Top 12 Best Under-Cabinet Lighting Reviews

Under-cabinet lighting fixtures are among the most affordable add-ons that you can include in your workspace or anywhere around the house to offer you a super attractive look. These fixtures are both functional and posses a striking aesthetic touch.

Maybe you need an under-cabinet lighting for your kitchen, in the living room, or down the basement. You might even install some in your bedroom. Regardless of why you need the under-cabinet lighting, this article will help you find the best under-cabinet lighting.

We will cover some of the best under-cabinet fixtures out there, and give you a buyer's guide on what you need when picking one.

12 Best Under-Cabinet Light Reviews

So, we searched 12 under-cabinet lights that we thought are among the best under-cabinet LED lighting units out there. Let’s explore them, shall we?

1. Brilliant Evolution 6-Pack Wireless LED Puck Light

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We kick it off with this under-cabinet light from Brilliant Evolution. Best of all, it comes in a 6-pack to offer you more installation in different areas. Besides the multiple options, the puck light comes with a super-bright illumination at 55 lumens. With that, you can be sure of enjoying a warm white glow.

Plus, the puck light comes with an intuitive remote, which lets you control it hands-free. Generally, you can control the light within the 15ft range. So yes, you won't have to get up and change the color or pattern of the light. We thought that was a great feature.

If you want to control the tap lens, do so easily with the touch of a button. There are preset dimmer dials that let you set the desired brightness. This brightness can be adjusted to either 50% or 100%.

Another plus feature that we thought was helpful was the optional timer that you can set depending on how long you want the light to stay on.

The timer comes in intervals of 15mins, 30mins, 60mins, and 120mins. We loved this feature because it helps to preserve the batteries. Is it difficult to install? Not at all because you can either choose to install with screws or adhesive tape. They run on three AA batteries, which have a maximum runtime of 100 hours.

By the way, the 100-hour maximum runtime is when you set the light brightness at 100%. In other words, it can run for a longer time if the brightness is set to 50%.

2. Brilliant Evolution BRRC116 Light Bar

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We move on with our list with a different type of under-cabinet lighting. This is a light bar that gives you an easy time when installing it. This bar offers a bright light at around 65 lumens. Be sure of enough light in the space where you install the bar.

It comes with 3000K LEDs to give you a soft and warm white glow for that new beauty look in the surrounding. You can set this bar under a cabinet in the kitchen, around the living room, or anywhere else in just a few minutes.

By the way, you can even install it around the top of the sides to give your cabinet a fresh, unique look.

The best part is that the bar is around one inch thick, which makes it one of the thinnest or maybe the thinnest light bar on the market. In other words, this bar is the perfect choice to install in a squeezed space.

If you want to turn on the light bar, all you'll have to do is press the tap lens gently. Luckily, you will have an easy time installing this light bar. Just like the brother on the previous spot, this one can also relate to adhesive tape or screws.

Suppose you have a fragile surface; you should go for the adhesive tape option to prevent damaging the surface. It is battery-operated, making it reliable even when there is a power outage. Plus, it helps to save you money on energy bills.

3. RXWLKJ Stick-On LED Wi-Fi Cabinet Lighting

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For those that want an elegant looking light fixture to install under the cabinet, this one would be your ideal pick.

The lighting comes with a shiny look, and it would be the perfect choice if you are looking for the best under kitchen cabinet lighting. The fixture comes with a three-way working mode that maximizes the usability.

There is a rechargeable lithium battery that assures you of long-lasting lighting without paying high energy bills. Besides that, there is a movement sensor that can automatically shut off when you are away from the lighting fixture. This is also another feature that helps to preserve the battery and extend the runtime.

If you wanted an under-cabinet light that is the easiest to install, this would be your best pick. It comes with an inbuilt magnet that lets you set it up without the need for any tools.

All you have to do is stick it to a metallic surface. It will hold firmly to any ironwork as soon as you mount it. The design is compact and easy to move around.

You can set up this lighting fixture in a closet, under the cabinet, in the drawer, or anywhere around the house that needs some extra lighting.

4. Albrillo 3000K Dimmable Under Cabinet LED Lighting

Here is yet another amazing under-cabinet LED lighting you would enjoy having around the house. This is super bright lighting that is also energy saving. You can be sure of saving around 85% of energy with this lighting.

