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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
Philips has a new cheaper HDMI sync box for immersive TV — but it's not Hue
The new Philips Smart Lighting sync box works with your TV to mirror the on-screen colors in your smart lights, and it's a lot less than you'd pay for the Hue version.
I'm looking forward to using Philips Hue Sports Live during the World Cup
Signify is giving its Philips Hue smart lights a special Sports Live feature for the duration of the World Cup 2026.
IKEA's Varmblixt lamp is stunning, but its app connectivity needs work
This lamp is guaranteed to grab guests' attention, but if you're new to smart home tech, you may prefer to skip the app and use its remote control instead.
I installed this groovy IKEA smart lamp, and it's a guaranteed conversation-starter
The IKEA Varmblixt is a color-shifting light that can be fitted on a wall or placed on a table, and will grab the attention of your friends when they visit.
Smoother and brighter, the Hue Omniglow has to be seen to be believed
Light up your life with the Philips Hue Omniglow, the best Hue lightstrip yet, which appears simply seamless.
'Dark showering' isn't the only way light can help you sleep better
Bathing with the lights down can help you relax before bed, but what other tricks can you use to nod off faster and sleep more soundly?
IKEA just released a super cheap Philips Hue Play Light Bar lookalike
The new IKEA lamp costs the same as a cup of coffee, but don't expect it to create an immersive home theater experience.
All the best lighting deals in IKEA's epic spring sale — save up to 71%
I'm TechRadar's Homes Editor and I've scoured the sales to bring you this definitive list of the 12 best lighting deals.
