Best smart light 2026: top ambient lighting from Philips Hue, Govee and Nanoleaf
In a crowded market, these are the smart lights you can trust to buy today
The best smart lights are great at adding instant ambience and atmosphere to your home. With a smart bulb, strip or lamp included in your setup, you can easily control your home’s lighting with the tap of a button or a simple voice command.
Smart lights often come with different colour settings and levels of brightness, making them great decorative devices for any room in the home. You can also connect them to your other smart home devices, including the best smart speakers and best video doorbells so you can control them with your voice, motion or light detection.
The top three
For the best smart light overall, the award goes to the Philips Hue Play Wall Washer. It's the perfect choice for creating ambience, and nothing quite compares to the Hue system, so it's a no brainer really.
Despite sharing the same parent company as Philips Hue, WiZ smart lights are far more affordable whilst still feeling impressively premium. The WiZ Gradient Floor Light is a great example of this, especially compared to the Hue Signe.
Despite its eye-watering price tag for what it is, the Nanoleaf x Umbra Cono remains our top premium smart light thanks to its playful design and versatile lighting effects. Is it an essential smart home buy? Probably not – but that’s exactly the point.
Lizzie is T3’s Senior Staff Writer and the team’s go-to smart lighting expert. Her home is packed with smart gadgets, with smart lighting alone making up around 70% of it – so it’s safe to say she really knows her stuff.
Our Best Smart Bulb guide has now evolved into our Best Smart Light guide, reflecting just how expansive the market has become. We’ve added last year’s top models and are currently reviewing the latest releases for this year, so the guide is fully up to date with the very best options available right now.
Best smart light ranking 2026
The best smart light overall
It’s widely accepted that Philips Hue offers the best smart lighting ecosystem available today, even with all the different options available. Whilst we still have a dedicated Best Philips Hue Lights guide, it felt only right to give one of its standout models the top spot in our overall smart light guide as well.
The Philips Hue Play Wall Washer launched last year as a solution for creating truly immersive ambient lighting. It’s a compact lamp designed to project large, seamless gradients of colour both up and down your wall, instantly elevating the atmosphere of a room. However, with the right setup, it can also sync with your TV or gaming screen to extend colours beyond the display, creating a far more immersive viewing experience.
Our reviewer loved it, describing it as a seriously smart light with the power to transform your living space – especially when paired with your TV. Yes, it’s expensive, but if you want a premium product that fully justifies its price tag, you really can’t go wrong with Philips Hue.
The best affordable smart light
Fans of the Philips Hue Signe were overjoyed when the WiZ Gradient Floor Lamp launched last year, offering an impressive alternative at literally a fraction of the price. WiZ actually unveiled three new products at the same time, but it was the floor lamp that instantly grabbed our attention.
Available exclusively in black, it slots neatly into corners or behind furniture and delivers that sought-after ambient effect thanks to its seven colour zones. It outputs 1080 lumens from 13W LEDs and supports a wide colour temperature range, from a warm 2,200K through to a cooler 6,500K.
The real standout is that the WiZ Gradient Floor Lamp forms part of the brand’s immersive lighting setup. However, if syncing with your TV isn’t your thing, you can simply use it as a standard smart light via Wi-Fi and the WiZ app, with no HDMI box required.
The build quality could be better, but at such an affordable price point, it’s a fantastic option for anyone looking to elevate their entertainment space without blowing the budget.
The best premium smart light
The Nanoleaf x Umbra Cono is one of those smart lights you absolutely don’t need… but it’s a fun little addition to any smart home setup, especially if you’re someone who loves quirky designs. The lamp actually comes from a collaboration between Nanoleaf and Umbra, and the Cono is one of two models in the series.
What makes the Cono especially handy is its portability. It runs for about six hours on a single charge via USB-C, and whilst it’s not super bright, it’s perfect for ambient lighting. It’s also really lightweight, so moving it around the house is easy.
As mentioned, it's far from an essential buy, but if you like a touch of smart design and a portable lamp that doesn’t take itself too seriously, the Cono is a great choice.
The best smart string light
There’s really no question that Philips Hue takes the crown for best smart string lights. Whilst Nanoleaf and Govee have some strong contenders, the Hue Festavia stands out – especially since the new generation appeared.
