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Oct 28, 2024

The Best Under-Cabinet Lighting, According to Testing

By Michelle Larson, Timothy Dale, Shannon Lee Updated on Oct 3, 2024 1:25 PM EDT Reviewed By Stephanie Cronk We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate

By Michelle Larson, Timothy Dale, Shannon Lee

Updated on Oct 3, 2024 1:25 PM EDT

Reviewed By Stephanie Cronk

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›

Talk about a bright idea! Under-cabinet lighting illuminates kitchen countertops for safer, more functional food prep and brighter small-appliance storage. It’s also an easy and effective way to add early-morning and evening ambience or showcase an attractive backsplash.

To help you decide which of the thousands of under-cabinet lighting options available is worth adding to your space, we sought advice from an expert with over 25 years of kitchen remodeling experience and conducted our own in-house hands-on testing. After spending over 43 hours rigorously evaluating 14 lights, we narrowed down our final list of recommended picks to eight. Of those, our favorite is the Litever 6-Pack Under-Cabinet Light Bar Kit for its ease of installation, quality, and value.

The full lineup of our top picks represents the latest in lighting and electrical and a wide range of what’s available regarding lumens, volts, and additional features. Whether you’re looking to improve energy efficiency in a cooking space, add a bit of class to cabinetry, or increase connectivity with existing smart-home devices, these tested and reviewed products are the best under-cabinet lighting options for kitchens and other functional spaces.

The top-rated products below were chosen based on ease of installation, quality, and value to pinpoint the best under-cabinet lighting. To ensure the products we recommend live up to the Bob Vila name, we performed extensive hands-on testing of each.

Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Quality 5/5; Value 5/5

At 2000 lumens, this lighting system produces more than enough brightness for kitchen tasks, yet its warm white color flatters without creating glare. Though it’s a low-voltage option at just 12 volts (V), it has the flexibility of two different power supplies: from a wall outlet through an AC adapter to the lights or hardwired directly into an electrical system. Having both means choosing between a simple, straightforward installation or one best left to an electrician (but that hides cords and allows for operation using a household light switch).

These under-cabinet bar lights attach to cabinets via backing adhesive or included screws and are fully dimmable from 0 to 100 percent. While we definitely appreciate the option to dim these lights, we didn’t realize how much the placement of the dimmer switch would affect its functionality. Placing the dimmer next to the on/off switch allows for dimmable control of all connected light bars, while placing it between light bars along the run creates static light in those near the switch and dimmable for those connected after the dimmer. This ended up being helpful for creating targeted lighting for tasks as well as dimmable lighting for atmosphere, although it may not be ideal for all users.

Get the Litever under-cabinet lighting at Amazon.

Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Quality 4/5; Value 5/5

This affordable, versatile LED strip lighting from Wobane produces an impressive 1100 lumens of brightness and can be installed in seconds using its strong adhesive backing. The 12V system plugs directly into a power outlet, meaning we needed to plan ahead during installation, but we also didn’t have to change any batteries during testing.

The flexible under-cabinet strip light is very thin, so it was perfect for tucking up on the underside of cabinets for a nearly invisible installation. Since it’s so flexible, it was easy to install around corners and over cabinet joints. The light strip kit also comes with extension connectors so we could customize the lighting layout to our space. Though we love these lights’ warm, almost candlelightlike output, we do wish they were dimmable. Based on their ease of installation and value, we’ll definitely keep enjoying the relaxing atmosphere they create.

Get the Wobane under-cabinet lighting at Amazon.

Our Ratings: Installation 4/5; Quality 4/5; Value 4/5

For under-cabinet LED lighting that adjusts to illuminate at almost any angle, this motion-sensing model from BLS is an excellent pick. It installs in seconds using backing adhesive, but those wanting a more permanent installation can use the included mounting screws. Since it attaches at only two points, you can swivel the entire body of the light from horizontal at 90 degrees to vertical at 180 degrees. We tested this model as a battery-powered option, and the ability to angle the body made it super easy to change the batteries. Users also have the choice to plug this light in using the included USB cord, though a wall adapter does not come with the purchase.

The frame of this low-voltage under-cabinet lighting isn’t the only thing that’s adjustable, however. The unit’s motion sensor rotates to modify sensitivity and also has “day” and “night” modes that account for the amount of ambient light. With so many ways to configure this sensor, we found it a little finicky at times, though we may just need to keep making adjustments. As a 1.5V light, it produces only 180 lumens of brightness, yet its white light did seem harsher than what some other products produced. While we found this to be good for task lighting, we found it less appropriate for creating a calming atmosphere.