It comes with 900lm brightness that is comparable to a 100W incandescent bulb. It also uses a 12W LED that promotes energy saving.

What glow is delivered? The lighting is a 3000K warm white that is soft as well. You can use the illumination to light up your dark corner or even install it in the kitchen. But don't be shy to install it on the shelves, in the cupboard or the bedroom.

As we have mentioned, this lighting fixture is very bright, but the best part is that you can adjust the brightness. Being dimmable lighting, you can install it in the living room, the bedroom, or anywhere that you need adjustable brightness.

All you have to do to adjust the brightness is to rotate the dimmer knob, and you are good to go. This one is also easy to install, and you can do so in a couple of seconds.

Best of all, you have all the installation accessories included in the kit to give you an easy time. There is a double-sided tape option for installing the lighting on your fragile surface.

But there are also some screws to help you with the installation on the hardwood. We weren’t only pleased by the brightness and the dimmable feature, but also the construction. This one is made of durable plastic and aluminum. It is also low profile and lightweight to let you set it up discreetly.

5. Torchstar LED 5000K Lighting Kit

If you want to enjoy less for more when purchasing the best under-cabinet lights, this one will suit you perfectly. When you buy this lighting kit, you get six 12-inch LED light bars, a rocker switch, one UL-Listed power adapter, along with five 12-inch extension cords.

So yes, you might not have to add more accessories when you purchase this lighting kit.

This unit runs on electricity, which makes it the perfect choice if you will be installing it permanently in the kitchen or anywhere around the house. The additional faucet lens on this lighting kit assures you of an environmentally friendly inner mild in your cupboards or closets.

Do you know what else makes it worth purchasing? It comes with an adjustable brightness with the preset dimmer button onboard. With this option, you can choose the brightness that would go well with the surroundings or as you wish.

This lighting fixture is made of a sturdy plastic and aluminum housing, along with frosted PC cover. A blend of these materials offers you a durable unit that also offers you soft eyes for your eyes. It provides warm white 3000K light under or inside the cabinet, cupboard, countertop, pelmet or even the shelves.

Like most lighting fixtures we have covered on this list, you will get two installation options to give you an easy time. You can either mount it with the included adhesive tapes if you are setting it up on a fragile surface.

Alternatively, you can go with the installation of the screw if you are mounting it on a wood surface.

6. Litever 2000 Lumen LED Cabinet Light

Our next under-cabinet light comes with a low-profile design to let you install it discreetly. Regardless of where you want to mount this light fixture, you can do it without any problem. It comes with a compact design to let you install it on any surface without messing the first look.

This kit offers soft and even light, and you will not experience the dots you commonly see with LED lights. You will have an easy time installing this kit because it comes with everything that you will need for mounting it. And yes, you can either choose to mount it with adhesive tape or the mounting screws with clips.

There is the main power cord that is around 3ft long, along with other connecting cords that are 4-inches long. In other words, you can install the lights to run in any style you want between 6 ft and 12 ft from one end to the other.

This one also comes with a dimmer to let you adjust the brightness. With the dimmer, you can choose between 0% and 100% depending on the surrounding.

The only unlikable thing about the brightness adjustability is that you can only use the included dimmer. It means that the light cannot work with any other dimmer out there.

Also, the lighting kit is made of aluminum PCB with a thermal paste that ensures good LED heat-dissipation. In other words, you can be sure of a good life with the light bars when you install them in the cabinet.

7. Wobane Under Cabinet Flexible Strip Light

If you prefer going for the flexible LED strip to install in the kitchen or elsewhere around the house, this would be your ideal pick. Wobane is a reputable brand that delivers high-quality and long-lasting products.

So, this flexible strip comes with a high-quality construction that features 30 pieces of LED. These 30 LED pieces deliver 270 lumens of super-bright illumination. Furthermore, they only use 2.5 watts of power, meaning that they won’t use much energy.

Another unique feature that makes this light worth choosing is the unique 80+ high color rendering index. With this feature, the light strip reproduces colors accurately in the correct form.

As a result, this offers an elegant appearance in most settings as it cuts on the energy bills. The best part is that the lumens don’t contain UV or IR, hence making them safe to touch or use for artwork projects.

The strip comes with an extension, along with U-style connectors. The U-style connectors are super-thin and super flexible to give you an easy time when setting it up. Also, there is a strong tape that is provided with the strip. The tape also helps the strip look elegant.

