led travel book light

The Best Book Lights for Getting Through Your To-Read List When It’s Dark Out

Among the many benefits of reading , curling up with a book is a great way to relax before you go to sleep. But, unfortunately, an e-book isn’t always the best choice at bedtime, because the blue light  from your phone or tablet can make it  harder to fall asleep . If you opt for the more sleep-friendly option of a physical book but want to keep your room dark to help you wind down at night, a book light is the perfect solution. Plus, if you share your bed with your partner, the narrow beam of light produced by a book light won’t disturb their sleep. (Look at you, so considerate!) Read on for a handful of the best book lights around.

• 01 Types of book lights
• 02 Shop the best book lights
• 03 How to choose

The best book lights, at a glance:

• Best overall: Vekkia, Amber Bookmark Book Light , $16
• Best travel: BIGMONAT, Rechargeable Book Light , $9
• Best multi-use : Gifts for Readers & Writers, Flexilight Book Light , $10
• Best adjustable: VAVOFO Rechargeable Reading Light , $10
• Best for blocking blue light: Amber Light +, Night Reading Light , $15
• Best for large books: Energizer, Clip On Book Light , $13
• Best budget: LIGHT IT!, MultiFlex LED Reading Light , $9
• Best small light: WITHit, Clip On Book Light , $13
• Best brightness modes: Vekkia, 14 LED Rechargeable Book Light , $28
• Best neck light for reading:   Glocusent, LED Neck Reading Light , $30
• Best neck light runner-up : Vekkia, Rechargeable Neck Reading Light , $27
• Best multi-purpose neck light: Betensh, LED Neck Reading Light , $20

Types of book lights

You have two main options for book lights: One type clips to your book, while the other hangs around your neck (comfortably!). Beyond using it for bedtime reading , you can rely a book light to provide a little extra light when you’re knitting or cross-stitching, crafting, working on your car, or using a laptop that doesn’t have a lighted keyboard. If you have kids, you’ll help them  ease into sleep  by reading to them with a book light instead of a bright lamp or ceiling light.

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Below, we’ve recommended the best book lights for curling up with a good read. And pssst:  a book light also makes a great gift for the book lover in your life!

Shop 12 of the best book lights

Blue light has been found to suppress melatonin, a hormone that your body releases at night and helps regulate your sleep/wake cycle. This clip-on book light eliminates 99.95 percent of blue light and offers three color temperatures: amber, natural, and white. It has a dimming function, too. It’s also thin enough to use as a bookmark when folded flat—a pretty handy feature—and you can charge it with a laptop USB port, USB outlet, phone power bank, or car charger. A full charge gives you 20 hours of reading time.

Battery type: USB rechargeable

Run time: 20 hours on full charge

• Three different color temperatures (amber, natural, white) and adjustable brightness
• Flexible neck
• Built-in USB
• Lowest setting is still rather bright

This compact, clip-on book light (I’d even call it cute) sort of looks like a USB flash drive—and in fact, sliding up the top reveals a USB connector that lets you charge the book light using a phone power bank, car charger, USB port on your laptop, or USB outlet (no cable necessary!). The light has three temperature modes (warm 3000K, natural 5000K, and cool 8000K) and allows you to adjust the brightness between 10 and 100 percent. Besides this pretty shade of purple, this book light is available in a variety of other options like bright blue, lime green, and white.

Runtime: 7 hours on full charge

• Built-in USB connector
• Three temperatures and adjustable brightness
• Body can be rotated 360 degrees
• Metal clip isn’t that strong

Looking for something a bit more fun than the average black or white book light? This one comes in over 15 colors and patterns (!), from solid designs to cute animal prints. Some of the patterns were probably designed for kids—an adorable penguin, the poop emoji, and so on—but hey, there’s nothing wrong with indulging your inner child. Best of all, this book light is very flexible and is thin enough to use as a bookmark. (Note: It only has one brightness setting.)

Battery type: CR2016 lithium batteries (two included)

• Flexible material helps angle the light
• Lightweight and thin to double as a bookmark
• Lots of fun color options
• Only one brightness setting
• Requires batteries

With seven LED lights, nine color temperatures, and three brightness settings, this light has plenty of options to make sure your nighttime reading is as comfortable as possible. It has up to a 32 hour battery life and a flexible neck, and comes in a variety of different colors. Plus, the battery indicator will help you keep tabs on your light’s life—that way you’re not left in the dark!

Runtime: 32 hours on full charge

• Nine color temperatures and three brightness settings
• Can be used as a clip-on or freestanding
• Has a battery display
• A little heavy to clip on thin paperbacks

You don’t have to worry about this clip-on book light disrupting your sleep cycle like your phone or tablet can, because it eliminates 99.5 percent of blue light. Four hours of charging with the included micro USB charging cable will give you 30 hours of reading time, and you can adjust the brightness to 25, 50, or 100 percent—equal to 20, 40, and 80 lumens. (A standard 60-watt bulb produces 800 lumens.) At 2.5 ounces, it’s very light and perfect for travel.

Runtime: 30 hours on 4-hour charge

• Removes 99.95 percent of blue light
• Three brightness settings
• Only one color light option (amber may not suit all readers)

So, Energizer makes book lights—who knew? This one can either clip onto your book or stand by itself, and gives off a wide beam of light to accommodate larger books. The three dimmable light modes go from 10 to 100 lumens, (That’s using the highest brightness setting; lower settings will give you more time.) The book light has a shatterproof lens and comes with a USB charging cable.

Battery type: USB rechargeable ( battery-powered option also available)

Runtime: 5.5 hours on a full charge

• Wide beam suits larger books
• Can be used as a clip-on or freestanding light
• Three color temperature modes and adjustable brightness
• Slightly heavier clip light (3.2 oz)

If you do a lot of nighttime reading, this budget-friendly pick is probably a great clip-on book light for you. It runs on three AAA batteries (not included), so the battery compartment is bulkier than that of most book lights, but there’s something to be said for the convenience of common battery types. Plus, the light only uses one LED, so a battery set will last you a long time, even with regular use. This bright book light can clip onto your book—or many other things—or stand by itself. It is heavier though (again, batteries!) so it’s probably a better fit for hardcover books.

Battery type: AAA batteries

• Budget-friendly price
• Requires three AAA batteries (not included)
• No brightness or temperature settings

These cute little book lights weigh in at 2.4 ounces and bend to be perfectly portable for travel. It doesn’t have as many bells and whistles as other lights on this list, as there’s only one brightness setting. But, with a variety of patterns to choose from, this is is a great compact option for paperback books. While this model is designed to run on non-rechargeable batteries (two are included with your purchase), the brand also sells a similar rechargeable model for just a couple dollars more.

Battery type: CR2032 lithium batteries (2 included)

• Compact and portable
• Available in several fun designs
• Small enough for lighter paperbacks

This lightweight lamp features nine brightness modes—in warm, white, bright, soft tones—to protect your eyes at night. It has a clip that fits on books of all sizes and the whale-tail design of the light heads means you can easily customize the beams. Best of all, while this light covers a lot of ground, it weighs only 2.3 ounces!

Runtime: 80 hours (on low light) with full charge

• Nine levels of brightness
• Adjustable beams
• Fits on books and Kindles
• Some people say the control switch is inconveniently placed

A neck reading light is a great choice if you want to keep your books clip-free and pristine. They’re less common than clip-on book lights (and they look a bit like medical devices, TBH), but they’re versatile and easily portable. This one is the #1 bestseller in the Book Lights category at Amazon—it has an ergonomic design with three light settings (yellow, warm white, and cool white) and three brightness levels. Plus, each side can be adjusted independently. When charged fully with the included USB-C cable, it can last from six to 80 hours (!), depending on the brightness level you choose. It’s also available a variety of colors, like purple, blue, and pink.

Runtime: Up to 80 hours on full charge

• Ergonomic design  
• Three temperature color modes and three brightness settings
• Battery up to 80 hours
• Some folks say the lowest setting is still bright

With four flicker-free LED lights and three brightness settings, this neck light can be used for reading, puzzling, and other activities that need just a little extra brightness. It has flexible arms, each with its own switch, to give you options to vary your light, an included micro-USB cable, and it has up to 40 hours of battery life.

