The competitive lighting world is full of manufacturers constantly fighting to gain your attention. After all, the lighting business can be highly profitable if suppliers can gain a customer’s attention. Today, almost every lighting brand claims to be the best in the US, but which ones actually live up to that claim?
In this article, we’ll explore the best lighting companies in the USA based on reputation, product range, and service.
State of Lighting Manufacturers in the US
The US Lighting industry is growing at an incredible rate. Demand for reliable lighting products has steadily increased for the last ten years. Part of the success could be attributed to the increase in low-cost light fixtures from abroad, which has boosted local sales.
As of 2024, the US lamps and lighting market is estimated at nearly $32 billion, roughly a 50% increase from 2014.
Top 10 US Lighting Companies for Maximum Lighting Efficiency
Here are our top picks for the best lighting companies in the US for your next project.
Company Name | Year Founded | Headquarters | Key Products | Website |
---|---|---|---|---|
Kichler | 1938 | Ohio, USA |
| http://kichler.com |
Cooper Lighting | 1833 | Georgia, USA |
| http://cooperlighting.com |
Cree Lighting | 1987 | North Carolina, USA |
| http://creelighting.com |
Hinkley Lighting | 1910 | Ohio, USA |
| http://hinkley.com |
Vista | 1984 | California, USA |
| http://vistapro.com |
Acuity Brands | 2001 | Georgia, USA |
| http://acuitybrands.com |
Volt Lighting | 2008 | Florida, USA |
| http://voltlighting.com |
Amerlux | 1984 | New Jersey, USA |
| http://amerlux.com |
Warehouse Lighting | 2004 | Wisconsin, USA |
| http://warehouse-lighting.com |
Nora Lighting | 1989 | California, USA |
| http://noralighting.com |
Please note that the order of these companies doesn’t indicate rank.
1. Kichler
Kichler is an all-purpose lighting solutions provider in Ohio, USA. The company started as a small incandescent bulb manufacturer in 1938. With time, it grew to a massive operation with over two hundred employees.
Today, Kichler is more than a lighting company—it’s a lifestyle brand. Using its 86 years of manufacturing experience, it has crafted unique fixture designs that strike the perfect balance of functionality and comfort.
Kichler’s business model focuses on personalized lighting solutions that cater to individual needs. It offers an incredibly diverse range of products that customers can mix and match to get the perfect look for their indoor and outdoor lighting design.
The company’s pride and joy is its packed product catalog. Kichler indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures come with five to ten finishing options (chrome, bronze, silver, metallic black, etc.). If you are shopping for a specific look, you will likely find it in the Kichler catalog.
The company has also established key partnerships with local vendors and is always looking to connect with more professionals. Contractors, builders, designers, and architects are all welcome to collaborate with Kichler.
We also want to highlight Kichler’s smart lighting solutions. Users can use the Kichler Connect App to monitor and control their indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures from anywhere in the country. The smartphone app also supports voice commands, which is a big win for accessibility.
Finally, let’s take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate Kichler’s charitable work. It is the sponsor of the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway. Buyers can purchase a $100 ticket for a chance to win a new house, all while supporting the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which has been caring for sick kids for over 60 years.
Company Advantages
- Packed Product Catalog
- Year of Lighting Experience
- Reliable Customer Service
- Corporate Social Responsibility
Key Products & Services
- Chandeliers
- Ceiling Lights
- Wall Lights
- Ceiling Fans
- Decorative Lighting Solutions
2. Cooper Lighting
Cooper Lighting is an electronics manufacturing company specializing in LED lighting solutions and smart lighting systems. Cooper-branded lighting fixtures are available in every state in the US.
The company has partnered with established retailers like Amazon, Lowe’s, Walmart, Home Depot, and more to bring its products to the masses. Its excellent product portfolio and accessibility across the nation have given it an edge against the competition.
Cooper’s journey to success is full of ups and downs. Originally, the brand was part of the manufacturing giant Cooper Industries. In 1833, the Cooper name was only known for one thing, farm equipment. However, over the next few decades, the company slowly branched out into other manufacturing sectors and succeeded beyond imagination.
In 1987, Cooper Industries entered the lighting sector and established the Cooper Lighting brand. While the brand was successful, it never lived up to the shareholders’ expectations. Thus, in 2010, Cooper sold its lighting division to the Eaton Corporation. However, that acquisition didn’t last very long either. Eaton later sold Cooper Lighting to the newly rebranded Philips company Signify.
