12 Best Smart LED Recessed Lights (Honest Reviews)

When it comes to enhancing your home's lighting, smart LED recessed lights are a game-changer. As someone who’s explored countless options and tested various brands, I can confidently say these lights offer the perfect blend of style, functionality, and energy efficiency.

Whether you're upgrading your living room, kitchen, or bedroom, smart recessed lights can transform any space into a well-lit haven tailored to your preferences.

What makes these lights truly stand out is their energy efficiency. LED technology consumes significantly less power compared to traditional bulbs, cutting down on electricity costs without compromising on brightness. Add to that the smart home integration, and you’ve got a lighting solution that responds to voice commands, mobile apps, or even schedules. Popular platforms like Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit make controlling your lights effortless.

These lights also boast customizable color temperatures, allowing you to switch between warm, cozy tones for relaxation and cool, bright hues for focus or productivity. Plus, with dimmable settings, you can adjust the intensity to suit any mood or occasion.

If you're concerned about installation, don’t worry—most options are easy to install and fit seamlessly into existing fixtures. Not only do they elevate your home’s ambiance, but they also increase property value, making them a worthwhile investment.

In this guide, I’ll share the best smart LED recessed lights, tips for choosing the right ones, and insights to help you make an informed decision.

Best Smart LED Recessed Lights for Home Ambiance

1. GOVEE: Best Smart Recessed Lights Overall (4 / 6 inches)

CHECK PRICE | RETROFIT VERSION

Govee Smart Recessed Lighting 6 Inch offers flexible connectivity with both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth control for a stable connection. The 16 million color options and 1-100% dimmable brightness enhance your space, while tunable warm white to cool daylight provides natural lighting.

With 65 preset scene modes, inspired by nature and holidays, and music sync options, the Govee Home App ensures diverse lighting experiences. The Group Control feature simplifies managing lights in separate rooms, complemented by easy two-way control via the app or voice commands through Alexa/Google Home.

Our Helpful review

Two rooms in my home only had a ceiling fan light and the sunny days were fine, but when it was cloudy it was really dark even when I added lamps. These have allowed me to remove the lamps and have that bright light whenever I need (as well as dim lighting when desired).

I bought two sets and each set only took an hour or two for installation. Once I integrated with Google Assistant (Alexa also functions the same) you can use the home app or your voice to set them however you'd like without the hassle.

2. PHILIPS Hue: Best Value Smart Recessed Lights

CHECK PRICE

Upgrade your lighting with the Philips Hue Smart Recessed 6 Inch LED Downlight. This 1-pack includes a White and Color Ambiance color-changing light with 1100LM brightness, perfect for ceiling installation. To unlock its full potential, add a Hue Bridge for automations and worldwide control.

Enjoy millions of colors and dynamic light effects that respond to your mood. Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, this smart downlight is voice-controlled for added convenience. Upgrade your existing recessed can lighting to a personalized, smart lighting system for a unique ambiance.

Our Helpful review

I got a 6-pack for my 3rd room, indulging a bit because I shoot YouTube videos there. The installation was a breeze. If you've installed a fan or changed a light fixture before, this is a piece of cake. The wire nuts (they come with fancy ones) are pre-installed, making daisy chaining easy.

Running wire and cutting a 6" hole is a bit more challenging, but still manageable. I had one light position with a stud in the middle, but these canless lights match the drywall width, so it was no issue at all.

The only drawback is they aren't super bright. I had an 18,000 lumen shop light before, which was obviously overkill. Even with these 6 hue lights at the brightest setting, my two-car garage isn't as well-lit as I'd like. I might need 2-4 more, but I enjoy them and will probably order more.

3. FEIT Electric Smart Recessed Lighting: Best Longevity

CHECK PRICE

The Feit Electric Smart Recessed Light offers convenient control through its 2.4GHz WiFi compatibility, allowing users to manage their lights via the Feit Electric app from anywhere. With voice control capabilities for Alexa and Google Home Assistant, users can easily adjust brightness, color, and on/off functions.

The app enables scheduling, grouping, and scene creation, providing a personalized lighting experience. This energy-efficient solution consumes only 11.1 watts, producing 1000 lumens, and boasts a long lifespan of 25,000 hours. Additionally, it meets quality standards, being CL, CUL Listed, and CEC Title 20 compliant.

