Charlie Magnarelli
Charlie Magnarelli
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Smart Home

The Smart Lighting System That's Fun & Easy

Philips Hue has been in the smart lighting market for over a decade, maintaining a reputation for high-quality, innovative bulbs and accessories.
The Smart Lighting System That's Fun & Easy

While the hardware may not have changed much, the software and compatability of this system has greatly expanded over the years. With integrations like Apple Homekit, an updated user interface - and accessories being updated from generation to generation, I have always enjoyed making lighting seamless in my home - to having a party trick up my sleeve.

Key Components

  • Hue Bridge: Acts as a central hub that connects Philips Hue bulbs to your home’s Wi-Fi network.
  • Smart Bulbs: Available in White, White Ambiance, and White & Color Ambiance. Each line offers different color and brightness capabilities.
  • Accessories: Includes the Hue Dimmer Switch, Motion Sensor, Tap Switch, and outdoor sensors. These make controlling your lights more convenient.
  • Hue App: Provides control over lighting scenes, schedules, and integrations (like Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa).

Features & Benefits

Longevity and Quality

  • Hue bulbs typically last up to 15,000 hours or more (about 13–15 years if used three hours per day).
  • Many users have reported bulbs that still work flawlessly even after several years, underscoring the brand’s consistency.

Extensive Ecosystem

  • Software Updates: Philips frequently updates the Hue app with new features, enhanced automation, and user interface improvements.
  • Integration: Beyond HomeKit, Hue also integrates with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, and other popular smart home platforms.
  • Accessories Evolution: Motion sensors, new remotes, and bridge updates over the years have kept the system relevant and cutting-edge.

Ease of Use

  • Initial setup with the Hue Bridge is straightforward; the app guides you through pairing the bulbs.
  • Automations (schedules, away-from-home control, geofencing) require minimal technical knowledge.
  • Scenes and effects (e.g., syncing with music or TV via Hue Sync) elevate the user experience for entertainment.

Security and Peace of Mind

  • Away mode (or “Home & Away”) can turn lights on/off to mimic occupancy when you’re traveling, acting as a deterrent for potential intruders.
  • Reliable network connectivity and security updates from Philips ensure stability.

Energy Efficiency

  • LED-based bulbs consume significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs.
  • Scheduling and motion-based triggers help optimize energy usage by turning off lights when they aren’t needed.

While pricey, I do emphasize that not only have the bulbs can last over a decade (and probably longer, but not personally tested) the value of not having to think about turning off all of the lights in your home, automating scenes, or even using their away mode as an additional security feature - has been an addition to my smart home setup that has brought joy to myself & many guests - as well as paid for itself in efficiencies over the years.

You can get a two bulb starter kit from Philips Hue starting at $159. Although you can usually find deals like on Amazon - a 4 pack listed at $168 as of today.