Top 10 Best LED Recessed Lights 2024 Review

In recent years, LED lights have slowly taken over other lighting fixtures. In this article, we would be talking about LED recessed lights review, some factors to consider before buying a LED recessed lights, and common questions asked.

But before we begin, did you know that some LED lights expose you to electrical hazards? Many sellers claim their products are IC and UL rated, but in reality, they aren’t. Be very picky when selecting an LED recessed light you want to buy.

We have reviewed ten of the top LED recessed lights that match the needs of different households. After several hours of research, here are 10 of the best LED recessed lights we can recommend for you.

Best LED Recessed Lights

The 10 Best LED Recessed Lights Review 2024

We based our research on the voltage, wattage, temperature, color, size, and type of LED recessed lights. An LED recessed light with a higher wattage rating uses more energy and vice versa.

Likewise, the voltage rating determines the amount of electricity consumed. Without further ado, let’s jump right into the review.

1. Ensenior High Brightness 12 Pack 6 Inch Ultra-Thin LED Recessed Ceiling Light

To begin this review, we would be starting with a product from Ensenior. Ensenior as we know it is a brand committed to producing the most cost-effective product to meet every customer.

With that in mind, one major settling point of Ensenior products is affordability. Additionally, the high-tech and modern design of this 12-pack LED recessed light by Ensenior’s professional LED engineers is safe, intelligent, and high-quality.  

Wide Application

One of the standout features of this Ensenior LED recessed light is its complete versatile use. Ensenior designed this LED recessed light with an ultra-thin body measuring only 0.47 inches thick.

As such, you only need a small ceiling space of 2 inches to fit this LED recessed light. And the 5-100% smooth dimming feature makes this LED recessed light ideal for use in living rooms, bathrooms, bedrooms, basements, garages, corridors, and even workspace.  

High Brightness

According to Ensenior, they designed this LED recessed light with a new generation chip that produces high lumen but uses lower power. Per bulb, Ensenior estimated a brightness level of up to 1050 lumen, which uses 12 watts.

We also love that this LED light comes with a wide range of color temperatures from 2700K to 6000K. As such, you can choose the right color that suits your needs.

Easy to Install

The low profile design of this recessed lighting makes it suitable for retrofit and new decoration. Included with this LED light is the UL-certified connector that offers a more convenient and secure fit.

In only four simple steps you can install this LED recessed light, hassle-free: plug the wire to the UL-connector, cut a hole with a 1:1 hole template, connect the cable to the junction box, and finally, fit the light to the ceiling with spring clips.

High Industry Standard

This Ensenior recessed light is ETL and Energy Star certified. Based on 3 hours/day use, this LED light should last up to 46.5 years.

 

2. Hykolity Space-Saving Solution 6 Inch LED Recessed Lighting with Junction Box

Hykolity is another exemption manufacturer of LED recessed lights specialized in manufacturing affordable products. This 12-pack LED recessed light from Hykolity is no exception as it is affordable and the perfect solution for ceilings with a shallow plenum.

We are drawn to this particular Hykolity light because of its compact design that allows you to easily fit this light with no hassle.

Ultra-thin Design

As mentioned earlier, one of the standout features of this recessed light is its ultra-thin recessed design. Measuring 0.60 inches thick and 6.81 inches in diameter, this recessed light is specifically designed for small spaces.

We recommend this recessed light in places where height clearance is limited such as ductwork or beams.

Dimmable

Another standout feature about this LED recessed light we love is the dimmable feature. You can dime this light up to 5%, as well as get a max color temperature of 5000K.

Also, the CRI-90 rating of this LED light allows you to create the perfect illumination with this light, giving you more natural light, glare-free for your offices and homes.

Versatile Use

The CRI-90 rating of this recessed light along with the Soffit feature of this Hykolity recessed light makes it suitable for so many applications.

Each bulb of this LED light can produce up to 900 lumens and use 12 watts of power, which is equivalent to a 100-watt incandescent bulb. As such, you can use this light for kitchen, bathrooms, living rooms, and even office spaces.

