Security, heating, lighting ... Home automation encompasses techniques for controlling and automating the management of your home. Connected bulbs are obviously one of them. And they do not all have the same characteristics. Monochrome or polychrome, operation via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi… The choice is vast. You ask yourself what smart bulb to choose according to your budget? Discover our buying guide.
While some are inclined to debate the usefulness of certain connected objects, that of smart bulbs is less open to dispute. As a reminder, they allow you to control the lighting remotely from your smartphone or tablet, or even to program the on and off times. Thanks to the mobile applications that accompany them, you can also adjust the level of light intensity, shades or colors.
In addition, IFTTT (If This Then That) compatible models are integrated into your home automation system with scenarios that depend on your other connected objects. For example, it is possible to color the lamp red if the thermostat indicates an ambient temperature or humidity of a certain level. In addition, some connected bulbs can be controlled entirely by voice, whether from the personal assistant on your smartphone or with a connected speaker (Google Home, Amazon Echo, Home Pod).
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth ou ZigBee ?
Some bulbs connect via the Wi-Fi access. Beforehand, you sometimes have to associate them with your phone by configuring a gateway with your box. Concretely, Wi-Fi allows you to benefit from a very extended range, making it easier to manage your lighting throughout your home. But also beyond since the bulb is connected to your box. This gives you the possibility of controlling it when you are on the road by tapping on your smartphone.
The bulbs can also be operated via the Bluetooth. In particular, it is very easy to configure the bulbs passing through this protocol. You just have to install them and then open the manufacturer's application to activate them. However, Bluetooth has the disadvantage of having a shorter range (no more than ten meters). The manufacturer AwoX still manages to extend it thanks to its Mesh technology. Also, it is not possible to get hold of a bluetooth bulb outside of your home.
Note that some bulbs (Philips Hue, IKEA, Innr) use the radio protocol ZigBee. This creates a mesh network. So each bulb acts as a repeater, making the coverage much more extensive. Moreover, the ZigBee standard in principle allows the joint use of bulbs of different brands, even if you risk however giving up certain functionalities.
These details made, discover below our guide to buying the best connected bulbs currently available on the market.
Best smart bulbs: our selection
Philips Hue White & Color
It is the ultimate in connected light bulbs. In addition to Wi-Fi, the Philips Hue White and Color use the ZigBee protocol for local use. After installing the Hue Bridge (not supplied in the box), it is possible to opt for a myriad of different light scenarios using the Hue app (16 million colors available, intensity ranging from warm white to cool white) . In particular, you can configure up to 50 bulbs. Significantly, its power consumption is very limited.
In addition, its application is very well designed and surprisingly easy to use. The quality of the scattered light is increased, both for warm and cold whites and for colors. Only problem ? Its price, very expensive.
- White : Yes
- Colors : Yes
- Compatibility: Alexa, HomeKit, Google Home, IFTTT
- Protocols: Wi-Fi, ZigBee
- Price: 100 euros (pack of 2)
BUY THIS PHILIPS BULB ON AMAZON
AwoX SmartLIGHT Mesh Color
With its 16 million colors and its lifespan of 20 hours, this very accessible bulb is a good alternative. Operating via Bluetooth, it is quickly installed, requiring no connection bridge. And is very easy to control via the SmartControl app or the remote control. We particularly appreciate its Bluetooth Mesh technology which gives the possibility of controlling the bulb up to 000 meters (and even further if you have several bulbs).
Moreover, it is possible to modify the intensity of the lighting, the temperature of the whites and the colors. But also to configure lighting schedules and even pilot lights (to simulate a presence when you are away). Note, however, that it cannot be controlled outside your home, as it is not compatible with Wi-Fi.
- White : Yes
- Colors : Yes
- Compatibility: Alexa, Google Home
- Protocols: Bluetooth
- Price: 25 euros
BUY THIS AWOX BULB ON AMAZON
Xiaomi Yeelight E27
This bulb working in Wi-Fi has the advantage of not needing a connection gateway. So installing it is child's play: all you have to do is synchronize it with the Yeelight application. Concretely, it offers a wider choice of colors (16 million). The application, very complete, gives you the possibility of setting timers. But also to modulate the intensity or the color as desired. You can choose different atmospheres depending on the context and your mood.
Mood lights are also available (Sunrise, Sunset, Night Mode, Candle Flicker, etc.). Ultimately, we particularly appreciate the quality of its white light, whether hot or cold. As for the colored illumination, it will be better calibrated with a cold light.
- White : Yes
- Colors : Yes
- Compatibility: Alexa, IFTTT and Google Home
- Protocols: Wi-Fi
- Price: 21 euros
BUY THIS XIAOMI BULB ON FNAC
LIFX Mini Colour
Low consumption, long lifespan, extended compatibility… This bulb signed LIFX has very good arguments to sell. Diffusing 16 million colors but also nearly 1000 shades of white, it can be programmed according to scenarios configured upstream. A very practical feature even allows it to automatically adapt its lighting level to different times of the day. Everything can be controlled from the application or by voice command. Operating via Wi-Fi, it is easy to install, no hub being necessary.
- White : Yes
- Colors : Yes
- Compatibility: IFTTT, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assitant, Nest, Samsung SmartThings
- Protocols: Wi-Fi
- Price: 55 euros
BUY THIS LIFX BULB ON AMAZON
WiZ Edison vintage
To finish this guide, we offer you this Wiz bulb with vintage curves. It connects with disconcerting ease with your Wi-Fi, all you need to do is download the manufacturer's application. It also works with Bluetooth. Controllable everywhere (which is handy if you forgot to turn it off when going to work, for example), this bulb can also follow your orders to the letter thanks to the voice command.
You can also set up scenarios to turn it off or on at specific times. It is also possible to change the intensity and temperature of the scattered light.
- White : Yes
- Colors : no
- Compatibility: Google Home Alexa Apple HomeKit
- Protocols: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Price: 34 euros
BUY THIS WIZ BULB ON CDISCOUNT
