The 10 Best Under Cabinet Lighting for 2024
Looking for the best under-cabinet lighting to brighten your counter space? We’ve ruthlessly tested and selected the top lights of 2024, laying out the critical details for you. Find options that excel in installation, longevity, and lighting precision in our straightforward guide, and make an informed choice without sifting through filler content.
Snapshot of Under Cabinet Illumination
Under-cabinet lights come in different forms, from pucks to light strips or tape, and each variety offers unique advantages. LED lights are favored due to their energy efficiency and the wide range of colors they can produce. So when choosing under cabinet lighting, you should consider various factors, including the type of lighting, color temperature, power source, and overall value for money.
Puck lights, for instance, are popular due to their cost-effectiveness, battery-powered operation, and focused spotlight, perfect for task lighting. LED under-cabinet lights are durable, often exceeding a decade in lifespan, depending on daily usage hours. The wireless under-cabinet LED lights typically have a battery life ranging from 50 to 100 hours before a replacement or recharge is needed.
So, which under-cabinet lights have stood out in 2024? Here are our top picks:
- Best Overall: Lightkiwi LED Under Cabinet Lighting
- Best Versatility: Litever 6-Pack Under Cabinet Light Bar Kit
- Best for Customizable Ambiance: Jusjubr Light Strip
- Best Compact Wireless Solution: HOLKPOILOT Puck Lights
- Best Plug-In Kit: Wobane Under Cabinet Lighting Kit
- Best Smart Technology Integration: Philips Hue Shape Light Base Kit
- Best Motion-Activated Option: Brilliant Evolution LED Light Bar
- Best Value for Money: 12-inch GE light bar kit
- Best Adjustable Direction Lighting: ASD Swivel LED Under Cabinet Lighting
- Best Remote-Controlled Puck Lighting: TecomLight LED Puck Lights with Remote Control
Best Overall – Lightkiwi LED Under Cabinet Lighting
Key Benefits
- Brightness: 2000 lumens
- Dimmable: Yes
Pros
- Impressive brightness
- Fully dimmable
- Straightforward installation
Cons
- Requires hardwiring
The Lightkiwi LED Under Cabinet Lighting is an excellent choice for anyone looking for the best overall under-cabinet lighting solution. Its high lumen output of 2,000 impresses, providing more than enough brightness for any task. In addition to brightness, these lights also offer the advantage of being fully dimmable. This feature allows you to adjust the brightness to suit your needs, whether cooking, reading or merely wanting to create an ambient mood. The inclusion of an on/off switch ensures a simple installation process.
The Lightkiwi LED Under Cabinet Lighting, a popular choice in the LED lighting market, stands out due to its market recognition as a premier lighting system. Despite its many benefits, one thing to note is that it requires hardwiring, which might be a drawback for those seeking a plug-and-play solution or installing under cabinet lighting easily.
Best Versatility – Litever 6-Pack Under Cabinet Light Bar Kit
Key Benefits
- Brightness: 1500 lumens
- Number of bars: 6
Pros
- Versatile with six light bars
- High brightness
- Competitive pricing
Cons
- Installation may require additional wiring
The Litever 6-Pack Under Cabinet Light Bar Kit provides the versatility you might want. It includes 6 light bars and supplementary extension cables, allowing customizable lighting configurations across various spaces. The luminous intensity of this kit is impressive, with the light bars providing a combined total of 1500 lumens.
The superior quality of Litever lights distinguishes them from other versatile under-cabinet lighting options. They offer exceptionally bright, clean, soft, and even illumination without any LED dots or glaring light. Despite their high-quality output, these lights come at a competitive price, offering excellent value for money. While the product is easy to install, remember that additional wiring may be necessary for some installations.
Best for Budget-Friendly Option – Jusjubr Light Strip
Key Benefits
- Power: 12V DC power supply
Pros
- Flexible and waterproof design
- Adjustable brightness, color, and lighting effects
- Easy operation with remote control
Cons
- Requires a power outlet for operation
The Jusjubr Light Strip is an ideal choice for those who want to create a customizable ambiance. This flexible and waterproof light strip offers the following features:
- Adjustable brightness level
- Customizable color options
- Various lighting effects
- Powered by a 12V DC power supply
- Convenient option for installing under cabinet lighting
With these features, you can easily create a personalized ambiance to suit your preferences.
The Jusjubr strip lights excel at offering a high level of customization. Whether setting the mood for a party or creating a calming environment for relaxation, this light strip allows you to adjust the lighting to match the occasion. However, one potential downside is that it requires a power outlet for operation, which might limit its placement options.
Best Compact Wireless Solution – HOLKPOILOT Puck Lights
Key Benefits
- Material: ABS
- Lifespan: 30,000 to 50,000 hours
Pros
- Compact and wireless design
- Long lifespan
- Sleek and modern aesthetics
Cons
- Batteries need to be replaced periodically
The HOLKPOILOT Puck Lights are a worthy consideration if you are searching for a compact and wireless lighting solution. These puck lights are constructed from environmentally friendly upgraded ABS material, enhancing their sleek and modern design. They also boast an impressive lifespan, typically 30,000 to 50,000 hours, ensuring longevity and reliability in lighting.
