8 Best LED Shop Lights For Garages and Workshops 2022

Still squinting when working on your car and not a fan of the higher power bill that more lights would bring? It’s about time to replace your outdated fluorescent shop lights with LED units, then!

No matter whether you are a professional mechanic or simply a DIYer, your garage, repair shop, or any other workspace needs to be sufficiently lit, period. And unless your garage was recently renovated, you probably have conventional incandescent bulbs dotted all over the place. However, since cool light significantly improves concentration and makes it a lot easier to see details — a characteristic not to neglect in a workshop. Luckily, the best and most efficient source of cool light is modern LEDs, a type of light bulb that rapidly gained in popularity in recent years due to the numerous advantages they offer, including a longer lifespan and significantly lower energy costs.

If you’ve decided to make the switch to LEDs, or even just considering it and shopping around, you’ll see that there are a lot of options out there, good and bad, and it might be a bit challenging to sort the wheat from the chaff. To make the process a whole lot easier for you, we’ve taken the liberty of preparing a curating and reviewing 8 of the best LED shop lights we could find.

Of course, not all garages or shops are the same, so we made sure to include different types and models suited for various applications — there should be a little something for everyone in there.

I hope it helps!

Best LED Shop Lights Reviews

1. SYLVANIA 61452 LED Utility Shop Light Ceiling Fixture — Budget Pick

The Sylvania 61452 is our budget pick for this list. It is a standard run-of-the-mill LED utility shop light designed to do one thing and one thing only — illuminate — and it does it quite well considering the price. Sylvania’s LED shop light emits 3000 lumens of 4000K cool white light at 30W, which is more than enough to light up a small garage or to install right above your workbench. Of course, for most average garages, you’ll need more than one and luckily you can connect several of them in series, doing away with the extra power cords. With the Sylvania 61452, you can connect up to 8 of the same model on a single power source, perfect even for the largest garages.

Also worth mentioning, Sylvania offers several mounting accessories with the light fixture, allowing you to choose between three mounting options: screwed to the ceiling, suspended from it, or quick snap-on brackets. And when mounted from the ceiling, you can use the included pull chain to operate the light whenever required — no need to unplug it from the wall outlet every time.

All in all, if you are looking for the best LED shop light on a budget, the Sylvania 61452 is your best bet. Moreover, despite the low cost, the brand offers something even premium manufacturers don’t — a standard 5-year warranty and a guaranteed lifetime of 50,000 hours. Still, you’ll have to accept the slightly cheaper-looking plastic body, but after all, at this price point, you can’t really expect stainless steel either.

Highlighted features

• Technical specs: 3,000 lumens @ 30W
• 4000K cool white light
• Overall dimensions: 35.7” X 1.33” X 2.48”
• Total weight: 1.7 lbs.
• Plastic body
• 50,000 hours guaranteed lifetime
• Includes 3 different types of mounting accessories

Pros

• Simple installation process
• Multiple mounting options
• Up to 8 shop lights can be linked to a single power outlet
• Five years manufacturer warranty

Cons

• Suitable for indoor use only
• Not built for heavy-duty use
• Plastic body could be sturdier

2. Metalux SHP Black Integrated LED Shop Light

If you aren’t sold on Sylvania’s somewhat delicate plastic body, Metalux’s SHP black integrated shop light is a much better option for you. Notably, this model features a stainless steel housing for optimum durability and protection against foreign objects. The steel interior reflector also plays a vital role in ensuring the light is evenly distributed, covering a wider area than most. What’s more, the retro checker plate pattern used for the body might look out of place in a modern home interior but will fit your garage like a glove.

The Metalux SHP LED shop light produces 4,100 lumens at 40W, equivalent to 64W fluorescent lamps. A large part of this energy-saving comes from using advanced LED technology in combination with a frosted lens for better light quality. Moreover, each SHP light comes with an extra outlet you can use to link up to 12 units of the same model in a series for industrial-scale applications.

