Best Under Cabinet Lighting: Hardwired vs. Plug-In (2026 Guide)

You spent the weekend Painting Your Cabinets. You followed our guide on Cabinet Hardware Placement to drill perfectly aligned holes. The kitchen looks good... but it doesn't look expensive yet.

Why? The answer is usually lighting.

Shadows are the enemy of a high-end kitchen. Under-cabinet lighting (task lighting) eliminates those dark corners on your countertop, making food prep easier and giving your backsplash a showroom glow.

In the past, you had to hire an electrician to rip open your drywall and hardwire these lights. Not in 2026. Today’s plug-in and smart LED systems allow you to achieve the same look in 20 minutes without touching a single wire nut.

We compared the best under cabinet lighting options—from traditional pucks to smart strips—to help you finish your kitchen facelift on a budget.

Cheat Sheet: Puck vs. Bar vs. Tape

Which style fits your kitchen?

Style	Puck Lights	Tape / Strip Lights	Bar Lights
Best For...	Scalloped/Focused Light	Continuous/Even Glow	Bright Task Lighting
Install Difficulty	Easy (Adhesive)	Very Easy (Peel & Stick)	Medium (Mounting Clips)
Vibe	Traditional / Dramatic	Modern / Sleek	Functional / Pro
Price	$58	$13	$15

Hardwired vs. Plug-In: Do You Need an Electrician?

Hardwired means the lights connect directly to a switch on your wall.

• Pros: No visible cords; turns on with the main room switch.
  

• Cons: Expensive. Requires an electrician. Permanent.
  

Plug-In means the lights plug into a standard outlet (usually the one on your backsplash).

• Pros: 100% DIY; cheaper; smart home compatible.
  

• Cons: You have to hide the cord running to the outlet.
  

The "NestAlpha" Take: Unless you are doing a full gut renovation (drywall off), go with Plug-In. Modern smart plugs allow you to control them with your voice, solving the "switch" problem.

You'll need a drill to route wires through cabinet dividers. Make sure you have the basics from our New Homeowner Tool Checklist.

1. Best "Traditional" Premium Pick: EShine LED Puck Lights

If you want that classic "pools of light" look with premium build quality, EShine is the gold standard on Amazon.

• The Tech: LED Puck Light Kit (Plug-in).
  

• Why It Wins: Like the older Black+Decker models, EShine features a Hand-Wave Sensor. You just wave your hand under the first light to turn the entire chain on or off. No buttons, no switches, no messy hands touching your cabinets.
  

• The Build: These use sturdy materials and connect easily with included wires.
  

• The NestAlpha Take: The hand-wave feature feels incredibly high-end. It’s perfect for busy cooks.
  

• Check Price for EShine Puck Lights

  
  

2. Best "Smart" Pick: Govee RGBIC LED Strip Lights

If you want your kitchen to feel like a modern tech haven, ditch the pucks and get Govee Smart Strips.

• The Tech: Flexible LED Tape (Wi-Fi + Bluetooth).
  

• https://amzn.to/49WaM3q

  Why It Wins: These are "Smart" lights. You can ask Alexa to "Turn on the kitchen lights" or set a schedule so they turn on automatically at sunset.
  

• The "Wow" Factor: Unlike standard white strips, Govee uses RGBIC technology. This means you can have crisp white light for cooking, and then switch to a "Sunrise" or "Soft Blue" gradient for a dinner party vibe.
  

• Check Price for Govee Smart Strip Lights

3. Best Budget Pick: Wobane Under Cabinet Lighting Kit

Just want light without the bells and whistles? The Wobane Kit is the Amazon bestseller for a reason.

• The Tech: LED Tape strips with a manual switch.
  

• Why It Wins: It’s incredibly thin, bright (1100 lumens), and cheap. It comes with pre-cut strips and connector cables that let you jump over the microwave or stove gap easily.
  

• The NestAlpha Take: It doesn't have smart features, but for under $25, it transforms a rental kitchen instantly.
  

• Check Price for Wobane Lighting Kit

Pro Tip: How to Hide the Wires

The biggest giveaway of a DIY job is messy wires. Here is how to hide them like a pro:

1. The "Lip" Trick: Most cabinets have a 1-inch "lip" or recess at the bottom. Stick the lights behind this lip so the bulbs are invisible and only the light shines down.
   

2. Cable Clips: Use small adhesive cable clips (Command Clips work great) to pin the excess wire tight against the bottom of the cabinet.
   

3. Drill Through (Advanced): If you have multiple cabinets side-by-side, drill a small hole through the bottom side lip of the cabinet frame to pass the wire through, rather than drooping it underneath.
   

Installing these under the sink? Check for leaks while you're down there with a Moisture Meter.

Final Verdict: Which One Brightens Your Day?

• For the Classic, High-End Look: Get the EShine Puck Lights. The hand-wave sensor is a luxury feature that makes cooking easier, and the focused light pools look great on granite.
  

• For the Smart Home: Get the Govee Smart Strip Lights. Voice control and color options make it the most versatile.
  

Lighting is the final layer of your kitchen makeover. Once these are installed, your painted cabinets and new hardware will pop, and your kitchen will finally look "finished."

FAQs

Q: What color temperature is best for kitchens? A: For kitchens, aim for 3000K (Soft White) or 4000K (Cool White). Avoid 5000K (Daylight) as it looks too blue and clinical, and avoid 2700K (Warm) as it can make white cabinets look yellow.

Q: Can I cut LED strip lights? A: Yes! Most strips (like Govee and Wobane) have gold "Cut Marks" every few inches (look for the little scissor icon). You can cut the excess off safely at these points—but remember, the piece you cut off won't work unless you buy a separate power adapter for it.

Q: Do these lights get hot? A: No. Modern LEDs run very cool. They are safe to stick directly onto wood or laminate cabinets without risk of heat damage.