If you are looking for a smart lighting system that can rival Philips Hue, the best alternative is LIFX. LIFX offers a range of smart bulbs, light strips, and panels that can create stunning effects and scenes in your home. LIFX products are easy to set up, compatible with most smart home platforms, and have some unique features that Philips Hue does not. In this article, we will compare LIFX and Philips Hue in terms of price, performance, features, and compatibility.
One of the main advantages of LIFX over Philips Hue is the price. LIFX products are generally cheaper than Philips Hue, especially when you factor in the cost of the Hue Bridge. The Hue Bridge is a hub that connects your Hue lights to your Wi-Fi network and allows you to control them remotely. However, it costs around $60 and is required for most Hue products. LIFX products, on the other hand, do not need a hub, as they connect directly to your Wi-Fi network. This means you can save money and space by not having to buy and install a separate device.
For example, a LIFX A19 color bulb costs around $40, while a Philips Hue A19 color bulb costs around $50. However, if you want to use the Hue bulb, you also need to buy the Hue Bridge, which adds another $60 to the total cost. Therefore, the LIFX bulb is much more affordable than the Hue bulb. Similarly, a LIFX Z light strip costs around $90, while a Philips Hue light strip costs around $80. However, the LIFX strip is longer (6.6 feet vs 6 feet) and brighter (1400 lumens vs 800 lumens) than the Hue strip. Moreover, the LIFX strip does not need a hub, while the Hue strip does. Therefore, the LIFX strip offers more value for money than the Hue strip.
Another advantage of LIFX over Philips Hue is the performance. LIFX products are generally brighter, more colorful, and more responsive than Philips Hue products. LIFX bulbs can produce up to 1100 lumens of brightness, while Philips Hue bulbs can produce up to 800 lumens. LIFX bulbs can also display 16 million colors, while Philips Hue bulbs can display only 16 million colors. LIFX bulbs can also change colors faster and smoother than Philips Hue bulbs, thanks to their superior Wi-Fi connection.
LIFX products also have some unique features that Philips Hue products do not. For example, LIFX products have a built-in infrared LED that can enhance the night vision of your security cameras. LIFX products also have a feature called Day & Dusk, which automatically adjusts the color temperature and brightness of your lights throughout the day to match the natural light. LIFX products also have a feature called Music Visualizer, which syncs your lights to the music playing on your device. LIFX products also have a feature called Themes, which lets you choose from preset color schemes or create your own.
Features
Both LIFX and Philips Hue have a lot of features that make them smart and versatile. Both products can be controlled via their respective apps, voice assistants, or smart home platforms. Both products can also be integrated with other smart devices, such as sensors, cameras, thermostats, and speakers. Both products can also create scenes, routines, schedules, and automations to suit your preferences and needs.
However, there are some differences in the features of LIFX and Philips Hue. For example, Philips Hue has a feature called Hue Sync, which allows you to sync your lights to your movies, games, or music on your PC or Mac. Philips Hue also has a feature called Hue Labs, which offers experimental features and formulas that you can try out. Philips Hue also has a feature called Hue Entertainment, which creates immersive lighting effects for your entertainment setup.
LIFX, on the other hand, has a feature called LIFX Cloud, which allows you to access and control your lights from anywhere in the world. LIFX also has a feature called LIFX Tile, which is a modular light panel that can create stunning patterns and animations on your wall. LIFX also has a feature called LIFX Beam, which is a linear light strip that can create dynamic effects and shapes on your wall.
Compatibility
Both LIFX and Philips Hue are compatible with most of the popular smart home platforms, such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, and IFTTT. However, there are some differences in the compatibility of LIFX and Philips Hue. For example, Philips Hue is compatible with more third-party accessories, such as switches, dimmers, motion sensors, and buttons. Philips Hue is also compatible with more third-party apps, such as iConnectHue, Hue Essentials, and Hue Disco.
LIFX, on the other hand, is compatible with more Wi-Fi routers, such as Eero, Google Wifi, and Netgear Orbi. LIFX is also compatible with more third-party services, such as Spotify, Twitch, and Nanoleaf. LIFX is also compatible with more third-party devices, such as Razer Chroma, Logitech Harmony, and Sonos.
Conclusion
LIFX and Philips Hue are both excellent smart lighting systems that can transform your home with beautiful and intelligent lighting. However, if you are looking for the best alternative to Philips Hue, we recommend LIFX. LIFX products are cheaper, brighter, more colorful, and more responsive than Philips Hue products. LIFX products also have some unique features that Philips Hue products do not. LIFX products are also easy to set up, compatible with most smart home platforms, and have a lot of options to choose from. Therefore, LIFX is the best alternative to Philips Hue.
