The 10 Best LED Shop Lights
Special Honors
Koda LM56547 Not only will this versatile model provide evenly-distributed light for your warehouse or workshop, it brings modern convenience to the table as well: it comes with a motion sensor and a remote, which allows you to control brightness and set its dimness timer. kodabuilt.com
Keystone XFit From a family-owned business with a track record of quality, the Keystone XFit allows you to link up to eight fixtures together to illuminate large areas using only one outlet. You’ll have two versions to choose from, one that produces 2,600 lumens and another that generates 4,000. keystonetech.com
Editor's Notes
August 20, 2020:
While the majority of our previous selections proved to still be excellent picks for the category, this round of updates did see us deciding to remove the Lueco Shatterproof and Lights of America, both due to availability issues. In their places, we added the Singteam High Output — an eight-foot fixture with a 10,000-lumen output that’s sold in a pack of 10, and the Ghustar Triple Glow — a 6,000-lumen option that’s sold in a pack of two, and conveniently screws right into an existing lamp socket.
A few things to think about for this category:
Brightness: All LED fixtures were not created equal in this respect, so it’s important to keep track of each lights given lumen output, especially for users outfitting large spaces, particularly those with high ceilings. While some models – like the Singteam High Output and 100-watt UStellar Industrial – put out 10,000 lumens per fixture, other options – like the Hyperikon Warehouse and Bulbeats Linkable – emit less than 5,000 lumens. If at all possible, try using a light meter or doing a calculation based on equipment specs to figure out how bright your shop currently is, and plan your purchase to meet or exceed this standard, according to your preference.
Coverage: Again, this is especially important in large spaces, where even light distribution throughout your work area is desirable. For example, take the two 10,000-lumen fixtures we referenced in our last point, the Singteam High Output and 100-watt UStellar Industrial. While the former option is an eight-foot model that’s well suited to ceiling mounting, the latter is a portable fixture intended to travel from job site to job site. While both fixtures are rated to put out similar amounts of light, the Singteam High Output is much better suited for permanent installations where wide coverage is desirable. Contrastingly, the 100-watt UStellar Industrial is a sensible choice for tradesman who need a concentrated area lit up while they work. Consider the size of the area you’re hoping to illuminate, and pick fixtures of a size that makes effective, even light distribution practical for your purposes.
Installation: While portable options like the UStellar Industrial and Neiko Cordless 40464A feature integrated power cords, other models that are intended for permanent installation – like the PrimeLights T8 and OooLED Wraparound – require hardwiring. For users looking for a long-term lighting solution, but hoping to avoid the costly expense of bringing in a licensed electrician, several ceiling-mountable, plug-and-play options are also available — like the Hyperikon Warehouse and Bulbeats Linkable. Models like the Ghustar Triple Glow offer the simplest solution for users looking to brighten up their garages; just screw them into the sockets for your existing keyless lamp holders (depending on your location, if your garage is wired to code, you’ve likely got two), tweak their adjustable LED panels to direct light to your liking, and you’re done.
May 10, 2019:
Decided to give the Lights of America a nice bump in the rankings, as users appear highly satisfied with its overall value and performance, noting that it fully illuminates almost instantaneously and produces a clean, white light while generating very little heat.
The listed version of the PowerSmith Dual Head was outdated, so we brought the list up to speed with the latest model. It’s a useful alternative for folks who prefer a portable model, and it’s particularly effective at illuminating tough-to-reach areas like crawlspaces or underneath car hoods. Also added the Sunco Energy; it’s not a heavy-duty option, but users appreciate the ability to daisy-chain several units together, and it’s available in four versions with different color temperatures.
We removed the Alert Stamping 5030AHS due to consistent reporting of a lack of longevity. Not only does it seem flimsy and easy to break if dropped, many units simply stop working after a few months of use for no apparent reason.