Buzz
Photo: Mytour / Eric BrockobUnder-cabinet lighting is increasingly favored by homeowners, and it’s easy to see why. Not only does it create a warm and inviting ambiance, but it’s also incredibly user-friendly for DIY enthusiasts, regardless of the installation method you prefer.
For instance, “LED strip lights are highly sought after due to their energy-saving capabilities, durability, and straightforward setup, making them perfect for delivering consistent light coverage,” explains interior designer Kimberly Morris. “On the other hand, LED puck lights are small, easy to mount, and provide concentrated, bright illumination.”
Our curated list includes not just strip and puck lights but also magnetic and screw-in alternatives. To assemble this selection, we evaluated the top options available online, taking into account aspects such as lighting style, power source, wattage, and color temperature. Alongside Morris, we also consulted Josh Weiss, vice president of Visual Comfort Co., and Kara Perdue, vice president of product management at GE Lighting, for their expert advice on selecting the ideal under-cabinet lighting for your space.
Top Pick
Philips Hue Lightstrip Plus Kit
PHOTO: TargetThe strips are customizable, allowing you to trim them to match your cabinet size or expand them with additional kits.
The premium features come at a higher price point, making it a luxury choice.
If you're looking for a straightforward under-cabinet lighting solution, the Philips Lightstrip is an excellent choice. This versatile strip stretches up to 6 feet and is pliable enough to adapt to various spaces. As an under-cabinet option, it offers the best of both lighting worlds, transitioning from white to multicolor once connected to the Hue box via Wi-Fi and the Philips app. Beyond lighting, you can adjust the ambiance and sync music using its Bluetooth functionality.
Despite its impressive entertainment features, such as compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant, maintaining the strip's position can be tricky. The adhesive backing used to attach the strip under cabinets may weaken over time, causing it to loosen.
Type: Adhesive | Power Source: Electric | Wattage: 20 watts | Color Temperature: White and multicolor
Top Budget Pick
Wobane Under-Cabinet LED Lighting Kit
PHOTO: AmazonThe strips offer three configuration options: single, double, or triple strips.
Larger kitchens might require extra kits for full coverage.
The Wobane LED kit is an affordable and user-friendly under-cabinet lighting solution that transforms your kitchen's appearance. Priced under $17, this kit includes six LED strips totaling 9.8 feet in length, controlled wirelessly from up to 60 feet away.
For added convenience, the kit features five timer settings to automatically turn off the lights after a specified duration. However, if you’re seeking multicolor lighting, this isn’t the right choice. These strips exclusively emit warm white light, offering a single lighting mode.
Type: Adhesive | Power Source: LED | Wattage: 16 watts | Color Temperature: White
PHOTO: Mytour / Eric Brockob
PHOTO: Mytour / Eric Brockob
PHOTO: Mytour / Eric Brockob
PHOTO: Mytour / Eric BrockobTop Wireless Choice
Lepotec LED Motion Sensor Light
PHOTO: AmazonIt offers three lighting modes to adapt to different environments.
The battery life is limited, and each pack includes only two lights.
For automatic under-cabinet lighting, the Lepotec LED motion sensor lights are an excellent choice. Each set includes two LED lights with three adjustable modes to suit any setting.
Powered by a 2,500mAh rechargeable battery, these lights can run for up to three hours in continuous mode or three to four weeks in motion sensor mode. They feature an internal magnet for easy attachment to iron surfaces, and double-sided adhesive tape is included for other installation needs.
Type: Magnet or adhesive | Power Source: Battery powered | Wattage: 3 watts | Color Temperature: Silver-white
PHOTO: Mytour / Eric Brockob
PHOTO: Mytour / Eric Brockob
PHOTO: Mytour / Eric Brockob
PHOTO: Mytour / Eric Brockob
PHOTO: Mytour / Eric BrockobTop LED Choice
MCGOR Under Cabinet Lights
PHOTO: AmazonThey offer adjustable brightness levels.
The battery life in motion-sensor mode can be inconsistent.
For a premium LED under-cabinet lighting solution, we recommend the Mcgor set, which includes two strips with 63 battery-powered LEDs and five lighting modes. Installation is flexible, with options for magnetic attachment to iron surfaces or adhesive tape for other materials.
You can select between warm white or bright white lighting to suit your desired atmosphere. However, note that each set contains only two lights, so larger kitchens may require additional sets for adequate coverage.
Type: Magnetic or adhesive | Power Source: Batteries | Wattage: 2 watts | Color Temperature: Warm white or bright white
Top Battery-Powered Pick
Brilliant Evolution Wireless Ultra Thin LED Light Bar
PHOTO: AmazonIts sleek, slim design blends seamlessly under kitchen cabinets.
Each pack includes only a single light.
Under-cabinet lighting is gaining popularity for its ability to enhance ambiance while discreetly adding extra illumination to your kitchen. GE’s ultra-thin LED light bars combine a slim profile with user-friendly features, such as battery operation and touch-sensitive controls. They also boast a lifespan up to four times longer than standard LED strip lights.
While this kit provides numerous advantages for under-cabinet lighting, your wireless options are limited to one- or two-packs (note that three AA batteries, not included, are required). For a wired setup, you can opt for three-, four-, or six-packs.
Type: Adhesive or screws | Power Source: Batteries | Wattage: 1 watt | Color Temperature: White
Top Puck Choice
GE Wireless LED Puck Lights
PHOTO: AmazonThey can be installed using screws or adhesive tape.
Manually turning off the lights may lead to faster battery depletion.
Puck lights are ideal for under-cabinet lighting if you prefer a spotlight effect or need to distribute lighting evenly across your kitchen. This GE six-pack offers convenience with its wireless design and straightforward installation.
