Do you know that som of LED recessed lights recommended for households expose your family to electrical hazards? Most sellers claim their products are UL and IC rated, but in reality, they aren’t. You should be extra picky with your selection process to get effective equipment that will not only guarantee your safety but decorate or light your home well. You also don’t want to splurge on expensive equipment only to discover it does not match the requirements of your installation areas.
Our team reviewed seven durable LED recessed lights matching the needs of different households. We based our selection on the type, size, color temperature, wattage, and voltage, etc. The voltage rating determines the amount of electricity the lights will consume. LED recessed lights with high watt ratings consume high amounts of energy and vice versa. We advocate for models that blend with the space you want to light.
Great recessed lights with cutting-edge flicker-free technology for maximizing eye comfort
- 4000K
- 965 lumens
- Damp rated
A lightweight yet user-friendly equipment that will save you up to 90% on lighting bills
- 700 lm
- Airtight & IC rated
- Attached J-box
Durable LED lights with a beautiful modern look and long lifespan
- 5000K
- Dimmable
- Lifespan of 50,000+ hours
Reliable and energy-efficient LED lights with baffle trim
- 3000K
- 1000 lm
- Retrofit installation
Ultra-thin lights with scratch-resistant and anti-glare LED lenses
- 850 lm
- Dimmable
- 36,000-hour lifespan
A non-dimmable LED recessed light for indoor use
- 8-inch size
- 6300K-7000K
- Well-controlled beam angle
Affordable LED lights with accurate color lighting and 100-20% dimming capabilities
- 3000K
- UL-listed
- Easy installation
Top 7 LED Recessed Lights Review 2020
Sunco Lighting 12 Pack LED Recessed Downlight – Editor’s Choice
- Size: 5/6”
- Color temperature: 4000K
- Wattage: 13W=75W
- Dimmable: yes
- Lifetime: 35,000 hours
Other features: 12-pack, smooth trim, 965 lumens, damp rated, simple retrofit installation
Tested and certified by UL, the Sunco Lighting 12 Pack LED Recessed Downlight comes with cutting-edge flicker-free technology for maximizing eye comfort.
It offers 4000k cool white light though customers claim that they got 1200K soft white light. We discovered that the maximum wattage depends on the trim kit wattage you use.
This equipment has several features that enhance its performance. Its smooth reflective surface boosts beam spreading, and the 90 degrees beam angle diffuses light through a wider area in your home. The wide trim boosts ceiling aesthetics and disguises messy cuts.
The seller recommends using Sunco Lighting 12 Pack LED Recessed Downlight to light damp locations, kitchens, bedrooms, and offices. Some users say they work perfectly for the back deck and outdoor entry lighting.
You will require an E26 adapter or TP24 connector and a 5 or 6 inch can during installation to enjoy up to 35,000-hour lifespan while saving energy in your home.
Experts claim that Sunco Lighting 12 Pack LED Recessed Downlight is sealable, airtight, and with no visible external gasket. Most buyers said that they were brighter than several incandescent floods.
Some users say it’s super-easy to install and looks great. Others complained that they didn’t center well into their fixtures.
- Cutting-edge flicker-free technology
- Smooth reflective surface
- East to install
- Wide trim
- Airtight
- Don't center well into fixtures
TORCHSTAR 9W 6 Inch LED Recessed Ceiling Light – Premium Pick
- Size: 6”
- Color temperature: 2700K
- Wattage: 9W=80W
- Dimmable: yes
- Lifetime: 36.5 years (3hrs/day)
Other features: 4-pack, 700 lumens, airtight & IC rated, UL listed, wet location, 5-year warranty, attached J-box
Offering 2700K soft light, the TORCHSTAR 9W 6 Inch LED Recessed Ceiling Light is a lightweight yet user-friendly equipment that saves up to 90% on lighting bills.
It has essential accessories for fast and easy installation like the J-box and quick connectors. Its slim design fits perfectly in shallow ceilings with limited space.
