Buying Black LIghts

What I would have given to get my hands on a black light when I was a kid! Back in the day, the closest we could get was the occasional visit to the skating rink where we could marvel out our glowing socks, shoelaces, shirts and the link on our jeans. Today, anyone can get their hands on Black Lights. They can be purchased from most party stores, department stores and, of course, online.

Black lights are the most critical part of your glow party and there’s nothing that will disappoint more than a weak black light effect. With the number of black lights on the market today, it can take time to find the best lights for your needs. We hope this guide helps you get the most bang for your buck and choose the best light on the first go.

Best Black Lights from each Category

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American DJ 24" Black Light Fixture with bulb
Black Lights, OPPSK 27W 9LED UV Blacklight Bar fit for 16x16ft UV Neon Glow Party Birthday Wedding Stage Lighting Glow in the Dark Party Supplies
UV LED Black Light, HouLight High Power 10W Ultra Violet UV LED Flood Light IP65-Waterproof (85V-265V AC) for Blacklight Party Supplies, Neon Glow, Glow in The Dark, Fishing, Aquarium, Curing
MAIKAIRUI Waterproof 5 M /16.4ft LED Strip Light,300 Units SMD 5050 LEDs (Purple KIT(Include Power Supply))
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American DJ 24" Black Light Fixture with bulb
Black Lights, OPPSK 27W 9LED UV Blacklight Bar fit for 16x16ft UV Neon Glow Party Birthday Wedding Stage Lighting Glow in the Dark Party Supplies
UV LED Black Light, HouLight High Power 10W Ultra Violet UV LED Flood Light IP65-Waterproof (85V-265V AC) for Blacklight Party Supplies, Neon Glow, Glow in The Dark, Fishing, Aquarium, Curing
MAIKAIRUI Waterproof 5 M /16.4ft LED Strip Light,300 Units SMD 5050 LEDs (Purple KIT(Include Power Supply))
price
$17.95
$29.99
$16.99
from $9.99
prime
reviews
1,402 Reviews
987 Reviews
358 Reviews
135 Reviews
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American DJ 24" Black Light Fixture with bulb
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American DJ 24" Black Light Fixture with bulb
price
$17.95
prime
reviews
1,402 Reviews
Buy Now
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Black Lights, OPPSK 27W 9LED UV Blacklight Bar fit for 16x16ft UV Neon Glow Party Birthday Wedding Stage Lighting Glow in the Dark Party Supplies
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Black Lights, OPPSK 27W 9LED UV Blacklight Bar fit for 16x16ft UV Neon Glow Party Birthday Wedding Stage Lighting Glow in the Dark Party Supplies
price
$29.99
prime
reviews
987 Reviews
Buy Now
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UV LED Black Light, HouLight High Power 10W Ultra Violet UV LED Flood Light IP65-Waterproof (85V-265V AC) for Blacklight Party Supplies, Neon Glow, Glow in The Dark, Fishing, Aquarium, Curing
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UV LED Black Light, HouLight High Power 10W Ultra Violet UV LED Flood Light IP65-Waterproof (85V-265V AC) for Blacklight Party Supplies, Neon Glow, Glow in The Dark, Fishing, Aquarium, Curing
price
$16.99
prime
reviews
358 Reviews
Buy Now
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MAIKAIRUI Waterproof 5 M /16.4ft LED Strip Light,300 Units SMD 5050 LEDs (Purple KIT(Include Power Supply))
title
MAIKAIRUI Waterproof 5 M /16.4ft LED Strip Light,300 Units SMD 5050 LEDs (Purple KIT(Include Power Supply))
price
from $9.99
prime
reviews
135 Reviews
Buy Now

Read on for a more in-depth look at the available types of black lights.


Standard Black Light Bulbs for existing fixtures

A common place to start with black lights is to pick up a UV light bulb from the local department store. While this is often the least expensive, UV light bulbs do not always have the best result. If you know what to look for, there are still some great options and as light bulb technology has improved, the cost of UV light bulbs has come down.

Incandescent Black Light Bulbs

We will say up front that, generally speaking, incandescent bulbs that are advertised as “Black Lights” generally do not perform well. They tend to not give off very bright light levels and many do not react to white and fluorescent colors, which is the main purpose of using black lights. Many simply give off a bluish light. With so many better options available, we recommend passing on this option. If you do decide to test these out, read user reviews before purchasing.

