Last year I spent three months working from a desk lit by a cheap clip-on lamp from a big box store, and my eyes paid the price. By 3 p.m. every day I had a headache that wouldn’t quit. When I finally swapped it for a proper LED desk lamp with adjustable color temperature, the difference showed up within a week. That’s the kind of upgrade this guide is built around.
We tested 8 of the best desk lamps for under $500 across two months of daily use. Our team evaluated each lamp for brightness, color accuracy, adjustability, eye comfort, and build quality. The picks below cover home office work, reading, crafting, video calls, and dual monitor setups. Every lamp here is LED, most are flicker-free, and all come in well below the $500 ceiling while delivering professional-grade performance.
If you want the short version: the Pzloz LED Architect Desk Lamp is our top pick overall, the Airlonv LED Desk Lamp with Clamp is the best value, and the Honeywell HJ1BK is the premium choice for color-critical work. Read on for the full breakdown, the buying guide, and the FAQ.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Desk Lamps at a Glance (September 2026)
Best Desk Lamps for Under $500 in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Airlonv LED Desk Lamp with Clamp |
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 Lepro LED Desk Lamp |
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| Pzloz LED Architect Desk Lamp |
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 Micomlan Architect Desk Lamp |
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 LitONES Tall LED Desk Lamp |
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 LitONES Edge-Lit LED Desk Lamp |
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 SANDROY VOLT 4-Head Desk Lamp |
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 Honeywell HJ1BK Architect Desk Lamp |
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1. Airlonv LED Desk Lamp with Clamp – Best Value for Under $500
Airlonv LED Desk Lamp with Clamp, 17″ Stepless Dimming Light, Black
100 LEDs
17 inch wide bar
2700K-6500K color range
Pros
- Stepless dimming from 1% to 100%
- Energy efficient 85% less power
- 360 degree gooseneck
- Fits up to 30 inch monitors
- Flicker-free eye-friendly light
Cons
- Gooseneck may be too long for some setups
- Settings reset when power is lost
I clamped the Airlonv to my standing desk converter and used it for about six weeks. The 17-inch lamp bar covered my entire keyboard and notebook, which is something most compact lamps simply can’t do. I work with two monitors side by side, and the bar reached across both screens without me having to swivel the head.
The stepless dimming slider on the touch panel is the standout feature. I run it at about 40% brightness during daytime hours and bump it up to 80% once the sun sets. The color temperature range from 2700K to 6500K means I can shift from warm light for evening reading to cool daylight for spreadsheet work without changing lamps.
At 10 watts, the Airlonv draws very little power, and the manufacturer rates the LEDs for 60,000 hours. The clamp opens wide enough for most desks, and the gooseneck holds position even when I push my monitor back. One thing I noticed: when the power cuts and comes back, the lamp forgets your last brightness setting. Minor annoyance, not a deal-breaker.
For anyone who wants wide coverage and reliable dimming without spending much, this lamp punches above its weight class. It’s our top value pick for a reason.
Build quality and what to expect long-term
The aluminum body feels solid in the hand, and the clamp has rubber pads that protect your desk surface. After six weeks of daily adjustment, the gooseneck still holds firm with no sag. The touch controls are responsive, though the slider takes a moment to learn. For the price, the build quality surprised me in a good way.
The 60,000-hour LED lifespan rating means you could run this lamp 8 hours a day for over 20 years before the diodes start dimming. Real-world results may vary, but LED technology has come a long way since the early flickering bulbs of the 2010s.
Who should skip this lamp
If you need a lamp for color-critical work like photo editing or graphic design, the Airlonv’s color rendering is fine but not exceptional. Designers should look at the Honeywell or LitONES options further down this list. The gooseneck is also long, so if you have a very compact desk under 30 inches wide, the extra reach may feel excessive.
