When buying work lighting, it’s important to consider several factors to find the right model for your needs.
To choose the best possible work lighting, whether you're a DIYer or a professional tradesperson, it's important to consider a few key factors when selecting a battery-powered work light:
Light Output – To get the right lighting for your workspace, it’s essential to choose a light with the appropriate lumen strength. For smaller areas, a light with lower brightness may be sufficient, while larger areas require a more powerful light to provide adequate illumination.
Battery Life – If you plan to use the light for extended periods, choose a light with long battery life. A higher battery capacity allows you to work longer without needing to recharge, and quick charging is convenient if you need to use the light again soon.
Build Quality and Durability – Battery-powered lights are often used in harsh work environments, so durability is crucial. A light that can withstand dust, moisture, and impacts will last longer and perform better over its lifespan.
Portability and Design – Since battery-powered lights are frequently used in various locations and workspaces, a lightweight and compact design is preferable. This makes it easier to transport and use the light in tight or hard-to-reach areas.
Charging Time and Battery Capacity – Consider how quickly the light charges, especially if you need to use it continuously. Fast charging is convenient if you need to cover a large workspace.
This article focuses on battery-powered work lights, reviewing a selection of models suitable for both professionals and DIYers. Here, you'll get help choosing a light that fits your needs based on brightness, battery life, durability, and portability, all depending on the type of work you're doing and your budget.
The Bosch GLI 18V-300 is a compact and powerful work light suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It is easy to handle and provides good brightness for smaller to medium-sized work areas. Best for small construction and renovation projects.
The Bosch GLI 12V-330 is a portable and reliable work light that is ideal for smaller spaces. Its compact design makes it perfect for DIY tasks and quick lighting needs.
Metabo BSA 18 LED 4000 is a robust and powerful work light that provides an impressive light output of 4,000 lumens. It is well-suited for medium-sized work areas and offers long battery life, making it ideal for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts who need reliable lighting during longer work sessions. The lamp is powered by an 18V battery and strikes a good balance between illumination time and charging time. Best for larger construction projects and indoor use.
Specifications
Luminous flux: 4000 lumens
Powered by: 18 V battery
Battery type: Lithium-ion
Charging time: Depends on battery and charger
Lighting time: Up to 8.3 hours (with 8.0 Ah battery at lowest brightness)
The Ryobi R18TL One+ is a versatile and reliable work light with a bright light output. Ideal for medium-sized areas, it is part of the Ryobi One+ system, offering battery compatibility with other tools in the series. Best for medium-sized work areas and DIY projects.
Specifications
Luminous flux: 2700 lumen
Powered by: 18 V battery
Battery type: Lithium-ion
Charging time: Depends on battery and charger
Lighting time: Up to 360 minutes (with 5.0 Ah battery)
Part of the Ryobi One+ system, compatible with other tools
Disadvantages
Brightness is slightly lower compared to professional models but is versatile and affordable.
Product video
Rating
Quality
8/10
Ease of use
9/10
Performance
8/10
Value for money
9/10
Total rating: 8.5/10
5. Festool Syslite KAL II
Price Range: 2,300 - 2,800 SEK (With charger, without battery)
9/10
The Festool Syslite KAL II is a powerful, high-output work light designed for professional environments. With its robust design, it's perfect for larger work areas where maximum brightness is required. Best for larger jobs, professional use, and tough work environments.
Specifications
Luminous flux: 770 lumens
Powered by: Integrated battery Li-ion 7.2 V, 18 V battery or mains power
Battery type: Lithium-ion
Charging time: About 200 minutes
Lighting time: Up to 290 minutes (with 5.2 Ah battery)
The Dewalt DCL074 is a high-performance work light ideal for larger construction sites and demanding environments. It offers superior brightness and durability for industrial-grade tasks. Best for large construction sites and industrial work. Best for large construction sites and industrial work.
Specifications
Luminous flux: 5000 lumens
Powered by: 18 V battery
Battery type: Lithium-ion
Charging time: Depends on battery and charger
Lighting time: Up to 10 hours (with 9.0 Ah battery at lowest brightness)
Makita ML009G is a powerful and versatile work light that offers flexible lighting for various work environments. With a brightness of up to 10,000 lumens and compatibility with both 18V and 40V batteries, it is designed to meet the demands of both small and large job sites.
The Milwaukee M18 ONESLDP is a powerful work light built for tough professional environments. It provides extremely high light output for large projects, making it perfect for commercial and industrial use. Best for professional and industrial-grade tasks
Specifications
Luminous flux: 9000 lumens
Powered by: 18 V battery or 2,5 m cable
Battery type: Lithium-ion
Charging time: Depends on battery and charger
Lighting time: Up to 10 hours (depending on battery capacity and brightness setting)
Extremely high brightness for large construction sites
Built for heavy-duty use
Long battery life
Disadvantages
Slightly larger and heavier design but its powerful brightness and smart features impress.
Product video
Rating
Quality
10/10
Ease of use
9/10
Performance
10/10
Value for money
8/10
Total rating: 9.3/10
Compare products
#
Product
Luminous flux
Price Range (SEK)Price Range
1
Bosch GLI 18V-300
300 lumens
500 - 1,000500 - 1,000 SEK
2
Bosch GLI 12V-330
330 lumens
750 - 900750 - 900 SEK
3
Metabo BSA 18 LED 4000
4000 lumens
2,100 - 2,5002,100 - 2,500 SEK
4
Ryobi R18TL One+
2700 lumen
2,200 - 2,4002,200 - 2,400 SEK
5
Festool Syslite KAL II
770 lumens
2,300 - 2,8002,300 - 2,800 SEK
6
Dewalt DCL074
5000 lumens
2,700 - 3,5002,700 - 3,500 SEK
7
Makita ML009G
10 000 lumens
3,500 - 3,8003,500 - 3,800 SEK
8
Milwaukee M18 ONESLDP
9000 lumens
9,500 - 9,6009,500 - 9,600 SEK
Summary
Budget-Friendly: Bosch GLI 18V-300, Bosch GLI 12V-330, and Ryobi R18TL One+ are great for simple tasks and smaller projects.
Mid-Range: Metabo BSA 18 LED 4000, Dewalt DCL074, and Festool Syslite KAL II are ideal for those seeking a balance between performance and price.
Premium: Makita ML009G and Milwaukee M18 ONESLDP are the best choices for professionals and large work areas requiring advanced features and long runtimes.
With the right work light, you can improve both efficiency and safety at your workplace. Choose the model that best suits your needs and budget!
By Simon Berg Nov 23, 2024
