The Philips Hue Smart Bulb Starter Kit is a great choice for users looking to enhance their home lighting with smart features and a wide range of colors. The Sonos Era 300 Smart Speaker is ideal for audiophiles who prioritize exceptional sound quality and immersive audio experiences, but are willing to pay a premium price.
| Attribute | Philips Hue Smart Bulb Starter Kit | Sonos Era 300 Smart Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Philips Hue Smart Bulb Starter Kit | Sonos Era 300 Smart Speaker |
| Smart Home Ecosystem Compatibility | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, SmartThings, IFTTT, Nest, Logitech, Razer, Xfinity | Amazon Alexa, Sonos Voice Control, Apple AirPlay 2, Apple HomeKit (via AirPlay 2). Google Assistant integration is not yet supported. |
| Wireless Connectivity | Bluetooth and Zigbee | WiFi 6 (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax) on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, Bluetooth 5.0 or 5.3 |
| Light/Sound Output | 800 lumens (up to 1100 lumens in some kits) | Focus on sound output (decibels), information on light output (lumens) not available. |
| Color/Audio Range | 2000K to 6500K (White and Color Ambiance), 2700K (White bulbs) | Focus on audio frequency range (Hz), information on color temperature range (Kelvin) not available. Four tweeters, two woofers, adjustable bass, treble, and loudness via Sonos app. |
| Energy Efficiency | 10 watts (bulbs), 8W (some kits), 3 watts (Hue Bridge) | 1.75 watts when idle, software efficiencies to reduce power consumption. |
| Product Dimensions and Weight | Height: around 4.3 - 4.4 inches (some kits are 8.2 inches), Weight: around 2.4 pounds (some kits are 8.2 pounds), Individual bulb weight: 78g | 6.30 x 10.24 x 7.28 inches (160 x 260 x 185 mm), 9.75 lb (4.42 kg) or 9.85 lbs (4.47 kg). |
| Setup and Installation Complexity | Easy to set up | Easy via the Sonos app. Plug in, connect to WiFi, and open the Sonos app. |
| Mobile App Features and Control | Control lights via the Philips Hue app (iOS and Android). Features include turning lights on/off, dimming, setting scenes, creating routines and timers. | Adjust volume, group speakers, save favorites, set alarms, customize settings, access Sonos Radio and other music services, Trueplay tuning technology. |
| Durability and Warranty | Maximum life hours: 25,000 hours, Warranty: 3 year(s) | Premium build quality, designed for long-term serviceability, 2-year warranty. |
| Special Features | Dimmable via app or dimmer switch, Voice control with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, Millions of colors and shades of white, Control from anywhere in the world with the Hue Bridge, Ability to control up to 50 lights and accessories with the Hue Bridge, Energy Star certified | Dolby Atmos support, Voice control with Amazon Alexa and Sonos Voice Control, Trueplay tuning, Humidity resistant, Capacitive touch controls. |
| Price | Prices vary depending on the kit and retailer. | $449 |
| Pros | Easy to use, Wide array of colors, Reliable performance with smart home systems, User-friendly app, Responsive voice control, Secure and stable wireless connection, Long-lasting bulbs | Exceptional sound quality, Ease of use, Solid bass, Dolby Atmos support, Sleek design, Easy integration with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit (via AirPlay 2), and Sonos Voice Control, Reliable WiFi 6 connection, Premium build quality, Trueplay tuning optimizes sound for room acoustics |
| Cons | Expensive, Bulb disconnection issues reported, Wired hub connection challenges, Compatibility issues with HomeKit reported | High price point, Google Assistant integration not yet supported, Some issues reported with voice command recognition, Some users desire improvements in the accompanying app, Bass can be slightly bloated at default settings |