Cooper Lighting has remained committed to its core values despite its organizational shakeups. It offers some of the most reliable and energy-efficient lighting solutions in the market.
Cooper sells high-quality lighting products, home automation services, and smart lighting solutions.
Company Advantages
- Nationwide Availability
- Quick Delivery
- Excellent Product Range
- Reliable Customer Service
Key Products & Services
- Architectural Lighting
- LED Recessed Downlights
- Commercial Lighting Solutions
- Emergency & Exit Lighting
- Smart Lighting Solutions
3. Cree Lighting
Cree Lighting is an innovative lighting solutions provider from North Carolina, USA. It is one of the fastest-growing electronics companies in the country and has gained worldwide recognition in just a few years.
The company’s origins are a bit complicated, to say the least. So, let’s do a quick overview of Cree Lighting’s nearly 40-year history.
- In 1982, a team of entrepreneurs established RUUD Lighting.
- In 1987, a group of NC State University graduates started a small semiconductor company called Cree Inc.
- In 2007, RUUD was the first company to launch commercially viable LED lighting fixtures for interior and exterior use.
- In 2008, RUUD made waves in the US lighting industry with its LED street lights.
- In 2011, Cree Inc., a leading manufacturer of LEDs (light-emitting diodes), acquired RUUD Lighting.
- From 2013 to 2020, Cree Inc. expanded on RUUD’s legacy and launched smart lighting products for the commercial and residential lighting industry.
After years of success in the LED lighting sector, Cree decided to return to its original semiconductor business model. Thus, in 2020, Cree Inc. rebranded to Wolfspeed, a semiconductor and chemical researcher and manufacturer. Its LED SMD business was rebranded to Cree LED, and its commercial lighting division, Cree Lighting, became a separate entity.
Following its independence from Cree Inc., the lighting division was sold to Ideal Industries. After a few short years, Cree Lighting was again sold, this time to the ADLT Company.
Company Advantages
- Reliable LED Lighting Solutions
- Diverse Product Catalog
- Good Warranty Coverage
Key Products & Services
- LED Area Lighting
- Retrofit Downlights
- Exit & Emergency Lights
- LED Lighting Accessories
- Smart Control Systems
4. Hinkley Lighting
Hinkley Lighting is a luxury lighting brand that designs and manufactures its own LED lighting fixtures. It is a family-owned company that started in 1922 and is currently run by the fourth generation of the Wiedemer family.
Yes, you heard it correctly. It’s the Wiedemer family, not the Hinkley family. The company was founded by Phil R. Hinkley. Ten years later, a small businessman named Stanley Wiedemer invested in the Hinkley company and became part owner.
Later, in 1937, Phil passed away, and Stanley acquired the remainder of the company shares from Phil’s estate. Stanley kept the Hinkley name in honor of his old friend and business partner.
Regardless of the family name, the Hinkley lighting company has stood strong for over one hundred years. Providing customers with some of the best lighting solutions in the country.
The company sells high-quality lighting fixtures made of premium materials like metal and glass. While the product prices may seem high to most buyers, they are actually relatively low compared to some other luxury lighting brands in the country.
Hinkley uses its profits to invest further in the company. It sells over a thousand unique fixture designs, each made to the highest possible quality standards. Hinkley products range from reliable ceiling lights to luxury, larger-than-life chandeliers.
Company Advantages
- Reliable Customer Support
- High-Quality LED Fixtures
- Price Competitive
Key Products & Services
- Architectural Lighting
- Customized Lighting Solutions
- Residential and Commercial Lighting
- Fans with Integrated Lights
- Decorative Lighting Solutions
5. Vista Commercial Outdoor Lighting
Vista is an outdoor lighting manufacturer specializing in commercial, architectural, and landscape lighting. It is the embodiment of the American Dream.
The story of Vista starts with Dan, a young boy from Cuba. During the 1960s, Dan arrived in the US with one vision. To become a self-made businessman. From a young age, Dan was taught basic electrical skills, which he honed throughout his teenage years.
Initially, the Cuban boy would pick up scrap metal and weld together custom light fixtures to sell on the streets. Eventually, Dan’s handcrafted fixture designs became popular, and the young boy’s dream started to look like a reality.
