We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Recessed Lights 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

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 by1,202
Size
Trim Type
Light Source

Most important from
723 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 by1,202
Size
Trim Type
Light Source

Most important from
723 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

Amico 12 Pack 6 Inch 5CCT LED Recessed Ceiling Light with Night Light, 2700K/3000K/3500K/4000K/5000K Selectable Ultra-Thin Lighting, 12W=110W, 1100LM, Dimmable Canless Wafer Downlight ETL&FCC

Rating
9.7
Color Temperature
Dimmability
Housing Type

Most important from
1689 reviews

Color Temperature
This lighting solution offers a fantastic range of color temperature options, providing versatility and convenience like no other.
Dimmability
Both light modes work on a dimmer, allowing you to go from full bright in primary mode to super dim and warm in secondary, or anywhere in between.
Housing Type
The lights fit seamlessly into the ceiling, and the slim design adds a sleek touch to the room.

The Amico 12 Pack 6 Inch 5CCT LED Recessed Ceiling Lights are versatile and user-friendly, making them a suitable choice for various indoor spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, and bedrooms. These lights are ultra-thin, canless, and easy to install without the need for a housing can. They offer a high brightness of 1100 lumens while consuming only 12 watts of power, making them energy-efficient and cost-effective in the long run.

A standout feature is the selectable color temperature, with 5 options ranging from 2700K to 5000K, allowing you to choose the perfect ambiance for your room. Additionally, the night light mode provides soft, amber illumination at 2000K, which is gentle on the eyes and ideal for nighttime use without disturbing your sleep. These lights are dimmable, giving you control over the brightness to suit different activities and times of day.

The synchronization reset function ensures that all lights remain in sync, which can be particularly useful if you have multiple units installed. Safety certifications from ETL and FCC, along with an IC rating, assure you of the product's reliability and safety for use in contact with ceiling insulation. However, the set is limited to indoor use only and the installation might require some basic assembly. If you are looking for a high-quality, flexible lighting solution, the Amico LED recessed lights could be a great fit for your home.

Rating
9.7
Color Temperature
Dimmability
Housing Type

Most important from
1689 reviews

Color Temperature
This lighting solution offers a fantastic range of color temperature options, providing versatility and convenience like no other.
Dimmability
Both light modes work on a dimmer, allowing you to go from full bright in primary mode to super dim and warm in secondary, or anywhere in between.
Housing Type
The lights fit seamlessly into the ceiling, and the slim design adds a sleek touch to the room.
#3

Ensenior 12 Pack 6 Inch LED Recessed Ceiling Light, Dimmable, 2700K-5000K 5CCT, 1200LM 12W 120V, High Brightness Canless Wafer Downlight - ETL&FCC&IC

Rating
9.7
Color Temperature
Dimmability

Most important from
8598 reviews

Color Temperature
The lights offer excellent brightness and the ability to adjust the color temperature is a standout feature.
Dimmability
The dimmability feature works well, although compatibility with some dimmer switches may vary.

The Ensenior 12 Pack 6 Inch LED Recessed Ceiling Light is a versatile option well-suited for various indoor spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms. One of its standout features is the ability to adjust the color temperature across five settings (2700K to 5000K), allowing for customization depending on the ambiance you want to create. This feature can make a notable difference in how a room feels, whether you prefer a warm or cool light.

Another significant strength is its energy efficiency; consuming only 12 watts while providing a high brightness of 1050 lumens, it offers up to 88% energy savings compared to traditional lighting. The dimmability feature, ranging from 5% to 100%, adds to its flexibility, making it compatible with most Lutron dimmers for tailored lighting.

Installation is designed to be user-friendly, which is a plus for those who may not have extensive DIY experience. With just a few steps, users can upgrade their lighting without major hassle, a feature that many appreciate. On the safety front, the lights are IC rated and feature protective certifications (ETL and Energy Star), ensuring they can be installed in insulated ceilings without risk. This is especially advantageous for peace of mind during installation. However, some potential drawbacks include the need to cut holes in ceilings, which may be daunting for some homeowners. While the lights are designed for easy installation, anyone uncomfortable with DIY projects may want to consider hiring a professional. Additionally, the product's reliance on a specific junction box could limit compatibility with pre-existing setups.

Rating
9.7
Color Temperature
Dimmability

Most important from
8598 reviews

Color Temperature
The lights offer excellent brightness and the ability to adjust the color temperature is a standout feature.
Dimmability
The dimmability feature works well, although compatibility with some dimmer switches may vary.

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.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now