In 2019, I installed Lifx smart Bulbs in my home. Initially, everything worked fine, but later on, I encountered problems with controlling the bulbs and groups using OK Google. It is unclear whether these issues started before or after Feit Electric took over LIFX, but there seem to be two main categories of problems.

One category is hardware faults. Some lights would stop working altogether, while others would no longer connect to Wi-Fi but still function as regular lights. Some were completely dead.

The other category of issues revolved around connectivity with OK Google. At times, the assistant would be unable to find the lights or groups, claiming they were unavailable or not set up. However, a few minutes later, they would suddenly start working. This suggests possible problems with the LIFX cloud.

Attempts to remove the lights from the cloud and reinstall them would often be unsuccessful, with the process working one minute and failing the next. Additionally, there haven’t been any firmware updates for at least two years, and the promised Matter compatibility seems unlikely to be fulfilled.

Contrary to LIFX’s claim that router issues are to blame, I have used powerful routers such as the Netgear Orbi RBKE963 with no improvement. Other routers from brands like D-Link and TP-Link were also tested, all with no success. It is clear that the problem does not lie with the router.

Given these problems, I explored Alternative options for smart lighting. One reliable and high-quality solution is the Philips Hue system. It uses a Bridge that connects to the router via an Ethernet cable, offering a more stable connection than Wi-Fi. The Hue system has proven to be extremely reliable, and controlling it through a single app is convenient. The price range for Hue products varies, but they provide a bullet-proof solution for those seeking reliable smart lighting.

Another alternative is TP-Link Tapo, which offers a more affordable Wi-Fi option for smart bulbs. These bulbs support mesh routers on the 2.4GHz band and have had minimal issues. The price for Tapo bulbs is significantly lower than Philips Hue, making it a budget-friendly option.

Other smart lighting brands, such as Connect Smart, have also been tested and proven to be reliable. The only downside to using different brands is the need to use multiple apps to control the lights.

In conclusion, while LIFX smart bulbs may have initially seemed appealing, the issues with connectivity and reliability suggest that alternative options like Philips Hue and TP-Link Tapo are worth considering. These alternatives provide more stable and hassle-free solutions for smart lighting needs.

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