Moreover, the strip light comes with an advanced design that features an easy plug-n-play installation for using in different applications. In other words, you can use this strip light under-cabinet/counter, in a closet, on the bookshelf, display lighting, or behind the bed.

Since it is a super-thin LED light strip, you can also use this on the stairs in the house.

8. LOFter Remote Control Cabinet Light

Our next product comes from LOFter, and it is one of the best under-cabinet lights out there. This one features two control methods, including the Touch Control and the Remote Control. With these two control methods, you can be sure of having a reliable under-cabinet light that meets your lighting needs.

Furthermore, this one helps you to work with it from across the room and at multiple angles. If you don’t have the remote near you, you can enjoy the touch switch that is very responsive as well. And yes, this one has some dimming features, along with timing features too.

First off, you can adjust the brightness from 10% to 100%. But the best part is that you get to choose between the ten different levels of intensity, along with the automatic turn off timer. You can set the light to go off after 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, or 120 minutes.

The lighting comes with four AAA batteries that are perfect for dark areas that don't have electricity access. For example, you can install it in the basement or anywhere that you haven't connected to a socket outlet.

This one is easy to install, which shouldn’t give you a difficult time when setting it up for the first time. Another thing to love about this lighting is that it is made of high-quality aluminum alloy. With this feature, you can be sure of having a durable unit that will serve you for a long time.

9. AIBOO Linkable Under-Cabinet Lighting

This is also one of the lighting units for under-cabinet, and it comes with a linkable connection design. With such a design, it means that the puck lights can be connected separately (one by one). In turn, this offers you an easy way when wiring the lights.

We loved the invisible low-profile design that this light comes with. Once installed, it is almost impossible for anyone to notice it. The only time someone would see it is when it is turned on. This one can also be installed parallel or in series connection.

Besides that, it comes with a two-way installation. This means that it can either be hard-wired or wall plug, and it will still deliver fantastic lighting for your space. So yes, this is one of the best LED under-cabinet lighting direct wire units that you can find out there.

If you want to enjoy wireless control, do so with the RF remote control. You can use this remote control to adjust the brightness between 0% and 100%. Best of all, you can do this wirelessly.

Another thing that made us go for this light is that it comes with a blinking mode. The blink mode can be used for parties or a holiday celebration.

It allows you to add the number of puck lights based on how you intend to use it. This lighting kit is also multifunctional, which means you can use it in the cupboard, wardrobe, in the basement, kitchen, or anywhere around the house.

10. SZOKLED LED Under Cabinet Light]

We also included this in our best LED under-cabinet lighting list because it runs on rechargeable batteries. You don’t have to worry about electrical connections wherever you choose to install the light.

Just like most of the lights on this list, this one also comes with adjustable brightness. But what makes this one stand above most units on the list is that you can adjust it to 10 different brightness levels.

This feature gives you an easy time when adjusting the dimness because you don’t have to turn a knob like with most light fixtures out there.

By the way, the controls are done hands-free with remote control. Furthermore, there is a timer that lets you set according to how you want the lights to run. You can either choose between 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, or 120 minutes. This feature helps to save the battery life and extend the run time of the lights.

Luckily, you can install the lights almost anywhere around the house with the 3M adhesive magnetic strip, hence giving you an easy time when installing it. By the way, this one uses USB for recharging. So yes, you can charge it with your phone’s power bank as well.

We had an easy time setting up this light because all we had to do is stick it on the preferred surface.

11. YLCVBUD 6-Pack Under Cabinet Light

Moving on with the list, we usher you to this light from YLCVBUD. This is yet another great LED light that you can install under the cabinet, on the shelves, in the cupboard, or generally anywhere around the house.

What made us go with this one is the six-pack that offers you more installation options. You can set it up in different areas around the house without any problem. The light comes with two remote controls to give you an easy time when adjusting the brightness or switching the light on or off.

There are four dimmable modes or brightness levels of 10%, 40%, 80%, and 100%. Besides that, you can choose different times that you want the light to stay one. In other words, you can set the timer for the light to go off after 120 minutes, or if you want it to stay on for fewer minutes.

If you enjoy having a light that has multiple modes, this one would please you because it comes with three modes. You can choose it to light on Jump, Flash, or Gradient, and it can display up to 16 colors. So yes, this perfectly qualifies as one of the best under-cabinet lights.