Runtime: Up to 40 hours on full charge

• Ergonomic design
• Each light can be used independently
• Shorter battery life than the pick above

Neck lights can be used for much more than reading! This pick features spotlight and wide-beam modes that can be helpful for nighttime dog walks or camping trips. Plus, the design is flexible, so when you are reading in bed, you can easily direct the light away from your partner. This neck light has four brightness settings and lasts for 60 hours on a full charge from the included micro USB charging cable.

Runtime: 60 hours on full charge

• Spotlight and wide-beam mode for outdoor use
• Adjustable arms for targeted light
• Less dim options for reading indoors

Things to consider while shopping

Weight (and your preferred book type).

If you're a paperback-lover leaning toward a light that attaches to your book, you'll want to take stock of the device's weight. A light will typically attach to a hardcover just fine, but heavier lights can put strain on a precious paperback.

Charging vs. batteries

Would you prefer a book light that is USB rechargeable or battery operated? Our list contains both, and the answer is a matter of personal preference. Something to keep in mind: if you're going to be using your book light often, a rechargeable light will save you buying batteries in the long run.

Brightness and color settings

For some, one light setting works just fine. But if you have sensitive eyes (or just want more control over your brightness), you may want to opt for a book light with adjustable settings. Plenty of the lights on our list offer multiple brightness levels and color tones so you can find the right fit for your eyes, no matter where you are.

Frequently asked questions

What's the best color light for reading books.

Research suggests that lower temperatures of warm white light is easier on the eyes. Look for a book light that offers warmer temperature settings, ideally with adjustable brightness so you can find the amount of light that feels comfortable for you while you read.

How long do LED book lights last?

Many rechargeable LED book lights will last anywhere from 5-80 hours on a full charge, depending on the size of the light (larger book lights typically hold longer charges) and the brightness you're using.

Are reading lights worth it?

If you're an avid reader, a book light will help you keep the pages turning, even when things get dark. Plus, many reading lights are relatively affordable ($9-$30) and, thanks to USB charging, are relatively low maintenance. If you're hoping to avoid straining your eyes or bothering your partner in bed, a book light is a great solution.

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'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?

ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.

When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form .

The best book lights you can buy

Book lights (or reading lights) are a portable and convenient solution for reading in low-light situations. Whether you are traveling, reading in bed, or sharing a space, book lights help you immerse yourself in the story, or in some cases your creative work, without bothering anyone around you. 

The small, lightweight, attachable lights can be worn around your neck, head, or in most cases attached to a book or e-reader. While all do the basic feature of providing illumination unto your page, book lights often vary in size, weight, and brightness levels, among other features.  

Also:   The best e-readers aren't all Kindle

Based on portability, brightness level, and design, ZDNET experts rounded up the best book lights you can buy with the  Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light  as our top pick. Read on for more details, the pros and cons, along with other great options worth considering. 

The best book lights of 2024

Glocusent led neck reading light, best book light overall.

• Different color temperature options
• Adjustable arms
• Long battery life
• Comfortable fit
• Narrow beam angle
• Very bright even on the lowest setting

Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light features: Color options:  7 | Color temperatures: 3 | Lumens : 40 |  Brightness levels: 6 

The Glucusent LED Neck Reading Light is our best overall pick due to its adjustable ergonomic and hands-free design, along with its low price point. It also happens to be the #1 best-selling product in the "book lights" category on Amazon.

This reading light comes in three different colors (gray, blue, and pink), three color temperatures (yellow, warm white, and cool white), and six brightness levels. Its narrow beam angle design allows it to shine bright on the book you're reading while being dim enough that it won't disturb your partner in bed. In addition, it can work up to 80 hours on one charge and gives off 40 lumens of light.

Also: The best Kindles you can buy

Dewenwils USB Rechargeable Book Light

Best compact book light.

• Super portable design
• Charge it anywhere
• Warm lighting
• Built-in USB
• Click can be loud
• Only two brightness levels

Dewenwils USB Rechargeable Book Light features:   Color options: 6 | Lumens: 20 | Brightness levels: 2 

If you're just looking for a simple, portable reading light, the Dewenwils USB Rechargeable Book Light is a great option. With six different colors (blue, green, black, pink, white, and yellow), it gives off 20 lumens with 3000k of warm light temperature. Unfortunately, however, there are only two brightness levels.

Its 360-degree flexible holder lets you focus the light exactly where you want it. This light also has a built-in USB charger like the Ytuomzi LED Reading Lamp for easy charging anywhere.

Vekkia Amber Rechargeable Book Light

Best book light for reading before bed.

• Amber glow doesn't block melatonin production
• Blocks blue light
• Four different color options
• Clip is slightly too large
• Metal can tear pages

Vekkia Amber Rechargeable Book Light features: Color options: 4 | Lumens: 20 |  Brightness levels: 3 | Weight: 2.15 ounces

The Vekkia Amber Rechargeable Book Light gives off a soft, amber glow that blocks 99.95% of the blue light spectrum so that your melatonin production is not interrupted when you use a light to read.

It comes in black, blue, red, and white with a 360-degree gooseneck design. Its three different brightness levels give off a maximum of 60 lumens while ensuring the light's color temperature does not affect your eyes at night.

Ytuomzi LED Reading Lamp

Best book light for e-readers.

• Durable clip
• Easy charging
• Fast charging
• Flexible arm
• Not a long battery life
• Limited brightness

Ytuomzi LED Reading Lamp features:   Brightness levels: 4 | Lumens:  23 | Brightness Levels: 4 |  Battery: Up to 4 hours

If you use an older e-reader that does not have a backlight built-in, you'll need a reading light for nighttime reading. You can clip it to the back of your e-reader or a regular hardcover book.

Also: The best tablets for reading  

This reading light has four brightness levels, the highest being 23 lumens. It can last four hours on a full charge, and its charging port is built right in, so there's no need for a cord to charge your reading light.  

Flexilight Reading Light

Best versatile book light.

• Plenty of fun displays
• Doubles in use as a bookmark
• Cannot adjust brightness
• Light could be a warmer shade

Flexilight Reading Light features: Color options: 27 | Lumens: 8 | Weight: .8 ounces

This reading light also doubles as a placeholder for where you left off in your book. With 27 colors and designs to choose from, it's a stylish bookmark/book-light option. There are even styles geared towards kids.

It's lightweight and thin enough to use as a bookmark, so you can always have it with you and your book of choice. It gives off 8 lumens of light; however, there is only one brightness level, so it cannot be adjusted. Also, keep in mind you'll have to replace the batteries down the line since it is battery-powered.

What is the best book light?

The Glucusent LED Neck Reading Light is our top pick for the best book light because of its ergonomic design and six different brightness levels. However, if you're looking to shine a light on your e-reader, the Ytuomzi LED Reading Lamp is a great pick. And, if you're concerned about bright light interrupting your sleep cycle, the Vekki Amber Rechargeable Book Light's soft amber glow will be best for you.

Since, ultimately, the best book light depends on your needs, we've narrowed down other factors like price, lumens, and brightness levels below so you can choose the reading light that's best for you. 

 *Lowest price at the time of writing. Please note that prices may vary based on retailer and available promotions, sales, or discounts.

Which book light is right for you?

While many of these book lights are great options, it ultimately comes down to how bright of a light you want, what size you prefer, and what price you're willing to spend.

How did we choose these book lights?

We selected these book lights and reading lights based on the number of positive reviews on each product and reading customers' experiences with the products. 

Ultimately we compared the following factors when selecting our top picks: 

• Construction: From metal to plastic, book lights are made of many different materials. Consider durability and whether each book light will work with the type of books you read. 
• Brightness levels: Some book lights allow you to control the brightness levels of your book light. This means that you can easily adjust lighting based on the time of day and your location. While some reading lights do not allow you to make adjustments at all, we found that our top pick for the best book light, the Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light, has the most brightness levels, with six total. 
• Price: Book lights are generally affordable, but the cost can vary based on things like features and construction. The best book lights range in cost from $9 to $22, making it easy to purchase your new book light for less than $25.

