Best Work Light Under £100
Finding a bright, durable work light for your garage, workshop, or job site doesn't have to break the bank. We've compared the top models under £100 based on lumens, battery compatibility, and build quality to help you choose the best value.
Quick answer
For the best overall work light under £100, the Milwaukee M18 ROCKET Dual Power Tower Light offers unbeatable brightness and coverage. If you need a compact, cordless site light, the Makita DML812 is the top choice for its excellent battery efficiency and sturdy design.
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Research updated June 2026.
Milwaukee M18 ROCKET Dual Power Tower Light
Massive light output and dual power capability make this the best site light under £100.
| Product | Best For | Lumens | Power | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee M18 ROCKET | Overall / Site Lighting | 5,000 | Battery / AC | 4.8/5 |
| Makita DML812 | Compact Cordless | 1,200 | 18V LXT Battery | 4.7/5 |
| DeWalt DCL050 | Budget / Small Areas | 900 | 18V XR Battery | 4.5/5 |
| Bosch GLI 18V-2000 | Floodlight / Wide Area | 2,000 | 18V Battery | 4.6/5 |
| Ryobi R18AL-0 | Best Value / DIY | 1,500 | 18V ONE+ Battery | 4.4/5 |
Milwaukee M18 ROCKET Dual Power Tower Light
Best OverallPros
- Extremely bright 5,000 lumens
- Dual power (battery and mains)
- Telescopic pole for adjustable height
Cons
- Heavy compared to smaller lights
- Battery not included in some kits
The Milwaukee M18 ROCKET is the most powerful work light you can buy for under £100. It delivers a massive 5,000 lumens of TRUEVIEW high definition output, which is enough to illuminate an entire room or large work area. The telescopic pole extends to over 2 meters, allowing you to position the light exactly where needed.
Owner reviews consistently praise its build quality and brightness. The dual power capability means you can use it with an M18 battery for cordless convenience or plug it into the mains for continuous use. The main downsides are its weight (8.2 kg) and the fact that a battery is often sold separately, which can push the total cost higher if you are not already in the Milwaukee ecosystem.
Makita DML812
Best Compact CordlessPros
- Very lightweight and portable
- Excellent battery life
- Durable, impact-resistant casing
Cons
- Lower lumen output than tower lights
- No AC power option
The Makita DML812 is a favourite among tradespeople for its portability and reliability. It produces 1,200 lumens of bright, even light, which is ideal for close-up work, under cabinets, or in tight spaces. The head pivots 360 degrees, allowing you to direct light exactly where it is needed.
Aggregated owner reviews highlight its outstanding battery efficiency. A single 5.0Ah battery can run this light for over 10 hours on the low setting. The robust construction means it can survive drops on a job site. The main compromise is the lower brightness compared to larger floodlights, making it less suitable for lighting up a whole room.
DeWalt DCL050
Best Budget / Small AreasPros
- Very affordable price point
- Ultra-lightweight and compact
- Integrated hanging hook
Cons
- Lowest lumen output on this list
- Plastic build feels less robust
The DeWalt DCL050 is a simple, no-frills work light that is perfect for the budget-conscious DIYer. It produces 900 lumens, which is enough for working in a single room, under a car bonnet, or in a cupboard. Its small size and integrated hook make it easy to hang from a pipe or nail.
Owner reviews appreciate its value for money. It is a great entry-level light if you are already using DeWalt 18V tools. The main drawbacks are the lower brightness and the all-plastic housing, which does not feel as durable as the Makita or Milwaukee options. It is best used as a task light rather than a room illuminator.
Bosch GLI 18V-2000
Best Floodlight / Wide AreaPros
- High 2,000 lumen output
- Wide floodlight coverage
- Foldable stand for easy setup
Cons
- Bulky design for transport
- Stand can feel slightly unstable
The Bosch GLI 18V-2000 is a powerful floodlight that excels at lighting up large areas. With 2,000 lumens, it is significantly brighter than the compact options and is ideal for illuminating a whole garage, attic, or outdoor workspace. It features a foldable stand that allows you to position it on the floor or a workbench.
Aggregated reviews note that the light distribution is very even, with no harsh hotspots. It is a great choice for anyone who needs to light up a wide area without buying a tower light. The main downsides are its bulkier size, which makes it less portable, and some users report the stand can be knocked over easily on uneven ground.
