More smart lights we’ve tested
Photo: Simon Hill
There are tons of smart ambient light panels, strips, lamps and strings. Here are a few we like too.
Lepro N1 AI Smart Neon Light Strip for $40: This is very similar to the Govee Neon Light Strip above, offering a nice diffused light in the color you want with support for many animated effects, music sync and more in the app. But I found the connection less reliable and prefer the Govee app. I also tested the Lepro S1 AI Smart LED Strip Light ($20), a less expensive light strip without a diffuser, and it’s perfectly decent for recessed spots.
Linkind 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 color light strip suitable for up to 90-inch TVs. It works okaybut the HDMI inputs are limited to 4K at 60Hz, and it’s not as good as our TV pick above, although it’s 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 diffuse light strip similar to 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 synchronized with music. I’ve 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 hang them somewhere, and the app offers a wide range of colors and animated effects. You can map your pattern to get the most out 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 middle, and you don’t get enough sticky dots in the box. I’ve also tested and liked Twinkly Festoon ($40) outdoor 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 mount, comes in two sizes (for screens 24 to 26 inches and 27 to 34 inches), and lights up your gaming. But it relies on Govee’s flaky desktop software to sync. Unfortunately, streaming services like Netflix mark it as copyright infringement for screen recordings, so the sync won’t work with them. Compatibility with Govee DreamView and Razer Chroma lets you sync other lights and peripherals.
Moonside Lamp One for $65: This modern lava lamp looks beautiful and boasts 120 dynamic color zones capable of displaying millions of colors and themes (animated effects). You can even design your own themes or make the lamp react to music. Unfortunately, the app is a bit clunky and the lamp is made of lightweight matte 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 rim so you can angle it for reading and is a great bedside lamp with dimming for the night and up to 520 lumens to wake you up in the morning. You can adjust 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’re still plastic). Like the rest of the panels, you can arrange Nanoleaf’s elements in any pattern you want, and they support touch controls and music syncing. Unfortunately, they only emit white light, but with a color temperature range of 1500 K to 4000 K, you can go from cool white to warm orange glows.
Mpowered Luci Solar String Lights for $33: If you want light you can take with you on the road or on camping trips, this smart gadget from Mpowerd can brighten up your RV or campsite. The container opens to coil waterproof light cords (IPX4). Press the on/off button to use them as a flashlight or cycle through the string 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, Nanoleaf Lines (8/10, WIRED Recommends) projects light from the back of each line onto the wall, throwing colors and creating a lovely ambiance. Even when turned off, Lines look better than most decorative smart lighting because they cast shadows on the wall and can be used for sculptural art. They also boast screen mirroring for PC to enhance gaming (Razer Chroma is also supported).
Lifx Lightstrip for $75: This one is not as bright as the Philips Hue Gradient Smart Lightstrip, but it offers rich colors, separate zones and lovely animations. The app allows for planning and can gradually brighten up 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 dropped Wi-Fi and became unresponsive until reset.