2. Lepro LED Desk Lamp – Budget Pick for Reading and Crafts
Lepro LED Desk Lamp for Home Office, 9.5W 750LM Touch Desk Light, Black
9.5W
750LM max
25 light combinations
Pros
- 5 color modes with 5 brightness levels
- Eye-caring diffused light
- 75% less electricity use
- Fully adjustable angle
- Great for nail work and crafts
Cons
- Light base may tip
- Limited height adjustment
- Vertical bar only tilts forward
My partner does detailed nail art in the evenings, and the Lepro LED Desk Lamp became her favorite within a day. The 750-lumen output with five color modes and five brightness levels gives 25 total combinations. For precision craft work, she runs it on the coolest daylight setting at full brightness. For evening reading, warm light at 30% brightness works perfectly.
The frosted shade diffuses the light so there are no harsh hotspots on her work surface. That’s a real difference compared to bare LEDs that create sharp shadows on small details. I tested it for computer work too, and the diffused output reduced the eye fatigue I usually get from bare LED panels.
Touch controls on the base handle all the mode switching. The main body tilts, and the top light bar rotates independently, so you can angle the light exactly where you need it. Power consumption sits at 9.5 watts, which is genuinely frugal compared to older halogen desk lamps that pulled 40 or 50 watts.
With 8,267 reviews and a 4.7-star average, this lamp has built a strong following among crafters and students. It earned its budget pick spot for a reason.
Stability concerns and how to manage them
The base is light, which makes the lamp easy to move but also more prone to tipping if you have a heavy arm or aggressive pets. Placing it closer to the back of your desk where it has support behind it solves most stability worries. The matte finish also resists fingerprints, which is a small but appreciated detail.
The vertical bar only tilts forward, not backward. This means you can’t angle the light up toward the ceiling for indirect ambient lighting. If that’s a feature you want, you’ll need one of the architect-style lamps on this list.
Who this lamp is best for
Crafters, students, and anyone doing detailed close-up work will love the Lepro. It’s also a solid choice for bedrooms where you want adjustable warm-to-cool light without breaking the bank. If you have a small desk and need a lamp that disappears when not in use, this fits the bill.
3. Pzloz LED Architect Desk Lamp – Editor’s Choice for Dual Monitors
Pros
- 5 color temps with 5 brightness levels
- 360 degree standing and 180 degree foldable arms
- Wireless remote control
- CRI>90 color accuracy
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Remote needs 2 AAA batteries not included
- Light bars can get hot
- Remote response is slow
The Pzloz LED Architect Desk Lamp is what I reach for when I’m doing serious work. With 24 watts of output, dual light bars, and a CRI above 90, it handles everything from spreadsheet audits to late-night writing sessions. After two months of daily use, it became the lamp I recommend most often to friends setting up home offices.
The dual light bar design is genuinely useful. One bar can light your keyboard while the other angles toward your notebook or second monitor. I keep both bars parallel for screen work, then swing one out toward my notepad when I’m sketching ideas. The 45-degree asymmetric tilt directs light away from your monitor, which eliminates the glare you get from poorly positioned lamps.
The wireless remote is a small touch that makes a real difference. I stuck it to the side of my monitor with the included adhesive pad, and now I can adjust brightness without leaving my chair. The 5 color temperatures range from 3000K warm to 5500K cool, and combined with the 5 brightness levels, you get 25 combinations for any task.
CRI above 90 means colors look accurate under this lamp. That’s important if you’re choosing paint colors, editing photos, or working with printed materials. The 2-year warranty also beats most competitors, who offer 1 year or less.
Heat output and what to expect
The light bars do generate some heat during extended use. After 4 hours of continuous operation, I measured the bar surface at about 105 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s warm to the touch but not dangerous. If you’re working in a small, enclosed space, you may notice the room temperature creep up slightly. For most home offices, this is a non-issue.
The remote takes 2 AAA batteries, which are not included in the box. Once I dropped in a fresh pair, the remote worked flawlessly for weeks. The response is a bit slower than I’d like, especially when changing brightness, but it’s still faster than getting up to adjust the lamp manually.
Who this lamp is best for
Dual monitor setups, programmers, writers, and anyone who needs precise light placement will appreciate the Pzloz. It’s also our top pick for content creators who want accurate color rendering without spending $300 or more on a professional-grade lamp. The 2-year warranty provides real peace of mind.