Ryobi R18AL-0
Best Value / DIYPros
- Great value for the lumen output
- Works with huge ONE+ battery range
- Rotating head for flexible positioning
Cons
- Plastic build feels less premium
- Not as bright as the Milwaukee tower
The Ryobi R18AL-0 is a fantastic value-for-money work light for DIY enthusiasts. It delivers 1,500 lumens, which is a solid output for most home projects. The head rotates, allowing you to direct the light beam. It is powered by Ryobi's extensive ONE+ battery system, which is a huge advantage if you already own other Ryobi tools.
Owner reviews highlight its impressive brightness for the price. It is a significant step up in power from the DeWalt DCL050 while costing very little more. The main trade-off is the plastic construction, which is not as tough as the Makita or Milwaukee options, but it is perfectly adequate for home use.
What to check before buying a work light under £100
Choosing the right work light depends on your specific needs. Here are the key factors to consider before making a purchase.
Lumens vs. Battery Life: Higher lumens mean more brightness, but they also drain batteries faster. For close-up tasks, 900-1,500 lumens is often enough. For lighting up a whole room, look for 2,000 lumens or more. Check the run time on the high and low settings.
Power Source: Consider whether you need a cordless light for portability or a mains-powered one for continuous use. Dual-power options like the Milwaukee M18 ROCKET offer the best of both worlds but are heavier. If you are already in a battery ecosystem (DeWalt, Makita, Ryobi), a bare tool is the most cost-effective choice.
Build Quality and Portability: A light for a job site needs to be tough. Look for impact-resistant casings and IP ratings for dust and water resistance. For portability, check the weight and whether it has a handle or hanging hook. Tower lights are great for coverage but are heavier to carry.
Mistakes to avoid when buying a work light
Many buyers make common errors that lead to disappointment. Avoid these pitfalls to get the best light for your money.
Ignoring the Battery Ecosystem: The biggest mistake is buying a light that requires a battery system you do not own. A bare tool without a battery is useless. Always check if the price includes a battery and charger. If not, factor in the cost of buying into a new platform.
Overestimating Lumen Needs: A 5,000-lumen light is incredibly bright, but it may be overkill for a small workshop and will drain batteries quickly. Consider the size of your workspace. A 1,200-lumen light is often more practical for focused tasks and offers much longer run times.
Forgetting the Light Spread: A high lumen count does not always mean good visibility. Some lights produce a narrow, harsh beam. Look for lights with a wide flood pattern or multiple LEDs for even illumination. The Bosch GLI 18V-2000 is a good example of a light with excellent, even coverage.
FAQs
What is the best work light under £100 for a garage?
The Milwaukee M18 ROCKET is the best for a large garage due to its 5,000 lumen output and adjustable height. For a smaller garage, the Bosch GLI 18V-2000 offers excellent floodlight coverage.
Is it better to buy a cordless or mains-powered work light?
Cordless lights offer portability and convenience for tasks away from power outlets. Mains-powered lights provide unlimited run time and are often cheaper for the same brightness.
What does 'lumens' mean for a work light?
Lumens measure the total amount of visible light emitted. A higher lumen count means a brighter light. For most DIY tasks, 1,000 to 2,000 lumens is sufficient.
Can I use a DeWalt battery in a Makita work light?
No, batteries are not interchangeable between different tool brands due to different voltages and physical designs. You must use the correct battery system for your light.
What is the best budget work light under £100?
The DeWalt DCL050 is the best budget option for those already in the DeWalt ecosystem. The Ryobi R18AL-0 offers better value for DIYers with its higher lumen output and lower price.
How long do work light batteries last?
Battery life depends on the capacity (Ah) and the light setting used. A 5.0Ah battery on a 1,200 lumen light can last 8-12 hours on low, but only 2-4 hours on high.
Are work lights waterproof?
Most work lights are water-resistant, not waterproof. Look for an IP rating. An IP54 rating means it is protected against dust and splashing water, which is suitable for construction sites.
What is the difference between a floodlight and a work light?
A floodlight is designed to illuminate a wide area with a broad beam. A work light often has a more focused beam for task lighting. Some models, like the Bosch GLI, combine both features.
What is the best work light for under £100 for an electrician?
The Makita DML812 is ideal for electricians due to its compact size, light weight, and excellent battery life. It is perfect for lighting up fuse boxes and tight spaces.
Do work lights come with a battery and charger?
Some models are sold as a kit with a battery and charger, while others are sold as a bare tool. Always check the product description to see what is included in the price.
Our verdict
For the best overall work light under £100, the Milwaukee M18 ROCKET Dual Power Tower Light is unmatched in brightness and features, making it the top choice for professionals. For the best value, the Ryobi R18AL-0 offers impressive performance for DIYers, while the Makita DML812 is the ultimate compact cordless work light for portability and battery life.