Smart lights

Nanoleaf Shapes
(Image credit: Nanoleaf)

If you’ve never tried a connected internet of things (IoT) device before – aka something that’s part of a ‘smart home’ setup – and are curious to try, then the easiest place to start would be with smart lights.

So, what makes a light smart? Simply put, it will connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network or to your phone via Bluetooth (in some cases, both) so you can control it via a companion app or voice commands using popular virtual assistants such as Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant. You can dim them, brighten them, get many of them to change color and add some ambience to your home. If you’ve got multiple smart lights set up from different brands, you can often use a hub to control them all from one place.

Latest about Smart Lights

IKEA Varmblixt smart lights

IKEA just revealed a new donut-shaped smart light – and it'll look sweet on your tables or walls

By Cat Ellis published

CES 2026 The lights can be controlled using a remote, or connected to IKEA's Wi-Fi hub and linked to your smart home system.

CES 2026
Philips Hue lighting scene with and without Hue SpatialAware

The Philips Hue app can now customize lighting scenes so they suit the layout of your rooms

By Cat Ellis published

Hue SpatialAware is a new augmented reality feature that considers the location of your bulbs and lamps when applying a scene.

Smart Lights
The new Govee Ceiling Light Ultra next to the Govee Floor Lamp 3

Govee unveils 3 new smart lights, plus a host of new features to help you create the perfect mood

By Rowan Davies published

CES 2026 There are three new smart lights joining the Govee family, and they're looking to be serious Philips Hue competitors.

CES 2026
Philips Hue Essential bulb next to Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance bulb, both on dimmest setting

Philips Hue Essential lights are spectacular value, but the originals outshine them in one key way

By Cat Ellis published

Hue Essential bulbs are just as good as the originals in most situations, provided you don't need to dial the brightness right down.

Smart Lights
Philips Hue

There's a big Philips Hue sale at Best Buy from $11.99 — these are the smart bulb deals I recommend buying

By Paul Hatton published

A big shout-out to the A19 3-pack, which are part of the big Philips Hue sale at Best Buy

Smart Lights

Are smart string lights for you? Here are my top tips to help you decide

By Cesci Angell published

Get that lightbulb moment with my guide on what to look out for when choosing your smart string lights.

Smart Lights
Philips Hue Festavia lights in living room with text 'TechRadar Black Friday Deals'

Philips Hue lights crash to record-low Black Friday prices – save up to 54%

By Cat Ellis published

If you've been waiting for the right time to stock up on Philips Hue bulbs, that moment is now.

Smart Lights

The Philips Hue Signe Floor Lamp is $131 off at Amazon right now

By Cesci Angell published

This vivid, wall-washing smart floor lamp from Philips Hue is on sale at a significant discount this Black Friday.

Smart Lights
The Philips Hue Festavia string lights are pictured decorating a Christmas tree in a living room. To the right is a large badge which reads "Tech Radar Black Friday Deals".

Save up to $158 on Philips Hue Festavia string lights this Black Friday

By Cesci Angell published

Give your tree the glow-up it deserves with 40% off the 100, 250, and 500 LED Festavia String Lights from Philips Hue.

Smart Lights

Nanoleaf's Black Friday sale is live: including up to 50% off our favorite smart lights

By Paul Hatton published

Nanoleaf's Black Friday sale has arrived with big savings, including up to 50% off our favorite smart lights

Smart Lights
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