How do book lights work?

Book lights allow you to read in the dark. Many models come with a clip you slide onto your book. 

From there, you use the bendable arm to pool the light over the reading surface at an angle that works for you. 

What is the difference between a book light and a reading light?

In this guide, we chose both book lights and reading lights. The names are used interchangeably, for a device that's meant to illuminate a small area so that you can get a better, closer look. 

While a book light tends to be a type of light specifically used for reading a book or novel, a reading light can be used for not only reading but also writing, sketching, working on a computer, or crafting. But, again, both lights are considered the same thing. 

What batteries do book lights use?

It's common for book lights to draw their power from Lithium or AAA batteries. If your book light contains rechargeable batteries, you'll have 6 to 10 hours of use between charges. 

Are there alternative book lights to consider?

We chose a variety of book lights based on pricing, functionality, and more. If these options don't work, here are a few more reading lights to consider: 

ZDNET Recommends

The best kindles you can buy: expert tested, the best projectors you can buy: expert tested, the best portable power stations for camping: expert tested.

The 5 Best Reading Lights for Seeing the Page (or Kindle Screen) More Clearly

And for the bedtime readers out there, some even produce little to no blue light.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

There’s a wide array of reading lights, from gooseneck clip-ons to wearable models you wrap around your neck. Read on for aspects to keep in mind when shopping for your first or next reading light—with pointers from a registered ophthalmologist—then scroll down for our reviews of the best.

The Best Reading Lights

• Best Compact: Glocusent USB Rechargeable Book Light
• Most Flexible: Vekkia Amber Rechargeable 7 LED Eye-Care Book Light
• Best Neck-Mounted: Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light
• Best for Kids: Dewenwils USB-Rechargeable Book Reading Light
• Most Brightness Levels: Vafovo Amber Rechargeable Reading Light

What to Consider

Design and adjustability.

Connecticut-based, board-certified ophthalmologist and retinal specialist Jerry Tsong, M.D. at Greenwich Ophthalmology, says that your reading light should be bendable and directly point at the words you’re reading. This is why a dedicated light is better than a table lamp, which filters and diffuses light over a large area. The best kinds of reading lights for that direct beam are those that can clip on to the page or device you’re reading from and those that you can hang around your neck.

Tsong says that the best reading lights also have settings for adjusting brightness. Because many clip-on lights sit near whatever you’re reading from, they also don’t have to be as bright. Adjusting the proximity of a reading light to text is important, too, as every reader has their preference for how much light they need without straining their eyes or how much light they need on a particular section of a page. Many of the best reading lights also feature color temperature settings that provide warm and cool options.

Avoid reading lights that don’t adjust or have a variety of settings. An adjustable light offers (literal) flexibility in various situations, especially when swapping between an e-reader, book, and magazine. You won’t save much money by buying an inflexible model either; the cost doesn’t vary much from flexible options.

If you have issues with eye strain from screens and technology, find a reading light that doesn’t emit blue light. “Exposure to blue light, especially at night before bedtime, can disrupt our natural circadian rhythm, which regulates our sleep cycle,” explains Tsong. “So for many people, exposure to blue light makes it harder to fall asleep.”

Many brands indicate whether their lights are blue light “blocking” in the product details or on the packaging. If you’re trying to avoid blue light, look for reading lights with an amber light or an “amber” light setting, which, as we mentioned, absorbs blue light pigments .

Most reading lights recharge via USB or rely on a small 3V coin cell battery typically used in remote controls and quartz watches. 3Vs are inexpensive and generally last between 3 and 5 years before needing replacement.

Types of Light Bulbs

“ LED bulbs are the best suited for portable reading lights,” says Tsong. “They are lightweight, consume much less energy, and don’t emit any heat.” Tsong adds that many reading lights with LEDs don’t produce any blue light of their own.

Other bulb types include incandescent, halogen, fluorescent, and compact fluorescent, but LEDs are the most common. They’re the priciest, but also the most reliable, with a longer life span and less energy usage.

The number of lumens (indicating visible light or brightness) reading lights have varies, though they usually range from 16 to 60. The higher an indicated lumens, the brighter the light.

How We Selected

To find the best reading lights, we spoke with board-certified ophthalmologist Tsong about what to look for with regard to bulb types, directionality, and adjustability. We ruled out any lights that don’t offer various brightness settings, as they don’t have much versatility between reading mediums. Also, we only considered reading lights that are easily adjustable and have LEDs, per Tsong’s insight.

Furthermore, we conducted online research to see what other experts, guides, and consumer review publications—including Gear Lab , Wirecutter and ZDNET — recommend. Lastly, we considered what customers had to say in their reviews about each product before making our final selections.

Looking for more reading recommendations to make use of your new light? Check out our picks for the best gifts for books lovers , books about scientists , and survival books .

Vekkia Amber Rechargeable 7 LED Eye-Care Book Light

Tsong recommends Vekkia’s Rechargeable book light as a flexible option. Its gooseneck can rotate 360 degrees, and it’s pliable yet durable enough that you can fold it over if you want to stuff the light into a backpack while traveling.

Although this is on the bigger side, Tsong notes that it’s powerful enough to light up an entire page instead of only a portion of it. This Vekkia is available in three colors (black, blue, and white) and has three brightness levels (30, 50, and 100 percent) that can provide up to 70 hours of light.

Glocusent USB-Rechargeable Book Light

This clip-on reading light is a sturdy mix of ample adjustability and small size. It has five brightness settings and three light temperature settings—a warm amber mode, a cooler breeze mode, and a bright precise mode—that you can toggle between. And, since it’s so tiny, weighing less than an egg, you can pack it for traveling. In fact, Tsong recommends and owns two of these.

This Glucosent is rechargeable via a standard USB-A port (another bonus for travel: no disposable batteries) and provides between 9 and 80 hours of light, depending on the setting. However, several online customers say the light has sometimes taken a long time to charge.

It has impressive adjustability given its solid design, too; both the main arm and the light housing at the end of that arm tilt up and down. Plus, the housing rotates so you can direct the light if it’s off-center of what you’re reading.

Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light

This neck-mounted light provides two beams for a doubly bright reading experience if you need it. And since it sits around your neck like a necklace, you can adjust the arms independently according to your fit and lighting preferences. Say you’re reading in bed and don’t want to bother anyone sleeping next to you; the stalks bend up to 90 degrees to keep the light focused on the page and away from their eyes. The three color temperature modes—a cool white, a warm yellow, and a warm white—and blue light filter further boost the adjustability.

Unlike other rechargeable reading lights, this one uses USB Type-C, making it a modern choice. Glucosent claims it provides up to 80 hours of light on a single charge, too. One con: There isn’t a lock to prevent the light from powering on. So if you pack it away in a bag and something hits the power button, turning it on, you could pull it out to find the battery is dead.

Vavofo Amber Rechargeable Reading Light

This rechargeable reading light offers nine brightness levels and nine color temperatures, lending it the versatility to match the preferences of various readers. One of its most prominent features is its power indicator light located near its charging port—a quick glance can tell you whether or not you have to worry about it dying mid-read. This LED is an especially good choice if you’re trying to steer clear of blue light, as it blocks it with its amber light.

Whether you clip this reading light onto your Kindle, paperback, or hardcover book, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by its strong grip. Some reviews say its lowest setting is too bright, however, so be mindful of others when you’re reading with this device.

Dewenwils USB-Rechargeable Book Reading Light

Dewenwils made this light easy to turn on by pressing its lone power button. And it even folds down to serve as a bookmark when not in use. Another feature that makes it great for kids: The body of the light detaches from the clip to reveal the USB-A port, which they can plug directly into an adapter in an outlet. That means there are no additional charging wires necessary. Some users say its runtime is less than the claimed 8 hours claimed, however.

This light has three brightness levels (30, 60, and 100 percent), keeping words illuminated and eyes relaxed. You also won’t have to worry about your children receiving additional blue light, as it claims to block out 99.95 percent of it, which can be especially beneficial when reading those bedtime stories.

