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

More smart lights we’ve tested

Photography: Simon Hill

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 for $40: This is very similar to the Govee Neon Light Strip above, which offers a beautiful diffused light in any color you want with support for many animated effects, music synchronization, and more in the app. But, I found the connection less reliable and prefer the Govee app. I also tried the Lepro S1 AI Smart LED Strip Light ($20)a cheaper light strip without the diffuser, and is perfectly decent for recessed spots.

Linkind Smart TV Light Strip With HDMI Sync Box for $47: This is a much cheaper version of the Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box above, and includes a sync box and a colored light strip suitable for TVs up to 90 inches. It works all rightbut the HDMI inputs are limited to 4K at 60 Hz, and it is not as good as our TV choose above, although it is much cheaper. I also tried the Linkind Smart Neon Rope Light ($80) and he liked it.

Wiz Smart Neon Flex Strip for $80: This is another diffuse light strip that is very similar to the Neon Govee light strip above. It’s easy to adjust and shape, can display multiple colors simultaneously, and supports animated effects via the Wiz app. It can also be programmed or synchronized with music. I also tried it and liked it Wiz Smart LED Strip ($22).

Twinkly Dots for $82: You can stick these strings of LED dots around frames and furniture or hang them anywhere, and the app offers a wide range of colors and animated effects. You can map your model to get the most out of the effects, create your own effects, and group Twinkly lights. On the side, the strip is divided into two sections, with the power controls in the center, and you don’t have enough adhesive points in the box. I also tried it and liked it Twinkly Festoon ($40) string of outer bulbs.

Govee G1 Gaming Light Strip for $45: This is very similar to the Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip for PC listed above, but not quite as good. It’s easy to fit, comes in two sizes (for 24- to 26-inch and 27- to 34-inch monitors), and lights up your games. But it relies on Govee’s flaky desktop software to sync. Unfortunately, streaming services like Netflix flag screen recording as copyright infringement, so syncing doesn’t work with them. Compatibility with Govee DreamView and Razer Chroma lets you sync other lights and peripherals.

Moonside Lamp One for $65: This modern lava lamp is beautiful and boasts 120 dynamic color zones capable of displaying millions of colors and themes (animated effects). You can also design your own themes or have the lamp react to music. Unfortunately, the app is a little clunky, and the lamp is made of light frosted plastic, so it’s a little too easy to accidentally knock it over.

Philips Hue Go 2 for $90: This bowl-shaped portable lamp has a ridge so you can angle it for reading, and it makes a good bedside lamp with dimming for the night and up to 520 lumens to wake you up in the morning. 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; if you increase the brightness, you will be lucky to get two hours, but dimmed, it can last about 10.

Nanoleaf Elements for $160: Plastic light panels can look ugly on some walls (especially off), so Nanoleaf offers this version of its larger hexagonal panels with a wood finish effect (they are still plastic). Like the rest of its panels, you can arrange the Elements of Nanoleaf in any pattern you want, and they support touch controls and music synchronization. Unfortunately, they can only emit white light, but with a color temperature range of 1500 K to 4000 K, you can go from cool whites to warm oranges.

Mpowerd Luci Solar String Lights for $33: If you want lights you can take on the road or camping, this smart gadget from Mpowerd can light up your RV or campsite. The canister opens to remove the water-resistant (IPX4) garlands. Press the power button to use it as a flashlight or cycle through the string light colors. There’s a solar panel on top for charging (but it’s slow) and a port that goes both ways (so it can double as power bank).

Nanoleaf Lines for $140: Our previous pick for gamers, the Nanoleaf Lines (8/10, WIRED Recommends) project the light from the back of each line on the wall, flashing colors and creating a beautiful atmosphere. Even when turned off, the Lines look better than most smart decorative lighting because they remove shadows on the wall and could pass for sculptural art. They also take advantage of PC screen mirroring to enhance gaming (Razer Chroma is also supported).

Lifx Lightstrip for $75: It’s not as bright as the Philips Hue Gradient Smart Lightstrip, but it offers rich colors, separate zones and beautiful animations. The app allows scheduling and can gradually clear a room in the morning. There is also music synchronization with your phone’s microphone. The smart home integration is solid, and there is no need for a hub, but when I tried the previous version (the Lifx Z), often disconnected from Wi-Fi and was not responsive until the reset.