Metalux provides all required accessories like a 5’ power cord, an on-off chain, the required mounting hardware, and an extra outlet — no need to worry about anything. Simply install your new shop lights, and you are good to go for the next 50,000 hours.

Highlighted features

• Technical specs: 4,100 lumens @ 40W
• 4000K cool white light
• Overall dimensions: 46.5” X 5.7” X 2.75”
• Total weight: 4.4 lbs.
• Diamond stamped stainless-steel housing
• 50,000 hours rated lifetime
• Includes power cord, on/off chain, mounting hardware, and convenience outlet

Pros

• Perfect for large workshops, repair shops, and garages
• Up to 12 lights can be linked in series
• Significantly more efficient than fluorescent bulbs
• Durable and sturdy metal body
• Reasonably priced
• Five years manufacturer warranty

Cons

• Not much to say here…

3. Commercial Electric 840/HD Utility LED Shop Light

The Commercial Electric 840HD is a heavy-duty LED shop light featuring a highly durable polycarbonate housing, a material offering several advantages over metal or plain plastic. For instance, unlike metals, you won’t have to worry about rust here, and polycarbonate is significantly sturdier than regular plastic.

The 840HD LED shop light provides a brightness output of 7,000 lumens while consuming merely 80W. To put things into perspective, that’s a potential saving of up to $1,760 in energy costs over the light’s lifetime when compared to a 160W fluorescent unit.

Another unique feature about Commercial Electric’s LED shop light is the innovative integrated LED construction. The 840HD comes with four LED lamps, each measuring 4′ long. And unlike other models, the LED units in this shop light are integrated into the main polycarbonate housing itself. Hence, you won’t have to deal with the hassle of replacing or disposing of individual LED lamps.

However, this also means you will have to buy a whole new fixture even if only one of the lamps fails. Still, that shouldn’t really be a problem since Commercial Electric claims these LEDs will easily last 50,000 hours (which is a lot). In any case, there is a 5-year manufacturer warranty for complete peace of mind.

Highlighted features

• Technical specs: 7,000 lumens @ 80W
• 4000K cool white light
• Overall dimensions: 47.25” X 10.7” X 2.2”
• Total weight: 5.25 lbs.
• Polycarbonate housing
• 50,000 hours rated lifetime
• Includes power cord and mounting hardware

Pros

• Innovative integrated LED construction
• Lightweight yet durable polycarbonate housing
• High brightness output
• Perfect for repair shops and other commercial spaces
• Up to 4 units can be linked together
• Five years manufacturer warranty

Cons

• LED units can’t be replaced individually

4. Braun 56780 Diamond Plate LED Hanging Shop Light — Editor’s Pick

If you like the previous model but aren’t entirely convinced about the integrated LED architecture, the Braun 56780 LED hanging shop light is well worth considering. Braun’s LED shop light features four powerful LED tube lights working in unison to provide a brightness output of 10,000 lumens (and those can be replaced individually if needed).

This model uses time-tested and proven LED technology resulting in an impeccable user experience without flickering even after years of use. Moreover, this also results in unmatched energy efficiency and up to 10% cost savings compared to similar fluorescent bulb fixtures.

The Braun 56780 features a distinctive diamond-stamped housing, a welcome change from the dull styling of other units. Besides, the stamped design helps in heat dissipation, thereby increasing the LEDs’ service life.

Braun’s 100W LED shop light is perfect for small commercial spaces, including service centers, and repair shops, but also larger home garages. The mammoth 10,000-lumen output will brighten up every object in sight, and on the off chance that you need more, there is a provision to link up to four lights in series.

