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10 Best Recessed Lights 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Philips Hue Smart Recessed 5/6 Inch LED Downlight - White and Color Ambiance Color-Changing Light -4 Pack - 1100LM - Control with Hue App - Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Homekit

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,444
Size
Trim Type
Light Source

Most important from
767 reviews

Size
Perfectly fit into a 6” can and sit flush to the ceiling, ensuring a clean look.
Trim Type
The snug fit of these lights is far superior to other brands, avoiding the issue of lights hanging out of the hole.
Light Source
Bright lighting with spot-on color accuracy that integrates seamlessly with Alexa and Smartthings.
Color Temperature
The wide color range and vibrant effects make these lights a worthwhile investment.

The Philips Hue Smart 6 Inch LED Downlight is a strong choice for anyone looking to upgrade their recessed lighting with smart technology. Its standout feature is the ability to change colors, offering millions of options from warm to cool whites and vibrant colors, which can completely transform the ambiance of any room. With a brightness of 1100 lumens, these lights are quite powerful and can easily brighten up larger spaces.

One major advantage is the seamless integration with smart home systems. You can control these lights through voice commands using Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit, making it very user-friendly. The option to dim the lights and create dynamic effects through the Philips Hue app allows for personalized lighting experiences, ideal for setting the mood for any occasion.

However, there are some considerations to keep in mind. The lights require a Hue Bridge for full functionality, which means an additional investment if you don't already have one. Also, while the color options are extensive, those who prefer simpler, more traditional recessed lighting may find the multitude of features unnecessary.

Installation is quite straightforward for those with existing recessed can lighting, but it's still important to ensure you have the correct size and type of housing. These lights may not be the best fit for users who do not want to deal with smart technology or those looking for standard, non-dimmable LED options.

The Philips Hue Smart Downlights cater perfectly to tech-savvy individuals who desire a customizable and vibrant lighting solution, particularly if they're already involved in smart home technology. Conversely, those seeking simplicity might want to consider more traditional options.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,444
Size
Trim Type
Light Source

Most important from
767 reviews

Size
Perfectly fit into a 6” can and sit flush to the ceiling, ensuring a clean look.
Trim Type
The snug fit of these lights is far superior to other brands, avoiding the issue of lights hanging out of the hole.
Light Source
Bright lighting with spot-on color accuracy that integrates seamlessly with Alexa and Smartthings.
Color Temperature
The wide color range and vibrant effects make these lights a worthwhile investment.
#2

Philips Hue Smart Slim 5/6 Inch LED Recessed Light - White and Color Ambiance - 6 Pack - 1200LM - Indoor Ceiling - Control with Hue App - Works with Voice Assistants

Rating
10.0
Size
Trim Type
Dimmability

Most important from
561 reviews

Size
The lights deliver amazing brightness and quality, making them ideal for illuminating medium-sized rooms effectively.
Trim Type
Installation is straightforward and hassle-free, with durable springs ensuring a secure fit even if slight ceiling adjustments are needed.
Dimmability
The dimmable feature works seamlessly both via app control and traditional switches, offering flexible lighting management.

The Philips Hue Smart Slim 5/6 Inch LED Recessed Light 6-pack is a versatile choice if you're looking to upgrade your ceiling lighting with smart features. These slim downlights fit well in spaces with low ceilings or narrow hallways due to their compact 5/6-inch canless design. They use LED light sources that deliver a bright 1200 lumens output, which is enough to illuminate medium-sized rooms without needing multiple fixtures. A major plus is their White and Color Ambiance capability, meaning you can switch between millions of colors and a range of white tones—from warm to cool—allowing you to personalize your lighting mood easily. The lights are fully dimmable via the Hue app or voice commands through Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit, providing flexible control options.

Installation is straightforward with a flush mount style and no assembly needed. The housing is made of plastic and designed for indoor use only, so it’s not suitable for wet locations like bathrooms or outdoors. To unlock the full smart features like automations and remote control, you’ll need to add the Hue Bridge, which is sold separately. Additionally, while the connectivity is reliable through Bluetooth and Zigbee, it is not water-resistant, limiting placement options. The included 6-pack offers good value if you want consistent lighting across multiple rooms or larger areas.

This product suits users interested in smart, customizable lighting for indoor spaces, especially those who value easy voice control and a wide range of color options.

Rating
10.0
Size
Trim Type
Dimmability

Most important from
561 reviews

Size
The lights deliver amazing brightness and quality, making them ideal for illuminating medium-sized rooms effectively.
Trim Type
Installation is straightforward and hassle-free, with durable springs ensuring a secure fit even if slight ceiling adjustments are needed.
Dimmability
The dimmable feature works seamlessly both via app control and traditional switches, offering flexible lighting management.
#3

Amico 24 Pack 6 Inch 5CCT Ultra-Thin LED Recessed Ceiling Light with Junction Box, 1050LM Brightness, Dimmable Canless Wafer Downlight, 12W, ETL&FCC

Rating
9.4
Size
Trim Type
Light Source

Most important from
2199 reviews

Size
The ultra-thin profile fits easily into tight ceiling spaces, making installation in drop ceilings or areas with limited clearance especially straightforward.
Trim Type
The sleek, white metal trim blends well with many room styles, giving a modern and elegant look that transforms the space.
Light Source
The 12-watt LEDs provide bright, energy-efficient illumination that can replace much higher wattage halogen bulbs, offering excellent value.
Color Temperature
Adjustable brightness and five color temperature settings let you tailor the lighting from warm 2700K to bright 5000K, perfect for any room ambiance.
Dimmability
These lights perform flawlessly when paired with the correct LED dimmer switch, eliminating flicker and enhancing dimmable functionality.
Housing Type
The canless design with an included junction box drastically simplifies wiring and speeds up installation compared to traditional recessed lights.

