Best Overall
VAVA Night Light
- It’s a portable night light with a long-lasting rechargeable battery.
It’s a portable night light with a long-lasting rechargeable battery.
- It’s smaller than it appears in the listing photos.
It’s smaller than it appears in the listing photos.
Despite the fact that this is made with babies in mind, the Vava Baby Night Light is an ideal option for all ages. It’s a multifunctional night light that’s simple to use with a touch control system. It’s also portable and lightweight, so you can bring it to any room you need. You can set it on a nightstand or wherever you prefer without being restricted to an area with an outlet—and no need to charge it every day, since the rechargeable battery is expected to last 100 hours.
A big perk of the Vava Baby Night Light is it’s dimmable through a tap, allowing you to set it to a brightness you are comfortable with. Plus, you can switch to the RGB color mode and choose between one of eight calming colors.
Don’t need the light the entire night? A button allows you to access the energy-saving sleep mode, which shuts off the light after an hour.
The egg-shaped night light is just a bit smaller in person than it appears online. But overall, it’s a great option, whether you’re on your own or have young kids in the house, since it’s made with safety in mind.
Product Details: Dimensions: 3.66 x 4.72 x 3.66 inches | Power source: USB-rechargeable | Lumens: Not listed | Extra Features: Dimmable RGB light
Key Terms to Know
- Lumens: A unit that measures how bright the light is emitting from a light source. Most night lights will have between 50 and 100 lumens.
Best Budget
Lyridz Motion Sensor Night Light
- The dimmable design is offered in two different lighting tones.
The dimmable design is offered in two different lighting tones.
- Once it detects motion, it only stays on for 60 seconds.
Once it detects motion, it only stays on for 60 seconds.
The Lyridz Motion Sensor Night Light is a functional and soothing set that’s less expensive than other options. The set includes two night lights that are foldable and offered with either cool white or warm white lighting.
We love that this pick is dimmable, so you can adjust it between one and 50 lumens. We also appreciate the rounded, compact shape that leaves the second outlet free for another device. It also has an off, automatic, and motion-sensor switch.
This night light does have a motion sensor that’ll come in handy, though will only illuminate for 60 seconds once triggered. However, we do find it helpful that each light has a switch to keep it on in case you need lighting for longer.
Product Details: Dimensions: 2.5x2.4x0.6 inches | Power Source: Plug-in | Lumens: 50 | Extra Features: Dimmable, motion sensor
Best Splurge
Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light
- Along with having a night light feature, it’s also a wake-up light.
Along with having a night light feature, it’s also a wake-up light.
- It requires a tabletop and is bigger than your average night light.
It requires a tabletop and is bigger than your average night light.
Those looking to enhance both their bedtime and morning routines may want to consider the Philips SmartSleep Sleep and Wake-Up Light. Cacho is a fan of the adjustable light features on this machine.
The bedside lamp’s midnight light setting functions as a night light that turns on only when you need it, by a simple tap on the top of the machine. The soft light is enough to help you navigate without being too overpowering in the middle of the night.
The night light feature is just a small part of what this gadget has to offer. There’s also a sunset simulation to get you ready to sleep and a sunrise one that gradually brings light into your bedroom in the morning. Research shows sunrise alarm clocks can improve sleep quality and reduce stress and burnout.
What’s more, there are also several natural wake-up sounds, meaning you can start the day hearing birds or feeling like you’re in the forest. And Cacho points out there’s a light-guided breathing option to help you sleep. “The guided breathing is a great feature because as we slow down our breath it improves relaxation by turning on the parasympathetic system,” she says.
One thing to note: The device is bigger than an average night light and requires a tabletop. It also requires a lot more setup and hands-on use compared to a simple plug-in.
Product Details: Dimensions: 8.8x8.6x4.7 inches | Power source: Corded electric | Lumens: Not listed | Extra Features: FM radio, tap snooze, and automatic dimmable display
Best for Kids
LittleHippo Mella
- It’s also an alarm clock, sound machine, and sleep trainer.
It’s also an alarm clock, sound machine, and sleep trainer.
- It works with an AC adapter power cord, which could be a safety hazard for younger children.
It works with an AC adapter power cord, which could be a safety hazard for younger children.
The LittleHippo Mella is easy to use and its playful look makes it an adorable addition to a child’s bedroom. It currently comes in four colors—teal, purple, pink, and blue—giving kids a few options to choose from.