Highlighted features

• Technical specs: 10,000 lumens @ 100W
• Overall dimensions: 47.37” X 7.43” X 1.75”
• Total weight: 4.7 lbs.
• Diamond-stamped housing
• Uses SMD LED units
• Includes a power cord, two mounting chains, and two hanging S-hooks

Pros

• Great value for money
• High lumen output
• Slim and low-profile design
• Up to four fixtures can be linked in series
• 90 days manufacturer warranty

Cons

• Warranty period could be longer

5. Commercial Electric 55703141 LED Shop Light

Did you ever think “Man, I wish my LED shop light came with Bluetooth speakers”? No? Me neither, and yet, Commercial Electric has created just that — an LED shop light with built-in Bluetooth speakers, so you can vibe to your favorite tunes while on the job. All you need to do is download Commercial Electric’s app and pair your Android or iOS device to the speakers once. From then on, your phone will automatically pair with the speakers every time you are within 33’ from the light.

Still, the Commercial Electric 55703141 LED shop light is more than just a fancy gadget meant to impress potential buyers. Indeed, it doesn’t lag behind when it comes to its primary purpose — illumination. Notably, it puts out 3600 lumens of a 4000K crisp white light while consuming only 40W and will do so for years.

If you like the idea of killing two birds with one stone, the Commercial Electric 55703141 is the best LED shop light for your garage. The Bluetooth speakers are a bonus, and it does not compromise at all with the light’s performance. However, due to the relatively small speakers, I have to admit that the sound quality could be better. If you are looking for something a little more powerful, I would highly suggest you get a separate garage radio instead.

Highlighted features

• Technical specs: 3,600 lumens @ 40W
• 4000K bright white light
• Overall dimensions: 42” X 4.33” X 2.55”
• Total weight: 3.65 lbs.
• Brushed nickel housing
• 50,000 hours rated lifetime
• Includes power cord, mounting hardware, and on/off pull chain

Pros

• Integrated Bluetooth speakers for entertainment
• Easy-to-use mobile app for connectivity
• Premium brushed body finish
• Lightweight and easy to install LED shop light
• Five years manufacturer warranty

Cons

• The power cord could be a bit longer
• Not linkable
• Sound quality is not at par with dedicated speaker units

6. WareLight Condor G2 Premium LED High Bay — Best Dimmable LED Shop Light

Warelight’s Condor range of premium LED shop lights is specifically designed for use in high ceiling industrial environments. You can choose from eight options with varying wattage, brightness output, color temperature, and dimensions, but the 90W G2 variant we have chosen here puts out nearly 12,000 lumens of bright white light. And if that is still not enough for you, commercial options can even go as high as 55,000 lumens — no need to say that such powerful models would be a bit overkill for residential garages, though.

But that’s not even the best part; unlike the previous models on this list, the Condor G2 can be dimmed as per requirement, thanks to modern high-performance LED chips and drivers, allowing dimming down to 10%.

And of course, to make sure its lights last for years in any harsh commercial environment, the Condor G2 comes with durable metal housing finished in an uber-cool matte white, which looks just as at home in a modern science laboratory as it does in an old warehouse.

The Warelight Condor is the best LED shop light for commercial or domestic garages with ceilings 15 ft. high or more. Yes, it does cost more than other models, but with a rated lifespan of 100,000 hours and a 7-year warranty, you won’t be looking for a replacement anytime soon.

Highlighted features

• Technical specs: 11,970 lumens @90W
• 5000K cool white light
• Overall dimensions: 23.8” X 12.6” X 3.6”
• Total weight: 10.58 lbs.
• Matte white metal housing
• 100,000 hours rated lifetime
• Includes power cord and mounting hardware

Pros

• Several light fixtures to choose from based on your specific needs
• Best LED shop light for high-ceiling garages
• Extra-long service life
• Dimmable nature allows extra flexibility
• Offers many mounting options
• Seven years manufacturer warranty

Cons

• Costs slightly more than other models

7. Newhouse Lighting Garage Shop Light

Who doesn’t love a good deal? And when the deal is as good as what Newhouse Lighting is offering, you don’t need to think twice. You’ll get four high-power LED shop lights for roughly the same amount of money as a premium model. And we are talking about fixtures producing 10,000 lumens of cool white LED light (multiplied by 4 since it’s a 4-pack kit) at the push of a button — that’s a lot!

