Christopher NullFreelance Contributor, TechHive
Christopher Null is a veteran technology and business journalist. He contributes regularly to TechHive, PCWorld, and Wired, and operates the websites Drinkhacker and Film Racket. Disclosure: He also writes for Hewlett-Packad's marketing website TechBeacon.
Saffron Drift Light: A semi-smart bulb with limited appeal
This slow-dimming bulb may help some drift off to sleep, but it's too dim and expensive for us to recommend.
LIFX White 800 review: A distant second to Philips Hue
LIFX’s color-tunable bulb excels, but its white bulb simply doesn’t hit the same highs.
Philips Hue White Ambiance A19 Starter Kit review: This is the bulb to beat
The Hue produces amazing light across the white spectrum.
Sengled Element Touch review: A quirky, but inexpensive ZigBee bulb
The “touch” in its name refers to a button on the bulb that can cycle through four levels of brightness.
TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi LED Bulb LB120 review: This would be a great bulb if it wasn’t so dim
Wi-Fi connectivity means you don’t need a hub, but this globe just doesn’t get bright enough.
Connected Cree LED Bulb review: A super-cheap ZigBee solution
Cree’s smart bulbs work with a variety of smart-home hubs, but that means Cree has a lot less control over the user experience.
Philips SceneSwitch review: It’s not a smart bulb, but it is clever
This new white-only LED bulb changes color with a flip of the switch instead of an app on your phone.
TP-Link Smart Wi-Fi LED Bulb LB130 review: An inexpensive color option
It’s cheaper than the only competing color Wi-Fi bulb, but it’s not better.
Ledvance Lightify RGBW A19 review: Affordable smart lighting with a steep learning curve
You’ll find lots of form factors in the Ledvance Lightify collection, but getting the most out of them takes some effort.
Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Kit review: Still the market leader
No manufacturer has done more to advance the concept of smart LED bulbs.
LIFX Color 1000 review: One of the best smart bulbs gets brighter and better
This year’s model is smaller, lighter, and brighter than the original, but scheduling within its app remains a weak spot.
ilumi A19 LED Smartbulb review: The smart light bulb for the security conscious
This bulb claims to be the brightest Bluetooth bulb on the market, but its light is cooler than expected.
Elgato Avea Bulb review: A novelty bulb, through and through
This LED bulb is great for mood lighting, but it’s not so good at lighting a room.
You’ll encounter lots of features here, but if you’re looking for a light to read by, look elsewhere.
Sears vs Target: Which store operates the best connected-home showroom?
Two retail giants are making the most of their brick-and-mortar assets to help educate consumers about the latest smart-home trends.