Lighting can transform the ambiance of any space, and color-changing lights have become increasingly popular in recent years. As we approach 2024, the market for these versatile lighting solutions is poised to expand, offering a wide range of options to enhance your home or office.
When selecting the best color-changing lights for your needs, there are several key factors to consider. Compatibility with your existing smart home ecosystem is crucial, ensuring seamless integration and control. Customizability is another important aspect, as the ability to choose from a wide array of color options and brightness levels can significantly impact the overall aesthetic. Reliable connectivity, with stable Wi-Fi and low latency, is essential for a smooth and responsive user experience. Additionally, the lifespan of the bulbs should be taken into account, as longer-lasting options can minimize the need for frequent replacements. Energy efficiency is also a consideration, as it can contribute to cost savings and environmental sustainability.
As you navigate the ever-evolving world of color-changing lights, our comprehensive guide will help you identify the best options for your home or office in 2024. By considering the key factors mentioned above, you can make an informed decision and transform your space with the perfect lighting solution.
Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip: Immersive Smart Lighting for PC Monitors
Play Gradient Lightstrip for PC Monitors - White & Color Light (Hue Brid... -- $189.99(Amazon)
Philips Hue Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip for PC Mounts -- $12.99(Philips Hue US)
Philips 560425 Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip 75" -- $299.99(Amazon)
"Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip 55""" -- $249.99(Target)
Why We Picked It
The Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip is chosen for its advanced color blending capabilities and smart home integration, providing a dynamic and immersive lighting experience especially tailored for PC monitors. Its ability to sync with on-screen content and respond to voice commands makes it a top-tier choice for enhancing gaming and entertainment setups.
Who It's For
This product is ideal for tech enthusiasts and gamers looking to elevate their PC setup with vibrant, reactive lighting. It's also well-suited for those invested in smart home technology who appreciate the convenience of voice control and app integration. However, it may not be the best fit for budget-conscious consumers or those who prefer a simpler plug-and-play solution without the need for additional accessories.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Seamless color transitions for a dynamic lighting experience | ❌ Premium price point may not fit all budgets |
| ✅ Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit for easy voice control | ❌ Requires the purchase of a Hue Bridge for full functionality |
| ✅ Customizable ambiance with millions of colors and Hue Sync app integration | ❌ Additional mounts needed for different monitor sizes |
Nanoleaf Shapes Hexagons Smarter Kit: Best Modular Smart Lighting for Creativity
Shapes WiFi and Thread Smart RGBW 16M+ Color LED Dimmable Gaming and Hom... -- $199.99(Amazon)
Nanoleaf - Shapes Hexagons Smarter Kit (7 Panels) - Multicolor -- $199.99(Best Buy)
Nanoleaf Shapes 3 Hexagons Expansion Pack -- $69.99(Electronic Express)
Nanoleaf Shapes Hexagons WiFi and Thread Smart RGBW 16M+ Color LED Dimma... -- $189(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Nanoleaf Shapes Hexagons Smarter Kit is chosen for its innovative modular design that allows users to unleash their creativity in designing unique layouts. The lights offer extensive customization options, including music synchronization, making them a dynamic addition to any space. With the ability to expand up to 500 panels, these lights can transform a room into a vibrant, personalized environment.
Who It's For
This product is ideal for tech enthusiasts and interior design aficionados who enjoy personalizing their living space with cutting-edge technology. It's also great for those who love hosting parties or want to enhance their gaming and entertainment setup with responsive, ambient lighting. However, it may not be the best fit for individuals on a tight budget or those who prefer a straightforward, plug-and-play lighting solution.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Modular design for creative layouts | ❌ Can be expensive to expand with additional panels |
| ✅ High customization with 16M+ colors and music sync | ❌ Setup process may be complex for some users |
| ✅ Simple adhesive setup without the need for drilling | ❌ Requires a flat surface for mounting |
Govee Smart LED Strip Lights: Best Budget-Friendly Smart Lighting
Govee 32.8ft Smart LED Strip Lights - RGBIC Lighting Colors - Bluetooth ... -- $39.09(eBay - no1jiggaman)
Smart LED Strip Lights for Bedroom, 32.8ft WiFi LED Strip Lighting Work ... -- $32.99(Amazon)
Govee Led Strip Lights for Kitchen Cabinets M1 - 65.6ft/20m - Color Chan... -- $59.99(Govee)
Why We Picked It
The Govee Smart LED Strip Lights are an affordable lighting solution that offers a range of features such as Bluetooth and app connectivity, voice control compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant, and music sync capabilities. These features, combined with the ease of installation and customizable lighting options, make it a versatile choice for those looking to enhance their home ambiance on a budget.