Jenna Clark is a freelance writer who covers commerce, travel, beauty, and lifestyle. Her work has been featured in Insider , the Daily Beast , Well+Good , and Taste of Home . When she's not reviewing the latest products or traveling, you can likely find her at a theme park or watching the latest Broadway show. 

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Night Lights: The Best Book Lamps for Reading Before Bed

By Natalli Amato

Natalli Amato

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.

For many people, taking some time to read before falling asleep is exactly what’s needed to set you up for a good night’s sleep. However, having bright lights on before hitting the hay can keep you (and those around you) alert and awake when you finally close your book. Enter the best book lights for reading at night, which can help prevent eye strain, but still make it easy to see the text on the page. Here’s what you should know about picking out the right book lamp for your nighttime reading routine.

Book Light Buying Guide

When you’re choosing the best book light to support your nightly reading ritual, there are a few things that you want to look out for.

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Since blue light can interfere with your sleep cycle, the best book lights use warm, amber light instead of blue light to protect our eyes. If you read before bed, then amber light is a must-have feature to avoid strain. Many of the best book lights come with multiple light settings, including daytime light levels, that also make it easy to read during the day or in dark situations. Another feature to think about is how the light attaches. While many book lights attach to the book itself, you can also find portable book lamps that you can wear, say, around your neck, to keep your hands free.

The Best Book Lights to Buy Right Now

No matter your reading needs, we’ve found the best book lights that will keep your eyes from straining.

1. Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light

It’s no secret that kids love to read before bed, too. This wearable book light helps your child see more clearly as they read, and, thanks to its warm light setting, it also helps them fall asleep without disruptions to their natural rhythms. This book light is especially handy when you’re traveling with your kids. Whether they’re in the back seat of the car or buckled in on a train or plane, they can read and do other activities without having to adjust the lamp.

Buy Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light $21.99

2. Hooga Book Light

Shopping for a bedtime reading light? Consider Hooga’s book light. It emits warm light similar to the gentle glow of a fire, completely free of blue light. Reading with this book light won’t interfere with your circadian rhythm. Still, it’s bright enough for you to read clearly and comfortably without ever straining your eyes. It offers up to three brightness levels, plus a 360-degree head that rotates. When operating on its lowest setting, this book light can last for days on end.

Buy Hooga Book Light $12.99

3. Vekkia Bookmark Book Light

Vekkia’s bookmark-style book light is easy to attach, saving your page in the process. Whether you’re reading a paperback or writing in a journal, this book light can securely attach to your reading surface thanks to its built-in clip. It’s an ideal pick for those of us who read day and night, too, thanks to its three dimmable brightness levels. It has soothing warm light to support your bedtime reading ritual, but it also has a bright white light setting that’s ideal for travel and commutes during the daytime. When operating on its lowest setting, this book light has 20-hour battery life.

Buy Vekkia Bookmark Book Light $14.99

4. GearLight Rechargeable Book Light

These highly rated clip-on book lights from GearLight make excellent stocking stuffers for the readers in your life. Sold in packs of two, these book lights feature an adjustable neck and have white, amber, and daylight modes. Bonus: They feature a 30-hour battery life for days of reading in the dark before needing recharged. Each book light weighs just a couple ounces, so they make excellent travel accessories, too.

Buy GearLight Rechargeable Book Light $19.99

5. Vekkia Dual Heads Rechargeable Book Light

Most book lights have one head that focuses the beam on your book without disturbing others around you. However, Vekkia makes an excellent dual-head book light that increases the light’s coverage on the page without losing the precision that personal book lights are known for. Giving off a warm hue that’s comfortable on your eyes, Vekkia’s book light uses highly efficient LED lights that have over 60 hours of battery life. Plus, you can control the brightness levels.

Buy Vekkia Dual Heads Rechargeable Book…

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THE REALLY COMPACT TRAVEL BOOK LIGHT

Slip in your travel bag for reading when the sun goes down.

Product information

Order details

SRP: $13.99

The key features Clips to any book for reading Small and lightweight design 3 different brightness settings Flexible neck for best light position Comes with AAA battery fitted

The blurb A handy clip-on reading light, small and lightweight enough to slip inside your bag or pocket. Carry on reading anywhere, even when the sun goes down. Perfectly travel practical for a relaxing holiday or simply on the commute home. And it takes a standard AAA battery – easy to find and change wherever you are! The Really Serious Book Light Range is a coordinated collection of reading lights designed to suit the needs of all kinds of book light users.

You will find me in.. Love Coffee, Love Reading , Read After Dark , Really Serious Reading Lights , Best Sellers , Reading on the Go , Organised for Study

GREY - COMPACT TRAVEL BOOK LIGHT

Item # 39701

SRP : $13.99

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MINT - COMPACT TRAVEL BOOK LIGHT

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PINK - COMPACT TRAVEL BOOK LIGHT

Item # 39703

PURPLE - COMPACT TRAVEL BOOK LIGHT

Item # 39704

TURQUOISE - COMPACT TRAVEL BOOK LIGHT

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THE REALLY TINY BOOK LIGHT

BOOKAROO GLASSES CASE

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The Best Book Lights of 2024

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

Why trust Reviewed?

Reviewed's mission is to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of product experts thoroughly vet every product we recommend to help you cut through the clutter and find what you need.

Glocusent Lightweight 10-LED Book Light

Multiple color options

18-month warranty

80 hours of charge

Rare reports of defective batteries

Glocusent Horizontal ET-Head Book Light

Wide light coverage

Four color options

Some users find it cumbersome

Vekkia Rechargeable LED Neck Reading Light

Comfortable silicone construction

Easy to redirect light

Not everyone will love the design

Dewenwils USB Rechargeable Book Light

Extremely lightweight

90-degree swivel

Folds totally flat

Doesn’t feel super sturdy

iZell Flexible Gooseneck Book Light

Highly adjustable gooseneck design

2-year warranty

Clip may seem too strong

Updated June 7, 2023

A good reading light is one of the most useful things that you can have in your home, and we want to help you get one if you don’t already have it.

While some book lights are standard single-brightness lights, others have different intensities and color temperature modes to make sure you’re not straining your eyes too much. Some book lights clamp onto the book, while others simply slide into the back pages. You can also choose between standard battery power and USB-rechargeable reading lights.

We’ve compiled the following list to share some of the best book lights that the internet has to offer. One of them just might light up your life.

The recommendations in this guide are based on thorough product and market research by our team of expert product reviewers. The picks are based on examining user reviews, product specifications, and, in some limited cases, our experience with the specific products named.

Sometimes the simplest solution is the best one. Available in five fun colors, the Glocusent Willow clip on book light features a solid clamp for attaching it to any hardcover or paperback book with ease. And it’s got a rechargeable battery, so you won’t have to worry about constantly buying new ones. It should get 80 hours of battery life on a single charge.

What’s more, it also comes with three different warmth modes to prevent potential eye straining from bright white light. Each of those modes also has three different brightness settings, meaning that you have a total of nine different options. Finally, it includes an 18-month warranty, so you can feel secure when purchasing this handy little light that it’ll be on your nightstand for quite some time.

At just 1.4 ounces, this little book light really packs a punch. The playfully named “ET-Head” design mimics everyone’s favorite little alien. More importantly, this design offers maximum page coverage when reading in bed or in a dark room. Available in four colors, it’s also rechargeable with a standard Type-C USB port.

With three warm light settings and five different brightness levels, you’re sure to find the perfect tone for reading, no matter your environment. You’ll enjoy this compact yet powerful light so much, you’ll be phoning home to tell everyone you know about it.

This neck reading light takes a slightly different approach from the other lights on our list. Rather than being mounted onto the book itself, this light goes around your neck to shine directly on the page. The comfortable flexible design is great for not just books but also mechanic work or any other situation where you need light wherever you happen to be looking.

It includes four flicker-free and blue light-free LEDs, so you’ll be able to read without having your eyes overwhelmed. The rear neck cushion and flexible silicon design allow you to find the most comfortable position for the light while keeping your book illuminated. It’s rechargeable and durable, so you’ll be able to count on this light for as long as the adventures in your books remain in your memories.

