This lightbox will illuminate the paper using LED lights. So, you can easily make accurate and elegant designs. Compared to light tables, these options are compact, portable and travel-friendly. Before deciding which model to purchase, we recommend considering the below factors for the best light drawing box.
Power Source
LED lightboxes for drawing are available three different power sources that include USB powered, battery powered and AC adapter. Each option has its own benefits and drawbacks. You can choose based on your preferences.
Size
It provides insights on dimensions of the box. The size is completely dependent on personal preference. Some people might prefer the larger A3 while others would deem the A4 to be enough.
Brightness
If your works are mostly technical, then choose a model that can provide at least 3000 lux. If your works include just drawing, working on other artist projects or photography, then 1500 to 3000 lux is sufficient. If you like to have detail information on how to choose the best lightbox for drawing, we recommend checking out the “Buying Guide”. We also shortlisted the best lightboxes for drawing purposes in this article.
10 Best LED Lightbox for Drawing 2023
Best LED Lightbox for Drawing : 2023 Reviews
1. Tiktecklab A4 LED Light Box
If you are interested in sketching, drawing, animation, or even stenciling, this lightbox has got you covered. This pad is quite thin and measures only about 5mm. The brightness is fairly even and there was no flickering throughout the use. The brightness can also be adjusted as per your choice with the help of touch. This lightbox has a power rating of 3.2W and is designed to run at 5V. Also, the acrylic surface deserves a mention and it feels like a glass panel at times. The equipment has a touch sensor that is used to power the device. It comes with a 2m USB cable and can be charged from power banks/computer ports and wall outlets. If portability is the most important factor, then this is undoubtedly one of the best choices you can make. To top it off, it is reasonably priced as well. Best Features
Adjustable Brightness Super Slim design with thickness less than 5mm. A4 size Touch sensor design Acrylic surface
Pros
Easy to use Good illumination Portable Suitable for X-ray viewing, industrial design, etc
Cons
No Warranty on the product
2. LITENERGY A4 LED Light Box
This offering from Litenergy has some similarities with the previous model but also some notable differences as well. It has a working area of 9”x12” and has A4 size. It is a super slim model and comes with a thickness of around 0.2”. The rated power is 4.5W and the voltage required is 5V. It comes with an eye protection technology that keeps your eyes safe and also ensures that don’t experience dry eyes after longtime usage. The brightness can be varied by repeatedly using the touch button. This lightbox is ideal for activities like diamond painting, tattoo tracing, etc We also loved the memory feature that remembers the previously used brightness setting. It is a very handy tool and can save you a lot of time. The lightbox also comes with a USB power cable for easy charging. Moreover, it works in both the portrait as well as landscape modes. For the price, it offers good value for money. Best Features
Eyesight protection Visual Working Area 9” x 12” Memory feature Stepless Brightness adjustment Acrylic Panel No Radiation The thickness of 0.2”
Pros
Value for money Easy to carry Stylish Design
Cons
Nothing much
3. HSK A3 LED Light Box
This lightbox from HSK is a bit bigger compared to the previous options. It is expected since it is an A3 lightbox while the previous 2 were A4. We loved the multiple button layout of this box. There are 3 buttons that help to power on/off the device and also adjust the brightness. This is much easier than repeatedly banging on a button for all the functions. The light pad is made from Aluminum, which offers solidity while still keeping it portable. It has a thickness of 6mm, which is quite thin and therefore you can easily carry it everywhere. Customers also get a free storage bag, and white clips, which is a nice addition. The brightness level is 4500 Lux and it is fairly even. Some might find the A3 size a bit overwhelming but it is ideal for Diamond Painting. It also comes with a 12V 1A adapter as well. Overall, a solid product that offers more room than a normal lightbox. Best Features
Slim 6mm thin light pad Aluminum frame without any light emittance. The maximum luminance of 4500 Lux 11W bright led A3 Size
Pros
Even lighting Lightweight Multi switch layout
Cons
No batteries so should be plugged in for use.
