The Best Smart Lighting Panels, LED Strips, and Ambient Lamps
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Light has the power to set a scene. Warm, subdued light can instantly create an intimate feel; bright, cool light can help you focus; and splashes of changing color can bring the party atmosphere. It doesn't have to be static. Synced or reactive lighting can enhance music, help movie action burst off the screen, and make gaming more immersive. Smart home lighting has grown considerably smarter in recent years; it comes in more shapes and sizes and is much more affordable than ever.
In this guide, we’re digging deep into the world of decorative or accent lighting, the kind of smart lighting that isn’t designed to serve as your main light source but brings style and mood to your space. From panels to light strips, lamps to light bars, these are our favorites of the many we've tested. Be sure to check out our Best Smart Bulb, Best Smart Plug, Best Smart Christmas Lights, Best Govee Smart Lights, Best Philips Hue Smart Lights, and Best Nanoleaf Smart Lights for more recommendations.
Updated December 2024: We added smart lights from Nanoleaf, Philips Hue, Govee, and Twinkly and honorable mentions for Exoy, LePro, Linkind, and Wiz. We reorganized the honorable mentions section, removed some older products, and updated prices throughout.
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What to Consider
Shopping for smart lighting and installing it can be confusing, so we have some tips for you here. We also have a separate guide on how to use smart lighting to transform your kid's bedroom.
Finding the ideal placement for your smart lighting will maximize its impact. Consider potential reflections, especially if you are installing them in a living room or office, as you don’t want your smart lights reflected on a TV or display. You always need to run a cable to a power outlet, so consider cable management to hide it as best you can. Plug the lighting in and connect it via the app before you install it. With panels, make your design first and ensure you are happy with it before you try to put it on your wall.
Most smart lighting panels and strips come with adhesive on the back. You must prepare them properly before you start sticking. It’s crucial to clean the wall before installation and follow the instructions to the letter to ensure it sticks and stays (if it says “press for 30 seconds,” do it). Make sure to shut your curious cat or dog in a different room while you install it!
Removing panels and strips may damage your walls. I have suffered cracked paintwork and divots in plaster when removing some smart lighting. Going slowly and applying heat with a hair dryer can help reduce the risk of damage, but the difficulty of this process is a solid reason to be careful with your installation.
The brightness of lighting is measured in lumens. A standard 60-watt light bulb, for example, puts out around 800 lumens. Because most decorative smart lighting is not designed to be the main light source, it is often quite limited in brightness, so keep this in mind.
RGB (red, green, blue) is standard and mixes those three to make other colors. RGBW includes a proper white alongside red, green, and blue, which offers greater flexibility and is important if you want high-quality white light. Color temperature is measured in Kelvins (K) and listed as a range (for example, 1200K–6500K). This range dictates how warm or cool your lighting can get. Perhaps counterintuitively, reds and oranges are at the lower end of the scale, and blues are at the higher end. The last thing to keep in mind is the Color Rendering Index (CRI), a score out of 100 indicating how effectively a light can mimic daylight. It impacts how the colors of lit objects appear. With low CRI scores, for example, reds can appear brown. A score of 80 or above will work fine for most situations.
Most smart lighting connects via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and is controlled by an app on your phone. You need a decent Wi-Fi signal or to be within Bluetooth range. While it might seem desirable for simplicity to have lighting connected directly to Wi-Fi or to use Bluetooth, there are advantages to systems with dedicated hubs. With Philips Hue, for example, lights are much faster to connect and react to commands using the Hue Hub than through Bluetooth in the app. Most smart lighting can be controlled by smart voice assistants, like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri, but ensure you check compatibility before you buy. You will likely want a smart speaker or smart display in the same room as your lighting.
Consider physical controls. Smart lighting must be plugged into power and on all the time to be responsive. If it is only app-controlled, it may be tough for kids in the home or visitors to turn the lights on or off. Many light strips and panels also come with a control unit with physical buttons and sometimes a button to cycle through colors or effects—this is worth looking for if you have kids in the home.
Check how many zones your smart lighting supports. Smart light strips at the cheap end of the market may only have a single zone, which means the entire strip can only render one color at a time. If you want multiple colors or animated effects, you want multiple zones (the more, the better).
For light strips, verify the length and measure it out in your space before you buy. Cheap light strips may lack protective coverings for the LEDs, which will impact longevity. If you want to cut a light strip to a specific length, make sure your preferred option allows for this, and be very careful to follow the instructions. Some light strips are also extendable, but always check before you buy.
