED shop lights, there are a few factors to consider. You’re going to want your light to have:
Appropriate Light Output
The brightness level is often indicated in lumens. Generally, an incandescent bulb features 15 lumens in each watt while a fluorescent bulb offers 50 lumens per watt. Therefore, a 1500-lumen LED light is going to be equivalent to an incandescent bulb of 100 watts or a fluorescent lamp of 30 watts.
Why is this necessary to know? If you’ve got a fluorescent light that uses two lamps, each at 30 watts, you are going to need about 3000 lumens to get the same brightness level as one LED light.
Color Temperature
The color temperature is how blue or yellow the light color is. Incandescent bulbs often have 2700K for color temperature while most LEDs run between 5000K and 6000K.
Lower color temps are designed to create a warm and relaxed atmosphere. They often start at 4000K and go up. High color temperatures provide more color acuity.
5000K is neutral and clean, but it’s also a white light that can help with the perception of shades. Natural daylight conditions require 6000K to 6500K.
Daisy Chains
When you want to use multiple LED lights in one area, you can use daisy chains to connect them all together. This simplifies the installation process.
On/Off Switches
Generally, you want a shop light with a pull-chain. This allows you to turn it on and off. Since you don’t want the light on all the time, you want some way to turn it off easily.
Remember, though, that these lights are going to be mounted on the ceiling. Most pull-chains are about 10 inches long to a foot long. Therefore, you may need to tie some string to it or otherwise make it longer.
Reflectors
Sometimes, shop lights use reflectors on the sides of your fixture. These can work to direct the lighting downward. This often increases the brightness of the light in a particular area while reducing glare.
How to Install LED Shop Lights in Your Garage, Shop, or Basement
The first thing you’ve got to do is find out where you want to place the shop light. It should be directly above your work area. Also, ensure that the surface is going to support the shop light’s weight.
You should also think about the plug-in cord and where there is a wall-plug outlet. Make sure that the cord (from the description) is going to be long enough. That way, you don’t have to use an extension cord each time you need light.
When you buy the light, it should come with installation instructions. These are going to be easy to follow. Generally, you use the mounting hardware to put the light in place. Then, you plug it into the wall outlet, and you’re done.
Though all 12 of the LED lights we considered worked well and did what they were supposed to do, there is a clear winner. The best LED shop light is the one from YiaMia. We liked the ingenuity and uniqueness the light had to offer.
While it might be nice if it worked like a fan, too, we liked that the blades could be moved a full 90 degrees in any direction. This means you can put the light exactly where you require it to be.
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