4. Comzler A4 LED Light Box
This lightbox from Comzler has some very unique features, which make it a very interesting product in our eyes. First and foremost, it is rechargeable and can be used for up to 5 hours. Thus it is ideal for sketching while you are on the move. Moreover, the brightness can be adjusted depending on the background lighting. There are 5 different levels of lighting, which help to keep the eyes free of strain. The battery has a capacity of 2500 mAh, which is comparable to that of certain smartphones. It has a thickness of 8mm and it is suitable for holding A4-sized paper. Another interesting feature is the magnetic press design. Here, 2 magnets are used to keep the paper tight on the lightbox and prevent it from moving. Overall, it is ideal for viewing negatives and also DSLR scanning. Best Features
Rechargeable light board. 2500 mAh battery capacity. Magnetic press design 5 level brightness 8mm thickness
Pros
Good after-sale service Battery duration Lightweight design 3-year warranty
Cons
Nothing much
5. Mlife LED Light Box
The first thing to notice about this Mlife LED lightbox is the ultra-slim design. Coming to its 4.7mm thickness, this is the thinnest product we have discussed till now. When talking about the display, the illumination is fairly even, and super bright without any flickers. This portable light pad comes with a 1.5m USB cable that power on/off by plugging into any USB port or wall outlet. With its advanced eyesight protection technology, the eco-friendly and flicker-free LEDs in the box will no longer cause your eyes to get sore/strained even after working long hours. It also employs a single-touch button for working. You can switch the appliances on or off using that button. Long pressing the button will let you adjust the brightness of this light box. The LED in this lightbox is of high quality making it an ideal option to use for embossing, embroidery, 5D diamond painting, drawing, cross-switch embroidery, sewing projects, 2D animation, stenciling, etc. Also, it offers a 100% money-back guarantee or full replacement in case its customers are not satisfied with the diamond painting light board. Best Features
Adjustable brightness Light thickness of 0.14″/0.35 cm USB-powered light pad with an input voltage of DC 5V Dimmable function, and touch sensor switch design Widely applicable in various situations Compact, lightweight, and portable design with 33.5 X 23.3 cm/ 13.18 X 9.17 inches
Pros
An ideal choice for diamond painting Lightweight design with fair illumination Comes with clips to fasten the paper Easy to carry this stylish model
Cons
No information is available on its warranty.
6. Kusmil A4 LED Light Box
Kusmil has made some top-quality products and this lightbox is no different. It is suited for holding A4-sized paper and has dimensions of 13.18” x 9.17″. It requires a voltage of 5V and has a rated power supply of about 1.5W. This means that it generates less heat while working and is ideal for long-time usage. With a thickness of 3.5mm, this is probably one of the thinnest lightboxes out there. It is perfect for tracing, animation, and even diamond painting. Also, the lighting is even and flicker-free to ensure that users won’t have any issues while spending long hours. Also, the light intensity is adjustable and can be done by repeatedly pressing the touch button. You also get a USB cable along with it. In terms of value for money, this lightbox is a great buy. It is one of the cheapest products out there but still offers enough features. Best Features
Incredibly slim with a thickness of 3.5mm. Variable brightness Less power requirement (1.5W) Flicker-free lighting. A4 size
Pros
Less heat Less strain on eyes Very cheap
Cons
Build quality could have been better.
7. ME456 A4 LED Light Box
This offering from ME456 has everything you would expect from a lightbox. It has a working area of 9” x 12” and is designed to hold A4 papers. It has a thickness of around 5 mm, which is ideal. Also, it has a maximum luminance of 4000 Lux. Moreover, the screen brightness can be adjusted as per the user’s needs. This is done with the help of the screen touch button. Additionally, the smart memory option stores the previously used brightness setting. The product is ideal for purposes like stenciling, calligraphy, 2d animation, and many more. The LEDs used are efficient but also flicker-free. These LEDs do not require any sort of maintenance and can last up to 50000 working hours. This lightbox is also a great choice for sewing projects, x-ray viewing, etc. Best Features
A working area of 9” x 12”. Eyesight protection Stepless adjustable brightness The ultra-slim thickness of 5mm. Smart Memory feature Energy-efficient flicker-free LED lamps.
