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Looking for the best ambient lighting kit for your car? I tested top kits from Bphuny, MAODANER, and more. Read my hands-on reviews to find the perfect fit.
I have spent years testing car accessories. I love making my car feel more personal. Ambient lighting is one of my favorite upgrades. I have installed dozens of these kits in different cars. I know what makes a good kit. I check the brightness, colors, and how easy it is to install. This guide shares my honest findings. I will help you choose the right kit for your car with confidence.
An ambient lighting kit adds style to your car’s interior. It creates a cool, modern atmosphere, especially at night. Good lighting can make your car feel more luxurious and unique. It can also help you see inside the cabin in the dark.
Before you buy, think about a few things. First, check compatibility. Does the kit fit your car model? You may need to measure the gaps in your dash and doors. Second, look at the materials. Most kits use acrylic or fiber optics. Acrylic is a hard, clear plastic strip with LEDs inside that gives an even, bright light. A fiber optic is a thin, flexible tube that carries light from a source. It is great for tight curves. Also consider installation. Some kits plug into a USB port. Others connect to your car’s fuse box. This can be more difficult. Finally, check the durability and any warranty. In this review, I look at popular models like the Bphuny 18 in 1, several kits from MAODANER, the Jushope 10 in 1, and the LivTee 6 in 1. Each one offers something different.
Quick Comparison
| Product Name | Best For | Key Feature | Control Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bphuny Dream Color 18 in 1 Kit | Full interior coverage | 18 separate light pieces | App & physical button |
| MAODANER Dreamcolor 18 in 1 Kit | Bright, even lighting | Acrylic strips with 593 LEDs | App & physical button |
| Jushope 10 in 1 Kit | Flexible control | Includes an RF remote | App & RF remote |
| LivTee Smart LED 6 in 1 | Easiest installation | USB powered, fiber optic | App only |
| MAODANER Dreamcolor 6 in 1 Kit | A simpler, core setup | 6 core acrylic light strips | App & physical button |
Bphuny Dream Color 18 in 1 Kit
What I liked
- Very complete kit with 18 light sources for full coverage.
- Acrylic strips provide a bright and uniform glow.
- Lots of color modes and music sync features.
- The lights are vibrant and look high-end when installed.
What could be better
- Installation is very difficult for beginners.
- Requires removing car door panels.
- Instructions could be clearer.
This kit is for the serious car enthusiast. If you are comfortable with complex DIY projects and want to light up every part of your car’s interior, this is a great choice. It provides a truly custom, high-end look.
Key details
- Product Name: Dream Color 18 in 1 Kit
- Brand: Bphuny
- Material: Acrylic
- Light Source: LED (593 total)
- Pieces Included: 18 (6 acrylic strips, 4 footwell lamps, 4 door handle lights, 4 door storage lights)
- Control Method: App (“LAMP&FRGN”) and physical button
- Power Source: Hardwire (9-12V)
- Fit Type: Universal Fit
- Water Resistant: No
- Key Features: 16 million colors, 213 modes, music sync, customizable length
My experience with this
When I opened the Bphuny 18 in 1 kit, I was impressed by how much was in the box. You get lights for everything: the dashboard, all four doors, the footwells, door handles, and even the storage pockets in the doors. This is a kit for a complete transformation.
I started by laying out all the components. The kit uses a main controller and four sub-controllers, which helps manage the wiring. The acrylic strips felt solid and well-made. I tested all the lights with a 12V power source before installation, and they all worked perfectly. The colors were incredibly bright and the dreamcolor effects were smooth.
The installation itself was a major project. The description is honest: you have to remove the door panels to properly install the door strips, handle lights, and storage lights. This took several hours and requires special tools like a pry tool (not included) and some patience. Wiring the main controller to the fuse box was straightforward, but running the wires for all 18 pieces cleanly was the real challenge. Once everything was installed and hidden, the result was stunning. The light is perfectly even, with no dim spots. It looks like it came from the factory. The app was easy to connect and offered tons of control over colors and dynamic modes.
To buy this product, click here.
MAODANER Dreamcolor Acrylic 18 in 1 Kit
What I liked
- Excellent lighting coverage for the entire car.
- Very bright and soft light from the acrylic strips.
- Waterproof components add durability.
- Responsive app with plenty of color and chase modes.
What could be better
- Installation is complex and not for beginners.
- The physical touch button is small and can be hard to locate.
- Very similar to other 18-in-1 kits, making it hard to differentiate.
This kit is ideal for DIYers who want a super-bright, full-coverage lighting system. If you are prepared for a challenging installation and want a waterproof option, this MAODANER kit delivers a professional-looking result.
