# Battle of the Brands: Philips Hue vs Nanoleaf Smart Bulbs
In the world of smart home lighting, Philips Hue has long been a dominant player, offering innovative products that bring the future into our homes. However, Nanoleaf has been gaining ground with its lower prices and unique designs. In this review, we will compare the Philips Hue and Nanoleaf Essentials colored A19 bulbs to determine which one provides the best value for your money.
## Design and Build
Both the Philips Hue and Nanoleaf A19 smart bulbs feature a standard A19 socket, making them compatible with most lamp fixtures and ceiling sockets in the US. The Hue has a more traditional appearance, resembling a squished incandescent bulb, while the Nanoleaf has a faceted design. While the design may not affect performance, the Nanoleaf offers a more funky and modern look.
In terms of weight, both bulbs are heavier than a standard incandescent bulb, but they feel solid and durable. The Nanoleaf bulb may appeal to those looking for a unique design, but ultimately, the design choice is a matter of personal preference.
## Light Output and Efficiency
Both the Hue and Nanoleaf bulbs provide up to 1,100 lumens of brightness, making them suitable for residential lighting needs. The Hue consumes 10.5 watts, while the Nanoleaf consumes 9 watts, making them energy-efficient options. With a lifespan of 25,000 hours, these bulbs offer longevity compared to traditional incandescent bulbs.
In terms of brightness, the Hue light was found to be slightly brighter, especially at lower levels. However, the difference is minimal and comes down to personal preference. If you prefer dim lighting, the Nanoleaf may be the better choice.
## Color Range and Customization
Both bulbs offer more than 16 million colors, but the Hue wins in terms of color range, offering a wider palette from 2000K to 6500K compared to Nanoleaf’s 2700K to 6500K. The Hue’s lighting was also found to be richer and more color accurate than the Nanoleaf.
## Connectivity and Compatibility
The Hue bulb uses Bluetooth and Zigbee connectivity, requiring a hub that must be plugged into your router. On the other hand, Nanoleaf utilizes Thread technology, allowing devices to connect directly to the internet without a hub. Both bulbs can be controlled via Bluetooth, but the Hue offers wider compatibility with smart home assistants out of the box.
## App and Smart Home Experience
The Hue app shows more polish and thoughtfulness in its design, offering easy navigation and setup. Adding bulbs to the Hue app is straightforward and seamless. In contrast, the Nanoleaf app is less user-friendly and may require additional steps for setup.
## Price
The Nanoleaf bulb comes at a lower price point of $20, making it a more affordable option compared to the Hue, which is priced at $90 for 2 bulbs. If price is a major factor for you, Nanoleaf’s attractive price point may sway your decision.
## Conclusion
In conclusion, both the Philips Hue and Nanoleaf smart bulbs offer unique features and benefits. The Nanoleaf bulb stands out for its modern design, lower price, and lack of a hub requirement. However, it may not work with Alexa and its app may be less intuitive. On the other hand, the Philips Hue bulb offers a wider range of colors, brighter lighting, and compatibility with more devices and services. It may be more expensive and require a hub, but it provides a comprehensive smart home lighting experience.
Ultimately, the choice between the two bulbs will depend on your priorities and preferences. If you value design and affordability, the Nanoleaf bulb may be the better option. However, if you prioritize color range, brightness, and compatibility, the Philips Hue bulb may be worth the investment.