Pros
USB Power option Value for money Safe viewing screen
Cons
Quality of USB cable
8. Dasher A4 LED Light Box
The good thing about this lightbox is that it comes with all the necessary accessories. It gives you the power adapter, some tracing sheets, and even clips to fix your paper. Moreover, you even get the long 11 foot USB cable as well. It measures 5mm in thickness and is a portable option and very easy to work with. The rubber pads on the back are a good design choice as they prevent any kind of damage while sliding. The product has 3 different settings in terms of brightness. This is useful when you want to sketch at night or evenings. Another aspect that ought to be mentioned, is the packaging. The light pad is ideal for doctors, hobbyists, and pretty much everyone. It is great for weeding vinyl and tracing drawings. Moreover, another useful aspect is the ruler that measures both the length and width. Best Features
3 Brightness settings to choose from Ultra-thin design (5mm) Rubber feet to stop sliding Complete accessories provided Ruler A4 size
Pros
Multiple brightness settings. Nice packaging Easy to use
Cons
No warranty
9. Huion L4S LED Light Box
This is a slightly more expensive option compared to some of the other lightboxes that have been mentioned. However, all good things come at a price. First and foremost, you have a free adjustment of the brightness and the maximum brightness is 1100 Lux. Moreover, it will remember the last settings used and that will be the default setting the next time around. It is meant to hold A4 size paper and has a surface area of 12” x 8”. The product is quite light in weight and measures only 0.6kg. It comes packaged with a user manual, paper clips, and a USB cable. The protective film and the LED lamps used, ensure adequate eye protection. The maximum brightness is not too high but not too low either. The touch switch is used to power on the device and adjust the brightness. And the surface also is quite flat. Best Features
Eyesight protection technology. Variable brightness Slim Design The brightness of 1100 Lux. 12” x 8” Worksurface
Pros
Wide usage Portable Accessories included
Cons
Have to be plugged into a power source all time.
10. AGPTEK A4 LED Light Box
The multi-button layout is a very appealing feature of this light box. It prevents the users from having to mash on a single button to change the brightness and powering the lightbox. The biggest feature is undoubtedly the magnetic pins that hold the paper in position. Thus there would be no more papers flying around. The power rating of the device is 5 Watts. And the product is quite light in weight and measures only 425 grams. It is equipped with a USB cable, which allows charging from USB ports and power banks. The light pad is quite bright at the highest setting and even brighter than some smartphones. Brightness can be changed from 0 to maximum % and there is the smart memory option that remembers your settings. The LEDs used do not emit radiation and have a long lifespan of around 50000 hours. Best Features
Magnetic pin design Brightness control Eco-friendly LEDs Smart Memory function Button layout The thickness of 5mm.
Pros
Easy to use Good lighting No radiation
Cons
Nothing much
How to Choose the Best LED Lightbox for Drawing
There are several factors to consider if you want to invest in the best LED lightbox that is suitable for your requirements. If you are unaware of this information, then you find it below in this guide. It helps you choose the right one.
1. Power Source
LED lightboxes are available in three different power variants that include
USB powered Battery powered AC adapter (standard outlet)
If you seek flexibility, then USB powered light box is the best choice. Because you can switch between a power bank, USB/AC adapter (available with most of the smartphones) or a computer. The next comes AC powered models that are more consistent and non-flickering results. This choice is suitable for professionals who want to use a lightbox for more than 8 hours in a day. And finally, battery powered lightboxes are suitable for artists who like to sketch occasionally like in a classroom. While making a choice, make sure to think on how you are going to use the light box. When it comes to battery powered lightboxes, there is a small issue. As LED lights illuminate brighter, they put more strain on the battery life. Because of that, they provide 4 to 5 hours of time instead of 12 hours of battery time. These models are not expensive but can be heavier because of the battery present inside. This can be an issue for people who like to go on a hike or camping trips frequently.