Warranty

Hykolity offers high-quality products at an affordable price, which is also backed by a 5-year limited warranty. Hykolity also offers professional after-sales support on purchasing this Hykolity LED recessed light.

 

3. Sunco LED Flicker Free Technology 5/6 Inch LED Recessed Smooth Downlight

Sunco smooth trim downlight is another well thought out design we can recommend. One thing we love about this Sunco smooth downlight is that it fits into a 5 or 6 inches recessed can.

With the adjustable mounting bracket, you can convert the size with a screwdriver.

Design

One of the top features of this LED recessed light we love so much is its design. Although it is not an ultra-thin recessed light, it is quite thin measuring 2.24 inches thick.

Additionally, the beam angle is designed such that it offers you a very wide flood angle of 90 degrees, allowing you to light a larger area.

Dimmable

Sunco engineers designed this light with a seamless dimming feature that allows you to adjust the brightness of this light from 100% to 10%. As such, you can always easily set the brightness to suit your cutting decoration or mood.

Note that each bulb can produce up to 965 lumens, and a color temperature ranging from 2700 to 6000k.

Easy to Install

Installing this Sunco downlight is pretty straightforward and hassle-free. As said earlier, this recessed light can fit a 5 or 6 inches cans, which gives you more installation options. Connect the downlight to a can via a TP224 connector or E26 adapter.

And lastly, attach the downlight clips to the interior of the can by pushing it until it flushes with the ceiling.

UL and Energy Star Certified

Sunco uploads the highest standard in their products by testing it for optimal safety and performance. To guarantee top quality, this Sunco light is certified by a couple of reputable agencies like UL and Energy Star.  

Warranty

Another benefit of buying this Sunco recessed light is that it is backed up with a 7-year warranty.

 

4. Torchstar Easy Installation 12W 6 Inch Low Profile Ultra-Thin Recessed Ceiling Light

From the founding of Torchstar, their one main goal has been to produce high-quality energy-saving lighting for customers. As such, with the design of this Torchstar Basic Series, you get that high-quality lighting to illuminate your rooms.

Its bright and wide application makes it blend seamlessly with every decoration choice in your home.

Ultra-thin Design

One of the first observable features of a LED light is the design, and for this Torchstar light, the ultra-thin design stands out most. Torchstar designed this LED light ultra-thin measuring 0.47 inches thick.

A 2-inch clearance height is all you need to install this light because of the ultra-slim body.

Outstanding Lighting

Furthermore, this Torchstar Basic Series is Energy Star certified, guaranteeing you of its quality. Apart from that, it comes with an anti-scratch and anti-glare LED lens that consumes 12 watts to produce 850 lumens of brightness.

Adjusting the temperature color to 5000K is also possible in this LED light.

Dimmable

Another interesting feature of this LED light is the dimmable feature. According to Torchstar, this LED light is compatible with regular dimmers, smart dimmers, and Leviton. To suit your mood or home décor, you can smoothly dim the LED downlight from 100%-5%.

Convenient Use

In addition to all this feature, this low profile LED light is very versatile thanks to its slim design. As such, it is the perfect solution to a narrow ceiling that does not require a housing can.

And the smooth dimming feature of this LED light makes it the perfect fit for multiple indoor uses, like in the basements, doorways, hallways, kitchen, closets, and so on.

Easy Installation

Installing this Torchstar Basic Series LED light is hassle-free, which is another reason why you should buy it. All you need to install this light is to connect the light to the junction box and use the spring clip to mount on the ceiling.  

 

5. Parmida High Quality 5/6” Dimmable LED Disk Light

Why this Parmida LED light is one question many ask. Well, apart from the absolute affordability of this light, it is pretty easy to install. Moreover, thanks to the CRI-90 feature, this LED light can render natural and rich colors on the color rendering index.

And most importantly, its universal installation design lets it fit both junction box and recessed can.  

