Any smart LED bulb excels at saving energy. That’s why they use “watt equivalent” numbers and lumens, because the actual wattage is so low. But what else should you look for when buying your bulb? Here are several features I think are especially important.
Is a hub required?
Some smart lights require a hub to connect to Wi-Fi and allow for remote operation, which is a very useful feature for most homes. Fortunately, most newer bulbs no longer need hubs, but you still find some models where it’s required. I always prefer versions that don’t require hubs to work, as it’s so much easier.
Brightness
The average smart bulb is about 800 lumens but has the option to control brightness levels. Some LED panels and more specialized bulbs go beyond 1,000 lumens if you want a higher brightness level.
Color changes
You don’t always need a bulb that can change colors, but it’s a useful addition for home routines, various kinds of mood lighting and other tricks. I try to recommend bulbs with color options when possible, especially as there’s no longer much difference in price for a color upgrade.
Color temperature
Color temperature, measured in Kelvin, describes how cool or warm a light looks. Even if a smart light can’t fully change color, it’s often valuable to find a light that can switch color temperatures to find exactly the look you want.
App controls
Smart light controls should be easy to use with useful settings and clear UI. Smart lights are generally simple products: The apps shouldn’t be confusing at all. If you already have a preferred brand in tech apps, see if they have smart lights. Additional features like sunrise/sunset settings and quick scheduling are also welcome.
Music syncing
Some smart lights have the ability to sync to music. If that’s important for your plans, choose a bulb with these capabilities. Brands like Philips Hue, Govee and, yes, GE Cync have options to enable automatic music syncing in their apps.
Voice assistant and app support
If you have a preferred voice assistant or a preferred home platforms like Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home, etc., make sure your smart bulb supports it. Most smart bulbs support multiple platforms, but Apple support is a little less common.
Type of bulb socket
Common home light bulbs use E26 sockets but you should always double-check the sockets or connections in the lights you want to make sure you are getting a smart light that will fit them.
Indoor/outdoor
Many smart lights are indoor but it can also be useful to install an app-controlled light on a porch, patio or other outdoor area. If the bulb is going to be exposed to the weather, it needs to have weather resistance like an IP rating, or it could stop working.
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