I've been loving Philips Hue lights since I got my first Bulb kit - even if they are a bit pricey. But what sets these apart from the $20 alternatives you can find on Amazon is the Hue Sync program on Windows/Mac. If your setup includes a computer at all, these can be an essential part of your smart home lighting. They can sync with music, which is super fun, but they can also sync with your TV or Monitor to bring the colors of your screen into your space and really enhance your viewing or PC gaming experience. If you're a console gamer (I also have a PS4 and a Switch), there aren't any easy ways to sync the lights to consoles, but that's a software issue which I hope Philips addresses in the future. They've made huge strides in their software over the past year alone, so I'm excited to see where they take it next.
I have currently have two of these strips set up on my entertainment center. One is stuck to the back-top portion of my 65" TV, and the other is stretched alongside the top of the back of the entrainment center, so I get lighting above and below the TV. It's amazing. With any HD or 4K content, I'm immediately immersed into the viewing experience. It makes my home feel like a catered, professional experience you'd get at a fancy store.
Now, for the technical bits of the review. These lights get bright. All colors are clearly visible on my white walls, even in direct sunlight. But at night, my whole place fills with light and I can change it to any color I choose, either via the mobile app or the desktop Hue Sync program.
Setup is pretty straightforward. If you have a Hue Bridge, then all you need to do it plug these into a power outlet, stick them where you need to with the pre-applied 3M tape, add your light in the mobile Hue app, and check for updates. Updates can take a while, so sit back and relax for a bit once that starts. I think each one took about 30-40 minutes for me to update, since these use an extremely low-powered (but efficient and effective) WiFi connection. After that, they're ready to be used with Hue Sync and everything else.
Now, if this is your first Hue product, you'll need to also get the Hue Bridge so the lights can communicate with your home WiFi network. If you want a similar setup to what I have, I recommend starting your smart home lighting with the Hue Bulb kit that comes with 3 or 4 lights, plus the bridge for free. Otherwise, you gotta spend another $50 for the bridge standalone.
Again, I know these things are pricey and a lot of people say they're not worth the price tag. But again, it's the software and the build quality/company that sets these apart. The software gets better and better with each update, and Philips isn't going away any time soon. Whatever generation bulb or strip you buy now will still be supported and updated 5 years down the road. Cheaper knock-offs will probably break down or be unsupported by then. I feel like Philips is a solid company that keeps innovating the smart home lighting experience and leading the way for everyone else. That's why I don't mind spending the extra bit for a quality product.
| Color | Purple |
|---|---|
| Brand | PHILIPS |
| Indoor/Outdoor Usage | Indoor |
| Special Feature | dimmable |
| Light Source Type | LED |
| Power Source | wired_electric, Corded Electric |
| Light Color | White |
| Theme | Indoor |
| Occasion | Christmas |
| Style | Lightstrip Base |
| Material | Synthetic Polymer (PMMA) |
| Controller Type | SmartThings, Other |
| Connectivity Protocol | Zigbee |
| Number of Light Sources | 150 |
| Voltage | 240 Volts |
| Wattage | 20 watts |
| Included Components | lightstrip plus |
| Item Weight | 0.33 Pounds |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| White Brightness | 1700 Lumens |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 5.98 x 8.94 x 2.01 inches |
| Control Method | Voice |
| Wireless Communication Technology | Bluetooth, Bridge |
| Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. |
| Manufacturer | CQMTO |
| Part Number | 800276 |
| Item Weight | 5.3 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 5.98 x 8.94 x 2.01 inches |
| Item model number | 800276 |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Size | 80 inch |
| Shape | Strip |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Luminous Flux | 1600 Lumen |
| Mounting Type | adhesive |
| Special Features | dimmable |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Battery Cell Type | Alkaline |
| Warranty Description | 2 years parts and labor. |
