Smart lighting is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your home in 2025. Whether you’re looking for voice-controlled bulbs, energy-efficient lighting, or color-changing LEDs, there are excellent options for every budget. We’ve researched and tested the best smart light bulbs that work with Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit.
Here are our top picks for smart bulbs in 2025.
1. Philips Hue White & Colour Ambiance
Price: ~£45 / ~$50
Why We Love It:
Philips Hue is the gold standard for smart bulbs. It offers a full spectrum of colors, deep smart home integration, and expandability with the Hue ecosystem.
- 16 million colors + adjustable white tones
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit
- Bluetooth & Zigbee connectivity
- Requires Hue Bridge for advanced features
Drawbacks:
- More expensive than other smart bulbs
Requires Hue Bridge for multi-room control
Who It’s For:
Perfect for smart home enthusiasts who want the best color accuracy and automation features.
2. TP-Link Kasa Smart Bulb (KL125)
Price: ~£20 / ~$25
Why We Love It:
TP-Link’s Kasa Smart Bulb is one of the best budget-friendly smart lights with full WiFi connectivity, meaning no hub is required.
- Affordable RGB smart bulb
- Works with Alexa & Google Assistant (no hub needed)
- WiFi-enabled (no Zigbee)
- 800 lumens brightness
Drawbacks:
- No Apple HomeKit support
- No Zigbee compatibility
Who It’s For:
Great for first-time smart home users who want a budget-friendly smart bulb with voice control.
3. Nanoleaf Essentials A19
Price: ~£30 / ~$35
Why We Love It:
Nanoleaf Essentials offers Thread connectivity, making it one of the fastest smart bulbs with ultra-smooth color transitions.
- Works with Apple HomeKit & Google Home
- Thread & Bluetooth connectivity for low-latency response
- 1100 lumens – brighter than most competitors
- No hub required
Drawbacks:
- No Alexa support
- Works best with HomePod Mini or Google Nest Hub
Who It’s For:
Best for Apple users who want HomeKit integration and fast response times.
4. Govee Smart LED Bulb
Price: ~£18 / ~$22
Why We Love It:
Govee’s RGB smart bulbs are budget-friendly and feature-packed, offering dynamic lighting effects and app control.
- Works with Alexa & Google Home
- RGB + Tunable White light
- Bluetooth & WiFi connectivity
- Music Sync Mode
Drawbacks:
- App-dependent (some features require Govee app)
- No Apple HomeKit support
Who It’s For:
Ideal for gamers and home decorators who want fun RGB lighting with automation.
5. Wyze Bulb Color
Price: ~£30 / ~$35
Why We Love It:
Wyze offers one of the best budget-friendly smart bulbs with full color and energy-saving automation.
- Works with Alexa & Google Assistant
- Adjustable white & full RGB colors
- WiFi-enabled (no hub required)
- Energy-saving mode
Drawbacks:
- No Apple HomeKit support
- Not as bright as premium options (only 800 lumens)
Who It’s For:
Great for budget-conscious buyers looking for full-color smart bulbs without needing a hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do smart light bulbs save electricity?
Yes! Smart LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, making them a great choice for reducing electricity costs.
Do I need a hub for smart bulbs?
Some smart bulbs (like Philips Hue) require a hub for full functionality, but others (like TP-Link Kasa or Wyze) work over WiFi without extra hardware.
Which smart bulbs work with Apple HomeKit?
Philips Hue and Nanoleaf Essentials are the best options for Apple HomeKit users, offering seamless integration and automation features.
Are smart bulbs worth it?
Yes! Smart bulbs offer convenience, energy savings, and automation that traditional bulbs can't match. Features like scheduling, voice control, and color customization make them a smart home essential.
How long do smart light bulbs last?
Most smart LED bulbs last between 15,000 to 25,000 hours, meaning they can last over 10 years with regular use.