Our Helpful review

Took all of 5 seconds to install in my preexisting can. Effects and colors are awesome. Simple, easy to use and “set and forget” scheduling. I love having the light come on when I wake up and turn off when I leave for work. No more bright overheads to harshen my morning.

4. ROLLIN LIGHT: Best Pack

CHECK PRICE

The Rollin Light Smart Recessed Lighting 6 Inch, available in a convenient 6-pack, offers a seamless smart lighting experience. Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri, it provides hands-free voice control for a hassle-free lifestyle.

With app control, users can easily dim, adjust colors, and manage lights in groups. The RGBCW feature allows for 16 million color options and adjustable color temperatures from 2700K to 6500K. The All-In-One Group Control simplifies managing lights in different areas. Certified and IC rated, it ensures safety with features like thermal protection and damp rating. Energy-efficient with a 5-year warranty.

Our Helpful review

We use these canless recessed lighting in our new home to get that modern look. There is a switch on the side of the junction box to select the desired color temperature. Installation is simple for us. Like the brightness. Overall we love this product so much that we bought 5 more boxes.

5. CLOUDY BAY: Best Music Sync

CHECK PRICE

The CLOUDY BAY 4-inch Smart Wifi LED Recessed Lights offer versatile lighting solutions. With the CloudyBay app, users can control color temperature (2700K to 6500K), brightness (1%-100%), and choose from 16+ million colors. Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, voice commands enable hands-free control.

The lights support music sync and offer 8 customizable scenarios, meeting various needs. Group and remote control features enhance convenience, with a timer function for scheduled lighting. With a 10W LED replacing 75W incandescent, CRI90+, and a 3-year warranty, these lights combine efficiency with smart functionality.

Our Helpful review

These lights are a rare find: high quality, low power, and adjustable color temperature ranging from 3000K to 5000K, all at a reasonable price. To truly appreciate their excellence, measuring them is the only way, and they don't disappoint.

Results using Sekonic Spectromaster C-800-U:

3000K setting: 2984K, CRI/Ra=92.8, TLCI=92, R9=60.2

4000K setting: 3847K, CRI/Ra=94.8, TLCI=94, R9=73.6

5000K setting: 5241K, CRI/Ra=93.6, TLCI=94, R9=68.5

The 4000K setting stands out slightly, but all the color temperatures are impressive—choose your preference and enjoy. Power consumption aligns with the advertised 10.03W at 100% brightness (not dimmed). By the way, they dim seamlessly, maintaining consistent color measurements throughout the dimming range.

I've installed six above my spacious kitchen island at the 4000K setting, and the color representation and brightness are fantastic.

Kitchen & Household

6. LUMARY: Best Canless

CHECK PRICE

Lumary Smart Recessed Lighting offers convenient and customizable illumination with voice control through Alexa and Google Assistant. The Lumary app enables intelligent management, allowing scheduling, group control, and remote access via 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. The 6-inch LED lights provide adjustable brightness (1%-100%), color temperatures (2700K to 6500K), and 16 million colors.

The lights sync with music or game sounds, enhancing ambiance. Easy installation with a junction box and group control for multiple rooms make these lights a high-quality and versatile choice for smart home lighting.

Our Helpful review

I recently bought the Lumary Smart Recessed Light 6-Inch Canless LED Downlight and am extremely impressed with its quality and functionality. This smart light quickly became a favorite for my husband, and for good reason. Compatible with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the Lumary Smart Recessed Light seamlessly integrates with various smart home systems, including Alexa and Google Assistant, providing convenient control options through voice commands or smartphone applications.

The canless LED downlight offers excellent quality, delivering a bright and uniform illumination of 1100 lumens, ensuring sufficient lighting in our living room. Its 6-inch size fits perfectly into our ceiling, creating a clean and sleek look without the need for a traditional recessed can. Installation is easy and hassle-free with the included junction box.

