Best Smart Lighting Kit For Beginners This Year – Smart Home Reviews
Our winners of the Best Smart Lighting Kit For Beginners this year are:
BEST OVERALL
Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Starter Kit
- 16 million colors
- Voice control with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit
- Energy-efficient LED bulbs
- Easy installation
- Expandable system
Introduction
Smart lighting kits are a fantastic way to modernize your home, offering convenience, energy efficiency, and a touch of elegance. If you’re new to smart home technology, choosing the right smart lighting kit can be a bit overwhelming. In this article, we’ll guide you through the best smart lighting kits for beginners, helping you make an informed decision.
Whether you’re looking to control your lights through your smartphone or set the perfect mood with a voice command, there’s a smart lighting kit out there for you. Read on to discover our top picks and essential buying tips.
Reviews & Comparisons
1. Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Starter Kit
The Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Starter Kit is a versatile and popular choice for beginners. This kit includes everything you need to start your smart lighting journey, including bulbs and a bridge.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We love this kit for its wide range of features, including compatibility with multiple smart home systems and a user-friendly app. It’s perfect for those looking to experiment with different lighting moods.
Features
- 16 million colors
- Voice control with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit
- Energy-efficient LED bulbs
- Easy installation
- Expandable system
Pros
- Wide compatibility
- User-friendly app
- Energy-efficient
- Versatile color options
- Easy to expand
Cons
- Requires a hub
- Higher price point
- Bulbs can be bulky
- App updates can be slow
- Limited to 800 lumens per bulb
Our Verdict
The Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Starter Kit is an excellent choice for beginners looking for a feature-rich and expandable smart lighting system. Despite its higher price, the range of options and ease of use make it worth the investment.
2. Kasa Smart Light Bulb by TP-Link
The Kasa Smart Light Bulb by TP-Link offers a budget-friendly option for those new to smart lighting. It connects directly to your Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for a hub.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
This kit stands out for its affordability and ease of use. The Kasa app is straightforward, making it a great choice for beginners.
Features
- No hub required
- Voice control with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Energy-efficient LED
- Dimmable
- Simple setup
Pros
- Affordable
- No hub needed
- Easy to install
- Good app interface
- Energy-efficient
Cons
- Limited color options
- Not expandable
- Lower brightness
- Limited to Alexa and Google
- Basic scheduling features
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for an affordable and straightforward introduction to smart lighting, the Kasa Smart Light Bulb by TP-Link is a solid choice. Its ease of use and lack of a hub requirement make it perfect for beginners.
3. LIFX Mini White (A19) Wi-Fi Smart LED Light Bulb
The LIFX Mini White Wi-Fi Smart LED Light Bulb is compact and powerful, offering a simple way to get started with smart lighting without a hub.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We appreciate the LIFX Mini for its direct Wi-Fi connection and compact size. It’s perfect for smaller fixtures and offers excellent brightness.
Features
- No hub required
- Voice control with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit
- Energy-efficient LED
- Compact size
- Adjustable brightness
Pros
- Compact design
- No hub needed
- High brightness
- Wide compatibility
- Energy-efficient
Cons
- Higher price for single bulb
- Limited color options
- App can be glitchy
- Not expandable
- Occasional connectivity issues
Our Verdict
The LIFX Mini White Wi-Fi Smart LED Light Bulb is ideal for those who want a compact, high-quality smart bulb without the need for a hub. Its wide compatibility and brightness make it a great option for beginners.
4. Sengled Smart LED Multicolor Starter Kit
The Sengled Smart LED Multicolor Starter Kit is a fantastic entry-level option that includes a hub and multiple bulbs, allowing you to dive right into smart lighting.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
This kit impresses with its vibrant colors and reliable performance. The included hub ensures a stable connection, making it a great choice for those new to smart lighting.