There can be some privacy concerns with smart lighting. The ambient lights here that offer a reactive mode that changes the lights to the beat of the audio in your space have microphones for this function to work. It's something to be aware of, though the companies claim they don't record audio or send it anywhere, and that everything stays on device.
- Photograph: Simon Hill
Best Smart Light Panels
Nanoleaf BlocksFor versatile smart light panels, Nanoleaf is your best bet. You can mix and match different types and sizes of blocks with this modular system, including pegboard or textured blocks and optional shelving. The pieces are easy to slot together and install, provided you take your time, and you can choose from a vast array of colors and lighting effects in the Nanoleaf app. I love the built-in rhythm module that syncs the panels to your beats for parties. The daylight option is also great for dark winter days. You can create effects and color mixes, but the lively community in the app is constantly adding to an already large library. These panels always draw compliments from visitors, and I usually control the lights with voice commands through Google Assistant.
The blocks are not touch-sensitive like previous versions, but they get brighter and light up all the way to the edges. You can mix the Blocks with our previous pick, the Nanoleaf Shapes, which come in triangles and hexagons. As much as I love the look of Nanoleaf’s smart lighting, I have experienced frequent connectivity issues. While things improved after Nanoleaf updated the firmware to add Thread support, its lights can still be temperamental and sometimes take a while to connect via the app. When they’re powered off, I’m not wild about the white plastic look, and you are stuck with an unsightly power cable running down the wall.
Works with Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, IFTTT, and Razer Chroma
- Photograph: Twinkly
Pixel Art Panels
Twinkly SquaresWhile most light panels give you bursts of animated color, these square panels from Twinkly feel like pixel art canvases. Each panel sports 64 individual LEDs (8 x 8). We tested a six-pack, but you need at least nine panels to create a square canvas big enough to do justice to some of the artwork in the app, and 12 or more would definitely be better. The Twinkly app works well and offers lots of stills and animations. You can also create your own by hand or from an image.
Sadly, these panels are very expensive, and with too few, everything looks blobby. Setup was a pain. The control panel must plug into power via USB-C, but the supplied cable is not very long (we used a longer one of our own). There is decent smart home support, but only for simple on and off or color changing; you must open the Twinkly app to delve into the fun stuff.
Works with Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Homey, OMEN Light Studio, and Razer Chroma
- Photograph: Simon Hill
A Great Alternative
Govee Glide Wall LightsYou get wonderfully colorful, bright, diffused light from these modular bars. They are fairly easy to fit, and they feel quite durable. Govee’s app offers a wide range of colors, and you can apply them to individual segments of the bars. There are also some lovely animated scenes (I like the rainbow effect best) and a reactive mode that syncs to music. The app lets you create your own scenes, but the process is confusing. (There are plenty of preconfigured scenes to choose from.) I generally use Google Assistant to turn the light bars on or off and dip into the app to change colors or scenes.
However, the lack of physical controls is disappointing. The light bars are also pricey, and the potential configurations are limited unless you buy multiple sets. The Glide Wall Lights are translucent white plastic with visible seams between sections, so they don’t look great when they’re turned off. Finally, you’re stuck with an unsightly power cable running down the wall that connects to a control box and then to the power adapter. We have a complete guide to Govee lighting if you want to learn more.
Works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa
- Photograph: Philips
Best for Gamers
Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip for PCIf you want reactive, bright, and colorful lighting to accompany your gaming, the Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip for PC (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is swift and accurate at screen matching. This flexible diffused light strip is easy to set up and slots into adhesive brackets that stick to the back of your monitor. Via the Hue Sync app on your desktop, the lights match up to the onscreen action, making games and movies more immersive (there are four intensity settings). The light strip also works as bias lighting to ease eye strain in a dark room, and there’s a music mode. It comes in two sizes for 24- to 27-inch or 32- to 34-inch monitors. The smaller size puts out up to 800 lumens, and the larger goes up to 1,000 lumens.
Like the rest of the Hue range, this light strip is pricey, and you also need a Hue Bridge ($46), so it’s an easier sell if you already invested in Hue lights for your home. It works best with fast-paced games and movies, but sadly it won’t sync with streaming services like Netflix (their content protection blocks it).
