10Best.Guide

Philips Hue

Top Picks

Last Updated: April, 2023
Pros
  • Excellent color rendering and adjustable color temperature
  • Easy to install and pair with existing recessed lighting
  • Ability to set scenes and zones
  • Reliable and high-quality Zigbee hardware
  • Can be paired with Hue bridge and app
Cons
  • Installation can be finicky and difficult for some can types
  • Glow when turning off from the Hue app
Bottom Line
The Philips Hue White Dimmable Smart Retrofit Recessed Downlight is a reliable and high-quality option for those looking to upgrade their existing recessed lighting with adjustable color temperature and the ability to set scenes and zones. However, installation can be difficult for some can types and compatibility with Google Home requires a hub.
Pros
  • Provides warm, indirect light for home theater.
  • Can switch to low-power red for movie watching.
  • Good addition to Hue HDMI sync box setup.
  • Colors are vivid and app is easy to use.
  • Great solution for installing without electrical work.
Cons
  • Expensive compared to other lights.
  • No different than cheaper lights for TV ambiance.
Bottom Line
The Philips Hue Play Light Bars are a great addition to a home theater setup and can provide warm, indirect light. However, they are expensive compared to other lights and may have connectivity issues. The app is easy to use and the product is a good solution for installing without electrical work.
Pros
  • Millions of color options
  • Voice controlled with Google devices
  • Away from home control
  • Lighting hub saves space on wifi
  • Smart buttons are awesome
Cons
  • Horrible experience for some users
  • Not compatible with Alexa without an extension
Bottom Line
Philips Hue lights offer a wide range of color options and smart features, but some users have experienced issues with compatibility and connectivity. The lighting hub can save space on wifi and the smart buttons are a useful addition. However, the price may be a deterrent for some buyers.
Pros
  • Portable and lightweight
  • Full color range
  • Smart and Alexa-capable
  • Great for setting the mood
  • Can be used as a table lamp
Cons
  • Battery life is so-so
  • Unstable design
Bottom Line
The Philips Hue Go White and Color Portable Dimmable LED is a smart and portable lamp that offers a full color range and is great for setting the mood. However, its battery life is so-so, and its design is unstable and awkward. The price is also high for what it offers.
Pros
  • Alexa integration is great.
  • Ability to change the color of the lights based on the time of day.
  • Both hubless and hub connection methods.
  • Easy to connect and work perfectly.
  • The bridge solved connectivity issues.
Cons
  • Sold as new but it was not new.
  • One of the bulbs was throwing off the wrong color.
Bottom Line
Philips Hue Smart Bulbs and Bridge are a great investment for those looking for easy-to-use and reliable smart lighting. However, buyers should be aware of the potential for refurbished or non-new products and the need for a hub to connect the bulbs. The colors are accurate and beautiful, but not as bright as expected. The Alexa integration is great, and the ability to change the color of the lights based on the time of day is a plus.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Philips Hue: Smart Lighting for Your Home

Overview

Philips Hue is a popular brand of smart lighting that allows you to control your lights using an app, voice commands, or automation. With a wide range of products and features, it can be overwhelming to choose the right Philips Hue products for your home. This buying guide will help you understand the different types of Philips Hue products, key considerations to keep in mind, and features to look for when choosing the perfect smart lighting solution for your home.

Types

- Philips Hue LED Bulbs: These bulbs are the foundation of the Philips Hue system and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They offer a range of white and color options and can be controlled using an app or voice commands.

- Philips Hue Light Strips: These flexible strips of LED lights can be used to add ambiance to any room. They come in a variety of lengths and colors and can be cut to fit your specific needs.

- Philips Hue Starter Kits: These kits include everything you need to get started with Philips Hue, including bulbs and a bridge for controlling them.

- Philips Hue Accessories: These include dimmer switches, motion sensors, and more to enhance your Philips Hue experience.

Key Considerations

- Compatibility: Make sure your Philips Hue products are compatible with your existing smart home devices and systems.

- Wireless Range: Consider the range of your wireless network and the distance between your Philips Hue products and the bridge.

- Budget: Philips Hue products can be expensive, so make sure to set a budget before making a purchase.

- Room Size: Consider the size of the room you want to light and how many bulbs or light strips you will need.