One notable feature of this smart recessed light is its color-changing ability. With the RGB feature, my husband can customize the lighting for any mood or occasion, providing endless possibilities for warm and cozy ambiance or vibrant and colorful settings. The Lumary Smart Recessed Light has significantly enhanced the lighting in our home, creating a pleasant and well-lit environment. The ability to control the light remotely adds convenience and flexibility to our daily routines.

Excellent quality, smart capabilities, and customizable lighting options for a valuable addition to our home.

7. SIKSOG: Best for Alexa

CHECK PRICE

SikSog Smart Recessed Lighting offers advanced features for personalized lighting experiences. With smart voice control through Alexa, users can effortlessly manage on/off settings, color customization, and dimming for various settings like home theaters or yoga spaces. The "BRmesh" app enables seamless control without internet, allowing easy management of multiple lights via Bluetooth.

Utilizing Bluetooth 5.0 mesh technology, it overcomes limitations of IR and WiFi control, supporting up to 125 lights. The 12W LED downlight provides both functional cool white (5000K) illumination and vibrant RGB options, ensuring versatile daily and mood lighting. Installation is user-friendly, and the product comes with a 2-year warranty and 90-day refund guarantee, coupled with ETL certification for safety and reliability.

Our Helpful review

Impressed by these lights! Didn't expect them to be so bright. Easy to install, amazing colors—lights up the whole house. Works wonderfully, perfect size, just as described. Not bad for a 6-pack of 6-inch smart LED recessed lighting. Suitable for a covered porch—slim and lightweight. The app is super easy to use. Only drawback: the wiring cables are very short. Despite that, we like them.

8. PETEME LED Recessed Lighting 6 inch IC Rated

CHECK PRICE

PETEME WiFi recessed lighting offers a wide range of color options, including cool white, warm white, and 16 million other colors, allowing you to customize the lighting to suit your preferences.

With compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant, you can easily control the smart led recessed lighting using voice commands, freeing up your hands for other tasks.

By syncing with music, PETEME color changing lights create a captivating atmosphere. With the Smart Life App, you can manage and control the lighting throughout your home, making it convenient for your entire family. The lights can also be controlled remotely using the app and are compatible with Alexa.

Our Helpful Review

Love these lights. I bought 12 of them, I have them in my kitchen, dining room and living room. They were easy to install, the app is easy to use and controls all the lights individually, I can change to any color I want. They work with my Alexa device so I control the lights, brightness and colors with my voice. I can sync them to music which is awesome for parties. Fantastic lights at a reasonable price.

9. POWERASIA 12 Pack Smart Recessed Lighting 6 Inch

CHECK PRICE

Take control of your lighting with the POWERASIA 12 Pack Smart Recessed Lighting. Simply download the TuYa Smart app and follow the instructions to connect your lights to your smartphone. You can control them individually or in groups, bringing convenience to your home life.

Customize your lighting experience with a variety of colors and brightness options. The 6 inch smart recessed downlight offers warm white and cool white settings, as well as 16 million colors to choose from. Adjust the brightness from 5% to 100% and explore 8 scene modes or create your own.

Enjoy hands-free control with voice commands. The smart recessed lighting is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to control your lights with just your voice. And if you're in the mood for a music party, the lights can sync with the beat of the music for a fun and immersive experience. With BT Mesh technology, you can connect up to 128 lights and easily control them all.

Our Helpful Review

I installed these lights in an 8ft kitchen ceiling. They brightened up the kitchen and my wife loves them. We put them on a dimmer switch for convenience. The only downside is the color switch doesn't fully match the scale. My wife wishes it had a slightly more yellow tone, but overall she's happy with the improved lighting. I plan to add one to the shower as well. Definitely worth buying again.

Travel Gifts & Gear

10. APPECK Smart Recessed Lighting 6 inch Bluetooth LED

CHECK PRICE

The APPECK Smart Recessed Lighting 6 Inch offers a wide range of lighting options, allowing you to choose from 16 million colors and adjust the brightness from 1-100%. Whether you want a cozy ambiance or vibrant colors for a party, these smart downlights can be personalized to suit any occasion or mood.

With 8 scene modes, the APPECK Smart Recessed Lighting helps you create the perfect atmosphere for various scenarios. Whether it's a romantic dinner, movie night, or simply unwinding after a long day, there's a scene mode to meet your needs and enhance the ambiance.

