The Best Matter-Compatible Under Cabinet Lights

We've previously discussed how Matter-compatible strip lights with their flexibility and easy installation are an excellent fit for kitchen lighting—especially for cabinets. However, they aren't the best choice for those with existing under cabinet lighting or for those that want a clean integrated look.

For these situations, consider a Matter-compatible under cabinet light. In this guide, we'll give you a rundown of all that they have to offer and provide some top picks to up your kitchen lighting game.

What are Matter-Compatible Under Cabinet Lights?

Matter-compatible under cabinet lights are complete self-contained fixtures that install directly to your existing cabinetry. As with traditional under cabinet lights, the primary function of Matter-compatible options is to provide functional task lighting for your kitchen work surfaces—albeit with a few extras.

Installation of Matter-compatible under cabinet lights is usually straightforward but can vary depending on model. Some units offer plug-in operation so you can simply hook it up to a wall outlet. Others rely on hardwiring for power, which offers the seamless look but requires electrical knowledge.

Whichever installation method you choose, Matter brings additional capabilities after connecting them to your smart home. Typical Matter features resemble smart light bulbs and lamps as they include dimming, adjustable color temperatures, convenient on/off controls, scheduling, timers, and, so much more.

Matter also unlocks compatibility with all the major smart home platforms including Alexa, Google, Samsung, and Apple Home so you can slot them in alongside your existing devices. For instance, you can have your under cabinet lights turn on automatically when the overhead lights are toggled, or you can use them as a nightlight by coming to life when sunset hits.

What to Look For in Matter-Compatible Under Cabinet Lights

No two kitchens are the same, so there isn't one under cabinet lighting solution that can fulfill everyone's needs. To help you choose the best for your kitchen, try focusing in on the following areas:

• Budget: Under cabinet lights can be expensive. However, you can save money by purchasing kits that offer customizable and extendable lengths.
• Design: Consider your existing lighting, is it hardwired or plug-in? Are your lights recessed or surface-mounted? Knowing beforehand can simplify the purchasing and installation process.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi-based lighting makes setup a breeze but can be taxing on your network. ZigBee lights require a hub but offer solid reliability and response times.
• Features: Built-in motion sensors can incredibly handy when preparing meals, but multi-color capabilities bring the wow factor.

The Top Matter-Compatible Under Cabinet Lights

No matter what shape, size, or installation method you need, there's likely a Matter-compatible option available. We've narrowed down the field to our top 4 picks so you can spend less time researching and more time enjoying brand-new kitchen lighting.

GE Cync Reveal HD+ Smart Undercabinet Light Fixture

Available in 12, 18, and 24-inch sizes, the GE Cync Reveal HD+ Smart Undercabinet Light Fixture blends Matter smartcapabilities with traditional design. Despite their unassuming looks, GE's lights offer all the bells and whistles: dimming, scheduling, physical controls, and support for millions of colors and shades of white.

GE's under cabinet lights also offer hardwire and plug-in installation options, as well as the ability to link with additional units for maximum kitchen coverage. And since Cync lighting products connect to your smart home via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, no extra hub is required—so you can be up and running within minutes after unboxing.

Cync GE Reveal HD+ Smart Undercabinet Puck Light Fixtures

Also from GE, the Cync Reveal HD+ Smart Undercabinet Puck Light Fixtures cram full Matter support into a set of tiny 3-inch circular lights. Like GE's other fixtures, the puck models can be plugged in or hardwired directly to your home's electrical, but they also offer dual mounting options—surface or recessed.

Each 3-pack of GE's puck system produces 300 lumens of white and color light, controllable via Matter and the Cync App. If extra brightness is needed, users can link up to 10 puck sets with the included cable all without multiple power adapters or running additional wiring in the wall—just plug and play.

BLACK+DECKER Smart Under Cabinet Lighting Kit

Ideal for larger kitchens, the BLACK+DECKER Smart Under Cabinet Lighting Kit is a complete all-in-one solution that can be sized to fit any needs. In addition to plug-in installation, BLACK+DECKER's kit provides plenty of wiring in the box that can be trimmed to your desired lengths so you won't need to spend time planning your run.

This set includes a total of 6 12-inch light bars capable of lighting up the darkest kitchen surfaces at 300 lumens each. Each light bar also supports over 16 million color combinations, adjustable warm to cool color temperatures, and, of course dimming all available through your favorite Matter platform.

IKEA SKYDRAG LED Countertop/Wardrobe Lighting Strip

The SKYDRAG LED Countertop/Wardrobe Lighting Strip is the only Matter-compatible option that features a built-in motion sensor. The included motion sensor allows for true hands-free operation and effectively replaces the need for a dedicated light switch in the kitchen.

As with other IKEA devices, the SKYDRAG utilizes ZigBee technology for its smart home and Matter connectivity. While it does require an IKEA DIRIGERA hub, ZigBee enables speedy response times and rock-solid reliability without interfering with your precious Wi-Fi network—a huge plus if you plan to expand your smart home in the future.

Brighten Up Your Kitchen With The Best Matter-Compatible Under Cabinet Lights

Whether you need to replace a burnt-out fixture, or if you want to add a light to bare cabinetry, a Matter-compatible under cabinet light is a smart choice. Not only do Matter-compatible lights offer functional task lighting for your countertops, but they can also add the wow factor with extras like motion sensing, color capabilities, dimming, and app and voice-based controls.