Experts claim that you can use it on non-recessed housing without routing or reconstructing your ceilings. Its airtight nature maintains the air conditioning and heating
Several buyers confirm it is UL certified for damp locations. You can use it in your bathroom, kitchen, showers, living room, and interior spaces to enjoy smooth dimming with no flickering and humming.
Some customers say the 4″ works best in hallways. Others claim that the baffle trim offers even and balanced lighting in homes.
Overall, TORCHSTAR 9W 6 Inch LED complies with safety requirements. It is free from toxic chemicals like UV, infrared, mercury, and other poisonous radiation chemicals. Several buyers complained it has weak clamps and cheap plastics.
- Lightweight
- Balanced lighting
- Chemical-free
- User-friendly
- Weak clamps
- Cheap plastics
PARMIDA 6 Inch LED Square Recessed Retrofit Lighting – Ultra-Modern Colors Pick
- Size: 6”
- Color temperature: 5000K
- Wattage: 12W=100W
- Dimmable: yes
- Lifetime: 50,000+ hours
Other features: 4-pack, durable polycarbonate & aluminum design, 5-year warranty, wet-location rating
The PARMIDA 6-inch LED Square Recessed Retrofit Lighting comes in three unique pack sizes with accessories like Title 24 connector and E26 adapter for installation.
It is designed from durable polycarbonate and aluminum materials to lengthen the lifespan. The polycarbonate is lightweight, tough, and retains its original color for long.
Parmida LED Technologies offers PARMIDA 6-inch LED Square Recessed Retrofit Lighting in several ultra-modern colors for styling your living room, kitchen, outdoor areas, and damp sections like bathrooms. They use the latest LED light technology that minimizes humming and flickering.
You can install it in the 6-inch recessed Downlight housing with or without the C-Clips and enjoy 100-10% dimming capability. The seller highlights that it blends with several LED dimmers like Lutron Caseta Wireless Dimming Systems.
Some buyers say that it is easy to replace though you will have to replace the whole fixture.
Overall, PARMIDA 6-inch LED Square Recessed Retrofit Lighting is easy to install and offers a beautiful modern look with accurate color temperature. It saves energy and guarantees 50,000+ hours of usage.
Several customers complained that it fell out, and the brackets are not user-friendly.
- Made from durable polycarbonate and aluminum materials
- Lightweight
- Cutting edge LED light technology
- Easy to install
- Modern look
- Accurate color temperature
- Fall out
- Brackets are not user-friendly
- c
- Size: 5/6”
- Color temperature: 3000K
- Wattage: 12W=100W
- Dimmable: yes
- Lifetime: 50,000+ hours
Other features: 12-pack, baffle trim, retrofit installation, 1000 lumen, wet location rated, ENERGY STAR & ETL-Listed, 5-year warranty
PARMIDA 5/6-inch Dimmable LED Recessed Lighting comes with a fresh, sleek design look that boosts households’ aesthetics. It is not only ETL listed and FCC compliant but reliable and energy-efficient.
Its ribbed inner surface shapes and directs the light downwards. Like the PARMIDA 6-inch LED Square Recessed Retrofit Lighting comes with a polycarbonate construction that does not lose color quickly.
The advanced aluminum heat sink distributes heat uniformly without interfering with the dimming. You can tweak it and pick the brightness that fits your home.
The seller says that PARMIDA 5/6-inch Dimmable LED Recessed Lighting works with dimmer switches that are LED compatible. You can install and use them with or without the adapters.
Users love the variety of temperature colors it offers for new and retrofit lighting projects. One buyer recommends mixing and matching different bulbs on the same circuit to minimize buzzing.
Most customers admit PARMIDA 5/6-inch Dimmable LED Recessed Lighting has attractive fixtures, looks sharp, and offers bright white light. Some complained it has a poor dimming experience, and its baffle trim is plastic and looks flimsy.
