Advertising Disclosure ?
fact checked Fact Checked

Best Smart Bulbs for 2023: The Future of Home Lighting

The Best Smart Bulbs 2023 helps you to control your lights with your voice, also to schedule them to turn on and off automatically, and create custom scenes.

CR Staff
By Updated: 2024, Feb 28

Introduction to Smart Bulbs

Best Smart Bulbs are a great way to add convenience and control to your home lighting. With smart bulbs, you can change the color and brightness of your lights with your voice, schedule your lights to turn on and off automatically, and create custom scenes.

Best Smart Bulbs for 2023: The Future of Home Lighting
Best Smart Bulbs

Welcome, tech enthusiasts! If you’re here, you’re probably interested in the wonderful world of smart lighting. But what exactly are these devices? In its simplest form, a smart bulb is a light bulb you can control remotely, usually via a smartphone app. But as we’re about to see, there’s a lot more to the story than that.

The appeal of smart bulbs is twofold: convenience and customizability. With smart bulbs, you can switch your lights on or off, adjust their brightness, or even change their color—all without leaving your comfy couch. Forgot to switch off your lights before leaving for work? No worries, just tap your app. Want to set the perfect mood for a romantic dinner? Your smart bulb has got you covered.

In this article, we’ll dive into the world of smart bulbs, exploring what makes them ‘smart’, their role in a smart home, and a detailed review of some of the best smart bulbs on the market today, including Philips Hue—our primary keyword—and several other exciting brands.

What Makes a Light Bulb ‘Smart’?

Surely, a light bulb can’t be ‘smart’ in the same way as, say, a smartphone or a computer? Well, you’d be surprised. At their core, smart bulbs are still light bulbs: they fit into your standard light fixtures and they provide light. But it’s the additional features that make them ‘smart’.

First, smart bulbs connect to your Wi-Fi network, allowing you to control them remotely through an app on your smartphone. But that’s just the beginning. Most smart bulbs also allow you to adjust their brightness and color. Some can even change color temperature, allowing you to switch between a warm, relaxing glow and a cooler, more energizing light.

Moreover, smart bulbs can be programmed to follow a schedule or react to certain triggers. For instance, you could set your lights to gradually brighten in the morning to simulate a sunrise, helping you wake up more naturally. Or you could have them switch on automatically when you get home, so you’re never greeted by a dark house. All these features combined make a light bulb ‘smart’.

The Role of Smart Light Bulbs in a Smart Home

In an increasingly connected world, smart home devices are the future. From smart thermostats and doorbells to smart speakers and refrigerators, these devices aim to make our lives easier and more comfortable. And smart light bulbs are a key part of this ecosystem.

Smart light bulbs integrate seamlessly with other smart home devices, allowing for even more automation and convenience. Imagine this: you’re watching a movie, and you want to create the perfect ambiance. With a simple voice command to your Alexa or Google Home, you can dim your lights, adjust their color, and even close your smart blinds—all without lifting a finger.

Moreover, smart bulbs can enhance your home’s security. You can program them to switch on and off at random times when you’re away, giving the impression that someone’s home. You can also link them to your smart security system, so they flash red when an intruder is detected. These are just a few examples of how smart bulbs can play a role in a broader smart home setup.

The rest of the article will review some of the best smart light bulbs available today, including several Philips Hue options. Each section will cover what we like and don’t like about each bulb, product specifications, pros and cons, and our overall verdict.