Works with Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, IFTTT, Microsoft Cortana, Samsung SmartThings, and Razer Chroma
- Photograph: Simon Hill
More for Gamers
Govee AI Gaming Sync Box KitIf a single lightstrip fails to sate your thirst for game synced lighting, perhaps the Govee AI Gaming Sync Box (8/10, WIRED Recommends) will. It is comprised of an RGB strip divided into four sections to fit the edges of a monitor between 27 and 34 inches in size; two light towers; and an HDMI box capable of accurate color matching. Govee has also developed onboard AI capable of recognizing in-game actions and directing a light show to match. This system offers immersive, vibrant, and highly customizable lighting, and you can pair additional Govee lights to enhance the effects.
On the downside, it’s expensive. It creates an extra tangled mess of cables, requires desk real estate, and only a handful of games, like Apex Legends, Valorant, and Overwatch, are fully supported. While this version does not support HDMI 2.1, a new version that we haven't tested yet will let you play in 4K at 120-Hz.
Works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa
- Photograph: Philips
Best Light Strip
Philips Hue Gradient Smart LightstripSmart lighting pioneer Philips has many excellent ambient options in its Hue range. This light strip is bright, offers rich colors, and is easily configurable in the Hue app. You can find the precise color or tone of white you want, and the Hue app offers a good range of preconfigured scenes. You can cut this light strip or extend it to fit any space. I recommend pairing it with a Hue Hub for the fastest operation and to unlock all the features (controlling the strip remotely, more smart home integration, and movie or music syncing with the Sync Box). If you are happy with one color at a time, save yourself a bundle and go for the single-color version ($73).
Functionally, there's not much to criticize here. It works as advertised, though my light strip did peel away from the back of my TV slightly after a few months—the adhesive could be a little better. But the real problem with the Hue range is that it’s so expensive. This light strip is an obvious pick for anyone already invested in the Hue system, and it’s an excellent option, but you don’t have to spend this much to get almost all the same features.
Works with Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, IFTTT, and Microsoft Cortana
- Photograph: Govee
Best Budget Light Strip
Govee RGBIC Pro LED Light StripsIf you want an affordable LED light strip to install in a recess, behind furniture, or somewhere else that’s hidden from view, this Govee strip is a solid bet. It’s easy to install, and you can select colors by section in the Govee app and choose from a wide range of animated effects or make your own. This light strip can also sync to music, and it sports a handy physical control box with a power button, color cycle button, and a button for music syncing. I use Google Assistant to turn this strip on and off, and it works reliably well.
Govee has a bewildering array of light strip models. Each is slightly different. The cheapest option is a strip that handles only one color at a time and lacks a protective covering for the LEDs. We use a couple of them as under-bed lighting. Some RGBIC strips have more LEDs and IC chips than others, which impacts how spread-out color sections are and how smooth transitions appear to be. (With Govee products, IC stands for “independent control” and denotes a chip that allows multiple colors to show on one strip.) You’ll want to do your research if you’re buying a different model.
Works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa
- Photograph: Govee
Best Diffused Light Strip
Govee Neon Rope Light StripMost light strips work best when the LEDs are actually covered—the light doesn’t look as harsh, especially when the LEDs can’t be hidden from view in a recess. That’s why I like this diffused light strip. I have it installed on my stairs, and it’s great as a subtle night-light but can also cycle through colors and play animations from the Govee app. It stays put in your chosen position, thanks to adhesive-backed metal brackets. I’ve tested it with Google Assistant, and it works well, but there’s a handy control unit with a physical power button, a button to turn music syncing on, and a button to cycle through colors.
Depending on the design you want, you may need more adhesive brackets. (There are 10 in the box.) The voice controls only work for turning the light on and off, changing brightness, and changing to solid colors. You have to load the app to change scenes. Some transitions in scenes look a bit blocky because the LEDs are segmented. It’s also a shame that you can’t extend this strip to make it longer.
Works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa
- Photograph: Simon Hill
Best Decorative Light String
Twinkly ClusterWe love this string light from Twinkly. We put it up for Christmas, but my daughter is campaigning to keep it up year-round. It is a string with dense clusters of LEDs (400 in total). The Twinkly app enables you to map the lights and offers color and brightness controls and a huge selection of animated effects (rainbow is our favorite). There is also a button control unit to turn them on and off. Twinkly lights can also be grouped and synced, and the Cluster string is compatible with various gaming services.
You could use these lights on a tree, though the Twinkly String Lights that currently top our best Christmas lights guide are probably better for that. The Cluster lights can fit in anywhere you can hang them. I used Command hooks ($8) to hang ours around the TV. These lights also have an IP44 rating, so can be used outdoors, though the plug will need to be in a waterproof box as it’s too big for most covered outdoor sockets.