Who It's For
These LED strip lights are ideal for individuals or families looking to add a touch of personalization and fun to their home environment. They are particularly well-suited for those who enjoy hosting parties, gamers who want to create an immersive experience, or anyone who loves smart home gadgets and is looking for an easy-to-use lighting solution.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ User-friendly app for color and scene customization | ❌ Adhesive backing may lose its stickiness over time |
| ✅ Supports voice control with Alexa and Google Assistant | ❌ Brightness level may not be as high as more expensive models |
| ✅ Music sync feature allows lights to dance to your favorite songs | ❌ Not waterproof, limiting placement to indoor use only |
LIFX Beam Seamless Light Module: Best Modular Smart Lighting for Creativity
Beam Smart Light Bar 6 Piece Kit (L3BEAMKITUS), Multicolor, 6 Count, 33 ... -- $104.99(Amazon)
Lifx Beam Color Smart Light, No Hub Required, White -- $59.98(eBay - rizv_asi)
Why We Picked It
The LIFX Beam Seamless Light Module stands out for its unique design, offering high color accuracy and brightness. It's a versatile lighting solution that doesn't require a hub and integrates seamlessly with various smart home platforms, making it a convenient and stylish addition to any modern home.
Who It's For
This product is ideal for tech enthusiasts and homeowners looking to add a touch of modernity and personalization to their living space. It's perfect for those who appreciate smart home integration and are willing to invest in a higher-end lighting solution that offers extensive color customization and smart features.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ High color accuracy and brightness with 16 million colors | ❌ Higher cost per module compared to other modular lighting systems |
| ✅ No hub required for easy setup and integration with smart home systems | ❌ Limited expansion options which may restrict the size of the installation |
| ✅ Customizable layout and individually addressable color zones for creative expression | ❌ Requires a safe installation area due to the adhesive mounting system |
Yeelight Smart LED Light Strip 1S: Versatile Smart Lighting Solution
Global version Yeelight Aurora Smart Light Strip 1S RGB Colorful WiFi 2M... -- $6.56(AliExpress.com)
Yeelight RGB lightstrip 1S Intelligent light band Smart home Phone App W... -- $9.7(AliExpress.com)
Smart Led Strip Lights,6.5 FT WiFi Led Light Strips with App & Voice Con... -- $24.99(Amazon)
Yeelight LED Lightstrip Extension 1s -- $15.99(Yeelight Store)
Smart Led Strip Lights,6.5 FT WiFi Led Light Strips with App & Voice Con... -- $34.99(Amazon)
Yeelight Rgb Lightstrip 1s Intelligent Light Band Smart Home Phone App -- $49.9(eBay - bevike)
Why We Picked It
The Yeelight Smart LED Light Strip 1S stands out for its music sync features and extensive compatibility with smart home ecosystems, including Apple HomeKit, at a very competitive price point. Its ability to adjust lighting with voice commands through Siri and compatibility with other smart assistants like Alexa and Google Home makes it a versatile addition to any smart home setup. The product's focus on enhancing the ambiance through color and music synchronization, along with its smart features, positions it as a top choice for those looking to add smart, mood-enhancing lighting to their home.
Who It's For
This product is ideal for individuals or families looking to create a dynamic and customizable lighting environment in their home. It's especially suited for those who enjoy hosting parties or want to enhance their home entertainment setup. The Yeelight Smart LED Light Strip 1S is also a great fit for users invested in smart home technology and looking for products that seamlessly integrate with existing systems like Apple HomeKit, Google Home, or Amazon Alexa.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Music sync features enhance entertainment experiences | ❌ Light strip length may be limiting for larger projects |
| ✅ Extensive smart home compatibility, including Apple HomeKit | ❌ App interface could be more user-friendly |
| ✅ Competitive pricing for smart LED light strips | ❌ Extension options may require additional investment |
Kasa Smart LED Strip Lights by TP-Link: Effortless Smart Home Ambiance
Kasa Smart KL420L5 LED Light Strip, 16.40 ft, Multicolor -- $29.99(eBay - blueboxsales)
Kasa Smart Kl400l10 LED Light Strip -- $29.99(B&H Photo-Video-Audio)
Why We Picked It
The Kasa Smart LED Strip Lights by TP-Link stand out for their ease of setup and seamless app integration, making them a top choice for those looking to enhance their home with smart, colorful lighting. Without the need for a separate hub and compatibility with major voice assistants, these lights offer a straightforward and versatile way to add ambiance to any space. The availability of different lengths (16.40 ft and 10 ft options) at an affordable price point further adds to their appeal.
Who It's For
These LED strip lights are perfect for tech enthusiasts and homeowners looking to dip their toes into smart home technology without committing to a complex setup. They're also ideal for renters or students in dorms who want to personalize their space with minimal installation effort. However, they might not be the best fit for users looking for intricate, multi-zone lighting setups due to the limitation of being a single continuous strip.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Easy setup with no need for a separate hub | ❌ Limited to a single continuous strip |
| ✅ Reliable app experience with voice assistant compatibility | ❌ May not suit complex lighting setups |
| ✅ Affordable pricing for both length options | ❌ Variety in length options could be expanded |
Sengled Smart Wi-Fi LED Multicolor TV Light Strip: Best Immersive TV Backlight
Sengled Smart Wi-Fi LED Multicolor Light Strip, 5M (16.4ft), No Hub Requ... -- $34.99(Walmart - NKFay LLC)
Sengled - Smart LED Wi-Fi TV Light Strip with Video Sync for 70 -- $119.99(Best Buy)
Why We Picked It
The Sengled Smart Wi-Fi LED Multicolor TV Light Strip is chosen for its innovative approach to enhancing the TV viewing experience. It uses a camera to match the colors on the screen, providing an immersive backlight that extends the visuals beyond the frame of the TV. This feature aims to reduce eye strain and create a more captivating viewing environment.
