Looking for a light box? After researching, we have understood that all the light boxes have an almost identical design. This makes search for the best light boxes difficult. There are very minute differences between the light boxes that can affect your work. If you want to know which is the best, then we recommend you to go with Huion LB4.
Top Picks
Quick Navigation
Top 7 Light Boxes
| Product | Size | Weight | Battery | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huion LB4 | A4 | 2.2 lbs | Yes | Check Price |
| Tikteck | A4 | 1.45 lbs | No | Check Price |
| MIDWAY MONSTERS Small | A3 | 3.2 lbs | No | Check Price |
| Lightmaster | A2 | 9.42 lbs | No | Check Price |
| Gryiyi Tracing | A4 | 1.75 lbs | AA | Check Price |
| Artograph | A4 | 2.6 lbs | No | Check Price |
| LITENERGY | A4 | 1.54 lbs | No | Check Price |
1. Huion LB4 – Best Rechargeable Unit
The Huion LB4 is the most popular and reputed among all the light boxes we have tested. Even the seller numbers prove its trustworthiness. It is a LB4 light box which works wirelessly on battery. Plus, it doesn’t harm your eyesight. And also comes with different adaptive modes to adjust the light according to the environment and thickness of the paper. Looking at its capabilities, it is perfect for functions like x-ray film viewing, watercolor, animation, quilting, fabric design, and calligraphy. It is also the best light box for embroidery.
The work surface of the unit is 12.6″ x 9″. It can easily fit an A4 size paper. Before testing the lightbox, we measure the maximum amount of brightness it produces and it was around 1500 LUX. When we compare the brightness of LB4 with other Huion model L4S, it is much brighter. When you place a paper, the illumination is uniform throughout the work surface. There are three different settings for brightness. Dim and medium are suitable for normal papers. And strong brightness is suitable for thick papers.
When you are handling the light box, it does feel light heavier. It weighs around 2.2 lbs. However, it has a thickness of 8 mm which can be considered as thin. We also loved the battery. With a full charge, the lightbox runs for 3.5 hours continuously. Also, the battery takes only one hour for a full charge. Overall, the build quality of the work surface is also good. The use of a pen or pencil doesn’t leave any kind of mark.
- It is a multifunctional lightbox.
- It works on the battery as well as with the USB power supply.
- It has a thin design.
- Paper clip to secure any paper.
- It has adaptive brightness.
- Eye protection technology.
- It is heavy compared to other light boxes.
Bottom Line
If you want a light box that is suitable for different functions, there is no other light box that can compete with Huion LB4 Light Box. It is perfect for an artist who loves to work while traveling because of its wireless capability. Also, it is the best light box for watercolor paper.
2. Tikteck A4 – Best For Tracing
The Tikteck is the sleekest and thin LED lightbox on our list. It is designed for A4 size, which is the standard paper used for different functions. As it uses USB, you can plug into your laptop, wall adapter or power bank and you are ready to create your masterpiece. When you look at its capabilities, it is perfect for jobs like sketching, animation, design, x-ray film viewing, tracing, and drawing. In addition, it has eye-protection technology that allows you to work for long hours without hurting your eyes.
It uses a touch sensor to change the brightness and switch on/off. During testing, we found that the sensor is highly sensitive and responds to each touch. There is step-less control for changing the brightness. This provides you with more precise control over the brightness. We tested the light box mostly on A4 size papers. It works with even thick canvas papers which are used for watercolor painting. Also, the ruler is clear on both the length and breadth of the panel.
The work surface feels much like a glass panel. We tested it with a pen and pencils, but there were hardly any scratches. It has a thickness of 5 mm, which makes it one of the thinnest lightboxes on our list. It uses USB to connect with the power source. You can use your laptop as well as a power bank in addition to the power adapter. There is an LED indicator to show on/off.
- It is light and thin.
- The ruler is clear.
- It is easy to carry around because of the standard size.
- It can be powered by a laptop or power bank.
- The work surface feels like a glass panel.
- It does not have any battery.
- No eye-protection technology.
Bottom Line
Artists love to carry their equipment around, and the Tikteck A4 Ultra-thin Portable LED Light Box is one of the most compact and thin lightbox. Also, the price of the unit much less compared to other similar light boxes. The only one that goes against the TikTeck is that there is no battery for wireless use.
3. AGPtek A3 – Best For Budget Conscious Users
For some design jobs, A3 is the more popular paper size. The AGPtek A3 LED Artcraft Tracing Light Pad is the best light box for A3 paper size. It can be powered using the adaptor or connect to your laptop or pc using the USB cable. The light is very easy to use, as it comes with a touch sensor. Looking at how it functions and capabilities, it is perfect for tracing drawings, designs, etc.
