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The 10 Best Night Lights of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Top options to illuminate without being disruptive

A variety of nightlights displayed on a wooden floor

The Spruce / Theresa Holland

In addition to comforting little ones while they sleep, night lights can prevent you from knocking into furniture on your way to the bathroom when you want to save your eyes from the glare of overhead lighting. They're something to consider when lighting a nursery. "When choosing night lights, we always suggest listing the activities that will be carried out in the space at night, and what effects and sensations you want to achieve," says Lina M. Gómez of the Decorist design duo Nemai Studio.

To help you find the best picks currently on the market, we tested and researched a dozen top options, assessing each product based on design, effectiveness, features, durability, and overall value.

Best Overall

Westinghouse 4-in-1 Rechargeable Night Light

Westinghouse 4-in-1 Rechargeable LED Night Light (3 Pack)

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    4.5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Features
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Overall Value
    4.8/5
What We Like
  • Multiuse design

  • Long-lasting LED

  • Rechargeable battery

What We Don't Like
  • Cool-white illumination

  • Covers both outlets

Based on our extensive at-home testing, the Westinghouse 4-in-1 Night Light was a clear winner. With a modern design that will work well throughout your home, the product earned perfect scores for effectiveness, features, and durability. It comes with plenty of thoughtful features that make it stand out from other options, including integrated light- and motion-sensing technology (the latter of which turns the unit on at dusk and off at dawn).

In addition to acting as a standard plug-in night light, this multipurpose unit also works as a security light in the event of a power outage. It charges on the wall and offers six hours of illumination when it's not plugged in.

When you remove it from the wall, you can fold in the plug so it's flush with the rest of the light. This allows you to use it as a pocket flashlight or place it on a flat surface when you need illumination. And unlike many other night lights, there's a power button right on the side.

Though this night light isn't the most affordable option we tried, we appreciate that it comes in packs of three. Note that we weren't huge fans of the cool-white illumination, as it can be stimulating if left on while sleeping. However, this is often the case with LEDs. All in all, this light is an excellent option for use all around the home.

Dimensions: 4.25 x 2 x 1 inches | Power Source: Plug-in/rechargeable battery | Average Life: 10,000 hours | Pack Size: 3

Westinghouse 4-in-1 Rechargeable LED Night Light illuminated in a dark room

The Spruce / Theresa Holland

Best Budget

Westek Night Light with Clear Lens

Westek Manual Switch LED Night Light with Clear Lens

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    4/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Features
    4/5
  • Durability
    4/5
  • Overall Value
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • Sturdy

  • Long-lasting LED

  • On/off switch

What We Don't Like
  • Cool-white illumination

On a budget? The Westek Manual Switch Light will only run you a few bucks. Though it wasn't the sturdiest option we tried, this product earned high marks for design and durability on account of the basic, pared-down appearance and LED bulb that promises 10,000 hours of illumination. 

While this night light doesn't have a motion sensor or any other fancy bells and whistles, we still appreciated features like the handy power switch, which can be more convenient than a finicky motion sensor. While we wish the illumination were a bit warmer, it performed well for the price and would work particularly well for bathrooms or living spaces where the cool-white light might be less of a bother.

Dimensions: 3.09 x 1.57 x 2.08 inches | Power Source: Plug-in | Average Life: Up to 50,000 hours | Pack Size: 2

Westek Manual Switch LED Night Light with Clear Lens plugged into an outlet

The Spruce / Theresa Holland

Best for Nurseries

Pottery Barn Kids Ceramic Moon Light

Pottery Barn Kids Ceramic Moon Light

Pottery Barn Kids

Our Ratings
  • Design
    4.5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Features
    4/5
  • Durability
    4/5
  • Overall Value
    4.2/5
What We Like
  • Hand-painted

  • Warm illumination

  • On/off switch

What We Don't Like
  • Non-LED bulb

  • Fragile

For lighting solutions in nurseries, we recommend the Ceramic Moon Light from Pottery Barn Kids. With a hand-painted ceramic face, it has a charming, somewhat old-fashioned look that will delight kiddos and parents alike—a nice addition to your nursery design. During testing, we found that it did its job well, emitting warm illumination that wasn't too stimulating for sleeping babies.

