Philips Hue Lights Review: 10 Best Philips Hue Products

Should you be considering an upgrade to a smart lighting setup, the Philips Hue system stands out as the premier option. It offers everything from smart bulbs and light fixtures to outdoor and ceiling lights. Additionally, the hue lights can be conveniently controlled using the official Philips Hue app, eliminating the need to search clumsily for a light switch in the dark of night.

Instead, you can simply use a remote control or BlueTooth to customise and control your smart lights. Subsequently, the Philips Hue smart lights are an effective energy saver. You can keep a check on your lighting system status even remotely. So, if you forgot to turn off the table lamps, you can skip the guesswork and turn them off using the Hue app.

Philips Hue offers a wide range of products. The company covers your basic needs with Hue light bulbs and light strips. However, the Hue ecosystem has a complete package, including a Hue dimmer switch, table lamps, path lights, and much more. This vast choice of products often confuses the users, making them unsure where to start.

Therefore, if you want to invest in the Philips Hue system, we have selected and reviewed the best Philips Hue products to assist you. This article discusses the ten best Philips Hue Lights and accessories to brighten your home.

Contents

The Philips Hue Bridge

Pros

  • Easy to install
  • Add Up To 50 Philips Hue Lights
  • Smart Control

Cons

  • Expensive

Before looking at the rest of our product list, you should get familiar with the Philips Hue bridge. You need a Hue home system for the lights to work. A complete Hue ecosystem includes smart lights, a Hue bridge, and the Hue smartphone app. Further, the Philips Hue bridge is perhaps the most important of these products. The company refers to the product as the “brains” of their smart lighting system. The Bridge allows you to access and control hue lights. Moreover, you can connect the Hue bridge to up to 50 Philips Hue smart lights and accessories. Hence, you can use the Hue app to control your lighting system even if you are away from home.

Moreover, the Hue bridge works with many devices. You can connect your Hue bridge system with Google Home, Apple HomeKit, Amazon Echo, and other auto systems. Apart from being remote and wireless, it uses ZigBee tech. This technology allows the Hue bridge to work using minimal power and still provides reliable results. You can also use the Hue bridge with Google Assistant.

The device has several benefits that will give you a smooth user experience. Firstly, the Hue bridge is effortless to operate. Next, it can function using both alternating and direct currents. Lastly, the device is flexible with the voltage frequency and works on high power. Additionally, the user reviews reflect mainly positive feedback for the product. Although, there are a few rare user complaints about the fitting of the plug pins on the device.


10 best philips hue lights

  1. Starter Kit B22 Bayonet Cap
  2. Play Light Bar Base Unit
  3. Struana Ceiling Light
  4. GU10 Spot – Smart Light Bulb
  5. Hue Gradient Lightstrip
  6. Gradient Signe Floor Light
  7. Go Portable Light
  8. Resonate Outdoor Wall Light
  9. Nyro Outdoor Wall Light
  10. Argenta Spot Light

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Product

Top Pick

Starter Kit B22 Bayonet Cap

  • Transform your home with Philips Hue B22 starter kit’s 16 million colours!
  • Experience a cinematic night in with Hue’s synced lighting and entertainment.

Play Light Bar Base Unit

  • Enhance your entertainment with Philips Hue Play light bar’s sync feature.
  • Create a professional ambiance for photoshoots and special occasions.

Struana Ceiling Light

  • Experience complete control over your lighting with Philips Hue Struana.
  • Transform any space with adjustable temperature and 50,000 shades of white.

Top Pick

Starter Kit B22 Bayonet Cap

Pros

  • 30-day return policy
  • Wide colour range
  • Easy to install
  • Effective energy saver
  • Voice commands
  • Compatible with both male and female plugs

Cons

  • Setting up voice command is tricky
  • Costlier than most smart light systems
  • Issues with scheduling

Philips Hue starter kits are the best place to start for those unfamiliar with smart lights. A Hue starter kit generally includes a couple of light bulbs and a Hue bridge. However, you can choose an upgrade that offers a B22 starter kit, smart buttons, and/or a dimmer switch. You can pair starter kit B22 with automation devices like Alexa and add voice control to your home lights. The easy-to-understand manual makes the setup easier for you.

The Philips Hue B22 includes three Hue bulbs with a standard “twist and lock” bayonet mount. The lifespan of these bulbs is over 25,000 hours, and they will easily last you for three years. Moreover, these devices come in white and colour ambience with over 16 million colours. With such a broad colour spectrum, you can create an atmosphere you see fit your environment. You can control these lights through Wi-Fi, remote controls, voice commands, or even sync them to your preferred form of entertainment. For example, you can adjust the lights to sync with the beat of any song or the tempo of any game or movie you may watch. With the B22 starter kit, you can unwind after a long day with a theatrical movie experience. 