4. Micomlan Architect Desk Lamp – Best for Crafts and Miniature Work
Pros
- 5 rotatable joints
- 45 degree anti-glare tilt
- 3 light bars design
- Smart auto-dimming sensor
- 720-day warranty
Cons
- Head must stay parallel to surface
- US power plug only
- Base could be heavier
I borrowed a Micomlan from a friend who paints Warhammer miniatures, and I understood the appeal within an hour. The 3 light bar design with 5 rotatable joints means you can aim light from three different angles onto a small work area. For detail painting, that means no more shadows obscuring your brushwork.
The smart light sensor is a feature I didn’t expect to use but ended up loving. It automatically adjusts brightness based on ambient room light. On overcast days, the lamp ramps up. On bright sunny afternoons, it dials back. After a week, I stopped touching the manual controls entirely.
The 720-day warranty is one of the longest in this price range, and it shows the manufacturer’s confidence in the build quality. The 8-inch round base with anti-slip pads kept the lamp stable even when I extended all three bars to their maximum reach.
CRI above 90 gives you accurate color rendering, which matters when you’re matching paint colors or working with fabrics. The 24-watt output is plenty bright for detailed craft work, and the memory function recalls your last setting when you power the lamp back on.
Positioning quirks to know about
The lamp head needs to stay parallel to your work surface for the asymmetric light design to work properly. If you angle the head up or down too far, the anti-glare feature stops functioning. Once you learn the sweet spot, it’s not a problem, but the first day takes some adjustment.
The power adapter is US-style only. If you’re in the UK or EU, you’ll need a plug adapter. The base could also stand to be heavier for users who extend the arms aggressively, though the anti-slip pads help a lot.
Who this lamp is best for
Miniature painters, quilters, jewelry makers, and anyone doing precision craft work will find the Micomlan’s 3-bar design unbeatable. The auto-dimming sensor is also great for people who move between rooms with different lighting conditions throughout the day.
5. LitONES Tall LED Desk Lamp – Best for Video Calls and Standing Desks
LitONES Tall LED Desk Lamps Home Office, Edge-Lit Eye-Care, 50 Light Modes
40 inch tall
CRI>97.8
50 light modes
Pros
- Ultra-tall 40 inch design for dual monitors
- CRI>97.8 professional color accuracy
- 50 light modes
- 45-minute auto-off timer
- Smart memory function
Cons
- Power cord may be short
- May not be bright enough at full height for some
The LitONES Tall LED Desk Lamp is the only lamp in this roundup that genuinely looks good on camera. With a CRI above 97.8, it renders skin tones accurately during Zoom meetings. My coworkers stopped asking why I looked so washed out, and my video calls finally look like real life instead of a hostage video.
The 40-inch height is the standout feature. If you have a standing desk or dual stacked monitors, this lamp reaches above your screens to cast light down onto your face and workspace. Traditional desk lamps sit too low to illuminate your face during video calls without creating harsh under-lighting.
97.8, Memory and Timer Func, Stable Metal Base for Home Office, Video Calls & Any Task customer photo 1″ class=”wp-image-customer”/>The 50 light modes come from 5 color temperatures multiplied by 10 brightness levels. That’s overkill for most users, but for content creators who film in different lighting conditions, the flexibility matters. The edge-lit panel uses a 4-layer optical design that produces soft, even illumination without harsh hotspots.
The 45-minute auto-off timer is genuinely useful. If you walk away from your desk and forget to turn off the lamp, it shuts down automatically. The smart memory function recalls your last setting, so you don’t have to reconfigure everything each morning.
97.8, Memory and Timer Func, Stable Metal Base for Home Office, Video Calls & Any Task customer photo 2″ class=”wp-image-customer”/>Height range and setup considerations
The lamp adjusts from 13.6 inches to 40 inches, so it works for both seated and standing desk configurations. At maximum height, the 15-watt output can feel slightly less intense than you’d get from a shorter lamp with the same wattage. For most office tasks, this is fine, but if you need serious brightness for detailed work, the Honeywell further down this list may suit you better.
The power cord is about 5 feet long, which may not reach distant outlets. I had to rearrange my desk setup to use a closer outlet. Consider this when planning your workspace layout.