Works with Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, Homey, OMEN Light Studio, and Razer Chroma
- Photograph: Philips
Best Floor Lamp
Philips Hue SigneRenters and other folks who don’t want to stick tape to walls or screw into them can still enjoy smart lighting with a lamp. The Philips Hue Signe is a striking floor lamp that conjures up all the colorful lighting magic the brand is known for. A heavy metallic base with a tall metal tube, the Signe can blend in with any decor. The gradient LED strip on one side is designed to face the wall, ideally in a corner, and splashes back vibrant colors or temperature-tuned white light for reading or relaxing. You can use the Hue app to schedule scenes, sync with Spotify music, or sync with your screen via the Hue desktop app or Play Sync Box.
Like most Philips Hue gear, the Signe is expensive, but there are frequent discounts, so don’t pay full price. The app is excellent, and the lighting is smooth. If you feel it’s too expensive, check out the Govee Lyra (at half the price) listed in our honorable mentions section below.
Works with Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa
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- Photograph: Cololight
Best Smart Lamp
Cololight PlusThis imaginative, relatively affordable, modular lamp is hypnotic. If you rent or just don’t want to risk peeling paint off the wall with most ambient smart lights, this is a neat way to get a taste of this world without adhesives (though you can mount it). It’s easy to set up, and you can reconfigure the 3-inch hexagonal panels into whatever shape you like. The app offers a range of solid colors or mesmerizing dynamic effects. The panels also react to music and voice commands.
The stone base from the original Pro version looks better, but the wider plastic base in this Plus model provides more support. My cat occasionally bumped the Cololight and knocked panels off (some configurations are more stable than others). The app is a bit confusing, especially the option to create dynamic effects, and it occasionally lost connectivity. While some of the dynamic effects impress, the quality is variable.
Works with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Razer Chroma
- Photograph: WIZ
Best Portable Lamp
Wiz Luminaire Mobile Portable LightOne of the trickiest things about smart lighting is the installation because most panels and strips are designed to be fixed permanently in place and require a nearby power outlet. Not so this portable lamp, which offers a multitude of colors and dynamic lighting effects wherever you want them. We love the Wiz Portable Light because it’s so versatile. There’s a handle on top for easy transport or hanging; touch controls to change the brightness, colors, and effects; and an app for wireless control from your phone. It’s capable of putting out 400 lumens of tunable light, which is on par with a 40-watt bulb. It also works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri voice controls.
Fully charged via the USB-C port, it can go for around six hours, maybe a little less if you crank up the brightness and choose animated lighting effects (there are tons to choose from, including candle flicker, fireplace, and multicolored party lighting). It’s not waterproof, so this one is best kept inside. Signify owns the Wiz brand (the same company behind Philips Hue). While the Wiz Portable Light is quite expensive, a smart light you can take into any room is handy.
Works with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri (but not HomeKit), IFTTT, and Samsung SmartThings
- Photograph: Nanoleaf
Best Reactive TV Lighting With Camera
Nanoleaf 4D KitLighting behind your TV, usually called bias lighting, can help the picture pop, and color that syncs to the onscreen action can boost immersion. Philips pushed this for years with Ambilight TVs and the Hue Play Sync Box, but both are expensive. Govee made it more affordable, most recently with the Govee Envisual T2, but the Nanoleaf 4D Kit (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is even cheaper. We appreciate the easier setup, curved brackets for fitting it to the back of your TV, and the camera (smaller than Govee's T2).
While few of us want an extra camera in the living room, the advantage is that it enables your lighting setup to react to whatever is on screen (this one also has a magnetic privacy cover). The Nanoleaf 4D kit syncs swiftly and smoothly, according to WIRED reviewer Nena Farrell, adding dynamism to games and drawing you deeper into movies. This kit works with all the major smart home platforms, and you can link your other Nanoleaf devices.
Works with Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, IFTTT, and Razer Chroma
- Photograph: Simon Hill
Best Reactive TV Lighting Without Camera
Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync BoxThe original option for syncing lighting to onscreen action came from Philips Hue, but it is not cheap. We tested the original Hue Play Sync Box ($250) and the Hue Play Sync Box 8K ($350) paired with a Hue Gradient Light Strip ($171 for a 65-inch TV) and a Play Gradient Light Tube ($150); you also need a Hue Bridge. This setup illuminated all four edges of my 65-inch TV. The plastic brackets made fitting the light strip very easy. Nothing compares to this in terms of speed, fluidity, and color matching.
