The Best Plasma Balls
One of the best things about going to the science museum is that we get to play with all the cool objects. And few are cooler than the plasma ball. Invented by Nicola Tesla in 1894 and later made commercial, plasma lamps are filled with gases that produce beams of colored light when voltage is applied to them. But more than just looking cool on their own, plasma balls also react and respond to the touch of your fingers. Add a bit of electrifying magic to your home with one of our favorite choices below.
Katzco Plasma Ball
Retrify your room
Decorative lighting is a great addition to any home because it adds playfulness to the usual mix of function and aesthetics. From fairy lights to LED strips, the right ornamental light can make any room in your house feel a bit more unique. And plasma balls like this classic option by Katzco definitely take the cake when it comes to novelty lamps. At a standard height of 12 inches, including the stand, this glass globe will bring you right back to the nostalgia of your childhood. In addition to its retro vibe, plasma balls are also great ways to purify and de-static your home environment. Use this particular lamp in any room of your house that has standard electric wiring and bring a bit of enchanting energy into your life.
Pros:
- Choose between orange or red/purple lightning
- Two modes of activation (touch and sound)
- Comes with a stand
Cons:
- Shipment packaging is fragile
Theefun Plasma Ball
Just right for a night light
Plasma balls are great because they remind us of trips to the local museum or science fair. But while the gift shop of such places has a few take-home options, none of them ever seem realistic for actual use within our homes. That is why we love this miniature plasma ball option by Theefun. At only 3 inches tall, this little ball of magic can be held directly in the palm of your hand. Plug it into your computer for a little stress relief as you work, or use the battery mode to move it anywhere you want around your home. And because it’s so small and portable, it also functions as a great night light for your kids.
Pros:
- Great cost value
- Good touch reactivity
- Comes with a charging cable
Cons:
- The USB charging cable is short
Anqia Plasma Ball Lamp
Choose your player
Plasma balls are super fun to play with and even more fun to look at. But that’s only when they have some voltage running through them. The rest of the time, you mainly just have a plain glass sphere on display. Instead, we prefer this cool character-design take on the classic lightning lamp by Anqia. The plasma ball can either sit in the clutches of an evil two-headed dragon, above a family of playing dolphins, or atop a seafaring pirate skull. A great gift for children or adult fantasy lovers, this plasma lamp looks great as a normal tabletop decoration even when it’s off. And when it’s on, you’ll still get the same electrifying experience as with other brands. Talk about a perfect marriage of art and science.
Pros:
- Made of environmentally friendly resin and glass
- Super sharp and bright beams of light
Cons:
- May burn out faster than other models
- May leave a slight smell in the room after using it
Katzco Colorful Plasma Ball
Multi-colored magic
Interactive play is one of the best ways to get kids interested in science. That’s why the look and feel of educational objects are so important when it comes to sparking that interest early on. And we think you can’t get a cooler look than this multi-colored plasma ball by Katzco. While most plasma lamps have just red or purple beams, this particular lamp uses frosted glass to show you three different colors at once. The result looks like an electrifying nebula, especially when you turn off the lights. And at eight inches in diameter, this baby will stand out no matter how you’re using it, whether as a teaching tool, party prop, or cool bedroom decor.
Pros:
- Larger 8″ size for more interaction
- Long power cord and wall plug
- Touch and sound-activated
Cons:
- Higher cost
Rock Your Room Plasma Globe
Thunder and lightning
When we get a cool new toy in our lives, we want to show that baby off. And what better way to show off a brightly glowing ball of electric energy than at a party? Thankfully, the Rock Your Room Plasma Globe is designed with your fun in mind. In addition to its usual touch-activation capabilities, this plasma ball also reacts to any nearby sound. Pop it by a speaker and watch the lightning come to life right before your eyes. And because this particular model is socket-powered, it won’t be a party pooper and turn off just when the beat gets good.
Pros:
- Made of real glass
- Won’t burn out
- Great cost value
Cons:
- Makes a buzzing sound when on
Frequently Asked Questions
How do plasma balls work?
Plasma balls are clear glass balls with a mixture of noble gases inside them and a high-voltage electrode at their center. When you run electricity through the ball, little plasma filaments go from the center of the coil to the edge of the glass, creating the lightning effect that you see. And because your own skin is slightly conductive, touching the glass creates a path of less resistance for the electricity to follow, making it seem that the lightning is dancing with your fingertips.
Are they safe?
They are absolutely safe as long as you keep some useful tips in mind. Firstly, while the gases are not harmful, if you break the ball, you have to be careful about the broken glass shards which are often quite thin and hard to see. Secondly, if you press your finger too long on the glass, you may notice a slight increase in heat. Lastly, because plasma balls emit tiny amounts of electromagnetic radiation, it’s best to keep them away from super-sensitive electronic devices.
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