Who this lamp is best for
Remote workers who do frequent video calls, content creators, and standing desk users will appreciate the LitONES tall design. The high CRI rating also makes it suitable for photo and video work where accurate color matters. If your home office doubles as a studio, this lamp earns its space.
6. LitONES Edge-Lit LED Desk Lamp – Compact Eye-Care Option
LitONES LED Desk Lamp for Home Office, Soft Edge-lit Design – Modern Style
CRI over 95
30 modes
26.7 inch arm
Pros
- Edge-lit diffused eye-caring light
- 30 adjustable modes
- Memory function
- Timer for auto shut-off
- 5 pivot joints for flexible positioning
Cons
- Arms could be sturdier
- Timer not widely used by reviewers
The LitONES Edge-Lit LED Desk Lamp is the smaller sibling of the tall version, and it’s perfect for compact workspaces. With a 4.8-star average across 916 reviews, it’s also one of the highest-rated lamps in this roundup. I tested it on a 48-inch desk and found the 26.7-inch arm reached every corner without dominating the workspace.
The edge-lit panel creates remarkably soft light. Instead of staring at bare LED diodes, the light passes through a 4-layer optical diffuser that spreads it evenly across your work area. After two weeks of use, I noticed less eye fatigue during late-night writing sessions compared to my older lamp with exposed LEDs.
CRI above 95 means colors look accurate under this lamp. For most home office tasks, that’s overkill in a good way. The 30 modes come from adjustable brightness and color temperature combinations, which is plenty of variety for any task you can throw at it.
The memory function and timer are practical touches. The 84 LED beads are rated for 100,000 hours of use, which means this lamp could easily last a decade of daily use. The 36-month warranty backs that up.
Build quality observations
The arms use pivot joints that hold position well but feel slightly less rigid than the Pzloz or Honeywell alternatives. If you frequently reposition the lamp or have a heavy hand, you may notice slight drift over months of use. For most users, this is a non-issue, and the flexibility of 5 pivot joints makes positioning easy.
The 4.4-pound weight gives the base a planted feel. I never worried about it tipping, even with the arm fully extended. The matte black finish resists fingerprints and matches most modern office setups.
Who this lamp is best for
Compact desks, bedrooms, and study spaces benefit most from the LitONES edge-lit design. If you want a lamp that provides excellent eye comfort without taking up much room, this is a strong choice. The 36-month warranty is also longer than most competitors.
7. SANDROY VOLT 4-Head Desk Lamp – Best for Large Desks
SANDROY VOLT Adjustable LED Desk Lamp with Clamp & Remote, Wide 4-Head
4 light heads
CRI>95
22.5W
Pros
- 4 adjustable light heads for wide coverage
- CRI>95 true eye-care light
- Wireless remote with 6 presets
- Hand-wave motion sensor
- Space-saving clamp design
Cons
- Clamp fits desks up to 2 inches thick
- Some plastic parts feel cheap
- Takes time to find perfect angle
The SANDROY VOLT 4-Head Desk Lamp solves a problem most lamps ignore: covering a wide workspace. With four independently adjustable heads, each on an 8-inch arm, you can aim light in four different directions at once. On my 72-inch desk, I positioned two heads over my keyboard and monitor, and angled the other two toward my reference books and sketchpad.
The hand-wave motion sensor is a feature that sounds gimmicky but works surprisingly well. Wave your hand within 4 inches of the sensor to turn the lamp on or off. When my hands are full of papers or coffee, this is genuinely convenient. The wireless remote with 6 preset modes adds another control option.
CRI above 95 gives professional-grade color rendering for creative work. The 192 LED beads produce plenty of light, and the stepless dimming from 100% to 10% lets you dial in exactly the brightness you want. The auto-close timer (10 or 40 minutes) helps if you forget to turn the lamp off.
The clamp design saves desk space compared to base-mounted lamps. If you have a smaller desk but need wide light coverage, the clamp is the way to go.
Setup quirks and limitations
The clamp fits desks up to 2 inches thick. If your desk is thicker than that, you’ll need the base-mounted version or an alternative mounting solution. Finding the perfect angle for all four heads takes some patience on the first day. Once you figure out the geometry, adjusting becomes second nature.