- Sleek design
- ELT listed and FCC compliant
- Ribbed inner surface
- Advanced aluminum heat sink
- Several temperature colors
- Poor dimming experience
- Flimsy baffle trim
TORCHSTAR Essential Series 12W 6 Inch Recessed Lighting – Best for Narrow Ceilings
- Size: 6.8”/6.22”
- Color temperature: 3000K
- Wattage: 12W=100W
- Dimmable: yes
- Lifetime: 36,000 hours
Other features: 6-pack, ultra-thin, 850 lumen, damp location rated, ETL and Energy Star listed, 5-year warranty
TORCHSTAR Essential Series 12W 6 Inch Recessed Lighting is an awesome home accessory that matches several decors. It is lightweight with a slim body that saves space on ceilings.
The seller mentions that it comes with scratch-resistant and anti-glare LED lenses. Its aluminum heat sink is rust-resistant and dissipates heat uniformly in homes, making it a perfect fit for damp locations. The switch will save you up to $2091 per set in the 36,000-hour lifespan.
You only need the j-box, cables, and clips to install it on your ceiling. Its snap springs are sturdy to hold the recessed lights firmly. Experts say the spring clips can fix the light on a maximum of 0.59-inch-thick ceiling.
Experts note that this equipment blends with several dimmers. You can dim the light from 100-5% in your basement, kitchen, closet, hallway, and doorway. You can also adjust the brightness to safeguard your eyes against irritations when you’re reading or playing video games.
Overall, TORCHSTAR Essential Series 12W 6 Inch Recessed Lighting is best for narrow ceilings that don’t blend with housing cans though it has a flimsy metal junction box. Some customers were frustrated that it is subject to strong electromagnetic interferences.
- Lightweight
- Scratch-resistant and anti-glare LED lenses
- Sturdy snap springs
- Blends with several dimmers
- Flimsy metal junction box
- Subject to strong electromagnetic interferences.
- Size: 8”
- Color temperature: 6300K-7000K
- Wattage: 18W
- Dimmable: no
- Lifetime: 100,000 hours
Other features: well-controlled beam angle, 90pcs LED, 90-100Lm/W
Lemonbest 18-Watt LED Panel Light is an impressive energy-saving equipment with 100,000+ hours lifespan. It delivers 6300 to 7000K white color which is bright for its size. You will experience 1620 to 1800 lumens bright light.
You can use Lemonbest 18-Watt LED Panel Light in your bedroom, kitchen, showroom, bedrooms, or living room. The sellers add that it’s an excellent pick for supermarkets, schools, universities, hotels, hospitals, and conferences.
Experts say it is the best non-dimmable led recessed lights for indoor use only. They advise users to pay attention to the dimensions of the holes during installations.
Several customers claim Lemonbest 18-Watt LED Panel Light has awful flimsy clips which are cheaply designed. Others say it is not UL listed. We found that it works well with Leviton 6674-POW Sureslide Universal 150-Watt and the CFL/600-Watt Incandescent Dimmers.
LemonBest highlights that buyers will receive a LED driver and one 18 W Cool white square LED Panel light. They recommend connecting the LED lights in parallel to avoid interference when some bulbs go off. The number you use in parallel depends on the size of the circuit breaker you connect them to.
- Energy saving
- Best for indoor use
- Great lifespan
- Cheaply designed
- Flimsy clips
Hyperikon 4 Inch LED Recessed Lights – Best Value
- Size: 4”
- Color temperature: 3000K
- Wattage: 9W=65W
- Dimmable: yes
- Lifetime: 000+ hours
Other features: 16-pack, retrofit installation, 72Lm/W, UL-listed, 84+ CRI, 5-year warranty
With 35,000+ hours lifespan and 3000K color temperature, the Hyperikon 4 Inch LED Recessed Lights work perfectly with 4″ diameter recessed cans that you can install on new or existing fixtures.
Hyperikon 4 Inch LED Recessed Lights complies with safety regulations. It is UL listed among the most reliable, high performance, and energy-saving energy equipment for households.
