The 9 Best Garage Lighting of 2023

Make your garage easier to use and more stylish with the right lighting

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

Tuodaw LED Garage Light collaged against colorful yellow background

The Spruce / Marcus Millan

In many homes, garages are the rooms that get used for making repairs, storing off-season items, or just going in and out of the house. Such a versatile space needs lighting that is suited to its many purposes. From LEDs that put out general lighting to task lighting over a workspace, there is a lighting solution for every garage.

“Keeping things accessible is important in the garage,” says Jessica Terenyi, professional organizer, coach, and owner/CEO of JK Organizing, LLC. “This includes choosing lighting that makes it easy to see what you are doing with enough light to do work or find things in storage.”

We researched the best garage lighting available online, evaluating type, lumens, and value.

What to Know About Lumens

Lumen is the standard unit of measurement that quantifies the amount of light emitted by a source. A light bulb with a higher lumen value results in brighter light, while a light bulb with a lower lumen value produces dimmer light.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Freelicht 60W LED Plug-In Garage Light 2-Pack

Amazon Freelicht LED 60W Garage Light with Medium Base

Amazon

What We Like
  • Can be connected with multiple lights

  • Adjustable panels

  • Great value

What We Don't Like
  • Needs access to outlet

This garage light provides plenty of illumination without using a lot of power. It is great for garages because you can light up the entire space or direct the light to a specific project or workbench. You can also link multiple units together for even more lighting. You can string up to four lights together and use one single power source. They come in either a 2-pack or a 4-pack.

Each panel can be adjusted up to 90 degrees. Combined with the high lumen count, this results in very strong light that goes exactly where you want. If you are doing detailed work, this is a top choice. It is also good for larger projects since you can connect multiple lights for bright illumination, even in large spaces.

It does plugin, so you’ll need access to a power outlet. The kit comes with a chain for hanging it at the desired level and hooks and expansion screws. Depending on the height of your ceiling, it can be tricky to install. Fortunately, it is a great value, leaving room to get an extension cord in your budget.

Price at time of publish: $29

Dimensions: 9.76 x 7.8 x 5.55 inches | Type: LED | Lumens: 6000

Best Budget

Tuodaw LED Garage Light 2-Pack

Amazon TUODAW LED Garage Lights

Amazon

What We Like
  • Affordable

  • Uses normal lightbulb base

  • No tools required for install

What We Don’t Like
  • Have to be able to reach the base

This budget-friendly light fixture puts out an impressive 8000 lumens. It has a standard lightbulb base that requires no special installation. It also has four adjustable blades that put out extra light. It is good for smaller spaces or those that don’t have high ceilings. They can be good for high ceilings as long as you can reach the base to screw in the light. A standard lightbulb changing pole won’t work because of the unusual shape of the fixture.

You don’t need any tools to install the lighting fixture. Just make sure that you have space to extend the arms if needed. It is waterproof, but you should still ensure that the lighting setup's electrical portion is protected from the elements. You can use it inside the garage or in a nearby workshop. 

Price at time of publish: $24

Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.3 x 4.3 inches | Type: LED | Lumens: 8000

Best LED

Utilitech LED Strip Shop Light

Lowe's Utilitech 4-ft White Cool White LED Strip Shop Light

Lowe's

What We Like
  • Integrated bulbs never need to be changed

  • Long lasting

  • Damp rated

What We Don’t Like
  • Hanging and electrical cords are short

LEDs are known for being energy-efficient and low maintenance. The Utilitech LED Strip Shop light comes with the light already integrated into the fixture, eliminating the need to change any bulbs. With an average lifespan of 50,000 hours, this light fixture will not need to be replaced for quite some time. Installing is relatively easy. Just plug it in and turn it on for full brightness. You can link up to four lights to one switch or power source. The lights can even be used in damp garages or workspaces.

You will need access to a power outlet. The cord is only 5 feet long, so an extension cord might also be necessary to position the light in your desired space. You can use the two chains for hanging, each 6 inches long. 

