This is a We Own it review!
In this review we are looking at the new Philips Hue Hub 2.0 and a selection of the bulbs and strips.
What does it do?
Philips hue was one of the first wifi lights to come into the market. Since then they have endlessly improved, releasing more bulbs and added functionality.
We know what you’re thinking, added functionality to light bulbs?! These are not just lights they can do so much more for example Sun Rise, Sun Set or different moods for different activities. One of our favourites is focus for when working late.
How does it work & what is the tech?
For the Philips Hue to work you need a Philips hub. This was recently relaunched to be Apple Home compatible. Easiest way to see which Hub is which is:
Square Hub with rounded corners = 2
Round Hub = 1
(Note If buying your kit from eBay or it’s on sale check it’s not the old Hub as lots of these are still being sold).
The lights then communicate to the Hub and you can control them via the App or via other accessories.
The list of accessories is also huge, everything from motion sensors to special switches.
The lights integrate into Apple Home allowing easy control via Apple Home and Siri, commands like ‘Good night’ can turn every light off.
The lights communicate with each other and the bridge via the ZigBee protocol.
How easy is it to setup?
Very easy, the bulbs screw into existing lights and installation is done. All you need to do is plug in the hub to your router and setup is done.
The hue light strips are the same, you just stick them to the item you want to light – for example TV, connect to the hub via the app and done.
One of the great things about this is you can install it anywhere yourself without having to get in a pro.
What’s the connectivity?
Extensive! They call their integrations ‘Friends of Hue’, the list includes all the big names:
Google Home
Apple Homekit
Amazon Alexa
Nest
IFTTT
Logitech Harmony
How much does it cost?
Prices vary as it depends on what lights you want, to give you an idea:
Philips Hue White starter kit (as in the bulbs don’t change colour) with 2 bulbs and hub – £59
Philips Hue Colour and white starter kit with 3 bulbs and hub – £149
Philips Hue White Ambiance Single Bulb – £29.95
Philips Hue Colour and white Single Bulb – £49.95
Philips Hue Lightstrip – £69.99
What’s it like living with it?
Great fun as well as very useful! It never gets boring when family comes over and kids want to dance to the flashing lights, or when your working late and you need bright ‘day light’. We’ve never had any issues with any and we own a lot of Hue 🙂
What are our final thoughts?
These are epic – one of our favourite smart home gadgets. Very few downsides, apart from the price but that said the bulbs have a much longer life than standard bulbs and use a lot less energy.