What is the best brand of USB lamp?
A well-lit room is crucial, whether it’s a bedroom, study or gaming room. You don’t want to strain your eyes during any activities, but you might not want to have a light fixture beaming down bright rays of light either, as it can be equally irritating.
A USB lamp is an excellent option for illuminating smaller spaces while giving you a convenient way to charge your peripheral devices. If you’re looking for a quality USB lamp, the popular BesLowe Industrial Touch-Control Table Lamp is simple yet solid with some excellent features.
What to know before you buy a USB lamp
USB lamp size
Most USB lamps are compact and don’t occupy too much space, but a large work desk would benefit from a larger USB lamp so that more light is focused on the desired working space. Smaller lamps naturally illuminate less space than larger USB lamps, so it also depends on the size of the room and how bright you want it to be when in use.
USB lamp design
Some USB lamps have a sleek design and small base that’s ideal for work desks. Other designs have a wider swingarm, lamp head, and a bigger base for accommodating additional features. Check out the complete USB lamp buying guide from BestReviews for a more detailed comparison of different models.
USB lamp adjustability
USB lamps shine a focused light beam on a specific area, making them ideal for reading and office or crafting work. The best USB lamps will have flexible features that are easy to adjust and move around.
USB lamp light type
There are USB lamps available that still use traditional incandescent light bulbs, but LED USB lamps provide adequate lighting and are environmentally friendly. They’re more energy-efficient and easier on the eyes over extended periods of time.
USB lamp features
USB lamp brightness options
USB lamps generally have several options for adjusting brightness. Whether you want a dim or bright environment may depend on the time of day and the amount of natural light in the room, but most USB lamps have at least three key brightness levels that’ll help meet your needs.
LED USB lamp light colors
Some USB lamps that use LED lights have settings for adjusting the light colors. It’s not a key consideration for those looking for a basic office desk lamp, but it’s great for those looking for a lamp that can create a pleasant ambiance in a room.
USB lamp operational features
You can purchase a bare USB lamp with a simplistic design, but some USB lamps offer features like touch-operated bases that make them easier to use. Other USB lamps have smart-memory capabilities, which adjust brightness levels based on the environment and past usage.
USB lamps with USB slots
Most USB lamps feature at least two USB slots, which are great if you plan on charging your devices from time to time. If you feel like you’ll need to charge several devices like Bluetooth speakers and headsets or video game controllers simultaneously, it’s best to get a lamp with several USB slots.
In addition to USB slots, some lamps also have an AC power outlet, so you have more options for charging your devices especially if you have devices that don’t charge via USB.
USB lamp cost
USB lamps can be as cheap as $25, but if you want a USB lamp with premium features and a sophisticated design, it can run you as much as $150.
USB lamp FAQ
Should a USB lamp for a living room be larger than one for a bedroom?
A. Living room lamps are usually slightly larger than those placed in bedrooms, but it depends on the size of the room and the height of the nightstand. As a good rule-of-thumb, you want it to be proportionate to the ceiling in the living room or the headboard in a bedroom.
Does the lamp need to be turned on for the USB charging ports or AC outlets to work?
A. Most, if not all, USB lamps can charge devices even when the lamp is turned off, making them practical bedside lamps as they can charge your smartphone or other devices while you sleep.
Which USB lamp should I get?
Best of the best USB lamp
BesLowe Industrial Control Touch Lamp: available at Amazon
Our take: You’ll get two excellent USB lamps with a sleek design and intuitive features at a reasonable price.
What we like: This set of lamps boasts an impressive touch-control feature for controlling power and adjusting three pre-set brightness levels. Each light has two USB charging ports, one two-prong AC outlet and includes an LED Edison bulb.
What we dislike: These lamps can be turned off from a light switch, but they require a physical touch to turn on.
Best bang for your buck USB lamp
MOICO LED Desk Lamp: available at Amazon
Our take: This energy-efficient LED USB lamp is easy to use and perfect for those looking for a study lamp.
What we like: The LED design of this USB lamp prevents eye fatigue and eliminates glare. It has five pre-set brightness levels, five color modes, a smart-memory function, a rechargeable battery for portability and a convenient adjustable head that rotates vertically up to 180 degrees.
What we dislike: Some users complained that the rechargeable battery doesn’t last very long.
Honorable mention USB lamp
LALISU Crystal Table Lamp: available at Amazon
Our take: This USB lamp has a gorgeous crystal design that’s perfect as part of a modern decor setup.
What we like: The crystal and metal design make for a luxurious USB lamp. It has a touch-activated base for adjusting brightness levels and two USB ports that work whether the lamp is turned on or off.
What we dislike: Some customers complained of flickering when using the lamp at its highest brightness setting.
Kevin Luna is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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