LED lights have become the most common form of lighting in many countries. While this has taken a significant amount of time, they’ve slowly replaced the flimsy filament bulbs that everybody used to have. This has led to various types of LED lights being created, such as recessed lights.
However, this has led to a few questions for many of us. Perhaps the largest of these are ‘what is recessed led lighting?’ and ‘what are the best LED recessed lights?’
These are essentially lights that are designed to be as stylish as possible while maximizing the amount of room that it covers. Alongside this, they’re typically much more energy-efficient than many of their counterparts.
This could explain why they’ve become increasingly popular in recent years. However, this has also led to quite a significant amount of them being released. This could naturally lead to many people wondering what the better-recommended options are.
Despite the overwhelming choice, there are a few that stand out.
6 Best LED Recessed Lights:
Sunco Lighting 5/6 Inch LED Can Lights Retrofit Recessed Lighting, Baffle Trim, Dimmable, 5000K Daylight, 13W=75W, 965 LM, Damp Rated, Replacement Conversion Kit – UL Energy Star Listed 4 Pack
- Top Rated Adjustable 5/6 Inch Retrofit LED Downlight with Baffle Trim
- DIMMABLE - Seamless dimming capabilities (100%-10%) to suit any mood or decor. Our baffle trim recessed lighting fixtures offer instant start up with no warm up. Easily adjust sizing to fit 5” or 6” recessed can housings.
- SIMPLE INSTALL - Follow our installation guide for a quick and easy setup. Suitable for damp locations. Directly install retrofit fixture to the ceiling in an existing recessed can for bright light in your kitchen, family room, bedroom, bathroom, and common areas in your home or office.
- UL CERTIFIED & ENERGY STAR LISTED - We uphold the highest standards for all our products by testing each product for optimal performance and safety. Our LED retrofit downlights dont contain mercury and dont emit UV or IR.
- SUNCO BENEFITS - 7-Year Warranty! Sunco is proudly based in the USA, offering quality products at affordable prices backed by industry-leading warranties and knowledgeable support specialists.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
There’s a variety of recommendations for the best recessed lighting, with this Sunco Lighting option being one of the more popular. This is because it offers a range of benefits and features that many people should find appealing.
Perhaps the most obvious of these is that it’s IC tested and certified. This should mean that you’ll be able to use it anywhere in your home without worrying about insulation. Much of this is because it doesn’t heat up as much as other downlights, so there shouldn’t be any fire hazards.
Alongside this is a thin design, which should mean that you can install it anywhere. However, some previous owners have highlighted that the sides of the light aren’t easily secured. This could mean that they might have a tendency to fall out.
Pros
- IC tested and certified.
- Doesn’t heat up as much as others.
- Thinner design makes it easier to install anywhere.
Cons
- Sides of the light aren’t easily secured.
PARMIDA (4 Pack) 5/6 Inch Dimmable LED Disk Light Surface Flush Mount 15W, UL Listed, Recessed Retrofit Ceiling Lights, Energy Star, Installs into Junction Box Or Recessed Can, 1050lm – 5000K
- These Low Profile Surface Mount lights can be installed into any 5 or 6 inch Recessed Can, or any 2.75, 3.5, or 4 inch Junction Box. Accessories for both installation options are provided with each purchase. Damp-location rated, ideal for under soffit and shower installations. With 1050lm,120V, 110degree beam angle, and a long lifespan, our lights are designed to keep your home well-lit and keep you satisfied.
- Our Flush Mount Recessed Retrofit Ceiling Lights are ultra-thin (0.4” thickness) and made of metal for a fresh, sleek design, which provides a simple but elegant update to any room. With several color temperature options to choose from, these lights are perfect for both new construction and retrofit lighting projects.
- Compatible with most LED dimmers to give you a smooth, 100-10% dimming experience, so you can choose the right brightness for you. Please check our list of compatible dimmers in the photo options!
- With durable metal construction and DOB LED Technology. Instant start, no flickering or humming. Constructed with an advanced metal heat sink for optimal heat dissipation, our Parmida lights will go the distance, providing optimum brightness without the hassle or the expense.
- Our Energy Star certified lights are UL-Listed and FCC compliant, meaning they are both energy efficient and reliable. The Parmida Promise guarantees 50,000+ hours of use, and we have a 5 Year Warranty to give you peace of mind.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
There can be a variety of things that many of us will look for in a light. For example, some of us might want to find the best dimmable LED recessed lights. This Parmida option may be a strong contender for that title, thanks to a few notable features.
The first of these is that it’s quite easy to install, which many buyers might find appealing. Coupled with this are the various colors that you can choose from. Given that this is much brighter than many other options, there should be a lot to draw in some interest.
However, some customers have claimed that this heats up quite quickly. While some of this could depend on where you install it, it’s something that you should still be wary of.
Pros
- Variety of colors to pick from.
- Easy to install.
- Brighter than some competitors.
Cons
- Heats up quite quickly.
