Best Cordless Work Lights UK (2026): 6 LED Site Lights for Tradespeople
From November to February a lot of trade work happens in the dark: lofts, under-stair cupboards, unlit new builds and early winter starts. A good cordless work light that runs on the batteries you already own is one of the most useful things you can add to the van. Here are six worth considering.
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If you are already on a battery platform, buy the light that matches it. For Bosch users the GLI 18V-1900 floodlight is the brightest option here at up to 1,900 lumens. DeWalt users should look at the DCL077 at up to 2,000 lumens. If you run mixed brands, the SCANGRIP NOVA 4 Connect takes most 18V and 20V packs through an adapter and puts out 4,000 lumens.
Cordless Work Lights Compared
| Light | Battery platform | Key detail from the listing |
|---|---|---|
| Bosch GLI 18V-1900 | Bosch 18V Professional | Up to 1,900 lumens, tripod thread, two brightness settings |
| DeWalt DCL077 | DeWalt 12V and 18V XR | 500, 1,000 or 2,000 lumens, up to 20 hours on a 5Ah pack |
| SCANGRIP NOVA 4 Connect | Most 18V and 20V brands (connector sold separately) | 4,000 lumens, IP65, Bluetooth app control |
| Makita DML805 | Makita 14.4V or 18V LXT, or mains | 750 lumens high, 450 low, 360 degree head rotation |
| DeWalt DCL050 | DeWalt 18V XR | 250 to 500 lumens, hanging hook, up to 10 hours |
| Bosch GLI 18V-800 | Bosch 18V Professional | Up to 800 lumens, magnet and swivel hook |
The Best Cordless Work Lights for UK Tradespeople
1. Bosch GLI 18V-1900
Best site floodlight for Bosch usersBosch describes this as its most versatile floodlight in the 18V category, with an LED producing up to 1,900 lumens. It has two brightness settings, five adjustment angles and a tripod thread, so you can mount it high and light a whole room or work area for a full working day.
2. DeWalt DCL077
Best site light for DeWalt usersThe DCL077 runs on DeWalt 12V or 18V batteries and has three output levels of 500, 1,000 and 2,000 lumens. DeWalt quotes up to 20 hours of light on an 18V 5Ah XR battery, and the warmer 4,000 Kelvin light reduces glare if you look straight at it. The multi-position handle doubles as a stand.
3. SCANGRIP NOVA 4 Connect
Best for mixed battery brandsSCANGRIP’s Connect lights work with 18V and 20V batteries from the leading power tool brands, using a SCANGRIP connector that matches your battery. The NOVA 4 puts out up to 4,000 lumens with a dimmer, is rated IP65 for wet outdoor work, and can be switched on, off and dimmed from a phone app. Note that the connector and battery are sold separately.
4. Makita DML805
Best for Makita users who also want mains powerThe DML805 runs on Makita 14.4V or 18V LXT batteries or from mains power, which makes it useful for long days in one place. It has 20 LEDs with 750 lumens on high and 450 on low, and the head rotates through 360 degrees with knobs to lock it at the angle you need. The listing we link is the 240V version. A 110V version is also sold for sites that require it.
5. DeWalt DCL050
Best handheld lightIf you want something you can hold, hang or stand, the DCL050 has a 250 to 500 lumen output with a broad, even beam, a nine-position pivoting head and an extendable hanging hook. DeWalt quotes up to 10 hours of runtime, so it lasts a full shift on a single battery.
6. Bosch GLI 18V-800
Best small light with a magnetThe GLI 18V-800 has 20 LEDs giving up to 800 lumens, a strong magnet and a swivelling metal hook, and folds to swivel 360 degrees and tilt 180 degrees. It is the one to keep in the bag for consumer unit cupboards, boiler cupboards and under sinks.
Work lights are often discounted as bare units during Black Friday and Prime Big Deal Days. See our Black Friday tool deals guide for dates and what to watch.
How to Choose a Work Light
- Match your batteries. A bare-unit light on a platform you already own is much better value than buying into a new one.
- Lumens for the job. Around 500 to 800 lumens is plenty for cupboards and close work. 1,500 lumens and above lights a whole room or an unlit new build.
- Think about mounting. Hooks, magnets and tripod threads matter as much as brightness when there is nowhere to stand the light.
- Check the IP rating if you work outdoors or in wet areas. IP54 and above resists dust and splashes, IP65 handles rain.
- Mains backup helps. Lights such as the Makita DML805 can run off mains for long days in one spot.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cordless work light in the UK?
The best cordless work light is usually the one that runs on the batteries you already own. Strong options include the Bosch GLI 18V-1900 and DeWalt DCL077 for lighting whole rooms, the Makita DML805 for Makita users, and the SCANGRIP NOVA 4 Connect for mixed battery brands.
How many lumens do I need for a work light?
For close work in cupboards and lofts, 500 to 800 lumens is usually enough. To light a whole room or an unlit building site, look for 1,500 lumens or more.
Do cordless work lights come with a battery?
Most trade work lights, including the Makita, DeWalt and Bosch models in this guide, are sold as bare units without a battery or charger. Check the listing before you buy.
Should I buy a 110V or 240V work light?
Many UK construction sites require 110V equipment for mains power. Battery-powered lights avoid the issue entirely, which is one reason cordless lights are popular. If you use the mains option on a Makita light, buy the version that matches your site rules.
Related Guides
- Best Site Radios UK
- Best Laser Levels for Tradespeople UK
- Black Friday 2026 Tool Deals for UK Tradespeople
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