Get the BLS under-cabinet lighting at Amazon.

Our Ratings: Installation 4/5; Quality 4/5; Value 4/5

Many kitchens are hubs of activity all day long, so sensitive motion-sensing lights aren’t always an ideal fit. LepoTec’s 54-LED under-cabinet light features auto-induction, however, meaning it won’t turn on unnecessarily if environmental conditions are already bright. Instead, it only outputs its 350 lumens of warm lighting in low-light settings or when set to “on.” This makes it great for late-night trips to the fridge or times when you need targeted task lighting.

The LepoTec cabinet light is magnetic, so it stuck securely to our fridge and oven during testing. It also comes with adhesive-backed magnets that allowed us to fit it under our cabinets. These dual-attachment options make the LepoTec highly portable and easy to remove for charging. We were able to take ours down and have it fully charged via USB in under an hour. Unfortunately, we had to do this much sooner than expected, as the battery only lasted for about 3 hours in always-on mode.

Get the LepoTec under-cabinet lighting at Amazon or Wayfair.

Our Ratings: Installation 3/5; Quality 5/5; Value 4/5

If the only consideration for great under-cabinet lighting was light color and quality, the Philips Hue lightstrip would blow the rest of our picks out of the water. Unfortunately, the gorgeous customizable light it provides does require a bit of installation and setup to enjoy. Once it’s running, users can create virtually any color configuration, sync the lights to music, or create scheduled lighting “scenes.”

Before we could play with all those features, we plugged the included Hue Bridge into our Wi-Fi router and downloaded the Philips app. We initially struggled to get the two to pair, but once we did, we were blown away by everything the Hue can do. With options to create custom colors, automations, and pair up to 50 lights throughout your home, this smart lighting system feels more like an ongoing design project than a quick way to get a little extra illumination.

The lightstrip is cuttable, bendable, and extendable up to 32.8 feet with the purchase of additional segments. Since the strip is on the thicker side, it looked a little bulky running over our cabinet junctions. Our daughter quickly snatched it up for her room anyway, and she’s beyond excited about having holiday and mood lighting in her room year-round.

Get the Philips under-cabinet lighting at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Philips.

Our Ratings: Installation 4/5; Quality 4.8/5; Value 4/5

Battery-powered and rechargeable under-cabinet lighting has its upside, but for those looking for an always-ready option that simply requires a wall outlet, the energy-efficient JUSJUBR light is an excellent choice. Since it’s extremely thin and narrow, it also has a lower profile than many other options, making it less likely to be seen. Even though it’s corded, it comes with adhesive-backed clips to keep its nearly 5-foot cord out of sight.

Though none of the lights we tested were at all heavy, this long and skinny light was especially lightweight. The included double-sided tape made it easy to install and was sticky enough to hold the light securely without leaving residue behind once we were done testing. While we weren’t initially excited about its cord, we found we really appreciated that we never had to replace or recharge the light’s batteries. We also loved the light’s memory function, which returns the brightness to the previous level each time we turned the light back on.

Get the JUSJUBR under-cabinet light at Amazon.

Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Quality 4/5; Value 4.5/5

Another motion-sensing option we love is this two-pack from RXWLKJ. It installs without excess effort or time using either its magnetic back or included sticky tape. At 100 lumens, it’s noticeably not as bright as other options we tested yet seems to produce more countertop glare. For that reason, we prefer having this easily rechargeable light tucked right inside our pantry door rather than under our cabinets. We also popped one on the metal shelves in our shed so we can find what we need no matter the time of day.

We’re going on 2 weeks now of triggering our new pantry light several times daily and still haven’t had to recharge it. Once the time comes, however, getting this light back to full power will be easy with the included USB adapter. Just be aware that a USB-A wall outlet plug is not included with purchase, though many of us already have plenty of these anyway.

Get the RXWLKJ under-cabinet lighting at Amazon.

Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Quality 4.8/5; Value 4/5

This set of six wireless under-cabinet lighting pucks ended up being a favorite of ours during testing. They’re easy to install and remove using adhesive magnetic stickers, and though they’re simple little lights, they have quite a few features. Users can choose between warm, neutral, or cool light and set brightness at either 50 or 100 percent. While that’s not as wide a range as the other dimmable lights we tested, the option to switch between color temperatures made up for it.