Each light activates with a simple touch, but deactivating them requires manual intervention. Despite their brightness, these puck lights need three AAA batteries, sold separately, which are not included in the kit.
Type: Adhesive | Power Source: Batteries | Wattage: Not listed | Color Temperature: White
Top Plug-In Choice
Black+Decker LED Under Cabinet Lighting Kit
PHOTO: AmazonIt can be expanded with additional kits for broader coverage.
It may be a pricier option for certain budgets.
The BLACK + DECKER four-strip LED kit is a standout choice for its premium quality and smart capabilities, including Alexa integration. Once connected to Alexa, you can manage the lights by adjusting brightness and switching between modes, such as nighttime mode, which reduces brightness to 30%.
The standout feature is the tool-free installation, despite being a plug-in system. All parts are secured with adhesive tape, and you only need a nearby outlet to connect the power box.
Type: Adhesive | Power Source: Cord | Wattage: 25 watts | Color Temperature: White
Top Hardwired Pick
Harrrrd Hardwired LED Under Cabinet Task Lighting
PHOTO: AmazonThey include a five-year warranty for replacements.
Each box contains only one fixture, so multiple kits may be necessary.
While this kit requires hardwiring into walls or cabinets, it eliminates visible cords, enhancing visual appeal. The kit includes all necessary components and detailed instructions, making installation straightforward without professional help.
One drawback is that each kit is limited to a single color. Despite the 24-inch length of the lights, multiple kits may be needed to achieve your desired kitchen lighting. However, each set delivers excellent performance and boasts a lifespan of 50,000 hours.
Type: Hardwired | Power Source: Electric | Wattage: 16 watts | Color Temperature: Warm white and bright white
Final Verdict
Our top choice for under-cabinet lighting is the Philips Hue Lightstrip Starter Kit, thanks to its versatile white and multicolor settings and advanced smart features. For a more affordable alternative, the Wobane Under-Cabinet LED Lighting Kit is an excellent option for creating a cozy kitchen atmosphere.
How to Choose Under-Cabinet Lighting Like an Expert
Type
While under-cabinet lights share the goal of providing hidden illumination, their types influence the outcome. Puck lights, for example, create a focused spotlight effect, whereas task lighting covers a broader area due to its elongated design. For task lighting, the Harrrrd Hardwired LED Under Cabinet Task Lighting is a reliable option, while the GE Wireless LED Puck Lights are our favorite battery-powered puck lights.
Before deciding, take time to evaluate the lighting style that suits your preferences and enhances the ambiance of your kitchen.
Power Source
“The power source of the fixture is a crucial factor when selecting under-cabinet lighting, impacting installation, convenience, and adaptability,” explains Kara Perdue, VP of product management at GE Lighting. “Options include hardwired, plug-in, or battery-powered, each with its own advantages and drawbacks, so the best choice depends on your specific requirements.”
Under-cabinet lighting that avoids hardwiring is typically easier to install. Magnetic or adhesive tape options simplify the process, but hardwired lighting offers greater durability since tape can degrade over time. Review the installation requirements for each option and select the one you’re most comfortable with.
Brightness & Color Temperature
Brightness and color temperature are critical factors when choosing under-cabinet lighting, as they directly influence the ambiance of one of the most cherished spaces in your home. Ensure you review the brightness levels of each kit to find the one that matches your preferences.
“For a calming and relaxing kitchen atmosphere, opt for lower color temperatures, while brighter temperatures are ideal for an energizing and creative environment,” advises Morris. “Warmer tones (2,700 to 3,000K) are popular for their cozy and soothing effect, whereas cooler tones (5,000 to 6,500K) are favored for their ability to stimulate energy and creativity.”
Dimming & Additional Controls
Many under-cabinet lighting options include user-friendly features like dimming, timers, and smart integrations. For example, the Philips Hue Starter Kit connects via Wi-Fi to a hub, enabling you to sync music with your lighting and control brightness through their app. Similarly, the Wobane Under-Cabinet Lighting offers five timer settings, allowing the lights to turn off automatically after a set period.
Common Questions
What is the best type of under-cabinet lighting?
Morris suggests hardwired, bar-shaped LED lights for several reasons. “Hardwired lights are easy to control via a switch, offering convenience and a clean look without cords or batteries,” she explains. “Additionally, LED lights are durable, energy-efficient, and available in both cool and warm tones to suit your preference.”
How bright should under-cabinet lights be?
Weiss emphasizes that under-cabinet lighting should balance functionality and aesthetics. “To provide adequate task lighting without causing eye strain or safety issues, I recommend lights that deliver between 250 to 400 lumens per foot, depending on the existing ambient light,” he advises.
Where should under-cabinet lights be installed?
The placement of under-cabinet lighting depends on its intended use. For task lighting, such as cooking or kitchen work, position the lights toward the front of the cabinet to maximize illumination. For ambiance, install them toward the back to create a warm, inviting glow.
Should you choose cool or warm tones for under-cabinet lights?
The choice between cool and warm tones depends on your desired atmosphere. “For most homes, I recommend 2,700K or 3,000K,” says Weiss. “2,700K provides a warm, cozy feel similar to incandescent lighting, while 3,000K offers a crisper white light, ideal for kitchens and food preparation.”
Take Our Word for It
This article was authored by Ashlyn Needham, a contributing writer for Mytour. With nearly eight years of experience in home and garden content creation, Ashlyn's work has appeared in renowned publications like Southern Living, The Spruce, House Beautiful, PEOPLE, and U.S. News & World Report. For this under-cabinet lighting guide, she sought expert advice from Josh Weiss, vice president of Visual Comfort & Co., interior designer Kimberly Morris, and Kara Perdue, vice president of product management at GE Lighting.