Who It's For
This product is ideal for home entertainment enthusiasts looking to elevate their TV watching experience. It's best suited for those who enjoy a dynamic and responsive lighting setup that complements the content on the screen. However, it may not be the best fit for consumers looking for a multi-purpose smart light strip that can be used in various settings beyond the TV.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Enhances viewing experience with camera-based color matching | ❌ Color matching may not always be accurate |
| ✅ Easy to install and use with no hub required | ❌ Primarily designed for TV backlighting, not as versatile for other uses |
| ✅ Versatile 5M (16.4ft) length suitable for different TV sizes | ❌ Higher price point for the version with video sync |
Twinkly Flex LED Smart Decorative Light: Best Customizable Neon-like Smart Light
6.5ft Flex Neon Strip Lights App-Controlled Flexible Light Tube LED Stri... -- $64.67(Amazon)
Twinkly RGB Light Flex 6.6' , Wifi, White Wire -- $55(Christmas Designers)
Twinkly 400 RGB LED String - Generation II -- $179.99(Twinkly)
Flex – App-Controlled Flexible Light Tube with RGB (16 Million Colors) L... -- $118.99(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Twinkly Flex LED Smart Decorative Light is chosen for its innovative approach to home lighting, offering a flexible design that allows users to create custom shapes that resemble neon lighting. Its smart app control provides a high level of customization with various animations and effects, making it a versatile addition to any indoor space.
Who It's For
This product is ideal for tech-savvy decorators, DIY enthusiasts, and those who love to personalize their living space with unique lighting designs. It's also suitable for event planners looking for customizable and dynamic lighting options. However, it may not be the best fit for individuals looking for a simple plug-and-play lighting solution or those on a tight budget.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Flexible design allows for creative custom shapes | ❌ Installation may be complex for desired custom shapes |
| ✅ Smart app control with 16 million colors, animations, and effects | ❌ Higher price point compared to standard LED strips |
| ✅ Energy-efficient with minimal power consumption | ❌ Limited length of 6.5 feet per unit |
Corsair iCUE Lighting Node PRO RGB Lighting Controller: Ultimate RGB Lighting Control for Gamers
Corsair iCUE Lighting Node Pro RGB Lighting Controller -- $64.99(Corsair.com)
Corsair Lighting Node Pro RGB LED Controller Kit -- $19.49(eBay)
Why We Picked It
The Corsair iCUE Lighting Node PRO RGB Lighting Controller is a top pick for PC gamers looking to elevate their gaming setup with vibrant, customizable RGB lighting. Its compatibility with the powerful iCUE software allows for intricate lighting effects and synchronization across multiple devices, making it a standout choice for enhancing gaming ambiance and immersion.
Who It's For
This product is best suited for PC gamers and enthusiasts who want to add a personalized touch to their gaming rigs with dynamic RGB lighting. It's not the best option for those seeking general home lighting solutions or those with a very tight budget.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Powerful customization through iCUE software | ❌ Primarily designed for PC gaming setups, limiting its use in general lighting applications |
| ✅ Easy to install and integrate with other Corsair RGB products | ❌ Price may be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers |
| ✅ Supports extensive lighting effects and synchronization | ❌ Requires a compatible Corsair ecosystem for full functionality |
Eve Light Strip - Smart LED Strip: Best Smart LED Strip for Apple HomeKit Users
Eve Light Strip – Smart LED Strip -- $49.95(Amazon)
Eve - Smart LED Light Strip Extension -- $49.95(Home Depot)
Eve Light Strip - Smart LED Strip 2m Extension 11EAS9901 -- $80.75(eBay - rarewaves)
Why We Picked It
The Eve Light Strip - Smart LED Strip is chosen for its high-quality illumination and smart home integration capabilities. With 1800 lumens of brightness and a full spectrum of color options, it can enhance any room's ambiance. Its compatibility with Apple HomeKit allows for seamless control using iOS devices and Siri voice commands, making it a convenient and secure choice for lighting.
Who It's For
This product is ideal for Apple device users who are looking to create a smart, connected home environment. It's perfect for those who appreciate high-quality lighting and are invested in the Apple ecosystem, as they can take full advantage of the HomeKit integration for easy and secure control.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ 1800 lumens of bright, dimmable light | ❌ Limited functionality for non-HomeKit users |
| ✅ Full spectrum of white and color lighting options | ❌ May require additional investment in Apple ecosystem |
| ✅ Easy to use with HomeKit and Siri voice commands | ❌ Price may be high compared to non-smart LED strips |
Thanks for checking out the best color-changing lights of 2024! Need more help or recommendations? I'm here to assist with all your shopping needs. Let's light up your space together!