This gadget offers much more than just a night light. It works as an alarm clock, sound machine, nap timer, and sleep trainer. The latter can be invaluable for parents, as the LittleHippo Mella uses facial expressions and colors to remind kids when it’s bedtime and time to wake up. The aim is to encourage little ones to get into a consistent sleep routine and stay put before the sunrise—letting parents get more sleep too! But these additional functions are best suited for kids who are at least 2 years old.
Parents should keep in mind the LittleHippo Mella does not work with a rechargeable battery and uses an AC adapter power cord, so extra safety measures may need to be taken, especially for younger children.
Product Details: Dimensions: 4.25 x 4.5 x 4.25 inches | Power source: Corded electric | Lumens: Not listed | Extra Features: Sound machine and alarm clock
Best LED
SYCEES Night Light
- It’s small and energy-saving, plus it gives off enough light to walk around in the dark.
It’s small and energy-saving, plus it gives off enough light to walk around in the dark.
- There’s no motion-detector feature and the bulbs aren’t replaceable.
There’s no motion-detector feature and the bulbs aren’t replaceable.
The Sycees LED Night Light is a versatile night light because it’s compact and can work well in any room or hallway. “It provides the right amount of soft, gentle light to navigate around in the dark,” Harris says.
Another perk is its built-in dusk-to-dawn sensor, meaning the night light automatically turns on at night and off in the morning. You can also adjust the brightness to your liking through an easy-to-use dimmer.
This night light doesn’t have a motion sensor, though, so it won’t work for anyone who prefers that the light turns off once they leave a room. The bulbs also aren’t replaceable so you’ll have to throw the light out once it’s burned out.
Plus, a four-pack for an affordable price makes this a solid pick for those on a budget. You can use the extra lights in other rooms or place them down a longer hallway to illuminate it at night.
Product Details: Dimensions: 2.5 x 2.5 x 2 inches | Power source: Plug-in | Lumens: Not listed | Extra Features: Energy efficient, dimmable, smart light sensor
Best Plug-In
Maz-tek Night Light
- You can adjust the brightness, and it comes in a pack of two.
You can adjust the brightness, and it comes in a pack of two.
- You can’t turn off the night light without unplugging it.
You can’t turn off the night light without unplugging it.
Unlike many other models, you have the option to dim or brighten the Maz-tek Plug-in LED Night Light through a switch. “The adjustable brightness feature on this night light allows you to customize the level of illumination, providing a comfortable and calming light for sleep or relaxation,” Harris explains.
Despite the dimmer, there is no option to fully turn off the night light without unplugging it, and since there’s a dusk-to-dawn sensor, it will automatically turn on once it gets dark.
This little night light will also bring some style into your bedroom, bathroom, or hallway with its rounded, slim design.
Product Details: Dimensions: 2.79x2.76x0.7 inches | Power source: Plug-in | Lumens: 25 | Extra Features: Dimmable
Best Projector
Blisslights Sky Lite Evolve
- It works on any wall texture and doesn’t make noise.
It works on any wall texture and doesn’t make noise.
- You’ll need to download an app to use all the features.
You’ll need to download an app to use all the features.
Those who prefer a light show to drift off to sleep may want to consider the Blisslights Sky Lite Evolve. It projects a starry scene of pastel shades in reds, blues, pinks, and purples across your bedroom, a feature that many find relaxing.
The galaxy projector covers up to 30 by 30 feet and has a full 360-degree rotation, allowing you to rotate it in whatever direction you prefer. The average lifetime of the product is expected to be about 50,000 hours.
One thing to note: It’s best to use this projector with its BlissHome app (available for iPhone and Android), as you can control it through your phone and unlock special features. The app, which can sync to Google Home and Amazon Alexa, is also where you’ll find the instructions.
Product Details: Dimensions: 4.72 x 5.31 x 4.72 inches | Power source: Corded electric | Lumens: Not listed | Extra Features: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
Best Motion Sensor
Casper Glow Night Light
- It has a backlit design and features two modes.
It has a backlit design and features two modes.
- The dimmer feature isn’t manually adjustable.
The dimmer feature isn’t manually adjustable.
We like the Casper Glow Night Light for its chic design and easy-to-use features. This night light has two modes that you can easily control from a switch in the back. The night owl mode switches on the motion sensor, making it useful for your bathroom, hallway, or kitchen, while the sleep mode enables the light to turn on once the room gets dark thanks to an ambient light sensor. But you can’t manually dim this night light. Instead, it brightens once it detects motion and dims when movement has stopped.
Since it comes in a pack of two, you can use both in opposite modes in the same room or spread the night lights throughout your home. The backlit design gives it a stylish touch, too, making it easier on the eyes.
