The 5 Best Magnifying Lamps - [Updated for 2022]

People with low-vision often speak about the loss of independence and lesser quality of life that they experience when they cannot see properly. Magnifying Lamps are here to help!

Magnifying lamps combine magnification and illumination in the form of a desk, floor, or portable lamp, and can typically be clamped or affixed to a flat surface.  

According to the National Eye Institute, nearly 3.5 million Americans over the age of 40 experience some level of blindness or low-vision – and they predict that number will increase to 5.5 million in the next three years.  But there are things we can do to mitigate and slow the loss of our vision, like taking good care of your eyes and using equipment that helps avoid eye strain.   

There are many options when it comes to illuminated magnifying lamps. Our Top 5 Review will compare and evaluate the best equipment available, so that you can make the right choice for your family.  

Top Picks

1. DAZOR LED Circline - Magnifying Lamp with Stand

2. Big Eye 2-Arm Combination Table Lamp and 2x Magnifier

3. Luxo 5D LFM Lighter Duty Magnifying Clamp On Style Lamp

4. Daylight Omega 7 Magnifying Lamp

5. 3D LED Magnifying Table Lamp

Features To Consider

Magnification

Magnification levels vary between lamp models, and what level you want will vary with your intended use and your particular vision acuity. Some even offer the ability to adjust the magnification level depending on your needs! Whether you’re planning on using your lighted magnifier for reading small text or working with tools that require fine motor skills, make sure you’re choosing one that fits the job you need it for.

Type of Lighting

These types of magnifying lamps use a number of different bulb types, from fluorescent to halogen to LED, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. Halogen lights are cheap, but are inefficient and don’t last as long as the other options. LED lights are highly efficient and last an incredibly long time, multiple decades in some cases, but have the highest up-front cost, due to their higher level of incorporated technology. Fluorescent lights provide a nice middle ground - they are efficient and bright, but do not reach the heights generated by LEDs, but are also relatively inexpensive.

Please keep in mind that the costs of these bulbs will affect the overall cost of a lamp, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that all LED lamps are the most expensive. You might be able to find a great deal on a lamp that will save you energy costs and last for years!

Fixture Style

The functional design of these lamps varies pretty wildly - some of them are meant to be set on a desk or table, while others stand up straight from the floor. Once again, what you want here will depend on how you’re planning on using the lamp, and some models offer unique designs for enhanced usability as well, such as the 2-Arm Combination High Intensity Lamp 2X with its dual flexible arms, which offer maneuverability of both the light and magnifying glass. 

Aesthetics

This one is perhaps the most subjective, but still important. These magnifying lamps serve somewhat of a dual function as visibility assistance tools and pieces of home decor, and as such, the way they blend visually with a room can be a difference-maker in whether someone might want one over another. Some have a bit more of a clinical look, while others are more modern-chic, and everything in between - make sure the one you choose to purchase isn’t going to become an eyesore to you down the road.

5. 3D LED Magnifying Table Lamp

 

Taking the number 5 position, we have the 3D LED Magnifying Table Lamp by LS&S. The smallest and lightest option on this list, this desktop magnifier features no extra accessories or additional options. Some might see that as a negative, but in this case, it lands as a win for its simplicity.

Like most on this list, the 3D Desktop Lamp uses a bright ring light, this one powered by a 12-watt bulb that makes it bright enough to aid without being abrasive. 

Unlike the rest of this list, this product features a cover for one side of its magnifying lens. This not only protects the lenses when not in use, but makes the magnifier function as a standard lamp. You can easily turn on the light and not have to worry about the light beaming up through the magnifier.

While marketed mainly as an aid for those with poor vision, the lens can function to help anyone who needs a closer look at what they’re doing, whether that’s reading small text, working with precise hand tools, or surveying the finest details of schematics and images

Featuring a 3.5-inch lens that provides 3 times magnification, the lamp plugs into a wall socket, and has a sturdy but small base to rest on a tabletop or other flat surface. 

Its neck has 3 basic points of articulation for quick adjustments, and the light can be folded to take up minimal surface area, and sit out of the way when not in use. 