Enjoy the convenience of smart control with the APPECK Smart Recessed Lighting. You can easily control the lights through the app or use voice commands with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. Additionally, the timer function allows you to schedule the lights according to your wake-up and sleep time, ensuring a fully automated and intelligent home environment.

Our Helpful Review

Over the years, I've installed numerous recessed lighting as a remodel contractor. The installation process has become much simpler with the introduction of thin profile LED canless lights. The Appeal smart lighting provides a similar straightforward and low-profile setup.

11. LIGHTINSIDE: Best Smart Recessed Light Bulbs 75W Equivalent

CHECK PRICE

Control your lighting with ease using the Lightinginside Smart Light Bulbs. These smart recessed light bulbs are compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to enjoy the convenience of voice commands.

Customize your lighting experience with the Smart Life App. With the ability to schedule your smart bulbs, you can automate your lighting to suit your needs. Whether you want to turn the lights on/off, change colors, or dim the lights, the Smart Life App gives you full control anytime and anywhere.

Create the perfect ambiance for any occasion with over 16 million RGB colors and tunable white options. From cool light for focus to warm light for relaxation, these WiFi light bulbs offer a range of lighting choices. Plus, with no hub required, setting up these energy-saving bulbs is a breeze.

Our Helpful Review

I enjoy using a bright spotlight that has 1,100 lumens and offers a variety of colors. During the summer, I prefer yellow lights to minimize attracting bugs, while for the rest of the year, I prefer a soft yet bright yellowish white light. Occasionally, I like to have fun with the lights by setting them to change colors and flash along with music.

These lights are versatile and can perform various functions. I plan to replace all my spotlights with these bulbs, except for one that has 12,000 lumens and illuminates my barn brighter than daylight during nighttime.

12. SUNCO 4 Pack 6 Inch Smart Ultra Thin LED Recessed Ceiling Lights

CHECK PRICE

Introducing the Sunco 4 Pack 6 Inch Smart Ultra Thin LED Recessed Ceiling Lights Slim, which come in a convenient pack of four. These lights offer a combination of RGB+5000K Daylight, allowing you to choose between different colors and a classic daylight color temperature. With a 15W power output, these lights are dimmable and can be controlled through voice commands using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

Control these lights easily through the user-friendly Smart Life or TUYA apps on your smartphone or tablet. Please note that pairing requires Bluetooth, Location, and a 2.4 GHz WiFi signal. These lights are not compatible with dimmer switches and multiple bulbs must be paired individually. Additionally, these lights feature a Music sync mode that changes colors according to the beat of your favorite song.

Enjoy the benefits of Sunco products, including a 7-year warranty. Sunco is a US-based company that offers high-quality products at competitive prices. Their knowledgeable support specialists are always ready to assist you with any queries or concerns you may have.

Our Helpful Review

My daughters loved the smart LED lights I got for our kitchen and living room so much that they asked for some in their rooms. The Sunco brand lights have some features I like, such as the well-made plastic wiring box and secure plugs.

The instructions are also more informative compared to other brands, although I didn't like the template that came with it. Despite this minor issue, the lights were easy to wire up and connect to the app, which is user-friendly and offers standard features. Overall, it's a great product with a 7-year warranty.

How to Choose Smart LED Recessed Lights

Navigating the vast array of smart LED recessed lights can be daunting, but with a few key considerations, you can find the perfect lights to suit your needs and preferences.

1. Form Factor

Choose between retrofit lights, which replace existing recessed cans, or flush-mount lights that offer a sleek, flush-to-ceiling design.

2. Color Temperature

Select lights with tunable white or full-spectrum color capabilities to create a warm, inviting atmosphere for relaxation or a cool, invigorating ambiance for focused work.

3. Beam Angle

Opt for lights with a wide beam angle for general illumination or a narrow beam angle for accent lighting or task lighting.

4. Compatibility

Ensure the lights are compatible with your preferred smart home platform, such as Google Assistant, Alexa, or HomeKit.

5. Durability and Energy Efficiency

Choose lights with long lifespans and energy-efficient LEDs to reduce energy consumption and save money on your electricity bills.

