Portable lights, usually charged via a USB cable, have revolutionised the way we light our homes. As they don't need to be near a power socket, you can put them wherever you'd like some cosy, ambient light, and there are no messy cables to hide.
Many portable lamps are suitable for use outdoors as well as indoors, which means you can create a cosy glow wherever you'd like it in the garden, summer house or garden studio. Some lamps have several brightness settings, so the brightest could also be used to extend your time spent in the potting shed or greenhouse on short winter days.
The best portable outdoor lights
Here are the most stylish portable lamps we've found so far.
Auraglow Solar & USB Rechargeable Garden Lantern
While some outdoor lamps are either solar-powered or USB-rechargeable, this one gives you both options. Once fully topped up, it'll deliver vintage style and cosy warmth for up to 48 hours, and can turn on and off automatically with its clever 'dawn-till-dusk' feature.
John Lewis Mushroom Rechargeable Dimmable Lamp
If you're after chic style and affordability, don't miss John Lewis' rechargeable mushroom lamp. It comes in a selection of fun colours, including yellow, blue and putty/green, as well as smart neutrals: white and taupe.
Humble One Cordless LED Table Lamp
This portable light has a vintage aesthetic and a warm glow of a traditional glass bulb – without the high energy usage. The twisted filament it is made from tiny, energy efficient LEDs. It can be used indoors or out, thanks to its IP65 waterproof certification that offers protection against rain.
It has three settings – candle, ambient or work – and charges wirelessly through a QI standard charger or a USB-C cable (supplied). After one full charge, which takes four to six hours, the light gives up to 140 hours of light.
All of the components are serviceable and replaceable, and the bulb is replaceable, too – which should ensure that it has a long life in your home and garden. It comes in four finishes: black, cinnamon, linen and moss.
Bud Portable Light
Buy in olive green from Lamp Masters (£91.00)
Buy in white from Lamp Masters (£91.00)
A cute and botanically themed portable light, this design is from Melissa Yip from Innermost and comes in a satisfyingly wide variety of colours. It's only 20cm high, so a small, unobtrusive option, and it is dimmable too, with three levels of brightness. There's a tiny USB charging socket and one charge will result in 20 hours of light.
It's the sort of garden lamp that's easy to fit in your hand so one of the most portable options on this list.
The Muse Portable Table Lamp
Blending classic aesthetics with ultra-modern tech, the Muse Portable Table Lamp is the result of a collaboration between paint experts Farrow & Ball and LED lighting specialists Tala. The classy, timeless design complements the warm LED bulb.
It features a long-life battery (up to 24 hours) and an integrated dimmer, and is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. Available in four colours – Candlenut White, Pleasure Garden Sage, Hackles Black and Pomona Red (not shown). It is designed to be fully repairable.
Fermob Mooon! LED Wireless Lamp
Buy from Holloways of Ludlow (£155.00)
One of the key things you'll need from your portable lights is lift-ability. This portable outdoor light option from Fernmob is a lovely lightweight option, as it is made from tinted aluminium and weighs 750g.
Taking its inspiration from 19th-century street lamps, this garden lamp is charged wirelessly by USB and it has up to ten hours of battery life. There's an option for warm or cold light and a dimmer option too.
There are several different vibrant colours to choose from and it's 41 cm tall, so a collection of these portable outdoor lights on a garden table may be the way forward.
Hay PC Portable Light
A particularly versatile option, this portable outdoor light is wireless with a rechargeable battery.
This design comes from renowned French designer, Pierre Charpin, and is specifically designed as a go-anywhere lamp. We like its simplicity and its tulip-shaped top. It's powered by an LED bulb, is lightweight and, crucially, splash proof, so could be your perfect garden accessory.
The battery is rechargeable with a USB cable and offers up to ten hours battery life.
Carrie Portable Light
Buy from Nordic Nest (£142.28)
The Scandinavians know a thing or two about darkness from those long, cold winters. This design comes direct from Nord Architects and has a powder-coated steel base and an opal glass shade which offers diffused light.
It offers a handy way of transporting some cosy light from a garden room to a balcony, or from a sitting room to the garden. One charge lasts between six and eight hours.
Flos Bellhop LED USB-C Touch Table Portable Light
A portable light that was made with the Design Museum in mind. This wireless bellhop table lamp is made from colour polycarbonate and is perfect for entertaining in the garden, conservatory or balcony.
It offers glare-free light which can be dimmed to four different levels using the button on the base of the light. This portable light also can be used wirelessly for up to 24 hours. It is available in five colours, including black, brick red and Indian yellow (pictured).
Lucca Portable Table Lamp
Buy from Nordic Nest (£100.83), Lamp Masters (from £101.00)
A timeless, elegant option for your portable garden lamp which stays lit for up to 12 hours. The design includes the option of a handle, which means you can place it on a table or side, or also hang it in a shed while you work.
The design company, Space from Copenhagen, has taken the city of Tuscany as its inspiration and we love the aesthetic. As with all these portable lights, there's a USB charging port and an in-built battery. Its height is 28 cm.
Elipta Rechargeable Battery Outdoor LED Table Lamp
Elipta products have been used in lighting projects in more than 15 countries across Europe, so the company knows a thing or two about outdoor lighting. The Elipta Outdoor LED Table Lamp is the perfect light for alfresco dining in the garden on long summer evenings, and sturdy enough not to be knocked or blown over.
It has an integrated, warm white low-energy and dimmable LED light and a powder coated die-cast aluminium body. It offers nine hours of light once fully charged via a USB cable (which takes between five and seven hours). It is operated by a touch switch. It comes with a three-year warranty.
Mylar Red Solar Lantern
This lantern would make a lovely addition to any garden. It's solar powered and turns on automatically at dusk, adding charm and ambience to your outdoor space.
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How to choose an outdoor portable light
When choosing your ideal portable outdoor light, think about how you're going to use it. Most portable lamps can be used inside and out, but some have the added bonus of being waterproof – check whether it has an IP65 rating. Most provide many hours of light once fully charged, and thanks to their LED bulbs, are low energy.
Don't miss our guides to the best solar garden lights, best festoon lights and best outdoor wall lights. We've also assembled some cosy garden lighting ideas to try.
