The Best Under-Cabinet Lights to Modernize Your Kitchen Fast
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Under-cabinet lighting is all about clean, even task light without glare. The big things that matter: color quality (high CRI and the right color temperature), installation (hardwire vs. plug-in vs. battery), linkability, and safety listings plus warranty support.
How I researched
I compared late-2025 spec sheets, manuals, and reputable maker pages, prioritized color quality (CRI/CCT options) and beam uniformity, checked installation/fit (hardwire vs. plug-in, link limits, dimmer compatibility), and noted warranty/support and whether UL/ETL listings were clearly stated. I weighed brightness per length, color accuracy, dimming behavior, build quality, and ownership ease (mounting, replaceable parts).
Top picks
Enbrighten 24″ Direct-Wire LED Under Cabinet Light (model 34290) — Best for pro-looking hardwired installs
A sturdy, color-selectable bar that ties into a wall switch for a seamless, built-in look.
Why it wins: Bright, even diffusion with selectable white and reliable dimming performance. Couldn’t verify UL on the maker page for this exact SKU; some retailers list it as UL.
- Premium LED 24-Inch direct wire light bar, high-quality steel housing and in-wall dimmer compatible
- Selectable light temperature – warm white, cool white or daylight. Provides 180 degree natural true color, 1105 lumens, 3000K bright white light
- Enbrighten long-life LEDs are cool to the touch and provide even light distribution, free of hotspots and shadows, no bulbs to replace, stays white and stays bright
Pros
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Clean, hardwired look with wall-dimmer use
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Color-select: warm to daylight whites
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Even diffusion; minimal hotspots
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Solid metal housing; long LED life
Cons
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Hardwired install adds complexity
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UL listing not verified on maker page
Social proof
Well-reviewed across major retailers; common praise for even, bright task light. See reviews on Amazon.
Trade-offs / Who should skip
Renters or anyone avoiding wiring—pick a plug-in or battery option below.
Scores: Performance 5/5 · Color quality 4.5/5 · Ease of Use 3/5 · Value 4/5
GetInLight IN-0210 (24″) — Best hardwire/plug-in flexibility
A low-profile bar you can hardwire or plug in, with a 3-position CCT switch and strong documentation.
Why it wins: Clear ETL listing, 90+ CRI, and sensible install accessories in the series.
- Easy Color Temperature Selection: Choose from 3 ideal settings for your kitchen—Warm White (2700K), Soft White (3000K), or Bright White (4000K) with a simple slide switch for your under cabinet lighting.
- Easy to Install: Choose between hardwired or plugged-in setups for your under cabinet lights. Both installation methods include the necessary hardware and cords. You can connect up to 20 units to a single power supply.
- Flexible Installation: Knock-out holes are placed every 4'' for easy hardwiring, with a slim 1'' profile that fits neatly under cabinets. Note: Only one knockout on 9'' and 12'' models due to size.
Pros
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Hardwire or plug-in install options
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2700K/3000K/4000K CCT switch
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90+ CRI for natural color
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Linkable across sizes
Cons
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3 CCT steps, not full range
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Junction box accessory may be needed
Social proof
Owners praise the build and color accuracy; coverage looks uniform. See reviews on Amazon.
Trade-offs / Who should skip
If you want one-button control of multiple bars plus 5-CCT and highest output, the plug-in Enbrighten below is better.
Scores: Performance 4.5/5 · Color quality 4.5/5 · Ease of Use 4/5 · Value 4.5/5
Enbrighten 24″ Plug-In Dimmable Light Bar (82786-T1) — Best plug-in for renters & bright kitchens
High-output plug-in bar with five CCT presets, press-and-hold dimming, and one-touch sync across linked bars.
Why it wins: Outstanding brightness for a single plug-in bar, 92 CRI, and 5 white settings—great for dialing in countertop color.
- 24in. LED plug-in light fixture – 1,561 lumens of fully diffused, high-quality illumination to enhance your space; sleek, modern style; perfect under-cabinet lighting for kitchens, offices and more; ETL listed
- Adjustable color temperature – Five color-temperature options range from soft white (2700K) to cool daylight (6500K); scores a 92 on the color-rendering index (CRI) that showcases the room’s true, natural colors
- Press-and-hold dimming – Easily dim the light by pressing and holding the ON/OFF button; the light will blink once when the maximum or minimum brightness level is reached
Pros
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Very bright for a single bar
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5 CCTs (2700K–6500K)
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CRI 92; good color rendering
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Link and control multiple bars
Cons
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Visible cord unless routed
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Remote is an add-on accessory
Social proof
Common praise: bright, even light and easy install. See reviews on Amazon.
Trade-offs / Who should skip
If you want a wall-switch hardwire experience, choose the direct-wire Enbrighten or GetInLight instead.
Scores: Performance 4.5/5 · Color quality 5/5 · Ease of Use 5/5 · Value 4/5
Philips Hue Lightstrip Plus (Base V4, 80″) — Best smart/voice-controlled under-cabinet
Flexible RGB + tunable-white strip with app scenes, automations, and voice control—ideal when you want task light that can also set a mood.
Why it wins: Reliable ecosystem, strong output on the base kit, and wide 2000–6500K white range with Bluetooth or Bridge control.