The puck lights don’t have motion sensors, but they’re touchable, so they turn off and on with a tap (don’t be gentle—they need a good nudge) or the included remote. The remote also enables setting the lights on a 15-, 30-, 60-, or 120-minute timer, which is great for protecting battery life but not so great for those who struggle to keep track of remotes or who want to place the lights in far-apart places. We’ve been keeping ours in the silverware drawer and haven’t lost it yet!

Get the Brilliant Evolution under-cabinet lighting at Amazon.

Our Ratings: Installation 4/5; Quality 4.5/5; Value 5/5

Something about this two-pack of lights makes them look a little sleeker than the rest. The bright light they produce is also relatively cool in temperature, but they come in a warm white option for those who prefer a softer look. The 40-LED lights are rechargeable with the included USB-C plug, though they do not come with the necessary wall adapter. They’re dimmable, but we struggled to get them to consistently dim under about the 50 percent mark.

One thing we never struggled with was getting them to immediately turn on as we moved within about 10 feet of them. When tested side by side with other motion-sensing lights, these MCGOR lights reacted the quickest and most consistently. Since they’re also incredibly easy to install with included adhesive metal plates (or their built-in magnets on metal), we quickly added one of these to the top of our basement stairs for safety.

Get the MCGOR under-cabinet lighting at Amazon.

To test these products and the others that didn’t make our list of top picks, we looked at each light’s ease of installation, output, and dimmability. We also evaluated whether they created unpleasant countertop glare or emitted annoying buzzing sounds. When possible, we assessed additional features, such as a remote, motion sensor, or smartphone app.

Though many users immediately think of under-cabinet lights for kitchens, these products are also useful in garages, storage sheds, and closets. So in addition to installing and testing them under our kitchen cabinets, we also tried them out in other indoor and outdoor areas.

To ensure we understood everything that goes into choosing the best under-cabinet lighting, we spoke with Thom Cloppert, who co-owns Fog Remodeling with Jud Cloppert in Loveland, Ohio. Thom has over 25 years of experience in kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling and says about 70 percent of his clients request under-cabinet lighting. Once he details its benefits, however, about 95 percent of clients have it installed. Why is installing it such a good idea? “Under-cabinet lighting is indirect, not glaring, and creates an ideal countertop workstation. Most are dimmable, energy efficient, and have multispectrum LED lights to provide options for ambience.”

While under-cabinet kitchen lighting design can add ambience or utility light to a space, not all under-cabinet lighting is the same. To buy the best under-cabinet lighting for a given kitchen, laundry room, or bathroom space, keep the following considerations in mind.

The type of under-cabinet lighting—LED, fluorescent, halogen, or xenon—determines its aesthetic and maximum efficiency rating.

LED lighting is the most popular and most energy-efficient type of under-cabinet lighting. Originally, LED lighting was expensive and only offered directional lighting, but now even smart-home–compatible LED lighting systems are relatively affordable. However, they are still the priciest choice of the four types. Current LEDs also offer whole-room diffused lighting that can be used in overhead fixtures, replacing the common incandescent bulbs.

While initially costlier, LED bulbs outlast their counterparts by double or triple the time. They produce less heat (a big asset in the kitchen) and, on a purely aesthetic level, can create millions of colors on the spectrum. All these benefits make LED lights with the appropriate lumen rating (the unit of brightness measurement) the preferred choice of many consumers for under-cabinet lighting.

Compact fluorescent lighting (CFL) is energy-efficient and doesn’t produce a lot of heat, but it does have some unappealing issues. These tube bulbs tend to produce harsh light and emit an annoying buzzing sound. They cannot be used with a dimmer function, and turning them on and off repeatedly can shorten their lifespan. What’s more, because they use both mercury vapor and a phosphor coating to convert ultraviolet light to visible light, they cannot be tossed in the trash when spent—these bulbs must be disposed of according to Environmental Protection Agency guidelines.

Halogen lights use a gas compound containing halogen vapor within the bulb. When electricity is run through the filament, the compound reacts to produce clear, white light. However, halogen lights get very hot and should not be used where they might accidentally be touched. In terms of energy, halogen bulbs are a step above fluorescent bulbs and several steps above incandescent bulbs. They fall below xenon bulbs and well below LED lighting in most categories but are a good midrange choice that will provide decent lighting at a moderate cost.