Compact and portable are the name of the game for the Dewenwils USB Rechargeable Book Light. With six different colors to choose from and a solid plastic design, this light is a great option for kids just starting their journey with books. With a light that swivels 90 degrees, it also offers maximum mobility and a great way to shine light directly on the part of the page you’re reading.

At just 1.38 ounces, it’s also easy to throw in your bag or your pocket for reading on the go. It also folds completely flat and works great as a bookmark or small flashlight as well in a pinch. It’s designed to slide into the rear pages of your book, so you don’t have to worry about crimping or damaging your pages with any sort of clamp apparatus.

This little LED clip-on light is one of the loveliest reading lights available anywhere, and it’s just as useful as it is attractive. The LED lights consume far less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and the 77 LED beads include three different lighting modes and 10 adjustable brightness levels.

The USB adapter allows you to easily charge the light on your computer or an outlet if you’re on the go. It also includes a sturdy plastic clip, a 360-degree flexible gooseneck design, and a full two-year warranty, so there’s no risk here. Clip this one on your book, or even on your headboard or nightstand, and get to reading at any hour of the night.

If reading is all about fun for you, then you won’t find a more fun reading light than this adorable little caterpillar from Flexilight. As whimsical for adults as it is for kids, this flexible little reading buddy is a great gift idea, and a useful little lamp for the voracious reader in your life.

Designed to double as a bookmark, this single-bead LED light offers a soft light source for reading in a dark environment. It’s lightweight and easy to adjust, and it will keep your little one feeling safe and comforted when reading alone in their room. If your books are fun and full of character, who says your reading lamp can’t be as well?

Fun caterpillar design is great for kids

Doubles as a bookmark

Nice flexibility

Only one LED bulb

If you're looking for a functional book light to use after dusk, then this book clip lamp is worth a look. It easily attaches to a desk, or even your book, so you can see what you're reading at all times. Plus, it comes with a 360-degree adjustable neck so you can angle it however you'd like. Reviewers also love its level of brightness, which can be set in three different modes: warm light, white light, or a combination of both. The battery is built to last over 30 hours, making this an ideal book light to bring on the road.

3 lighting modes

Strong battery life

Adjustable neck

None that we could find

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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

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Adam Reeder

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Adam Reeder is a freelance writer, consumer advocate, and unapologetic watch geek.

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The 14 Best Book Lights To Keep You Reading Long Into the Night

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Reading before bed is one of the best ways to unwind at the end of a long day. Whether you’re making your way through a classic or catching up on the latest crime thrillers, books allow your mind to escape the events of the day without overstimulating the way screens can. But of course, being able to actually see the page is crucial. That’s where the best book lights come in.

Book lights allow you to read your favorite books without having to turn on your overhead light or nightstand lamp. Nightstand lamps can be overly bright as you’re winding down, and they can be distracting for anyone you might share a bed with.

Book lights come in a variety of styles so you can find the one that suits your most comfortable reading position. Some run on batteries, while others are plugged into a USB port or regular outlet. Also, some options come with the ability to slide onto the page of the book and provide effortless lighting. There are even options that wrap around your neck. A book light is an essential item for every book lover.

Below, we’ve rounded up the best book lights available right now. So, grab your cover, throw it over your head, open one of the best books , turn on your book light and enjoy.

1. Energizer Clip On Book Light

BEST OVERALL

Yes, the company that brought you the energetic pink bunny banging on his drum also makes a book light. It can run for 25 hours at a time and it is battery powered. Also, it has a flexible neck design and features a clip at the bottom for maximum efficiency and ease of use.

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This is a sportier option that gives off up to 60 hours of light. It has two Warm-Tone High Cri LEDs that allow for the light to appear more vibrant and bright. Also, it comes with a micro USB charging cord that will make sure that charging is easy and simple. Finally, it comes in six color options.

The Mighty Bright Rechargeable Clip On Book Light

3. french bull quad light 4 led rl education.

DIMMABLE LIGHT

This book light packs in all of the features you could look for into an affordable package. The lamp clips onto the back of the book, and it has an adjustable gooseneck design. Plus, the lamp has four LEDs, allowing it to be dimmed to the perfect brightness. It comes with three AAA batteries.

Quad Light LED Book Lamp

4. newhouse lighting olivia led clamp light.

BEST OVERHEAD

While this is technically a desk light, Newhouse’s Clamp light can be a great option for nighttime reading. The clamp can be attached to a headboard, for example, so you can angle it over the book you’re reading. Plus, you can adjust the color temperature and the brightness to suit your needs.

Newhouse Book Light

$12.99 $22.99 43% off, 5. kikkerland slim foldable led book lamp.

FOLDABLE DESIGN

This lamp from Kikkerland is inexpensive and has an eye-catching design. Plus, it folds up, making it easier to take on the go. It features a clip for attaching to your page or the back cover of the book. It uses a pen-clip-style attachment as opposed to a clamp, so it offers a secure hold.

Kikkerland LED Book Lamp

6. glocusent led neck reading light.

BEST NECK BOOK LIGHT

This option is perfect for those who are looking for a book light that doesn’t require much movement. This neck book light helps to make sure that there’s optimal lightning no matter what position you find comfortable. It features six brightness levels and three light colors that will suit your needs. Also, the arms of the light are adjustable and are comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light

$21.99 $29.99 27% off, 7. urban outfitters the little book light.

BEST NOVELTY

The Little Book Light from Urban Outfitters is as adorable as it gets. It draws inspiration from the classic design of a task lamp. It clips onto the book, and the lamp itself is adjustable to find the right angle as you read.

Urban Outfitters LED Book Light

8. lepower clip on light/clip.

One alternative to book lights is to get a clip-on light, which can be attached to your headboard, bedside table, or another nearby surface. That way, you don’t need a light that will directly attach to your book. The gooseneck design is widely adjustable.

LEPOWER Book Light

$15.99 $21.99 27% off, 9. toozoon 2pcs book light led.

MOST UNIQUE

This option has a very unique design that sets it apart from others. Instead of a single overhead light that can unevenly cast light down the page, this option consists of a transparent plate that you place over the page. The side of the plate has a lighting panel that casts light onto the page.

TOOZOON Book Light

10. vekkia amber rechargeable book light.

MOST SIMPLE

The 360-degree gooseneck on this book light make it easy to position the light in any direction. This option from Vekkia also gives off up to 70 hours of light. It is rechargeable and super lightweight. Also, it comes with three different brightness levels for peak optional lighting.

Vekkia Amber Rechargeable Book Light

11. dewenwils usb rechargeable book light.

This option has a sleek design that’s sure to catch your attention. It uses warm white light to brighten up the pages of any book you’re reading. The casing of the light comes in five colors that will match your personal aesthetic. It has two brightness levels, and it is rechargeable. Also, it’s multifunctional and can be used as a bookmark.

DEWENWILS USB Rechargeable Book Light

$7.99 $11.99 33% off, 12. flexilight book light.

THINNEST AND MOST COMPACT

This eye-catching option comes in more intriguing designs that will put the fun back into reading. It’s lightweight and compact enough to not be a hindrance in any way when reading. It’s sleek and perfect as a gift for kids and parents. It uses LED light.

Flexilight Book Light

13. amber light book light.

This powerful option comes from Amber Light, is portable and comes with three brightness settings. It blocks pesky blue lighting and helps your eyes strain less. It is rechargeable and uses a USB cord. Also, it has a clip that makes placement a breeze.

Amber Light Book Light

14. raniaco book light.

MOST MODERN DESIGN

The Raniaco Book Light comes with three brightness settings. It also comes in black for those who prefer a darker aesthetic. It is definitely one of the more modernly designed options on our list. So if style is your thing, we’d highly recommend this book light.

Raniaco Led Clip Reading Book Ligh

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The 10 Best Book Lights of 2024

Illumination for more than reading your favorite page-turner

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• What to Look For
• Why Trust The Spruce

The Spruce / Alli Waataja

Whether you love reading in bed, or hiding away in a cozy little reading nook to consume your latest novella, the best book lights will let you carry on reading your page-turner at any time of day or night. "Book lights do two things that are potentially helpful," says Sunir Garg , MD, clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and professor of ophthalmology at Wills Eye Hospital.

