Yes, a good battery operated bathroom mirror is a useful choice, especially where there is no wiring at the wall. But they are not all the same, and they are not the right answer for every bathroom. This guide sets out the honest pros and cons so you can decide.
What is a battery operated bathroom mirror?
It is an LED bathroom mirror powered by a battery pack instead of a cable from the mains. There are two types: mirrors that take disposable AA batteries, and mirrors with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that you charge by USB-C. See our battery operated LED bathroom mirrors.
What are the advantages?
- No mains wiring. Nothing needs connecting to the lighting circuit, so there is no chasing into walls.
- No electrician. Our Lustro mirrors hang on a two-screw bracket. Read can you fit an illuminated mirror without an electrician?
- Fits after the tiles are on. Ideal when the bathroom is finished and the customer then asks for a lit mirror.
- Goes where the mirror looks best. Not where the cable happens to be.
- Safe in the bathroom. Lustro and Volta are IP44 rated, and there is no mains supply at the mirror.
What are the disadvantages?
- They need charging. A rechargeable Lustro lasts up to 3 months on a single charge, tested at 1 hour of use a day, then takes 4 to 6 hours to recharge. A spare Evo+ battery lets you swap packs and keep the mirror on the wall.
- Fewer extras. If you want a demister pad, shaver socket or colour-changing light, a mains-powered LED mirror is the better choice.
- AA mirrors cost more to run. Disposable batteries keep needing to be replaced. A lithium-ion mirror costs around 7p per charge, compared with up to £5 for a packet of AA batteries.
Are they bright enough?
They are designed for everyday tasks like shaving and make-up. Check the light output and colour temperature on each product page. Our Lustro mirrors use a natural white (4000K) light.
How long does a battery bathroom mirror last on one charge?
It depends on the mirror and how long the light is on each day. A Lustro mirror lasts up to 3 months on a single charge at 1 hour of use a day, and a full charge takes 4 to 6 hours by USB-C.
Lithium-ion or AA: which should I choose?
For most bathrooms, lithium-ion: you recharge it rather than buy batteries, it costs less to run and creates less waste. AA mirrors suit you if you would rather swap batteries than charge. Read the full comparison: lithium-ion vs AA battery bathroom mirrors.
Who are battery mirrors best for?
- Homeowners refreshing a bathroom without electrical work
- Bathroom fitters and tilers adding a mirror at the end of a job
- Landlords and renters who cannot change the wiring
- Caravans, lodges and park homes. See battery mirrors for caravans, lodges and park homes
The verdict
If you want an illuminated mirror without wiring, a rechargeable battery mirror is a strong choice. Our Lustro mirrors and Volta mirror cabinet run on Evo+, the rechargeable lithium-ion battery developed and patented by Sensio. See the full range of battery operated LED bathroom mirrors.