For accent lighting in various spaces, the HOLKPOILOT Puck Lights are ideal. Here are some of their features:
- Compact and wireless design
- Easy to install and move around as needed
- Sleek design
- Longevity
- Battery-operated (batteries need to be replaced)
Despite the need for battery replacement, the HOLKPOILOT Puck Lights are an excellent choice for those seeking a compact wireless solution.
Best Plug-In Kit – Wobane Under Cabinet Lighting Kit
Key Benefits
- Power: Plug-in
Pros
- Easy to install
- Adjustable brightness and color temperature
- Sleek and modern design
Cons
- Limited to areas near power outlets
The Wobane Under Cabinet Lighting Kit is a fantastic choice for those who want an easy-to-install plug-in kit. This kit has been praised by customers for its top-notch quality, well-constructed design, and durability. The lights are not dimmable and can only be controlled using an on/off switch, which might be a downside for some people.
With its sleek and modern design, the Wobane Under Cabinet Lighting Kit provides an ideal solution for under-cabinet lighting. It’s perfect for illuminating display cases or providing additional light in the kitchen. However, as a plug-in kit, its use is limited to areas near power outlets. Despite this, it offers great value for money, making it a top choice for those seeking an affordable and practical lighting solution.
Best Smart Technology Integration – Philips Hue Shape Light Base Kit
Price at the time of publishing: $138.00
Key Benefits
- Control: Bluetooth, Hue Bridge
- Customizable: Yes
Pros
- Integration of smart technology
- Extensive customization options
- Control via app or voice commands
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- Requires a Philips Hue Bridge for full functionality
The Philips Hue Shape Light Base Kit is worth considering if you want to integrate smart technology into your lighting solutions. This kit showcases its innovative technology through Bluetooth capability, enabling instant light control within a single room. For a broader range of smart features, such as:
- controlling up to 10 lights in a room
- creating schedules and routines
- controlling lights remotely
- integrating with voice assistants
it can be connected to a Hue Bridge.
The Philips Hue Shape Light Base Kit offers extensive customization options, allowing users to modify the light strip’s form to fit various spaces and design preferences. Moreover, it can be managed using the dedicated Hue app or through compatible voice-command devices, offering a convenient and contemporary method for lighting control.
While it offers many advanced features, it is relatively expensive and requires a Philips Hue Bridge for full functionality.
Best Motion-Activated Option – Brilliant Evolution LED Light Bar
Key Benefits
- Motion sensor: Yes
- Timer: Built-in
Pros
- Versatile lighting solution
- Motion sensor technology
- Built-in timer for energy-saving
Cons
- Limited to areas near power outlets
The Brilliant Evolution LED Light Bar is ideal for those prioritizing convenience and energy efficiency. This under-cabinet lighting solution offers motion sensor technology, delivering convenience and energy-saving advantages. In addition to its motion-sensing capabilities, it also features a built-in timer that allows you to set it to turn off after a certain amount of time, providing enhanced control over energy consumption and the operation of the lights.
Though the Brilliant Evolution LED Light Bar has received positive reviews from users, particularly for its brightness and appearance, some users have encountered installation issues, such as missing screws and lights not sticking properly to cabinets. Despite these minor setbacks, its motion-activated technology and energy-saving timer make it an excellent choice for those seeking convenience and energy efficiency.
Best Value for Money – 12-inch GE light bar kit
Key Benefits
- Brightness: 1,000 to 2,500 lumens
- Dimmable: Yes
Pros
- Cost-effective
- Energy-efficient LED bulbs, as opposed to halogen lights
- Flexibility with adjustable brightness
Cons
- Limited to areas near power outlets
The 12-inch GE light bar kit offers excellent value for money and is a great choice if you seek the best bang for your buck. This under-cabinet lighting solution, also known as bar lights, includes:
- Energy-efficient LED bulbs
- Adjustable brightness via a dimmer switch
- Luminosity level of approximately 50 lumens
- LED bulbs capable of retaining their luminosity for twenty years or longer
The 12-inch GE light bar kit:
- It is straightforward to install, with the inclusion of captive screws and the ability to plug it into existing outlets simplifying the mounting process
- It has compact dimensions, making it suitable for easy installation under most cabinets
- Requires a power outlet for operation, limiting its use to areas near power outlets
Best Adjustable Direction Lighting – ASD Swivel LED Under Cabinet Lighting
Price at the time of publishing: $69.20
Key Benefits
- Swivel: 50° degree
- Power: Hardwired or plug-in
Pros
- Adjustable swivel feature
- Versatile power options
- Dimmable lighting
Cons
- It may require professional installation for hardwiring
The ASD Swivel LED Under Cabinet Lighting is the perfect choice for those who want adjustable direction lighting. This lighting solution features a unique swivel design, enabling users to customize the lighting direction according to their preferences. It offers a 50° degree of swivel, providing enhanced versatility to the lighting.