Sunco Lighting 4 Inch LED Can Lights Retrofit Recessed Lighting, Baffle Trim, Dimmable, 3000K Warm White, 11W=60W, 660 LM, Damp Rated, Replacement Conversion Kit – UL Energy Star Listed 6 Pack
- Top Rated 4 Inch Retrofit LED Downlight with Baffle Trim
- DIMMABLE - Seamless dimming capabilities (100%-10%) to suit any mood or decor. Our baffle trim recessed lighting fixtures offer instant start up with no warm up. CRI 90+ for vibrant colors and detailed textures.
- SIMPLE INSTALL - Follow our installation guide for a quick and easy setup. Suitable for damp locations. Directly install retrofit fixture to the ceiling in an existing recessed can for bright light in your kitchen, family room, bedroom, bathroom, and common areas in your home or office.
- UL CERTIFIED & ENERGY STAR LISTED - We uphold the highest standards for all our products by testing each product for optimal performance and safety. Our LED retrofit downlights offer the latest in LED flicker-free technology for maximum eye comfort.
- SUNCO BENEFITS - 7-Year Warranty! Sunco is proudly based in the USA, offering quality products at affordable prices backed by industry-leading warranties and knowledgeable support specialists.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
These Sunco lights are well-known as high-quality recessed lighting, which is what’s made them well-recommended for a significant amount of time. There are some prominent reasons for this, with the first being that they’re tested and certified for quality.
This should be a good sign for most potential buyers. Alongside this is that they’re much more energy-efficient than you might see elsewhere. Lastly is that they should last a significant amount of time, so you wouldn’t need to replace them anytime soon.
Many previous buyers have suggested that these could still glow for some time after being turned off. While this goes away, it could be distracting for several minutes.
Pros
- Tested and certified for quality.
- More energy-efficient than many alternatives.
- Lasts longer than others.
Cons
- May still glow after being turned off.
Globe Electric 90540 4″ Swivel Round Trim Recessed Lighting Kit 10-Pack, White, Easy Install Push-N-Click Clips, 3.88″ Hole Size
- Requires ten 50W equivalent MR16 GU10 light bulbs (sold separately). Installation hole size cutout template (incl) for these fixtures is 3.875 & Actual Trim Size is 4
- Aperture width (in.): 4 Housing depth (in.): 4.92 Product Depth (in.) : 3.5 Product Height (in.): 5.12 Product Width (in.): 10.04
- Directional swivel eyeball gimbal, perfect for highlighting areas of interest such as artwork, photographs or furniture. This gives you the ability to focus light on specific areas and can be directed for any desired look.
- Fast, easy, and secure installation with patented PUSH-N-CLICK clip mounting system which is fully adjustable and extra wide to grip uneven surfaces and provides for simple tool-free installation.
- When kit is used with LED Bulb. Integrated cut-off switch, ensuring that the fixture will not overheat and can be used with or without an insulation box.
- Longer shaft with one-piece spun aluminum housing can and large accessible electrical box with removable side panels and tempered steel clips. Thermally-protected housing certified in both US and Canada. Thermally-protected housing certified in both US and Canada.
- Ten 50W equivalent MR16 GU10 light bulbs (sold separately). Installation hole size cutout template (incl) for these fixtures is 3.875 & Actual Trim Size is 4
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
These Globe Electric lights have a few unique traits when compared to many of its alternatives. This can be highlighted perfectly in its overall design, which allows it to swivel. As a result, you should be able to focus it on a specific area whenever you want to.
There are also a few safety settings built into these. Chief among these is that it will automatically turn off if it detects that it’s overheating. This could be quite a prominent safety benefit, which sets it apart from many of its competitors.
While the installation clips with these lights are adjustable, many dimmable LED recessed lighting reviews have said that they may not be too effective. This is because the lights could be difficult to keep in place, which could be a prominent negative.
Pros
- Can be swivelled to focus on specific areas.
- Automatically turns off if it overheats.
- Installation clips are adjustable.
Cons
- Difficult to keep in place.
TORCHSTAR 6 Inch 13.5W Dimmable Slim LED Downlight with J-Box, 75W Eqv. Ultra Thin Recessed Lighting, 1000lm, 5000K Daylight, ETL & Energy Star Certified, Pack of 6
- Efficient Lighting: Only using 13.5W, this Energy Star listed light is a perfect economical replacement for 75W incandescent lamps. This 120V 1000lm ultra-thin LED light can save you up to 88% on energy costs
- Ultra-Thin: Only needing 2 inches of clearance, this ultra-thin LED downlight is the perfect light for ceilings that can’t fit a standard housing can
- Trusted Quality: ETL certified, this ultra-thin downlight’s high quality and safe use are assured. Corrosion and rust-resistant, the aluminum material lets you use this light in roofs and ceilings without worry. IC rated, this light can be in contact with ceiling insulation
- Spectacular Dimming: Usable with most dimmers on the market, this ultra-thin downlight can smoothly dim from 100% to 10%, making it can work with the majority of dimmers on the market. Use it for doorways, hallways, closets, basements, kitchens, and so much more
- Easy to Install: The included junction box lets you install this ultra-thin downlight directly on the ceiling, eliminating the hassle of installing a housing can. The easy to follow steps makes installing it a breeze, even without the help of a professional electrician
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
A lot of us will want to get the brightest LED recessed lighting that we can find. This is one area where these TORCHSTAR lights shine, with there being a variety of other appealing benefits. Prominent among these are the dimming settings, which are quite extensive.