Slim Modern Design

Parmida designed this LED disk light with a slim modern design that flushes with the ceiling when mounted. As an ultra-thin design measuring 0.2 inches thick and can fit in a 5-inch or 6-inch cup, it provides a simple and versatile way to install it.

Among other things, the sleek metal design gives your room an elegant look. Furthermore, the aluminum design of the heat sink ensures optimal heat dissipation, letting this LED light last longer.

Added Diffuser

Another feature we love about this Parmida LED disk light is the added diffuser that ensures even distribution of the light. The diffuser ensures there are no dark spots with this light installed.

In other words, you get a 120 degrees beam angle spreading the light in your room.

Dimmable

Parmida LED disk light is compatible with most LED dimmers in the market, giving you a smooth dimming experience. Parmida gives you the ability to dim this recessed light from 100% to 10% with no flickering or noise produced.

Apart from that, you can get a maximum brightness of 1050 lumen from this LED light.

Easy to Install

The most important feature of this LED light we love so much is the ease of installation. The possibility of installing this LED light in a 5 or 6 inches recessed can or any 2.75, 3.5, or 4 inches junction box gives you more installation options.

However, note that the accessories you need for both installations have to be bought separately.

 

6. BBounder Excellect Performance 6″ Ultra-Thin Led Recessed Lights with Junction Box

BBounder is a comfortable LED light for your eyes. We recommend this product because it is stress-free to install, and also high-quality.

Durable materials like the aluminum ring and back cover are used in designing this LED light making it Energy Star and ETL certified. Also, the non-flicker and the anti-glare feature are a plus for this light, making it stand out from other lights.

Excellent Performance

One of the expected features of this BBounder Daylight Downlight is its excellent performance, which can help you save up to 79.2% of energy consumption. A wattage of 12.5 watts is all that’s needed to produce up to 850 lumens of well-balanced bright light.

In comparison, this light is equivalent to a 60-watt incandescent lamp. BBounder also guarantees you a long lighting lifetime on this light of up to 50,000 hours or 45.7 years based on 3 hours per day usage.

Various Application

We also love that this light can be used for several applications. Unlike other lights, this BBounder daylight downlight can smoothly dime from 100% to 0%. More so, it is compatible with other dimmers in the market.

You can also adjust the color temperature of this light up to 5000K. In summary, this light is ideal for use in bathrooms, bedrooms, hallways, kitchens, basements, and so on.

Simple Installation

Provided you understand the simple procedure of connecting the light to a junction box using a male/female cable, installing this BBounder light will be hassle-free. After the connection, use a spring clip to fix the light on the ceiling.

Installing this light shouldn’t take more than a few seconds.

Quality Warranty

BBourder lights guarantee you a 5-year warranty on this light, meaning you can contact the seller for replacement in case of a quality problem. Additionally, this recessed light is Energy Star and ETL certified.

 

7. JULLISON Easy Installation 4 Inch LED Recessed Low Profile Slim Panel Light

Jullison LED recessed light is a low profile slim lighting idea for use in projects with limited spaces. Moreover, its IC rating and Air Tight certification all point to the extreme durability of this light.

And the damp location rating allows you to use this light for sloped ceilings, soffits, and so on. One thing you should note about this light is that you will surely get value for your money.

Low Profile

Jullison designed this light with a low profile of about 1 inch thick. Also, the 4 ¼ inches wide diameter makes this light fit small spaces. Over 80% of energy can be saved by using this LED light.

Easy Installation

Another great feature of this light is the ease of installation. It is great for use in remodeling, retrofit, new construction, and so on. All that’s needed is a 4 ¼ inches cut out to install this Jullison LED.

Additionally, the three fast connectors inside the remote junction box also help to make it easy to connect this light to power.

Great Dimming

Jullison designed this light with a smooth dimming feature that can dim the light from 100% to 10%. Most of the regular dimers like the regular Triac or ELV wall dimmers are compatible with this LED light.

On average, this light can produce up to 600 lumens of brightness, and a color temperature of 3000K, 4000K, and 5000K.