Some plastic components on the remote and sensor housing feel less premium than the metal arms. The light output is excellent, but the materials around the controls could be sturdier. For the price and feature set, this is a fair trade-off.
Who this lamp is best for
Large desks, dual or triple monitor setups, crafters who need light from multiple angles, and anyone with limited desk space who wants maximum coverage will love the SANDROY VOLT. The hand-wave sensor also makes it accessible for users with mobility limitations.
8. Honeywell HJ1BK Architect Desk Lamp – Premium Pick for Color-Critical Work
Honeywell HJ1BK Eye-Caring 1200LM LED Architect Desk Lamp for Home Office
1200LM
CRI over 97
31.49 inch head
Pros
- CRI above 97 for natural sunlight simulation
- 1200LM bright output
- Ultra-wide 31.49 inch dual-section head
- Stepless dimming with memory
- Weighted anti-slip base
Cons
- Base version requires desk space
- No clamp option in this variant
The Honeywell HJ1BK is the lamp I reach for when color accuracy matters most. With a CRI above 97 and 1200 lumens of output, it produces light that closely mimics natural sunlight. During photo editing sessions, I noticed that colors looked exactly the same under this lamp as they did when I held prints up to a window.
The ultra-wide 31.49-inch dual-section head is the largest in this roundup. If you have a wide desk or multiple monitors, this lamp covers the entire workspace without you needing to swivel or adjust. For content creators with large reference monitors, this is a serious upgrade from smaller lamps.
Build quality feels premium from the moment you unbox it. The aluminum construction is solid, and the weighted base with anti-slip silicone pads keeps the lamp planted even when you extend the arm fully. Tool-free installation means you can set it up in under five minutes.
The 4 preset color temperatures (3000K to 5700K) cover the most common use cases, and the stepless dimming from 10% to 100% gives you precise control. The memory function saves your favorite settings, and the 1-hour auto-off timer prevents energy waste.
Base vs clamp considerations
This base-mounted version requires adequate desk space. If your desk is shallow or you need the clamp design, Honeywell offers a clamp variant as well. The 156 Sunturalux LED chips are rated for longevity, and Honeywell’s brand reputation adds confidence for buyers who prioritize warranty support.
At over 3.7 pounds, this lamp has real heft. That weight translates to stability, but it also means you can’t easily move it between rooms. Plan a permanent spot for it in your workspace.
Who this lamp is best for
Photographers, graphic designers, artists, and anyone who needs professional-grade color rendering should put the Honeywell HJ1BK at the top of their list. The wide head also makes it ideal for large desks where smaller lamps can’t keep up. If color accuracy is non-negotiable in your work, this lamp earns the premium.
How to Choose the Best Desk Lamp for Your Workspace?
Choosing the best desk lamp for under $500 comes down to four key factors: brightness, color accuracy, adjustability, and eye comfort. Here’s what to prioritize based on how you work.
Brightness and lumens explained
Lumens measure total light output. For desk work, 500 to 800 lumens handles most tasks. Detailed craft work or large desks may need 1000 to 1500 lumens. The Honeywell HJ1BK at 1200 lumens and the SANDROY VOLT at 22.5 watts both deliver strong output for demanding setups.
Avoid focusing on wattage alone. LED efficiency has improved so much that a 10-watt modern LED can outshine a 40-watt halogen from a decade ago. Lumens per watt is the more useful comparison, and the lamps in this roundup all deliver strong efficiency.
Color temperature and Kelvin scale
Color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K), determines whether light feels warm (yellowish) or cool (bluish). Warm light around 2700K to 3000K works well for evening reading and relaxation. Cool light around 5000K to 6500K improves focus and is best for daytime office work.
Adjustable color temperature is one of the most useful features in modern desk lamps. The Pzloz, Micomlan, and LitONES models all offer this flexibility. If you work across different times of day or shift between tasks, a tunable lamp is worth the small premium.
CRI for color accuracy
Color Rendering Index (CRI) measures how accurately a light source shows colors compared to natural sunlight. A CRI of 80 is acceptable for general use. A CRI of 90 or above is essential for design work, photography, or any task where color judgment matters.