6. Integrated Features:

Consider lights with advanced features such as voice control, dimming, scheduling, and music-syncing capabilities.

7. Installation:

Ensure the lights are easy to install and compatible with your existing recessed cans or ceiling type.

8. Cost-Effectiveness

Compare prices from reputable brands and consider the value proposition of each option, including features, durability, and energy efficiency.

Best smart LED recessed lights reviews - grandgoldman.com

Top Smart Recessed Lights for Home: FAQs

Are Smart Recessed Lights Worth It?

Smart recessed lights offer a range of benefits that can enhance your home's ambiance and functionality. They provide personalized lighting control, dimming capabilities, and customizable color options, allowing you to create the perfect atmosphere for any occasion. Additionally, smart recessed lights can be integrated with your existing smart home ecosystem, enabling voice control, scheduling, and other advanced features.

Which Recessed LED Lights Are Best?

The best recessed LED lights for your home are GOVEE, PHILIP, and FEIT. Factors to consider when choosing include lights form, color temperature, beam angle, compatibility, durability, energy efficiency, integrated features, installation, and cost.

Can Smart Bulbs Be Used in Recessed Lighting?

While smart bulbs can be used in recessed lighting fixtures, it's important to choose bulbs specifically designed for this application. These bulbs typically have a lower profile to ensure they fit properly in the recessed can.

Are LED Lights Good for Recessed Lighting?

LED lights are an excellent choice for recessed lighting due to their long lifespan, energy efficiency, and high lumen output. They produce a clean, even light that is ideal for general illumination.

What Are the Disadvantages of Smart LED Lighting?

The initial cost of smart recessed lights may be higher than traditional recessed lights. Additionally, some smart lighting systems require a hub or bridge for compatibility with certain smart home platforms.

What Is the Disadvantage of Recessed Lights?

Recessed lights can be difficult to install and replace, especially if they are located in hard-to-reach areas. Additionally, some homeowners may not prefer the sleek, flush-mount design of recessed lights.

Do Smart Lights Raise Electric Bill?

Smart lights can actually help to lower your electric bill by providing energy-efficient lighting and enabling you to control usage. LEDs typically consume significantly less energy than traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs.

What Are the Risks of Smart Lighting?

As with any connected device, there are infinitesimal security risks associated with smart lighting. It's important to use strong passwords and keep your software up to date to minimize the risk of unauthorized access.

Do LED Recessed Lights Use a Lot of Electricity?

LED recessed lights are highly efficient and use significantly less electricity than traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs. They typically have a lifespan of 50,000 hours or more, so you can enjoy years of energy savings.

What Is Better Than Recessed Lighting?

There are no direct alternatives to recessed lighting, but other lighting options may be suitable for certain applications. Ceiling fans with integrated lights can provide both illumination and air circulation, while track lighting can create accent lighting or highlight specific areas.

Is Philips Discontinuing Hue?

Philips has not announced any plans to discontinue the Hue smart lighting system. The company continues to develop new products and features for the Hue ecosystem.

When Should You Not Use Recessed Lighting?

Recessed lighting should not be used in areas where there is a risk of moisture or condensation, such as bathrooms or kitchens. Additionally, recessed lights may not be suitable for high-ceilinged rooms or spaces with limited headroom.

Does Philips Hue Work with Recessed Lighting?

Yes, Philips Hue smart recessed lights are available for a variety of recessed can sizes. These lights can be integrated with your existing Hue system to enjoy personalized control, dimming, and color customization.

Is There a Better Light than LED?

LED lights are considered the most energy-efficient and environmentally friendly type of lighting available. They offer a long lifespan, consistent color quality, and minimal maintenance. While there are other types of lighting, such as fluorescent and incandescent, LEDs have emerged as the dominant choice due to their superior performance.

How Many Lumens Should My Recessed Lights Be?

The ideal lumen output for recessed lights will depend on the size of the room and the desired level of illumination. For general lighting in a living room or bedroom, 800-1,000 lumens per recessed light is a good starting point. For task lighting in an office or kitchen, 1,500-2,000 lumens per light may be more appropriate.

Product Reviews