What’s more, this light is very easy to install, thanks to the strong adhesive for sticking to the surface you intend to mount it.

12. PANGTON Villa RGB Under Cabinet Lighting

Our last product on the list comes from PANGTON VILLA, and it still qualifies as one of the best LED under-cabinet lighting.

This RGB LED strip light comes with remote control for hands-free control. You can use this light strip either for under-cabinet lighting or for mood lighting.

Also, you won’t need any screws or other tools to install this light. The adhesive is double-sided to allow you to mount it wherever you want with ease. However, it is indoor-use only since it isn’t waterproof.

This one has been designed to offer decent extra LED light, but it doesn't have a lot of features like most units on our list. Nevertheless, it still manages to provide some extra light for your space.

The light is energy-saving and will give you an easy time to work with. By the way, you get six pieces when you purchase this light.

Things to Look for Before Buying

If you haven’t found your ideal under-cabinet LED light from our list, we can give you a guide to help you find the right light out there. Here is a buyer’s guide to help you with your purchase;

Consider the Voltage

The first thing you’ll need to consider when choosing the LED light is the voltage. Generally, there are two types of under-cabinet lighting; low voltage lighting (12V or 24V) and normal/line voltage lighting (120V).

Both voltages have the same energy consumption, life span, and light quality. However, there are some differences that you should consider when choosing.

The low voltage lighting produces less heat, which makes them ideal if you need them in a comfortable space. Also, they come in small sizes to use them in confined spaces. If you need to lower the voltage, you can opt to use a transformer that steps down the voltage.

Wiring Needs

Wiring options also come with two options too; simple plug-in and hard-wire. If you go with the hard-wiring light, make sure that you have some electrical skills or at least call an electrician.

This is because you will need to connect the lights directly to the wiring in the house. In other words, power is drawn straight from the power source.

On the other hand, plug-ins will draw power from a power outlet. Plug-in units are the easiest to install, and anybody can handle them. Either way, choose the one that meets your needs.

Dimming Capabilities

Ideally, always go for lighting with dimming capabilities. However, you might have to pay extra for the dimmers, but it offers you better lighting/brightness options.

Some will come with different brightness levels to help you switch the brightness levels as you need. They are also the best options if you want mood lighting options.

Energy Efficiency

If you are using the light for a long time, then you should consider an energy-efficient fixture. Generally, LED lights will always be energy-efficient. You can even find LED light fixtures with a 5-watt rating but still deliver enough light.

In case you go for the dimmable units, it can help you to save energy as the light runs on.

With the Xenon lights, they offer a subtle warm glow and perfect for the kitchen. Unfortunately, they are not the best if you need an energy-efficient fixture. Always consider a Xenon vs. LED under-cabinet lighting comparison before you decide the one that you should pick.

Fixture Lenses

For those that want a uniform light distribution, then fixture lenses should be your ideal pick. It helps to minimize the bright reflections on the counter, which helps to reduce the glare. Xenon and halogen fixtures are glaring, and they are the best units to use with lenses.

Heat Output

It is essential to consider the amount of heat produced form each unit. When deciding the amount of heat output, you need to consider where you will be installing the light fixture.

LED and florescent are usually the best fixtures that offer cool light, and you can easily touch them without getting burned. They are the best fixtures to use in the kitchen.

Conversely, Xenon lighting can get hotter than LED and fluorescent lights. But out of all the available lighting fixtures, halogen is the hottest. But they are still not as hot as incandescent bulbs.

Ease of Installation

You also need to consider the installation of the light fixture before you purchase it. Generally, they are two installation options, including screws and adhesive strips. If you want a DIY unit, you should consider how easy it is to install the lighting.

The best options for DIY installation are the LED strips and ropes. But puck lights are the more challenging to install. Regardless of what you want, ensure that it is easy to install.

Above all, consider your budget and ensure that you purchase one that falls in your budget.

Types of Under-Cabinet Lights

LED lights come under multiple categories, and they include the following:

1. Xenon Fixtures

These are among the oldest lighting technologies, but they are still reliable and worth using. Xenon fixtures come with an amazing color rendering index (CRI). They deliver a clean, white light that can help to perfectly highlight the granite or marble in the kitchen’s countertop.

