Not all lighting upgrades are glamorous. Some are simply smart. Undercabinet lights fall into that second category—they’re not the centerpiece of your home, but once you install them, you wonder how you ever lived without them.
We recently had the chance to test several undercabinet lighting options from AQ Lighting, a U.S.-based lighting supplier known for professional-grade products. Here’s everything you need to know—from what’s inside the box to how these lights actually perform in a real kitchen.
First Impressions: Solid, Sleek, and Surprisingly Sturdy
Let’s start with the basics. AQ Lighting’s undercabinet lighting kits arrive well-packaged with clear labeling and installation guides. Right out of the box, you can tell these aren’t your average big-box lights.
The first thing we noticed? Build quality. The lights are slim but solid. The casing is either metal or high-grade polymer depending on the model, and there’s nothing cheap or flimsy about it. Even the wiring feels reinforced—something that becomes critical if you’re tucking them under busy cabinets or in slightly humid environments like bathrooms.
Color temperature options are listed clearly (warm white, neutral white, and daylight white), and the connectors are marked so there’s little room for confusion during setup.
Installation Experience: Fast, Flexible, and DIY-Friendly
We installed the lights in a mid-sized kitchen with a mix of solid wood and laminate cabinetry. It took around 45 minutes to install three fixtures under two sets of cabinets, including daisy-chaining and mounting.
AQ Lighting offers both plug-in and hardwire options. We tested the plug-in version, which was incredibly easy. Each light came with a mounting bracket, screws, and a daisy-chain connector for multi-fixture setups.
Noteworthy install features:
- Slim profile that stays hidden even under shallow cabinets
- Tool-free connectors for linking multiple lights
- Dimmable models (compatible with LED wall dimmers)
- Surface and recessed mounting flexibility
The result? A completely seamless look with no visible wires, no flicker, and no complicated adjustments post-installation.
Light Output: Bright Where It Counts, Soft Where It Should Be
One of the major pain points with cheap undercabinet lighting is inconsistency in color temperature or hotspots along the strip. That wasn’t the case here.
Each fixture gave off a smooth, even spread of light. We chose the neutral white option (4000K), which was ideal for food prep while still feeling warm and inviting. The LEDs are CRI 90+ rated, so colors on the countertop appeared accurate—great for kitchens or any workspace involving detail.
In terms of brightness:
- A single 12″ fixture comfortably lit a 3–4 ft countertop section
- No visible flickering, even on dim settings
- No humming, buzzing, or heat emission
Whether you’re chopping, reading, or showing off a backsplash, the lighting works with you—not against you.
Performance Over Time: 30-Day Verdict
We ran the lights for approximately 6 hours per day for 30 days during testing. Here’s what stood out:
- No flicker or dimming, even after extended hours
- Heat remained minimal, safe for cabinetry and finishes
- No sagging or loosened fixtures—mounts held up perfectly
- Wiring stayed intact, with zero signs of stress or fraying
This level of reliability is what you expect from commercial-grade lighting, and AQ Lighting delivered.
What We Loved Most
- Customization: You can pick your color temp, length, and install style.
- No hot spots: Even light distribution means no weird shadows on the counter.
- High efficiency: You get serious brightness with minimal wattage.
- Flexible application: These lights work just as well in bathrooms, closets, and workspaces.
We also appreciated the clean aesthetics. When the lights are off, they disappear into the underside of the cabinet. When they’re on, they light the space—not the fixture.
What Could Be Better?
No product is perfect. Here’s what we think could improve:
- More finish options: Currently most units come in standard white or bronze. A brushed nickel or matte black would be a nice addition for modern kitchens.
- Mounting template: While installation is straightforward, a printed paper mounting template would make precise alignment even easier, especially for multi-unit setups.
That said, these are minor wishes, not complaints. The core experience was smooth from start to finish
How It Compares to Popular Alternatives
Here’s how AQ Lighting stacks up against other leading undercabinet lighting options:
| Feature | AQ Lighting | GE Undercabinet Lights | Litever LED Light Bar Kit |
| Build Material | Metal / High-grade Polymer | Plastic | Plastic |
| Color Temp Options | 2700K, 4000K, 5000K | Fixed | Limited |
| Mounting Type | Surface / Recessed | Surface only | Adhesive tape |
| Dimmable | Yes | No | Some kits only |
| Voltage Options | 12V Low-Voltage / Plug-in | Plug-in only | Plug-in only |
| CRI Quality | 90+ | 80 | ~80 |
| Support | U.S.-based | Store hotline | Seller dependent |
For long-term installations or larger projects, AQ Lighting clearly provides better reliability and customization.
FAQs: Undercabinet Lights
Can I install these lights without hiring an electrician?
Yes, especially the plug-in models. If you’re using the hardwired version, a licensed electrician is recommended.
Do they support dimming?
Yes, many AQ Lighting models are dimmable. Make sure you use a compatible LED-rated dimmer switch.
Are these lights safe for bathroom or utility spaces?
Yes. They’re low-heat and safe for various enclosed spaces. Be sure to follow clearance guidelines if used near water.
What length should I choose?
Measure the base of your cabinet and choose a light that fits edge to edge for the cleanest result. Multiple shorter lights can be connected for longer spans.
Final Take: Worth It for Homes and Contractors Alike
AQ Lighting undercabinet lights don’t just meet expectations—they exceed them. Whether you’re doing a one-time kitchen upgrade or sourcing fixtures for multiple remodels, they hit the mark: sleek design, practical output, easy install, and long-term performance.
If you’re tired of low-end strips that peel off or flicker within weeks, this is the upgrade that’s actually worth your time.