Besides its adjustable features, the ASD Swivel LED Under Cabinet Lighting has a dimmable function, providing flexibility in adjusting light intensity and creating a perfect ambiance for any setting. This lighting solution provides versatile power options, allowing for hardwiring for a more permanent solution or plug-in installation for added convenience. However, it may require professional installation for hardwiring, which could be a potential drawback for some.
Best Remote-Controlled Puck Lighting – TecomLight LED Puck Lights with Remote Control
Key Benefits
- Power: Battery
- Control: Remote control
Pros
- Versatile lighting solution
- Remote control for easy operation
- Battery-powered for cord-free installation
Cons
- Batteries need to be replaced periodically
The TecomLight LED Puck Lights with Remote Control is a top pick for those shopping for remote-controlled puck lighting. These puck lights are battery-operated, so you don’t need to find an outlet or deal with messy cords. They also feature a remote control, allowing you to easily adjust the brightness and turn the lights on and off from a distance.
Capable of emitting up to 100 lumens, the TecomLight LED Puck Lights provide enough brightness for various applications. Their compact design allows easy installation in any location, and the adhesive backing ensures secure placement. However, as they are battery-operated, you’ll need to replace them periodically.
What Makes The Best Under Cabinet Lighting?
Several factors need to be considered when choosing the best under-cabinet lighting. The type of lighting is a crucial consideration. Pucks, light strips, or tape each offer unique advantages, with LEDs being the preferred choice due to their energy efficiency and color range. The power source is another vital factor. While battery-operated lights provide convenience, hardwired systems offer integration into overall lighting controls, easier management, and potential long-term cost-effectiveness.
The brightness is another essential aspect to consider, for task areas such as food preparation counters, a brightness of 1,000 to 2,500 lumens is recommended. Cool daylight bulbs with a color temperature of around 5000K are ideal for tasks, while a warm light at 3000K is perfect for ambient lighting. Additionally, dimmers provide flexibility to adjust brightness, leading to energy savings and the ability to create the desired ambiance.
Top-rated under-cabinet lighting also includes extra features that boost its adaptability and ease of management. Consider lights with:
- Dimmers for regulating brightness and energy usage
- Automatic timers for energy conservation
- Lighting options such as LED provide extended lifespan and control over light intensity and warmth.
How Can Under Cabinet Lighting Benefit You?
There are multiple practical and visual benefits of under-cabinet lighting. It provides:
- Focused downward illumination, perfect for illuminating countertops or accentuating architectural elements
- Contributes to an elegant appearance and a luxurious ambiance in a room
- Directs attention to critical features and creates a sense of height and expansiveness.
One of the most significant benefits of under-cabinet lighting is its contribution to energy savings. Providing focused lighting where it’s needed most reduces the need for high-powered overhead lights, promoting overall energy efficiency.
Apart from kitchens, under-cabinet lighting, due to its versatility, can also be installed in:
- offices
- laundry rooms
- bathrooms
- kitchens
- any other area that could use ambient lighting
This flexibility enhances the functionality of a range of spaces.
Summary
In conclusion, under-cabinet lighting is an essential component of any well-lit space. It provides necessary task lighting and adds a dramatic accent to your kitchen or workspace. With the advent of LED lights, today’s under-cabinet lighting options are more energy-efficient and versatile.
Whether you’re seeking the best overall solution, the most versatile option, the best value for money, or the best smart technology integration, a lighting solution meets your needs. Remember, the best under-cabinet lighting for you depends on your specific requirements and preferences. So, take the time to consider your options, evaluate their pros and cons, and make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of lighting for the kitchen under cabinets?
The best type of lighting for kitchen under cabinets is LED lighting. It is highly energy efficient, long-lasting, emits very little heat, and can produce a range of colors, making it perfect for use in the kitchen. Here’s some more information on the different types of under-cabinet lighting.
How many lumens do you need for under-cabinet lighting?
For under-cabinet lighting, it is recommended to have 175 to 550 lumens per linear foot, with the option to choose based on personal comfort. Consider the color temperature for the right ambiance of the space.
What is the easiest under-cabinet lighting to install?
The easiest under cabinet lighting to install is self-adhesive, battery-powered puck lights. Peel the protective paper, then press them into place for a quick installation without wiring or cutting.
Are LED strips good for under cabinet lighting?
Yes, LED strips are an excellent choice for under-cabinet lighting due to their energy efficiency and versatility. They provide a bright, even light and are easy to install.
How do you install under cabinet led strip lighting?
To install under cabinet LED strip lighting, follow these steps: take measurements, order products, make cuts, add solder (optional), drill holes, run wires, connect wires to strips, and mount the lights. This process will help you achieve proper installation without any hassles.
