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Best Philips Hue Lightbulbs

Updated December 2018
Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Philips
A19 Starter Kit, 3rd Generation
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Bottom Line

Philip's 464479 starter kit is an ideal match for many of the most popular home controllers on the market. Individual bulbs may seem expensive, but the technology is top notch. Deep color palette and variable white temperatures.

Pros

Deep, vivid colors and several white hues to choose. Integrates well with most home controllers. Steady "on" maintains reliable contact with hub and apps.

Cons

Some lag time reported between command and actual activation. May not remember last settings before shutoff. Only equivalent to a 60 watt bulb, not very bright.

Philips
Two A19 bulbs and bridge (hub)
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Bottom Line

The 455287 is a less expensive starter kit than the 464479, but only includes two smart bulbs. Has many great features, but the connection is not completely wi-fi or wireless. We recommend it for common area use, like a den or living room.

Pros

Noticeably brighter than earlier generation bulbs. Can be dimmed even in non-dimmer sockets. With an app, bulbs can brighten or dim over time, like a sleep cycle.

Cons

Original kit only contains two bulbs, others purchased separately. Only produces white hues, no colors.Some systems require hard wiring the hub.

Philips
Go Light (works with Amazon Alexa)
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Bottom Line

Philips' Go Light is more on the artistic than functional side, but it makes an excellent nightlight, side lamp or accent light. Hue colors are deep and vivid, and can be changed remotely through an app.

Pros

Aesthetically pleasing "bowl of light," including a candle setting. Creates customizable back lighting for TV viewing. Wake-up alarm feature slowly brightens lamp.

Cons

Onboard battery has short lifespan. Cord placement creates unstable base. Programming custom effects can be a challenge.

Philips
65W Equivalent Single LED Bulb
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Bottom Line

For those with specific uses for a HUE smart bulb, such as TV backlighting, the 432690 is a great choice. It is easily recognizable by most systems. Price point may be too high for a regular LED bulb replacement, however.

Pros

Works well with an existing Philips hub and app. Light temperatures run the entire cool/warm spectrum. Can be set to change back lighting during TV viewing.

Cons

On the expensive side, not for whole house bulb replacement. First generation, does not reproduce greens well. Must be kept "on" for maximum performance.

Best Bang for the Buck
Philips
A19 Bulb, 3rd Generation
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Bottom Line

The 464503 HUE bulb is 3rd generation, so many of the compatibility and color issues have been addressed. We like its ability to work independently or in a programmable set.

Pros

3rd generation, produces stronger blues and greens. Capable of creating specific lighting scenes for different rooms and times. Compatible with numerous home controller systems.

Cons

HUE controller app has some performance issues. More expensive than standard white smart or LED bulbs. Overheating can trigger other problems.

How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

  • 16 Models Considered
  • 11 Hours Researched
  • 1 Experts Interviewed
  • 137 Consumers Consulted
    • Zero products received from manufacturers.

    We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

    Why trust BestReviews?
    BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
    BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
    BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.

    Smart bulbs have become more and more popular in recent years due to the level of efficiency and customization they provide. Unlike regular bulbs, options like Philips' Hue Lightbulbs can be tailored with a smartphone app to display different colors and brightness levels whenever you want. Working with some smart home assistants like Google Home and Amazon Alexa, these bulbs are also convenient for automated control over the lights in your home. They come in different kits for interior and exterior use. If this is your first time purchasing smart bulbs, choose a starter kit that comes with a few bulbs and a Hue bridge so you can get them working almost right out of the box.

    The team that worked on this review
    • Devangana
      Devangana
      Web Producer
    • Michael
      Michael
      Writer
    ×

    Philips

    A19 Starter Kit, 3rd Generation

    Philips

    A19 Starter Kit, 3rd Generation

    Philip's 464479 starter kit is an ideal match for many of the most popular home controllers on the market. Individual bulbs may seem expensive, but the technology is top notch. Deep color palette and variable white temperatures.
    $167
    ×

    Philips

    Two A19 bulbs and bridge (hub)

    Philips

    Two A19 bulbs and bridge (hub)

    The 455287 is a less expensive starter kit than the 464479, but only includes two smart bulbs. Has many great features, but the connection is not completely wi-fi or wireless. We recommend it for common area use, like a den or living room.

    $69
    ×

    Philips

    Go Light (works with Amazon Alexa)

    Philips

    Go Light (works with Amazon Alexa)

    Philips' Go Light is more on the artistic than functional side, but it makes an excellent nightlight, side lamp or accent light. Hue colors are deep and vivid, and can be changed remotely through an app.
    $79
    ×

    Philips

    65W Equivalent Single LED Bulb

    Philips

    65W Equivalent Single LED Bulb

    For those with specific uses for a HUE smart bulb, such as TV backlighting, the 432690 is a great choice. It is easily recognizable by most systems. Price point may be too high for a regular LED bulb replacement, however.
    $44
    ×

    Philips

    A19 Bulb, 3rd Generation

    Philips

    A19 Bulb, 3rd Generation

    The 464503 HUE bulb is 3rd generation, so many of the compatibility and color issues have been addressed. We like its ability to work independently or in a programmable set.
    $49

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