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Newbie - best smart bulb

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  • 24-07-2018 4:38pm
    #1
    frash
    Registered Users Posts: 2,564 ✭✭✭


    Hi there,

    Couldn't see it answered anywhere specifically but what's the best smart bulbs to buy?

    I have a HIVE thermostat so have that hub.

    Need 3 E27 bulbs to start off with.

    Want to be able to dim them and maybe change the colour.
    Need them to work with Alexa.

    Thanks for suggestions.


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    #2
    bk
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 22,597 Mod ✭✭✭✭bk


    Philips Hue are by far the best smart bulbs. Though you will need to buy a Hue hub for them too, would be worth keeping an eye out for a starter pack including both the hub and bulbs.

    Hue has E27 bulbs which come in:
    - White only, on/off and dimming
    - White Ambiance, the above, plus different white temperatures, from super bright white like an office to cnadlelight.
    - Colour bulbs, all the above plus colours.

    So it depends on what you need:

    Here is an example of a White Ambiance starter kit:
    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Philips-Ambiance-Personal-Wireless-Lighting/dp/B01BPDXATS/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1532452587&sr=8-17&keywords=hue+e27

    Here is an example of a colour starter kit:
    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Philips-Ambience-Starter-Compatible-Assistant/dp/B0748MY3RX/ref=dp_ob_title_light


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    #3
    ted1
    Registered Users Posts: 23,428 ✭✭✭✭ted1


    Ive yeelights and find them great , much cheaper than hive or hue lights with same functionality


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    #4
    neacy69
    Registered Users Posts: 2,823 ✭✭✭neacy69


    ted1 wrote: »
    Ive yeelights and find them great , much cheaper than hive or hue lights with same functionality

    Do you need a hub for these and can you you these with the Echo?


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    #5
    ted1
    Registered Users Posts: 23,428 ✭✭✭✭ted1


    No, they use WIFI, and have an Alexa skill that you just enable


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    #6
    bk
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 22,597 Mod ✭✭✭✭bk


    I believe wifi only bulbs inferior to hub based ones.

    Wifi only is fine if you just want one or two bulbs to play around with, but if you plan on getting bulbs and other lighting for most rooms, then get a hub.

    - Wifi bulbs use far more power in standby, 3.5w versus 0.5w of a Hue bulb.
    - Wifi bulbs won't work if your wifi goes down and some won't work if internet is down. Hue bulbs are more reliable and will continue to work with wifi/internet down (obviously not remote access, but local control still works) so more reliable.
    - Wifi limited by the range of your wifi, Hue bulbs are wireless mesh.
    - I haven't seen any wifi GU10 bulbs, only standard wifi bulbs.
    - Hue offers far more IMO, GU10 bulbs, light fixtures, outdoor lights, motion sensors, switches, etc.

    Wifi bulbs IMO are a nice to play around with, looking for just one bulb for a lamp to add a splash of colour or as a security light, they are fine. Looking to add smart lighting throughout your house over time (doesn't have to be in one go), then Hue is far superior IMO.


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