Well, most people are kinda against Philips Hue for being expensive. Maybe they’re, maybe not. However, their sales tell us the true story.
So, if you’re here, then I guess you’ve already got your Hue system. And so you would like the properly developed apps, reliability, and responsiveness that comes with it.
Well, you might have built your excellent entertainment space and now you might be looking to relax. So, for that here are some quite affordable lights.
The Standard (E26) Bulbs Supports Hue System
The conventional socket size for light bulbs in Europe is E27 and E26 in the US. So, when we talk about the standard light bulbs, most probably it’s the E26 size socket with the A19 shape. As this socket size is the most used one in the market of bulbs, so you will easily find a variety of secondary options, that too at affordable prices.
Here’s a table:
| Product’s Brand | Colour | Price |
| Innr | Colour and White Spectrum | $49.99 ($25.00 per count) |
| ERIA | Colour and White Spectrum | $27.99 |
| GLEDOPTO | Colour and White Spectrum | $34.99 |
| GLEDOPTO | Colour and White Spectrum | $28.99 |
You can compare these with the following Phillips Hue bulbs:
| Colour | Price |
| Colour and White Spectrum | $89.99 ($45.00 per Count) |
| Turnable White | $44.99 ($22.50 per Count) |
| White | $29.99 ($15.00 per Count) |
Recessed Downlights Are Compatible With Philips Hue
So, if you have a remodel, then the recessed downlights are the perfect pick for you. The low heat and low profile of these LEDs allow them to suit in the spots where standard lights wouldn’t probably work.
| Product’s Brand | Colour | Luminosity | Price |
| GLEDOPTO Pro 12W 5/6 inch | White and Colour Ambience | 1000 lm | $41.99 |
| GLEDOPTO Pro 9W 4 inch | White and Colour Ambience | 800 lm | $19.99 |
| GLEDOPTO Pro 6W 4inch | White and Colour Ambience | 500 lm | $41.99 |
You can compare these with the following Hue bulbs:
| Brand | Colour | Luminosity | Price |
| Philips Hue 5/6 inch Recessed Downlight | White and Colour Ambience | 700 lm | $54.99 |
| Philips Hue 4 inch Recessed Downlight | White and Colour Ambience | 650 lm | $54.21 |
| Philips Hue 5/6 inch Recessed Downlight | White Ambience | 700 lm | $34.97 |
BR30 Bulbs Support Hue System
Usually, these bulbs are installed in track lighting or a recessed fitting. In comparison to the above-mentioned A19 lights, these are much more directional. Also, they need a bigger heatsink as they are frequently fixed in some confined space.
| Brand | Colour | Price |
| Linkind | White Spectrum (2700K~6500K) | $17.50 |
| Innr | Warm White (2700K) | $22.99 and ($11.50 per Count) |
| ERIA | Warm White (2700K) | $14.99 |
Here’s a comparison with the following Hue bulbs:
| Colour | Price |
| Colour and White Spectrum | $89.99 and ($45.00 per Count) |
| White Spectrum | $44.86 and ($22.43 per Count) |
| Warm White (2700K) | $34.99 and ($17.50 per Count) |
E12 Candelabra Bulbs Are Compatible With Philips Hue
The standard size for the candelabra bulb, in Europe, is E14, whereas E12 in the US. Generally, they’re used in chandelier outlets or small lamps. These bulbs might be smaller in size and put less light in comparison to the larger bulbs, however, they still have nearly the same price.
A chandelier with multiple colored smart lights would be really expensive, but it is kinda cool as well.
| Brand | Colour | Price |
| GLEDOPTO | Colour and White Spectrum | $27.99 |
| IKEA | Warm White (2700K) | $17.99 |
Compare with the following Hue E12 bulbs:
| Colour | Price |
| Colour and White Spectrum | – |
| Tunable White | $24.97 |
| Warm White (2700K) | $29.99 and ($15.00 per Count) |
GU10 Bulbs Are Compatible With Philips Hue
Usually, these bulbs are used as a limelight for pitch lighting. Plus, a little added color makes those pitches pop. Hence, the choice to get color GU10 bulbs seems like a piece of cake.
