Home automation can feel a bit overwhelming with so many choices available. I’m interested in smart security options and considering Eufy or Aqara. When it comes to smart lighting, I’m confused as Philips Hue is quite expensive. I’ve heard Sengled and Govee are good alternatives that are more affordable.
Do you have any other suggestions or recommendations?
IKEA Tradfri is just as good as Hue but much cheaper.
Simon said:
IKEA Tradfri is just as good as Hue but much cheaper.
I think IKEA smart home products are really underrated. They don’t market them well and don’t provide all the specs like other brands.
@Donovan
IKEA makes it tough to use other hubs since they want you to use theirs. But the Tradfri motion sensor is great for outdoors since it’s waterproof, which they don’t advertise.
Elias said:
@Donovan
IKEA makes it tough to use other hubs since they want you to use theirs. But the Tradfri motion sensor is great for outdoors since it’s waterproof, which they don’t advertise.
Is it hard to pair with other hubs? For me, it was straightforward using the usual on-off method and my Home Assistant setup picked them up right away.
@Simon
It’s not hard; just different products require different numbers of repetitions. IKEA ads make it look like setup is simple with their hub.
Simon said:
IKEA Tradfri is just as good as Hue but much cheaper.
I have 14 IKEA Tradfri Color lights for my terrace, but they have similar color issues as the first generation Philips Hue.
For colored lights and strips, I use Tapo. For plugs and cameras, I also use Tapo. Motion and temperature sensors are also from Tapo, while for smart blinds I prefer Switchbot and my smart vacuum is an Eufy x8 pro.
Everything works well with Alexa. The Tapo and Switchbot apps run perfectly on my 12-inch Android tablets at home and integrate smoothly with Alexa for voice commands and routines.
I used to be a big fan of Philips Hue and invested a lot when they first came out. However, after trying Tapo, I found their colors and scene options are much better and way cheaper too.
@Preston
You mentioned moving to Home Assistant, but is the learning curve really that steep? I thought HA Green just simplifies the installation process. As someone starting with HA on an old PC, I find the installation straightforward, but I’m sure the real learning happens later.
@Preston
I agree with this. I tried Eufy, but switched to Tapo for my cameras, motion sensors, and plugs. The app is great and integrates easily with Google Home. Plus, the pricing is good, and I can automate a lot with the app. The only downside was the light strip which didn’t have colors as vibrant as Hue.
@Randall
Make sure to get the right light strip. There’s a cheaper one I have that’s not very bright, but it works well for soft lighting in my kitchen. But I have two of the better ones, and they are fantastic.
@Preston
I have the cheaper one and the Hue in different rooms. The Hue looks amazing, but without the hub, it’s a hassle. The Tapo was much easier to set up.
Create a plan and start small. Focus on local control devices.
Definitely go with Philips Hue. All the other brands are just not as good.
Marcus said:
Definitely go with Philips Hue. All the other brands are just not as good.
I wouldn’t call them garbage. I recommend Hue for those who want something that sets up easily and just works.
@Marc
Except for LIFX which are WiFi. Most other brands just can’t compare to Hue’s color rendering.
Marcus said:
Definitely go with Philips Hue. All the other brands are just not as good.
I agree. Other brands are improving, especially IKEA, but nothing beats Hue. I’d argue that point forever.
Marcus said:
Definitely go with Philips Hue. All the other brands are just not as good.
I started with Hue and filled my old place with white and ambiance bulbs, plus some color ones. At my new place, I wanted all colored bulbs, but Hue would have cost about $1500. I found random WiFi bulbs on Amazon for about $200.
While the color accuracy of the cheaper bulbs isn’t as good, they are brighter and cheaper. I can’t complain for the price.
@Luke
Are you talking about brightness in white mode? I found that cheap bulbs have very weak colors. Paying more for better brightness seems worth it.