Of course, with any light, you need to consider its brightness. A light with around 600 lumens will be sufficient for most small work spaces . However, for larger spaces, choose a work light with over 2000 lumens. This can illuminate a large outdoor area of at least 50m. Look for models that offer variable light settings, as these provide more flexibility. This work light also has a small surprise up its sleeve, given that it can be used as a power bank to charge mobile phones. Of course, this will drain battery from the light itself, but could be invaluable in an emergency when camping or positioned far from a power outlet. If you’ll need to frequently reposition your work light, to work on different areas or do different jobs, a portable light will make this easier. Having a freestanding work light is often better for larger, open spaces. A freestanding light can be better used to light the whole area. Additional Features

The best battery-powered work light for professional use will have a running time of around eight hours . This should last for the majority of a night shift. For home use, or outdoor leisure activities, five hours will usually suffice. One of my top tips is to look for batteries that are interchangeable with other tools you already own . This will save you from carrying and buying lots of different batteries. Compatible Batteries: BL1415, BL1415N, BL1430, BL1440, BL1450, BL1815, BL1815N, BL1820, BL1830, BL1840 & BL1850 Some work lights are produced by well-known tool brands (such as Makita). Many tool brands have interchangeable battery systems, where the same rechargeable batteries can be used across different tools. If you buy a light that is part of one of these ranges, and have other tools in the set, you’ll be able to use the same batteries. Work Lights That Can be Charged From the Car

General

It uses an integrated, rechargeable battery that can be charged from either mains power, or the charging port of a car if you’re away on your travels. Given its size, and versatility when it comes to charging, this is one of the best work lights to use on leisure trips and when working away from home. The battery lasts for approximately four hours, delivering 3000 lumens of light (there’s only one power setting), making it a useful tool to have around when camping, fishing, BBQing or working. It’s also good to keep in the car, just in case. For reference, most modern car headlights have between 2000 and 4000 lumens. If you imagine using those headlights in the dark, in an open space, you can get a feel for how powerful this would be. Battery vs Mains powered If the work light needs to be carried, the handle is sufficiently padded and comfortable, and it’s lightweight at 1.38 kg. It also has a IP65 water resistance rating, meaning it shouldn’t be affected by rain. If the work light has several power options, the battery will last for longer on the lower settings. Manufacturers normally give an idea of runtime – be aware that this figure may be based on using the light on its lowest power setting unless stated otherwise.

If you want the flexibility of using your work light anywhere – on outdoor adventures like camping as well as around the home – buying a battery-powered LED light is probably a no brainer. You just need to make sure that the light’s battery life is sufficient for what you need. Using a 4.0Ah 18v Makita Li-ion battery the DML805 LED work-light has a continuous run time in high setting of a useful 6.5 hours.A longer battery run time can often drive up the price of the work light. Therefore, you want to find a good middle ground between required run time and price. For use around the home, a mains-powered work light will give the reassurance of not running out at a crucial moment. Be aware that cables can be a hazard, and this can be even more relevant if you need to use an extension. Battery Capacity There are three different settings to choose from: flash, 500 lumens, and 1000 lumens. Naturally, on the lower power mode, the work light’s battery lasts for longer. It’s necessary to scroll through all of the options each time, until you reach the one you want, as there’s only one button.

This LED work light also has a small handle, that doubles as a stand, keeping the overall size down. And, in terms of robustness, this work light has an IPX4 waterproof rating, meaning it’s resistant to splashes, and a chunky build with rubberised corners. This means that the work light is also able to charge a phone or other USB devices. Whilst this may not be all that useful around the home, unless there’s a power cut, but it could be invaluable when camping or outdoors. Of course, this will drain battery from the light itself, but it could be useful in an emergency. Work Lights that Use Interchangeable Batteries From Other Tools Overall, this is the best LED work light if you want a versatile option with good battery life. Not only does it work as a powerful, small lamp, but it can also be used as an emergency charger if necessary. As a guide, around 600 lumens will normally be enough to illuminate a smaller area or space, like a shed or work room. In larger areas, 2000 + lumens will be required. As well as being useful for DIY, these are some of the best LED work lights for hobbyists as they’re suitable for a range of different applications, from plastering and painting to photography.

THIS PRODUCT IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE

One of the easiest work lights to carry with you, this Edasion 20 W LED Rechargeable Work Lightmeasures just under 16 x 16 x 30 cm (including the frame). Whilst this is compact in itself, it’s also simple to remove from its base, creating a flatter, more portable work light.