10 Best LED Retrofit Recessed Lights for Old Cans (October 2026)
The best LED recessed lighting retrofits for old cans include the Amico 24 Pack 5/6 Inch Retrofit for replacing many old can lights, the Amico 12 Pack 5/6 Inch Retrofit for a smaller multi-room project, and the Ensenior 12 Pack 5/6 Inch Retrofit 1000LM for a brighter 12-pack.
On this page (4 sections)
The Amico 24 Pack 5/6 Inch Retrofit is the best LED recessed lighting retrofit for replacing many old cans, with five color settings, dimming and an E26 base. For a smaller project, the Amico 12-pack offers similar core features; choose Ensenior for 1,000 lumens or Sunco for 1,200 lumens in a 20-pack.
A retrofit can preserve an existing ceiling opening while changing the light source and trim. Before choosing a pack, check the can size, socket, depth and the way the light attaches.
Start with our plain guide to LED recessed light types and sizes if you are deciding between a can retrofit and another format. If you already know the old housing needs a new fixture, this roundup compares options by pack size, stated brightness, color choices and useful features.
Our picks at a glance
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1
Best for replacing many old can lightsAmico 24 Pack 5/6 Inch Retrofit
8.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for a smaller multi-room projectAmico 12 Pack 5/6 Inch Retrofit
8.2/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for a brighter 12-packEnsenior 12 Pack 5/6 Inch Retrofit 1000LM
8.0/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Best for a smooth trim lookCheck it - 5
Best for higher stated outputCheck it - 6
Check itSunco 24 Pack 6 Inch Retrofit Dimmable
Best for a large dimmable project - 7
Check itLUXRITE 5/6 Inch Retrofit 4 Pack
Best for a small area - 8
Check itAmico 12 Pack 5/6 Inch Retrofit Night Light
Best for an amber night mode - 9
Check itE Energetic 12 Pack 5/6 Inch Retrofit Dimmable
Best for metal baffle trim - 10
Check itPOWERASIA 12 Pack 5/6 Inch Metal Night Light
Best for metal trim with night mode
Best LED recessed lighting retrofit picks for old cans
The Amico 24-pack ranks first for its combination of five color settings, dimming, E26 base and 24-light quantity. The remaining picks address different project sizes, output levels, trim styles and night modes.
Amico 24 Pack 5/6 Inch Retrofit: Best for replacing many old can lights
- 24-pack
- 950 lumens
- Five selectable color temperatures
- Dimming from 10% to 100%
- Universal E26 base
The 24-pack and five color choices suit a home replacing several existing can lights. Its E26 base is designed for a bulb-like installation.
Pros
- Five selectable color temperatures
- Dimming from 10% to 100%
- Damp-rated
Cons
- Not compatible with smart dimmers
- Check the existing can and socket for fit
The Amico 24-pack suits projects replacing several old cans. Each light provides 950 lumens, and the five selectable settings range from 2700K to 6000K.
Its universal E26 base is designed for bulb-like installation, and Amico says the lights dim from 10% to 100%. The brand also specifies damp-rated use and compatibility with most dimmers except smart dimmers.
This is the strongest match here for a larger multi-room job where choosing color temperature before installation would be inconvenient. Check your housing and socket first, since the 5/6-inch label does not confirm every older can will fit.
Amico 12 Pack 5/6 Inch Retrofit: Best for a smaller multi-room project
- 12-pack
- 950 lumens
- Five selectable color temperatures
- Dimming from 10% to 100%
- Universal E26 base
This 12-pack has the same stated brightness and five color choices as the Amico 24-pack. It can suit a partial replacement or a room with fewer fixtures.
Pros
- Five selectable color temperatures
- Dimming from 10% to 100%
- Damp-rated
Cons
- Not compatible with smart dimmers
- Check the existing can and socket for fit
The Amico 12-pack has the same 950-lumen output and five selectable color settings as the 24-pack in a smaller quantity. That makes it a sensible choice for one room or a partial replacement.
The E26 base supports a bulb-like connection, while Amico says dimming runs from 10% to 100%. Amico also describes the lights as damp-rated for indoor spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Choose this pack if 12 fixtures cover the cans you plan to update. If your project is larger, compare it with the 24-pack recessed lights guide for other bulk options.
Ensenior 12 Pack 5/6 Inch Retrofit 1000LM: Best for a brighter 12-pack
- 12-pack
- 1,000 lumens
- Five selectable color temperatures
- Dimming from 5% to 100%
- E26 base
Ensenior provides 1,000 lumens per light and five color settings selected with a side button. Its 12-pack offers slightly more stated output than the Amico 12-pack.
Pros
- 1,000 lumens
- Five color settings include 3500K
- Dimming from 5% to 100%
Cons
- Check the existing housing and socket for fit
- Color settings differ from some other five-CCT picks
Ensenior offers 1,000 lumens per light in a 12-pack, with five settings from 2700K to 5000K. Its color range includes 3500K, between its warmer and cooler settings.
A side button selects color temperature, and Ensenior specifies dimming from 5% to 100%. The brand describes the lights as IC rated and damp-rated, with an E26 base.