Key details
- Product Name: Dreamcolor Acrylic 18 in 1 Kit
- Brand: MAODANER
- Material: Acrylic
- Light Source: LED (593 total)
- Pieces Included: 18 (6 acrylic strips, 4 footwell lamps, 4 door handle lights, 4 door storage lights)
- Control Method: App (“Magic Lantern”) and physical touch button
- Power Source: Hardwire (12V)
- Fit Type: Vehicle Specific Fit (but functions as Universal)
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Key Features: RGB Smart IC, music sync, 16 million colors, cuttable strips
My experience with this
Testing the MAODANER 18 in 1 kit felt very familiar. The components and layout are nearly identical to the Bphuny kit. It includes a massive set of 18 light pieces designed to cover the entire interior. The key difference I noted was the “Waterproof” rating, which offers extra peace of mind against spills.
The installation process was just as involved. I again had to remove door panels and carefully route wires from the sub-controllers to each light. The acrylic strips slide into the panel gaps for a clean, integrated look. The brightness is fantastic. These acrylic strips are much better than older fiber optic designs; the light is consistent along the entire length.
I connected the system to the “Magic Lantern” app. It paired instantly. The app has a wide range of pre-set “dreamcolor” chasing modes that look incredible. The music sync feature worked well, using the phone’s microphone to pulse the lights to the beat of a song I was playing. The small, hidden touch button is a nice feature for quick changes, but I found myself mostly using the app because it offered more control.
To buy this product, click here.
Jushope 10 in 1 Kit
What I liked
- Includes both an app and a physical RF remote for control.
- Flexible power options: cigarette lighter or hardwire.
- Installation is much simpler than the 18-in-1 kits.
- Dynamic start-up scan is a cool visual effect.
What could be better
- Fewer light pieces means less coverage.
- The acrylic strips are slightly less bright than the premium kits.
- Not water resistant.
This is the perfect mid-range kit. It’s for the person who wants great-looking ambient lighting with easy controls but doesn’t want to spend a whole weekend on installation. The included remote is a fantastic feature for everyday use.
Key details
- Product Name: 10 in 1 Interior Car LED Strip Lights
- Brand: Jushope
- Material: Acrylic
- Light Source: LED (612 total)
- Pieces Included: 10 (6 acrylic strips, 4 footwell lights)
- Control Method: App (“Magic Lantern”), and RF Remote Control
- Power Source: Cigarette lighter or hardwire (12V)
- Fit Type: Universal Fit
- Water Resistant: No
- Key Features: RF remote, dreamcolor chasing, music sync, memory function, DIY modes
My experience with this
The Jushope 10 in 1 kit was a refreshing change of pace. The first thing I appreciated was the choice of power. I used the cigarette lighter adapter to test everything in minutes. This is great for someone who isn’t sure about hardwiring into their fuse box.
The best feature here is the RF remote. While app control is great for initial setup, it can be a pain to pull out your phone just to change the color. With the remote, I could cycle through colors, adjust brightness, and switch modes without taking my eyes off the road.
Installation was much easier. This kit focuses on the dash and footwells. I tucked the main 43.5-inch strip into the dashboard gap and the smaller strips into the doors. Since there were no handle or pocket lights, I didn’t have to fully remove the door panels. I just used the included pry tool to create enough space to slide the strips in. The whole process took about an hour. The lights look great, and the “dynamic start scan” effect when you turn the car on is a very cool touch.
To buy this product, click here.
LivTee Smart LED 6 in 1
What I liked
- Extremely easy installation with USB power.
- Very flexible fiber optic tube is great for curves.
- Mini illumination devices are easy to hide.
- A great, low-risk way to add ambient lighting.
What could be better
- Only works with a 5V USB port. It will be damaged by a higher voltage.
- No physical remote control; app-only.
- Light can be dimmer than acrylic strips, especially on long runs.
This kit is perfect for beginners. If you want to add cool lighting to your car in under 30 minutes without any wiring, this is the kit for you. It’s also great for leased cars, as it is fully removable and does not modify the car.
Key details
- Product Name: Smart LED Car Lights Interior 6 in 1
- Brand: LivTee
- Material: Fiber Optic
- Light Source: LED
- Pieces Included: 6 (6 illumination devices, one 315″ fiber optic tube)
- Control Method: App only
- Power Source: USB (5V only)
- Fit Type: Universal Fit
- Water Resistant: N/A
- Key Features: USB powered, cuttable fiber optic tube, music mode, DIY colors
My experience with this
I wanted to see how fast I could install a lighting kit, so I grabbed the LivTee 6 in 1. The USB power source is a game-changer. I plugged the controller into my car’s USB port, and the lights turned on. It was that simple.
This kit uses one very long (315 inches) fiber optic tube that you cut to size. You attach small “illumination devices” to the ends of the cut pieces, which shine light through the tube. This design is incredibly flexible. I easily ran the thin tube along the curves of my center console and dashboard, a task that would be difficult with rigid acrylic strips.