Bulbrite 75A/BL 75-Watt Incandescent Standard A19, Medium Base, Black Light [6 Pack]
A19 Incandescent Colored Light Bulb, 75W, E26 Medium Base, 130V, Black Light UV (1 Pack)
GE Lighting 25905 60-watt A19 Light Bulb with Medium Base, Black, 6-Pack
11 Reviews
3 Reviews
41 Reviews
$17.00
$6.97
$22.48
Bulbrite 75A/BL 75-Watt Incandescent Standard A19, Medium Base, Black Light [6 Pack]
11 Reviews
$17.00
A19 Incandescent Colored Light Bulb, 75W, E26 Medium Base, 130V, Black Light UV (1 Pack)
3 Reviews
$6.97
GE Lighting 25905 60-watt A19 Light Bulb with Medium Base, Black, 6-Pack
41 Reviews
$22.48

Compact Fluorescent Black Light Bulbs

A slight step up from incandescent UV lights, fluorescent lights might be a decent low cost option. They can also be found to be affordable and available in the light bulb section of your local department store. They won’t offer as great of a black light effect as some of the rest in this guide, but can be used in existing lamps or fixtures and are a small financial investment.

Sunlite SL20/BLB 20 Watt Spiral Energy Saving CFL Light Bulb Medium Base Blacklight Blue
2 Pack BlueX CFL UV Blacklight Bulb 24W - 100-Watt Equivalent - E26 Spiral Replacement Bulbs - Black Light Bulb Decorative Illumination - for Indoor or Outdoor - DJ, Aquarium UV Bulbs (Blacklight)
60 Watt Flourescent Blacklight Twist Bulb
421 Reviews
53 Reviews
62 Reviews
$10.40
$16.99
$10.99
Sunlite SL20/BLB 20 Watt Spiral Energy Saving CFL Light Bulb Medium Base Blacklight Blue
421 Reviews
$10.40
2 Pack BlueX CFL UV Blacklight Bulb 24W - 100-Watt Equivalent - E26 Spiral Replacement Bulbs - Black Light Bulb Decorative Illumination - for Indoor or Outdoor - DJ, Aquarium UV Bulbs (Blacklight)
53 Reviews
$16.99
60 Watt Flourescent Blacklight Twist Bulb
62 Reviews
$10.99

LED Black Light Bulbs

Somewhat new to the market, LED black light bulbs are some of the best options to consider. If your budget allows and you have a few existing fixtures, LED UV Light Bulbs is a great way to go. LED light is much more intense than standard bulbs and consume a fraction of the energy.

Onforu UV LED Black Lights Bulb, 7W A19 E26 Bulb, UVA Level 385-400nm, Glow in The Dark for Blacklight Party, Body Paint, Fluorescent Poster, Neon Glow (2 Pack)
UV LED Black Light Bulb, 6W A19 E26 UV Blacklight Bulb UVA Level 385-400nm, LED Ultra Violet LED, Body Paint, Glow In The Dark Party LED Light Bulb Neon Glow Fluorescent Poster by Bluex Bulbs (2 Pack)
GE Lighting 92138 LED Black Light 7-watt Light Bulb with Medium Base, 1-Pack
33 Reviews
43 Reviews
232 Reviews
$16.99
$14.99
$26.62
Onforu UV LED Black Lights Bulb, 7W A19 E26 Bulb, UVA Level 385-400nm, Glow in The Dark for Blacklight Party, Body Paint, Fluorescent Poster, Neon Glow (2 Pack)
33 Reviews
$16.99
UV LED Black Light Bulb, 6W A19 E26 UV Blacklight Bulb UVA Level 385-400nm, LED Ultra Violet LED, Body Paint, Glow In The Dark Party LED Light Bulb Neon Glow Fluorescent Poster by Bluex Bulbs (2 Pack)
43 Reviews
$14.99
GE Lighting 92138 LED Black Light 7-watt Light Bulb with Medium Base, 1-Pack
232 Reviews
$26.62

Fluorescent Black Light TUbe Fixtures

Fluorescent tubes may be what comes to mind when thinking about black lights. This classic may have been one of the first varieties on the market. One of the most popular today is the American DJ 24.

Fluorescent black light tubes give off an even light with great spread. The light bulbs themselves, when illuminated, tend to be less irritating to the eyes. Many fixtures come with an on/off switch can be plugged into an existing wall outlet. Keep in mind, if you are not placing a light near an outlet, an extension cord may be needed.

One great option, if your room or space already is existing T12 tube fixtures, is the GE 10531. These work with any mounted or portable T12 fixture.

American DJ 24" Black Light Fixture with bulb
GE 22 Inch Fluorescent Black Light Under Cabinet Fixture, Plug-in, Purple Glow, Plastic Housing, On/Off Switch, Perfect for Posters, Neon Art, Parties, Dorm Room, Halloween, and More, 10186
GE 10531 - 40 watt 48" Fluorescent Black Light Bulb (F40BLB)
1,402 Reviews
52 Reviews
76 Reviews
$17.95
$26.30
$18.00
American DJ 24" Black Light Fixture with bulb
1,402 Reviews
$17.95
GE 22 Inch Fluorescent Black Light Under Cabinet Fixture, Plug-in, Purple Glow, Plastic Housing, On/Off Switch, Perfect for Posters, Neon Art, Parties, Dorm Room, Halloween, and More, 10186
52 Reviews
$26.30
GE 10531 - 40 watt 48" Fluorescent Black Light Bulb (F40BLB)
76 Reviews
$18.00

Black Light LED Fixtures

LED lights are a relatively new technology to consumer grade light bulbs. With the rise in popularity, and reduction in costs, LED lights are becoming more and more common and available. This is true as well for the LED Black Light.

