More smart lights we tested
Photography: Simon Hill
There are tons of smart ambient lighting panels, strips, lamps, and chains. Here are some we like too.
Lepro N1 AI Smart Neon Light Strip for $40: This is very similar to the Govee neon strip lights above, offering beautiful diffused light in any color you want with support for many animated effects, music sync, and more in the app. But I found the connectivity to be less reliable and prefer the Govee app. I also tried the Lepro S1 AI Smart LED Light Strip ($20)a more economical light strip without a diffuser and that is perfectly suitable for recessed spotlights.
Linkind Smart TV Light Strip with HDMI Sync Box for $47: This is a much cheaper version of the previous Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box and includes a sync box and color light strip suitable for TVs up to 90 inches. Works Wellbut the HDMI inputs are limited to 4K at 60Hz, and it’s not as good as our previous TV picks, although it’s much more affordable. I also tried the Linkind Smart Neon Rope Light ($80) and he liked it.
Wiz Smart Neon Flexible Strip for $80: This is another diffuse 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 scheduled or synchronized with music. I also tried and liked the Wiz Smart LED Strip ($22).
Twinkle Points for $82: You can stick these LED dot strings 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. The downside is that the strip is divided into two sections, with the power controls in the center, and there aren’t enough adhesive dots on the box. I also tried and liked the Twinkle Ornament ($40) string of outdoor light bulbs.
Govee G1 gaming light strip for $45: It is very similar to the Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip for PC mentioned above, but not as good. It’s easy to install, comes in two sizes (for 24- to 26-inch and 27- to 34-inch monitors), and brightens up your gaming. But it relies on Govee’s unstable desktop software to sync. Unfortunately, streaming services like Netflix flag this as screen recording copyright infringement, so sync doesn’t work with them. Govee DreamView and Razer Chroma support lets you sync other lights and peripherals.
Moonside lamp one for $65: This modern lava lamp looks gorgeous and features 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. Unfortunately, the app is a little clunky and the lamp is made of lightweight frosted plastic, so it’s 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 for reading and is a good bedside lamp with dimming for the night and up to 520 lumens to wake you up in the morning. You can modify 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 up the brightness, you’ll be lucky to get two hours, but if you dim it, it can last around 10.
Nanoleaf Elements for $160: Plastic light panels can look ugly on some (especially dull) walls, so Nanoleaf offers this version of their larger hexagonal wood finish effect panels (they’re still plastic). Like the rest of its panels, you can arrange Nanoleaf 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 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 a trip or camping trip, this nifty device from Mpowerd can light up your RV or campsite. The container opens to unroll the waterproof (IPX4) string lights. Press the power button to use them as a torch or toggle between string light colors. There’s a solar panel on top for recharging (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 pick for gamers, Nanoleaf Lines (8/10, WIRED recommends) project light from the back of each line onto the wall, projecting colors and creating a lovely atmosphere. Even when turned off, the Lines look better than most decorative smart lights because they cast shadows on the wall and could pass for sculptural art. They can also boast PC screen mirroring for enhanced 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, separate zones, and lovely animations. The app allows scheduling and can gradually illuminate a bedroom in the morning. You can also sync music using your phone’s microphone. The smart home integration is solid and you don’t need a hub, but when I tried the previous version (the LifxZ), frequently disconnected from the Wi-Fi network and became unresponsive until restarted.