Quick Summary

Image Product Description Price
1
globe-electric-smart-ambient-light
Globe Electric Smart Ambient Light
This smart bulb from Globe Electric is a great option for those who want to add a touch of ambiance to their home lighting. It can change color to create a variety of moods, and it’s also dimmable, so you can adjust the brightness to suit your needs. The bulb is easy to set up and use, and it’s compatible with most voice assistants, so you can control it with your voice.
2
philips-dimmable-a19
Philips Dimmable A19
This dimmable smart bulb from Philips is a great value option. It’s easy to set up and use, and it’s compatible with most voice assistants. The bulb is also energy-efficient, so you can save money on your energy bills.
3
Philips Hue Iris Table Lamp
Philips Hue Iris Table Lamp
This table lamp from Philips Hue is a great option for those who want to add some style to their home lighting. It comes with a smart bulb that can change color and brightness, and it’s also dimmable. The lamp is easy to set up and use, and it’s compatible with most voice assistants.
4
Wyze Bulb White
Wyze Bulb White
This smart bulb from Wyze is a great option for those who are looking for a budget-friendly, no-frills smart bulb. It’s easy to set up and use, and it’s compatible with most voice assistants. The bulb is also dimmable, so you can adjust the brightness to suit your needs.
5
Wyze Night Light
Wyze Night Light
This night light from Wyze is a great option for those who want a soft, calming light for their bedrooms or nurseries. It’s easy to set up and use, and it’s compatible with most voice assistants. The night light also has a motion sensor, so it will turn on automatically when it senses movement.
6
Philips Hue Bluetooth White and Color Ambiance Bulb
Philips Hue Bluetooth White and Color Ambiance Bulb
This smart bulb from Philips Hue is a great option for those who want a high-end smart bulb with all the bells and whistles. It can change color and brightness, and it’s also dimmable. The bulb is easy to set up and use, and it’s compatible with most voice assistants. It also has a Bluetooth connection, so you can control it without a WiFi connection.


1. Globe Electric Smart Ambient Light

Globe Electric Smart Ambient Light

  • What We Like?

    The Globe Electric Smart Ambient Light is a budget-friendly option that’s easy to install and offers a decent range of colors. It’s controllable via the Globe Suite app, Alexa, and Google Assistant, providing versatile control options.

  • What We Don’t Like?

    While affordable, this light’s brightness is slightly lower compared to competitors, and the light quality can be a bit harsh. It lacks some advanced features found in premium models, such as music syncing.

Product Specifications

Shape and Base A19 shape, E26 base
Color Temperature 2000K to 7000K
Lumens 800 lumens
Lifespan 20,000 hours
Power Consumption 10 watts

Pros

  • Affordable
  • User-friendly app
  • Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant

Cons

  • Lower brightness
  • Harsh light quality at times
  • Lacks advanced features
9.0
Our Score

Our Verdict

The Globe Electric Smart Ambient Light is a reliable budget option that offers decent colors and user-friendly control. While it lacks some advanced features, it’s a solid performer overall.


2. Philips Dimmable A19

Philips Dimmable A19

  • What We Like?

    The Philips Dimmable A19 Bulb offers impressive performance and reliability. With its versatile color range, it’s controllable via the Wiz app and is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and SmartThings.

  • What We Don’t Like?

    Despite its high-quality performance, this bulb is relatively expensive. Additionally, the need to use the Wiz app instead of the standard Philips Hue app may be a minor inconvenience for some users.

Product Specifications

Shape and Base A19 shape, E26 base
Color Temperature 2200K to 6500K
Lumens 800 lumens
Lifespan 25,000 hours
Power Consumption 9.5 watts

Pros

  • Excellent performance
  • Wide color range
  • Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and SmartThings

Cons

  • Relatively high price
  • Requires the Wiz app instead of standard Philips Hue app
8.5
Our Score

Our Verdict

The Philips Dimmable A19 Light Bulb is a top-notch performer with its color range and reliability. While it’s on the expensive side and has its app limitations, it’s a solid investment for your smart home.


3. Philips Hue Iris Table Lamp

Philips Hue Iris Table Lamp

  • What We Like?

    The Philips Hue Iris Table Lamp is a stylish and versatile smart light. With its impressive brightness and color range, it’s perfect for enhancing the ambiance of any room. The sync with music and movies adds an extra layer of entertainment.

  • What We Don’t Like?

    The higher price tag and the need for a Philips Hue Bridge for full functionality might be limiting for some users.

Product Specifications

Output 210 lumens
Color Temperature 2000K to 6500K
Lifespan 25,000 hours
Power Consumption 8 watts

Pros

  • Impressive brightness
  • Beautiful color range
  • Syncs with music and movies

Cons

  • Higher price
  • Requires Philips Hue Bridge
9.0
Our Score

Our Verdict

The Philips Hue Iris Table Lamp is a premium smart light that excels in brightness and color options. While it’s pricier and requires a hub, its functionality and aesthetics make it a solid choice for those invested in the Philips Hue ecosystem.


4. Wyze Bulb White

Wyze Bulb White

  • What We Like?