This is an alternative when you want a 12-pack with more stated output than the Amico 12-pack. Check the socket and can dimensions before ordering, especially if the old housing is a nonstandard size.
Sunco 16 Pack 6 Inch Retrofit: Best for a smooth trim look
- 16-pack
- 965 lumens
- Smooth trim
- Selectable color temperature
- E26 and TP24 adapters
This Sunco set pairs a smooth trim profile with adapters for E26 and TP24 connections. It provides 965 lumens per light.
Pros
- Smooth trim profile
- Includes E26 and TP24 connectors
- Damp-rated
Cons
- Specified for 5-inch and 6-inch cans, so check the can size
- Color setting details vary by version
The Sunco 16-pack has a smooth, open-face trim profile and provides 965 lumens per light. It's specified for standard 5-inch and 6-inch cans, with both E26 and TP24 adapters included.
Sunco describes this light as dimmable and damp-rated. The brand rates its life at 50,000 hours.
Pick this option when trim appearance matters and your old cans use one of the supported connections. Measure the can to confirm it suits this 6-inch retrofit.
Sunco 20 Pack 6 Inch Retrofit: Best for higher stated output
- 20-pack
- 1,200 lumens
- Five selectable color temperatures
- E26 base
- Dimmable
Sunco specifies 1,200 lumens and five selectable color temperatures for this 6-inch retrofit. Its 20-pack suits a project that needs higher output across several fixtures.
Pros
- 1,200 lumens
- Five selectable color temperatures
- E26 base
Cons
- Specified for 6-inch cans, so check the can size
- Confirm dimmer compatibility for your setup
Sunco's 20-pack provides 1,200 lumens per light and five selectable color temperatures from 2700K to 6000K. The E26 base is designed for a compatible existing can.
This model can suit a larger room or a whole-home project where you want more stated output than the 950-lumen options. Sunco describes it as dimmable and provides a seven-year protection term.
Choose it when higher brightness and a 20-light quantity fit your project. Confirm the can size and dimmer compatibility before replacing fixtures throughout a room.
Sunco 24 Pack 6 Inch Retrofit Dimmable: Best for a large dimmable project
- 24-pack
- 1,700 lumens
- Five selectable color temperatures
- Dimming from 10% to 100%
- Damp-rated
Sunco specifies a 24-pack, 1,700 lumens per light and dimming from 10% to 100%. Check the existing can and connector before choosing this 6-inch option.
Pros
- 1,700 lumens
- Dimming from 10% to 100%
- Five selectable color temperatures
Cons
- Specified for 6-inch cans, so check the can size
- Check the existing socket and connection
The Sunco 24-pack provides 1,700 lumens per light. It offers five color settings and dimming from 10% to 100%, which can suit a large replacement project.
Sunco describes this retrofit as suitable for damp locations. It has a GU24 base, so check the existing can connection carefully, especially if your current fixtures use E26 sockets.
Consider this pick when high stated output and a 24-light pack matter most. Its 6-inch specification and GU24 connection make measuring and checking the socket essential.
LUXRITE 5/6 Inch Retrofit 4 Pack: Best for a small area
- 4-pack
- 1,100 lumens
- Five selectable color temperatures
- Dimming from 10% to 100%
- E26 base
A four-pack can cover a small area. LUXRITE specifies a 5/6-inch fit, E26 base and five color choices.
Pros
- Small pack size
- Five selectable color temperatures
- Wet-location rated
Cons
- Four lights per pack
- Check housing fit and dimmer compatibility
LUXRITE's four-pack is the smallest quantity in this roundup, suited to a small area or a limited replacement. It's described for 5-inch and 6-inch housings and provides 1,100 lumens per light.
A switch on the back selects among five temperatures from 2700K to 5000K. LUXRITE also specifies dimming from 10% to 100%, an E26 base and a wet-location rating.
Choose it when you need only a few lights. Compare the color options and the best dimmable recessed lights if matching a whole room to a dimmer is your main concern.
Amico 12 Pack 5/6 Inch Retrofit Night Light: Best for an amber night mode
- 12-pack
- 1,100 lumens
- Night light mode at 2200K
- Five color temperatures in downlight mode
- E26 base
A separate 2200K amber night light mode adds a lower-light option alongside the downlight's five color settings. This 12-pack has a universal E26 base.
Pros
- 2200K amber night light mode
- Five downlight color settings
- Damp-rated
Cons
- Night light mode may not suit every room
- Check the existing can and socket for fit
This Amico set adds a separate 2200K amber night light mode to the downlight's five color settings. The 12-pack provides 1,100 lumens in downlight mode and uses an E26 base.
The night light function can suit a hallway or bedroom where a lower amber glow is useful after dark. Amico describes the downlights as damp-rated.
Choose this pack when night mode is part of your lighting plan. For more products with that feature, see our recessed lights with night lights.
E Energetic 12 Pack 5/6 Inch Retrofit Dimmable: Best for metal baffle trim
- 12-pack
- 1,000 lumens
- Metal baffle trim
- Five selectable color temperatures
- Dimming from 5% to 100%
A metal baffle trim sets this 12-pack apart from smooth-profile options. E Energetic specifies 1,000 lumens and dimming from 5% to 100%.
