Smart Lighting

With the ever-evolving market of smart bulbs, you might think it'd be easy to just pick one that's best for whatever need. But with a plethora of brands and various types of options out there, coming up with an all encompassing correct answer can prove daunting - especially when considering controllers and apps' aesthetics as well as usability! Prices also vary drastically between different manufacturers; while some offer great value without breaking your bank account (hello Philips), others may make you feel like they're stealing from your wallet. It took me a lot trial & error but I finally tested out five popular lighting brands & their respective products – here are my thoughts on each one.

Ikea Tradfri

If you're looking for affordable smart bulbs with dimming capabilities, IKEA's Trådfri is a solid option. Even better - pair them up to Homey and skip the gateway! Additionally, they offer some really unique products like FLOALT lighting panels that are quite large - perfect for creating stunning light displays in your home. Plus SURTE cabinet doors have built-in LEDs too; talk about bright ideas! So if you want something different than plain old white bulbs, definitely check out what IKEA has to offer.

Innr

Innr may be relatively new to the smart lighting game, but they've already made quite a statement! They offer practically priced products that work with Zigbee and don't skimp on functionality - their controller and accessories are super useful. Plus, if you're ever in doubt about which lights would look best in your home there's Light Advisor service ready to give all the advice necessary for making confident purchases. Speaking of purchase options: Not only do they have almost as many popular bulb types as Philips Hue does, but also some one-of-a kind items like an Under Cabinet light or budget friendly LED Strip at just 124 AUD for 6.5 ft – half what it costs from Hue! A great way to liven up any space without breaking the bank.

Philips Hue

Philips Hue is dominating the smart lighting market, and it's no surprise why. Their Zigbee bulbs are super easy to find - you can practically get them anywhere! And they even work with just about every device out there thanks to their amazing REST API. You know a product has got something going for it when other tech giants like Google take note: my Wifi kit asked if I wanted to use Hue lights right off the bat! After having put these babies through some tests, one thing's for sure: nothing beats the convenience of products that "just work"! My only wish? A more intuitive app so we don't have to go hopping from setting-to-setting in order make basic changes or add new devices -- think changing individual light colors instead of groups/rooms... That would be swell.

TP-Link

TP-Link smart bulbs are a great way to spruce up any room without breaking the bank - or sweating over complicated setups! Just install one in your favourite lamp, add it in their app and enjoy an array of pretty colours. Looking for something more tailored? Try out the circadian mode – with this feature they'll adapt colour temperature and brightness depending on when you switch them on or off. And that's not all: get energy metering info right inside their app allowing you to keep tabs on just how much power is being consumed by those fancy lights in your living room.

LIFX

If you're looking for the cream of the crop, Lifx is your go-to smart bulb brand. They work seamlessly with most controllers I've tested and they have an incredibly easy to use app that comes packed full of features like Day & Dusk wake up functions as well awesome built in themes and effects. All this makes them totally worth it in my eyes. Home lighting is about to get way more fun with their designer lighting solutions. Tile and Beam. Tile is a kit of 5 light panels, about the size of your standard sheet paper. They can change up to 65 different colours at once – so you can transform any room into a never-ending rainbow show. For something slightly simpler but no less eye-catching, opt for Beam instead - 10 colourful beams that'll bring infectious twinkle wherever their glow reaches. Feeling adventurous? Why not make Tetris come alive in all its technicolor glory.

Our Conclusion

Smart lighting solutions are a great way to add some major convenience and style in the home, but if you end up with 5-10 different apps trying to control all of your lights it can get quite inconvenient. With Homey Pro hub, one app controls them all! No matter what type of smart light is used - z-wave, wifi or Zigbee - this amazing device makes controlling everything from brightness level to automation availbale through HomeMation, the one stop company in Perth. Plus use human presence sensors, door & window sensors and more for customizing an automated experience like no other that's tailored just for you.

In our next blog we will explain how smart ligthing can also be achieved through retro fitting your conventional light setup in your house.

Stay tuned