More smart lights we tested
Photo: Simon Hill
There are lots of smart ambient panels, strips, lights and lighting strips. Here are some we also like.
Lepro N1 AI smart neon strip for $40: This is very similar to the Govee Neon Strip above, providing lovely diffused lighting in any color you want along with support for multiple animation effects, music syncing and more in application. However, I found the connectivity less reliable and preferred the Govee app. I have also tested Lepro S1 AI Smart LED Strip Light ($20)The cheaper light strip does not have a diffuser and it is perfectly suitable for recessed spots.
Linkkind Smart TV light strip with HDMI sync box for $47: This is a much cheaper version of the Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box above, and it includes a sync box and a colored light strip suitable for TVs up to 90 inches. It works Okaybut the HDMI input is limited to 4K at 60 Hz, and it's not as good as our TV pick above, despite being much more affordable. I have also tested Linkkind Smart Neon String Light ($80) and like it.
Wiz Smart Neon Strip for $80: This is another diffused light strip very similar to the Govee Neon Strip above. It's easy to mount and shape, can display multiple colors at once, and supports animation effects through the Wiz app. It can also be scheduled or synchronized with music. I also tried it and liked it Wiz Smart LED Strip ($22).
Glitter dot for $82: You can stick these strings of LED dots around frames and furniture or hang them somewhere and the app will provide a variety of colors and animation effects. You can map your pattern to get the most out of the effects, create your own, and group Twinkly lights together. On the downside, the strip is split into two parts, with the power controls in the middle, and you don't get enough sticky dots in the box. I also tried it and liked it Sparkling Festival ($40) String of outdoor lights.
Govee G1 Gaming Light Strip for $45: This is very similar to the Philips Hue Play gradient Lightstrip for PC listed above, but not as good. It's easy to install, comes in two sizes (for 24 to 26 inch and 27 to 34 inch monitors) and brightens up your gaming experience. But it relies on Govee's easy-to-use desktop software for synchronization. Sadly, streaming services like Netflix flag it as screen recording copyright infringement, so the sync feature doesn't work with them. Compatibility with Govee DreamView and Razer Chroma allows you to synchronize lights and other peripherals.
Moon lamp one for $65: This modern lava lamp looks stunning and has 120 dynamic color zones capable of displaying millions of colors and themes (animated effects). You can even design your own theme or have the lights react to music. Sadly, the application is a bit clunky, and the lamp is made of lightweight translucent plastic so it's easy to accidentally knock it over.
Philips Hue Go 2 for $90: This bowl-shaped portable lamp has a ledge so you can tilt it to read, and it's a good night light with night-time dimmability and up to 520 lumens of brightness to wake you up in the morning. bright. You can adjust the temperature and choose from millions of colors. This newer version (2019) has Bluetooth so you don't need the Hue Bridge. Battery life is limited; If you turn up the brightness, you'll be lucky to get two hours, but if you turn down the brightness, it can last about 10 hours.
Nanoleaf elements for $160: Plastic light panels can look bad on some walls (especially when turned off), so Nanoleaf offers a version of this larger hexagonal panel with a wood-effect finish (they're still plastic ). Like the rest of the boards, you can arrange the Nanoleaf's components in any fashion you want, and they support touch controls and music syncing. Sadly, they only emit white light, but with a color temperature range of 1500 K to 4000 K, you can go from cool white light to warm orange light.
Mpowerd Luci solar string lights for $33: If you want a light you can take on the road or on camping trips, this smart device from Mpowerd can brighten up your RV or campsite. The box opens to remove the waterproof (IPX4) light cord. Press the power button to use them as a torch or cycle through the string's light colors. There's a solar panel on top for recharging (but it's slow) and a port that connects both ways (so this can double as a charging port). power bank).
Nanoleaf line for $140: Our previous pick for gamers, Nanoleaf Lines (8/10, WIRED recommended) shines light from behind each line onto the wall, creating color and creating a lovely atmosphere. Even when turned off, the lines still look better than most smart decorative lights because they cast shadows on the wall and can be considered sculptural art. They can also boast screen mirroring for PC to enhance gaming (Razer Chroma is also supported).
Lifx light strip for $75: This isn't as bright as the Philips Hue gradient Smart Light Strip, but it offers rich colors, distinct zones, and lovely animations. This app allows scheduling and can gradually brighten the bedroom in the morning. There's also music syncing using your phone's microphone. Smart home integration is solid and doesn't require a hub, but when I tested the previous version ( Lifx Z), it frequently disconnects from Wi-Fi and becomes unresponsive until reset.