I hope all of you are as excited as I am for this weeks episode of Tool School! We are going to be talking about the best portable LED work light. However, this week is going to have a bit of a twist- keep reading to find out what it is!
It’s no secret that LED is rapidly taking over the lighting industry, and construction LED work lights are no exception. However, selecting the best LED work light (or really any tool) can be a daunting task. Well it turns out, I am actually in the market for another portable LED work light. So I plan to take you through my research method and how I go about deciding which is the right LED work light for me.
LED work light options
First off, lets start by breaking down the various groups of LED work lights available.
Corded LED work lights
This will be your least expensive group of LED work lights. In addition, it is likely to be most widely available. This includes any LED work light that can only be run via extension cord. One example would be a simple hand held or hanging LED work light, such as this one by Voltec. These are nice for smaller areas (under a sink for example), or even working on automobiles. The second example of LED work lights, is your standard sitting flood style. These can come is numerous styles, ranging from small single lights, to larger dual light setups on a tripod. The last example are area LED work lights, which typically illuminate an entire area in a 360 degree pattern.
Rechargeable/portable LED work lights
As good as corded lights can be, I am interested in portability. I personally find it increases the functionality and ease of use. I decided to group these together because more often than not a portable LED work light will also be rechargeable. Almost every major tool manufacturer makes a LED work light in this category. They typically run off their rechargeable 18V tool batteries.
I currently own Rigid’s 18-Volt Hybrid folding light panel (pictured on the right). Overall, I would give this a 7.5-8 out of 10. Before I get into what I am looking for in my next LED work light, let me go through my Pros and Cons for the one I am currently using.
Pros
- This LED work light can be powered via rechargeable battery or plug-in extension cord
- Okay to decent battery life when used at full power. With a 4 mAh battery, I am able to get about 4h of use before the battery dies
- The flexible 3-panel design allows you to broaden or direct light on a specific point
- It can be attached to a tripod
Cons
- Tripod is an expensive secondary purchase
- I do wish the run time was longer. At the 4 h rate, I run through about three 4 mAh batteries in a busy day.
So what am I looking for in my next LED work light?
I am looking for something that can provide 360 degree light to an area. In an ideal world, it will be both rechargeable and capable of running of an extension cord. It would also be nice if it could be mounted to a tripod, although I can also just set the light on a table if I need it raised. Lastly, if I were to get picky it would also be self righting on a wobble base. This is just a nice feature when using it in high traffic areas as it will always remain upright.
LED work light options that fit my criteria:
Wobblelight V3
Probuilt’s V3 LED wobblelight features a top end 15,000 lumens of area lighting suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It provides a continuous 360 degrees of light softened with a diffuser, making it excellent on work sites.
Pros
- 75′ lighting range
- 50,000 hour lamp life
- IP55 rating (protection from dust and limited water)
- 15,000 lumens
- 32″ tall
- Wobble base
- Can be hung via handle
Cons
- Only functions via 120V power cord
- Weight is 31 lbs (though this is also a Pro so will be sturdy)
- 20″ base (large space hog, though again will be sturdier)
- Price: $$$$
Milwaukee M18 Radius LED
Milwaukee’s new M18 Radius LED is a compact LED work light, complete with high output lighting in a compact body. It can be placed both at ground level or hung from above. The M18 radius LED work light provides 360 degree light with 4,400 lumens at the high end, while adjustable to 1,000 Lumens for working in confined areas. A high impact polycarbonate lens and IP54 ingress protection allows it to prevent some dust and water influx. It also features Milkwaukee’s OneKey system- which allows you to sync your tool with your phone. This allows for remote monitoring, remove on/off, as well as tool usage features.
Pros
- Small footprint (roughly 1 cubic foot)
- Lightweight (10.8 lbs)
- Can be hung from above
- Battery operated (using Milwaukee’s M18 batteries)
- Also functions via 120V power
- Can be strung in succession (maximum of 10)
- Price: $$
Cons
- 4,400 lumens (good for smaller rooms, but not necessarily large areas outdoors)
- Non wobble base
- Tool only (If not already using Milwaukee’s system, it would be another set of batteries and charger required)
Wobblelight Jr LED
This would be considered the little brother of the Wobblelight V3. A self-righting LED work light featuring 7,500 lumens at the top end with a radius of roughly 35 feet. Features an IP54 rating protecting against dust and minor water influx.
Pros
- Wobble (self-righting) base
- 35′ light radius
- Lightweight (14 lbs)
- Smaller footprint (16″x16″x27″)
- 27″ tall
- Price: $$
Cons
- 120V power only
- LED bulb is replaceable which makes me question longevity
- Lack of an ability to hang
Rigid Gen5x 18-Volt Hybrid Upright Area Light
Rigid’s hybrid LED work light uses a weighted base to aid in self-righting. Its hybrid technology allows it to be powered via a Rigid rechargeable battery or from a 120V extension cord. It features 360 degree light at 1,000 lumens. Battery can be housed internally to prevent dust and debris from clogging battery port.
Pros
- Self-righting
- Rigid LifeTime Warranty
- Rechargeable battery (Must have Rigid batteries, sold separately)
- 120V extension cord
- Price: $
Cons
- Only 1,000 lumens
- Likely minimal battery runtime
- Tool only
- Cannot be hung without getting creative
In360Light
The In360Light features a 360 LED work light with ultra bright 20,000 lumens. It also comes with extending heavy duty aluminum tripod. The LED work light itself is quite light at only 9 lbs.