Features

- Voice Control: Philips Hue products are compatible with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to control your lights with your voice.

- App Control: The Philips Hue app allows you to control your lights from your smartphone or tablet, even when you're away from home.

- Automation: Set up schedules and routines to automate your lighting and make your home more energy-efficient.

- Color Options: Philips Hue offers a wide range of colors to choose from, allowing you to set the perfect mood for any occasion.

- Ambiance: With features like dimming and light strips, Philips Hue can help you create the perfect ambiance for any room in your home.

Prices

Philips Hue products can range in price from $15 for a single bulb to over $200 for a starter kit. Light strips and accessories can also add to the cost. Make sure to set a budget before making a purchase and consider buying in bulk to save money.

Tips

- Consider buying a starter kit to save money and get everything you need to get started with Philips Hue.

- Use light strips to add ambiance to any room, including behind your TV or under your bed.

- Set up routines and schedules to automate your lighting and save energy.

- Use voice commands to control your lights without having to touch your phone or tablet.

FAQs

Q: Are Philips Hue products compatible with other smart home devices?

A: Yes, Philips Hue products are compatible with a wide range of smart home devices and systems, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and more.

Q: Can I control my Philips Hue lights when I'm away from home?

A: Yes, the Philips Hue app allows you to control your lights from anywhere using your smartphone or tablet.

Q: Do I need a bridge to use Philips Hue products?

A: Yes, a bridge is required to control your Philips Hue products using an app or voice commands. Starter kits come with a bridge, or you can purchase one separately.

Q: How many Philips Hue products can I connect to one bridge?

A: The number of products you can connect to one bridge depends on the specific product and the size of your home. Check the product specifications for more information.

Q: Are Philips Hue products energy-efficient?

A: Yes, Philips Hue LED bulbs are energy-efficient and can help you save money on your energy bill. You can also set up routines and schedules to further reduce your energy usage.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Easy to set up and integrate with smart home.
  • Alexa integration is solid.
  • Hue system is reliable and stable.
  • Color selection is amazing.
  • Easily connect to the bridge.
Cons
  • Only one bulb in the package.
  • Inadequate brightness for big rooms.
Bottom Line
Philips Hue bulbs are easy to set up and integrate with smart homes, have a reliable and stable system, and offer amazing color selection. However, they may not be very bright, have a short lifespan, and are a bit pricey.
Pros
  • Ability to change colors
  • Soft lighting for setting a mood
  • No special wiring required
  • Bright and can output any color
  • Hue software is always evolving
Cons
  • Need to buy a Hue Bridge to get them to work
  • Packaging can be damaged during shipping
Bottom Line
Philips Hue bulbs are a great choice for those who want to set a mood with soft lighting and have the ability to change colors. However, buyers should be aware that they need to purchase a Hue Bridge to get them to work and that the packaging can be damaged during shipping.
Pros
  • Easy installation
  • Provides physical switch control
  • Has an extra outlet
  • Great for guests to use
  • Quick set-up
Cons
  • Switch only works for a short time
  • Expensive
Bottom Line
The Philips Hue Smart Dimmer Switch is a great addition to any Hue system, providing physical control and customizable options. However, some users have experienced issues with the switch's functionality and the product's price point may be a deterrent for some.
Pros
  • Easy to set up and use with the app
  • Flexibility to change colors
  • Bright and energy-efficient
  • Perfect solution for different lighting needs
  • All-in-one capability with other Philips Hue products
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Inconsistent performance
Bottom Line
The Philips Hue bulbs offer a lot of flexibility and convenience with their app and color-changing capabilities, but they come at a high price and may not always perform consistently. The associated app can also be frustrating to use for automation.
Pros
  • Lights work well
  • Easy to set up and control with phone
  • Brightness and range are good
  • Integration with Alexa is seamless
  • Can control lights from a distance
Cons
  • Need a hub to connect to WiFi for remote control
  • More expensive than other smart bulbs
Bottom Line
The Philips Hue White bulb is a bright and easy-to-use smart bulb that integrates well with Alexa. However, it is more expensive than other smart bulbs and only emits white light. Buyers should consider their specific needs and fixture compatibility before purchasing.
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