This compact but powerful lamp can be situated anywhere you need it, and features a wider and rounder design than many of the lamps on this list, meaning it may just match an aesthetic that could be preferred over other options. 

Customers note that the lamp is not only an affordable option, but that they can integrate it into their space easily. One customer even calls it “the most out of the way magnifier” that they have ever bought, and praises it for the easy folding mechanism.

Features and Benefits

  • 3x magnifier
  • Powerful and soft ring light
  • Small base and folding design
  • Closing light cover

Customer Feedback

Pros

  • Small size lets the light fit most anywhere
  • Light is bright without being overbearing
  • Affordable and very cost effective
  • Aesthetically pleasing and easy to use

Cons

  • No upgrades or additions
  • Cover can be awkward when lamp is in use

4. Daylight Omega 7 Magnifying Lamp

Daylight’s Omega 7 Magnifying Lamp offers high-quality LED illumination and accurate positioning of the magnifying lens, bringing it up to #4 on our list.

One clear focus in the Omega’s design is adjustability, as its free-motion head joint and long holding arm allow it to be positioned with a high degree of precision relative to the object viewed through the lens. The LEDs are dimmable between four different brightness levels to provide optimal lighting depending on the task being performed, and the magnifier easily attaches to any desk or table at the point where the preferred angle is most easily achievable. 

The lamp’s sleek design looks modern and professional and blends in nicely with both work and personal environments, while its extended arm and easy clamp attachability allow it to stay conveniently out of the way. While it is limited in where it can be placed, since it needs something to clamp to, it has the upside of taking up less floor space in a room, as well as negating the risk of toppling over accidentally.

Ideal for use in a number of different contexts, including beauty treatment, assembly and inspection, and podiatry, Daylight’s Omega is a versatile device that is precise in its application and easy to use. The broad usability of the device makes it an easy choice for our Top 5 list. 

Features and Benefits

  • Internal spring arm enables accurate, stable positioning
  • 4 different brightness levels for ideal illumination
  • Clamps solidly to any desk or table
  • 2 lenses are included, a 3-dioptre and a 5-dioptre
  • Light gray and white finishes blend with any professional environment
  • Does not require batteries

Customer Feedback

Pros

  • Stays firmly attached to the table
  • Great magnifier with a lot of room to see what you’re doing
  • Provides great light for working
  • The long arm makes positioning very flexible

Cons

  • Limited magnification options
  • Can only be used on clampable surfaces - not free-standing

3. Luxo 5D LFM Lighter Duty Magnifying Clamp On Style Lamp

Our number three illuminated magnifying lamp is the Luxo 5D LFM Lighter Duty Magnifying Clamp On Style Lamp by LS&S.  With 2.25 X magnification, this powerful lamp provides a tremendous level of amplification for reading and close-up work.  

It is an ideal light-duty magnifier with a 22 watt circline fluorescent bulb.  It has 360-degree, shadow-free illumination and a sturdy diffuser cover to protect the bulb.

The magnifying lens is designed in an ‘on-center’ position for superior illumination and magnification.  The brilliant center lens positioning also provides a larger viewing area so fewer adjustments are needed for reading a book or magazine.  

The steel lamp extension arm is sturdy.  It is spring-balanced and adaptive; you can clamp it to your table and swing it into place whenever you need it.

The Luxo is portable, you can take it anywhere that has a 220-volt power source. It also has a six-foot cord – most magnifying lamps have four-foot-cords.  The automatic starter and rugged electromagnetic ballast guarantee perfect light, every time.    

Optional accessories include a wall mount or edge clamp.  This is unique to the Luxo – most magnifying lamps cannot be wall mounted, like sconce lighting.

Customers rate this lamp very highly – an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars. A customer who repairs computer circuit boards purchased the Luxo for work.  He said that it solved all of his vision issues.  His close-up vision, he said, is not what it used to be.  He is able to ‘get in the circuit boards,’ and see all of the details of what he is working on.  He highly recommends this magnifying lamp for any type of bench work.   

