LED lights or ‘light-emitting diodes’ have slowly taken over other lighting fixtures.
Gone are the flimsy filament bulbs, and in their place LED lights. These lights are designed to perform much better than older versions.
LED recessed lighting can be found in a wide variety of different places. From residential to commercial areas, the best LED recessed lighting is used everywhere. Its versatility is another reason why people are drawn to these lights.
Table of Contents
Pros and Cons of LED Recessed Lighting
LED recessed lighting has a lot to offer to users. More and more people are switching over to LED light bulbs to take advantage of them.
Pros
- Energy Savings: LEDs save more energy when compared to incandescent bulbs, CFLs, and fluorescent tubes. An LED light requires 85% less energy to power a bulb than incandescent light bulbs. Similarly, it uses 50% less energy than a CFL to power.
- Less Heat: Because LEDs use less energy, they don’t heat up as other bulbs do. This reduces the strain put on air conditioning systems, as well as the bulb itself.
Cons
- Quality: One major con for LED lights is the quality. Many people complain that LED lights look very unnatural compared to other bulbs. While this isn’t an issue for everyone, LEDs tend to look bluish compared to other light fixtures.
The 10 Best LED Recessed Lights for Your Home Use
LED recessed lights are great, but finding a high-quality bulb is difficult. There are many brands that promise good lighting but fall short on deliverance. Here’s a list of potential LED recessed lights you can use in your home.
LED Recessed Lighting Reviews
1. TORCHSTAR Ultra-Thin Recessed Ceiling Light
The first review is of the Torchstar ultra-thin recessed light. This light is very thin, as the name suggests, and is perfect for narrow ceilings. In fact, it only requires two inches of ceiling clearance for installation.
Speaking of installation, the Torchstar recessed light requires very little time to install. A junction box is provided, so most of the hard work is taken care of.
The bulb itself has a frosted LED lens and is also scratch-resistant. There’s also a sponge gasket that seals the bulb to avoid any corrosion while it’s attached.
One con about using the Torchstar is that the junction box tends to pop open occasionally. This problem could be solved with a screw-on application, but the clip spring isn’t very sturdy.
Pros
- Easy installation process takes little time and effort
- Scratch resistant and glare resistant lens
- Sponge gasket prevents corrosion
Cons
- Spring clip makes the junction box unstable
- More maintenance is required to keep j-box closed
2. Sunco Lighting Remodel LED Can Air Tight IC Housing LED Recessed Lighting
The second review is for Sunco’s IC housing LED light. This LED light is IC rated, meaning it’s been rigorously tested for quality assurance.
It’s a very safe and secure LED light to use in every area of your home.
The design of this specific Sunco light makes is perfect to use around your home. It goes great in a bathroom, bedroom, basement, or even office.
The design takes up minimal space, so you don’t have to worry about clutter or crowdedness.
One negative point about using the Sunco light is the maintenance level can be high for these lights. The installation process is fairly simple, but many users complained of the fit on the sides.
The product was difficult to mount in a secure way and took many tries to get it to stay in place.
Pros
- IC rated means it’s been tested and is backed by quality standards
- Doesn’t heat up as much, making it safe to use around insulation
- Thin design, easy to use in most places
Cons
- Installation is easy, but can be tricky for some people
- Sides of the product aren’t easily secured while mounting
3. Ensenior Ultra-Thin LED Recessed Ceiling Light
Next up is the Ensenior recessed downlight. This LED light is certified by Energy Star and ETL. It has met their standards, and as both are regulating organizations, it’s very safe to use.
The Ensenior recessed light burns at an impressive 1050 lumens. So, this is a great option for those places that need clear and bright light. It’s perfect for bathroom mirrors and basements, where light makes all the difference.
A great feature that the Ensenior recessed downlight has is that it’s customizable. You can control how bright or dim it is, from 5-100% brightness. It allows more flexibility in where you place it, as you can always change the brightness level.
The Ensenior recessed light comes with a five-year warranty. This warranty is unlimited and covers everything within the first five years. This is something that not all brands offer, so it’s definitely a plus.
One con about using the Hyperikon recessed light is that there’s a slight buzz that occurs while it’s in use. When the product is turned on, some customers complained of hearing a buzzing sound. Other LED lights don’t have this problem, but it could be an issue for you.
Pros
- ETL and ES certified, so it’s been tested for quality
- Burns very bright at 1050 lumens
- Customizable brightness allows for more flexibility
- 5-year warranty that covers everything within time limit
Cons
- Slight buzz when the light is turned on
- The buzzing sound isn’t covered under the warranty
4. Lithonia Lighting WF6 LED 30K Recessed Ceiling Light
Next up is the Lithonia recessed ceiling light. It has different options on the colors of lights. There are options like daylight, bright white, cool white, and many others to choose from.
This light is also very thin and can easily fit into any narrow ceiling area. It can easily be installed and is even compatible with sensor switch dimmers.