Product Details: Dimensions: 2.3 x 2.3 x 1.3 inches | Power source: Plug-in | Lumens: Not listed | Extra Features: Dimmable
Best for Babies
Hatch Rest 2nd Gen
- It comes loaded with features like a sound machine and clock.
It comes loaded with features like a sound machine and clock.
- It’s on the pricier side and is easier to operate with a Wi-Fi connection and the Hatch Sleep app.
It’s on the pricier side and is easier to operate with a Wi-Fi connection and the Hatch Sleep app.
This features-packed gadget is one of the best options for a baby’s nursery. There’s a sound machine offering ocean, rain, heartbeat, and more soothing noises, and a sleep library with songs and stories, though you’ll need a membership to access the latter.
When it comes to the night light, you can choose from infinite colors or preset favorites, giving variety and freedom to alternate between preferred shades. You can set the light to a range of brightness levels or turn it off completely.
Although it’s on the pricier side, this machine grows with your child. The night light includes a time-to-rise function letting your kid know it’s time to get out of bed, and when kids learn to tell time, the LED clock will come in handy, too. The device is also rechargeable, making it easy to move it from room to room if desired, before placing it back on the charger. Another great perk for parents is you can control the machine through an app from anywhere.
Product Details: Dimensions: 4.2 x 6.61 x 4.2 inches | Power source: Corded electric, rechargeable | Lumens: Not listed | Extra Features: Sound machine color choices, dimmable, time-to-rise option, Wi-Fi-controlled, and LED clock
Best for Bathrooms
Yunlex Red Night Light
- The offset design keeps your second outlet free to plug in other items.
The offset design keeps your second outlet free to plug in other items.
- It’s on the brighter side, so it might not be ideal for bedrooms.
It’s on the brighter side, so it might not be ideal for bedrooms.
Those who find themselves in the bathroom at 2 a.m. will want to try the Yunlex Red Night Light. It gives off enough light to safely navigate your way around the bathroom without stubbing your toe. We also like that the compact, offset design doesn’t block the second outlet, keeping it free for you to plug in other items like hair dryers or air fresheners.
This LED night light comes in six color options and requires no maintenance—just plug it in. Another plus: It comes in a pack of two.
For those wanting a night light on the dimmer side, this one might feel too bright, even on its dimmest setting. However, for a room where you won’t be sleeping, like a bathroom, the extra light can help you see a bit better.
Product Details: Dimensions: 2.64x2.64x2.56 inches | Power source: Plug-in electric | Lumens: Not listed | Extra Features: Automatic dawn-to-dusk illumination
Best LED
GE Color-Changing LED Night Light
- It can cycle through eight colors or stay one solid color.
It can cycle through eight colors or stay one solid color.
- It’s not dimmable.
It’s not dimmable.
LED lights, like the GE Color-Changing LED Night Light, are an energy-efficient option to consider. We think this option is great for kids’ rooms, art studios, guest rooms, and home offices.
With this night light you can choose to cycle the night light through eight vivid colors, or it can stay one solid color, like a soft white. We especially like the light-sensing feature, meaning the light will turn on at dusk and off at dawn to reduce energy consumption.
This night light offers up to 100 lumens, which is more than other options on this list. Just keep in mind that this option is not dimmable, so you can’t adjust the brightness. However, we do think the color options and overall energy efficiency of this night light make it more than worth it.
Product Details: Dimensions: 2.37x3.22x1.9 inches | Power Source: Plug-in | Lumens: 100 | Extra Features: Light-sensing, color-changing
Best Battery-Operated
Mr. Beams Motion Sensing Night Light
- It comes with an adhesive so you can place it almost anywhere.
It comes with an adhesive so you can place it almost anywhere.
- It has lower lumens compared to other options.
It has lower lumens compared to other options.
Most night lights are plugged into wall outlets, but battery-operated night lights, like the Mr. Beams Motion Sensing Night Light, are a great option to consider. The night light comes with an adhesive, so you can place it wherever you see fit.
We like that this LED night light has a motion sensor with detection up to 10 feet and a 30 second auto shut-off to preserve the battery life. It’s important to keep in mind that ithas 20 lumens, about 30 lumens less than many standard plug-in night lights. However, we didn’t think it was a dealbreaker given its other convenient features.
Product Details: Dimensions: 3.86 x 3.39 x 1.14 Inches | Power Source: AA batteries | Lumens: 20 | Extra Features: 30 second auto shut-off, motion sensor