The user reviews for the product all praise the functionality of the B22 bulb starter kit. Although, some consumers express concerns about the product’s long setup time. Lastly, while the installation process is relatively easy, accessing all device features to gain full benefit is lengthier.


Play Light Bar Base Unit

Pros

  • No need to assemble
  • Makes gaming more immersive
  • Comes with a special adapter
  • Corded

Cons

  • Cannot connect to the TV directly
  • Hue bridge needs to be bought separately

The Philips Hue Play light bar’s primary purpose is to make your sources of entertainment more illuminative. This product ranks high in the best Philips Hue products list with its T3 award for “best smart lighting.” Additionally, the product comes with a cord and an adapter plug. The cool white light of the Philips Hue light bar can help you unwind and relax. However, it can also be a vital asset when you require the perfect photoshoot. The steady, bright light from the Hue light bar can help you capture your special moments professionally. Another use for the product is decorative lighting for special occasions. The Play light bar can make everything more lively whether you have a few friends or throw a full-blown party.

Lastly, the most important use for the Play light bar is functioning as entertainment lighting as you enjoy your screen time. Philips Hue intends to make television and gaming experiences more enjoyable with this light bar. You can connect the device to your PC or Mac using the Hue sync app. Once the devices sync, the light bar will engage in the game with you. The device will display fast-moving flashes of white during an action sequence or slow down for a tense build-up. Moreover, the portable nature of the light bars lets you experience its benefits based on your comfort.

The customers are satisfied with the product and have deemed it “their money’s worth.” However, several users criticise that there is no direct way to sync your TV with the light bar. You can connect the product to your TV only using an HDMI box, PC, or Mac.


Struana Ceiling Light

Pros

  • Returnable within 30 days of purchase
  • Eligible for free delivery depending on stock availability
  • Up to 50,000 shades of white for the Philips Hue white ambience
  • Voice control 

Cons

  • Tricky to install
  • Too dim for use outside the bathroom
  • Expensive

This Philips Hue ceiling light was a game-changer for wall mount lamps. This Struana model is made to adjust to any part of your house. The device has a free dimmer switch that allows you to adjust the light to your preference. While the dimmer switch is fully efficient, you can also use BlueTooth and Hue Bridge for the same purpose. Moreover, the Philips Hue white ceiling lamp gives you full control over its light temperature. Thus, you can switch from cool to a warm white light with one tap. Further, this Philips Hue white Struana light can project up to 50,000 shades of white to fit your mood and environment. 

This ceiling light with wireless control has four modes: Relax, Read, Concentrate, and Energise. With the dimmer switch, these modes can help you use the light in any part of your house. For example, you can work in your study with the “concentrate” mode. The “energise” mode can help keep things livelier in the kitchen. Lastly, the Philips Hue ceiling light is entirely safe for bathroom use. Hence, you can install the Struana light in your bathroom and set it on warm white for those golden tones to help you relax.

While most consumers used this product easily, others had a few criticisms about the same. Firstly, it can be tricky to install the product. Secondly, some users found the light too dim for use in the kitchen or while reading.


GU10 Spot – Smart Light Bulb

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Effective
  • Consumes minimal energy
  • Has a unique motion sensor feature
  • Compatible with most automation devices

Cons

  • Need to buy an expensive Hue bridge for full benefits
  • Product costs are rising rapidly

The Philips Hue GU10 Spot is a white and colour ambience smart bulb. So, its colourful nature makes this smart bulb all-purpose. Subsequently, you can use these products as white ambience bulbs for regular purposes like reading and working. Though, you can also get the spot GU10 to adapt to different environments and moods. This smart bulb can be used anywhere, even outdoors. To gain its full benefits, you can purchase a Hue hub and pair it with the GU10 Spot for better control.

Moreover, these Philips Hue smart bulbs have a unique motion sensor feature. This addition contributes significantly to the energy efficiency of these white bulbs. Buying the Philips Hue GU10 Spot is one of the first steps toward creating a Hue home. After you purchase these LED bulbs, you can pair them with additional perks like sensing motion or smart switches to automate your entire home. Lastly, like the other “best Philips Hue products,” you can also sync these filament bulbs with your entertainment devices.

Customer reviews have frequently compared the Philips Hue light bulbs with its competition. And Philips Hue bulbs always emerge as the winner. The bright display of these smart bulbs illuminates your home effectively and with ease. However, the one thing users complain about the most is the cost inconsistency. The item started as affordable, but its price is rising almost daily. There have also been a few complaints about the product arriving in a battered and unsealed box. However, the product quality was fine even though the packaging was shabby.