Although, the options for the Hue compatibility with the GU10 bulbs are somewhat limited, as they’re regularly out of stock. Still, I’ve found a full-color Hue compatible substitute from Gledopto.
| Brands | Colour | Price |
| GLEDOPTO | White and Colour Ambience | $29.99 |
| IKEA Tradfri | White Ambience | – |
Some Outdoor Lights That Are Compatible With Philips Hue
So, if you have an outdoor area where you like to relax or spend time, then adding a dash of color to the night view can bring out some magical effects.
If you haven’t noticed yet, then let me tell you that Philips Hue also offers you a whole range of outdoor fixtures and lights. In this as well, you’ll have to spend a premium amount to get the Hue label. However, if you don’t want to spend on these, then here are some other options as well, that’ll work with the Hue system, at an affordable price.
| Brand | Colour | Price |
| Innr Outdoor spotlight | White and Colour Ambience | $169.99 ($56.66 per Count) |
| Innr Outdoor pedestal light | White and Colour Ambience | $179.99 ($60.00 per Count) |
| Brand | Colour | Price |
| Calla Outdoor bollard | White and Colour Ambience | $109.99 |
| Discover Outdoor Floodlight | White and Colour Ambience | $159.99 |
| Lily Outdoor Spotlight | White and Colour Ambience | $149.97 |
| Econic Outdoor pedestal | White and Colour Ambience | $129.97 |
| Econic Outdoor wall light | White and Colour Ambience | $159.99 |
| Appear Outdoor wall light | White and Colour Ambience | $149.99 |
Some Light Strips That Supports Philips Hue
Light strips are somewhat different from the bulbs. Every bulb has the light, power supply, and controller within the bulb itself. And all you’ve to do is get the light bulb and put it in its place. Whereas the light strips are sold in pieces. So, when you get the light strips in pieces you’ve to put the piece together and make sure it works properly.
The component that interacts with the Hue system is the controller. Hence, all you’ve to do is get a controller that supports your Philips Hue hub.
Everyone loves a great LED strip. You can create several fun effects with these LED lights and use them in multiple ways. Well, sadly the LED strips by Hue are as expensive as the rest of its line.
And to help you out with that, here’s a list of controller and strips that’ll fit with your Hue hub:
| Brand | Colour | Luminosity | Price |
| ERIA | Colour and White Spectrum | 1400 lm | $59.99 ($59.99 per Count) |
| GLEDOPTO | Colour and White Spectrum | N/A | $29.98 |
| GIDERWEL | Colour and White Spectrum | N/A | $46.99 |
| RGBGenie | Colour and White Spectrum | N/A | $55.00 |
You can compare those with the below-mentioned Philips Hue LED strips. And before getting them, make sure you examine the length of every strip:
| Colour | Price |
| Colour and White Spectrum | $84.99 |
| Colour and White Spectrum | $25.00 |
AduroSmart ERIA
So, I’ve used a pair of ERIA BR30 lights, color, and white spectrum, and honestly, I’m convinced.
They are somewhat heavy, which is a great factor. As it has a large heatsink, the added weight could be because of that. And if you don’t know, then for an LED having a large heatsink is a great thing. As you might’ve noticed, heat is the biggest factor behind wearing out LEDs. When an LED has a large heatsink, it helps it to cool effectively and increases its lifespan.
The ERIA light bulbs display a CRI of about 90+. Also, the colors match properly with the Philips app.
Gledopto
Even though the Gledpopto lights properly connect with the Hue hub, they somehow experience a color issue when they’re paired with the Hue hub.
It seems they’re adjusted differently in comparison to the Philips Hue bulbs. Thus, the colors are always kinda off. You might think that this issue could be resolved with a software update. But, this is somehow a hardware problem as well.
The Geldopto light bulbs can only advertise between the range of 2700K to 6500K, on the other hand, the hue light bulbs can advertise between the range of 2200K to 6500K. That’s why I wouldn’t recommend getting the Gledopto light bulbs. As there is a color discrepancy and the cost doesn’t justify that.
As you’re paying for added color, then you might also pay a little more so that those colors properly work i.e. the ERIA bulbs.