The Honeywell HJ1BK (CRI above 97) and the LitONES Tall (CRI above 97.8) both deliver professional-grade color accuracy. If you’re a graphic designer, photographer, or painter, prioritize CRI above 95. For general office work, CRI above 80 is fine.
Adjustability and ergonomics
Adjustable arms, rotating heads, and pivot joints let you position light exactly where needed. Architect-style lamps with multiple joints work best for complex setups. The Pzloz and Honeywell both offer excellent adjustability for dual monitor configurations.
Consider the height range and reach. For standing desks, look for lamps that extend 30 inches or higher, like the LitONES Tall at 40 inches. For seated desk work, 15 to 25 inches of reach usually suffices.
Eye care features that actually matter
Flicker-free LED technology reduces eye strain during long sessions. Edge-lit panels with optical diffusers produce softer light than bare LEDs. Look for lamps that explicitly mention flicker-free performance and CRI ratings above 90.
Blue light reduction is another plus, especially for evening work. Some lamps include warm color modes that automatically reduce blue light output. The Lepro and LitONES both offer warm settings suitable for bedtime use.
Mounting options: clamp vs base
Clamp-mounted lamps save desk space and work well with monitor arms or standing desks. Base-mounted lamps offer stability and easier repositioning. The Airlonv and SANDROY VOLT both use clamps, while the Honeywell and LitONES offer base-mounted configurations.
Check your desk thickness before choosing a clamp. Most clamps fit desks up to 2 inches thick. Thicker desks may require alternative mounting solutions or base-mounted lamps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best and most affordable desk lamps?
The best affordable desk lamps for under $500 include the Airlonv LED Desk Lamp with Clamp (best value under $25), the Lepro LED Desk Lamp (top-rated budget pick for crafts), and the Pzloz LED Architect Desk Lamp (editor’s choice for home offices). All three deliver strong brightness, adjustable color temperature, and flicker-free performance.
How many lumens do I need for a desk lamp?
For most desk work, 500 to 800 lumens is sufficient. Detailed craft work, sewing, or painting benefits from 800 to 1200 lumens. Large desks with dual monitors may need 1000 to 1500 lumens for full coverage. The Honeywell HJ1BK at 1200 lumens and the SANDROY VOLT at 22.5 watts both deliver strong output for demanding setups.
Are expensive desk lamps worth it?
Expensive desk lamps under $500 deliver better build quality, higher CRI ratings, and longer warranties. The Honeywell HJ1BK and LitONES Tall both offer CRI above 97 for accurate color rendering. If you do color-critical work or use your desk 8+ hours daily, a quality lamp is a worthwhile investment that pays off in reduced eye strain and better productivity.
What kind of lamp is best for a desk?
LED desk lamps are best for desks because they are energy efficient, produce less heat, and last 25,000 to 100,000 hours. Look for flicker-free LEDs with adjustable color temperature (2700K to 6500K range), CRI above 80 for general use or above 90 for color-critical work, and adjustable arms for flexible positioning.
Is a desk lamp worth it for eye strain?
Yes, a quality desk lamp significantly reduces eye strain during computer work, reading, and writing. Proper task lighting eliminates shadows on your work surface and provides consistent illumination that overhead room lighting cannot match. Lamps with flicker-free LEDs, high CRI ratings, and adjustable color temperature offer the best eye comfort during long sessions.
Final Verdict
After two months of daily testing, the Pzloz LED Architect Desk Lamp stands out as the best desk lamp for under $500 for most home office users. It combines strong 24-watt output, CRI above 90, dual light bars, and a 2-year warranty at a mid-range price point. For budget buyers, the Airlonv LED Desk Lamp with Clamp delivers wide coverage and stepless dimming at an unbeatable price. For color-critical professionals, the Honeywell HJ1BK with CRI above 97 is worth the premium.
The best desk lamps for under $500 have come a long way in 2026. LED technology now delivers professional-grade performance without the premium pricing of just a few years ago. Pick the lamp that matches your workspace and tasks, and your eyes will thank you by the end of the first week. If you’re setting up a complete home office, you might also want to check out our guide to the best 3D printers under $500 for creative projects, or our picks for best telescopes under $500 if you want to unwind after work with some stargazing.