- WHAT’S IN THE BOX - Includes one 6-feet, color-changing single-color effect light strip plus base kit with one plug; Perfect for mood lighting anywhere in your home - from bedrooms to living rooms
- UNLOCK THE FULL POWER OF HUE - Add a Hue Bridge to enjoy automations, control from anywhere in the world, and a secure, stable connection that won’t drain your Wi-Fi. Use Matter to connect your smart home devices to your Hue smart lighting system.
- MILLIONS OF COLORS - These light strips produce a single color light effect. It can dim, brighten, and set the mood instantly with millions of colors, straight out of the box.
Pros
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App, schedules, voice control
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Colors + tunable whites
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Flexible, cuttable; easy corners
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Large accessory ecosystem
Cons
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Not as glare-controlled as bars
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Best features need Hue Bridge
Social proof
Hue’s ecosystem is widely trusted; under-cab installs get high marks for versatility. See reviews on Amazon.
Trade-offs / Who should skip
If you need a true task-lighting bar with integrated diffuser and wall-switch control, pick a bar fixture instead.
Scores: Performance 4/5 · Color quality 4/5 · Ease of Use 4/5 · Value 3.5/5
Brilliant Evolution Wireless LED Puck Lights (3-pack w/ remote) — Best no-wires, no-drill solution
Stick-on, battery-powered puck lights with a remote—perfect for rentals, pantries, or quick weekend projects.
Why it wins: Simple install, remote dimming, and commonly reported ~100-hour battery runtime; 1-year limited warranty is clearly documented.
- Easy Installation: Mount these lights in seconds with magnetic strips; use them as under cabinet lights in kitchens, closets, or pantries to brighten dim areas without complicated wiring
- Remote Control Use: Adjust brightness, switch on or off, or set a timer with the included remote; these puck lights with remote let you manage lighting from across the room with ease
- Timer and Tap Option: Control your led puck lights with remote control by setting them to turn off after 15, 30, 60, or 120 minutes; tap the lens to activate instantly when the remote is not nearby
Pros
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Zero wiring; mounts with tape/screws
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Remote with dim & timers
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Quick way to add light
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Good for closets/pantries
Cons
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Battery swaps over time
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Lower brightness vs. bars
Social proof
Owners like the convenience and remote control. See reviews on Amazon.
Trade-offs / Who should skip
If you want high, uniform task light for food prep, a plug-in or hardwired bar is better.
Scores: Performance 3/5 · Color quality 3/5 · Ease of Use 5/5 · Value 3.5/5
Quick compare
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Enbrighten Direct-Wire — Best for hardwired installs: strong output; install is more involved.
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GetInLight IN-0210 — Best hardwire/plug-in flexibility: ETL listed; 3-step CCT only.
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Enbrighten Plug-In (82786-T1) — Best for renters & brightness: high lumens, 5-CCT; cord management needed.
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Philips Hue Lightstrip Plus — Best smart control: colors/scenes; less glare control than bars.
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Brilliant Evolution Pucks — Best no-drill: super easy; battery maintenance and lower output.
Buying guide
Hardwire vs. plug-in vs. battery
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Hardwire gives a built-in look and wall-switch control; plan for an electrician if you’re not experienced. (Matches Enbrighten direct-wire, GetInLight.)
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Plug-in is fastest for kitchens and rentals; hide cords with routing or raceways. (Matches Enbrighten 82786-T1.)
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Battery is the simplest; expect periodic battery changes. (Matches Brilliant Evolution.)
Color & quality (CRI/CCT)
Look for high CRI and useful CCT options: 2700–3000K for warm kitchens, 3500–4000K for neutral task light, 5000K+ for very cool daylight. GetInLight lists 90+ CRI; Enbrighten’s plug-in bar lists CRI 92.
Dimming & linking
If you’re daisy-chaining multiple bars, check link limits and whether one switch/remote controls all. Enbrighten’s one-touch sync controls linked bars; GetInLight links across sizes.
Safety & warranty
Prefer fixtures with clear UL/ETL listings on maker pages and documented warranties. Enbrighten’s plug-in bar is ETL-listed; Brilliant Evolution provides a 1-year limited warranty; GetInLight lists ETL. For Enbrighten direct-wire 34290, UL wasn’t verified on the maker page, though some retailers list it as UL.
FAQs
Q: What brightness should I aim for under cabinets?
A: For typical prep counters, around 300–500 lumens per linear foot (from bars or well-diffused strips) is a good target. If you have dark countertops or deep uppers, go higher. Use the high-output Enbrighten bar for bright runs, or link multiple mid-output bars.
Q: Do these work with wall dimmers?
A: Hardwired bars typically support forward-phase wall dimmers (always check your model). The Enbrighten direct-wire and GetInLight lines specify dimmer compatibility. Plug-in/smart options usually dim via onboard buttons or app, not wall dimmers.
Q: Are smart strips good for task lighting?
A: They’re excellent for ambiance and good for light-duty tasks, but diffused bar fixtures still win for glare-free, uniform task light over stone counters. Hue gives ample output plus scene control if you want both.
Q: What about safety certifications?
A: Look for UL or ETL on the fixture (and adapter for strip kits). Enbrighten’s plug-in bar is ETL-listed; GetInLight lists ETL; we couldn’t verify UL on the maker page for Enbrighten 34290 (direct-wire), though some retailers list UL.
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