Quality Assurance

Another reason you should get this light is because of the solid die-casting heat sink that ensures this light dissipates heat excellently. More so, Jullison passed this light through energy and strict safety standards making it Energy Star and ETL certified.

More so, you get a 5-year limited warranty on this Jullison light, which can last for 50,000 hours.

 

8. Energetic Smarter Lighting High Quality & Energy Saving 5/6 inch LED Recessed Downlight

Like other recessed LED lights in this review, this Energetic Smarter lighting is a super bright light with a wide application. Additionally, this Energetic Smarter light is wet rated, making it ideal for use in environments like bathrooms, kitchens, and so on. It is not the slimmest recessed light in the market, but it does not require a can housing to install. Generally, this Energetic Smarter light is high-quality and would offer you value for your money.

High-quality

Energetic Smarter claims this light is high-quality because it features an advanced LED chip. As such, you can expect a high lumen and low power consumption from this recessed light.

To produce up to 650 lumen light, this Energetic Smarter light uses 10.5 watts of energy, which is equivalent to an 85-watt incandescent bulb.

Smooth Dimming 

Seamlessly dim this light from 100% to 10% to suit your mood of decoration. Also, Energetic Smarter designed this light to be compatible with other dimmers in the market like Lutron, Leviton, and Cooper.

Also, the high CRI-90+ feature that minimizes the effect of an illuminant on the color appearance ensures the color stays true and natural. And the five selectable color temperatures (2700K, 3000K, 4000K, 5000K, and 6500K) lets you change the ambiance of your home.  

Wide Application

Another reason why this LED recessed light is recommendable is because of its wide application. Unlike other lights with only a few applications, this Energetic Smarter light is ideal for basement, bedrooms, living rooms, kitchen, apartment, attics, and even workspaces.

It is also rated for use in a damp location, which makes it ideal for use in showers, bathrooms, and outdoors like under the porch, eave, and so on.

Easy Installation

Two types of installation accessories were included with this light, the spices and metal pieces. Also, this light can be installed in 5 or 6 inches cans.

Easy connection via the E26 adapters or TP24 connector adjustable spring clips ensures this light fits perfectly on the ceiling. More so, the heat dissipation base ensures this light never overheats or causes a fire.

 

9. Cloudy Bay Energy Saver 6 inch Ultra Thin LED Recessed Light

Cloudy Bay light is another excellent recessed light you can consider buying for your home or office space. Why Cloudy Bay? Well, for starters it is quite affordable, and it assures you of at least 25,000 hours of life.

This Cloudy Bay recessed light comes with a 3-year limited warranty.  

Performance

Performance-wise, this Cloudy Bay light is durable and designed with high-quality. Also, this Cloudy Bay features an advanced LED chip that uses low wattage to produce high brightness.

As such, on a 15-watt power, this light can produce up to 950 lumen, which is equivalent to a 150-watt incandescent bulb.

Compact Design

The ultra-thin design of this recessed light makes it compact and ideal for installation on ceilings with a very little allowance. Measuring only ½-inch thick and 6 5/8-inch in diameter, makes this recessed light suitable for retrofit.

Dimmable

Cloudy Bay designed this LED light with a CRI-90 rating which helps provide you with a comfortable and true color. Also, this light is dimmable from 100% to 10% and compatible with a list of dimmers found in the market.

Three Color Temperature Adjustable

Another feature we love so much about this Cloudy Bay light is the three color temperature settings that allow you to change the ambiance of your room. You can choose between the 3000K, 4000K, or 5000K settings.

The 3000K warm white light setting creates a warm, cozy atmosphere, mostly ideal for bedroom and kitchen use. The 4000K setting is a cool white light that provides a natural glow and ideal for living rooms and studies.

While the 5000K daylight setting is bright and ideal for display areas and office space.

 

10. JJC Excellent Performance 6 Inch Ultra Thin Led Recessed Lighting

Lastly, let’s wrap this LED recessed lights review with this JJC light an ultra-thin recessed light. According to JJC, this recessed lighting has a long lifespan of 50,000 hours.

