Lighting solutions: Philips Hue Gen 5 Smart Bulbs vs. LIFX Clean Antibacterial Bulbs

Quick Verdict

The Philips Hue Gen 5 Smart Bulbs are a solid choice for users already invested in the Hue ecosystem or those who prefer Zigbee connectivity. The LIFX Clean Antibacterial Bulbs are ideal for users prioritizing antibacterial properties and direct Wi-Fi connectivity, along with a broader color range.

Both bulbs offer smart home integration and app-controlled features like scheduling and scenes.
Philips Hue requires a Hue Bridge for full Zigbee functionality, while LIFX connects directly via Wi-Fi.
LIFX Clean stands out with its antibacterial properties, emitting HEV light to eliminate bacteria.
Philips Hue offers a wide range of bulb shapes and sizes, while LIFX Clean focuses on A19/E26 and A60.
LIFX Clean boasts a wider color temperature range and more color options compared to Philips Hue.

Key features – Side-by-Side

Attribute	Philips Hue Gen 5 Smart Bulbs	LIFX Clean Antibacterial Bulbs
Name	Philips Hue Gen 5 Smart Bulbs	LIFX Clean Antibacterial Bulbs
Brightness (Lumens)	Typically 800 lumens, but some 75W equivalent bulbs can reach 1100 lumens.	1100 lm, 1200 lm
Color Temperature (Kelvin)	White bulbs: 2700K (warm white). White Ambiance: Adjustable from 2200K (warm soft white) to 6500K (daylight). White and Color Ambiance: Adjustable from 2000K to 6500K.	1500K - 9000K
Color Range (Millions of Colors)	White and Color Ambiance bulbs offer 16 million colors.	550 billion colors
Energy Efficiency (Wattage)	Around 10W, equivalent to 60W or 75W incandescent bulbs. They use about 80% less power than traditional incandescent bulbs.	11.5W at full brightness
Lifespan (Hours)	25,000 hours for newer generations. First-generation bulbs had a lifespan of 15,000 hours.	Approximately 22.8 years (based on 3 hours of use per day)
Smart Home Compatibility	Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, SmartThings.	Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, SmartThings
App Features	Scheduling, scenes, customizable settings, dynamic light effects, and the ability to create personalized lighting experiences.	Scheduling, scenes, customizable cleaning cycles
Bulb Shape and Size	A19, BR30, and other shapes are available. Common base types are E26, E27, and E12.	A19/E26 Edison screw, A60
Connectivity	Bluetooth and Zigbee. A Hue Bridge unlocks full features and control of up to 50 lights.	Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n)
Antibacterial Properties	Not applicable. Standard Philips Hue bulbs do not have antibacterial properties.	Emits HEV (High Energy Visible) light to help eliminate bacteria
Dimming Capability	Yes, via the app or voice control.	Software dimming from 1% to 100%
Warranty Period	Typically 2 years, with 3 years for Energy Star certified products.	2 years
Price	Not available	Not available

Overall Comparison

Philips Hue: 25,000 hours lifespan, 16 million colors. LIFX Clean: 22.8 years lifespan, 550 billion colors, antibacterial properties.

Pros and Cons

Philips Hue Gen 5 Smart Bulbs

Pros:

Easy setup and smart home connection
Wide range of colors (16 million options)
Smooth and precise dimming without flickering or buzzing
Reliable scheduling feature for automating lighting changes
Good integration with other smart home devices and platforms
Long lifespan (15,000 to 25,000 hours)
Responsive to commands from the app or voice assistants
Lower heat production compared to incandescent bulbs

Cons:

Bluetooth range is limited to a single room (up to 10 lights)
Full features require Hue Bridge for Zigbee connectivity

LIFX Clean Antibacterial Bulbs

Pros:

Accurate and vibrant colors
Easy setup
Good smart home integration
Effective antibacterial properties
Responsive to app and voice commands
Scheduling feature for automating lighting changes

Cons:

No major disadvantages reported.

User Experiences and Feedback

Philips Hue Gen 5 Smart Bulbs

What Users Love

Easy setup
Good smart home integration
Responsive to commands
Excellent dimming capabilities
Reliable scheduling feature

Common Complaints

Limited Bluetooth range
Requires Hue Bridge for full features

Value Perception

Energy efficient
Long lifespan

User Recommendations

Setup is generally easy, often involving scanning a QR code and following the app's instructions.
The built-in dimming capabilities are generally excellent, with smooth, precise brightness controls that don't flicker or buzz.
The scheduling feature works well for automating lighting changes, allowing users to set timers and routines.
Philips Hue integrates well with other smart home devices and platforms like Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, IFTTT, and SmartThings.

LIFX Clean Antibacterial Bulbs

What Users Love

Easy to set up and connect to smart home systems
Produces accurate and vibrant colors
Responsive to commands from the app and voice assistants
Integrates well with other smart home devices and routines
Effective antibacterial properties

Common Complaints

No major complaints reported.

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.

User Recommendations

Setup is generally straightforward, involving screwing in the bulb, downloading the LIFX app, and following the prompts to connect to Wi-Fi.
The LIFX Clean bulb is known for producing accurate and vibrant colors.
The bulb is generally responsive to commands from the app and voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri.
The LIFX Clean integrates well with other smart home devices and routines through platforms like Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant.
The bulb emits HEV light, which has been shown to kill bacteria like E. coli and S. aureus.