Several customers confess that this tool is super-easy to install. Use the attached guide or watch YouTube videos to walk you through the installation process. The best part is you only have to unscrew the wing nut, thread the socket, insert the two plugs and tuck in the wires during installation.
Experts say Hyperikon 4 Inch LED Recessed Lights offer 100-20% dimming capabilities. You can pick compatible ultra-modern light dimmers to customize the look and feel of your home.
Most buyers state that it’s the go-to lights for revamping the lighting in modern house settings. Other buyers recommend it for family rooms.
One user says that its color lighting is accurate and does not ruin pictures taken on phones or cameras like other lower end recessed lights. Few buyers got frustrated that it is subject to flickering when the AC starts.
- Complies with safety regulations
- Reliable
- Energy saving
- Super-easy to install
- Accurate color lighting
- Flickers
Buying Guide
Recessed lights are the go-to lighting system for enthusiastic homeowners who love dimming their lights and styling their homes. You can use them for wall lighting, uplighting, or downlighting your living rooms, kitchen, dining, and outdoor areas.
However, with hundreds of recessed lights brands and an increasing number of fake online reviews, it's super-easy to purchase an ineffective brand.
In this guide, we will look at the application of recessed lights, their benefits, the features to consider when making purchases, and the frequently asked questions.
Application of recessed lights
Most homeowners think of living rooms and hallways when they hear the word recessed lights, but there is more to it.
You can use LED recessed lights to illuminate compact and large spaces in your kitchen, living room, or bedrooms.
You can also install them at the bottom of your kitchen cabinets, provided your fixture and bulb blend. Some brands are perfect for task lighting and illuminating walls.
Benefits of LED recessed lights
Recessed lights come in a variety of models for lighting different sections of your home. They decorate houses, reduce lighting bills, and illuminate your household without compromising on light quality.
Recessed lights can cover wide areas in your home if you purchase brands with several packs. We recommend connecting them in parallel so that when one bulb fails, it does not interfere with the rest.
Most LED brands are dimmable, meaning you can customize the light's intensity to safeguard your eyes against damage.
Features to consider when choosing LED recessed lights
There are several types of LED recessed lights from Sunco Lighting 12 Pack LED Recessed Downlight to Lemonbest 18-Watt LED Panel Light with varying features that meet the needs of different users.
You can pick a model with a dimmable version, high or low wattage depending on your budget and the location you want to light.
You can consider different features when picking a model but, in this section, we will focus on what you want to light, fixtures, the shape, size, and safety of use among others.
What do you want to light
The greatest factor to consider before purchasing any recessed light is confirming whether it can light your desired locations, whether it's your living room, bathroom, kitchen, or outdoor area.
Recessed lights like TORCHSTAR 9W 6 Inch LED blend with lighting living room, kitchen, and bathrooms.
The Lemonbest 18-Watt LED Panel Light suits indoor lighting only. You can pick PARMIDA 6-inch LED Square Recessed Retrofit Lighting to light outdoor areas and damp locations.
The TORCHSTAR 9W 6 Inch LED Recessed Ceiling Light is a great pick for illuminating hallways.
Spread the LED lights evenly in your roof to avoid creating shadows. If you're using the LED recessed light for task lighting, position them near the pieces.
Type
There are several types of LED recessed lights, we will cover common ones like the lights with baffle, gimbal, and reflector trim.
LED recessed lights like PARMIDA 5/6-inch Dimmable LED Recessed Lighting have a baffle trim. Their inner surfaces are ribbed for minimizing glare on the frames.
The gimbal trim channels and focuses the beam of light on specific areas or objects with its lamp that extends slightly out of the socket.
Reflector trim adds extra brightness in homes. It uses a mirrored surface to reflect and increase the brightness.
Shape and size
LED recessed lights are designed in several shapes from circular, rectangular, square to round shaped models.