But they can get really hot, and they are the best pick for task lighting. Also, avoid keeping fresh flowers or food that melt away from the Xenon light.

2. LED Fixtures 

These are the most energy-efficient options, which are also the newest lighting technology. You can use than anywhere around the kitchen and the house other than under-cabinets. They are available in different color temperature and multiple brightness levels.

Besides that, you can also find LED strip lights that are easy to stick on whichever surface that you wish to mount.

3. Puck Lights

These come with a hockey-puck shape, and they are one of the most used for under-cabinet lighting. Puck lights can use LED, halogen, or Xenon light bulbs based on where and how you intend to use them.

The almost 100 CRI makes puck lights the best choice if you want color purity. But they will consume emit a lot of heat and aren’t very much long-lasting. Most puck lights come with battery-powered models that are easy to stick under-cabinets.

4. Fluorescent Fixtures 

Fluorescent fixtures are classic under-cabinet lighting that is popular even today. However, they don’t have a high CRI count like halogen and Xenon fixtures. Luckily, they won’t emit heat either. They can be the best choice for a decent light installation without a lot of fancy stuff.

How to Install Under-Cabinet Light?

The installation part is a major part that anyone has to consider whenever they are working with these under-cabinet fixtures. Since these lights come in different types, they will have different installation process.

Here is a look at the general installation of the under-cabinet lighting fixtures;

Puck Lights

With puck lights, you should aim for the spacing of between 8 and 12-inches. If you are installing on a surface, make sure that you drill small holes before installing them. However, do not drill them through the cabinet. You can use the mounting cap to mark hole positions below the cabinet.

Make sure that you secure the mounting cap with screws when installing them. After that, you can twist the light onto the cap to ensure a secure installation.

If you’re installing the recessed puck lights, make sure you cut through the cabinet with a hole saw before you mount it. You can then secure the mounting cap with screws and twist in the puck light. Keep in mind that the power hub that connects all puck lights to the power outlet must be mounted underneath the cabinet.

It is recommended to install the strip lights and puck lights close to the front face of the cabinet. This will offer a more aesthetic look and keep them discreet.

Strip Lights

When installing the strip lights, you need to consider the brightness of the strip before you mount it. If you are using it for illumination or other light purposes, then make sure that you go for a brighter unit. But if you are using it for decoration purposes, it would be wise to go with an LED strip that is less intensive.

Still, you can always go for the dimmable bright light. This allows you to use it in different applications without any problem.

In general, installing an LED strip light is very easy because you only have to stick the adhesive to the surface. You can use extra adhesive when installing the strip on rough surfaces like concrete. Other strip lights come with screwed-in clips that are still easy to install.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What type of lighting is best for under-cabinet?

The choice of under-cabinet lighting will depend on your needs and preferences. For illumination purposes, make sure that you choose an LED light that is bright enough without consuming too much energy. Generally, choose the right lighting based on your needs.

2. Where should under-cabinet lights be placed?

Ideally, place the lights at the front on the under-cabinet so that the light is easily visible. If you put them at the back, the light will only be visible when you are seated at the dining table or the breakfast bar. But still, it depends on your preferences.

3. What color LED to choose for under-cabinet lighting?

Most modern kitchens look fabulous in a cool color. Ideally, choose one with a color temperature between 3000K and 5000K.

4. How many under-cabinet lights do I need?

If you are using puck lights, then you should use one for 6 to 10-inches, two lights for 11 to 18-inches, and four to five lights for 27 to 34-inches. Generally, they shouldn't be too many if the light can provide enough brightness as needed. Most lights will come with a guide to help you.

5. How do you install under-cabinet lighting?

Under-cabinet lighting fixtures can either be installed with screws or adhesive magnetic strip. For the adhesive strips, you have to stick them to your desired surface. For the screw-in fixtures, just make sure you drive in the screws deep enough to keep the fixture sturdy and prevent it from falling off.

5. How much is the cost?

The cost will range in terms of the type of fixture you intend to install, as well as the labor/installation costs. If you need an electrician, the cost can only go higher. Generally, you can purchase lights that range from $10, and the installation costs can start from $100.

Final Words

So, which is your best under-cabinet lighting? Do you have a particular unit to purchase? If not, which one will you be going for? Regardless of your choice, make sure that you follow the proper buyer’s guide and user manual once you purchase it. Until then, let there be light!