At first glance, the two generations look pretty similar, but there are a number of features that set the latest model apart. For starters, it’s now suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, and another big upgrade is the variety of lengths available. You can choose from 100 LEDs (8 metres), 250 LEDs (20 metres) or 500 LEDs (40 metres), and the lumen output varies depending on which length you pick.
Our reviewer was especially impressed with the gradient LED zones, which let you display three different colours at the same time – a feature that looks especially striking on a Christmas tree. The Festavia also comes with a few exclusive effects, like Opal and Glisten, that aren’t available on other Philips Hue smart lights.
The best smart light for gaming
Many of the best smart lights can enhance a gaming setup, but if you’re a hardcore gamer, something like the Govee Gaming Pixel Light is in a league of its own. It’s a customisable, AI-powered RGB LED panel that lets you display pixel art, animations or even functional info like time, weather and game scores.
There are two sizes to choose from, and you can either place it on a stand or wall-mount it. The box includes simple plastic attachments and screws for both options, so setup is straightforward.
Our reviewer really liked the AI feature, which lets you describe an image in words and have the app generate it for the panel. You can also upload your own GIFs or create your own artwork and animations pixel by pixel. The latter takes a bit of patience and practice, but for those who enjoy a hands-on approach, it’s incredibly satisfying.
The best multi-function smart light
The Nanoleaf Pegboard Desk Dock took home our Best Smart Light award at the T3 Awards last year, and whilst there are plenty of reasons why, its multi-function design is what pushed it over the line.
If the photos haven’t already given it away, the Pegboard Desk Dock is essentially a hybrid smart light and desk organiser. One side provides clean, ambient lighting, whilst the other features a perforated pegboard panel with four adjustable arms. Thanks to its rotating mechanism, you can easily flip between the two modes depending on your needs or mood.
We loved it for combining vibrant, customisable lighting with practical storage in a smart, desk-friendly design. Setup is simple, performance is impressive, and whilst the lack of mobile app support and limited screen mirroring might be minor downsides for some, they don’t take away from the overall experience.
The best smart ceiling light
Smart lights are often prized for their portability or easy manoeuvrability, but if you’re looking for something more permanent, the Govee Ceiling Light is worth a look.
Installation takes around 15 minutes, with the trickiest part being attaching the base plate to the ceiling. After that, you just connect the neutral and live wires, then rotate the main light unit to lock it into place.
Once installed, the Ceiling Light looks sleek and modern – the light panel itself is 30 cm in diameter, framed with a clean white plastic border that sits flush against the ceiling with just a 3cm depth. Around the edges, it casts light onto the ceiling, adding a subtle, ambient glow that really elevates a room.
There is a brighter Pro version available, but this one is more affordable and still offers a wide range of whites and colours. Our reviewer particularly enjoyed the variety of lighting scenes, which made finding the perfect colour combination or pattern effortless.
The best smart bulb
As you can probably tell from this guide, we see Philips Hue not just as a name in smart lighting, but as the standard. When it comes to smart bulbs, there really isn’t any brand that does it better.
Even though all Hue bulbs are Matter-compatible, a Hue Bridge is still the best way to unlock their full potential. The original Bridge supports up to 50 devices, whilst the new Bridge Pro can sync up to 150 lights and works with every major smart platform.
Beyond connectivity, Hue lights simply perform better. They are brighter than most competitors and offer highly accurate colours. Starter kits make getting started easy, and expanding your system over time is seamless. They may not have the flashy effects of some rivals, but Hue focuses on performance and longevity, with many bulbs lasting up to 25 years.
In short, Hue sets the standard for smart bulbs. They are reliable, flexible, and built to last, making them the top choice for anyone serious about smart lighting.
The best portable smart light
The Philips Hue Go is one of the brand’s earlier smart lamps, but we still prefer it over the newer version. It’s a relatively small lamp that works perfectly on a bedside table, but the cleverest feature is its portability. The light lifts off its charging base, so you can take it anywhere without worrying about wires.
It comes in black or white, and the removable grip handle on the main shaft is available in two colours for each version. The white lamp comes with teal or sage green handles, whilst the black lamp has dark grey or orange options. The lamp also has an IP44 rating, making it splashproof.
Even when left on its base, the Hue Go provides excellent atmospheric or functional lighting. It works well in bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens or studies and offers the full range of colours from the Philips Hue app. There’s also a button on the top of the lamp, letting you use it without the app and easily set one of the preset colour effects.
