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The Best Black Light

Last updated on May 2, 2023

We looked at the top 11 Black Lights and dug through the reviews from 12 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Black Lights.

Best Black Light

Our Review Process

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Few things can start an instant party like turning down the normal lights and flipping on a black light. But there are other uses for these unique lights, as well.

Perhaps most famously, black lights can be used to identify stains that may be hidden from the naked eye. You can use a black light to detect urine, mold and traces of other unpleasant substances. If you’re moving into a new place, checking into a hotel room or renting properties, a black light can come in handy.

On a more positive note, black lights are also useful in theater productions and art galleries, as well as at clubs and roller rinks, where they help create a fun atmosphere. If you’re into unique wall art, it’s tough to beat black light posters, which completely change their look when one of these lights is shined on them.

A black light emits a combination of light types. Primarily, you’ll get ultraviolet light, but a very small amount of violet light is also mixed in. Also known as “Wood’s lamp,” for the inventor of glass UV filters, it’s called a black light because that’s how the human eye perceives it. The violet light is mixed in for safety, to alert you to the fact that the light is on.

Our Picks For The Top Black Lights

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 1

Kobra Aluminum Battery Powered Black Light

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Kobra

Aluminum Battery Powered Black Light

There is so much you can do with this handy black light that it's a must-have tool for every home. Use it to quickly identify areas of pet urine, spot scorpions in the dark or uncover a counterfeit bill. The flashlight is made using a durable aluminum alloy and features a non-slip handle for maximum control.

Overall Take

Multiple Colors AvailableYou'll find this black light comes in a choice of colors, including green, light blue, red, silver and black.

 Top Pick

ESCO LITE Aluminum Long-Lasting UV Black Light

ESCO LITE

Aluminum Long-Lasting UV Black Light

This UV black light has a wide variety of uses both in and out of the home. It emits UV light at a 390 to 395 nanometer wavelength. The flashlight required three AA batteries to run.

Overall Take

Detects Dog Urine and Bed BugsThis UV flashlight helps you spot bodily fluid stains, insects and scorpions.

Pros
" The Esco Lite UV Black light is the best UV flashlight we’ve reviewed by far. It is compact, durable, and it is 30% brighter than some lights."
Cons
"Improper usage of batteries or using poor quality of batteries could cause hazard issue to your safety."
 Runner Up

Gohyo Adjustable Ultraviolet Black Light

Gohyo

Adjustable Ultraviolet Black Light

With nine LEDs, you'll get plenty of light output without worrying about flickering. The black light is 27 watts, with 90-volt to 240-volt wide voltage. This light is adjustable by 360 degrees, and you can use the included brackets to install it on the wall or set it up on the floor.

Overall Take

Flexible InstallationA 360-degree range gives you plenty of options when it comes to where you set up this black light.

Pros
" There are nine lights featured on the product, adequate to illuminate a medium to large-sized room."
 We Also Like

YAYIT Indoor Adjustable Black Light Strip

YAYIT

Indoor Adjustable Black Light Strip

Whether you want to create a party atmosphere in your bar or restaurant or add lighting behind your gaming desk, this black light has you covered. It comes in 20 and 40 foot rolls and is a cinch to install. The LED lights are energy efficient and provide 50,000 hours of light before needing to be replaced.

Overall Take

Illuminate Your SpaceThis black light strip comes with a handy power switch to quickly turn the lights on and off.

Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
18

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the black lights available to purchase.
11

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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12

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: Gadget Review, Listderful, Germaphobe, Best Reviews Guide, Stage Bibles.

75,710

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 11 Black Lights and also dug through the reviews from 12 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Black Lights.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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The Best Bang For Your Buck

ESCO LITE Aluminum Long-Lasting UV Black Light

Our Expert Score

10.0
3 expert reviews

User Summarized Score

9.0
7,450 user reviews

Our Take

This UV black light has a wide variety of uses both in and out of the home. It emits UV light at a 390 to 395 nanometer wavelength. The flashlight required three AA batteries to run.

What other experts liked

The Esco Lite UV Black light is the best UV flashlight we’ve reviewed by far. It is compact, durable, and it is 30% brighter than some lights.
- Gadget Review
Now, you do not need to call the professional cleaners for washing carpets. This is an amazing torch that can reveal pet urine or other stains in the carpets. Besides that, this gadget can spot scorpions or bacteria on any kind of fabric. This gadget can be used in any...
- Listderful
Perfect for outside use such as finding scorpions and minerals!
- Germaphobe

What other experts didn't like

Warranty doesn’t cover battery-caused issues. Batteries not included. Doesn’t work on reflective surfaces.
- Gadget Review
Improper usage of batteries or using poor quality of batteries could cause hazard issue to your safety.
- Germaphobe

What to Look For

  • True black light puts a room in total darkness, which is why trace amounts of violet light is mixed in, alerting you to the fact that the black light is turned on.
  • Black lights use UV-A light, which is safer for prolonged exposure than UV-B or UV-C. However, if you’re concerned, limit your use and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
  • There are many types of black lights, including incandescent, fluorescent, LED, lasers and mercury-vapor lamps.
  • Look for a black light that promises a flicker-free design, as a flickering light can be a major drawback of many black lights.
  • Consider how you’ll set up the black light. Some come with mounting brackets to help you set things up, while others are designed to be used on a table or the floor with an included stand. Still others come with self-adhesive for sticking to walls, which may be best for someone who is trying to display a black light poster.
  • If you plan to use your black light outdoors, look for one that’s built to withstand that type of environment. Some are waterproof, while others are simply made to handle various bumps and scrapes.
  • Overheating can be an issue with any type of light fixture. If you plan to use the black light for prolonged periods of time, make sure it has features that help keep it cool.

Black Light Rankings

1. Kobra Aluminum Battery Powered Black Light

Overall Score: 9.7
Reviews Included: 1

2. ESCO LITE Aluminum Long-Lasting UV Black Light

Overall Score: 9.4
Reviews Included: 5

3. Gohyo Adjustable Ultraviolet Black Light

Overall Score: 9.3
Reviews Included: 4

4. YAYIT Indoor Adjustable Black Light Strip

Overall Score: 9.2
Reviews Included: 1

5. Vansky Ultraviolet Compact Black Light

Overall Score: 9.2
Reviews Included: 1

6. Everbeam Shatterproof Easy Install Black Light

Overall Score: 9.0
Reviews Included: 1

7. uvBeast Alkaline Impact Resistant Black Light

Overall Score: 8.9
Reviews Included: 1

8. Leciel USB Lightweight Black Light

Overall Score: 8.8
Reviews Included: 4

9. Onforu Touchable Halloween Black Light

Overall Score: 8.8
Reviews Included: 5

10. Vansky Aluminum Anti-Slip Black Light

Overall Score: 8.8
Reviews Included: 6

11. Amuoc Pet Pee Detector Black Light

Overall Score: 8.8
Reviews Included: 1

More to Explore

Once you turn on a black light, you’ll be surprised how many everyday things glow when placed in a room with one. First, you may see something on your own skin called Blaschko’s lines, which aren’t often visible in ordinary light. These lines, which are actually splotches, are related to cell growth on your skin and can appear like stripes.

One of the most jarring things about being in black light is seeing your teeth glow. This is due to compounds in products like toothpaste. But tonic water, drinks that are high in certain vitamins, chlorophyll in plants and certain types of gems also react to black light in various ways. The next time you use one, try various items under it to see what happens as a fun science experiment.

More to explore