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The 8 Best Under-Cabinet Lighting Options of 2024

Discreet, low-maintenance options for kitchens, bathrooms, and more

Enbrighten Premium LED Under Cabinet Light Fixture attached to a white kitchen cabinet

The Spruce / Peter Ardito

Whether you have a small kitchen that could use some extra lighting or want to enhance the ambiance of your space, under-cabinet lights might be just the thing. "Not only can they provide task lighting, which is great for food prep, but this style of lighting also won't create harsh shadows like overheads and can create a welcoming feel," says interior designer Elizabeth Herrera, founder of Elizabeth Herrera Design.

But not all under-cabinet lighting is created equal. Before shopping, you'll want to consider how often you'll use task lighting. If it's a lower-traffic space, you might get away with a cordless option, while plug-in or hardwired options would be better suited for busier areas. (And if you do end up hardwiring the lighting, you might want to enlist the help of an electrician.)

Keeping all of this in mind, we researched some of the top lighting models that come in plug-in, battery-powered, and hardwired designs. The resulting list includes options with different color modes, smart controls, and more.

Best Overall

Philips Hue Lightstrip Plus Kit

Target Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Lightstrip Base Kit

Target

What We Like
  • Extendable up to 32 feet

  • Bluetooth-enabled

  • Customizable settings

What We Don't Like
  • Requires Hue Bridge hub

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 re-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 Amazon 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 | Wattage: 20 watts | Color Temperature: Adjustable | Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 80 x 0.5 inches

Best Budget

Brilliant Evolution Wireless Ultra Thin LED Light Bar

Brilliant Evolution Wireless Ultra Thin LED Light Bar

Amazon

What We Like
  • Screw or adhesive mounting

  • Touch sensor

  • Subtle, discreet design

What We Don't Like
  • Not rechargeable

  • Batteries not included

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 the space under your cabinets and could 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 | Wattage: 1 watt | Color Temperature: 3000K | Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 8.5 x 2 x 1 inches

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.

Best Plug-In

Jusjubr LED Under-Cabinet Light

Jusjubr LED Under-Cabinet Light

Amazon

What We Like
  • USB connection

  • Different color temperatures available

  • Memory function

What We Don't Like
  • Not compatible with smart plugs

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 is a 12-inch light strip with a power supply and a standard plug connecting 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 | Wattage: 6 watts | Color Temperature: 3000K or 6000K | Material: Aluminum | Dimensions: 12 x 0.7 x 0.2 inches

Best Battery-Powered

Ecolight Under Cabinet Light Bar

Ecolight 12-in Battery Under Cabinet Light Bar

Amazon

What We Like
  • Touch sensor

  • Batteries included

  • Six-year warranty

What We Don't Like
  • Somewhat small

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 switching out the batteries.

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

Type: Bar | Power Source: Battery | Wattage: Not listed | Color Temperature: 4000K | Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 12 x 2.5 x 1 inches

Best Puck

Brilliant Evolution 6-Light LED Under Cabinet Puck Light

Brilliant Evolution BRRC119 Wireless 6-Light LED Under Cabinet Puck Light

Amazon

What We Like
  • Batteries included

  • Screw or adhesive mounting

  • Remotes included

What We Don't Like
  • Batteries need to be replaced often

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). You'll have to replace them often, especially if used 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 | Wattage: 6 watts | Color Temperature: 3000K | Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 3.4 x 1 inches

Best Tape

Wobane Under-Cabinet LED Lighting Kit

Wobane Under-Cabinet LED Lighting Kit

Amazon

What We Like
  • Six pre-cut strips

  • Lightweight and flexible

  • Rechargeable battery

What We Don't Like
  • Weak adhesive backing

The Wobane Under Cabinet Lighting Kit includes six pre-cut LED tapes (nearly 9 feet total) that fit perfectly under most kitchen, bathroom, and bar cabinets. It has 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 | Wattage: 16 watts | Color Temperature: 2700K | Material: Not listed | Dimensions: 118 x 0.5 inches

Best With Motion Sensor

Lepotec LED Motion Sensor Light

Lepotec LED Motion Sensor Cabinet Light

Amazon

What We Like
  • Rechargeable battery

  • Three modes

  • Magnet or adhesive mounting

What We Don't Like
  • Battery dies quickly

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 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. You can recharge it 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 | Wattage: 3 watts | Color Temperature: 7000K-8000K | Material: Aluminum, iron | Dimensions: 13 x 2 x 0.5 inches, 8 x 1.5 x 0.5 inches

Best App-Controlled

Monster Indoor/Outdoor Multicolor LED Light Strip

Monster Smart Iluminescence 16.4 ft Indoor/Outdoor Multicolor LED Light Strip

Walmart

What We Like
  • Mobile or voice commands

  • Customizable programs

  • Flexible strip

What We Don't Like
  • Can't be cut to size

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 | Wattage: 5 watts | Color Temperature: Adjustable | Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 197 x 1 inches

Final Verdict

Our best overall pick is the Philips Hue Shape Light Base Kit. This Bluetooth-enabled LED tape can be controlled through a mobile app or with voice commands, and it can be trimmed down to fit under any cabinet. For a more affordable alternative, we love the battery-powered Brilliant Evolution Wireless Ultra Thin LED Light Bar, our best budget option.