Also worth mentioning, Newhouse Lighting’s LED shop light consumes only 100W of energy, approximately 60% less than a fluorescent bulb of the same caliber and strength. Additionally, each light is tested and certified by the Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL) and meets all industry standards for safety, which is not super glamorous but still essential.

If you are in the process of setting up a new residential garage or small repair shop, one 4-pack of Newhouse Lighting’s LED light should be more than enough, and for larger workspaces, you can always buy more than one (at that price, it will still cost a lot less than most other similar models). Moreover, the brand claims this shop light will provide 20 years of service, but even if it was to last only half of that, you would still be getting more than your money’s worth.

Highlighted features

• Technical specs: 10,000 lumens @ 100W
• 4000K cool white light
• Overall dimensions: 45” X 4.5” X 2”
• Total weight: 14.5 lbs.
• Silver painted metal housing
• 25,000 hours rated lifetime
• Includes a 5’ power cord, two S-hooks, and hanging chains

Pros

• Attractive silver finish body
• Great value for money
• High brightness output
• ETL certified
• Versatile LED shop light
• Five years manufacturer warranty

Cons

• Non-linkable

See also: 7 Best Underhood Work Lights

8. RCA SHL Series 4 ft. 74-Watt Integrated LED White Shop Light — Premium Pick

The RCA SHL LED lighting fixture is the most impressive and capable model on this list. It produces 9,100 lumens of refreshing white light at a 180° angle, made possible by the innovative wrap-around lens design. Interestingly, this design could create a glaring issue in most cases, but RCA took care of that with a unique diffuser that actively works to distribute light more evenly. The maximized lens area does increase the risk of developing cracks and other damage, but the impact-resistant smooth frosted glass is built precisely for such applications.

This shop light uses high-output LED chips working with LG Innotek drivers to provide the best lighting experience while being as energy-efficient as possible. The setup doesn’t produce much heat either, but just in case, the aluminum fixture will take care of keeping that under control. Moreover, the fixture is UL-listed, meaning it has passed a series of rigorous safety tests — so your garage is in very good hands here.

There’s no denying it, the RCA SHL is the best 4-foot LED shop light available on the market, thanks to sophisticated components and adherence to strict safety measures — and let’s be honest here, it looks quite good too. And, although it’s considerably more expensive than most, if you are looking for nothing but the best, this is what you need!

Highlighted features

• Technical specs: 9,100 lumens @ 76W
• 5000K cool white light
• Overall dimensions: 48” X 5.3” X 3”
• Total weight: 6.2 lbs.
• Aluminum housing
• 50,000 hours rated lifetime
• Includes power cord and mounting hardware

Pros

• Capable of wireless operation
• High-quality LED units and drivers
• 180° illumination range
• Impact-resistant frosted lens surface
• Distributes light evenly
• Five years manufacturer warranty

Cons

• On the expensive side

See also: 8 Best Work Light for Professional Mechanics and DIYers

How to Choose the Best LED Shop Lights

Now that we have seen some of the best LED shop lights money can buy, let me help you make the final decision by discussing certain essential factors worth considering when shopping around.

Wattage or energy consumption

A significant portion of the global campaign to get more and more people to shift towards LED lights is based on their significantly lower energy consumption compared to other bulbs. However, the efficiency of any shop light can change depending on various factors, including the type of LED units and drivers used.

It’s also important to take into account the power consumption and efficiency of the LED shop light you are eying and compare these parameters with other similar models. Power consumption might not have a big impact on your power bill if you only run 1-2 shop lights in your residential garage but if you own a larger repair shop, it might be worth taking into account.

