When browsing options, Decorist designer Emerie Forehand says, “Go off the scale or size of the lamp and how much light it puts out to consider whether or not the light is good for the task at hand.” Our favorite is the Blomus Ani Lamp, a versatile, rechargeable LED light you can hang from the ceiling or place on a flat surface. These are the best cordless lamps currently on the market. The Ani is powered by a rechargeable battery and charges with a standard USB cable (included) for your convenience. You’ll get up to 16 hours of illumination on a full charge, depending on whether you have the brightness set to low or high. The indoor-outdoor design is also water-resistant. There are two sizes available—the smaller one is 13 inches in diameter, and the larger one is 19.5 inches. This light also comes in four colors, including white, gray, black, and taupe. While a bit pricey for a lamp, considering its versatility and durability, we’d argue that it’s a worthwhile investment. Price at time of publish: $159 This cordless lamp has a built-in lithium battery that recharges with a standard USB cable. It’s controlled by a touch sensor, allowing you to toggle among the three colors and six brightness levels with a gentle tap. You can also program it to remember your preferred setting. Price at time of publish: $25 One thing that we don’t love about this option is its high price point—however, the battery lasts up to 40 hours on a full charge, and the slender frame is sturdier than it looks. We also like that you can choose from three brightness modes, including soft illumination, diffused light, and ambient. Price at time of publish: $250 For added convenience, this lamp only takes about three hours to fully charge. And while it’s just 15 inches tall with a 14-inch head, it offers 47 inches of wide-spanning illumination. It also comes with several thoughtful features, like touch controls, three color temperatures, and an intelligent sensor with automatic dimming. Unlike many other cordless designs, this one isn’t rechargeable. It runs on two AAA batteries, which you’ll have to buy separately. Still, the affordable price point and classy design are tough to beat. Price at time of publish: $37 This modern lamp has a built-in rechargeable battery, and you can choose from a few different charging kits (sold separately). You can count on up to 16 hours of illumination on a full charge. While the price is steep for the size, we like that it has four brightness settings, a dimmer, and 16 light color modes. Price at time of publish: $69 This unit is expensive, and some assembly is required, though it shouldn’t take you more than a few minutes to set up. We like that the resin wicker is weather-resistant. However, it’s not completely waterproof, so you’ll want to bring it indoors if heavy precipitation is in the forecast. Price at time of publish: $249 Measuring 9 inches tall and 9 inches in diameter, the lamp flaunts a unique mushroom shape and a sleek, modern aesthetic. The Pao runs on a rechargeable battery and offers up to 10 hours of dimmable illumination. It’s expensive, especially for the size, but it’s backed by a one-year warranty. Price at time of publish: $195 This cordless lantern runs on a built-in rechargeable battery. It comes with a 79-inch power cord for your convenience, charges in three hours, and lasts up to 20 hours on a full charge. While a waterproof design would be nice, the price is reasonable compared to others in its category. Price at time of publish: $50 Battery-powered lamps are usually somewhat compact, as they’re designed for portability. Floor lamps tend to be larger, but since you don’t need an outlet, you’ll have more flexibility in terms of placement.
Design
When browsing options, you’ll want to consider the overall design, including style and material, as well as your existing decor. Cordless lamps often lean toward a modern aesthetic, which aligns with the forward-thinking, no-outlet-needed concept. However, you’ll also find traditional glass lights, beachy options with rattan shades, contemporary lanterns, and everything in between.
Battery Life
“Consider the battery life of the lamp and how long and often you will be using it,” says Forehand. Cordless lamps usually run on built-in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, though some are powered by alkaline batteries (such as AAA or D-cell). Some last longer than others before they need a charge or fresh batteries. The battery lifespan will depend on the specific design and how bright you have the lamp set.
Additional Features
Some cord-free lamps have additional features. This may include color temperature settings, varying brightness levels, touch controls, manual dimmers, or intelligent sensors with automatic dimming. In terms of versatility and portability, you’ll also find options with built-in handles and hooks for hanging, as well as designs with multiple configurations.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a product reviewer and commerce writer specializing in home decor and consumer tech. For this article, she spent hours considering dozens of models, narrowing down the selections based on versatility, battery life, charging requirements, appearance, and portability. She also spoke with Decorist designer Emerie Forehand for insight on choosing a cordless light. Theresa covers home decor and appliances at The Spruce. You can read more of her work on MyDomaine, Travel + Leisure, and People.
