More Smart Lights We Tested
Photograph: Simon Hill
There are tons of smart ambient lighting panels, strips, lamps, and strings. Here are a few we also like.
Lepro N1 AI Smart Neon Light Strip for $40: This is much like the Govee Neon Light Strip above, offering a lovely diffused light in whatever color you want with support for many animated effects, music syncing, and more in the app. But, I found the connectivity less reliable and prefer the Govee app. I also tested the Lepro S1 AI Smart LED Strip Light ($20), a cheaper light strip without the diffuser, and it’s perfectly decent for recessed spots.
Linkind Smart TV Light Strip With HDMI Sync Box for $47: This is a far cheaper version of the Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box above, and it includes a sync box and a color light strip suitable for up to 90-inch TVs. It works okay, but the HDMI inputs are limited to 4K at 60 Hz, and it’s not as good as our TV picks above, though it is much more affordable. I also tested the Linkind Smart Neon Rope Light ($80) and liked it.
Wiz Smart Neon Flex Strip for $80: This is another diffused light strip that’s much like the Govee Neon Light Strip above. It’s easy to fit and shape, can display multiple colors simultaneously, and supports animated effects via the Wiz app. It can also be scheduled or synced with music. I also tested and liked the Wiz Smart LED Strip ($22).
Twinkly Dots for $82: You can stick these strings of LED dots around frames and furniture or have them hanging somewhere, and the app offers a wide range of colors and animated effects. You can map your pattern to make the most of the effects, create your own effects, and group Twinkly lights together. On the downside, the strip is split into two sections, with the power controls in the center, and you don’t get enough adhesive dots in the box. I also tested and liked the Twinkly Festoon ($40) outdoor string of bulbs.
Govee G1 Gaming Light Strip for $45: This is very similar to the Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip for PC listed above, but not quite as good. It is easy to fit, comes in two sizes (for monitors 24 to 26 inches and 27 to 34 inches), and brightens up your gaming. But it relies on Govee’s flaky desktop software to sync. Sadly, streaming services like Netflix flag it as screen recording copyright infringement, so the syncing doesn’t work with them. Compatibility with Govee DreamView and Razer Chroma enables you to sync up other lights and peripherals.
Moonside Lamp One for $65: This modern lava lamp looks gorgeous and boasts 120 dynamic color zones capable of displaying millions of colors and themes (animated effects). You can even design your own themes or have the lamp react to music. Sadly, the app is a tad clunky, and the lamp is made of lightweight frosted plastic, so it’s a little too easy to accidentally knock it over.
Philips Hue Go 2 for $90: This bowl-shaped portable lamp has a ridge so you can angle it for reading, and it makes a good bedside lamp with dimming for nighttime and up to 520 lumens to wake you in the morning. You can tweak the temperature and choose from millions of colors. This newer version (2019) has Bluetooth, so you don’t need a Hue Bridge. Battery life is limited; if you crank up the brightness, you’ll be lucky to get two hours, but dimmed, it can last around 10.
Nanoleaf Elements for $160: Plastic light panels can look ugly on some walls (especially turned off), so Nanoleaf offers this version of its larger hexagonal panels with a wood finish effect (they are still plastic). Like the rest of its panels, you can arrange Nanoleaf’s Elements in whatever pattern you want, and they support touch controls and music syncing. Sadly, they only put out white light, but with a color temperature range of 1500 K to 4000 K, you can go from cool whites to warm orangey glows.
Mpowerd Luci Solar String Lights for $33: If you want lights you can take on the road or on camping trips, this clever gadget from Mpowerd can brighten up your RV or campsite. The canister pops open to unspool water-resistant string lights (IPX4). Press the power button to use them as a torch or cycle through the string light colors. There’s a solar panel on top for recharging (but it’s slow) and a port that goes both ways (so this can double as a power bank).
Nanoleaf Lines for $140: Our previous pick for gamers, the Nanoleaf Lines (8/10, WIRED Recommends) project light from the back of each line onto the wall, casting colors and creating a lovely ambiance. Even when turned off, the Lines look better than most decorative smart lighting because they cast shadows on the wall and could pass for sculptural art. They can also boast screen mirroring for PC to enhance gaming (Razer Chroma is supported too).
Lifx Lightstrip for $75: This isn’t as bright as the Philips Hue Gradient Smart Lightstrip, but it offers rich colors, separate zones, and lovely animations. The app allows for scheduling and can gradually brighten a bedroom in the morning. There’s also music syncing using your phone’s microphone. Smart home integration is solid, and there’s no need for a hub, but when I tested the previous version (the Lifx Z), it frequently disconnected from Wi-Fi and was unresponsive until reset.
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