In 1990, Dan quit his day job and fully committed to his craftsmanship. He established Vista in an industrial area of California and opened up a 600 sq. ft. processing facility. Today, Vista sells a wide range of American-made lighting fixtures.
Vista’s key selling point is its high-quality materials. Its lighting fixtures are encased in metal housings made of steel, aluminum, and polished copper.
Vista started as a small venture by a passionate boy and quickly became a massive operation employing hundreds of hardworking individuals.
Company Advantages
- Good Customer Service
- Excellent Range Products
Key Products & Services
- Floodlights
- Step Lights
- Bollard Lights
- LED Lighting Accessories
- Copper Fixture Housing
6. Acuity Brands
Acuity Brands is one of the world’s biggest, if not the biggest, lighting companies. It boasts a massive 10,000+ workforce that spans over one hundred countries.
The company focuses on smart lighting solutions that incorporate automation and building management solutions into its line. Acuity was never intended to be an electrical or electronics-focused brand.
It started as a simple linen company that quickly ballooned into a mega-corporation. In 1919, Isadore M. Weinstein established the Atlanta Linen Supply Company. The company provided high-quality fabric products to commercial clients, including hotels, offices, and municipalities.
Later, the Atlanta Linen Company acquired a chemical manufacturing plant. At this point, the leadership realized the name didn’t reflect the company’s diverse work, so it was changed to National Service Industries (NSI).
In 1969, NSI acquired Lithonia Lighting Inc. and quickly became a well-known incandescent manufacturer. Over the next 30 years, NSI invested heavily in the lighting industry. The company saw lighting as a more reliable business venture than textiles.
At some point in the early 2000s, NSI decided to rebrand as Acuity Brands Inc. As part of its strategy to corner the US lighting market, Acuity began acquiring smaller companies and incorporating them into one large lighting network.
Today, Acuity Brands Inc. owns over 30 unique lighting-focused brands. These companies range from LED SMD manufacturers and fixture designers to IoT and automation solutions providers.
Company Advantages
- Reliable Supply Chain
- Available in all US States
- Good Product Range
- Reliable LED Lights
Key Products & Services
- Residential LED Lighting
- Automotive Lighting
- Emergency & Exit Lights
- LED Track Lighting
- LED Chips Drivers
- DMX Networking & Controls
7. Volt Lighting
Volt Lighting is a global manufacturer and supplier of professional-grade landscape light fixtures. It’s a B2B (business-to-business) solutions provider with universal coverage across the United States.
The company is a leader in the landscape industry, pushing the boundaries of traditional lighting and implementing innovative lighting solutions. Volt sources high-quality parts from reliable suppliers such as Cree LED.
It pairs Cree LEDs with custom in-house fixture designs that meet the company’s exceptional quality control standards. All Volt Lighting fixtures have a high IP Rating, ensuring long-lasting and reliable operation for several years.
Additionally, the company sells lighting kits at nearly every price point. A reliable LED landscape lighting kit starts at just $50. For enthusiasts and professionals, Volt offers premium fixtures with higher-quality components and better specifications, such as a completely watertight IP68-certified seal.
If you are looking for a landscape lighting specialist, look no further. And if you’re in the market for some other lighting products, Volt has you covered. However, its general-purpose indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures leave a lot to be desired.
Our honest recommendation is that you only consider Volt Lighting for landscape solutions. Nine other companies on this list are better options for everything else.
Company Advantages
- Retrofitting Services
- Fast Shipping Across the US
- Customer Support in 60 Countries
- Competitive Pricing
- Good Warranty Coverage
Key Products & Services
- Landscape Lighting Kits
- RGBW Color LED Light Bulbs
- Transformers & Accessories
- Watertight Lighting Fixtures
8. Amerlux
Amerlux is a commercial lighting manufacturing company based in New Jersey, USA. It is owned by Delta Electronics, a Taiwan-based telecommunications and energy-saving solutions provider.
Like many other lighting companies, Amerlux saw potential in the emerging lighting market and committed to energy-efficient LED technology. The company sees LEDs as more than an illumination device.
Amerlux’s human-centric lighting approach emphasizes human comfort above all else. Its lighting solutions are designed to provide the most natural-looking lighting that mimics the sun’s warmth.