    The Wyze Bulb White is an affordable and reliable choice for basic lighting needs. It’s easy to install, user-friendly through the Wyze app, and offers compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant.

  • What We Don’t Like?

    This bulb offers only warm white to cool white light, with no color options available. Additionally, the brightness might not be sufficient for certain spaces.

Product Specifications

Shape and Base A19 shape, E26 base
Color Temperature 2700K to 6500K
Lumens 800 lumens
Power Consumption 9 watts

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Easy to install
  • Voice control compatible

Cons

  • No color options
  • Lower brightness compared to some competitors
7.5
Our Score

Our Verdict

The Wyze Bulb White is an affordable option for basic lighting needs. While it lacks color options and might not be the brightest, its simplicity and compatibility make it a practical choice.


5. Wyze Night Light

Wyze Night Light

  • What We Like?

    The Wyze Night Light is a simple and affordable solution for low-light situations. The easy installation and motion sensor activation make it practical for pathways and nighttime needs.

  • What We Don’t Like?

    This night light lacks advanced features like app control and color options. The brightness might not be suitable for areas requiring more illumination.

Product Specifications

Output 40 lumens
Color Temperature 2700K
Power Consumption 0.5 watts

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Motion sensor activation
  • Easy installation

Cons

  • No app control
  • No color options
  • Lower brightness
7.0
Our Score

Our Verdict

The Wyze Night Light is a basic and affordable solution for providing gentle illumination in low-light scenarios. While it lacks advanced features, its motion sensor activation adds a touch of convenience.


6. Philips Hue Bluetooth White and Color Ambiance Bulb

Philips Hue Bluetooth White and Color Ambiance Bulb

  • What We Like?

    The Philips Hue Bluetooth White and Color Ambiance Bulb offers outstanding brightness and an extensive range of colors. Its Bluetooth control eliminates the need for a hub, and it excels in music and movie synchronization.

  • What We Don’t Like?

    While the Bluetooth functionality is a plus, it has a limited range compared to hub-based options. Additionally, it’s on the pricier side like other Philips Hue products.

Product Specifications

Lumens 806 lumens
Color Temperature 2000K to 6500K
Power Consumption 10 watts

Pros

  • Outstanding brightness
  • Extensive color range
  • Bluetooth control

Cons

  • Bluetooth range limitations
  • Pricier compared to some options
9.0
Our Score

Our Verdict

The Philips Hue Bluetooth White and Color Ambiance Bulb is an exceptional choice for those seeking vibrant colors and robust brightness. Its Bluetooth capability and entertainment synchronization make it a premium investment.


Comparison Table: Top 3 Smart Bulbs

Feature Globe Electric Smart Ambient Light Philips Dimmable A19 Smart Wi-Fi Wiz Light Bulb Philips Hue Iris Table Lamp
Price $29.99 $24.99 $79.99
Shape Disc Bulb Table lamp
Color White White White
Light output 400 lumens 800 lumens 600 lumens
Color temperature 2000K – 5000K 2700K – 6500K 2000K – 6000K
Dimmable Yes Yes Yes
Motion sensor Yes No No
Voice control Yes (Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri) Yes (Alexa, Google Assistant) Yes (Alexa, Google Assistant)
Hub required No No Yes

Conclusion

Ultimately, the best smart LED ambient light for you will depend on your needs and budget. If you are looking for a basic night light with motion sensor, the Globe Electric Smart Ambient Light is a good option.

If you are looking for a more versatile smart light bulb that can be used in any fixture, the Philips Dimmable A19 Smart Wi-Fi Wiz Light Bulb is a good choice. And if you are looking for a stylish and feature-rich smart table lamp, the Philips Hue Iris Table Lamp is the best option.

If you are on a budget, I would recommend the Wyze Bulb White or the Globe Electric Smart Ambient Light. Both of these options are affordable and offer basic lighting features.

If you are looking for a more versatile option, I would recommend the Philips Dimmable A19 Smart Wi-Fi Wiz Light Bulb or the Philips Hue Bluetooth White and Color Ambiance Bulb. Both of these options offer dimming and color temperature adjustment, and they are compatible with a variety of voice assistants.

And if you are looking for the best of the best, I would recommend the Philips Hue Iris Table Lamp. It is a stylish and feature-rich smart table lamp that offers a variety of lighting effects.