Features
- Includes hub
- Voice control with Alexa and Google Assistant
- 16 million colors
- Energy-efficient LED
- Easy setup
Pros
- Vibrant colors
- Reliable connection
- Energy-efficient
- Expandable
- Good app interface
Cons
- Requires hub
- Bulbs can be bulky
- Higher price point
- Limited to Alexa and Google
- App updates can be slow
Our Verdict
The Sengled Smart LED Multicolor Starter Kit offers a vibrant and reliable introduction to smart lighting. With its included hub and easy setup, it’s perfect for beginners.
5. Wyze Bulb 4-Pack
The Wyze Bulb 4-Pack is an affordable and convenient option for beginners, offering four bulbs that connect directly to your Wi-Fi.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Wyze Bulb for its affordability and ease of use. The Wyze app is intuitive, making it a great choice for those new to smart lighting.
Features
- No hub required
- Voice control with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Energy-efficient LED
- Adjustable brightness
- Simple setup
Pros
- Affordable
- No hub needed
- Easy to install
- Good app interface
- Energy-efficient
Cons
- Limited color options
- Not expandable
- Lower brightness
- Limited to Alexa and Google
- Basic scheduling features
Our Verdict
The Wyze Bulb 4-Pack is an excellent choice for beginners looking for an affordable and straightforward smart lighting solution. Its ease of use and lack of a hub requirement make it perfect for those new to the technology.
6. Yeelight Smart LED Bulb (Color)
The Yeelight Smart LED Bulb offers a colorful and flexible smart lighting experience without the need for a hub, making it ideal for beginners.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We appreciate the Yeelight for its vibrant colors and wide compatibility. It’s a great option for those looking to add some color to their home lighting.
Features
- No hub required
- Voice control with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit
- 16 million colors
- Energy-efficient LED
- Adjustable brightness
Pros
- Vibrant colors
- No hub needed
- Wide compatibility
- Energy-efficient
- Easy to install
Cons
- App can be glitchy
- Not expandable
- Higher price for single bulb
- Limited brightness
- Occasional connectivity issues
Our Verdict
The Yeelight Smart LED Bulb is a fantastic choice for those looking to add vibrant colors to their home without the need for a hub. Its wide compatibility and ease of use make it perfect for beginners.
7. Eufy Lumos Smart Bulb
The Eufy Lumos Smart Bulb offers a simple and affordable entry into smart lighting, connecting directly to your Wi-Fi for easy control.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
This bulb stands out for its affordability and simplicity. The EufyHome app is user-friendly, making it perfect for those new to smart lighting.
Features
- No hub required
- Voice control with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Energy-efficient LED
- Adjustable brightness
- Simple setup
Pros
- Affordable
- No hub needed
- Easy to install
- Good app interface
- Energy-efficient
Cons
- Limited color options
- Not expandable
- Lower brightness
- Limited to Alexa and Google
- Basic scheduling features
Our Verdict
The Eufy Lumos Smart Bulb is an excellent choice for beginners looking for an affordable and easy-to-use smart lighting solution. Its simplicity and lack of a hub requirement make it perfect for those new to the technology.
8. Nanoleaf Light Panels
The Nanoleaf Light Panels offer a unique and customizable smart lighting experience, perfect for those looking to create stunning light displays.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We love the Nanoleaf Light Panels for their design flexibility and vibrant colors. They’re perfect for those who want to make a statement with their lighting.
Features
- Modular design
- Voice control with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit
- 16 million colors
- Energy-efficient LED
- Easy setup
Pros
- Unique design
- Vibrant colors
- Wide compatibility
- Energy-efficient
- Expandable
Cons
- Higher price point
- Requires hub
- Bulky panels
- App can be glitchy
- Limited brightness
Our Verdict
The Nanoleaf Light Panels are perfect for those looking to create a unique and customizable lighting experience. Their vibrant colors and design flexibility make them a standout choice for beginners and advanced users alike.
