Hi-tech torches tested
Philips has launched two new specialist inspection lamps, and we’ve put them up against our current favourite – the Sealey 21+5
We assessed the build quality of all three in the lab, then tested them in a dark cul-de-sac with no streetlights. We shone each under the bonnet of our test car to rate ease of use, ideally looking for those which let you work on your car with both hands. We also wanted intense light, so held each 30cm away from the ground and measured where the beam began to dissipate.
The new Philips lamps are strong performers, but the Wand is too big and heavy, and its cable further restricts movement. The Rechargeable is far better, but it’s still not very well thought out – and you pay a lot of money for it.
So the Sealey is still our top choice, as it’s the cheapest of all three, well designed and packed with features.
Top-spec model: Philips Rechargeable LED Inspection Lamp
Price: £143.99
Contact: 01753 650004, eurocarparts.com
Rating: ★★★
Despite having only 15 LEDs, we found this marginally brighter than the Sealey. You also get a wider spread of light – a 20cm circle as opposed to 15cm. It’s well built, too, and small enough to use easily. But it’s pricey, and the magnet and hook, which let you secure it to surfaces, aren’t as well thought out as the Sealey’s attachments. A light glows red when you need to put it in the dock and recharge, and turns blue when it’s fully topped up.
Used - available now
2023 Kia
Sportage
16,194 milesAutomaticPetrol1.6L
Cash £22,800
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e-tron
16,169 milesAutomaticElectric
Cash £20,197
2024 Volkswagen
Taigo
15,557 milesAutomaticPetrol1.0L
Cash £17,997
2025 Volkswagen
Polo
23,641 milesManualPetrol1.0L
Cash £16,197The wand: Philips Wand LED Inspection Lamp
Price: £99.99
Contact: 01753 650004, eurocarparts.com
Rating: ★★
The more conventional offering from Philips gets off to a poor start as there’s no magnet or hook, so you’ll only ever have one spare hand unless you can find someone to hold the lamp for you. At £99.99, it’s cheaper than its stablemate, but still nearly twice the price of the Sealey. There’s a 20cm spread of light, although it’s a long and thin beam pattern because of the way the 45 LEDs are arranged. The 10-metre power cable is bulky, too, and it also smells quite rubbery.
The main rival: Sealey 21+5 LED Inspection Lamp
Price: £54.95
Contact: 01284 757500, www.sealey.co.uk
Rating: ★★★★
Our test winner from September 2010 comes out on top in this trio. There’s no long power cable to get in the way, and because the Sealey charges via a cable instead of a base, it’s cheaper than the Philips Rechargeable. The 21 LEDs provide a focused light, and there are five extra diodes at the top so you can use it as a conventional torch. The twin magnets, two hooks and rotating handle mean it can be secured to many parts of your car, and there’s even a 12V charger, unlike with the others.