Apart from its design, this light is fairly basic. Unlike some other options we tried, it doesn't have an auto turn-off, but a simple on/off switch will still get the job done. We deducted a point for durability because it's well-made yet somewhat fragile, which could pose an issue once a child starts crawling and walking.

Dimensions: 2 x 3.25 x 5.25 inches | Power Source: Plug-in | Average Life: N/A | Pack Size: 1

Pottery Barn Kids Ceramic Moon Light illuminated in a dark room

The Spruce / Theresa Holland

Best Smart

Hatch Rest Night Light

Hatch Rest Night Light and Smart Sound Machine

Walmart

Our Ratings
  • Design
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    4.5/5
  • Features
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Overall Value
    4.8/5
What We Like
  • 10 soft colors

  • 11 soothing sounds

  • Time-to-rise feature

  • Mobile app controls

What We Don't Like
  • Not cordless

If you’re in the market for a night light that offers more than just your standard illumination, the Hatch Rest is definitely worth considering. Like many other smart lamps, this night light comes with a handful of Wi-Fi-enabled features that can make mornings and evenings all the easier. During our tests, we liked the simple, modern appearance, mobile app controls, various light modes, tap-to-change colors, and multiple sleep programs.

This pick is also ideal for those who have toddlers, as there are many settings that can help establishing a bedtime routine go more smoothly. For example, the time-to-rise feature illuminates different colors to indicate when your child should stay in bed versus when they can get up in the morning—a potential life-saver for parents.

Similar to the Hatch Restore Alarm/Sound Machine, the white noise setting on this night light may come in handy, too. We deducted half a point for effectiveness, as it functions great as a night light but won't keep every mischievous toddler in bed when they're supposed to be. Though the Rest is pricey for a night light, we'd say it's worth the money overall.

Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 6 inches | Power Source: Corded electric | Average Life: N/A | Pack Size: 1

Hand holding illuminated Hatch Rest Night Light and Smart Sound Machine

The Spruce / Theresa Holland

Best for Kids

Globe Electric Multicolor Night Light

Globe Electric Multicolor Silicone Night Light Lamp

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    4.5/5
  • Effectiveness
    4.5/5
  • Features
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    4.5/5
  • Overall Value
    4.6/5
What We Like
  • Rechargeable battery

  • Cute design

  • Changes colors

What We Don't Like
  • Short battery life

Shopping for something to fit with kid's bedroom decor? You can't go wrong with Globe Electric's Multicolor Silicone Night Lamp. Available in a variety of fun characters—including Rylie the Unicorn, Wally the Whale, and Tommy the Dinosaur—these whimsical night lights will add a dose of fun to your kiddo's sleep routine.

Each BPA-free light has a soft, squishy feel that we loved. With just a tap on its head, you can cycle through a variety of colors that emit a soft, warm glow.

Another perk of this night light is its rechargeable battery: You'll get up to four hours of fun off a single charge, making it perfect for travel or on the go. If it's all-night illumination you're after, you'll have to plug it in.

Dimensions: 5 x 4 x 7 inches | Power Source: Rechargeable battery | Average Life: 4 hours | Pack Size: 1

Globe Electric Multicolor Silicone Night Light Lamp illuminated in a dark room

The Spruce / Theresa Holland

Best for Teens

Allsop Home and Garden Glow Light

Allsop Home and Garden Glow Harvest Moon Light

Pbteen

Our Ratings
  • Design
    4.5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Features
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Overall Value
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • Rechargeable battery

  • Long power cord

  • Soft ambient glow

What We Don't Like
  • Somewhat bulky

  • Requires flat surface

For teens and tweens, we suggest the Glow Harvest Moon Light from Allsop Home and Garden based on our testing. Offering five brightness levels, 16 color options, a rechargeable battery with eight hours of cord-free illumination, and easy controls with included remote, the Glow impressed it with its effectiveness and features.

