The Best Plug In Night Lights

Vont Lyra Night Lights

Keep clear of danger

This light has a slick design that produces brilliant ambient light without bulky frames or high energy bills.

Best Overall

Find on Amazon

This pick from Vont is at the head of the pack as far as mood lighting is concerned. While this unit does not feature motion activation, the automatic sensor detects changes in brightness once the sun goes down or when shades are drawn. This constant illumination when nighttime comes is surprisingly energy-efficient and can run for several years without worry. On top of the function, we’re a huge fan of Vont’s style. This thin unit won’t block additional AC outlets or other appliances, and the flat lighting panel gives off a futuristic feel that won’t interfere with other appliances nearby.

Pros:

• Up to 10,000 hours of operation
• Six lights included with purchase
• The auto mode only activates in low light situations

Cons:

• Not safe for outdoor use

GE Vintage LED Night Light

Brighten up and wind down

This vintage-inspired night light offers a rustic, welcoming glow that's perfect for cozying up with a good book before bed.

Best For Bedroom

Find on Amazon

This cute cage light from GE offers both flashy and restrained light options that dazzle throughout the night. To start, we love this device for bedrooms because it has medium brightness for everything from late-night reading to quick trips to the bathroom. GE’s unique integrated bulb is long-lasting, so you won’t have to worry about replacements or burnouts for quite some time. All in all, if you’re looking for a light source that’s safe to touch and appealing to the eye, GE’s vintage-inspired night light is a reliable and rustic option that everyone can enjoy.

Pros:

• It comes in packs of one or two
• Available with color-changing bulbs and multiple hood colors
• Will not cover extra outlets when in use

Cons:

• Requires very bright light to turn off automatically

Auvon Mini LED Night Lights

Clarity that can't be contained

This warm light is fully adjustable so that you can get just the right level of illumination for your needs.

Best Dimmable

Find on Amazon

The mini night light pack by Auvon is vibrant and blends effortlessly into your wall outlets. While you may not be able to get through a novel with this pick as your only light source, this compact portable fixture produces just enough illumination for nighttime snack runs or bathroom breaks without jacking up your electric bill. On top of efficiency, Auvon offers three light intensities and an auto-shutoff mode after 60 seconds. If you’re a night owl and only need a little ambient lighting, these mini lights have you covered as well. The always-on feature is a great addition that puts the control in your hands if you’re sick of unplugging before bed night after night.

Pros:

• Durable casing resistant to high heat
• 15 feet of maximum illumination
• Great size for lighting stairways and dark corners

Cons:

• We wish it could turn on automatically in the dark

Maz-Tek Plug-In Night Lights

A vibrant vision

If you're sick of wasting time and effort looking for durable nightlights, this pick is made to last.

Longest Lasting

Find on Amazon

When it comes to “set it and forget it” technology, Maz-Tek’s light reigns supreme because of its durable LEDs and built-in light control. Maz-Tek promises to deliver long-lasting illumination over more than a decade without burnouts. While we wouldn’t recommend this unit for use where rain is a common issue, it won’t falter in bathrooms where long showers are common. Overall, this larger outlet light provides a wide angle of coverage that’s suitable as a hallway helper or as a dedicated light for closets, attics, and so much more.

Pros:

• Activates even when small pets pass by
• Less than fifty cents per year to operate
• Smooth ergonomic style

Cons:

• It won’t remember light settings when powered off

Hatch Baby Rest+ Sound Machine and Light

Calm, customizable colors

This night light's soothing sounds and relaxing radiance can help youngsters drift off to dreamland.

Best For Kids

Find on Amazon

Coaxing your little ones to bed can be tricky if you’re still tackling a fear of the dark. Thankfully, Hatch Baby’s Rest+ light makes bedroom settings extremely calming without interfering with sleep. While schedule setting is an app-only feature, the unit does have switches for light options that aren’t too complicated for younger users. In addition to light intensity, Hatch Baby allows you to effortlessly change color and incorporate relaxing, preset tunes into your child’s sleep pattern. If you want a variable light source that’s never too overwhelming and helps establish schedules for both the evening and morning, trust Hatch Baby to deliver an atmosphere the whole household will appreciate.

Pros:

• Toddler lock to prevent overrides
• Built-in clock face
• Two-way audio monitor for check-ins

Cons:

• Expensive, but we think it’s well worth the price

Frequently Asked Questions

Are nightlights dangerous to use?

Placement is an essential component as far as nightlights are concerned. Before deciding on the best spot, consider whether your device is near an outlet that can be obstructed. While front-facing panels rarely have enough power to combust on their own, a nightlight can get quite warm. If the outlet is near piles of clothing or even fabric furniture, fires can occur in exceptional circumstances.

What’s the best color of night light for sleeping?

Our bodies synthesize melatonin at higher levels when our surroundings are dark, which helps our brain turn off more quickly before bed. While the research is still in its infancy, studies suggest that some colors inhibit melatonin production more than others. In particular, blue, white, and yellow lights seem to disrupt sleep the most. If you have trouble getting to bed, regardless of night light status, limiting your view of smart devices and their concentrated blue wavelengths is the most effective defense against anxious evenings.