What is even more interesting is the 24/7 after-sales service you get with this product, as you can contact JJC anything if any issue arises.

All in One Design

As aforementioned, this JJC lighting is designed with an ultra-thin body, making it ideal for installation in small spaces. On measuring this 6 inches light, it measures 0.63 inches thick. And a clearance space of only 2 inches is needed to install this JJC light.

The baffle trim design of this light protects your eyes as it is glare-free. Also, the spring-loaded clip allows this light flush evenly with the ceiling finishing. A junction box and twist contactor are also included in this unit.

Excellent Performance

Performance-wise, this JJC light comes with an advanced LED chip that helps save up to 80% energy used. 13-watt energy is all that’s needed by this JJC lighting to produce a 1000 lumen light, which is equivalent to a 65-watt incandescent lamp.

JJC also designed this light with a dimmable feature that lets you dim this light from 100% to 10%. And with the CRI-90+ rating, you will always get the true and natural color of things with this bolt. The max adjustable color temperature of this light is 5000K.

Easy Installation

Installing this JJC light is pretty easy as it does not require a housing can, and it also comes with a junction box. A cut hole of 6 1/5 inches and a clearance of 2 inches is all you need to install this unit anywhere.

The spring-loaded brackets also make it easy to fit this light such that it flushes smoothly with the ceiling.

Reliable Safety

JJC LED recessed lighting is certified by ETL and listed as damp location rated. It is also certified by IC as an airtight LED recessed light with a thermally protected junction box giving you the highest security.

 

LED Recessed Lights Review – User Buying Considerations

Type

Recessed lights come in different types, being sure of the type you need before buying one is a valid factor to put into consideration. Common types of recessed lights you can find in the market include reflector, gimbal, and baffle trim.

Recessed LED lights like the Parmida LED Disk Light in this review, is a perfect example of a baffle trim type of LED light. The inner surface of a baffle trim LED light is ribbed, which causes a minimal glare on the frame.

Gimbal trim on the other hand has a more focused and channeled beam of light on a specific area. As for reflector trims, they add some extra brightness to the area installed.

Size and Shape

Another factor you should consider when buying an LED recessed light is the size and shape. While most of the recessed LED lights we looked at in this review are circular, recessed lights can also come in other shapes like square and rectangular.

It is important to choose a shape that best suits your decoration. As for the size, the most common size to pick should range from 5 to 8 inches. Larger sized models of LED recessed lights are ideal for large rooms.

For a spacious house, target a model that is 5 or 6 inches in diameter or breadth.

IC Rating

IC rating also stands for insulation contact, which highlights the distance the LED lighthouse should maintain from the insulation of the ceiling. For safety purposes, go for IC rated LED recessed lights. LED recessed lights that are non-IC rated need to be used with a non-insulated house.  

Color and Brightness

The color and brightness of the LED recessed light you want to buy is another factor you should consider. While the brightness will help you light up your space, the color of the light will review the true and natural color of your space.

The color and brightness of the LED recessed light you are getting should work hand in hand to give you the best ambiance. The color temperature of an LED light is measured in kelvin, while the brightness is measured in lumen.

Most LED recessed lights rating ranges from 300K to 8000K and can produce between 500 lumens and 1500 lumen. Experts say an LED light with a color temperature rating less than 3000K produces a warm color, while more than 3000K produces a cool color.

Safety

While safety might not be the primary concern of most people while buying an LED recessed light, it is a very important factor to consider.

The recessed light you want to purchase must comply with modern safety standards to safeguard your home against fire and electrical hazards. An LED recessed light certified by Energy Star and ETL is pretty safe to use.  

Wattage

The wattage of the LED recessed light you are getting is important because it reflects on how much power is needed for the light to function. An LED with a high wattage rating often wastes power and would cost you more money on your electricity bill.

There are several LED recessed lights integrated with advanced LED chips that use low power to produce a high lumen. More so, a low wattage LED light to safeguard your home against hazards.

Most models we have in this review work on a wattage rating below 15 watts.  

