In addition to a USB port for charging a smartphone, our reviewer discovered this lamp also has capacitive sensors that are directly incorporated into the base of it, so it’s touch-friendly. The total brightness of the lamp results in a color rendering index of 93 CRI (color rendering index), which is just below the 100 CRI product by natural sunlight. The CRI itself helps determine the lamp’s ability to accurately display any desk-based objects full color underneath the lamplight. Lights/Brightness: 1500 lux | Color Temperature Range: 93 CRI | Color Modes: 4 | Adjustable: Yes Physically, the Lampat also provides a good amount of flexibility and maneuverability. The arm bends forward up to 40 degrees, the lamp head has an adjustable tilt of up to 140 degrees, and it rotates up to 180 degrees. Additionally, the Lampat includes a USB charging port and an automatic 30- to 60-minute timer. Lights/Brightness: 530 lumen | Color Temperature Range: 2500-7000k | Color Modes: 4 | Adjustable: Yes Beyond energy-efficiency, BYB took great effort to help protect our reviewer’s eyes with an innovative light guide panel that helps prevent light flickering and harmful glares. Ultimately, this design feature means a less fatiguing experience overall. Lights/Brightness: 1000 lux | Color Temperature Range: 2700-6000k | Color Modes: 4 | Adjustable: Yes The eight LED bulbs last 36,000 hours and the whole thing is guaranteed to operate for at least three years from the date of purchase. That alone makes it a pretty great deal, but the quality build, additional dimming features, and adjustability make it an exceptionally good desk lamp for the price. Lights/Brightness: 280 lumens | Color Temperature Range: 4000k | Color Modes: N/A | Adjustable: Yes The elegant LED light produces a pleasantly warm glow, and the battery offers a remarkable 50,000-hour lifespan. It’s also energy-efficient, with a max consumption of 6W per use and features a full dimmer switch. Finally, the base includes a built-in USB charger, and the platform itself functions as a holder for your phone or other small objects. Also, for the best fit for your home’s carefully crafted color scheme, the Pixo comes in six different colors (including azure, black, and white and brass) and is sure to bring a bit of flair to your desk space. Lights/Brightness: 325 lumens | Color Temperature Range: 90 CRI | Color Modes: N/A | Adjustable: Yes Beyond lifespan, BenQ incorporated zero flicker technology for a flicker-free experience that could place less harm on some users’ eyes. The built-in ambient sensor offers multiple different touches on the control ring to automatically detect the brightness level of a room and adjust brightness accordingly. When it comes to positioning, the ball-joint base helps you to find the angle you need for the best reading experience.  Lights/Brightness: 1800 lux | Color Temperature Range: 2700-5700k | Color Modes: N/A | Adjustable: Yes Additionally, the LED panels feature 28 built-in LED lamps that will last for more than 50,000 hours of use. The lithium-polymer battery supports anywhere between 3 to 40 hours of continuous runtime with just three hours of charging via the included charging cable. Add in one meter of fall protection and you’re looking at a durable lamp that’s both attractive and long-lasting. Lights/Brightness: 150-200 lumens | Color Temperature Range: N/A | Color Modes: 3 | Adjustable: Yes

What to Look for in a Desk Lamp

Light Color

You’ve likely heard about the potential dangers of blue light, which is why it’s especially important to pay attention to the color of light coming from your lamp. Many lamps allow you to customize their light color, from blue to white to a warm yellow or orange. Some lamps come with a night mode that lowers the brightness to 5 percent so you can find your way to the bathroom without tripping. The inclusion of flicker-free technology on higher-end models give you evenly distributed light at 50-60Hz.

USB Port and Charging

Many desk lamp models come with built-in USB ports. If you don’t have a convenient port or outlet to charge your phone nearby, consider buying a model that has one included. This also eliminates the need to have extra-long cords that tangle up and make everything appear messy. You can also get wireless lamps that can be topped up with micro USB or USB-C, and some even have a wireless charging pad built into their base for additional charging options.

Style

You’ll be looking at your lamp every time you’re at your desk, so it makes sense to choose a model that reflects your personal taste. A lamp’s design also affects its functionality: Some desk lamp styles are cordless, which is very convenient if you need it to be portable or don’t have a convenient outlet available. You’ll want a lamp that’s flexible and versatile, so consider how much adjustability you need. A 360-degree head can let you rotate and cast light wherever you need, though a lesser swing of 150 degrees might still cut it if you plan to have it just on your desk.