Wireless (battery or rechargeable) under cabinet lights are good for small, occasional jobs where there is no power: inside a larder, a pantry cupboard or a wardrobe. They are not a good choice as the main worktop light in a kitchen. They are less bright than wired lights, need recharging, and are usually controlled by a sensor rather than a switch. If you are fitting or refitting a kitchen, wired 24V lighting is the better long-term choice.
Where wireless under cabinet lights work well
- Inside cupboards, larders and pantries, where a sensor light switches on when the door opens.
- Wardrobes and storage with no power supply.
- Rented homes, where you cannot run new wiring.
- A quick fix while you plan a full lighting scheme.
Our rechargeable range includes Opus™, a slim sensor light for cabinets and wardrobes, and Strata™, which works by switch or sensor. All charge by USB. See all battery powered lights.
Where wired lights are better
- Brightness. Wired 24V lights give stronger, more even light along the worktop.
- No recharging. Wired lights are always ready, with no batteries to charge or replace.
- Control. Wired lights work with switches, dimmers, sensors and smart drivers.
- Life. A wired 24V system is built to last as long as the kitchen. Ours carry a 7 year guarantee.
The middle ground: no switch wiring
If the problem is running a cable to a light switch, rather than power to the units, there is another option. The Titan™ Smart Kinetic driver powers wired 24V lights and gives you three ways to control them: the wireless Titan Kinetic Switch, which needs no wiring, the Link Sensio app, or your voice with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. You get the brightness of wired lights without running a cable to a wall switch.
Frequently asked questions
How long do rechargeable under cabinet lights last on one charge?
It depends on the light and how often it switches on. Opus™ runs for around 8 months between charges, based on 3 minutes of use a day. Strata™ runs for around 6 months, based on 2 minutes a day. Both use a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and charge by USB.
Are battery under cabinet lights bright enough for a kitchen?
For lighting inside a cupboard, yes. For lighting a worktop you prepare food on, wired 24V lights are brighter and more even.
Can I use wireless lights under kitchen wall units?
You can, but if you can get power to the units, wired 24V spotlights or LED strip are the better choice for the worktop. See the best under cabinet lights.
