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Under-cabinet lights put task light directly on the counter, under the cabinets where ceiling light does not reach well. The choice starts with power: plug-in, hardwired, or battery. Then pick the shape, a light bar, round pucks or a thin LED strip, and the color temperature that suits your kitchen.
Every specification on this page comes from the manufacturer’s own product page, checked on 26 October 2026. We have not used these products ourselves, so the picks are based on published specifications only.
For planning, read our under-cabinet lighting guide, kitchen task lighting and kitchen lighting plan.
How we chose these
- Power and install method stated: plug-in, hardwired or rechargeable.
- Brightness or color temperature published where the maker gives it.
- Dimming and linking options described.
Hardwired fixtures connect to household wiring. Follow the maker’s instructions and local electrical rules, and use a qualified electrician if you are not sure.
Comparison table
| Light | Type | Power / install | Brightness (maker) | Color temperature | Dimming | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energizer 9.5in motion bars | Light bar | Rechargeable 850mAh battery; USB-C charging; magnetic or adhesive mount | 200 lumens | Warm white | Yes, full range or 4 presets | Motion sensing to 15 ft; off 30 s after motion stops |
| Enbrighten 24in plug-in | Slim light bar | Plug-in; optional direct-wire junction box | Not stated in text | Not stated in text | High / low toggle | Link up to 30 fixtures on one outlet |
| Enbrighten 24in direct-wire | Light bar | Hardwired to a wall switch | Up to 991 lumens | Soft white | With an in-wall dimmer | Metal; lifetime warranty (Jasco) |
| Armacost PureVue puck | Puck, surface or recessed | Armacost driver and connector system | About 375 lumens per puck | 2700K, 3000K, 4000K or 5000K | Yes | 4 W per puck; 5/8 in thick |
| Armacost Wafer Thin puck | Puck, surface | Armacost 12V system | Not stated in text | 2700K, 3000K or 4000K | Fully dimmable | Just over 1/4 in thick; 3-3/4 in diameter |
| Armacost CCT strip | Adhesive LED strip (10, 22 or 34 in) | Plug-in power supply or hardwired to 120V | Not stated in text | Switchable 2700K to 4000K | With compatible dimmers | Sized for 12, 24 and 36 in cabinets; linkable |
“Not stated in text” means the maker’s product description does not give the figure.
1. Energizer 9.5in Motion Sensor Rechargeable Light Bars (2-pack): for renters and no wiring at all
These ultra-thin bars run on a rechargeable lithium polymer battery and charge by USB-C. A motion mode turns the light on when it detects movement within 15 feet and off 30 seconds after motion stops. The back is magnetic, with adhesive tabs for non-metal surfaces.
- 3.7V, 850mAh battery, UL listed; 1.5 ft USB-C cable included, adapter not included (Jasco).
Pros: no wiring or outlet needed; motion mode; dimmable.
Cons: lowest brightness here; batteries need recharging.
2. Enbrighten 24in Plug-In LED Under Cabinet Light: for plug-in lighting across a whole kitchen
Enbrighten’s plug-in bar can link up to 30 fixtures from a single outlet, and Jasco sells a direct-wire junction box if you later want to hide the cords and connect to a wall switch. A toggle switch gives high, low and off, and keyhole slots make mounting simple.
- Mount under or on top of cabinets and shelves (Jasco).
Pros: no electrician needed; links many fixtures; can convert to direct wire.
Cons: visible cords unless converted; lumens not stated in the description.
3. Enbrighten 24in LED Direct-Wire Dimmable Fixture: for the brightest bar, hardwired
This hardwired bar gives up to 991 lumens of soft white light, the most of any bar here, and dims when paired with an in-wall dimmer. Wiring it to a wall switch keeps outlets free and cords out of sight, and Jasco includes the mounting hardware.
- Durable metal construction; lifetime warranty (Jasco).
Pros: brightest listed; no visible cords; lifetime warranty.
Cons: needs hardwiring.
4. Armacost PureVue Under Cabinet LED Puck Light: for even light without LED dots
Armacost’s PureVue pucks are all metal and 5/8 inch thick, so they can surface-mount or recess flush. Armacost says its PureVue diffusion hides the individual LEDs and avoids spotty reflections on the countertop. Each puck uses 4 watts for about 375 lumens, which Armacost compares to a 40W incandescent bulb.
- Finishes: brushed steel, white or black (Armacost).
Pros: four color temperatures; diffused light; recessed option.
Cons: a system of pucks, drivers and connectors to plan.
5. Armacost Wafer Thin Under Cabinet LED Puck Light: for the slimmest fixture
The Wafer is just over a quarter inch thick and 3-3/4 inches across. Armacost says it gives consistent color and even light with little unwanted reflection on shiny countertops, and it works with Armacost’s other LED products and accessories.
- Finishes: brilliant white or silver (Armacost).
Pros: thinnest fixture here; low glare on glossy counters.
Cons: brightness not stated in the description.
6. Armacost White CCT Tunable Under Cabinet LED Strip Lights: for continuous light and adjustable color
Armacost’s tunable strips come in 10, 22 and 34 inch lengths for 12, 24 and 36 inch cabinets, and link with the included cable for custom runs. The plug-in power supply has an on/off toggle and a switch to choose color temperature from 2700K to 4000K, or the strips can be hardwired in place of old fixtures.
- Armacost positions them as an alternative to fluorescent under-cabinet fixtures and bulky light bars.
Pros: adjustable color temperature; continuous light line; plug-in or hardwired.
Cons: lumens not stated in the description.
Which one fits you
| You want | Look at | Why |
|---|---|---|
| No wiring and no outlet | Energizer motion bars | Rechargeable, magnetic |
| Plug-in now, hardwire later | Enbrighten 24in plug-in | Optional direct-wire box |
| Bright, clean, hardwired | Enbrighten direct-wire or Armacost strips | Up to 991 lumens, or a continuous strip |
| Glossy stone counters | Armacost PureVue or Wafer | Diffused, low-reflection light |
Practical tips
- Choose one color temperature for the whole kitchen so fixtures match; see our kitchen lighting plan.
- Read the electrical safety rules in our under-cabinet lighting guide before hardwiring anything.
Sources
Specifications from each manufacturer’s product page, checked 26 October 2026: Energizer 9.5in Motion Sensor Rechargeable Light Bars (2-pack), Enbrighten 24in Plug-In LED Under Cabinet Light, Enbrighten 24in LED Direct-Wire Dimmable Fixture, Armacost PureVue Under Cabinet LED Puck Light, Armacost Wafer Thin Under Cabinet LED Puck Light, Armacost White CCT Tunable Under Cabinet LED Strip Lights. Makers can change specifications; check the product page before you buy.