Price at time of publish: $30

Dimensions: 2.25 x 48 x 5.3 inches | Type: LED | Lumens: 4000

Best Motion Activated

Lithonia Lighting SGLL 2 ft. Indoor Integrated LED Garage Light with Integrated Motion Sensor Flushmount

Amazon Lithonia Lighting SGLL 2 ft. Indoor Integrated LED Garage Light with Integrated Motion Sensor Flushmount

Amazon

What We Like
  • Motion detection from up to 30 feet away

  • Can set auto shutoff time

  • Flush mount or suspension rod mount

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

There are plenty of options with the Lithonia Lighting garage light. It can be mounted using a suspension rod or flush mounted to the ceiling. What sets it apart is the 360-degree motion detector that turns the light on and off. It detects movement up to 30 feet away and turns the light on. You can set the time for auto-shutoff between 1 and 10 minutes. This saves energy while making sure that the light stays on if you just need to leave the room for a few minutes.

You can also link multiple lights, although the connecting cable is sold separately. It can help you save money on your utility bills by decreasing your energy consumption thanks to the energy-saving LED light that turns off by itself when motion is not detected.

Price at time of publish: $135

Dimensions: 3.5 x 24.44 x 10.44 inches | Type: LED | Lumens: 5000

Best Flush Mount

Commercial Electric Utility LED Shop Light with Pull Chain

Amazon Commercial Electric Integrated Heavy Duty Utility LED Shop Light

Amazon

What We Like
  • Flush mount or hanging installation

  • Can link four lights

  • Long pull chain

What We Don't Like
  • Needs to be close to power outlet

This ceiling light is designed to provide a sleek look and keep the light out of the way, making it ideal for garages or workspaces with lower ceilings. It can be mounted directly on the ceiling, and it comes with an optional hanging chain for added versatility. The light emits 7000 lumens and has a lifespan of 50,000 hours.

To power the light, you will need access to a power outlet. Depending on the location of your power outlet, installing the flush mount may be challenging. However, using the power cord, you can link up to four units together and control them all with the pull chain. This is a great option for smaller spaces, as it provides a lot of light while taking up minimal space.

Price at time of publish: $55

Dimensions: 2.3 x 48 x 10.7 inches | Type: LED | Lumens: 7000

Best Under-Cabinet

Goodland LED Under Cabinet Lighting

Amazon Goodland Under Cabinet Lighting 80 LED

Amazon

What We Like
  • Easy to install

  • Adjustable color and brightness

  • Motion sensor mode

What We Don't Like
  • Not very bright

The Goodland Under Cabinet Lights are perfect for providing lighting on a workbench or other space in your garage. Each strip has 80 LED lights on it and can be adjusted to different light temperatures. It also has a motion sensor that you can set for daytime or nighttime use. As a bonus, the lights are also dimmable.

This fixture doesn’t require installation. Instead, it sticks to the surface and has a rechargeable battery for power. A magnetic strip, which is included, is used to stick the light to the surface. These aren’t great for directional task lighting, which is often what you need on a workbench. If you just want general illumination in the area, however, these LED lights are an energy-efficient, easy installation option.

Price at time of publish: $41

Dimensions: ‎9.05 x 1.18 x 0.39 inches | Type: LED | Lumens: 280

Best for Detailing

Tanbaby LED Garage Light 2-Pack

Amazon Tanbaby LED Garage Light 2-Pack

Amazon

What We Like
  • Adjustable panels

  • Puts out a lot of light

  • Can be used in place of a standard bulb

What We Don't Like
  • Can’t use with narrow fixtures

The Tanbaby light has six adjustable panels as well as a center light. Not only does this put out plenty of light for even detailed work, but you can also direct the light by adjusting the panels. This set of two comes with lights that can be used in place of a standard bulb. Each one puts out 15,000 lumens. They have a lifespan of 50,000 hours.

You’ll need a socket or fixture to use the bulbs. They don’t come with a cord or other way of getting power. You’ll need to screw them in place of a traditional bulb to get the extra illumination and adjustable lighting. They take up a bit more space than a standard bulb, especially when the panels are fully extended. This means that they might not work in all fixtures or places. 

Price at time of publish: $40

Dimensions: ‎11 x 6.6 x 5 inches | Type: LED | Lumens: 15,000

Best Linkable

Honeywell LED Linear Shop Light 2-Pack

Lowe's Honeywell 4-ft White 1-Light LED Linear Shop Light

Lowe's

What We Like
  • Can link multiple lights together

  • Budget-friendly

  • Energy-efficient LEDs

What We Don’t Like
  • Not as much directed light

Having multiple fixtures installed can be useful in the garage because it allows you to customize the lighting arrangement and placement to your specific needs. The Honeywell fixtures are sold in sets of two. You can also link up to 10 lights together. If you need large-scale task lighting in your garage that won’t break the bank, this is a good option.

