Toby- Toby
Top 6 Best Smart Bulbs: Control your Kitchen from your Phone!
Updated: Jul 12, 2020
Smart technology is constantly improving, with one of the first categories being smart bulbs. What was a very traditional halogen bulb, is now a clever app controlled multi-coloured LED bulb. Some require installation, but most are simply screw on. Now, smart bulbs have gone one step further and been integrated with digital assistants such as Alexa or Google Assistant, or be controlled automatically using timers. Broadly speaking, there are two types of smart bulbs: E27 (Edison screw in) and B22 (bayonet cap).
1) Avatar Controls Wifi Smart Bulb
This Avatar Controls Smart wifi bulb is probably one of the cheapest on the market, but this doesn't necessarily show. Their Bulbs are B22 (so will only fit some sockets) and work with Alexa and Google Assistant without using a hub. Their app is simple and effective, and allows the user to set timers or schedules. The LED bulbs allow over 16 million colours too. We found this bulb to have amazing colour capabilities with a very significant brightness.
Specs:
B22
8W
800-910 Lumen
No Hub required
App, Alexa, Google Assistant
2) Philips Hue White
As you'd expect, Philips has created a beautifully designed smart bulb, with high quality materials. This product can be bought as a B22, E27, E14 or GU10, meaning they'll fit any house! The best part of this product is the app, which is created with an amazing UX. The lights can be controlled via the Phillips smart app, Alexa or Google Assistant, however only 10 can be controlled in one room, before requiring a smart bridge. Likewise, if you want to use Apple HomeKit, timers or smart control from abroad then you'll need the hub.
Specs:
B22 / E27 / E14 / GU10
10W
806 Lumen
No Hub required
App, Alexa, Google Assistant
Buy Now Amazon: £14.99 (1 pack)
Buy Now Currys: £24.99 (2 pack)
3) LE Smart Light Bulb
This Smart bulb from LE is amazing value for money, which is currently on a deal! This B22 smart bulb has all the usual technical features as competitors, such as being controlled via their Lepro Lamp UX app, Alexa and google assistant compatible, schedules and timers. Overall, a great product and amazing value for money.
Specs:
B22
9W
806 Lumen
No Hub required
App, Alexa, Google Assistant
4) TP-Link Kasa
This specific bulb, Kasa, has all the functionality as expected. The main differentiator for this product is the energy monitoring section of their app, which allows real time information of expenditure. Perfect for those working to a budget or those wanting to save money. Timers, schedules, remote Access, multi colour, Alexa and Google Assistant are all standard for Kasa bulbs too.
Specs:
B22 / E27
10W
806 Lumen
No Hub required
App, Alexa, Google Assistant
5) Philips Hue White & Colour Starter Kit
Philips' previous light bulb is amazing, albeit requiring a hub for larger houses, but lacked due to the colour. Well, Philips also have a white and colour variant, which creates some beautiful tones, which light up any room. Again, this can be bought as a B22, E27 or GU10, and is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Homekit. What sets Philips above competitors is the ability to create personalised moods, which save as presets onto their app.
Specs:
Smart technology is constantly improving, with one of the first categories being smart bulbs. What was a very traditional halogen bulb, is now a clever app-controlled multi-coloured LED bulb. Some require installation, but most are simply screw on. Now, smart bulbs have gone one step further and been integrated with digital assistants such as Alexa or Google Assistant, or be controlled automatically using timers. Broadly speaking, there are two types of smart bulbs: E27 (Edison screw-in) and B22 (bayonet cap).
9W
806 Lumen
No Hub required
App, Alexa, Google Assistant
6) LIFX A60 Wifi Smart LED Light
LIFX are certainly becoming a big competitor to Philips. We found their smart bulbs to be the brightest, and virtually the same colour temperatures. Their products allow the usual, including the ability to create pre-sets and create groupings.
Specs:
B22 / E27
11W
1100 Lumen
No Hub required
App, Alexa, Google Assistant
Our Verdict
Overall, we think smart bulbs are insane! Although the upfront cost may be expensive compared to normal halogens/ LED bulbs, the maintenance is low, and the fun is amazing! If you're going to kit your whole house out, then Philips is truly amazing, but you'd need a smart hub for the full functionality. If not, then the next best, and our favourite, is Kasa.
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