"Firstly, brighter light on the page generally increases contrast and a lot of people find increasing contrast to be helpful. Secondly, bright light causes the pupils of the eye to constrict or get smaller." This constriction may "increase the clarity and the sharpness of objects" for some people, according to Dr. Garg.

To compile these top book lights, we considered models we’ve personally used before and supplemented these findings with additional research to select various clip-on, wearable, and bedside options. For each product, we assessed the range of temperature and brightness controls, how well it illuminates the pages of books, and the expected battery life.

We also considered the book lights' overall designs, including their size and weight, as well as any standout features that make them suitable for particular people or circumstances.

Best Overall

Glocusent led neck reading light.

Highly customizable settings

Comfortable, ergonomic design

Three-day battery life

Can only be charged by Glocusent's USB-C cables

Narrow light angle

The Glocusent Neck Reading Light could have topped a number of the categories in our hunt for the best book light because it’s versatile, customizable, and friendly on the eyes. As its name suggests, you wear this light around your neck and adjust its angle and curve using the flexible ergonomic design.

Each end of the curve contains an LED light with three color temperatures—​​yellow (3,000K), warm white (4,000K) and cool white (6,000K)—and three brightness settings. Each LED is controlled separately and there are multiple combinations of brightness and temperatures to choose from. You can angle each beam of light at 90-degrees and a single light covers both pages of a standard book. 

Instead of revealing the exact brightness of these settings, Glocusent describes them as being bright enough for “general reading,” “brighter reading,” and “precise working.” The brighter the setting, the shorter the battery life, and when we tested this light at home, it took more than three days for the battery to die when using a single light in yellow, general reading mode.

This dropped to seven hours when both lights were set to the cool white setting, or precise working mode. This battery is rechargeable but note that it will only charge with the cable that comes in the box. Our review model wouldn’t work with any other USB-C line.

Style/Design: Neck | Power Source: Rechargeable battery | Battery Life: Up to 3 days | Brightness Options: 3 | Color Temperatures:  3

Best Budget

Dewenwils book reading light.

Four-way adjustable angle

Doubles up as a bookmark

Soft, gentle light is ideal for reading in bed

Short battery life

Single-page view only

The Dewenwils clip-on reading light has two LEDs that offer two temperatures—amber at 1,800K, and white at 3,000K. There are then four brightness settings—50 percent amber, 50 percent warm white, 100 percent amber, or 100 percent warm white. The amber setting is particularly good for reading in bed (ideally propped on a good wedge pillow ) because it's gentle on the eyes and blocks 99.95 percent of blue light. 

The rechargeable battery’s life is lower than others we’ve tried and will last about eight hours. However, when we tested it out, we found that it charges back up to full battery, via any USB port, in an hour. Its narrow beam only illuminates one page at a time but the four-way, hinged design means this angle can be adjusted to suit the book’s size—90 degrees horizontally and 315 degrees vertically.

Style/Design: Clip | Power Source: Rechargeable battery | Battery Life: Up to 8 hours | Brightness Options: 4 | Color Temperatures:  2

Best Clip-On

Vekkia rechargeable book light.

Flexible arms provide more precise light coverage

Independent light switches

Great battery life

Only one color temperature

Flimsy design

Vekkia’s Dual Heads light is a book-mounted alternative to Glocusent’s neck-worn model. It has two lights attached to the end of flexible arms. This allows you to adjust the angle of each beam to guarantee it illuminates every corner of your book. These lights produce just a single 3,000K warm color temperature each but offer two brightness settings. 

This option’s rechargeable battery lasts more than two days on the highest brightness setting, and the overall design is lightweight—if a little flimsy. It doesn’t weigh your book down or make your hands ache. The clip has ribbed, soft pads that grip well to books, yet the clamp is not so tight that it damages the pages.

Style/Design: Clip | Power Source: Rechargeable battery | Battery Life: Up to 2 days | Brightness Options: 2 | Color Temperatures:  1

Best Neck Light

Hammacher schlemmer reading light.

Hammacher Schlemmer

Non-slip neck piece

Multiple brightness and color temperature settings

Lifetime guarantee

Light doesn't stay fixed

A more expensive alternative to Glocusent’s next-worn reading light is this wearable version from Hammacher Schlemmer. It has a high-quality, robust design with a non-slip neck piece that is both comfortable to wear for long periods, and practical should you want to wear it while walking the dog, jogging or other activities besides reading. While it’s pricier than many other options, Hammacher Schlemmer offers a lifetime guarantee on its products—so you can feel confident you’re getting a reliable product.

The two arms feature LEDs that provide either 2,700K of warm white light, which is suitable for reading, or 7,000K of cold white light, which is great for more precise working. There are then three brightness levels: spotlight, floodlight, and spot/floodlight combined. Its rechargeable battery lasts up to 16 hours on the spotlight setting, and you can charge it via standard USB.

Style/Design: Neck | Power Source: Rechargeable battery | Battery Life: Up to 16 hours | Brightness Options: 3 | Color Temperatures: 2

Best Wearable

Nachteule rechargeable book light for glasses.

Lightweight, hands-free design

Direct beam of light

Limited light options

Low battery life

If you want more precise illumination than that provided by neck-worn lights, opt for this rechargeable, and award-winning, Night Owl book light from Nachteule. It weighs under 0.5 ounce and measures just 1.7 inches in length, meaning you can easily and comfortably attach it to any glasses frame via a small, built-in clip. 

A single LED offers 2,700K of soft white light and there is only one brightness option. The on-board battery is poor in comparison to others in this list, and it lasted three hours when we tested it at home. This is understandable, given the light’s size and the battery is rechargeable via any micro USB port. However, we found that we had to charge it daily, which might be an annoyance for some bookworms.  

Style/Design: Clip | Power Source: Rechargeable battery | Battery Life: Up to 3 hours | Brightness Options: 1 | Color Temperatures: 1

Best Rechargeable

Easily illuminates two pages of a book

Lightweight

Single color temperature

Out of all of the rechargeable book lights in our list, this Vekkia version is designed to last the longest. The built-in battery can run for 70 hours (or even more—in our experience) on a single charge when used continuously on the lowest of its three brightness settings. It then charges from zero to full in around three hours via the included USB cord.

The Vekkia light clips gently to book pages, thanks to its soft grip pads, and its flexible arm lets you easily move it into the desired position. The light itself comes from seven small LEDs that emit 3,000K of soft white light and this setup easily illuminates two pages of a standard-size book. What’s more, it weighs just 2.15 ounces, making it a lightweight and comfortable task lighting solution.  

Style/Design: Clip-on | Power Source: Rechargeable battery | Battery Life: Up to 70 hours | Brightness Options: 3 | Color Temperatures:  1

Best Bedside Book Light

Block blue light sleep lamp.

Block Blue Light 

Amber LED lights

Flexible arm

Impressive battery life

Don't need to clip it to anything

While clip-on lights are highly portable and provide more direct illumination, having to move them between pages each time can be a pain. A less time-consuming option is a cordless lamp , such as the compact NoBlue Amber Sleep Lamp from Block Blue Light. It acts as a night light and its amber LEDs are free from blue wavelengths that might disrupt sleep, according to some studies.

This bedside book light plugs mimics the soft, warm light emitted from candlelight. It has three brightness settings—25, 50, and 100 percent—so you can make it as bright as you need for reading. It also has a flexible arm that lets you direct the beam of light at the best possible angle, which increases how much of a book you can see at one time. The lamp is rechargeable using the included USB cord, and it can last for up to 16 hours.

Style/Design: Bedside | Power Source: Rechargeable battery | Battery Life: Up to 16 hours | Brightness Options: 3 | Color Temperatures: 1

Best Overhead

Kagwon reading light stick.

Easy to mount and reposition

Angled design

Touch controls

Low battery life on the brightest mode

Only one light temperature option

The Kagwon Wall Reading Light Stick features 16 LEDs that offer 6,000K of white light. Unlike many other wall-mounted sconces or lights that need an electrician to install, this Kagwon model is magnetic. It automatically sticks to any metal surface, or you can use double-sided tape to stick its metal base to any wall or cupboard.  