Hue Gradient Lightstrip

Pros

  • Easy to attach
  • Provides a smooth, immersive feel
  • Multiple colours blend seamlessly
  • Free mounting brackets for easy installation
  • 30-day return policy

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Sometimes unreliable
  • Need to purchase additional products for the whole experience 

The hue Gradient light strip is one of the best additions to the Philips Hue collection as it fully serves the purpose of making your movie and TV experiences more alluring. You can attach these light strips to the back of your TV and enjoy your favourite flicks cinematically. Moreover, the Hue Gradient comes in three different sizes for your convenience. The light strip will also connect straight with gaming consoles like Xbox and display colours in sync with your gaming. The device comes with a cord and uses both alternating and direct currents.

Further, the colour blend of this Philips Hue product produces excellent results. Multiple colours naturally mix and reflect beautifully onto the wall behind your TV. For the user’s ease, the product comes with free mounting brackets, making its installation even more straightforward.

User reviews describe the final result of the Hue Gradient light strip as a “sight to behold.” However, a majority of the users complain about the additional purchases one has to make to fully use the product. You must buy the Philips Hue sync box or an HDMI box to sync your onscreen TV content with your light strip. Next, you would need the Hue bridge to gain complete control of the device. These purchases can even end up doubling the price of the product.


Gradient Signe Floor Light

Pros

  • Seamless colour blending
  • 2-year manufacturer warranty
  • 30-day money return policy

Cons

  • Need to purchase a separate Hue Bridge to sync with specific devices
  • Wireless remote control and voice commands are not possible without the Bridge

The Philips Hue floor light can change your home’s look entirely. While you need the Hue bridge for some purposes, you require no additional items for its primary uses. You can simply download the Hue app on your phone and control the floor lights using BlueTooth. Further, voice commands and wireless remote control are also available for the product. However, you would need the Bridge for those features to work.

This Philips Hue floor lamp has a two-year warranty from the manufacturer. Additionally, if you feel unsatisfied with the quality of the product at any time within the first month of purchase, you can return it for a full refund.

While this product does not have a lot of user reviews, the customers that have used it gave Gradient Signe entirely positive feedback. The only drawback of this Philips Hue product is that you need the Hue bridge for certain features. However, apart from this complaint, there have been no negative comments about the product’s functionality.


Go Portable Light

Pros

  • Portable and easy to carry
  • Long battery life
  • Built-in and rechargeable batteries
  • Multiple lighting effects that suit various occasions
  • Available for use while plugged in

Cons

  • Power runs out quickly sometimes

This device is one of the more unique Philips Hue creations. The Go portable light is essentially a “cosy candle” with multiple different and practical light effects. You can use it on various occasions. Firstly, its soothing and warm glow can be a suitable centrepiece for dinner table conversations. Secondly, the bright nature of the light can be helpful if you want to take the device out to your balcony and read. Moreover, this device has a long battery life and can be reliable for emergency use in case of a blackout.

If you use the device to its full potential, it can last you 2-3 hours. However, when you use it in its “cosy candle” mode, the battery runs for nearly 18 hours. Moreover, you do not need to worry about fancy controls. The device can be controlled using just one button to ease of use. You can also connect it to an Echo device for voice commands or directly use the Hue app. Lastly, an essential feature of this product is its rechargeable battery. You can charge it any time, anywhere, with the help of a socket.

Users find this product extremely useful and are happy with its functioning. However, some users criticise the device’s small light radius. 


Resonate Outdoor Wall Light

Pros

  • Powerful and bright lights
  • Easy to install
  • Wireless and voice control

Cons

  • A hue bridge is required for smart control
  • Expensive individual units

Philips Hue Resonate will illuminate your lawn, porch, patio, balcony, and other outdoor spaces. The light is in the shape of a solid rectangle and projects two powerful triangles of light from each end. Resonate outdoor wall lights are available in two colours: black and inox. You can also purchase a complete set for the product, including motion sensors, for a better experience. With this product, you can now have bright and illuminative outdoor parties and BBQ hangouts.

The lights are also a benefit to the safety of your house. With its wireless control, the lights can mimic your presence by occasionally turning on and off while you are away from home. Moreover, the motion sensors can also aid you when you arrive home in the dark.

User reviews say that the power source of the lights being directly behind it can be an issue. If you mount the light on an existing wall that does not have power embedded within, things get tricky. Additionally, the product also has a small light radius which is not powerful enough to light up an entire lawn. However, a single light can easily illuminate your path until a distance of two meters.


Nyro Outdoor Wall Light

Pros

  • Casts directional lights
  • Vast colour range and easy dimming
  • Powerful and bright light

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Lack of installation items

Philips Hue Nyro is another outdoor light that will illuminate the exterior of your house. With its voice commands, home-and-away controls, and directional light, Nyro lights stand out amongst competitors. However, since the Nyro wall light projects light in a downward direction, its light radius may be a little short. A single Nyro light may not be sufficient to illuminate your entire backyard. Although, it is the best pick for patios and porches.

