Best Smart Light Strips UK

ByAnthony Caroleo

Illuminate Your Home with the Best Smart Light Strips in the UK

Smart light strips have revolutionised home lighting, offering unparalleled flexibility and customisation. Whether you’re looking to create a vibrant ambiance, add accent lighting to your furniture, or enhance your entertainment setup, smart light strips provide a versatile and convenient solution. The UK market offers a wide range of options, each with its own unique features and benefits. This guide will delve into some of the best smart light strips available in the UK, helping you choose the perfect fit for your needs and budget, while considering compatibility with popular smart home ecosystems.

What to Consider Before Buying Smart Light Strips

Before diving into specific products, it’s crucial to consider several key factors:

  • Length: Measure the area you want to illuminate to determine the required length. Many smart light strips can be cut to size, but some cannot, so check specifications carefully.
  • Brightness: Measured in lumens, brightness affects the intensity of the light. Consider where you’ll be using the strip – task lighting requires higher lumens than ambient lighting.
  • Colour Options: RGB (Red, Green, Blue) strips offer a wide spectrum of colours, while RGBW (Red, Green, Blue, White) strips add a dedicated white LED for purer white tones. Some strips also offer tunable white, allowing you to adjust the colour temperature from warm to cool.
  • Connectivity: Most smart light strips connect via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Wi-Fi strips usually offer wider compatibility and remote control, while Bluetooth strips require a direct connection to your phone or a dedicated hub. Some use Zigbee, requiring a hub like the Hue Bridge.
  • Control Methods: Consider how you’ll control the light strip – via a smartphone app, voice commands (Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit), or physical remote.
  • Power Source: Most strips are powered by a mains adapter, but some offer USB-powered options for added versatility.
  • Durability and Waterproofing: If you plan to use the strip outdoors or in a humid environment like a bathroom, ensure it has an appropriate IP rating (Ingress Protection) for water resistance.
  • Smart Home Integration: Check for compatibility with your preferred smart home platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit.
  • Price: Smart light strips range in price from budget-friendly options to premium models. Set a budget and compare features to find the best value for your money.

Top Smart Light Strips Available in the UK

Here’s a rundown of some of the best smart light strips you can buy in the UK, categorised for different needs and budgets:

1. Philips Hue Lightstrip Plus

Overview: The Philips Hue Lightstrip Plus is arguably the gold standard in smart lighting. Known for its superior colour accuracy, seamless integration with the Philips Hue ecosystem, and extensive features, it’s a top choice for smart home enthusiasts.

Pros:

  • Excellent colour quality: Delivers vibrant and accurate colours, thanks to its advanced LED technology.
  • Seamless smart home integration: Works seamlessly with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. The Hue Bridge unlocks advanced features like custom scenes and automation.
  • Highly customisable: Can be cut to size and extended with extension strips, allowing you to create the perfect length for your space.
  • Dynamic lighting effects: Offers a range of dynamic lighting effects and pre-set scenes to suit different moods and occasions.
  • Integration with Entertainment area: Sync with games, music and movies by connecting with the Hue Sync desktop app.

Cons:

  • Expensive: The Philips Hue Lightstrip Plus is one of the more expensive options on the market.
  • Requires Hue Bridge: While it can connect via Bluetooth for basic control, the Hue Bridge is required for full functionality and smart home integration.

Where to Buy: Available from most major retailers in the UK, including Currys PC World, Argos, and Amazon.

Best for: Users who want the best possible colour quality, seamless smart home integration, and are willing to invest in the Philips Hue ecosystem.

2. TP-Link Tapo L900-5 Smart WiFi Light Strip

Overview: The TP-Link Tapo L900-5 is a budget-friendly option that offers decent performance and a range of features, making it a great entry point into the world of smart lighting.

Pros:

  • Affordable: Significantly cheaper than the Philips Hue Lightstrip Plus.
  • Easy to set up: Connects directly to your Wi-Fi network, without the need for a hub.
  • Voice control: Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control.
  • Customisable: Can be cut to size and offers a wide range of colours and effects.
  • Music Sync: Reacts to the sounds of your music for an immersive experience.

Cons:

  • Colour accuracy: Colour accuracy might not be as vibrant or accurate as premium options like Philips Hue.
  • Limited features: Offers fewer advanced features compared to more expensive models.
  • App functionality: The Tapo app, while functional, may not be as polished or intuitive as some competitors’ apps.

Where to Buy: Available from retailers such as Amazon, Argos, and Currys PC World.

Best for: Users who are looking for an affordable and easy-to-use smart light strip with basic smart home integration.