The Lithonia light is one of the brightest lights on this list. It burns at a great rate of 1,020 lumens and can also be dimmed accordingly.
One negative effect of using the Lithonia light is that it emits a buzzing sound. This sound is heard when the light is powered to any place between the minimum and maximum power.
The only times it doesn’t make a buzzing sound is when it’s at its highest or lowest power.
Pros
- Different choices for light colors, including daylight, bright white, and cool white
- One of the brightest lights on the list, burning at 1,020 lumens
- Great lifespan, 16 years with long hours of daily use
Cons
- Buzzing sound is heard
- Only the highest and lowest powers don’t emit the sound. This is troublesome when you want to adjust the brightness in the room.
5. Globe Electric Recessed Lighting Kit Dimmable Downlight
The next review is about the Globe recessed downlight. This type of LED light is great for specialized areas like showrooms or art exhibits. The globe shape allows for focused energy on a single point and keeps it well lit.
The Globe LED light is easy to install with its clip hooks. These clips are adjustable and extra-wide, so it’s easier to grip onto uneven surfaces.
The Globe LED light is also IC rated, so you can use it near insulated areas without worrying about overheating. It automatically cuts off power to the bulb when it gets too hot.
One con about using the Globe LED light is the installation process isn’t very smooth.
A problem that many users ran into with this product was that the light had trouble staying in place. The clip that’s supposed to hold the bulb is a little loose and doesn’t secure it properly.
Pros
- Globe shape can swivel and pinpoint specific areas with light
- Clips for installation are adjustable and wide for good grip
- Fixture automatically turns off when it gets too hot
Cons
- Clips don’t secure bulb in very well
- Extra maintenance is needed to keep everything in place
6. Sunco Lighting Baffle Recessed Retrofit Kit Dimmable LED Light
The next review is for the Sunco retrofit LED light. The Sunco lighting retrofit LED light offers users many advantages. It’s UL certified and listed with Energy Star, ensuring all products are up to date with standards.
The Sunco LED light can be used in remodeling, as well as in new design settings. These lights work great in both small and large areas.
This light also has a five-year warranty, so that means less visits from an electrician. You can just have your product replaced for free with the company that made it!
The problem with the Sunco lights is that some bulbs have an afterglow even after powering them off. This can be a problem for the integrity of the bulb itself and reduce the lifespan.
Pros
- UL and Energy Star certified, meaning testing has been done to ensure quality of products
- You can save a lot of money with these bulbs compared to other companies
- They include a five-year warranty
Cons
- Bulbs continue to glow after turning them off
- Can lead to problems with extended use
7. TORCHSTAR Gimbal Recessed LED Downlight
Coming to the end of the list is the Torchstar gimbal recessed downlight. This product is great for who want a long-lasting item. It can function well for upwards of 16 years with six-hour daily use.
The Torchstar gimbal LED light is fully adjustable. Not only can you change the beam direction, but you can switch between lightings. Directional lighting, focused lighting, and sloped ceilings are all possible with this LED.
One problem that you might run into while using the Torchstar gimbal LED light is flickering. After some time, these lights can start to flicker when you dim them. It doesn’t occur on a daily basis, but with time, they definitely start to lose their quality.
When you turn the lights to a lower setting than the default one, you might notice that they flicker. This is especially true on the lowest or dimmest setting. They flicker especially often during this time.
Pros
- UL and ES certified, plus no mercury or other harmful substance. So, it’s very safe to use
- Very adjustable lighting fixture
Cons
- Quality of product begins to diminish over the years
- Flickering occurs when product is on lowest brightness
8. Parmida LED Disk Light Flush Mount Recessed Retrofit Ceiling Lights
Last, but not least, is the Parmida recessed ceiling lights. This product is best applied in new construction or retrofit, as the name suggests. However, you can really use it anywhere that needs good lighting.
The Parmida LED lights are perfect because they’re easy to install and have a very long lifespan. Customers are able to use them for many years before any need for an electrician.
They are also dimmable, allowing for more customization. You can also choose from different colors of lights to further customize your room.
One big issue with this product is that it tends to heat up around the base. Light bulbs that heat up are not very safe to use, regardless of if they’re certified by regulators.
Some customers have complained about this issue, so it’s definitely important to know.
Pros
- Great for new construction or retrofit projects
- Easy to install, no need to fancy tools
- Dimmable and different colors are available for customization
Cons
- Bulb heats up around base
- Could be a safety issue and reduces lifespan
9. Gianor Ultra Thin Square Recessed Light
When it comes to choosing a light for anywhere in your home, it might be best to consider one that doesn’t consume as much energy.
The Gianor Ultra Thin Square Recessed Light offers up to 1620 LM brightness with just 18W. You could use up to 90% less energy compared to other lights.
The ultra-thin design is excellent for a variety of homes and settings. It’s designed to embed precisely into the ceiling. Plus, the one-inch thickness helps to keep the ceiling flat.
These lights are easy to install, as well. All you have to do is turn off the power and cut the right hole size. Wire the included driver junction box to the panel light and your electrical circuit.
