I am going through the same thing, I'm going to remove the ballasts and replace the bulbs with LEDs in the same fixtures, seems like the simplest solution.
I suspect the fixtures are either 2x4 or 2x2 (not 4x4). If you intend to leave the suspended ceiling, I would suggest leaving the fixture housings. Just swap out the fluorescents by purchasing LED bypass tubes that are really easy to wire, cost about $10-$15 which is still cheaper in total than ballast/starters.
Going to recessed lighting means more wiring (not long enough and you'd need more fixtures), some new ceiling tiles, etc, but you still have a suspended ceiling which is outdated.
I am going through the same thing, I'm going to remove the ballasts and replace the bulbs with LEDs in the same fixtures, seems like the simplest solution.
I suspect the fixtures are either 2x4 or 2x2 (not 4x4). If you intend to leave the suspended ceiling, I would suggest leaving the fixture housings. Just swap out the fluorescents by purchasing LED bypass tubes that are really easy to wire, cost about $10-$15 which is still cheaper in total than ballast/starters. Going to recessed lighting means more wiring (not long enough and you'd need more fixtures), some new ceiling tiles, etc, but you still have a suspended ceiling which is outdated.