Being exceptionally bright, lightweight, and low on energy consumption, LED black lights are our top recommendation for your glow party. There are many varieties, styles, and wattage available. Many include convenient on/off switches and some will include mounting hardware.

One thing to keep in mind is, direct light from the LED can be a bit intense, so these are best when used overhead or otherwise out of direct line of sight.

Black Lights for Parties, OPPSK Blacklights with 3W x 6 LEDs UV Bar Black Light Posters for Room Stage Tapestry Glow in The Dark Party
UV LED Black Light, HouLight High Power 10W Ultra Violet UV LED Flood Light IP65-Waterproof (85V-265V AC) for Blacklight Party Supplies, Neon Glow, Glow in The Dark, Fishing, Aquarium, Curing
Barrina UV LED Blacklight Bar, 9W 2ft, T5 Integrated Bulb, Black Light Fixture for Blacklight Poster and Party, Fun Atmosphere with Built-in ON/Off Switch(4-Pack)
994 Reviews
358 Reviews
155 Reviews
$21.99
$16.99
$29.99
Black Lights for Parties, OPPSK Blacklights with 3W x 6 LEDs UV Bar Black Light Posters for Room Stage Tapestry Glow in The Dark Party
994 Reviews
$21.99
UV LED Black Light, HouLight High Power 10W Ultra Violet UV LED Flood Light IP65-Waterproof (85V-265V AC) for Blacklight Party Supplies, Neon Glow, Glow in The Dark, Fishing, Aquarium, Curing
358 Reviews
$16.99
Barrina UV LED Blacklight Bar, 9W 2ft, T5 Integrated Bulb, Black Light Fixture for Blacklight Poster and Party, Fun Atmosphere with Built-in ON/Off Switch(4-Pack)
155 Reviews
$29.99

Unique Black Light Options

In addition to traditional fixtures, there are some other creative options that might be a better fit for unique uses.

Rope Lights / Light Strips

Black Light light strips are surprisingly versetile and may be a great fit for your glow part, game, activity, or room decoration. They come in a variety of lengths, can be cut to size in order to fit unique spaces and most are self-adhesive for easy installation. They are typically made from long lasting, bright LED lights. They are also weatherproof, making them usable outdoors or other unique situations.

DeepDream Black Light UV Led Strip 16.4Ft/5M 24W Flexible Waterproof IP65 with 12V 2A Power Supply
472 Reviews
$19.99
DeepDream Black Light UV Led Strip 16.4Ft/5M 24W Flexible Waterproof IP65 with 12V 2A Power Supply
472 Reviews
$19.99

Handheld Black Lights (Flashlights)

It may be that a special glow in the dark element is only one aspect to your party and a fully-lit space is not necessary. Black Light flashlights are a great option. Put these into the hands of your guests for games, activities, outdoor scavenger hunts and more. Send them home as party favors.

UV Flashlight Black light UV Lights , Vansky 51 LED Ultraviolet Blacklight Pet Urine Detector For Dog/Cat Urine,Dry Stains,Bed Bug, Matching with Pet Odor Eliminator
2,871 Reviews
$12.99
UV Flashlight Black light UV Lights , Vansky 51 LED Ultraviolet Blacklight Pet Urine Detector For Dog/Cat Urine,Dry Stains,Bed Bug, Matching with Pet Odor Eliminator
2,871 Reviews
$12.99


Choosing the Best Black Light

When choosing the best black light for your party or event, there are a number of things to consider. Below is a short list of questions to ask that can help you narrow down your search. Keep in mind that black lights, like any light source, are directional and do cast shadow. We advise, for most situations, that at least 2 black lights are used from opposite ends of the party space for the best black light effect.

  • Size of the space – Indoor, outdoor, small room, large hall?
  • Spread or reach of light – Fill the room with lights all around, or isolated area only
  • Intensity of light – How strong of an effect do you need?
  • Mountable – Does the light come with hardware
  • On / off switch – do you need an easy to reach power switch
  • Budget – how much can you afford to spend
  • Bulbs for existing fixtures – Do you already have fixtures on hand
  • Length of electric cord – Do you want to avoid extension cords?
  • Temporary or permanent – are these bulbs you would mount for ongoing use, store for future use, or never use again?