3. LIFX Lightstrip

Overview: The LIFX Lightstrip stands out for its vibrant colours, high brightness, and Wi-Fi connectivity, eliminating the need for a hub.

Pros:

  • Excellent brightness and colour: Offers high brightness and vibrant colours for an impactful lighting experience.
  • No hub required: Connects directly to your Wi-Fi network, simplifying setup and saving on additional costs.
  • Voice control: Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.
  • Customisable zones: Allows you to control different sections of the light strip independently, creating unique lighting effects.

Cons:

  • Price: More expensive than budget options like the TP-Link Tapo L900-5.
  • Firmware updates: LIFX products have occasionally been known to experience issues with firmware updates.

Where to Buy: Available from retailers such as Amazon and Currys PC World.

Best for: Users who want high brightness, vibrant colours, and the convenience of direct Wi-Fi connectivity.

4. Govee LED Strip Lights

Overview: Govee offers a wide range of LED strip lights with various features, including music sync, app control, and scene modes. They are known for their affordability and user-friendly interface.

Pros:

  • Affordable: Govee offers a variety of models at different price points, making them accessible to a wide range of budgets.
  • Easy to use app: The Govee Home app is user-friendly and offers a wide range of customisation options.
  • Music sync: Most Govee light strips feature a built-in microphone that allows them to sync with music.
  • Scene modes: Offer a variety of pre-set scene modes to suit different moods and occasions.

Cons:

  • Build quality: Build quality may not be as high as premium brands like Philips Hue or LIFX.
  • Smart Home Integration Limited compared to other brands.

Where to Buy: Primarily available on Amazon UK.

Best for: Users looking for affordable and feature-rich LED strip lights with a focus on entertainment and ambiance.

5. Innr Smart Flex Light Colour

Overview: Innr offers a competitive alternative to Philips Hue, focusing on affordability and compatibility with Zigbee-based smart home systems.

Pros:

  • Affordable:A more affordable alternative than Philips Hue but with similar Zigbee-based technology.
  • Zigbee Compatibility: Works seamlessly with the Philips Hue Bridge, Samsung SmartThings, and other Zigbee hubs.
  • Good Colour Reproduction: Offers a wide range of colours and decent brightness levels.

Cons:

  • Requires a Hub: You need a Zigbee hub to get the most out of the Innr Smart Flex Light Colour, which adds to the initial investment if you don’t already own one.
  • Limited App Features: The Innr app is not as feature-rich as the Philips Hue app, but it still provides essential control and customisation options.

Where to Buy: Available from various online retailers, including Amazon UK.

Best for:Those looking for a more affordable Zigbee-based smart lighting solution and already have a compatible hub.

Installation Tips and Tricks

Installing smart light strips is generally straightforward, but here are a few tips to ensure a smooth and successful installation:

  • Clean the surface: Before applying the adhesive backing, clean the surface thoroughly with a damp cloth and allow it to dry completely. This will ensure a strong and lasting bond.
  • Measure and cut carefully: If you need to cut the light strip to size, use sharp scissors and cut only at the designated cutting points (usually marked with a scissor symbol).
  • Plan your cable routing: Consider how you’ll route the power cable and any extension cables to ensure a neat and tidy installation. Use cable clips or ties to secure the cables and prevent them from dangling.
  • Test before installation: Before sticking the light strip in place, test it to ensure it’s working correctly and that the colours and effects are to your liking.
  • Consider diffusers: For a softer and more diffused light, consider using diffusers or covers over the light strip. These can help to eliminate harsh hotspots and create a more even glow.
  • Avoid sharp bends: Avoid bending the light strip at sharp angles, as this can damage the internal components and shorten its lifespan.

Creative Uses for Smart Light Strips

Smart light strips offer endless possibilities for creative lighting. Here are just a few ideas to inspire you:

  • Under-cabinet lighting: Install light strips under kitchen cabinets to provide task lighting and add a touch of elegance.
  • Accent lighting: Highlight architectural features, artwork, or furniture with strategically placed light strips.
  • TV backlighting: Reduce eye strain and enhance your viewing experience by adding a light strip to the back of your TV.
  • Gaming room ambiance: Create an immersive gaming experience by syncing your light strips with your games.
  • Bedroom mood lighting: Set the mood for relaxation and romance with soft, warm coloured light strips in your bedroom.
  • Outdoor lighting: Use waterproof light strips to create beautiful outdoor lighting for patios, gardens, and pathways.

Conclusion

Smart light strips are a versatile and affordable way to add ambiance, functionality, and a touch of personality to your home. With a wide range of options available in the UK, there’s a perfect smart light strip for every need and budget. By considering the factors outlined in this guide and exploring the top products mentioned, you can transform your home with the magic of smart lighting.

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