Another customer said that she uses the lamp for magnification when she is making jewelry.  Her crystal and bead work is tiny and delicate, she said.  She suffers from low-vision, but with the help of the Luxo, she has been able to continue to make her necklaces.  She finds her work relaxing and said that once she finishes a piece, her work becomes a social outlet for her, connecting her to other people.  

These stylish lamps are available in pearl white or soft gray powder-coated steel.   

Features and Benefits

  • Center positioned magnifying lens for greater viewing area
  • Quality construction, durable
  • 220 volt uses standard outlet or power source

Customer Reviews

Pros

  • 2.25 X magnification – very powerful lamp
  • Durable steel construction
  • Economical, inexpensive 
  • Six-foot cord so if lamp is purchased with the base, it is very easy to move or change the position on your desk

Cons

  • Some customers do not like the automatic starter function because there is a momentary delay before the light comes on
  • Some customers said that with repeated use, the arm no longer stays in place as well as it did when they first purchased it 

2. Big Eye 2-Arm Combination Table Lamp and 2x Magnifier

Rolling in to the number two spot, the Big Eye 2-Arm Combination Table Lamp and 2x Magnifier by Big Eye provides extraordinary light-duty magnification.  The 2-Arm is one of two lamps in our Top 5 that have optional magnification boosters – the other lamp costs twice as much as the 2-Arm.  

The lens booster increases magnification from 2X to 5X. The booster attaches to the arm, and swings away when not in use.  

A customer who purchased this lamp said that the light is intensely clear and illuminates far better than any light that she has owned.  She said that she uses it nearly every day and has never had a problem, it works perfectly.  

The 2-Arm lamp is stylish and attractive – designed to fit in with your décor and look more like a standard lamp than a special needs device for people with low-vision.   

This low-vision lamp is available as a tabletop lamp or a floor lamp.  If you choose the floor lamp option, the base is manufactured using indestructible cast iron and is weighted for stability and security.  

The five-inch diameter, glare resistant lens provides intense light and magnification, allowing you distortion-free vision for reading, needlepoint, beading and other detailed tasks.  

The 14-inch flexible arm is goose-neck style; it conveniently swings the lamp out of the way when you are not using it.  

A customer in Coney Island said that this lamp is perfect for her.  She is very nearsighted and said that she is grateful for this reliable light.

Another customer in New York purchased the lamp for her sister, who suffers from macular degeneration.  She said that her sister did not think it would be possible to see clearly enough to paint her fingernails ever again – but with this lamp, she can.  She said that they are both very happy customers.  

Features and Benefits

  • Cast-iron steel weighted base in floor lamp model
  • Clear, intense light 
  • Aesthetically pleasing design 
  • Versatile, available as a floor lamp or table lamp

Customer Reviews

Pros

  • One year warranty
  • Economical, inexpensive
  • Comes with 40-watt bulb, white lamp shade 

Cons

  • The only comment that was less than perfect about this light is that the 40-watt bulb gets very hot
  • We are also including this customer comment, because although it seems unlikely that it could be duplicated, it is an interesting experience: A customer accidentally left his 2-Arm Combination lamp in his car with the powerful magnifier pointed down.  The sun shone directly on the magnifier for several hours and eventually burned a hole in his seat upholstery! 

1. DAZOR LED Circline - Magnifying Lamp with Stand

Based on the features, benefits and exceptionally stellar reviews, our number one low-vision magnifier is the DAZOR LED Circline - Magnifying Lamp with Stand by Max-Aids.  Literally dozens of customers rate this lamp 5 out of 5 stars.  

This magnification lamp has been used in light industrial firms for decades.  It has proven itself to be reliable, versatile and exceptionally durable.  It is the ideal all-purpose magnifying lamp for medical, dental, laboratory, factory, home and office use.  

The Dazor comes standard with a five inch, three-diopter, 1.75X magnification.  Optional accessories allow you to add a lens, increasing your magnification to 5X.  The circline fluorescent bulb is included.    

The heavy pedestal is weighted, making it nearly impossible to tip over in the course of normal use. The lamp is well-designed and attractive, with a powder-coated, glossy white finish.   