Once attached to a metal surface or base, you can angle the Kagwon light from 45 degrees to 135 degrees. A built-in touch sensor then lets you toggle between three brightness modes—low, moderate and bright. On the lowest setting, this light’s rechargeable battery can last two days. This drops to around ten hours on moderate, and three hours on bright.

Style/Design: Wall-mounted | Power Source: Rechargeable battery | Battery Life: 3 to 48 hours | Brightness Options: Three | Color Temperatures: One

Best for Travel

Glovion solar clip on book light.

Solar-powered

Also includes micro USB

Good battery life

Limited illumination on lower brightness settings

Another clip-on book light—but this one has something unique. Attached to this Glovion light is a small solar panel that allows you to charge its built-in battery on the go. This makes it perfect for holidays, or when you’re looking to travel without having to manage multiple charging cables. That said, should you need to charge this light it comes with a micro USB cable. 

There are three soft white LEDs in the light itself and these can be set to either high or low brightness. The low option is bright enough for illuminating one page, and the battery life on this mode lasts 12 hours. If you want to illuminate both pages at once, we recommend using the higher mode, but the battery life will drop to around five hours.

Style/Design: Clip | Power Source: Rechargeable battery | Battery Life: Up to 12 hours | Brightness Options: 2 | Color Temperatures: 1

Best for Children

Flexilight pal reading light.

Very long battery life

Large range of fun styles available

Light doubles up as a bookmark

Batteries are non-rechargeable

Limited illumination

Whether you’re trying to encourage your child to read more, or you’ve given birth to a bookworm, this battery-powered Flexilight is both fun and practical. It’s available in a range of 18 styles, from animals to robots and dinosaurs, and each one gently clips onto the pages of a book to double up as a book light and bookmark. 

There is a single, bright white LED in the head of each chosen design. This LED offers one level of brightness and you can reposition it easily, thanks to the light’s bendy design. We found this light to be adequate for illuminating a single page but not two. This light runs on two non-rechargeable CR2016 batteries which we found could run for more than four days of continuous use.

Style/Design: Clip | Power Source: Battery | Battery Life: Not listed | Brightness Options: 1 | Color Temperatures: 1

Final Verdict

The Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light is our best overall book light because it combines comfort, convenience, and precise control—all at a budget-friendly price. It brings a high-level of customization in terms of color temperatures and brightness settings for people who like to read anywhere and everywhere. If a clip-on book light better suits your needs, our best clip-on pick Vekkia Rechargeable Book Light is lightweight, bright, and needs to be charged less frequently than others in our list.

What to Look for in a Book Light

Clip-on book lights are the most common and cheapest option. They clip onto your book or Kindle to illuminate pages from above. The best clip-on book lights have soft pads on the clip to avoid damaging individual pages. They’re lightweight enough to avoid adding weight to your book and typically illuminate at least one full page of a book. 

An alternative to clip-on lights are wearable book lights. These come in two main designs—neck-worn book lights and lights you attach to your glasses. The best neck lights are flexible, allowing you to bend them to where they feel most comfortable. They have lights on each end of the curved design that illuminate both pages of your book at once. 

Glass-worn lights clip onto the frames of glasses or goggles. They come with limited color and temperature options, and their battery life can be lacking, due to their small size. Yet they illuminate whatever you’re looking at. This means you don’t have to adjust the angle. 

Finally, there are bedside reading lights. The best bedside lights for reading resemble regular lamps but feature more color and brightness controls. They usually have soft, amber lights that help your body relax and unwind.

Bedside book lights can come in cordless options, such as the Block Blue Light NoBlue Amber Sleep Lamp , our best bedside light pick . You can also find wired options—the primary perk of corded lamps is you don’t have to worry about battery life, but they aren’t as portable.

Color and Brightness Settings 

The best book lights offer multiple color and brightness settings. This is so you can customize your lighting to suit your eyesight preferences.

Color temperatures are measured in degrees of Kelvin (K) on a scale from 1,000 to 10,000. When it comes to book lights “there are two main ranges of temperatures,” explains Sunir Garg, MD, clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

"One temperature is around 2,700K. This is similar to what a traditional incandescent bulb emits and is considered ‘warm.'  The other range is around 5,000K. This is a typical white light or ‘daylight .'"

Blue light, which some studies have shown can disrupt sleep patterns, has a temperature around 3,200K and higher. If you want to avoid blue light exposure, opt for book lights with lower Kelvin ratings and amber tones, or lights that specially list blue light filters in their product description. 

The brightness settings on book lights are usually listed as low to high, or by the type of activity they’re best suited to.

Battery Life

The majority of book lights run on rechargeable batteries. Each one’s battery life depends on a number of factors, from the battery’s size, to the brightness setting you choose and how long you read for. Smaller, basic lights will go from full to flat in a few hours, but more advanced lights can run for more than three days of continuous use. 

Realistically, you’re not going to be reading for three days straight, so even lights with battery life on the lower end of the scale should only need charging once a week. If you’re not reading regularly, they’ll last a lot longer. The main thing to consider when buying a rechargeable book light is what cable you need, and whether it’s compatible with all cables of that type, or just the one it ships with. 

You can buy book lights that run on standard, non-rechargeable batteries, such as the Flexilight Pal Reading Light , our best for children pick . These batteries usually last much longer, but you’ll need to pay to replace them. If battery life is a major concern, we recommend buying a corded bedside lamp to avoid any anxiety.

The brightness of a book light depends on a large number of factors, from the ambient lighting to the size of the text, your eyesight, the color temperature it's paired with and more. 

Dr. Garg adds that “there is no specific number” to look for in terms of book light brightness but the light generated by a 60- to 100-watt bulb (or equivalent) is “usually sufficient.”

He encourages his patients to try different brightness settings to find which one feels most comfortable and works best for them. “Obviously, if a light is too bright and causes discomfort, that should be avoided. Reading with a bright light will not be harmful to the eyes but can cause fatigue,” adds Dr. Garg. 

According to Peter Legg , där lighting’s lead designer, when reading on a digital device specifically, you might “try to ensure the area you’re reading in is brighter than the screen itself. This may require balancing the brightness of the device itself as well as controlling the environment.” 

“There have been some studies that suggest that light around 5000K may be ‘better’ for reading,” says Dr. Garg. This is because it is thought cool white lighting temperatures make us more alert, while warm lighting temperatures help us to relax. Yet, he believes in patients finding what works best for them.

“LEDs offer a focused light stream which makes them a great choice for any directional light you need, from a reading light to task lighting in the kitchen,” says Legg. “They also have a good longevity, consume less energy than traditional bulbs and are much cooler to the touch.”

Dr. Garg adds that when it comes to reading, however, “it matters less about the specific type of light, whether incandescent or LED.” He says that brightness, distance to the page, and color spectrum are factors readers should be considering instead.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Victoria Woollaston is a freelance science, technology, and lifestyle writer with more than a decade’s experience testing and reviewing consumer products. She’s had experience using dozens of books and reading lights in various designs, and she has personally tested the majority of entries in this list, as well as a number of others from different brands. She currently uses the Glocusent Neck Light for reading and jogging.

To learn more about the benefits of different book lights and their eyesight implications, Woollaston spoke with experts to learn more about the importance of color temperatures and brightness settings and what features to look for. She then tested book lights that combine convenience with cost and controls, and which meet the different needs and demands for readers and crafters.

Our Experts:

• Sunir Garg , M.D., clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and professor of ophthalmology at Wills Eye Hospital
• Peter Legg , lead designer at där lighting

Mathôt S, Ivanov Y. The effect of pupil size and peripheral brightness on detection and discrimination performance . PeerJ . 2019;7:e8220. doi:10.7717/peerj.8220

Shechter A, Kim EW, St-Onge MP, Westwood AJ. Blocking nocturnal blue light for insomnia: A randomized controlled trial .  J Psychiatr Res . 2018;96:196-202. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2017.10.015

Grant LK, Kent BA, Mayer MD, Stickgold R, Lockley SW, Rahman SA. Daytime exposure to short wavelength-enriched light improves cognitive performance in sleep-restricted college-aged adults . Front Neurol . 2021;12:624217. doi:10.3389/fneur.2021.624217

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This Little Reading Light Helped Me Ditch My Phone and Get Back to Real Books

By Christine Cyr Clisset

Christine Cyr Clisset is an editor overseeing home coverage. As a writer, she's tested blenders, food processors, sheet pans, and other kitchen gear.