Pros
- Metal baffle trim
- Dimming from 5% to 100%
- IC rated and ETL listed
Cons
- Minimum can depth is 6.3 in
- Springs need manual installation
E Energetic pairs a metal baffle trim with 1,000 lumens and five selectable color settings, including 6500K. Its stated dimming range is 5% to 100%, for use with a compatible dimmer.
The key fit check is can depth: this product requires at least 6.3 inches. E Energetic also says the springs need to be installed manually.
This can suit you if you want a baffle look and your existing cans have enough depth. Read our recessed light kit guide for an explanation of retrofit parts and connections.
POWERASIA 12 Pack 5/6 Inch Metal Night Light: Best for metal trim with night mode
- 12-pack
- 1,200 lumens
- Metal trim
- Night light mode at 2000K amber
- E26 base
POWERASIA combines a metal trim with a separate 2000K amber night light mode. The 12-pack offers five downlight color settings.
Pros
- Metal trim
- 2000K amber night light mode
- Dimming from 5% to 100%
Cons
- Check the existing can and socket for fit
- Night light mode may not be needed in every room
POWERASIA combines a metal trim with a 2000K amber night light mode and five settings for the main downlight. It provides 1,200 lumens per light and uses an E26 base.
POWERASIA describes the lights as fitting 5/6-inch recessed housings with a C clip. Check that attachment style against your existing cans before buying.
Choose it if you want both metal trim and a separate night mode. If your main question is whether an old can can be converted, our retrofit recessed lighting kit guide covers the parts to check.
How to choose LED retrofit lighting for old cans
The right LED retrofit depends first on the existing can, then on your desired brightness, color and dimming range. A product labeled 5/6 inch still needs to match the actual housing and connection.
Which can size and connection should you check?
Measure the inside diameter of the recessed can and identify the socket or connector before choosing a retrofit. Most picks here use an E26 base, while the Sunco 24-pack has a GU24 base and the Sunco 16-pack includes both E26 and TP24 adapters.
Can depth matters too. E Energetic specifies a minimum depth of 6.3 inches, so it may not fit a shallow housing.
How many lumens should an old can retrofit have?
Lumens describe light output, so compare the stated values with the room and your current fixtures. These products range from 950 to 1,700 lumens per light, with the Sunco 24-pack at the high end.
More lumens can make a room brighter, but the number of fixtures and their spacing also affect the result. Use our recessed light layout guide to plan placement across the room.
Which color temperature and dimming range suit your room?
Selectable color temperatures let you choose a warmer or cooler white at installation. Most picks offer five settings, but the exact range varies, so check whether the available options include the tone you want.
Dimming ranges also differ, and compatibility depends on the control. Amico says its standard retrofit packs work with most dimmers except smart dimmers, while other products require you to confirm compatibility for your switch.
How we compared these LED retrofit recessed lights
We compared stated brightness, color settings, dimming range, pack size, connection type and fit details for existing cans. The scores reflect how well each option matches a typical old-can retrofit project, including the usefulness of its available features.
We did not test these lights in a home. Use the housing, socket and dimmer checks above to narrow your choice before replacing a full room.
Which LED recessed lighting retrofit should you choose?
Choose the Amico 24 Pack when you have many compatible cans and want five color settings with dimming. Pick the Amico 12 Pack for a smaller project, the Ensenior 12 Pack for 1,000 lumens, or the Sunco 20-pack for 1,200 lumens.
For trim and night mode, compare the LUXRITE, E Energetic, Amico night light and POWERASIA options by their fit requirements. Start with the recessed light sizes guide if you have not measured your existing cans yet.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for replacing many old can lights
Amico 24 Pack 5/6 Inch Retrofit
8.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for a smaller multi-room project
Amico 12 Pack 5/6 Inch Retrofit
8.2/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for a brighter 12-pack
Ensenior 12 Pack 5/6 Inch Retrofit 1000LM
8.0/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
Do LED retrofit lights fit every old recessed can?
No. These picks are described for 5 or 6 inch cans, but the exact housing, opening, socket and connector still matter.
Measure the can and check whether it uses an E26 base or another connection before you buy.
If the can is unusually shallow or has a different socket, contact the manufacturer to confirm fit.
What does 5/6 inch mean for a retrofit light?
It refers to compatibility with 5-inch or 6-inch recessed housings. It does not mean you can skip measuring: check the can's inside diameter and the retrofit's trim and connection details.
For a sizing overview, see our guide to 3, 4, 5 and 6 inch recessed lights.
Can I dim LED retrofit recessed lights?
Several picks here are dimmable, but compatibility depends on the light and the dimmer. Amico says its two standard retrofit packs work with most dimmers except smart dimmers.
Check the specific light's dimmer guidance and your switch model before replacing a full room.
Are retrofit lights the same as slim wafer lights?
No. Retrofit lights connect to an existing recessed can, while slim wafer lights are a different format often used where a can is not present or cannot fit.
See our slim wafer lights guide to compare the formats.