We gave this globe-shaped light high marks for design, knocking off just a half point because it's pretty big (12 inches in diameter) and requires a somewhat large, flat surface. However, since it's designed for outdoor use, it's also waterproof, making it a highly durable option.

Dimensions: 4.5-inch base, 12 inches tall | Power Source: Rechargeable battery | Average Life: 8-10 hours | Pack Size: 1

Allsop Home and Garden Glow Harvest Moon Light glowing green in a dark room

The Spruce / Theresa Holland

Best for Adults

Casper Glow Night Light

Casper Glow Night Light

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Features
    4/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Overall Value
    4.8/5
What We Like
  • Soft, warm glow

  • Motion sensor

  • Long-lasting LED bulb

What We Don't Like
  • Not adjustable

Colorful night lights aren't just for kids! If you're looking for something a bit more sophisticated than everyday, child-friendly options, we highly recommend the Casper Glow. We gave it perfect scores for design and durability, considering its compact, modern appearance and long-lasting LED bulb.

Designed to go in bedrooms without disrupting your shut-eye, this light has two modes—sleep and night owl— which you control from the switch on the back. The sleep mode function goes on automatically when the room gets dark and offers a continuous, gentle ambient light. Since you can't adjust the brightness or color, we deducted a point for features. But all things considered, the Glow Light is a versatile option for grown-ups and kids alike.

Dimensions: 1 x 2 x 2 inches | Power Source: Plug-in | Average Life: N/A | Pack Size: 2

Casper Glow Night Light plugged into an outlet

The Spruce / Theresa Holland

Best for Bathrooms

SerieCozy Night Light

SerieCozy Night Light (2 Pack)

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    4.5/5
  • Features
    4/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Overall Value
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • Long-lasting LED

  • Darkness sensor

  • Six colors available

What We Don't Like
  • No on/off switch

  • No motion sensor

If you want to avoid bumping into your door or counter on your way to the bathroom in the middle of the night but prefer not to flip on the overheads, SerieCozy is an excellent choice. Available in six colors and boasting a long-lasting LED bulb, this night light has a durable design that is versatile enough to use throughout your home.

Though it doesn't have a motion sensor, an on/off switch, or smart capabilities, it does have a darkness sensor and relatively straightforward functionality that gets the job done. Sold in packs of two, it's an affordable option that doesn't sacrifice quality.

Dimensions: 2 x 2 x 0.5 inches | Power Source: Plug-in | Average Life: N/A | Pack Size: 2

Finger pressing illuminated SerieCozy Night Light plugged into an outlet in a dark room

The Spruce / Theresa Holland

Best Battery-Powered

FC-Fancier Dimmable Light Touch Sensor Bedside Lamp

FC-Fancier Dimmable Light Touch Sensor Bedside Lamp

Amazon

What We Like
  • Cordless

  • Rechargeable

  • Adjustable brightness

What We Don't Like
  • Short battery life

  • Short charging cable

Battery-powered nightlights reign supreme if you don’t have an accessible outlet where you need illumination or want a backup light source in case you lose power. The FC-Fancier Dimmable Light is compact yet effective and can last around three hours on the highest brightness setting (or for longer if you opt to dim it). When it’s low on power, a red light will indicate that it’s time to plug the nightlight into the micro-USB charger and will take around 30 minutes to fully charge. 

The touch-activated nightlight offers two light colors, and we appreciate that it’s adjustable in brightness. And for just $13, we definitely think this small-but-mighty nightlight is well worth the price tag.