What to Look for in Under-Cabinet Lighting

Type

There are multiple types of under-cabinet lighting, but the most popular options are pucks (like the Brilliant Evolution Wireless 6-Light LED Puck Light, our best puck pick), bars (like Ecolight's Under Cabinet Light Bar, our best battery-powered pick), and strips or tapes (like our best overall option, the Philips Hue Shape Light Base Kit).

"Puck lights are popular because they are really affordable and battery-operated, so you don't need to worry about unsightly cords," says interior designer Elizabeth Herrera, founder of Elizabeth Herrera Design. "They provide a more direct spotlight, which is great for task lighting but may not be everyone's preference aesthetically."

The type that's best for your cabinets depends on a few factors: how much area you're hoping to illuminate, the depth and length of your cabinets, and your preferred power source (more on that shortly). Light bars, strips, and tape come in various lengths to match your cabinet configuration, but 24 inches is a standard size. Some light bars and strips are linkable, meaning you use a single switch to power a series of lights.

It's also a good idea to consider the installation method, or attachment style. Light strips and tape typically attach with an adhesive, for example, and they can often be cut down to size. Light bars and pucks, on the other hand, can be mounted with adhesive or drilled into place for a more permanent lighting solution.

Power Source

Under-cabinet lights must be plugged into an outlet, hardwired, or use batteries in order to operate.

Plug-in options, like the Jusjubr LED Under-Cabinet Light (our best plug-in pick) are easy to install but can leave unattractive wires visible that may need to be taped up or concealed.

Hardwired designs, like the Enbrighten Hardwired LED Under Cabinet Light (our best hardwired option), offer a neat, tidy appearance with no cords or the need to take up a wall outlet. "A hardwired under-cabinet light will need to be installed by a professional and is the most expensive option," Herrera says. "The plug-in style won't be as seamless, as you will see cords, but they are typically easy and fast to install." 

Battery-operated lights like Brilliant Evolution's Wireless Ultra Thin LED Light Bar (our best budget pick) eliminate the hassle of hardwired installation and don't need to be plugged in. Best of all, they require no unsightly cords. However, the batteries will require regular replacement or recharging.

Brightness and Color Temperature

"Under-cabinet lighting will bring your kitchen design goals to the next level," Herrera says. It enhances the ambiance of your space just as much as (or more than) it illuminates it. You'll want to pay attention to the brightness of your under-cabinet lighting since it will be concentrated as task lighting. Some of the picks on our list even have dimmable features so you can adjust your brightness levels based on what you're using the lighting for.

You can choose lights with a specific color temperature too—perhaps a soft, warm glow for ambiance or bright daylight bulbs for better visibility when working in the kitchen. According to Shivani Vyas, residential interior designer and owner of Studio Vyas Interiors, kelvins (indicated by a K symbol) tells you the color temperature of your bulb and how blue or yellow it will look. In these instances, the higher the number, the “cooler” the light will be. For color temperature, 2700K-2800K indicates warm light, and 3500K to 4000K is considered neutral bright light. We've included the color temperature specifications for each lighting option in our list to give you an idea of its warmth.

You'll want to consider your purpose for installing under-cabinet lighting before selecting a color temperature. "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 4000K 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.

Some under-cabinet lights, like the Philips Hue Shape Light Base Kit (best overall), have multiple light colors, color temperatures, and brightness settings. If your chosen under-cabinet lighting isn't as customizable, "you can also consider adding dimmers to help control the brightness levels," Herrera suggests.

If you want even more color and brightness options, opt for an app-controlled smart light strip like Monster LED Light Strip (best app-controlled), giving you the most freedom for creating ambiance with lighting.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Lily Sperry, a former editor at The Spruce covering home decor and lifestyle topics since 2019, put this article together using the insights of interior designer experts and her knowledge of lighting options and decor. She conducted in-depth research into the best under-cabinet lighting options and products, considered product reviews, and consulted professionals to highlight the best products for every kind of lighting need or desire.

Our Experts:

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. A Homeowner’s Guide to Residential Under-Cabinet Lighting: Getting Good Lighting for Your Kitchen Counters. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Lighting Resource Center.