Alongside this is an ultra-thin design, which should mean that they can be installed almost anywhere. They’re also much more energy-efficient than some alternatives, which should mean that you’ll save a decent amount on your energy bills.
While there are a variety of benefits, some people who’ve owned these have also highlighted several negatives. The most common is the installation process, which could prove to be tricky.
Pros
- Ultra-thin design means it can be installed anywhere.
- A significant amount of energy savings.
- Variety of dimming settings.
Cons
- Installation process may be tricky.
Lithonia Lighting WF6 LED 30K MW M6 13W Ultra Thin 6″ Dimmable LED Recessed Ceiling Light, 3000K, White
- Innovative, slim design allows for easy retrofit, remodel or new construction installation from below the ceiling. Only need 2 clearance for install
- CSA, IC, Airtight and Wet Location listed make LED Wafer ideal for indoor and outdoor residential, hospitality, commercial and multifamily applications and safe to contact insulation.Tips: Customer should verify that fixture is wired properly and verify that the line voltage at the fixture is correct
- EXTREMELY BRIGHT DIMMABLE LEDs use 13 watts to provide 1,020 lumens with an 80 CRI, close to 80 lumens per watt. Dims down to 10% and compatible with select Lutron, Levitron, Synergy and Sensor Switch dimmers
- ULTRA THIN LED design only requires a 6 inch ceiling hole and 2 inches of ceiling space are needed to fit LED wafer recessed light and UL recognized driver.
- SAVES MONEY AND TIME changing bulbs - Energy Star rating provides high light output with minimal power usage and will last 36,000 hours or +16 years when on every day for 6 hours/day.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
There’s a wealth of options when it comes to dimmable LED recessed lighting, although this Lithonia option could be well-recommended. This is because it’s much brighter than quite a significant number of other options on the market.
Alongside this is that there are several color options to choose from here, which could make the lights somewhat more customizable. One of the last main benefits is that these should last longer than some other choices. As such, you wouldn’t need to think about replacing them too quickly.
Though owners have praised these traits, they’ve also said that these could make a buzzing sound. As such, it could prove to be somewhat irritating for many owners.
Pros
- Variety of color options.
- Much brighter than many alternatives.
- Lasts longer than other options.
Cons
- Can emit a buzzing sound.
Factors to Consider When Buying Best LED Recessed Lights
Naturally, there can be an overwhelming number of options to choose from. While all of the above can be highly recommended, many of us might still have difficulty choosing between them. Quite a large amount of this could be because we might not know how to compare them.
Сost
Typically, the cost will be one of the larger aspects that we consider. However, you should also take into account how much it will take to install the LED recessed lights.
Energy Bills
This is something that many people may overlook, which could mean that they’ll be in for a surprise later on. While this may seem somewhat of a large cost, you should consider how much money you’ll save on your energy bills in the long term. This should help to make it much more cost-effective than you might have initially believed.
Types of can Lights
One of the larger things that you’ll have to consider is the types of can lights. This is something that some people may not pay too much attention to until they’re already choosing between certain models.
However, they might not know the differences between each of these types.
They can each have various pros and cons, which makes them worth considering. These are:
- Baffle Trim:
This is the most commonly used type and uses a ribbed interior to minimize any glare against the light’s frame.
- Reflector Trim:
As the name would suggest, this uses a mirror to reflect the light and add more brightness. These can also come in a tinted shade.
- Gimbal Trim:
This option offers much more focused lighting, which can be great if you don’t want to light up a large area.
IC Rating
One other area that many people might not have thought of is its IC rating. This could be a significant indicator of how quality of the LED recessed light is. The main reason for this is that it determines whether or not it can be used around insulation.
If it is IC rated, then you should be able to do so. If it isn’t, however, then this wouldn’t be recommended. As such, you’ll need to be well aware of this before choosing one.
Conclusion
Naturally, trying to find the best LED recessed lights can be quite difficult. While there are a variety of things that you’ll have to consider, much of the choice can be a personal one. This is mainly because what may be right for one room mightn’t be right for another.
As a result, you might have to spend a certain amount of time debating which one works best for you. However, the Sunco Lighting 4 Pack 5/6 Inch LED Recessed Downlight seems to be much better than a lot of its competition.
This could mean that it’s the better-recommended option on the market. Despite this, each of the above can be suggested for a variety of homes and rooms. As such, you shouldn’t be making a bad choice with any of them. It might also be recommended that you try out a few of them. With how affordable they should be, this mightn’t be a bad option