ConsFirst / Desk lamps & monitor light bars

Uplift

Uplift LED Desk Lamp E7 With Clamp: the downsides first

We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes what we report. Learn more

#2 of 8
$$Desk lampScore 4.1/5
8%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Very small sample (57 ratings).

Wirecutter's pick for a practical, long-reaching clamp lamp, with simple one-button control and a 15-year warranty for about $89. Some adjustments are limited, the arm can spring back, and the switch and cord feel cheap.

Top complaints

  • Some adjustments are limited

    Wirecutter says the lamp can't tilt back at the base beyond a fixed angle, the head doesn't rotate to the sides, and the top arm can fling back with some velocity if pushed past 90 degrees.

    Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
  • Cheap switch and two-piece cord

    Wirecutter found the plastic power switch cheap next to the metal body and calls the two-piece power cord an eyesore.

    Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
  • Clamp-only unless you buy a base

    It clamps to the desk edge; a desk base is an optional $20 extra (Wirecutter). The Amazon listing says the clamp fits surfaces up to 2.25 in thick.

    Source: Wirecutter (NYT), Amazon.com product page

What owners love

  • Long reach

    The three-part aluminum arm reaches 34 inches up and 43 inches wide, and the head nods through 190 degrees (Wirecutter).

    Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
  • Simple, intuitive control

    One button: hold for stepless dimming, tap to cycle color temperatures. Wirecutter found it became intuitive after a few uses.

    Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
  • Glare-free light and a 15-year warranty

    Wirecutter calls the light glare-free and adjustable and notes a 15-year warranty. Amazon owners call the lighting quality excellent.

    Source: Wirecutter (NYT), Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
Good for
  • Lighting a large desk from a clamp
  • Simple one-button control
  • A long warranty

Scores (tap for why)

  • Light quality (no glare, CRI)4.0
    Why 4.0?Glare-free, adjustable light at about 644-685 lumens (Wirecutter); owners call the lighting excellent.
    Source: Wirecutter (NYT), Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • Adjustability & reach4.5
    Why 4.5?34 in up and 43 in out, but limited tilt at the base, no side-to-side head rotation, and an arm that can spring back.
    Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
  • Controls4.0
    Why 4.0?One button for stepless dimming and color, which Wirecutter found intuitive; the power switch feels cheap.
    Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
  • No flicker or hum3.5
    Why 3.5?Uplift's listing claims diffused panels eliminate flicker and glare; no reviewer measured flicker.
    Source: Amazon.com product page
  • Build & reliability4.5
    Why 4.5?Aluminum arm and LED housing with a 15-year warranty, though the switch and cord feel cheap.
    Source: Wirecutter (NYT)

What experts say

  • Wirecutter (NYT): A nearly perfect desk lamp for its practicality and price: lightweight but stable, with long reach and glare-free light; minor gripes about limited tilt and a cheap switch.
Check price on AmazonWe don't list prices — they change daily. Paid link.

If that catch is a deal-breaker

Highly ranked desk lamps & monitor light bars whose biggest complaint is something else.

#1 in desk lamps & monitor light barsBenQ ScreenBar Halo 2 Monitor Light Bar

The most capable monitor light bar reviewers tested, with glare-free front light, a wall backlight, a motion sensor and a rechargeable wireless dial. It's also the priciest, and it can sit loosely on monitors with a smooth top.

Its catch: expensive#3 in desk lamps & monitor light barsHoneywell 01A Precision Spotlight Desk Lamp

A heavy, all-metal lamp that Wirecutter found rock-solid, with even, flicker- and glare-free light rated CRI 95+. Its stiff joints need two hands, dimming is a long press on one button, and the color temperature is fixed.

Its catch: one button does everything#4 in desk lamps & monitor light barsBenQ ScreenBar (e-Reading) Monitor Light Bar

The original BenQ light bar and How-To Geek's best overall pick, with auto-dimming and controls on the bar. It costs more than similar bars, and curved-monitor fit is hit-or-miss.

Its catch: mixed fit on curved monitors

Head-to-head

See all 8 desk lamps & monitor light bars ranked →