The big catch, aside from the expense, is that you must plug inputs into the sync box via HDMI with a single HDMI output to the TV. Sadly, the original Hue sync box only supported HDMI 2.0, maxing out at 4K in 60 Hz or 1440p in 120 Hz, with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support. That means you can’t play games on the PS5 or Xbox Series X in 4K at 120 Hz and sync lights. However, Philips recently released the 8K version with support for HDMI 2.1. It can handle video content up to 8K at 60 Hz or 4K at 120 Hz, making it the best option for PS5 or Xbox Series X gamers.
This system works brilliantly when it works, but there were connection issues every time I changed my router, despite using the same network details (sadly, this is a frequent issue for me because I test a lot of mesh systems and routers, but won’t be a problem for most folks). Sadly, you can’t use these systems with your smart TV’s onboard apps (though there is a Hue Sync app for select Samsung TVs).
Works with Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa
- Photograph: Govee
Best Outdoor Lights
Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights ProThese permanent color lights from Govee highlight your home and make it the talk of the neighborhood. My window cleaner helped me install them, and each adhesive-backed spotlight can output up to 50 lumens in any color. The 16-foot strips have screw-on waterproof connectors and score an IP67 rating (the control box is IP65). Mine have been up through howling gales, snow, and torrential rain and are still securely fastened and working perfectly. Some overhang is required to get the best from these lights because they should be at least 2 inches away from the wall (4 inches is better). Outdoor sockets also make life easier.
Govee’s app is packed with animated scenes covering different holidays and all sorts of colorful styles. You can also highlight your home in white light for a classy look. These lights are pricey, so wait for a discount before you bite. Plan your setup before installation, and ensure you thoroughly clean the surface you are sticking lights to. The sections make it reasonably easy to tailor, but you can’t cut these, and they are unlikely to be the perfect size for your roof. If visible bulbs and cables annoy you, these aren’t for you. The newer Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights 2 ($300 for 100 feet) are also good, usually a bit cheaper, and have closer spacing for the lights, but they are not as bright (40 lumens each) or as good at displaying true or cool white tones.
Supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Photograph: Philips
Best Outdoor Spotlights
Philips Hue LilyEach of these Lily spotlights from Philips Hue contains an LED bulb capable of putting out 640 lumens, which is plenty to highlight a path, architectural feature, or garden ornament. Each bulb is wrapped in a tough, black, sealed aluminum tube with spikes for sinking them into the ground and mounting holes for fixing them to walls or fences. A simple thumbscrew on the side makes it easy to adjust the angle. You get 23-foot power extension cables for each light, a couple of T-shaped connectors, and a plug that fits in an outdoor socket, and they are IP65-rated (mine have survived wind, rain, and snow). Like the rest of the Hue range, you can choose the brightness, color, temperature, and theme you want in the app; schedule the lights; or link a trigger, like a motion sensor.
The price is the only obvious con here, and if you don’t already have Hue lights, you must buy a Hue Bridge on top. That said, the Lily lights are high-quality, versatile, responsive outdoor lights capable of weathering rough conditions. They are an obvious pick for folks who already have some Hue lights. But if the Lily lights are a bit too pricey, skip to our honorable mentions section below to find more affordable outdoor lighting options.
Works with Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, IFTTT, Samsung SmartThings, and Microsoft Cortana
- Photograph: Simon Hill
Best Star Projector
Sega Toys Homestar FluxFew things are as soothing as lying back and gazing at the night sky, but most of us have to contend with weather and light pollution that spoil stargazing. We tried a couple of cheap projectors that beam stars onto the ceiling and found them fun, but they show fake nebulas, and the quality is limited. The Sega Toys Homestar Flux might be as close as you can get to a home planetarium, with more than 30 star discs showing accurate night skies and nothing to keep you from seeing the constellations in all their glory.
Sadly, this projector is pricey and only comes with two discs in the box. It also requires a dark room and some focus fiddling. It worked well projected onto our ceiling, but it can get blurry at the edges. The shooting star is lame, but you can turn that off. Ultimately, this is super relaxing when you’re unwinding for sleep, and the fact that you can pick out actual constellations gives it a considerable edge over cheaper alternatives.
More Smart Lights We Tested
There are tons of smart ambient lighting panels, strips, lamps, and strings. Here are a few we also like.