The Amico 24 Pack 6 Inch LED recessed lights are a solid choice if you're looking to brighten up your indoor spaces with energy-efficient lighting. These lights are ultra-thin and designed without a traditional can housing, making them easier to install in tight ceiling spaces — they need just 2 inches above the ceiling and are IC rated, so safe to be in contact with insulation. A standout feature is the adjustable color temperature, letting you choose from five options (2700K to 5000K) to get the right shade of white light for your room without guessing ahead of time. The 12-watt LED bulbs produce 1050 lumens, which is bright and can replace a 100-watt halogen lamp, helping save on electricity bills. They’re also dimmable, so you can adjust brightness to suit different moods or times of day.

Installation is simplified with a junction box and spring clips, and the package includes a hole-cutting template to make the process smoother. Being ETL and FCC certified adds confidence in safety and quality. On the downside, these lights are designed only for indoor use and aren't water-resistant, so they’re not suitable for outdoor or very damp areas. The trim is metal and painted white, which fits many room styles, but if you want a different look, options might be limited. Also, because these are sold in a bulk pack of 24, they suit bigger projects or whole-house upgrades rather than a few fixtures.

This set is well suited for homeowners needing reliable, versatile, and energy-efficient recessed lighting for kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, or basements, especially if adjustable light tones and easy installation in tight spaces are priorities.

Rating
9.4
Size
Trim Type
Light Source

Most important from
2199 reviews

Size
The ultra-thin profile fits easily into tight ceiling spaces, making installation in drop ceilings or areas with limited clearance especially straightforward.
Trim Type
The sleek, white metal trim blends well with many room styles, giving a modern and elegant look that transforms the space.
Light Source
The 12-watt LEDs provide bright, energy-efficient illumination that can replace much higher wattage halogen bulbs, offering excellent value.
Color Temperature
Adjustable brightness and five color temperature settings let you tailor the lighting from warm 2700K to bright 5000K, perfect for any room ambiance.
Dimmability
These lights perform flawlessly when paired with the correct LED dimmer switch, eliminating flicker and enhancing dimmable functionality.
Housing Type
The canless design with an included junction box drastically simplifies wiring and speeds up installation compared to traditional recessed lights.

Buying Guide for the Best Recessed Lights

Recessed lights, also known as can lights or downlights, are a popular choice for modern homes due to their sleek and unobtrusive design. They are installed into the ceiling, providing a clean and streamlined look while offering ample lighting. When choosing recessed lights, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you select the best fit for your needs. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and achieve the desired lighting effect in your space.
SizeThe size of recessed lights refers to the diameter of the light fixture. Common sizes include 4-inch, 5-inch, and 6-inch options. The size you choose will affect the amount of light emitted and the overall look of the installation. Smaller sizes (4-inch) are ideal for task lighting or accent lighting, providing a focused beam. Medium sizes (5-inch) offer a balance between task and general lighting, suitable for kitchens or bathrooms. Larger sizes (6-inch) provide broader illumination, making them great for general lighting in larger rooms. Consider the purpose of the lighting and the size of the room when selecting the size of your recessed lights.
Trim TypeTrim type refers to the visible part of the recessed light fixture and can significantly impact the aesthetic and functionality of the light. Common trim types include baffle, reflector, and adjustable trims. Baffle trims have a ribbed interior to reduce glare, making them ideal for living rooms and bedrooms. Reflector trims have a shiny interior that enhances light output, suitable for kitchens and workspaces. Adjustable trims allow you to direct the light, perfect for highlighting artwork or architectural features. Choose a trim type that complements your room's decor and meets your lighting needs.
Light SourceRecessed lights can use different types of light sources, including incandescent, fluorescent, and LED. Incandescent bulbs are traditional and provide warm light but are less energy-efficient. Fluorescent bulbs are more energy-efficient but may have a cooler light and longer warm-up time. LED bulbs are the most energy-efficient, have a long lifespan, and come in various color temperatures. They are ideal for most applications due to their efficiency and versatility. Consider the energy efficiency, lifespan, and desired color temperature when choosing the light source for your recessed lights.
Color TemperatureColor temperature is measured in Kelvins (K) and determines the color of the light emitted. Lower Kelvin values (2700K-3000K) produce a warm, yellowish light, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere, ideal for living rooms and bedrooms. Mid-range values (3500K-4100K) offer a neutral white light, suitable for kitchens and workspaces. Higher values (5000K-6500K) emit a cool, bluish light, mimicking daylight, and are great for task lighting or areas requiring high visibility. Choose a color temperature that matches the mood and function of the room where the recessed lights will be installed.
DimmabilityDimmability refers to the ability to adjust the brightness of the recessed lights. Dimmable lights offer greater control over the lighting ambiance and can help save energy. Not all recessed lights are dimmable, so it's important to check if the fixture and the bulbs are compatible with dimmer switches. Dimmable lights are ideal for spaces where you want to create different moods, such as living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. If you value flexibility in lighting levels, opt for dimmable recessed lights.
Housing TypeHousing type refers to the part of the recessed light fixture that is installed in the ceiling. There are two main types: new construction and remodel housings. New construction housings are used when the ceiling is not yet installed, making them suitable for new builds or major renovations. Remodel housings are designed for existing ceilings, allowing you to add recessed lights without significant structural changes. Choose the housing type based on whether you are working with a new or existing ceiling.

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