Choosing the Best Track Lighting: Halo or Juno

Published by

Matthew William

When installing track lighting, Halo and Juno are two of the most recognized brand names. Both offer quality track light systems, but there are some key differences to consider when deciding between the two.

This guide examines the pros, cons, and compatible options to help you pick the best track lighting for your purposes.

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	Halo Track Lighting	Juno Track Lighting
Track Style	H, J, L dual circuit	Oval single circuit
Voltage	120-277V	12V
Wattage Capacity	Up to 96W per circuit	Typically 20W max
Fixtures	Recessed, pendants, surface mounts	Wafers, mini pendants, adjustable heads
Adjustability	Some fixtures	Most fixtures
Smart Capability	Select models	N/A
Dimming	Requires compatible transformer	Compatible with standard dimmers
Typical Use	Commercial, task lighting	Residential, accent lighting
Price Point	$$$	$

Overview Of Halo And Juno Track Lighting

Halo and Juno both utilize standardized track that fixtures easily snap onto. The track conduits power while allowing flexible placement of lights along its length. Here’s an introduction to each brand’s track lighting offerings:

Halo Track Lighting

Halo – Founded in 1967, Halo is an industry leader known for track lighting innovations. Their systems use dual-circuit H, J, or L-shaped track with multiple finishes. Fixtures include recessed, pendant, and surface-mounted lights.
Juno – Acquired by Juno Lighting Group, Juno track lighting debuted in the 1990s. Their systems employ single-circuit oval “racetrack” style track. Fixture options include recessed cans, mini pendants, and adjustable heads.

Both brands offer home and commercial products at various price points. Halo tends toward higher output lighting while Juno focuses more on stylized, designer fixtures.

Halo Track Lighting Pros

Dual-circuit capabilities – Halo’s H and L track styles allow for separate control of two circuits on one track. Provides more customizable lighting.
Higher wattage handling – Halo track can accommodate bulbs up to 50W PAR lamps or integrate with LED strips drawing up to 96W per circuit. Great for workspaces needing ample illumination.
Wide style selection – Choose from H, J, or L-shaped track with finishes like white, black, bronze, nickel, etc. Fits any décor.
Adapter options – Halo track rails work with their Halo PowerTrac multi-voltage system using adapters. Expand possibilities with 120-277V.
Brand reputation – Known for quality and innovation for 50+ years. Their track lighting works well and lasts.

Juno Track Lighting Pros

Juno Track Lighting

Discreet oval track – Juno’s flexible oval track conduit blends into most interiors for a subtle accent. Fixtures stand out more than the track.
Low voltage – Runs on 12V power, reducing electrical box needs and making installs easier for DIYers.
Smaller fixtures – Great for tight spaces. Features mini pendants and compact head styles less than 3″ in width.
Fully adjustable – Many Juno fixtures include rotating and pivoting heads for directing light precisely where needed.
Cost-effective – Quality lighting at budget-friendly price points. A smart choice for value-focused consumers.

Halo Track Lighting Cons

Bulkier track – The H and L track styles have a visible, rigid shape that stands out. Not as discrete as oval options.
Dimming requires special transformers – Standard dimmers don’t work directly with Halo track lights, requiring compatible Halo dimming transformers.
Higher voltage – Halo track conduit uses 120-277V power, limiting DIY installs. Generally requires an electrician.
Fewer designer options – Those seeking decorative fixtures may prefer brands like Juno with more stylized lights.
More expensive – Pricing is at the higher end for track lighting. Significant investment for larger spaces.

Juno Track Lighting Cons

Lower wattage capacity – Most fixtures limited to 20W max, which restricts brightness potential for large rooms.
Single circuit only – No support for dual-circuit tracks to control two sets of lights independently.
Lacks high-end products – Consumers wanting commercial-grade track systems may require brands like Halo.
Oval shape limits runs – Straight sections of oval track conduit can only extend 16 feet before needing a curved section.
Fewer mounting orientations – Typically horizontial ceiling installs only. Juno lacks upright or angled track pieces that Halo offers.

Are Halo and Juno Track Systems Compatible?

Halo and Juno tracks use different voltages and track conduit shapes, making their systems generally incompatible. However, both brands offer track adapter solutions:

Halo – Their HALO PowerTrac multi-voltage track works with 120-277V and features an adapter to connect Juno fixtures.
Juno – Juno sells a Halo adapter that allows their 12V heads to mount onto select Halo H and L-style 120V track.

So while their systems are mostly brand-exclusive, adapters do exist to cross-connect the two brands if desired.

Also watch the video about Juno Track Lighting!

Which Track Light Brand is the Best?

For most residential lighting, Juno provides an affordable track system with flexible oval rails and small fixtures ideal for accent lighting. Their low voltage approach also makes DIY installation easier.

For commercial spaces and tasks demanding brighter, high-powered illumination, Halo’s heavy-duty track and broader lighting options excel. Their dual-circuit tracks also allow for more custom control configurations.

Those wanting both name brands can use their respective adapters to freely combine Halo and Juno fixtures on shared track runs. Overall, choosing between them depends on your exact lighting needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are Halo and Juno wafer lights compatible?

No, the disc-shaped wafer lights used on Juno’s oval track will not directly mount onto Halo’s track rails, which use an incompatible socket design. However, with Juno’s adapter, their wafer fixtures can connect to some Halo H and L track styles.

Which track light system is best?

For accent lighting, Juno’s flexible 12V oval track provides an affordable, easy to install system. For work lighting demanding higher wattage bulbs, Halo’s dual-circuit 120-277V track offerings excel. Quality-wise both are good systems when used for their intended purposes.

Are Juno wafer lights any good?

Yes, Juno’s wafer lighting fixtures provide high-quality accent illumination perfect for highlighting art, shelves, and displays across their oval track runs. The thin wafer design allows light to be cast at a variety of angles while their small size suits tight spaces.

What type of track does Juno use?

Juno utilizes flexible oval “racetrack” style conduit with a single 12V alternating circuit. Their snap-on fixtures featuring wafer lights, mini pendants, adjustable heads and more slide onto the oval track that can curve and bend around obstructions.

Also Read: Trimlight Vs. Everlight: Choosing Trending Outdoor Lighting Option

Conclusion

When installed properly for your intended use, quality track lighting can make a dramatic difference in any space. Both Halo and Juno offer excellent track-based lighting solutions, with Halo focusing on high performance and Juno providing value-focused decorative options.

Taking stock of your lighting needs and installation considerations will determine which brand’s system works best. Adapters also exist if you want the flexibility to combine fixtures from both companies. With modern track lighting, easy customization provides the perfect accent illumination for any environment.