Are Smart String Lights Worth the Investment? A Review of Philips Hue and Nanoleaf Sets

Key Takeaways

Smart string lights provide enhanced control with companion apps, offering features like scheduling, voice control, and customizable settings.
Four brands—Philips Hue, Nanoleaf, and Govee—were tested for usability and feature differences, with varying price points and designs.
IP ratings indicate outdoor suitability, with the Govee Christmas String Lights 2 rated for full immersion, while Philips Hue and Nanoleaf models are designed for covered areas.

Smart String Lights for the Holiday Season

With the rise of LED options, Christmas string lights have become a must-have for festive decor. Smart string lights, in particular, are gaining popularity for their added convenience and functionality. These lights allow for easy control and greater flexibility through companion apps that offer scheduling and voice control features. Users can customize colors and brightness, and some options can be used year-round.

In a recent review, four popular smart string lights from Philips Hue, Nanoleaf, and Govee were evaluated on their features and usability. Pricing varies significantly; it is essential to understand the value offered by each model. The lights tested were mostly around 66 feet (20 meters) long, except for the Nanoleaf Matter Holiday String Lights, which extend up to 78.8 feet (24 meters).

Recent holiday discounts make these lights an attractive option, with the Govee Christmas Sparkle String Lights available for $64.99 in the US and £69.99 in the UK, and the Nanoleaf Matter Smart Holiday String Lights reduced to $74.99 in the US and £58.49 in the UK.

Each set of smart lights comes with its companion app, but usability varies. The Nanoleaf app provides an array of pre-made scenes and a user-friendly customization feature that allows for real-time color adjustments. Govee’s app is praised for its ease of use and creative options, including an AI feature that handles commands through voice or text prompts.

Conversely, the Philips Hue app is noted for its lack of intuitive features. Adjusting color placement and exploring preset scenes requires navigating back and forth, making the app less user-friendly compared to its counterparts.

For outdoor decorating, most tested models are suitable, but it’s crucial to check the IP ratings. The Philips Hue and Nanoleaf lights come with an IP54 rating, indicating they are intended for covered areas, while Govee’s Christmas String Lights 2 are IP67 rated, meaning they can withstand immersion in water. This makes them a reliable choice for permanent outdoor setups.

Storage convenience also plays a role in light selection. Philips Hue’s Festavia lights come bundled in a way that can lead to tangling, complicating setup. Both Nanoleaf and Govee options allow for easier storage—Govee’s model features lights integrated into the cord, eliminating the hassle of traditional fairy lights.

Smart string lights not only enhance seasonal decor with customizable features but also offer practical benefits such as ease of use, durability, and innovative storage options. As the holiday season approaches, these lights present a modern alternative that simplifies decorating while delivering a festive ambiance.

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