Which is better for a bedside table?

The Mainstays fits tight nightstands at 13.5 in tall. The NATYSWAN is taller and wider but adds a touch switch and USB-C charging, which many people want at the bed.

Do I need to buy bulbs?

Yes for the Mainstays; bulbs are not included and it takes incandescent bulbs. The NATYSWAN listing says LED with two bulbs in the pack.

Which is easier to turn on at night?

The NATYSWAN, because the touch switch sits on the base. The Mainstays uses a pull chain you have to find by feel.

Is the NATYSWAN worth stepping up to?

If you want a charging port and touch control, yes. If you only need small, plain lamps, the Mainstays covers that with less to go wrong.

Neither brand publishes a lifespan. The Mainstays has fewer electronics, just a chain switch, while the NATYSWAN adds a touch sensor and USB board that are extra parts to fail.

Can the NATYSWAN charge my phone?

Yes, it has a USB-C port for phones, tablets, headphones and similar devices. Charging speed is not stated, so expect basic charging.

Mainstays 13.5 in Stick Table Lamps vs NATYSWAN Small Table Lamps for Bedroom

Buy the Mainstays set for a small, plain bedside or end-table lamp where compact size and a pull chain are all you need. Buy the NATYSWAN pair if you want taller lamps with a touch switch and a USB-C charging port on the base. The Mainstays is a basic two-pack with a 4.5 rating from 38 ratings; the NATYSWAN has a 4.6 rating from 796 ratings and more features, but its listing mixes a 24.8 in height with a 12 in width and a "desk lamp" label, so check the actual dimensions before you commit.

Choose the Mainstays if you need short lamps for a nightstand or end table and prefer a simple pull chain over touch controls.
Choose the NATYSWAN if you want taller lamps with a touch switch and a USB-C port for charging a phone overnight.

Prices

NATYSWAN Small Table Lamps for Bedroom: $32.99 at Walmart (last seen Nov 14)