An artistic customer who fiber paints uses the Dazor.  She said that the swing arm allows her to position the magnifier right on top of her work.  She no longer has issues with blurring patterns – or with eye strain headaches.  She added that she works much faster when this lamp is positioned slightly over her shoulder.  

Another customer uses his lamp to clean and repair electronics.  He said that it is also the perfect tool for his long-time hobby, inspecting and analyzing old family photographs. 

This extraordinary lamp has a full five-year warranty – the best warranty in our Top 5.   

While most floor lamps feature 14 to 16-inch extendable arms, the Dazor has a 33-inch reach, making it possible to place the base behind your chair or sofa, out of sight.  The electronic ballast and 22-watt daylight fluorescent tube provide the brightest, clearest light conceivable to achieve indoors.  

A customer who manages an industrial engineering company in the northeast said that since purchasing the Dazor for his employees, the manufacturing errors have nearly ceased to exist.  He attributes the error free production to the Dazor, which he said provides a shadow-free magnification.  

Features and Benefits

  • Five-year warranty
  • Provides abundant, even, shadow-free lighting over broad surfaces
  • Patented floating, adjustable arm
  • Durable powder-coated finish
  • 22-watt daylight fluorescent tube light
  • Polycarbonate protective bulb shield
  • Proven commercial applications

Customer Reviews 

Pros

  • Weighted pedestal
  • Made in the USA
  • Electronic ballast for greater energy efficiency

Cons

  • Most expensive magnifying lamp in our Top 5 Review – but not by much

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who Uses Magnifying Lamps?

A: People with low vision use magnifying lamps.  Low vision can be attributed to aging, and temporary or permanent damage from an eye injury or eye disease, like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma or cataracts.  

The most common use for these devices is reading. These wonderful tools allow you to continue to read, even if your vision is declining.

As we age, a certain amount of vision loss becomes inevitable.  Letters become smaller and reading becomes more difficult.  It is crucial that people who are beginning to experience age-related low vision issues not give up on reading. Reading informs us – but it also stimulates our brain.

Many people use magnifying lamps for crafting, sewing and to enhance activities that preserve their fine motor skills.   In fact, occupational therapists often recommend beading, making jewelry and sewing for their adult patients who struggle to maintain their fine motor skills.  These activities can be impossible without the aid of an illuminated magnifying lamp. 

In addition to the physical benefits, these activities – reading, crafting, sewing and needlework – have immense psychological benefits.  They connect us to our friends and family, and to society.  

Q: What Should I Look For in a Magnifying Lamp?

A: The most important factor to consider when choosing the magnifying lamp that is right for you is the way that you will use your lamp.  All of the lamps in our Top 5 Review are portable.  Three of the top five are desk lamps, one is a handheld lamp, and one is a floor lamp.  The desk lamps are easily moved from room to room.  The handheld lamp is the most portable, but the desk lamps can also travel with you.

Most physicians and therapists recommend - as a general rule – that you choose the magnifying lamp that provides magnification and illumination for the largest area that you are able to see.  The higher the magnification power, the smaller the viewing area.    

Our Top 5 Magnifying Lamps Review has evaluated the features and benefits, cost, functionality, and customer reviews of more than 40 excellent options to provide you with the information you need to select the best illuminated low vision lamp for your family.

Final Thoughts

Clear, bright, strong lighting is essential for reading, working with fine print, hobbies, and simple everyday tasks.  Magnifying lamps compensate for shadow-filled, dim areas for people who have low-vision issues due to aging, illness, injury, and eye disease.  

All of the lamps that we reviewed will flood poor viewing areas with light - homes, factories and offices – making it possible for people to manufacture widgets, design jewelry, perform surgery, and paint toenails.   

Rehabmart offers a variety of innovative, superior quality low-vision magnifying lamps for sale.

Want to learn even more? Check out our blog, Caregiver University, for more articles!

Author:

Co-Founder of Rehabmart and an Occupational Therapist since 1993. Mike has spent his professional career working in multiple areas of Occupational Therapy, including pediatrics, geriatrics, hand therapy, ergonomics and inpatient / outpatient rehabilitation. Mike enjoys writing articles that help people solve complex therapeutic problems and make better product choices.

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