Xenon lighting casts clear, white light but, unlike a halogen bulb, it doesn’t use a filament. Instead, an electrical current is channeled through the xenon gas contained in the bulb, causing an excitation of electrons that produces light. Xenon lighting is cooler to the touch than halogen bulbs and also more efficient, lasting two to three times longer. LED lights outshine xenon and halogen lights in every category except price, but xenon bulbs are the next-best option for brightness and lifespan.

The voltage of under-cabinet lighting is separated into three main types: line-voltage (120V) lighting, low-voltage (12V or 24V) lighting, and battery lighting.

Under-cabinet lighting comes in three primary styles: strip lights, puck lights, and bar lights.

The energy efficiency and heat output of under-cabinet lighting depends primarily on the type of bulb used.

Fixed brightness feels out of place in our customizable world, making dimmers an important addition to an under-cabinet lighting system. Dimming under-cabinet lights to a level suitable to the room’s current use can reduce energy consumption and save on the electric bill. Dimmers also let you adjust brightness to suit the situation, sometimes dimming as low as a night-light. Cloppert advises anyone adding this type of lighting to “plan a convenient place for the switch and use a dimmer that is rated for LED lights.”

Installing an under-cabinet lighting system can be an incredibly easy DIY update for kitchen cabinets—or complex enough to warrant hiring a professional electrician.

Since under-cabinet lighting often uses high-efficiency lights to illuminate one area at a time, installing this type of lighting can help lower your energy bills. This provides more light for cooking and food prep while reducing the energy output of a lighting system. In addition to illuminating tasks such as food preparation on countertops, under-cabinet lighting can highlight a backsplash pattern that might otherwise be lost in shadow and/or enhance a mood—low brightness during dinner, for example—to create a relaxing atmosphere. Under-cabinet lighting can also enhance the home’s interior value by reducing shadows that make a room look small.

Though we have covered our favorite products and the most important considerations for choosing among under-cabinet lighting ideas, you may still have some questions. Read on for answers to the most commonly asked under-cabinet light questions.

The number of under-cabinet lights you need will depend on the lumens per light produced, the type of light fixture, and the size of the room. In general, under-cabinet lighting should produce an average of 1000 to 2500 lumens for all surfaces that will be used for cooking or cutting. Other non-task-related areas for under-cabinet lighting don’t have lumen requirements, so you can choose as many or as few lights as you wish.

To avoid common lighting mistakes when mounting any fixture under a cabinet, position it toward the front. If there is a lens, face it toward the backsplash. The bottom-front rail of the cabinet should hide the fixture from your line of sight, whether standing or seated. If it doesn’t, consider extending the rail with a narrow board or trim piece.

The lumens for your under-cabinet lighting depend on where the lighting is being installed. Under-cabinet lighting for task-related areas like counters used for food preparation should have between 1000 to 2500 lumens to ensure you have plenty of light while cutting, peeling, chopping, or undertaking any other food prep activities. Under-cabinet lighting in the rest of the kitchen can range depending on your personal preferences.

Absolutely! We love under-cabinet lighting for its wide range of functionality and excellent value. There are endless easy-to-install options that efficiently add lighting and ambience to a variety of spaces.

Whether you need an electrician to install under-cabinet lighting depends on the type of lighting you choose. Line-voltage or hardwired under-cabinet lighting is best installed by a professional to ensure safety and compatibility, so it may be best to look at these options while still in the process of buying kitchen cabinets. Plug-in or battery-powered options are generally easy enough for virtually any DIYer to install, even years after you’ve installed your cabinetry.

While this is somewhat up to your personal preference, warm, neutral, or cool white light between 3000K and 5000K is generally best for under-cabinet lighting. Any color temperature below 3000K can cast a yellowish-orange hue that makes color perception difficult.

Most under-cabinet lights will be under about 10 watts, but some options that allow you to connect multiple lighting segments together may be closer to 30 watts.

Because under-shelf LED strip lighting is energy-efficient and produces low heat, it’s generally safe to leave on at night so long as it’s properly installed and in good working condition.

Michelle Larson has been a writer and editor for more than 10 years in the fields of health, business, and the home. Because she’d rather spend a little more up front than buy a tool or appliance twice, she strongly believes in the power of research and reviews for finding quality items that are meant to last.

Additional research provided by Timothy Dale and Shannon Lee.

Assistant Editor

Michelle is a lifelong learner who lives and plays in the mountains of Park City, Utah, with her husband, daughter, and pets. She came to the Commerce team at BobVila.com in February 2022 with more than 5 years’ experience as a business owner, writer, and program manager.

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