The company builds on its human-centric lighting approach by partnering with the WELL Building Standard. The WELL Building Standard is an international certification ensuring indoor lighting products maximize human performance while maintaining a healthy mood and sleep pattern.
Looking at Amerlux’s history, we can see it has successfully implemented several energy-efficient lighting solutions in the retail and municipal sectors. It recently worked with the Los Angeles government to implement an LED street lighting project that reportedly cuts energy consumption by 75%.
Company Advantages
- Expertise in Urban Lighting Design
- Human-Centric Lighting Approach
- Availability All Over the US
- Sustainable Business Practices
Key Products & Services
- Decorative Downlights
- Area & Street Lighting
- Track Lighting Systems
- Anti-Microbial Lighting
- Building Automation Sensors & Controls
9. Warehouse Lighting
Warehouse Lighting is an industrial lighting solutions provider from Wisconsin, USA. The company specializes in low-cost, energy-efficient lighting fixtures for commercial, industrial, residential, and architectural applications.
While the company has a retail wing, it primarily sells to commercial clients as a B2B sales point. Some prominent Warehouse Lighting clients include contractors, architects, real estate developers, distributors, and electricians.
As competition in the lighting space increases, local manufacturers are struggling. Nowadays, international shipping has become incredibly accessible, and buyers in the United States have the opportunity to import lighting products at a lower overall cost.
Other lighting companies on this list have decided to expand their business to include smart lighting control systems, as they offer better profit margins. However, Warehouse Lighting has taken the safe route and reduced prices to increase sales.
In the end, the real winner is the customer, who gets two excellent choices. By locally for lower rates, or import interactionally for similar prices.
Another big selling point for Warehouse Lighting is its robust customer support. The company offers easy and hassle-free returns to ensure customer satisfaction.
Warehouse Lighting’s warranties can be confusing. It offers limited warranties based on fixture life spans of approximately 50,000 hours. Additionally, some products get a 5-year warranty, while others get a seven-year warranty. Finally, for US customers, the company also provides assistance with energy rebates.
Company Advantages
- Quick Us Shipping
- Lower Prices
- Extensive Product Warranty
Key Products & Services
- LED Bulbs & Tubes
- High & Low Bay Light Fixtures
- Explosion Proof Lighting
- Architectural Lighting
- Table & Floor Lamps
- Ceiling Fans
10. Nora Lighting
Nora Lighting is a relatively small Los Angeles-based LED manufacturer and supplier. It was founded by an Iranian family after migrating to the States in 1989. Alongside Vista, this is our second company that embodies the American Dream.
Nothing could be more American than hardworking, blue-collar workers who are passionate about starting and succeeding in their own businesses.
While Nora Lighting operates on a smaller scale than industry titans like Cooper and Cree, it has carved out a successful path. It offers personalized lighting solutions to its local customer base, ensuring that quality products are paired with dedication and care.
Its Contractor Series of lighting products are optimized for large-volume production and ideal for B2B operations. Businesses can bulk order quality LED lighting and deliver it in a few short days.
Speaking of short delivery times, Nora Lighting also offers a Quick Ship Series, a line of LED fixtures that are fully assembled and ready to ship immediately.
Company Advantages
- Quick Delivery
- Good Customer Service
- Linkages with Local Contractor
Key Products & Services
- Architectural Lighting
- Energy Efficient Lighting Fixtures
- Exit & Emergency Lighting
- Decorative Downlights
- Low-Voltage Lighting Solutions
- Retrofit Lighting Kits
Comparing Products & Services of US Lighting Companies
A quick look at the lighting landscape shows us the business approach of many US companies. Larger companies have doubled down on smart lighting controls as a means to increase their profit margins. Meanwhile, smaller companies have instead focused on customer service and discounts for local contractors.