Dimensions: 3.15 x 1.85 x 3.15 inches | Power Source: Rechargeable battery | Average Life: 3 hours | Pack Size: 1

Best for Toddlers

Yogasleep Light to Rise Sleep Trainer, Sound Machine, and Night Light

Yogasleep Light to Rise Sleep Trainer, Sound Machine, and Night Light

Yogasleep

What We Like
  • Multicolor light

  • 30 calming sounds

  • Can program custom sleep schedules

What We Don't Like
  • Somewhat bulky

  • Not cordless

If you have a toddler at home, check out the Yogasleep Light to Rise Sleep Trainer, Sound Machine, and Night Light, which is designed to help establish a bedtime routine. As the name suggests, this device offers more than just a comforting illumination at night. We haven't tested this pick (yet!), but we appreciate that the feature-packed device has adjustable, multicolored light and 30 different comforting sounds, including fan sounds, nature sounds, and lullabies.

You can also program custom sleep schedules on the nightlight and designate a certain time for Sleep Mode, which will gradually dim and then shut off the nightlight after one hour. In Wake Mode, a yellow light will start off dim, gradually intensify, and turn green when it’s time to get up. The Yogasleep Night Light helps with the repetition of a nighttime routine, which is especially helpful for toddlers who are newly developing these habits.

Dimensions: Not listed | Power Source: Corded electric | Average Life: N/A | Pack Size: 1

Compare

Products Product Links Design Effectiveness Features Durability Overall Value
Westinghouse 4-in-1 Rechargeable LED Night Light (3 Pack)
Best Overall:
Westinghouse 4-in-1 Rechargeable Night Light
4.5/5 5/5 5/5 5/5 4.8/5
Westek Manual Switch LED Night Light with Clear Lens
Best Budget:
Westek Night Light with Clear Lens
4/5 5/5 4/5 4/5 4.5/5
Pottery Barn Kids Ceramic Moon Light
Best for Nurseries:
Pottery Barn Kids Ceramic Moon Light
4.5/5 5/5 4/5 4/5 4.2/5
Hatch Rest Night Light and Smart Sound Machine
Best Smart:
Hatch Rest Night Light
5/5 4.5/5 5/5 5/5 4.8/5
Globe Electric Multicolor Silicone Night Light Lamp
Best for Kids:
Globe Electric Multicolor Night Light
4.5/5 4.5/5 4.5/5 4.5/5 4.6/5
Allsop Home and Garden Glow Harvest Moon Light
Best for Teens:
Allsop Home and Garden Glow Light
4.5/5 5/5 5/5 5/5 4.5/5
Casper Glow Night Light
Best for Adults:
Casper Glow Night Light
5/5 5/5 4/5 5/5 4.8/5
SerieCozy Night Light (2 Pack)
Best for Bathrooms:
SerieCozy Night Light
5/5 4.5/5 4/5 5/5 4.5/5
FC-Fancier Dimmable Light Touch Sensor Bedside Lamp
Best Battery-Powered:
FC-Fancier Dimmable Light Touch Sensor Bedside Lamp
Yogasleep Light to Rise Sleep Trainer, Sound Machine, and Night Light
Best for Toddlers:
Yogasleep Light to Rise Sleep Trainer, Sound Machine, and Night Light

Final Verdict

Our best overall pick is the modern and versatile Westinghouse 4-in-1 LED Night Light, which has a multiuse design and can be used as a flashlight, security light, or portable table light. If you're shopping for a child or toddler, your best bet is the Globe Electric LED Night Light, our top choice for kids. Available in three different characters, the soft and squishy night light boasts tap-to-change colors and a rechargeable battery.

How We Tested the Night Lights

The Spruce editors took their time researching today's best night lights, selecting a dozen to try out in a real-life setting. First, we carefully inspected the appearance, material, power source, battery life, bulb type, and light warmth of each product. Next, we placed the lights all throughout a house, including in a bedroom, child's room, guest room, bathroom, and hallway.

After putting them to the test overnight, we evaluated the lights based on design, effectiveness, features, durability, and overall value, then awarded a score from 1 to 5 (5 being the best; 1 being the worst) in each category. The products with the most impressive performance across all categories were ultimately chosen for this roundup.

