More smart lights we tested
Photography: 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 looks a lot like the Govee Neon Light Strip above, providing beautiful diffused light in the color of your choice 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 Light Strip ($20)a cheaper light strip without a diffuser, and it is ideal for recessed spotlights.
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 TVs up to 90 inches. That works All rightbut HDMI inputs are limited to 4K at 60Hz, and it’s not as good as our TV picks above, even though it’s much more affordable. I also tested the Linkind Smart Neon Rope Light ($80) and I liked it.
Wiz Smart Neon Flexible Strip for $80: This is another diffused light strip that looks a lot like the Govee Neon light strip above. It’s easy to adjust and shape, can display multiple colors simultaneously, and supports animated effects through the Wiz app. It can also be programmed or synced with music. I also tested and liked the Wiz Smart LED Strip ($22).
Glitter Dots for $82: You can stick these strings of LED dots around picture 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 make the most of the effects, create your own effects and group Twinkly lights. However, the tape is divided into two sections, with the power controls in the center, and you don’t have enough adhesive dots in the box. I also tested and liked the Glittering festoon ($40) outdoor string of bulbs.
Govee G1 Gaming Light Strip for $45: This is very similar to the Philips Hue Play gradient light strip for PC listed above, but not as good. It’s easy to install, comes in two sizes (for 24-26-inch and 27-34-inch monitors), and will liven up your gaming. But syncing relies on Govee’s fragile desktop software. Unfortunately, streaming services like Netflix flag it as copyright infringement on screen recording, so syncing doesn’t work with them. Compatibility with Govee DreamView and Razer Chroma lets you sync other lights and devices.
Moonside One Lamp for $65: This modern lava lamp looks beautiful and has 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 little bulky 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 portable bowl-shaped lamp has a ridge so you can tilt it to read, and it makes a good bedside lamp with dimmable for nighttime and up to 520 lumens for waking you up in the morning. You can change 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 turn the brightness up you’ll be lucky to get two hours, but dimmed it can last around 10 hours.
Nanoleaf Elements for $160: Plastic light panels can look ugly on some walls (especially unlit), so Nanoleaf offers this version of its larger hexagonal panels with a wood effect finish (they’re still plastic). Like the rest of its panels, you can arrange Nanoleaf’s elements according to the template you want, and they support touch controls and music syncing. Unfortunately, they only emit white light, but with a color temperature range of 1500K to 4000K, you can go from cool whites to warm orange glows.
Mpowerd Luci Solar String Lights for $33: If you want lights you can take on the road or camping, this nifty gadget from Mpowerd can brighten up your RV or campsite. The box opens to unfurl the water-resistant (IPX4) light strings. Press the power button to use them as a torch or cycle through the colors of the light string. There’s a solar panel on top for charging (but it’s slow) and a port that goes both ways (so it can double as a power bank).
Nanoleaf Lines for $140: Our previous choice for gamers, the Nanoleaf Lines (8/10, WIRED recommends) project light from behind each line onto the wall, projecting colors and creating a pleasant 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 offer screen mirroring for PC to enhance gaming (Razer Chroma is also supported).
Lifx Light Strip for $75: It’s not as bright as the Philips Hue Gradient Smart Lightstrip, but it offers rich colors, separated zones, and nice animations. The app allows planning and can gradually light up a room in the morning. There’s also music syncing using your phone’s microphone. Smart home integration is solid and no hub is needed, but when I tested the previous version (the LifxZ), it frequently disconnected from Wi-Fi and was unresponsive until it was reset.