Single-button that not only turns on the light but also tapping the button a few times will adjust the brightness too. The button is highly responsive. We observed that just placing a finger lightly is enough. Though we tested on the A3 model, there is an A4 as well as a 12.6″ x 9″ model too. The ruler is clear, and the work surface is good. The paper doesn’t slip much while working on the pad. We also tested the surface with a pen, pencils to see if they leave any kind of scratch marks.
Build quality of the pad is really good. It weighs around 1.4 lbs, which are not so heavy. The surface is made of acrylic, which doesn’t crack easily. The dimension of the unit for the A3 model is 18.5X14.6X0.24inch. For power, USB cable and adapter are included in the package. You can use the USB cable to connect it to any device for power. However, we felt that the battery would have been really good for wireless operation.
- It works for A3 size.
- Single-button control.
- LED power indicator.
- It uses acrylic glass.
- It doesn’t use much power.
- Not battery for wireless operation.
- No-eye protection technology.
Bottom Line
We liked the simplicity of the light box, but we feel the price is high for this simple protect. There is some products with similar features in a lower price range. But it is the build quality that makes the price worth.
4. US ART SUPPLY Lightmaster – Best For Artist
For some jobs, you need professional-grade tools. These tools should last long, and performance should be always optimum. The US Art Supply is a well-known brand that offers quality products for artists. Among all the lightboxes listed in this post, Lightmaster LED Lightbox is probably the one that we can a professional grade light box. The construction is high class, and the light quality is uniform, and the manufacturer offers a 1-year warranty on the product.
The Lightmaster has 17”x24” working surface, which is the largest standard paper size. We tested for all the paper sizes, and it supports all types of paper sizes. One thing is sure if you are working with a small paper size, you may feel the body too big for you to handle. The LEDs used for lightbox have a life span of more than 50,000 hours, and light is uniform throughout the glass surface. We also used papers with different thicknesses and several layers of papers, with the right brightness, it works for all.
With the warranty, you are sure of getting good value out of large light box. But even without any warranty, you can be sure that the unit will last long. We really loved the construction of the lightbox. The only thing that we thought could have been better is the weight. It weighs 9.45 lbs, which too heavy if you want to carry it around. But it would be the best light box if you want to add it to your work station.
- It is a professional-grade lightbox.
- Light is uniform throughout the work surface.
- LEDs have a long life span.
- A USB cable for connecting to a power supply.
- It supports all standard paper sizes.
- It is too heavy to be carried around.
- No precise control over the brightness.
- Expensive compared to other lightboxes.
Bottom Line
We would recommend US ART SUPPLY Lightmaster LED Lightbox only if you are planning to buy a one for your work station because it is too heavy to be carried around. Also, the price may be high, but it is worth it because it is of professional quality and you get 1 year of warranty on the product. That is why we consider it to be the best lightbox for animation.
5. Gryiyi – Most Portable Unit
If the requirement of the lightbox is specifically for compact and portable, you can consider Gryiyi Tracing Light Boxes. It is a portable lightbox that uses three AA batteries, and it really easy to handle. You can use the light box while standing which is not possible with most of the light box. It is perfect for tracing, design, animation and also viewing x-rays. One more thing that not many light boxes do not have is the memory of the last light setting.
When we were testing, we like the way it can be used. You can actually use it while standing. The size allows the use of A4 papers. Since it uses AA batteries, you won’t have to worry about the cable and also about charging the device. It is perfect if you are someone who loves to work outdoors. However, there is also an option of USB cable if you want an uninterrupted power supply. You can connect to a laptop or even a power bank.
The work surface of the unit is 8.26″ X 11.69,” and the weight of the device is 1.75 lbs. It is very compact and can fit into any carry bag. And the glass surface feels nice and does not get scratch easily. Also, the button is highly responsive. It works on a touch sensor. Touch once to switch on the device and touch again to get the desired brightness. The grey and white color offer a premium look to the unit.
- It is compact and easy to carry.
- The touch button is highly responsive.
- Build quality is good.
- 12 months refund service available.
- It does not use rechargeable batteries.
- It supports only A4 size or small.
Bottom Line
For artists that use light boxes outdoor or work while traveling, the Gryiyi Tracing Light Boxes will be a great option. A rechargeable battery could have been a better option than AA batteries.
6. Artograph LX LightPad – Best for Photograph
Artograph is one of the best-designed lightbox on our list. If you want light box to trace photographs, the Artograph LX LightPad light box will a useful light box. Also, the built quality looks sleek and premium, as it uses aluminium. It is available in 5 variants. So you can buy according to the size of your requirements. Also, it produces three different shades of light to help work in different kinds of lighting environments. Like many high-quality light boxes, it does protect your eyes from UV rays.
During tests, we used different kinds of photographs and tried to trace the photos. The light brightness for the lightbox can be set between 500 to 5500 Lux. With maximum intensity, you can use the light pad for any kind of photographs. We also tested the unit on different kinds of papers, vinyl, fabric, etc. if works for all. For users, eye protection is a crucial factor while using a lightbox. It produces light that is UV-free. While testing we also observed how it affects the user’s eyes. Even after long hours of use, you don’t feel any stress on your eyes.