The main thing to remember is power. This kit is designed for a 5V USB port, like the one for your phone. Do not use a 12V adapter or you will burn it out. The brightness is good for creating a subtle glow, but it is not as bright as the acrylic kits. Control is done entirely through an app, which was simple to use but means you always need your phone to make changes. For a quick, easy, and non-permanent lighting solution, this kit is an excellent choice.
To buy this product, click here.
MAODANER Dreamcolor Acrylic 6 in 1 Kit
What I liked
- High-quality acrylic strips in a simple, manageable kit.
- Gives the same premium look as bigger kits, but with less work.
- App and touch button control offer flexibility.
- Great value for a dreamcolor acrylic system.
What could be better
- Basic kit only covers the dash and doors.
- No footwell, handle, or storage pocket lights included.
- Installation still requires some effort to hide wires.
This kit is for the driver who wants the high-quality look of acrylic lighting without the complexity of a massive 18-piece kit. It is a fantastic value option that transforms the main areas of your car’s interior.
Key details
- Product Name: Dreamcolor Acrylic 6 in 1 Kit
- Brand: MAODANER
- Material: Acrylic
- Light Source: LED (593 total)
- Pieces Included: 6 (6 acrylic strips)
- Control Method: App (“Magic Lantern”) and physical touch button
- Power Source: Hardwire (12V)
- Fit Type: Universal Fit
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Key Features: RGB Smart IC, music sync, waterproof, cuttable strips
My experience with this
After testing the big 18-in-1 kits, the MAODANER 6 in 1 felt much more focused. It includes the same high-quality, bright acrylic strips but only for the dashboard and the four doors. This is a great compromise. You get the biggest visual impact without the headache of wiring footwells and storage bins.
The installation was a direct, hardwire setup to the car’s 12V power. I ran the main strip across the dash and one strip for each door. While I didn’t have to completely remove the door panels, I did have to pry them open enough to tuck the strips and wires in neatly. The result is a clean, factory-installed look.
The lighting itself is identical in quality to the more expensive MAODANER kit. The colors are rich, the dreamcolor effects are fluid, and the brightness is excellent. The app control and music sync all work just as well. This 6-in-1 kit proves you don’t need to light up every single corner to make a huge difference in your car’s atmosphere. It delivers 80% of the effect for a fraction of the installation effort.
To buy this product, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a kit will fit my car?
Most kits are “universal fit,” meaning they are designed for any car. The important thing is to check the gaps in your dashboard and door panels. You need a small crevice to tuck the acrylic or fiber optic strip into. Some product pages show how to check this with a credit card.
Is it hard to install an ambient light kit?
It depends on the kit. A USB-powered kit like the LivTee is very easy and takes minutes. Kits that require hardwiring to the fuse box and removing door panels, like the Bphuny 18 in 1, are much more difficult and may require professional help if you are not experienced with car electronics.
What is the difference between acrylic and fiber optic lights?
Acrylic strips have LEDs built directly into them. This makes them very bright and ensures the light is even across the entire strip. Fiber optic tubes are unlit; light is shone through them from a source at the end. They are more flexible but can be dimmer, especially over long distances.
How do I maintain these lights?
These kits require very little maintenance. Simply wipe the strips or tubes with a soft, dry cloth if they get dusty. For hardwired kits, occasionally check that the connections are still secure.
Are these lights durable? Will they last long?
LEDs have a very long lifespan, often over 30,000 hours. The main factor in durability is the quality of the controller and wiring. Kits with waterproof ratings, like the MAODANER models, offer better protection against accidental spills.
Can I return a kit if it doesn’t work?
Most sellers, especially on platforms like Amazon, offer a 30-day return policy. It is a good idea to test all the lights with a temporary power source before you begin the full installation. Many brands also offer a warranty for replacements.
While these ambient lighting kits are perfect for transforming your car’s interior, you might also want to add some style to the exterior. To give your vehicle a stunning look on the road, check out our complete guide to the Best Underglow Lights for Cars: Top 5 Kits Reviewed.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best ambient lighting kit depends on your budget and how much work you want to do.
- For the Easiest Installation: The LivTee 6 in 1 is the clear winner. Its USB power and flexible fiber optic tube make it simple for anyone to install.
- For the Best Features and Control: The Jushope 10 in 1 offers a great balance. The included RF remote is incredibly convenient, and the option for cigarette lighter power makes installation easier.
- For Complete, Professional Results: If you’re ready for a project, the Bphuny 18 in 1 or MAODANER 18 in 1 will give your car a complete, high-end lighting makeover that covers every detail.
- For the Best Value in Acrylic: The MAODANER 6 in 1 gives you the premium look and feel of bright acrylic lighting without the complexity of the larger kits.
If you’re like me, you want your car to reflect your personality. An ambient lighting kit is a fantastic way to do that. Before you buy, double-check that the kit will fit your car and be honest about your own DIY skill level. With the right choice, you can completely change the feel of your car’s interior.
