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Discover top smart lighting options offering more value, features, and performance.
People often seek alternatives to the Philips Hue White and Color Starter Kit due to its higher price point, desire for different features, or a preference for a different smart home ecosystem. When choosing an alternative, consider factors such as compatibility with existing smart home devices, color accuracy, brightness, ease of setup, and cost. In this guide, we've identified several top contenders that provide excellent value and unique features, ranging from budget-friendly options to high-end systems that can compete with Philips Hue.
Our top recommendations include products from brands like LIFX, Nanoleaf, and Govee, each offering distinct advantages that cater to different needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for a seamless integration with your existing smart home setup, vibrant and accurate colors, or a cost-effective solution, there's an alternative that will meet your requirements.
The LIFX Color A19 offers a robust alternative to Philips Hue, providing vibrant colors and a wide range of whites without the need for a hub. With Wi-Fi connectivity, it integrates seamlessly with major smart home platforms like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. LIFX bulbs are known for their superior color accuracy and brightness, making them ideal for those who value aesthetics and performance. At a price range of $30-$50 per bulb, it's a cost-effective solution for those looking to expand their smart lighting setup without breaking the bank.
Key Difference: No hub required and superior color accuracy.
Price: LIFX Color A19 bulbs are priced lower than the Philips Hue White and Color Starter Kit when considering the cost per bulb.
The Nanoleaf Essentials Smart Bulb stands out for its seamless integration with the Thread protocol, offering low latency and reliable connectivity. These bulbs support a wide spectrum of colors and whites, and they are compatible with major smart home ecosystems. With a price range of $20-$30 per bulb, they offer a budget-friendly option for those looking to build a Thread-based smart home. Nanoleaf's bulbs are perfect for users who want to future-proof their setup with the latest smart home technology.
Key Difference: Optimized for Thread protocol integration.
Price: Nanoleaf Essentials bulbs are more affordable per bulb compared to the Philips Hue White and Color Starter Kit.
Govee LED Strip Lights provide an affordable entry into smart lighting, with a focus on vibrant colors and customizable scenes. These strips are easy to install and can be controlled via a smartphone app or voice commands through Alexa and Google Assistant. While they don't offer the same level of color accuracy as higher-end options, they are perfect for ambient lighting and decorative purposes. Priced between $20-$40, Govee LED strips are ideal for budget-conscious consumers looking to add some flair to their home.
Key Difference: Affordable and great for ambient lighting.
Price: Govee LED Strip Lights are significantly cheaper than the Philips Hue White and Color Starter Kit.
The TP-Link Kasa KL130 is praised for its straightforward setup and user-friendly app. This smart bulb offers a wide range of colors and dimmable whites, making it versatile for different lighting needs. With Wi-Fi connectivity and compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant, it's a great choice for those new to smart lighting. Priced at $25-$35 per bulb, the Kasa KL130 is an excellent middle-ground option for those seeking simplicity without sacrificing features.
Key Difference: Easy setup and user-friendly app.
Price: TP-Link Kasa KL130 bulbs are less expensive than the Philips Hue White and Color Starter Kit when considering the cost per bulb.
Wyze Bulb Color provides a cost-effective solution with impressive features, including millions of colors and adjustable whites. These bulbs are compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT, offering flexibility in smart home integration. With a price range of $15-$25 per bulb, Wyze bulbs are ideal for those looking to maximize value without compromising on functionality. They're perfect for users who want to dip their toes into smart lighting without a significant investment.
Key Difference: High value with a wide range of colors and whites.
Price: Wyze Bulb Color bulbs are much more affordable than the Philips Hue White and Color Starter Kit.
The C by GE Full Color Smart Light Bulb excels in its integration with Google Home, offering seamless control and automation. These bulbs deliver a wide range of colors and tunable whites, making them suitable for various lighting scenarios. They also support Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, enhancing their flexibility. Priced at $25-$35 per bulb, the C by GE bulbs are a solid choice for those deeply invested in the Google ecosystem.
Key Difference: Optimized for Google Home integration.
Price: C by GE Full Color Smart Light Bulbs are priced lower than the Philips Hue White and Color Starter Kit per bulb.
Yeelight Smart LED Bulb is the go-to choice for those within the Xiaomi ecosystem, offering seamless integration with Mi Home. These bulbs support a wide spectrum of colors and adjustable whites, and they are compatible with major smart home platforms like Alexa and Google Assistant. With a price range of $20-$30 per bulb, Yeelight bulbs are an affordable option for Xiaomi users looking to enhance their smart home setup with reliable and versatile lighting.
Key Difference: Seamless integration with the Xiaomi ecosystem.
Price: Yeelight Smart LED Bulbs are more affordable than the Philips Hue White and Color Starter Kit per bulb.
Compare key specs and features of all our recommendations side-by-side
| Product | Recommendation | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
LIFX Color A19 Rank #1 | N/A | Check price | |
 Nanoleaf Essentials Smart Light Bulbs, Matter Smart LED Bulbs Work with Alexa & Google Home, 1000lm 16M+ RGBTW Color Changing Light Bulb, Music Sync A19 E26 2.4GHz WiFi Bluetooth Light Bulb 60W, 4PK 4 Pack Rank #2 | 4.2 4.2 | Check price | |
 Govee RGBIC LED Strip Lights, Smart LED Lights for Bedroom, Bluetooth LED Lights APP Control, DIY Multiple Colors on One Line, Color Changing LED Strip Lighting Music Sync, Home Decor, 16.4ft Rank #3 | 4.5 4.5 | Check price | |
Kasa Smart Plug by TP-Link, Smart Home Wi-Fi Outlet Works with Alexa, Echo, Google Home & IFTTT, No Hub Required, Remote Control, 15 Amp, UL Certified, 1-Pack(HS103) , WHITE Classic 1-Pack Rank #4 | 4.6 4.6 | ||
Wyze Bulb Color, 1100 Lumen WiFi RGB and Tunable White A19 Smart Bulb, Works with Alexa and Google Assistant, Two-Pack 2 Pack Color Rank #5 | 4.2 4.2 | ||
GE CYNC Smart LED Light Bulb, Full Color, Bluetooth Enabled, Alexa and Google Home Compatible,White, (1 Pack), Packaging May Vary Full Color 1 Count (Pack of 1) Rank #6 | 4.0 4.0 | ||
Linkind Smart Light Bulbs, Smart Bulb That Work with Alexa & Google Home, LED Light Bulbs Color Changing, 104 Preset Scene, Music Sync, A19 E26 2.4GHz RGBTW WiFi Bluetooth Light Bulb 60W, 800LM, 4Pack 4 Count(Pack of 1) Rank #7 | 4.5 4.5 |
