We tested more smart lights
Photograph: Simon Hill
There are lots of smart ambient lighting panels, strips, lamps and strings. Here are some we like too.
Lepro N1 AI Smart Neon Light Strip for $40: It's much like the Govee Neon Light Strip above, providing a beautiful diffused light in any color, with support for multiple animated effects, music syncing, and more in the app. But, I found the connectivity less reliable and preferred the Govi app. i tested it too Lepro S1 AI Smart LED Strip Light ($20)An inexpensive light strip without a diffuser, and it's perfect for recessed spaces.
Linkedin Smart TV Light Strip with HDMI Sync Box for $47: This is a significantly cheaper version of the Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box above, and includes a sync box and a colored light strip suitable for up to 90-inch TVs. it works OkBut HDMI inputs are limited to 4K at 60Hz, and that's not as good as our TV described above, although it is much more affordable. i tested it too Linkedin Smart Neon Rope Light ($80) And liked it.
Wiz Smart Neon Flex Strip for $80: This is another diffused light strip similar to the Govee Neon Light Strip above. It's easy to fit and size, can display multiple colors at once, and supports animated effects through the Viz app. It can also be scheduled or synced with music. I also tried it and liked it Wiz Smart LED Strip ($22),
Twinkly Dots for $82: You can stick these strings of LED dots around frames and furniture or hang them somewhere, and the app offers a wide range of colors and animated effects. You can map out your patterns, create your own effects and group twinkly lights together to get the most of the effects. On the downside, the strip is divided into two sections, with the power controls in the center, and you don't get enough adhesive points in the box. I also tried it and liked it Twinkly Festoon ($40) The outer string of bulbs.
Govi G1 Gaming Light Strip for $45: This is similar to the Philips Hue Play gradient lightstrip for PC listed above, but not as good. It's easy to fit, comes in two sizes (for 24 to 26-inch and 27 to 34-inch monitors), and makes your gaming shine. But it relies on Govi's flaky desktop software to sync. Sadly, streaming services like Netflix flag this as a screen recording copyright violation, so syncing doesn't work with them. Compatibility with Govi Dreamview and Razer Chroma enables you to sync other lights and peripherals.
Moonside Lamp One for $65:This modern lava lamp looks gorgeous and has 120 dynamic color zones capable of displaying millions of colors and themes (animated effects). You can also design your own theme or ask the lamp to respond to music. Sadly, the app is a bit clunky, and the lamp is made of lightly frosted plastic, so it's a little easy to accidentally drop it.
Philips Hue Go 2 for $90: This bowl-shaped portable lamp has a ridge so you can angle it for reading, and it makes a great bedside lamp for nighttime and with up to 520 lumens of light for waking you up in the morning. You can change the temperature and choose from millions of colors. This newer version (2019) has Bluetooth, so you don't need a Hue bridge. Battery life is limited; If you turn up the brightness, you'll be lucky to get two hours, but when dimmed, it can last around 10.
Nanoleaf Elements for $160: Plastic light panels can look ugly on some walls (especially closed ones), so Nanoleaf offers this version of its large hexagonal panels with a wood finish effect (they're still plastic). Like the rest of its panels, you can arrange the Nanoleaf's elements in any pattern you want, and they support touch controls and music syncing. Sadly, they only put out white light, but with a color temperature range of 1500 K to 4000 K, you can go from cool white to a warm orange glow.
Empowered Lucy Solar String Lights for $33: If you want a light you can take on the road or on a camping trip, this clever gadget from Mpowerd can light up your RV or campsite. The canister opens to reveal the water-resistant string light (IPX4). Press the power button to use them as a flashlight or to cycle through the string's light colors. There's a solar panel on the top for recharging (but it's slow) and a port that goes on either side (so it can double as one) power Bank,
Nanolife Lines for $140: Our previous pick for gamers, Nanoleaf Lines (8/10, Wired recommends) Shine light on the wall from behind each row, add color and create a beautiful ambiance. Even when turned off, the lines look better than most decorative smart lighting because they cast shadows on the wall and can be suitable for sculptural art. They also boast screen mirroring to PC to enhance gaming (Razer Chroma is also supported).
LifeX Lightstrip for $75: It's not as bright as the Philips Hue Gradient Smart Lightstrip, but it offers rich colors, distinct zones, and beautiful animations. The app allows scheduling and can gradually light the bedroom in the morning. Music syncing also takes place using your phone's microphone. Smart home integration is solid, and there's no need for a hub, but when I tested the previous version lifex z), it would often disconnect from Wi-Fi and remain unresponsive until reset.