Artograph LX LightPad has the most beautiful design. A white color and metal finish at the edges makes it look premium product. You also get a protective storage sleeve in the package. Not many light box brands offer protective sleeve. The acrylic glass used for the work surface is double layered, which adds protection.
- Beautiful design.
- It uses double-layered acrylic glass.
- It works great for photographs.
- It produces UV free light.
- LEDs used have a long life span.
- It is expensive compared to other lightboxes.
- It uses no rechargeable battery.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a light box for tracing photographs, Artograph LX LightPad is among the best light box for photography. It is available in many different sizes. Choose one that fits your needs.
7. LITENERGY Portable A4 – Best For Home Use
If you want inexpensive on light box, you want something that can be used at home the LITENERGY Portable A4 Tracing LED Copy Board Light Box would be a perfect option. It is a simple light box yet it is a quality lightbox. It is currently available for A4 size only, which is more than enough for home use. It is USB powered unit that can be either connected to a power outlet via an adaptor or directly connect to USB.
The first thing we tested is how uniform the light is? The light is uniform throughout the work surface. And the intensity of brightness can be controlled with a simple touch. As far as protection for eyes is concerned, there is no UV filter. So we won’t recommend you this lightbox if you are looking to work on it for 8 hours. It works well for paper, fabric, vinyl etc. It also works for tracing photographs.
The dimension of the unit is 14.2’’x 10.6’’x 0.2’’ and weighs around 1.5 lbs. It is compact enough, and it can be easily stored in the house. The workspace uses acrylic glass, which is scratch-free. The ruler is also clear but there is no clip to secure the paper. You will have to place it flat on the ground to use a lightbox.
- The touch sensor is responsive.
- Build quality is good.
- Light is uniform throughout the glass.
- Inexpensive.
- It does not have any battery.
Bottom Line
You can always use the lightbox for home use. But we don’t recommend this unit for professional or something that you can carry around in your bag.
Buyer’s Guide- What To Consider?
All lightboxes are similar, but there are a few aspects. By knowing these aspects, you can buy the right lightbox for your requirements. Aspects like light control, power, build quality, and adaptive brightness. Let’s look at these aspects in detail:
1.Light Intensity
A most important aspect of any lightbox is the light intensity. It is the brightness of the light that allows you to trace the design or picture. All the lightboxes today use LED as a source of light. And generally, the color of the light is white. While buying, you have to make sure at maximum brightness light is able to penetrate through the object. Sometimes the subject like a photograph needs powerful light. So you have to be sure of what amount of light will be optimum for your requirements. In our list, Huion LB4 has the maximum brightness.
2. Adaptive Brightness
In addition to light intensity, how you control the brightness of the light is also a crucial aspect of a lightbox. Most of the lightboxes have different settings for brightness. These different settings for brightness allow you to use the unit in different light conditions and for different objects. A thick paper needs the maximum intensity of light but something like vinyl needs the very low intensity of light. Also, when you are working during the night you don’t need light at maximum brightness. But during the day, you may need the highest amount of brightness. So you need a lightbox that is flexible enough to allow you to work in different conditions of light.
3.Size
Lightboxes are available in different sizes. And these sizes are according to the standard paper formats. Lightboxes can be in A4 size format or A3 format. So if you are specifically looking for lightboxes that can support A4 size, you can go for something like a Huion LB4. And if your work involves different paper sizes, then you can go for a more flexible option like US ART SUPPLY Lightmaster. One important thing to remember while buying lightboxes is no what format you will be working on.
4.Portability
If you like to work while traveling or on the go, then you need a lightbox that can be carried in a backpack or in hand. The first thing that you need to consider is weight. Most of the portable lightboxes have a weight between 1 lb to 2 lbs. More than that will be a burden on your shoulder. Another thing that you need to consider is the dimension of the lightbox. The dimension of the lightboxes depends on the paper size you to work with. If the paper size is bigger, the size of the lightbox will also be bigger. Among all the joints that we have tested based is the most portable lightbox.
5.Power Source
Almost all the lightboxes can be power from a wall outlet using a USB adaptor. Also, you can connect to two devices, like laptops or Power Bank. But there are few lightboxes that use other rechargeable batteries or disposable batteries. If you are looking for a portable lightbox, then we remind you to buy a lightbox that is powered by a battery. But if you are going to use the lightboxes only at your workstation, any light Box with USB adaptor will to the job for you.
Final Thought
Most of the lightboxes look similar, and there are very little differences. So you must know what are your requirements. All the units that we have mentioned in this post are very good. You can go with any of them.
Huion LB4- Editor's Choice
Summary
If you want a light box that is suitable for different functions, there is no other light box that can compete with Huion LB4 Light Box. It is perfect for an artist who loves to work while traveling because of its wireless capability. Also, it is the best light box for watercolor paper.
Leave a Reply