Pros
- 20,000 lumens
- 9 lbs
- Comes with tripod at time of purchase
- Can be hung from above
Cons
- Only powered via 120V extension cord
- Reported as an expected 10,000 hour lifespan (so I am going to assume slightly lower)
- Made by a company I have never heard (as I have stated in other posts, I am big advocate of purchasing tools from reputable companies with a history of making great products)
- Price: $$$
Dewalt 20V Max Bluetooth LED Area light
Dewalt’s area light features a 360 degree light pattern at 7,000 lumens, with a dimming option down as low as 500 lumens for smaller spaces. Complete with AC outlet to allow for daisy chaining. Also functions with Dewalt’s 20V rechargeable batteries.
Pros
- 7,000 lumen output
- 120V power
- Rechargeable battery powered
- Kit includes LED work light, 6mAh battery, and charger (HUGE PLUS)
- Sturdy base
- Roughly 5-6 hr run time on 6 mAh battery
- Can be linked together in succession
- Charges the battery as well during plug-in
- Lockable (battery also lockable)
- Adjustable light direction when 360 degree is not needed
Cons
- Cannot be hung from above
- Does not have self-righting base
- Very large and heavy unit (31 inches tall and 30 lbs)
Weighing out my decision
At this point, these appear to be the 6 main options available for a 360 degree LED work light that meet at least some of my criteria set out above. As you can see, they come in a multitude of shapes, weights, and sizes. So the big question is which one am I going to go with? Well lets start out by eliminating the ones I know I won’t be purchasing:
- Wobblelight V3 – I am ruling this one out largely due to price. At roughly $500 USD, this is by no means an inexpensive tool. Further, I think the light production is overkill for my needs. Plus it lacks the ability to be run via rechargeable battery
- Rigid 18V hybrid – Although I do own other Rigid tools (including the LED work light I first mentioned), I don’t think this self-righting LED work light will be that good. At only 1,000 lumens, it will be rather dim and unusable outdoors.
- In360Light – I am always skeptical when it comes to companies I have never crossed paths with. In addition, the price is not low enough to take a gamble on this product.
So that leaves us with the Wobblelight Jr, the Milwaukee M18 Radius, and the Dewalt 20V Max. I’ll be honest, I am slowly developing a completely rechargeable tool kit- ultra portability and power without a plug-in are the highest priority for me. Therefore, the Wobblelight Jr is also going to be eliminated.
Final verdict
At this point, I am down to the Milwaukee and the Dewalt and honestly I am torn. I like the small size, portability, and functionality of the Milwaukee, but I do not currently own any M18 Milwaukee tools. So I will need to purchase a battery and charger on top of the LED work light. I like the Dewalt because I already own several batteries and chargers, but the light is rather large and heavy. At this point, I am leaning toward the Milwaukee M18 even if I don’t have a battery set up yet. I love it’s small size to lumen ratio, and I honestly can’t imagine lugging the giant Dewalt light around a work site.
It may seem time consuming, but I guarantee you will wind up with tools much better suited to your needs when you take the time to research.
What about a basic LED work light?
So as you know, I already own Rigid’s 18-Volt Hybrid folding light panel and am quite happy with it. I would happily recommend it to anyone looking for a basic LED work light for around the house, garage, or yard. But I have also used many other LED work lights, so lets go through some of the other options available that I would also recommend if you are in the market. There are obviously many other options out there that I do not cover below. The LED work lights discussed here are ones I have used and would personally recommend.
Milwaukee M18 Rover light
Milwaukee’s trueview LED work light rotates 240 degrees in positive stops and features 3,000 lumens on its highest setting. The rover LED work light is capable of dimming to medium and low settings as well to save on battery power. It is capable of running of both M18 batteries and 120V plugged in power.
Pros
- M18 rechargeable battery and 120V power
- 3,000 lumens
- LED lights apparently never need replacing
- Integrated hanging capabilities
- Small carrying/storing size (~7 lbs)
Cons
- Only a 2h run time with a 5 mAh battery on highest setting
- Single LED work light panel
Bosch GLI 18V-1900C Professional Torch
Bosch’s 18V LED work light features 1,900 lumens on high and 1,000 lumens on low. It is advertised as a 10h runtime on a Bosch 6.0 mAh battery. I have never tested this at the lowest setting; however, it does not run for 10 h at 1,900 lumens. It features a swivelling stand with five working angles, so users can adjust the work light as needed. Perhaps the nicest feature is that it includes a 5/8″ thread mount for compatibility with standard tripods.
Pros
- Adaptable to standard tripods
- Rotating for increased flexibility (120 degrees)
- Protective frame
- IP64 durability for dust and dirt protection
- Functions via rechargeable battery
Cons
- Expensive compared to other LED work lights in this category
- Short run time on smaller batteries
- Does not function via 120V extension cord
At the end of the day like many other tools, which LED work light you choose comes down to the major cordless system you have already bought into. I own several batteries for both Dewalt and Rigid brands, which is why I chose to go with the Rigid LED work light above. When it comes to small stationary LED work lights, I do not think Dewalt has a viable option. However, they do excel in smaller handheld beam lights for small spaces, such as the Dewalt LED jobsite spotlight.
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