2. Size
Lightboxes are available in different sizes ranging from 6” x 9” to as high as 18” x 24” (that has almost 432” of surface area). You have to make a choice based on the scale of drawing you plan to work on. We recommend to check the past drawings to analyse which one is suitable for your works. In general terms, they are mostly presented in the form of A4 to A2. If you like working on small and sketch pad sized drawings, then A4 lightbox is the right choice. But if you want a sensory table for kids or if you are an animator, then you may need a larger lightbox. Remember that, larger the lightbox and functions attached to it, higher will be the cost. Even if you choose a larger lightbox, weight may not be a major factor if you use it on a tabletop. However, it can be an issue if you use it by placing on your lap.
3. Brightness and Luminosity
An ideal drawing lightbox comes with proper illumination. If you want a lightbox for tracing, then you have to choose a model that can shine through 2 thick sheets of paper. If your works are mostly technical, then choose a model that can provide at least 3000 lux. If your works include just drawing, working on other artist projects or photography, then 1500 to 3000 lux is sufficient. Majority of the devices come with adjustable brightness feature so you can reduce the brightness based on your project. Typically, this feature comes with 3 to 5 levels of adjustment setting but some of the premium products come with continuous brightness adjustment setting as well.
4. Color Temperature
Color temperature means hue or color of the light source. It is measure in terms of Kelvin (k) and ranges from 1000 K to 10000 K. Color temperatures within 3000L are specified as warm colors (yellowish) and high color temperatures (9000 – 10000 K) are specified as cool colours (bluish). The day light color temperature comes around 6500 K. It usually promotes relaxation and true color rendering. The blue skylight (>9000 k) is provided for enhanced concentration. If you need professional control then having an adjustable color temperature range like 3000 to 6200 Kelvin is helpful. Though it can be costly, the light conditions range can be available from living room light to bright outdoor light. However, if the model you choose doesn’t come with temperature control setting, then we recommend not to purchase it. It is better to avoid such models altogether.
5. Weight
If you need a portable light pad for easy transportation or a permanent desk-style solution, the important factor to consider is the weight. Most of the lightboxes don’t usually weight much. And moreover, some of them are ultra-thin, making them easy to transport.
6. Quality
Not every lightbox has similar quality standards. The quality of a lightbox mostly depends on the materials used for making them. It is obvious that you have to invest in a model that is durable and lasts pretty long. So, check out whether the model you choose is made from good quality materials and craftmanship. It surely is ok to spend a little more over a durable and long-lasting product. There are some budget-friendly lightboxes that are ok to invest. However, we recommend to check out the reviews before making the purchase. Usually, some manufacturers cut some corners in order to reduce the pricing. But it can result in cheap components and dodgy connection that will not last long. And finally, this can be become more expensive compared to reliable mid-range lightbox options. We recommend checking out for a lightbox that comes with UL or CE listed as models using LEDs are at a risk of catching fire quickly.
7. Price
The cost of a lightbox usually ranges from $50 to $500 for high-end ones. Usually, the price of the lightboxes is determined through the size and weight of the models. If you are a professional, it may look nice to spend less on lightbox. However, by spending a little more on purchasing a lightbox will ensure that you will not be constrained from advanced features available with them.
Conclusion:
We hope that you have enjoyed this piece on the best lightboxes in the market. Ultimately, the choice is yours and it depends on what features you are looking for in a lightbox. However, if you still have issues while making a decision, we will help you out.
LITENERGY A4 Light Box-Not only does it offer great value for money, it packs in some valuable features as well. It allows you to change the brightness, has smart memory, and user-safety settings like eyesight protection, and emits no radiations. For all the budget customers out there, this is our number one choice. Comzler A4 Light Box– It probably has some of the best features that you would desire. It packs in 5 different brightness levels that make it suitable for use at any time. It has a rechargeable battery that can last up to 5 hours. Another cool aspect is the magnetic press. In terms of features and price/performance, this is the best choice. HSK A3 Light Box– If the size is the most important criteria for you, then this is a great choice. For certain sketches, you would need good dimensions and this makes the apt choice. It is expensive but offers magnetic pins and variable brightness.
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