Several users condemn Philips for producing such an expensive product with low-quality material. Further, some users state that the light contains plastic beneath its aluminium exterior, which causes trouble during installation.


Hue Gradient LightstripArgenta Spot LightHue Gradient Lightstrip

Pros

  • Multi-directional quadruple spotlights
  • Independent lights with multiple colours

Cons

  • Takes a while to set up
  • Expensive

The Argenta spotlight is one of the less popular Philips Hue products. However, it lives up to its money’s worth and provides brilliant results when set up. Argent includes a set of quadruple spotlights that can illuminate your entire room in a go. It is also worth mentioning that each spotlight is independent. It means that you can set a different colour for each light.

While the spotlight is powerful and effective, users mention that it is not enough to light up large spaces. Thus, if you have sizable rooms, it is likely that the light will leave a couple of dark spots. 


What to Look For Before Buying Philips Hue Smart Lights

Even after thorough research, selecting a product can be pretty confusing. Moreover, if you are new to smart lighting and accessories, the buying process could be overwhelming. So, we prepared a small buying guide to assist you with your Philips Hue shopping. The list below covers all the primary factors you should look into before purchasing a Philips Hue product. 

Type of Product: Before purchasing any product, you should properly assess your needs. For example, if you simply want a better gaming experience, Hue Gradient light strips might prove to be most helpful. However, if you also want to use the light for other purposes, like reading, then a simple bulb or ceiling lamp might do the job. Similarly, for outdoor lights, Resonance is preferable over Nyro for a lawn. The reason for that is because Resonance provides better coverage, which could be helpful for larger spaces. Although, a Nyro outdoor light could be the better fit for your patio. Lastly, if you simply want a replacement for your table lamp, the Go Portable light is the top choice for you. It will help you save the hassle of installation, and you can carry it anywhere you want. The latter feature could come in handy if you travel a lot.

Price Range and Discounts: This is one of the most critical factors for every user. It is essential that the product they purchase meets their budget. However, it is also vital that you do not compromise the product quality for its price. You can determine your price range using these two simple steps. You should assess all the products on the market after you assess your needs. Next, set a budget based on your survey of the market.

You should also try looking for discounts where you can. Depending on product availability, Amazon offers free delivery for several Philips Hue products. Additionally, you can also lower the price or get your money’s worth if you opt for combo packs and kits.  

Guarantees and Warranty: No matter how good a product is or how reputable a company is, there is always a chance that the item may not be to your liking. It could be defective, inefficient, or simply not fit your taste. In such cases, it is crucial to have a warranty or guarantee for the product. Several products on our list have a money-back policy if you return the product within a month of purchase.

User Reviews: Going through the user reviews for a product is highly vital. Companies often advertise their products with exaggerated benefits. Sometimes, products may not live up to their makers’ expectations. Moreover, manufacturers are seldom transparent about their product’s flaws. You can count on customer reviews to give you authentic feedback about the product. User reviews not only warn you about the defects the product may have, but they often provide you with helpful tips. These tips can become substantial money savers and help you use the item to its full potential.

For example, several users suggested that regular HDMI boxes can be cheaper replacements for Hue sync boxes. This way, you can sync your light strips to your TV at a lower cost.

Additional Perks: While looking for Philips Hue lights, keep an eye out for any additional features they may have. For example, some Hue bulbs and outdoor lights have special motion-sensing features. This feature can make moving around in the dark easier for you. 

FAQs About Philips Hue Smart Lighting Systems

What are the best Philips Hue smart lights? 

The best Philips Hue smart lights depend on your needs. However, after assessing several products, we concluded that Hue smart light bulbs are the most valuable. They serve multiple purposes and are affordable. 

Is Philips Hue white or colour ambience better?

You do not need to settle for just a Philips Hue white or colour ambience. Most Philips Hue lights have both white and colour settings. However, if you need only white lights, you can buy the Philips Hue white ambience bulbs. These bulbs only display shades of white. Philips Hue white bulbs might also prove to be cheaper than other products.

Do I need a Hue Bridge for my Philips Hue lights?

A bridge is not necessary for all Hue lights. You can use most Philips Hue products without the device. However, if you want access to additional features like voice control, home-and-away control, etc., you must purchase the extra Philips Hue product.

Philips Hue Review: A Recap

Philips Hue is currently leading when it comes to smart home lights. So, we reviewed the top ten Philips Hue products. We covered everything from a Philips Hue starter kit to the Hue white and colour ambience lights. Starting with a Philips Hue starter kit is a wise choice if you are a beginner. Although, if you own some Hue products, upgrading them is the next step. You can complete your house’s look with Signe floor lights or improve your gaming experience with the Gradient light strip. Similarly, Resonance and Nyro outdoor wall light can enhance your house exterior. 

With these Hue products, you can give your home a complete makeover. Thus, you must carefully assess your needs and budget to choose between these top products.

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