What to Look for in a Night Light

Childproofing

If you're planning to keep the light in a baby or toddler's room, you may want to skip corded options (or make sure to keep it far from their reach). Battery compartments should have screws to protect them from kids' curious fingers. Some smartphone-compatible "smart" alarm clocks, like our best smart option Hatch Rest, also have a "Toddler Lock" setting so little ones can't override your preferences.

Power Source

Some lights plug into the wall while other lights are cordless and use only batteries. A USB charger can be a handy feature, as can battery backup on wall-powered devices (if the power goes out, your settings will be preserved).

Extra Features

Bluetooth compatibility can be handy, but if your home has dead zones for mobile reception, it might not be ideal. Some night lights also offer motion detection so that it automatically turns off when no one is near, or dusk-to-dawn operation so it automatically turns on when the room isn't otherwise lit. If you don't have a dedicated alarm clock or a white noise machine, those additional features in a night light could come in handy, as well.

Style

"When selecting a lighting style for your home, the most important consideration is the style of the home itself," says Fendy Castillo, Gómez's partner at Nemai Studio. "After you decide what style works best with your home, you must determine whether you will use it as general ambient lighting, task lighting, or accent lighting." Night lights are primarily functional, but with the right design and a warm glow, they can enhance the ambiance of a space.

FAQ
  • At what age do kids use night lights?

    Night lights can be added to a child's room as early as infancy, not only to create a sense of ambiance in the room, but to help parents and caregivers navigate the space. Typically, kids use night lights between toddler age to late elementary school, but some children may like having the additional light for comfort or mobility in even later years.

  • What socket type do North American night lights use?

    In North America, most night lights use an ES (Edison screw), or a standard lightbulb socket. Most plug-in night lights will easily run from a 120-volt electrical outlet.

  • What night lights use the least energy?

    In general, LED night lights typically use less than a single watt, in comparison to typical lights which use anywhere between 1 and 8 watts.

  • Can night lights be left on all night?

    Some night lights are designed to be left on all night whereas others have timers. LED lights are the safest because they use such low wattage and remain cool to the touch. This eliminates any fire hazard as they will not overheat.

  • Which color night light is best for sleeping?

    There is some limited research suggesting that warm colors like red and orange can help you fall asleep. On the other hand, what is well-documented is that the blue light emitted by our electronic devices has a negative impact on sleep quality.

    These cool colors, white, yellow, and to some extent green, disrupt our circadian rhythm by telling our brains it's daytime. Warm colors can have the opposite effect.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This story was written by Theresa Holland, a freelance commerce writer specializing in lifestyle, sleep products, and kids' gear. She has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019, where she covers home goods, lighting, and interior decor. You can read more of her bylines on MyDomaine and Verywell Family.

For this roundup, our editors researched today's standout night lights and sent Holland home with a dozen to try out in a real-life setting. She carefully inspected, tested, and evaluated each product, and then consulted experts before landing on the final picks. As a toddler mom, Holland is familiar with various types of night lights and time-to-rise gadgets and keeps a Hatch Rest+ in her child's bedroom.

Our Experts:

  • Lina M. Gómez, Industrial Designer and Co-Founder of Nemai Studio
  • Fendy Castillo, Interior Architect and Co-Founder of Nemai Studio
  • Bianca Pineda, a commerce writer specializing in bedding, bath, and home decor content for The Spruce, contributed additional reporting.
The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Blume C, et al. Effects of light on human circadian rhythms, sleep and mood. Somnologie : Schlafforschung und Schlafmedizin = Somnology : sleep research and sleep medicine vol. 23,3 (2019): 147-156. doi:10.1007/s11818-019-00215-x

  2. M. M. U. Rehman, H. Shabbir, S. A. Rehman, S. K. Sheikh and N. Zaffar, A Comparative Analysis of Electrical and Photo Characteristics of LED Lights2012 10th International Conference on Frontiers of Information Technology, 2012, pp. 219-224, doi: 10.1109/FIT.2012.46.

  3. Zhao, Jiexiu et al. Red light and the sleep quality and endurance performance of Chinese female basketball playersJournal of athletic training vol. 47,6 (2012): 673-8. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-47.6.08

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