The installation uses the included chains, making it ideal for use in a garage. It makes use of energy-saving LED bulbs that still put out a substantial amount of light. Each one only puts out 5000 lumens, which is less than some other options. But the convenience of the installation and the ability to connect multiple lights together can create the perfect lighting scheme.

Price at time of publish: $71

Dimensions: 48.03 x 5.83 x 2.32 inches | Type: LED | Lumens: 5000

Best Moisture-Proof

Airand Waterproof LED Shop Light for Garage

Airand Waterproof LED Shop Light for Garage

Amazon

What We Like
  • Energy-saving design

  • Waterproof

  • Different sizes

What We Don't Like
  • Short power cord

If you're concerned about humidity damaging your fixture or causing an electrical hazard, we suggest using the Airand Waterproof LED Shop Light. It comes with a 66 IP (Ingress Protection) rating, which means that it's impervious to dust, water, and other moisture.

The light is available in two different sizes and some sets include plugs and additional pieces. If you require additional lighting, you can connect up to ten tube lights to it, allowing you to create your ideal lighting experience.

Price at time of publish: $40

Material: Polycarbonate | Lumens: 3600 | Kelvin: 5000 | Wattage: 36 watts | Installation: Surface mount

Final Verdict

Overall, we recommend the Freelicht LED 60W Garage Light. We appreciate the tri-panel design, the high kelvin and lumens ratings, and its ability to screw into an existing light socket. However, if you're looking for something even more affordable, go with the budget-friendly TUODAW LED Garage Lights, which also calls for screw-in installation and boasts high lumens and high kelvin.

What to Look For in Garage Lighting

Fixture Type

Garage lighting tends to be brighter than other rooms because of the need to see well when working on projects or making repairs. Some fixtures are meant to provide illumination to the entire room, such as the Honeywell 4-ft White 1-Light LED Linear Shop Light. Others, like the Freelicht LED 60W Garage Light with Medium Base, can be adjusted to provide directional light.

Lighting Type

There are different kinds of lighting fixtures in garages, each with its own pros and cons.

  • LED: This is the most popular choice by far. LED stands for light emitting diode and includes technology that produces bright light without using a lot of electricity. Garage lighting with LEDs can have bulbs installed that do not require replacement and can last for years. LEDs can be pricey, however.
  • Incandescent: Standard lightbulbs typically fall into this category. They have the most recognizable look and are often used for their style. They don’t last as long as LEDs, however, and use a lot more energy.
  • Fluorescent: These are a good balance of cost and longevity, making them a good choice for garages. Fluorescent lighting often creates a harsher light, however, and some people don’t like that.

Watts and Lumens

The light that a bulb puts out is referred to as lumens, making this a key measurement when choosing the right garage lighting for your space. More lumens means more light. Watts is the amount of power that a bulb uses. Another important measurement is Kelvin. This refers to the color temperature. A higher Kelvin light bulb will have brighter white light.


Installation Requirements

Make sure that you know what installation will work in your garage. Many garage lighting fixtures, including the Utilitech 4-ft White Cool White LED Strip Shop Light, have power cords that need to be plugged in. Others, such as the Tanbaby LED Garage Light, can be screwed into any standard lightbulb socket.

FAQ
  • What are the best lights to use in a garage?

    The best lights depend on your needs and use. “I generally recommend all-purpose lighting and specific task lights, if needed,” says Jessica Terenyi, professional organizer, coach, and owner/CEO of JK Organizing, LLC. “It’s best to organize your garage so that you can get to the things that you need and use them.”

    A directional light is good for specific tasks, such as working on hobbies at a workbench or making repairs to your car. A flush mount or suspended light is good for lighting up the entire space.

  • How many lumens do I need for a garage light?

    If you do a lot of work in your garage, a high-lumen light is the best option. Between 7000 and 10,000 will provide enough light in most cases. You can also get a light with more lumens that are directed to a workbench or other task-specific space.

  • Is cool white or daylight brightness better for garage lighting?

    The best light often comes down to personal preference. Daylight is usually brighter and provides more illumination. As its name suggests, cool white is cooler and good for directional lighting.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was researched and written by Katie Melynn, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. To compile this list, she considered the best types of lighting for tasks in the garage as well as general-purpose lighting. She also consulted Jessica Terenyi, professional organizer, coach, and owner/CEO of JK Organizing, LLC, about keeping the garage organized and functional.

Continue to 9 of 9 below.