It’s hard to say when my reading life tanked.

Was it having babies? Or getting an iPhone? Both happened about 10 years ago. Both put the kibosh on what I recall as a “before time,” when I was a voracious reader of paper books.

Distraction, of course, is the issue. I usually read at night while sitting in my kids’ room as they fall asleep. To keep the room dark, I read on my phone—with the intention of chipping away at a Libby or Kindle book.

But inevitably my attention drifts to Instagram, a news app, or Google, and whoosh! It’s time for bed, and I’m no further along on my reading list.

Over the years, I’ve tried reading paper books with book lights, but all of them either produced feeble light, clipped awkwardly to the book, or broke.

Then I bought a Glocusent Bookmark Style Reading Light , Wirecutter’s pick for the best all-around reading light .

Since then, I’ve read more paper books in the evening. And it provides a great alternative to reaching for my phone in the wee hours when I’m struggling to sleep.

I won’t claim this light has magically transformed me back into a deep reader, but it’s helping. And because the light is sleek and fun, my children immediately stole mine. So I bought them each their own (they’re under $20 each), and now all of us are reading more old-fashioned books before bed.

Glocusent Bookmark Style Reading Light

The best overall reading light.

This chic and compact device offers the most light settings of all our picks, and its power indicator lets you know when to charge it.

Buying Options

With clipped on-page coupon, use promo code WCMOMS24, free shipping for Prime members

Why the Glocusent bookmark light beats other lights

The Glocusent bookmark light comes with three light temperatures and five brightness levels. I use the brightest setting if I want to stay awake. And if I’m awake at night, I use the warm yellow temperature at its dimmest setting, which usually allows me to doze off (and also doesn’t wake my husband).

The end of the light pivots to shine directly on the left or right page without getting in the way of my turning the pages (a flaw of many other book lights).

The compact design—about the size of a Snickers bar—allows it to fit easily in a purse or bag for travel.

It clips unobtrusively to both soft and hardcover books. And in testing for our reading light guide , we found that this light was better at clipping to the front or back cover of books than the competition.

It recharges using a USB-A connector, solving my other long-standing book-light problem: forgetting to buy replacement batteries. (I’m a busy parent!) Now I just need to remember to charge it when it dies. But that won’t be often, considering that the battery lasts 12-plus hours.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Some of the testers for our reading light guide found the buttons to be a tad sensitive and accidentally switched light settings when adjusting the clip’s placement. I haven’t had that problem.

If you’re just not into a clip light

Some people don’t like clipping a reading light to a book. If that’s you, Glocusent also makes a version that you can wear around your neck. It works well for books and as task lighting for hand crafts like knitting or crocheting.

The Glocusent Neck Reading Light has three brightness levels and three light-temperature settings. You can turn both bulbs on at once or just go with one of them at a time.

The battery in this model also lasts up to 12 hours. One of our staff writers took this light on six flights and hotel stays before having to charge it.

In our tests, people with fuller chests found that the light cast a shadow on their books, depending on how the lights were angled. This model is also bulkier than the bookmark version, so it’s less convenient for travel.

Regardless of the version you choose, if you, like me, are searching for that former self who read a lot, consider a book light. It’s no silver bullet—the internet is still seductively distracting, and kids and pets and modern life still need your attention. But this little light might just help you find your way.

This article was edited by Catherine Kast and Ben Frumin.

Meet your guide

Christine Cyr Clisset

Christine Cyr Clisset is a deputy editor overseeing home coverage for Wirecutter. She previously edited cookbooks and craft books for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, and she started reviewing kitchen gear back in 2013. She sews many of her own clothes, which has made her obsessive about high-quality fabrics—whether in a dress or bedsheets.

Every item on this page was chosen by a Veranda editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

8 of the Prettiest Outdoor String Lights to Illuminate Your Backyard

Bring on the al fresco ambiance.

Hanging strings of small individual lights adds a warm glow to the ambiance of any outdoor space. To help guide your search for the best outdoor string lights for your yard, we've rounded up eight beautiful options for your consideration. Whether you are looking for waterproof or solar-powered lights, LED bulbs, or a 100-foot strand, we have selected outdoor string lights that are as pleasing to the eye as they are durable and functional.

Depending on the setup of your patio, you can hang them from poles across your outdoor living space and seating arrangements (perhaps with a great looking sectional ) or along an existing structure like a pergola or porch . Aesthetics vary by product, so you can peruse black and bronze sockets, globe- or Edison-shaped bulbs, and different spacing options. Some offer different lighting styles and dimmer options, and others are crafted to be particularly weather-resistant. Without further ado, here are the best outdoor string lights.

Best Outdoor String Lights for 2024

Best Solar String Lights

Glow solar hanging string lights.

Best Commercial-Grade String Lights

15 st19 led bulb string lights.

Best Shaded String Lights

Shaded string lights.

Best String Lights for a Large Space

Iyn g40 bistro string lights.

Best White String Lights

Alder & ore renel outdoor string lights.

Best Frosted Bulb Design

Simple string lights.

Most Cost-Effective Commercial-Grade String Lights

Commerical light string.

Best 100-Foot Strand String Lights

Meidaoduo outdoor string lights.

There’s no need to find a power outlet for these solar-powered LED lights; they light up automatically when it’s dark out. Their brass sockets and vintage-style bulbs bring a chic look to any setting, too. The 28-foot strand features 12 sockets, each 1.6 feet apart, and comes with a 1.5-watt solar panel for outdoor use.

What Reviewers Say: “We bought these lights to replace another manufacturer's lights in our patio, they kept going out all the time and weren't durable enough for us. Super grateful for BrightTech, all of their lights are durable and heavy duty, and I love that these are solar. I can't wait to see the savings on my electric bill, and we really enjoy coming home after work and seeing these gorgeous lights lit up on their own. The best part is that they are LED so they don't get warm at all, super safe for our kids.”

This commercial-grade set of string lights is guaranteed to last up to 13 years and 15,000 hours. The vintage-style LED bulbs are as good looking as they are functional. Each set comes with 15 sockets spaced 2 feet apart on a 30-foot string, plus two spare bulbs. Replacement bulbs are also available on the Rejuvenation website.

The ruffles on these petticoat shades, reminiscent of French milk glass lamps, are sure to add an elegant embellishment to any garden party. Its 10 bulbs come on a 12-foot string with 17 inches in between each, and its standard G40 lightbulbs are easy to replace.

These bistro-style globe lights, available in either gold or black, will beautifully illuminate your outdoor space. The shatterproof plastic bulbs are lightweight and feature warm LED lights, with 25 bulbs on each 25-foot strand. You can also connect up to 28 strands together to cover a large space.

Alder & Ore Renel Outdoor String Lights

If you are looking for a different look than the ubiquitous black strands, these LED bulbs come dressed up in white. Also unique to this string set is its three lighting styles (soft, diffused, and ambient), and its strand is a lengthy 48 feet.

This glowing garland, available in a brass or dark bronze finish, features frosted globe bulbs to add warm light to your outdoor space. Ten bulbs are on the 11-foot strand. Bonus: You can recycle your old bulbs at your nearest West Elm store and buy replacement bulbs from their website in sets of four.

These durable commercial-grade string lights come at a reasonable price point to light up your patio in style with energy-efficient LED bulbs. Each set features 15 sockets on a 48-foot strand, with 3 feet between each bulb.

If you are looking for an extra-long strand of bulbs, this one with shatterproof LED lights will cover 100 feet of lighting for a larger space. The strand features 32 bulbs, so they are more than 3 feet apart.

What Reviewers Say: “I am so impressed with the quality for the price. The lights are the perfect addition to our backyard!”

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Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

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Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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