Lepro N1 AI Smart Neon Light Strip for $40: This is much like the Govee Neon Light Strip above, offering a lovely diffused light in whatever color you want with support for many animated effects, music syncing, and more in the app. But, I found the connectivity less reliable and prefer the Govee app. I also tested the Lepro S1 AI Smart LED Strip Light ($20), a cheaper light strip without the diffuser, and it’s perfectly decent for recessed spots.
Linkind Smart TV Light Strip With HDMI Sync Box for $47: This is a far cheaper version of the Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box above, and it includes a sync box and a color light strip suitable for up to 90-inch TVs. It works okay, but the HDMI inputs are limited to 4K at 60 Hz, and it’s not as good as our TV picks above, though it is much more affordable. I also tested the Linkind Smart Neon Rope Light ($80) and liked it.
Wiz Smart Neon Flex Strip for $80: This is another diffused light strip that’s much like the Govee Neon Light Strip above. It’s easy to fit and shape, can display multiple colors simultaneously, and supports animated effects via the Wiz app. It can also be scheduled or synced with music. I also tested and liked the Wiz Smart LED Strip ($22).
Twinkly Dots for $82: You can stick these strings of LED dots around frames and furniture or have them hanging somewhere, and the app offers a wide range of colors and animated effects. You can map your pattern to make the most of the effects, create your own effects, and group Twinkly lights together. On the downside, the strip is split into two sections, with the power controls in the center, and you don’t get enough adhesive dots in the box. I also tested and liked the Twinkly Festoon ($40) outdoor string of bulbs.
Govee G1 Gaming Light Strip for $45: This is very similar to the Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip for PC listed above, but not quite as good. It is easy to fit, comes in two sizes (for monitors 24 to 26 inches and 27 to 34 inches), and brightens up your gaming. But it relies on Govee’s flaky desktop software to sync. Sadly, streaming services like Netflix flag it as screen recording copyright infringement, so the syncing doesn’t work with them. Compatibility with Govee DreamView and Razer Chroma enables you to sync up other lights and peripherals.
Moonside Lamp One for $65: This modern lava lamp looks gorgeous and boasts 120 dynamic color zones capable of displaying millions of colors and themes (animated effects). You can even design your own themes or have the lamp react to music. Sadly, the app is a tad clunky, and the lamp is made of lightweight frosted plastic, so it’s a little too easy to accidentally knock it over.
Philips Hue Go 2 for $90: This bowl-shaped portable lamp has a ridge so you can angle it for reading, and it makes a good bedside lamp with dimming for nighttime and up to 520 lumens to wake you in the morning. You can tweak the temperature and choose from millions of colors. This newer version (2019) has Bluetooth, so you don’t need a Hue Bridge. Battery life is limited; if you crank up the brightness, you’ll be lucky to get two hours, but dimmed, it can last around 10.
Nanoleaf Elements for $160: Plastic light panels can look ugly on some walls (especially turned off), so Nanoleaf offers this version of its larger hexagonal panels with a wood finish effect (they are still plastic). Like the rest of its panels, you can arrange Nanoleaf’s Elements in whatever pattern you want, and they support touch controls and music syncing. Sadly, they only put out white light, but with a color temperature range of 1500 K to 4000 K, you can go from cool whites to warm orangey glows.
Mpowerd Luci Solar String Lights for $33: If you want lights you can take on the road or on camping trips, this clever gadget from Mpowerd can brighten up your RV or campsite. The canister pops open to unspool water-resistant string lights (IPX4). Press the power button to use them as a torch or cycle through the string light colors. There’s a solar panel on top for recharging (but it’s slow) and a port that goes both ways (so this can double as a power bank).
Nanoleaf Lines for $140: Our previous pick for gamers, the Nanoleaf Lines (8/10, WIRED Recommends) project light from the back of each line onto the wall, casting colors and creating a lovely ambiance. Even when turned off, the Lines look better than most decorative smart lighting because they cast shadows on the wall and could pass for sculptural art. They can also boast screen mirroring for PC to enhance gaming (Razer Chroma is supported too).
Lifx Lightstrip for $75: This isn’t as bright as the Philips Hue Gradient Smart Lightstrip, but it offers rich colors, separate zones, and lovely animations. The app allows for scheduling and can gradually brighten a bedroom in the morning. There’s also music syncing using your phone’s microphone. Smart home integration is solid, and there’s no need for a hub, but when I tested the previous version (the Lifx Z), it frequently disconnected from Wi-Fi and was unresponsive until reset.
