Smart lighting - Philips hue bridge and bulbs query

tasticz

Hi All,

We're looking to add smart lighting to our house so we can turn the lights on and off remotely when we're not home as well as control the moods, etc. when we want.

It seems the easiest option is to add a controller - Philips hue bridge and then replace the bulbs with Philips hue bulbs but Philips hue bridge bulbs are quite expensive.

The cheapest Philips bulbs that works for me are: 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Philips-Candle-Edison-Bluetooth-Assistant/dp/B099NPHMKH/ref=sxin_13_ac_d_rm?ac_md=1-1-aHVlIGJ1bGI=-ac_d_rm_rm_rm&cv_ct_cx=Hue+Compatible+Bulb&keywords=Hue+Compatible+Bulb&pd_rd_i=B07SPXTQ33&pd_rd_r=e9985b81-f09e-4294-9f06-f73bfa17b8ba&pd_rd_w=w0wg0&pd_rd_wg=5w3a4&pf_rd_p=73573abc-9548-43f0-87cb-a185286cee4c&pf_rd_r=THPKTD46PC9Z9QBQG5P9&qid=1642936707&sr=1-2-fe323411-17bb-433b-b2f8-c44f2e1370d4&th=1


However, I have come across the below RGB bulbs but not sure if it is compatible with Philips hue bridge. Can anyone confirm or recommend e14 bulbs that will work with philips hue bridge


https://www.smartledbulbs.co.uk/products/s17163-energizer-smart-e14-ses-candle-5w-colour-changing-400lm?variant=37641973563569&currency=GBP&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&utm_campaign=gs-2021-01-28&utm_source=google&utm_medium=smart_campaign


https://www.bmstores.co.uk/products/energizer-smart-led-candle-bulb-ses/e14-364117

FreeBear

The blurb says the Energizer bulbs are powered by Tuya - This will (probably) be the Smart Life app.

Personally, I dislike anything Tuya powered as they often lock the device and prevent anyone from installing alternative firmware. If buying smart bulbs, I'd be tempted to go with Athom.

tasticz

Is there any bulbs that I can use without any bridge like Philips hue bridge and control remotely when outside of house?

Ibrahim5

Have a look at Wiz. They are much cheaper. Work on 2.4GHz WiFi. My router seems to have a limit of 12 devices so check how many devices your router can handle.

Typhoon2000

Easiest would be to add a wifi all switch and use your existing bulbs. Or if you like your existing switch, fit module ( eg Fibaro) inside the switch housing.

Sandtree

tasticz said:

Is there any bulbs that I can use without any bridge like Philips hue bridge and control remotely when outside of house?

Lots but not all are cheaper.

Are you wanting to use them with Alexa, Siri or such or just the devices own app? Do you know how many devices your router can support, older wifi routers were very limited whereas newer ones can support 100+?

With almost all of these things the signal to make changes has to go via third party servers, I'd personally be a little concerned in investing too heavily in a brand which may not be around too long and functionality may be lost (fully or partially) if they fold or decide to abandon the product etc.

Ibrahim5

Wiz are owned by Signify who own Philips lighting. All the same brand basically.

Zandoni

I've gone with an Apple homepod, Nanoleaf bulbs and a Meross power switch, works brilliantly with my Hive heating too.

ILoveSittingDown

I have Philips Hue bulbs and a few other brands of smart tech for other things (smart plugs etc) and the Hue app and interface is a lot better than others so I would go with it if you can. Unless others have experience of both and are raving about another brand

Sandtree

Didnt know Nanoleaf did normal bulbs too.

We went with Lifx as only had intended to buy a few bulbs and so didnt mind paying their premium however having realised the flexibility they give we have bought more than originally intended... though mainly in the sales.

Two reasons we went with Lifx is because they are hubless and our Harmony remote control can control them so turning on the TV at night turns on the LED backlight strips, the two floor lamps and turns off the ceiling light... similarly switching to the projector turns off all the lights in the lounge.

Personally disappointed that their release in the UK is fairly slow and there are more/better products in the US and Australia (where the founders are from). Have ordered a few things from Australian retailers given no timeline for UK release 

BUFF

I would normally recommend Lifx (I too buy in sales, Mini White for £9) but their E14 bulbs are very expensive - tunable white £22+, colour £39 .