The best smart light with speaker
Owning the Govee x JBL Table Lamp 2 Pro is one of the easiest ways to become everyone’s favorite host, especially if you enjoy creating the right mood. It’s the result of a collaboration between Govee and JBL, combining colour, light and audio into a single all-in-one device.
Inside, the lamp has 210 individually addressable RGBICWW LEDs, putting its lighting effects amongsr the best. It can output up to 600 lumens, with white light temperatures from 2700K to 6500K, making it equally good for focused work or ambient lighting.
However, audio is where the JBL partnership really shines. The lamp features a 10-watt, 2.5-inch JBL-tuned speaker housed in a 500 cc sound chamber, delivering impressively clear sound with strong vocals. Our reviewer found the sound quality to be superb, and was shocked at how loud it can go without this being affected.
A built-in 5,200 mAh battery provides around 4.5 hours of use at moderate brightness and volume. However, whilst it is technically portable, the lamp’s weight and lack of weatherproofing make it best suited for indoor use.
How to choose the best smart light
Choosing the best smart light isn’t just about picking the brightest bulb or the flashiest colour effects. The right choice depends on your home, your lifestyle and most importantly, how you want to interact with your lighting.
Start by considering where you’ll use the light. Some bulbs are perfect for ambient mood lighting, whilst others are bright enough for workspaces or kitchens. We've listed the lumen output for each of the options above so you should easily be able to tell, and remember that anything about 1000 lumens is going to be bright!
Each of the options in the list also obviously have smart controls, but check whether your chosen one also runs on the Matter standard, or is compatible with your preferred platform. Features like scheduling, automation and scene control can make a huge difference in day-to-day use, so it's always best to double check.
Finally, consider long-term usability. Battery life, lifespan, firmware updates and app support all influence how well the product will perform over time. A smart light should feel effortless, reliable and flexible, not complicated or frustrating to maintain.
How we test the best smart lights
When it comes to testing the best smart lights, we evaluate performance across multiple categories to see how well a product works. Brightness and colour accuracy are key metrics – bulbs need to be measured for lumen output, colour consistency and the ability to reproduce a wide range of tones. We also look at responsiveness, latency, and how smoothly lights interact with apps and smart home platforms.
Connectivity and integration are another focus. We test Wi-Fi and mesh protocols like Matter, assessing range, stability and how well bulbs communicate when network conditions aren’t perfect. Portability and setup are also evaluated for lights that can be moved around, like lamps and panels, including how intuitive the installation process is and whether included accessories are practical.
Finally, we consider user experience. This includes app design, accessibility, and advanced features like scene creation, music or screen syncing, and AI-powered effects. Durability and energy efficiency are also factored in, since a smart light should not only perform well today but continue to do so for years.
Best smart light FAQs
Do I need a hub to use smart lights?
It completely depends on the brand. Some, like Philips Hue, work best with a Hue Bridge for full features and expanded connectivity, whilst others, like smart bulbs from Govee or LIFX, can run independently via the brand's own app.
How bright should a smart light be?
Brightness is measured in lumens. For ambient lighting, 200-400 lumens is usually enough, whilst workspaces or kitchens may require 600 lumens or more. However, if you want something to light up an entire room or outdoor space, aim for 1000 lumens or more.
How long do smart lights last?
High-quality smart light typically last 15-25 years under average use, depending on brightness settings and brand. LED technology is energy-efficient, and most bulbs support firmware updates, ensuring longevity and ongoing access to new features.
Reviewer Panel
Lizzie has reviewed more smart lights than she count, including most of the options in this list. If you couldn't tell, Philips Hue is her favourite smart lighting brand, closely followed by Govee.
Lee is one of T3’s most seasoned gadget reviewers, and is particularly knowledgeable when it comes to smart lights. It's his review of the Philips Hue Play Wall Washer that pushed it into top spot!
Dave has several decades of experience in tech journalism, during which he's written about lots of different smart home devices.
Yasmine is the former Reviews Writer for T3, and she still freelances for us regularly. Her reviews are consistently thorough and insightful, making her opinions reliable and highly trustworthy.
Mat is T3’s Editor-in-Chief, and his passion for smart home tech means he often jumps in to help with reviews whenever he can.