Brightness output

In addition to their excellent efficiency, LED lights also provide high brightness outputs — a basic need for any garage or repair shop. Brightness can be measured using lumens, the measuring unit for luminous flux, denoting the amount of usable light emitted by any source per unit of time. Naturally, the higher the lumen value, the more powerful it is.

Simple, right?

Mounting options

Most LED shop lights offer a wide range of mounting options and include all the required hardware. In most cases, you’ll be able to either screw the fixtures directly to the ceiling or hanging from it, but other models may also offer a wall-mount option and sometimes allow you to mount them flush with the surface (which is especially useful if you do some auto body work in there).

Of course, what will work best for you totally depends on your specific setting and personal preferences but we highly recommend going for versatile models even if you don’t need the flexibility right now, as it can be extremely challenging (or just a real bummer) to access mounting hardware later — and you know you’ll have put the extra hardware for the other mounting options somewhere so good luck finding them then (yeah, I do that too lol).

Expected lifetime and warranty

The LEDs used in any shop light fixture come with an average lifetime rating, giving you an estimate of how long they are expected to last in ideal situations. These figures are given in hours and generally range from 25,000 to 100,000 hours, depending on the make and model. For obvious reasons, it is advisable to go for LEDs with longer service life.

Still, service ratings on any LED do not guarantee how long that light will actualy last — it’s merely an indication, an estimated average. And if we know one thing about electrical equipment, it can break anytime without prior notice. Still, it’s a good way to compare the model you are about to buy with others but that’s pretty much it. For that reason, buy an LED shop light with a significant warranty period, so you have nothing to worry about even in case of premature failure.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

Are LEDs really more cost-efficient than other bulbs despite the higher initial investment?

Obviously, the answer to this question will heavily depend on the price of the model you choose to go for. However, in a general sense, LEDs are significantly more efficient than fluorescent bulbs. Some LED shop lights even claim energy savings of up to 60%, equivalent to several thousand dollars in the long run. And of course, if you garage is a residential one-car garage and you only need 1-2 LED fixtures, it won’t make that big of a difference. On the other hand, if you own a much large garage or run an auto repair shop with dozens of those, you’ll see that the savings are not negligible.

Regardless, it’s almost certain that your initial investment, no matter how high, will prove profitable in the long run. If you ask me, shifting to LEDs is a brilliant move, especially if you currently spend a fortune on power bills due to your outdated lighting equipment.

How do I know how many lumens I need for my shop?

To help you better decide the lumen output required for your garage, we have developed a general guide that uses the shop’s available square footage as the principal deciding factor.

For any workshop, warehouse, repair shop, or garage, you’ll need about 40-50 foot-candles (about the equivalent of the light produced by a candle at a one-foot distance). Multiplying the area of your garage by 40-50 will give you a rough estimate of how many lumens you need. Of course, you can always go overboard and go well over that amount but keep in mind that it might create glaring issues and strain your eyes faster.

Also worth mentioning, don’t forget to mount the lights strategically around the area to maximize their resources and prevent dark corners. I would also suggest starting by placing lights right above where you need more light first. For instance, if you are an auto mechanic, think about installing one right above your workbench and another one just ahead where engine bays sit when a car is on the lift. For auto body repairmen, place one on each side of your bay; it will make it a lot easier to locate dents and identify rough spots.

Once that’s done, sprinkle the next ones around until you are satisfied with the result.

Verdict

Whether you use your garage as a workshop or just as a toolshed, proper lighting is essential. However, how much light you need and where you actually need it will vary a lot depending on the type of work you do in there. Consequently, you are the only one who actually knows where you want your fixtures and how powerful they need to be. Still, regardless of your specific setting, every model listed above will be well worth every penny.

Still, if I had to pick just one, I’d go with the Braun 56780 LED Shop Light. It’s pretty powerful, quite versatile, will last you for years and won’t cost you an arm and a leg while doing it — what more could you ask for?