You’ll find that these lights have a significantly longer lifespan than others. It features a super-bright LED chip with up to 50,000 hours of usage. That means you won’t have to replace the ceiling lights frequently.
It is ideal for a variety of areas in your home. This includes hallways, the kitchen, bathrooms, stairways, and bedrooms. Plus, there will be no buzzing sound or flickering when you use them correctly.
Pros
- Sharper, brighter light
- Energy-saving
- Perfect for a variety of places within the home
Cons
- Might cause radio/smartphone interference
- Junction box wires not long enough
10. SAYHON Ultra-Thin Square Recessed Lighting
Homeowners who are looking for a recessed light featuring LEDs may like the SAYHON Ultra-Thin Square Recessed Lighting. It comes in one and two packs. All have a one-inch thickness designed to sit flush with the ceiling.
The outer frame is made of aluminum, so it won’t rust or corrode with time. Its heat sink is also aluminum to offer the best heat dissipation. Therefore, the light should last a long time.
When compared to CFL and incandescent lights, this LED light can save you up to 80% on energy bills. You’ll be able to see everything without dealing with flickering or glare. Plus, it doesn’t put out any UV or IR radiation.
This light offers super-bright LED chips, so you get over 50,000 hours of illumination. You won’t have to replace them as often, either.
Though they are quite easy to install, it might be best to hire an electrician. You need to understand junction boxes, cut the right size hole, and much more. However, instructions are included for the determined DIYer.
Pros
- Ideal for narrow ceilings
- Soft glow
- Quiet and flicker-free
Cons
- Wiring nuts included; stab-lock connectors ideal
- Junction box needs more space to house extra wires
How to Choose LED Recessed Lighting?
Now that you have an idea of the different types of LED recessed lights out there, what’s the next step?
How can you choose LED lights that are a good fit for your home?
Here are some things you should consider before buying an LED recessed light.
Types of LED Recessed Lighting
- Baffle Trim: The Baffle trim has a ribbed interior that helps minimize glare against the frame. This is the most common type of trim used.
- Reflector Trim: This trim utilizes a mirrored surface to reflect the light and add more brightness. There are options for tinting with this type of trim.
- Gimbal Trim: This trim great for focusing light. The lamp doesn’t extend out of the socket as much, and when it’s turned, the housing can block the light.
Aside from these trims, there are many other recessed light LEDs you can check out.
IC Rating
The IC rating is an important factor when it comes to deciding on whether to buy the light or not.
This determines the type of areas you can use your bulb in. You can consult an electrician to fully understand what types of bulbs you can use in your home.
If a bulb is IC rated, that means it’s configured in a way that can be used around insulation. As bulbs naturally get hotter when they’re in use, insulation can become a problem with this heat. IC rated bulbs have an insulated contact rated fixture that keeps the heats away from the rest of the home.
If a bulb is not IC rated, that means it’s not a good option for using around insulation. Sometimes, this isn’t an issue. If you place the bulb in an area where the heat has enough empty room to escape, there shouldn’t be a safety issue.
The Cost to Buy and Install
It’s also important to think about how much it’s going to cost to install the lights.
This depends on how many lights you buy, as well as whether you install them yourself or get it serviced. You should also factor in the costs for energy savings you can get by using LED lights.
Room, Placement, and Functionality
The type of lights you buy depends on how you want your room to look. Certain lights look better in certain types of room placements. Your room layout plays a big part in the type of lights that are effective.
How you want to use your lights also matters. Do you want a focused light or something that’s broader?
Take some time to think about the functions of the lights and what you want them to do.
How to Install LED Recessed Lighting?
1. Start by removing the old fixture and junction box. Take care to avoid cutting and damaging any wires for safety purposes.
2. Measure the hole of the old fixture to figure out how much you need to have for your new one. This is commonly around four to six inches in diameter. Cut the new hole.
3. Next, connect and secure the new wiring. Pair the wires from the attached junction box to the wires in the ceiling. Take care to connect the color-coded wires correctly.
4. Now you can insert the housing or ‘can’ for the light fixture. Once that’s done, attach the corresponding baffle and trim. Make sure they’re both lying flush against the ceiling to avoid holes.
5. Finally, you’re ready to attach a bulb and use your recessed lighting!
How to Install Recessed Lighting Step by Step with Picture.
Conclusion
LED recessed lighting is useful for many reasons. Besides saving you money, these lights are easier to install and last for much longer than others.
With the proper research, you can also take advantage of these bright bulbs and add them to your home.
See also:
The Best Under Cabinet LED Lighting for Your Kitchen
The Best Outdoor LED Flood Lights
Tom says
Hi ,
Do you need our ETL and energy star approved dimmable recessed downlights ?
John says
No mention of Lightolier or Halo?!
Tim Taylor says
“IC rated means it’s been tested and is backed by quality standards”
No, IC rated means “Insulation close”… insulation can be packed close to to the fixture.
– Electrical Contractor for 26 years.