The Voltage of the Housing

Lastly, the voltage of the LED light will determine the amount of energy the light will consume and the intensity of the brightness produced by the light. LED recessed lights to come with low and line-voltage kits.

Models with line-voltage kits run on home current but may not be so cost-effective. But low-voltage kits are more cost-efficient as they save energy. However, they will require you to spend a little extra to purchase.

You are also likely to purchase a special transformer to make them compatible with the electrical system of your home.

FAQ’s of LED Recessed Lights Review

Q: What is the best-recessed light for kitchens?

Ans: The best type of recessed light for the kitchen is a damp resistant rated recessed light. In addition to that, it should have a warm temperature color, say about 3000K would be enough.

We can recommend you check out the Torchstar Basic Series lighting as it comes with all these features. However, you do not feel limited with your option as there are several affordable recessed lights with these features and would work effectively for kitchens.

Q: How much energy does recessed light consume compared to conventional ceiling lights?

Ans: On average a LED recessed light consumes 50% less energy compared to conventional ceiling lights. In this review, we looked at some models that can save as much as 80% energy compared to conventional ceiling lights.

Some of these LED bulbs come with sensors that decrease the light output thereby saving the amount of energy it uses, which in turn reduces the lighting bill. Moreover, LED lights also produce very little heat.

Q: How far apart should you install recessed lights?

Ans: The distance to leave between recessed lights while installing them is a question that comes into the mind of every beginner. Several factors can affect your decision, for example, the height of the ceiling.

However, most users with an 8-foot ceiling commonly install the recessed light 4 feet apart. Others with a must taller ceiling like a 10-foot ceiling should space recessed bulbs 5 feet apart.

Q: Is there an advantage of having an IC-rated recessed light?

Ans: Yes, having an IC-rated recessed light comes with its fair share of advantages like its safety which prevents accidental electrical fires in your home. IC rated recessed light can come in contact with insulation without melting it.

Most importantly, the aesthetic advantage of an IC-rated downlight is that it ensures the light flushes properly with the ceiling.

Q: Is there a way to change how my recess bulb looks on the ceiling?

Ans: If you don’t light how the recessed bulb looks on the ceiling there are a couple of things you can do. First, we would suggest you change the color temperature or brightness of the bulb; perhaps that’s all you need to bring out the real color of your decoration.

Another thing you can do, although it is more tasking is to change the trim of the fixture. By changing the trim, you get an entirely different look when you stare at the recessed bulb on the ceiling.  

Q: Is there an advantage of using an LED light?

Ans: Using an LED light comes with a long list of advantages and its energy-saving advantage is one of the main reasons many people opt-in for this option.

Another main advantage of using an LED light is that because of its ultra-thin design, it doesn’t require a large clearance to install. In other words, you can install an LED light in a small space with a small ceiling.

Additionally, LED light produces very little heat, therefore your room will never get heated up because of an LED light. Finally, the LED lights have a longer-lasting life than other light bulbs.

Q: Can I install a recessed light on a solid ceiling?

Ans: Yes, you can install a recessed light on a solid ceiling. The whole essence of a recessed light is to give you the ability to install lights in ceilings with very little clearance. A solid ceiling is a perfect example of a type of ceiling with very little clearance.

Before you begin, you will have to drill a hole the size of the recessed light, often about 2 inches to install a recessed light.

Q: Why does my recessed light keep burning the fixture panel?

Ans: If you noticed your recessed light keeps burning the fixture panel, it might be because you are using a bigger bulb than you should. To know the right size of the bulb you should use, check the fixture specification that comes with this kit for more information.

Final Words

In conclusion, when buying an LED light has in mind efficiency and convenience. Recessed LED lights should also be simple to use, and come with a hassle-free installation.

With an LED recessed light, you will be assured of spending less money of up to 50% on electricity bills because of the power saving properties. The best recessed lights are made of aluminum or steel trims and have a wide beam angle.

To sum things up, we deeply hope this LED recessed lights review was able to help you find the best LED recessed light that suits your needs.