From Small Kitchens to Sleek Bathrooms, These Are the Best Under-Cabinet Lighting Options for All of Your Needs (2024)

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When it comes to ambiance-enhancing illumination, Philips Hue is tough to beat. The line brought one of the first LED smart bulbs to market, but the current options are much more extensive. Suffice it to say, our top pick for under-cabinet lighting is the collection's Shape Light Base Kit. This flexible tape-style strip is 80 inches long and can be trimmed down to the size you need, and then attached with the included adhesive. You can extend it up to 32 feet with additional strips, making it ideal for larger kitchens and work tables.

The Bluetooth-enabled design can be paired with a smart home assistant, like Alexa, Apple HomeKit, or Google Assistant, and you can control it with voice commands or through the Philips Hue mobile app. This dimmable light strip has six color modes and several customizable settings, like turning on when the sun rises each morning.

Just note that the kit requires the brand's Hue Bridge hub, which you'll have to buy separately. While the price might seem steep for under-cabinet lighting, it's backed by a two-year warranty.

_{Type: Tape | Power Source: Electric | Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 80 x 0.5 inches}

Cordless, low-profile, and inexpensive, the Brilliant Evolution LED Light Bar is a great option for many households—including those on a tight budget. At only 1 inch thick, this light strip is discreet enough to illuminate not only the space under your cabinets but also work for lighting closets, stairs, car trunks, and more. We like the built-in touch sensor, which allows you to turn them on with a simple tap of the lens.

The long-lasting LEDs offer a warm white glow and can be easily installed with either the included screws or heavy-duty adhesive. This cordless light is powered by three AA batteries, which are not included (so you'll need to budget to purchase these separately throughout the light bar's lifespan.)

_{Type: Bar | Power Source: Battery | Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 8.5 x 2 x 1 inches}

If you don't want to deal with replacing batteries regularly, go with a plug-in option. We like the Jusjubr light strip available at Amazon. It comes with a 12-inch light strip and a power supply with a standard plug that connects to a USB. You can connect multiple strips to fit your cabinet's length with just one outlet.

This LED tape secures beneath your cabinets with a strong adhesive backing. We like that there are five light-temperature options, giving you control and customization over your lighting. The on/off switch also acts as a dimmer for setting the mood and the strip will even remember your last setting so your lighting always looks perfect. If you decide you want a cord-free look, you also have the option to hardwire the strip.

_{Type: Tape | Power Source: Electric | Material: Aluminum | Dimensions: 12 x 0.7 x 0.2 inches}

Interested in hardwired lighting? We recommend the Enbrighten Hardwired Under Cabinet Light. It's designed for direct wiring to a 120-volt connector—no external driver necessary—and comes with a hardwire connection and mounting hardware, including screws and strain relief.

There's an on/off switch on the light, but if you want to control it with a wall switch, you'll have to buy that (or connect an existing one) separately. The LED bulbs offer energy-efficient illumination, and you can choose the length and color that works for your kitchen. Unless you're experienced with this type of installation, you'll want to hire an electrician to hardwire it.

_{Type: Bar | Power Source: Electric | Material: Not listed | Dimensions: 12, 18, 24, 36, 48 inches}

We also like the Ecolight Bar Light, which boasts a cordless design without any hardwiring required. It runs on six AA batteries, which are included, and has an easy-access battery compartment. A rechargeable design would be nice, but thanks to the energy-efficient LEDs, you'll get 44 hours of illumination before having to switch out the batteries.

You can mount this light either with screws or the included adhesive Command Strips. We also like that it has a touch sensor for simple on/off activation. What's more, this is one of the most affordable under-cabinet lighting options, and we love that it's backed by a generous six-year warranty.

_{Type: Bar | Power Source: Battery | Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 12 x 2.5 x 1 inches}

Puck lights are among the most convenient under-cabinet lighting options. This set from Brilliant Evolution comes with six 3.5-inch lights and two remotes that control all pucks at once from up to 15 feet away. They're super convenient to operate, and we love that the light can be customized in multiple ways (you can even change the color!) You can also turn them on by tapping the lens and setting a timer to have them automatically shut off.

These lights run on AA batteries (included). Bear in mind you'll have to replace them often, especially if you're using them daily, and the pucks may die at different times. Still, we like that they can be mounted with screws or adhesive tape, both of which are included with the set.

_{Type: Puck | Power Source: Battery | Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 3.4 x 1 inches}

The Wobane Under Cabinet Lighting Kit includes six pre-cut LED tapes (nearly 9 feet in total) that fit perfectly under most kitchen, bathroom, and bar cabinets. It comes with a plug-in power supply and a remote that works from up to 60 feet away. You can also charge the lithium-ion battery for cord-free use, a perk we particularly like.

This light tape is lightweight and conveniently flexible, allowing for more customized applications. We also like how easy the stick-on design is to install. However, the adhesive backing isn't very strong, so you may want to get some heavy-duty double-sided tape for extra grip.

_{Type: Tape | Power Source: Electric or battery | Material: Not listed | Dimensions: 118 x 0.5 inches}

Motion-sensor lights are great for bathrooms and hallways, gently illuminating your path during middle-of-the-night get-ups. We like the Lepotec Cabinet Light, which can be set to turn on only when it senses movement. You can also program it to turn on when it detects darkness, or just manually switch it on and off as needed.

This LED bar runs on a rechargeable lithium battery. If you only use it with motion activation, it'll last two to four weeks, but if it stays on for several hours a day, it'll die every few days. Luckily, you can charge it back up in about three hours with the included USB cable. The easy-to-install design attaches to metal with its built-in magnet, or you can use the included high-strength adhesive.

_{Type: Bar | Power Source: Battery | Material: Aluminum, iron | Dimensions: 13 x 2 x 0.5 inches, 8 x 1.5 x 0.5 inches}

Want a form of smart lighting you can control from your phone or tablet? The Monster Smart Illuminescence LED Strip is an excellent choice. You can turn it on and off, change the colors, and adjust the brightness, all from the Monster Smart mobile app. You also can create customizable programs that illuminate, dim, or change color at different times of the day.

It also works with voice controls if you sync it to a Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, or Apple HomeKit. The included remote is nice to have on hand, too. This plug-in light strip is 16 feet long. The flexible design can be bent and warped to fit into the nooks and crannies beneath your cabinets, but unlike tape-style lights, it can't be cut to size.

_{Type: Strip | Power Source: Electric | Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 197 x 1 inches}

Final Verdict

FAQ

• How long do LED under-cabinet lights last?

  In terms of useful life span, LED under-cabinet lights can last more than a decade, depending on the specific light you choose and how many hours per day the light is on. It's also important to compare the battery life of wireless under-cabinet lights. Many models rely on AA batteries and can operate for about 50 to 100 hours before running out of power.

• Should under-cabinet lighting be warm or cool?

  The answer depends on your purpose for installing under-cabinet lighting. "Cooler-temperature lighting is great for task lighting because it's brighter, making it easier to see when preparing and cooking food," says Herrera. In that case, a cool daylight bulb in the 5000K range is the best choice. However, if you want a more ambient under-cabinet lighting option, pick a warm light with a color temperature in the 3000K range.

• Do under-cabinet lights go in front or back?

  Most people install under-cabinet lights at the front edge of their cabinets, just behind the rail. This ensures that the majority of the countertop below receives illumination while still concealing the fixture. However, if you'd rather illuminate your backsplash as a focal point in the kitchen, then you could opt to install under-cabinet lighting toward the back of your cabinets. This results in reduced lighting at the front of the countertops, so it's not the best option if you're relying on the lights to enhance visibility on your work surface.

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