Company Name | Key Product | Unique Feature/Service | Disadvantage Against Competitors |
---|---|---|---|
Kichler | 12v Landscape Lighting Kits | Adjustable Fixtures | No Customization |
Cooper Lighting | Landscape and Bollard | Light Control System | Cluttered Catalog |
Cree Lighting | LED Downlights | Intelligent Lighting Control | No Customization Options |
Hinkley Lighting | Customized Lighting Solutions | Customization | Cluttered Catalog |
Vista | In-Grade Lights | Copper Fixture Housing | Lacks Product Diversity |
Acuity Brands | Industrial Lighting Solutions | Extensive Product Catalog | No Direct Customer Sales |
Volt Lighting | 12v & 120v Landscape Lighting Kits | High IP-Rating | No Direct Customer Sales |
Amerlux | Indoor LED Lighting | Lighting Control System | Lacks Product Diversity |
Warehouse Lighting | Industrial Lighting | Low Prices | Lack of Customization |
Nora Lighting | Commercial Indoor Lighting | Low Voltage Lighting Solutions | Limited Product Offerings |
3 Tips for Choosing the Right Lighting Supplier in the USA
Choosing the right lighting manufacturer is all about research. Identifying your lighting needs and thoroughly reviewing potential lighting companies is 80% of the work. The remaining 20% is paying for the goods.
Here are three short tips to help you choose a lighting supplier for your next project.
1. Check Experience and Industry Expertise
First and foremost, identify companies with at least 10 years of manufacturing experience. Only reliable and trustworthy companies have stayed in the competitive lighting industry for over a decade.
Many companies offer one-on-one guidance sessions with their engineers to help customers identify the right product. Take to company representatives to gauge their expertise on the topic.
2. Evaluate Product Quality and Variety
Your next step should be to evaluate the product catalog. A rich catalog with a diverse range of products is a good indication of quality. Look for the use of premium materials such as glass, metal, and wood.
You can also request samples before making a large purchase. Just be sure to evaluate the sample properly. Check for loose joints, visible welds, and overheating issues. Only place the final order when you are satisfied with the fit and finish of the sample.
3. Assess Customer Support and Reliability
Look for an online review of the company and check for customer service. Any reputable manufacturer will invest in a good support team. Customer support teams have a few responsibilities. They guide new buyers on products, help customers deal with warranties or refunds, and occasionally offer discounts on large orders.
5 Benefits of LED Lights for Your Business
There is no denying the benefits LED technology has brought to the lighting sector. Here are our top five reasons for recommending LEDs for businesses.
1. Energy Efficiency
LED lighting consumes a fraction of the energy of traditional lighting, such as incandescent and fluorescent bulbs. Less energy means lower utility costs and a reduced carbon footprint.
While LED lighting is more expensive on initial purchase, its return on investment period is relatively short.
2. Extended Lifespan
The average lifespan of an LED light fixture is approximately 50,000 hours, which is 10-25 longer than older incandescent bulbs. Long-lasting lights result in minimal maintenance and replacement costs.
3. Better Light Quality
Artificial lighting always struggles to depict an object’s true color. Industry veterans rely on the color rendering index (CRI) to determine the quality of a light source. The high CRI of LED lights means the light source will mimic the natural tone of sunlight.
4. Eco-Friendly Option
Fluorescent lights use small quantities of mercury to ensure maximum brightness. Mercury is a dangerous element and can cause serious bodily harm. Using toxic materials like mercury also inhibits recycling efforts, making LED a more eco-friendly choice.
5. Versatility and Design Flexibility
LEDs are more energy-efficient and thus have more compact designs. In recent years, LED strip lights have surged in popularity due to their versatility. Modern LEDs have enabled more complex, creative lighting designs that defy imagination.
Conclusion
The US lighting industry is incredibly saturated. Every state has at least two or more major lighting brands fighting for your attention. Of course, there are also hundreds of international companies doing the same. Buyers today are spoiled with so many choices. However, there are a few things that stand out in the lighting industry. First of all, international companies have better availability across the board but lack customization options. Secondly, smaller companies offer more personalization options but at a steeper price.
Chinese manufacturers offer a healthy balance of cost savings and reliability. While importing lighting products isn’t necessary, it can be beneficial for businesses that handle large volumes of orders.
Experience the Best Lighting Products with RC Lighting!
RC Lighting is a leading manufacturer of high-quality lighting products. We use premium components for all our LED fixtures, and our products comply with several US quality standards, such as ISO90001, UL/ETL-Listed, and NEMA.
Take advantage of our excellent customer service and get the best lighting products delivered right to your doorstep. We have no MOQ requirements and offer extensive customization options. RC Lighting has a vast network of international collaborators that ensures your order is shipped and delivered in the shortest time possible.
Get the best quality lighting for the best prices. Contact us Now!