Our top picks like Sunco Lighting 12 Pack LED Recessed Downlight, TORCHSTAR 9W 6 Inch LED Recessed Ceiling Light, and PARMIDA 6-inch LED Square Recessed Retrofit Lights are either circular or square-shaped.
Concerning sizes, the most common sizes of lights that we picked range from 5 to 8 inches.
Small-sized models are ideal for small-sized rooms and vice versa. Target models with 5" inches and above if your house is spacious.
IC rating
Target LED recessed lights that are IC rated for safety purposes. Non-IC rated LED recessed lights are commonly used in non-insulated houses. Don't install the housing too close to the insulation if your lights are not IC rated.
Brightness and color
The color temperature of LED light sources is measured in Kelvin. The majority of LED recessed lights are rated 3000 to 8000K.
Experts say that LED lights rated less than 3000K color temperature like TORCHSTAR 9W 6 Inch LED Recessed Ceiling Light offer a "warm" color temperature.
Sunco Lighting 12 Pack LED Recessed Downlight, and Lemonbest 18-Watt LED Panel Light rated more than 3000K offer "cool" color temperature that is best for lighting bathrooms.
You can check out other models with "cool" color temperatures like the Sunco Lighting 12 Pack LED Recessed Downlight or TORCHSTAR 9W 6 Inch LED Recessed Ceiling Light rated 5000K.
Safety
Purchase LED recessed lights complying with modern safety standards to safeguard your family against electrical and fire hazards.
Our top picks like Hyperikon recessed lights are UL listed and comply with safety regulations.
PARMIDA and TORCHSTAR Essential Series recessed Lights are ENERGY STAR and ETL- listed.
The TORCHSTAR 9W 6 Inch LED is IC rated, and UL listed. It's free from toxic chemicals like mercury, infrared, and UV.
Wattage
LED lights have a maximum wattage you should use to safeguard your house against hazards.
The models we chose have a wattage rating between 65 and 100 watts though some are rated up to 150W.
Voltage of the housing
The voltage of your lights determines the amount of energy they will consume and the intensity of the brightness.
LED recessed lights are commonly available in low and line-voltage kits. Low-voltage kits are cost-friendly and energy-saving though they are pricey, and you're likely to purchase special transformers to make them compatible with the electric system in your home. The brands with line-voltage kits run on home current.
Sunco Lighting Recessed Downlight, and TORCHSTAR 9W 6 Inch LED Recessed Ceiling Light are rated 120 V.
FAQ
The height of your ceiling determines the spacing. Users with 8-foot ceilings should install their lights 4 feet apart while those with 10-foot ceilings should go for 5 feet apart.
LED bulbs consume up to 50% less than traditional bulbs. Some have sensors that decrease the light output to save on lighting bills. LED lights also produce little amounts of heat that reduce cooling costs.
TORCHSTAR Essential Series 12W 6 Inch Recessed Lighting and Lemonbest 18-Watt LED Panel Light are the best recessed led lights for kitchens. They have good color lighting that works best for indoor use.
Our Verdict
You have everything you need to pick durable LED recessed lights and illuminate your home's desired location. Our picks are effective and offer more than 20,000+ hours.
Some sellers offer a warranty to safeguard you against internal or structural defects that electrical appliances come with.
Our first pick is Sunco Lighting 12 Pack LED Recessed Downlight. Its 90-degree beam angle spreads light uniformly in the kitchen, bedroom, offices, and outdoor areas. Customers love that it is brighter than most high-end bulbs.
TORCHSTAR 9W 6 Inch LED Recessed Ceiling Light is our second pick. Experts recommend its slim design for ceiling with limited spaces. The best part is, TORCHSTAR ceiling light doesn't flicker or hum, and you can use it in several areas in your home.
We also loved PARMIDA 6-inch LED Square Recessed Retrofit Lighting designed from aluminum and polycarbonate materials. Most users appreciate its nice modern look for styling kitchens, outdoor areas, and living rooms.