9. Govee Smart LED Strip Lights
The Govee Smart LED Strip Lights offer a fun and flexible way to add smart lighting to your home, perfect for accent lighting or creative projects.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Govee Smart LED Strip Lights for their flexibility and vibrant colors. They’re a great option for those looking to add smart lighting to unique spaces.
Features
- No hub required
- Voice control with Alexa and Google Assistant
- 16 million colors
- Energy-efficient LED
- Adjustable brightness
Pros
- Flexible design
- Vibrant colors
- No hub needed
- Energy-efficient
- Easy to install
Cons
- App can be glitchy
- Not expandable
- Limited brightness
- Limited to Alexa and Google
- Occasional connectivity issues
Our Verdict
The Govee Smart LED Strip Lights are a fun and flexible way to add smart lighting to your home. Their vibrant colors and easy installation make them a great choice for beginners looking to get creative with their lighting.
10. Sylvania Smart+ ZigBee Full Color A19 LED Bulb
The Sylvania Smart+ ZigBee Full Color A19 LED Bulb offers a reliable and vibrant smart lighting experience, perfect for those looking to integrate with a ZigBee hub.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We appreciate the Sylvania Smart+ for its reliability and vibrant colors. It’s a great option for those looking to integrate with a ZigBee hub.
Features
- Requires ZigBee hub
- Voice control with Alexa and Google Assistant
- 16 million colors
- Energy-efficient LED
- Adjustable brightness
Pros
- Reliable connection
- Vibrant colors
- Energy-efficient
- Expandable
- Good app interface
Cons
- Requires hub
- Higher price for single bulb
- Bulbs can be bulky
- App updates can be slow
- Limited brightness
Our Verdict
The Sylvania Smart+ ZigBee Full Color A19 LED Bulb offers a reliable and vibrant smart lighting experience. Its integration with a ZigBee hub makes it a great choice for those looking for a stable and expandable system.
Buying Guide
When buying a smart lighting kit, there are several key factors to consider:
- Compatibility: Ensure the kit is compatible with your existing smart home ecosystem, such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit. Tom’s Guide and CNET offer detailed compatibility guides.
- Ease of Installation: Look for kits that are easy to install, especially if you’re not tech-savvy. Some kits offer plug-and-play options with simple instructions.
- App Functionality: A user-friendly app can make controlling your lights a breeze. Check for features like scheduling, dimming, and color changing.
- Energy Efficiency: LED bulbs are more energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan than traditional bulbs. Look for energy-saving certifications.
- Expandability: Consider whether you can add more lights to the system in the future. Some kits are designed to be easily expanded as your needs grow.
FAQs
What is a smart lighting kit?
A smart lighting kit includes smart bulbs and often a hub or bridge that connects the bulbs to your home Wi-Fi. This setup allows you to control the lights via an app on your smartphone, voice commands, or automated schedules.
Are smart lighting kits difficult to install?
Most smart lighting kits are designed for easy installation. Many kits are plug-and-play, meaning you simply replace your existing bulbs with smart bulbs and follow the app instructions to connect them to your Wi-Fi.
Can smart lighting save energy?
Yes, smart lighting can save energy in multiple ways. Smart bulbs are usually LED, which are more energy-efficient than traditional bulbs. Additionally, features like scheduling and dimming help reduce energy consumption.
Do I need a hub for my smart lighting kit?
Not all smart lighting kits require a hub. Some bulbs connect directly to your home Wi-Fi. However, a hub can offer additional features and better performance, especially if you plan to expand your system.
Can I control smart lighting when I’m not home?
Yes, most smart lighting systems allow you to control your lights remotely via an app. As long as your lights are connected to your home Wi-Fi, you can adjust settings from anywhere.
Conclusion
Choosing the best smart lighting kit for beginners doesn’t have to be daunting. By considering factors like compatibility, ease of installation, app functionality, energy efficiency, and expandability, you can find a kit that suits your needs. Our top picks offer a range of features to help you modernize your home with ease. Happy shopping!