Best Under-Cabinet Lighting Options, Tested by Experts

6 / 7

Pros:

• Bright task lighting
• Adjustable cords with different lengths
• Compatible with Alexa
• Remote control included

Cons:

• Pricey
• More cumbersome to install than others

If you don’t want to mess with changing out batteries, these BLACK+DECKER light bars plug into a standard outlet and can be controlled from your phone. Our testers loved that these lights can be controlled via a button, motion sensor and voice command. However, they did note that they only pair with the Amazon Alexa app. The Alexa app can control brightness, color temperature and night mode. If you don’t want to use Alexa, you can still adjust the brightness and color temperature on the included remote.

“You will need to be mindful and do some planning for mounting these,” says Dylan Fischer, Associate Product Tester. “That said, the cord management is adjustable and very forgiving.”

Plus, the kit includes extra adhesive clip-ons for cord management, and the cord lengths provided vary. You can switch out different-length cords after the lights are hung in case a mistake is made.

7 / 7

Pros:

• Pleasant soft light
• Slim design
• Rechargeable
• Motion sensor activated

Cons:

• Motion sensor can be finnicky
• Short battery life

If you love the idea of wireless under-cabinet lighting but hate the thought of chucking used batteries into a landfill, these rechargeable Lepotec lights are the answer. Charge the batteries with the USB adapter, and this two-pack of LED lights will light up your countertop (or the inside of dark closets and cupboards; the uses are endless!). They also provide hands-free operation and a motion-activated night light.

Our test team recommends these warm and pleasant lights for ambiance more than task lighting. Their motion sensor capabilities make them ideal for night use, such as under a nightstand or bedframe to find slippers at night. This lighting kit comes with magnetic adhesive strips for mounting, so you can put them virtually anywhere. 

What to Consider When Buying Under-Cabinet Lighting

“There are several considerations when buying under-cabinet lighting,” says McCoy. First, determine if the lighting is to help create task lighting or ambiance. This will help determine lighting placement, bulb type and fixture style.”

To ensure you choose the best under-cabinet lighting option for your space, take the time to consider a few factors before purchasing. Apart from aesthetics and taking measurements, we recommend checking safety ratings and energy efficiency standards so that you can rest assured that your new lighting system is up to code.

Think about how comfortable you are with different types of installation. If you’re not an experienced DIY-er, consider going with a model that’s simple to install, like peel-and-stick lights. Plug-and-play models are also relatively straightforward to install; you simply plug them into a standard power outlet.

If you have the electrical experience and want to create a sleek, seamless look, think about choosing a model that can be hardwired into your home’s power supply. Some under cabinet lights use batteries, which eliminates wiring, but then requires periodic replacement.

Also, keep in mind how much light you need. Go with the highest lumen output to provide as much light as possible. For those choosing under-cabinet lighting for aesthetics—or those using it as a night light—lumens are less of a priority.

Why You Should Trust Us

In addition to having our Family Handyman product testing team evaluate each of the lights recommended here, we also consulted in-house expert Alex Rennie, who spent more than five years as a residential and commercial carpenter in NYC.

Gary McCoy, Lowe’s lighting expert and store manager with decades of experience in the home improvement industry, gave us tips on what to look for when shopping for under-cabinet lighting.

How We Found the Best Under-Cabinet Lighting

We researched hundreds of under-cabinet lighting options, considering the different types, cost and desired look. Then, we spoke to a home expert to clarify what makes under-cabinet lighting a good bargain (or worthy of a splurge). After reading user reviews, we sent our top lighting picks to the Family Handyman product testing team to see how real people interact with under-cabinet lighting.

During testing, our experts installed and used each lighting kit. If the kit came with a remote control or Wi-Fi compatibility, our testers used it over a period of time to note how it performed. Our testers also assessed the brightness of each lighting option to recommend the best use cases. 

FAQ

How does under-cabinet lighting work?

Under-cabinet lighting works by either plugging directly into a standard power outlet, hardwiring into your home’s existing power supply or using batteries. Some feature an internal battery, which can be recharged via USB. Hardwiring is the most intensive installation method and requires an electrician, but it provides a clean, wire-free look. It also allows users to operate with a wall switch (or a smart switch) and provides dimming capabilities.

For non-hardwired lighting that requires installation, the process is relatively simple. According to McCoy, adding accent lighting under a cabinet is like wiring kitchen lighting fixtures.

“Puck lights, tape lights and rope lights all have different methods of installation and usage,” McCoy explains. “Plug-in and battery lights are extremely DIY friendly for installation and quick gratification, but hardwired lights require a skilled electrician for installation.”

Does under-cabinet lighting add value to a home?

Yes, under-cabinet lights can add value to your home. When installed correctly, it’s a sophisticated look that adds a high-end feel to a kitchen. The soft glow can also draw the eye to an impressive backsplash, making a room feel taller and more spacious.

Considering its relatively low cost, under-cabinet lighting is a small investment with a significant return for yourself or future owners. It’s important to note that professionally installed fixtures or lighting without wires or cords adds more value than quickly mounted tape lights plugged into a visible outlet.

How many under-cabinet lights do I need?

It’s best to maintain a consistent, uniform look across all your cabinets, so you’ll need to purchase as many units as needed to stretch their length to fit your cabinetry.

According to the Lighting Research Center, “Select the longest length that will fit in the shortest-length cabinet and then use multiple fixtures of the same length to cover the cabinet.”

They recommend one unit for every eight to 12 inches of cabinet length for puck lights.

Similarly, McCoy advises that the number of lights needed will depend on the size and layout of your space.

“The amount of cabinet lights needed for a space depends on the amount of real estate available underneath a cabinet area and how much light is desired,” he says. “Different types of under-cabinet lights all vary in brightness and length. Generally, rope lights are sold in 12-, 24- and 120-volt variants to help give a variety as to how bright the light will be.”

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