You can get Gledopto’s affordable controllers and lights on Amazon. And if you want them to be even cheaper, then you can get them on AliExpress. But, if you order them from AliExpress then you would’ve to wait for some time like 2 weeks for free shipment.
Innr
This is a UK-based organization, and it offers you a range of Zigbee Smart bulbs. These bulbs are fitted with the Philips Hue hub. You can easily pair them with the Hue hub and its color quality is good too, in comparison to the Philips Hue bulbs.
IKEA Tradfri
Now, you might wonder, do they work with the Philips Hue hub?
So the answer is, Yes they do. And they’re significantly more affordable in comparison to the Philips Hue bulbs. The white light bulbs have the relatively same brightness, however, the color lights are somewhat lesser than the Philips Hue bulbs.
Earlier, the process for working them up was slightly irritating. They used to ship the bulbs with the former firmware version. And so to use them with the Hue bulbs, you had to upgrade the firmware software with the Tradfri hub.
But, this has changed now. They now ship the bulbs with the updated firmware version that works with the Hue hub simply, after taking them out of the box.
And the best way to get them is either from the IKEA store or their website.
RGBGenie
They don’t make any light bulbs, however, they produce top-notch Zigbee controllers. With these controllers, you can connect your LED strips with your Hue hub easily.
So, if you have a large space to cover with your LED strips, I would suggest you go with a custom-created solution, as it can save a lot of money.
If we talk about the Hue plus LED strips, then they have reduced its price, but still, if you’ve to cover your complete room, then it’ll add up really fast.
So, Which Lights Aren’t Compatible With The Hue Hub?
As the Philips Hue link works on the Zigbee 3.0 wireless protocol, then anything that works either on Bluetooth, Z-Wave, or W-iFi will not run.
And nearly every smart light works on that, so they won’t run. I’ve prepared a list of those light which might be questionable:
Philips WiZ
If you think a smart bulb by Philips would be compatible with your Hue hub, then you’re wrong. These bulbs work on Wi-Fi only. And the Hue hub uses the Zigbee protocol. So, these are not compatible.
Many people get these WiZ bulbs, thinking that it would work with their Hue system, but sadly it doesn’t.
Sengled
These bulbs use Zigbee, however, they don’t support the Hue hub as they work on Zigbee’s HA standard. But, you can connect these right with the SmartThings and Hubitat or some other Zigbee hubs that are compatible with the ZHA.
Sylvania Lightify/Osram/Smart+
For this one, I can affirm that they don’t work with the Philips Hue system in the US.
Apparently, they provide a distinct version in Europe as the Smart+ light there supports the Hue hub. So, you might’ve read about it either on a review or blog post that describes they support hue hub.
However, trust iConnectHue and I, that they don’t work like that in the US.
You might wonder, if the Philips Hue hub works on Zigbee, then why only some of the Zigbee lights support it?
So, for that, you should remember that Zigbee standards aren’t managed by a fundamental authority, unlike the Z-Wave. Hence, the producers can make any product without being restricted to any kind of Zigbee standard.
With time, there are two popular Zigbee standards, these are Zigbee Home Automation (ZHA) and Zigbee LightLink (ZLL). Later on, a Zigbee 3.0 was made to blend these two standards.
ZLL was used to manufacture the Philips Hue hub. Both Zigbee 3.0 and ZLL are compatible with it, unlike the ZHA devices.
Is There Any Secondary Light That Operates With The Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box?
Sadly, there are none. In fact, the complete range of Hue entertainment hallmarks isn’t compatible with any third-party lights.
For now, this is the prime drawback while purchasing any third-party light for your Hue hub.
Wrapping it up
Personally, the most reliable third-party light bulbs that are compatible with the Hue hubs are the ERIA light bulbs. They offer you a similar color palette along with relative brightness.
However, if the quality isn’t what you’re looking for, then you can go for the Cree-connected light bulbs. They’re the most economical smart lights you’ll ever see.
And for the LED strips, you can for the RGBGenie controller, to secure the strips with your Hue hub. I hope this reading helped you. Thanks for reading!
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