17 Best Smart Home Lighting (2024): Decorative Panels, LED Strips, and Ambient Lamps

We tested more smart lights

There are tons of smart ambient lighting panels, strips, lamps and strings. Here are a few we like too.

Lepro N1 AI smart neon light strip now on sale for $40: This is much like the Govee neon strip above, providing lovely diffused light in any color you want, and supports many animation effects, music sync, and more within the app. However, I found the connection less reliable and preferred the Govee app. I also tested Lepro S1 AI Smart LED Light Strip ($20)a cheaper strip light without a diffuser, ideal for recessed areas.

Linkkind Smart TV Light Strip with HDMI Sync Box now on sale for $47 USD: This is a much cheaper version of the Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box above, which includes a sync box and a colorful light strip for TVs up to 90 inches. it works OKbut the HDMI input is limited to 4K at 60 Hz, and while it’s much cheaper, it’s not as good as the TVs we selected above. I also tested Linkind Smart Neon Rope Light ($80) and loved it.

Wiz Smart Neon Flex Strip is on sale for $80 USD: This is another diffused light strip, very similar to the Govee neon strip above. It’s easy to install and shape, can display multiple colors simultaneously, and supports animation effects through the Wiz app. It can also be arranged or synced to music. I also tested and liked Wiz Smart LED Light Strip ($22).

Flashing Dots Only $82: You can string these LED dots around frames and furniture or hang them somewhere, and the app offers a variety of colors and animations. You can map patterns to take advantage of effects, create your own effects, and group Twinkly lights together. On the downside, the strip is split into two parts, with the power control in the middle, and there aren’t enough adhesive points in the box. I also tested and liked Flashing festoon ($40) String of light bulbs outdoor.

Govee G1 gaming light strip now on sale for $45: This is very similar to the Philips Hue Play gradient light strip for PC listed above, but not quite as good. It’s easy to install, comes in two sizes (for monitors 24 to 26 inches and 27 to 34 inches), and will add a sparkle to your gaming. But it relies on Govee’s unstable desktop software for synchronization. Unfortunately, streaming services like Netflix flag it as a screen recording copyright infringement, so the sync feature doesn’t work for them. Compatibility with Govee DreamView and Razer Chroma lets you sync other lights and peripherals.

Moonlight One is only $65: This modern lava lamp looks gorgeous, with 120 dynamic color zones capable of displaying millions of colors and themes (animated effects). You can even design your own theme or have the lights react to music. Unfortunately, the app is a bit bulky, and the light is made of lightweight matte plastic, so it’s easy to accidentally knock it over.

Philips Hue Go 2 for $90: This bowl-shaped portable lamp has a ridge so you can tilt it for reading, and it makes a great bedside lamp that dims at night and wakes you up in the morning with up to 520 lumens. You can adjust 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; you’ll be lucky to get two hours of use if you turn the brightness up, but dim it and it lasts about 10 hours.

Nanoleaf elements sell for $160: Plastic light panels look ugly on some walls (especially when turned off), so Nanoleaf offers this version in larger hexagonal panels with a wood finish (they’re still plastic). Like other panels, you can arrange Nanoleaf’s Elements in any pattern you want, and they support touch and music sync. Unfortunately, they only emit white light, but with a color temperature range of 1500 K to 4000 K, you can go from a cool white to a warm orange glow.

Mpowerd Luci Solar Light String is on sale for $33: If you want to take lighting with you on the road or on your camping trip, this clever gadget from Mpowerd can brighten up your RV or campsite. The jar pops up to unwrap the string lights, which are waterproof (IPX4). Press the power button to use them as a flashlight or cycle through string light colors. There’s a solar panel on top for charging (but it’s slow) and a two-way port (so this can double as a power bank).

The Nanoleaf Series sells for $140: Our previous pick for gamers Nanoleaf Lines (8/10, recommended by Wired) casts light from the back of each line onto the wall, casting color and creating a lovely ambience. Even when turned off, these lines look better than most decorative smart lighting, which casts shadows on the wall that could be mistaken for sculptural art. They can also provide screen mirroring for PCs to enhance the gaming experience (Razer Chroma is also supported).

Lifx light strips on sale for $75: It’s not as bright as the Philips Hue Gradient Smart Light Strip, but it offers rich colors, separate zones, and cute animations. The app allows scheduling and gradually lighting up the bedroom in the morning. You can also use your phone’s microphone for music synchronization. Smart home integration is solid and doesn’t require a hub, but when I tested the previous version ( Lifkes Z), it keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi and becomes unresponsive until reset.