Smart lighting has come a long way, and in 2025, there are plenty of options available to suit different needs and budgets. In this article, we’ll compare five popular smart bulbs: Meross, Sengled, TP-Link Kasa, Philips Hue, and Govee. We’ll also see which brand offers the best smart bulbs in 2025.
Each of these brands has its strengths and weaknesses, making them better suited for different users.
1. Meross Bulbs
Pros:
- Affordable and widely available on Amazon
- Compatible with HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Assistant
Cons:
- Frequent Wi-Fi disconnection issues, even on the latest firmware
- Unreliable performance on some networks
I personally tried Meross smart bulbs, but they constantly disconnected from my Wi-Fi and wouldn’t respond properly. This seems to be a known issue with Meross bulbs and certain Wi-Fi networks, making them difficult to recommend despite their affordability.
I would not buy Meross bulbs again at all.
2. Sengled Bulbs
Pros:
- Available at major retailers and online
- Zigbee and Wi-Fi options available
Cons:
- Wi-Fi bulbs develop color issues and flickering over time
- Zigbee bulbs do not act as repeaters despite being powered devices
I had a few Sengled bulbs over the years. My Sengled Wi-Fi bulbs initially worked great but later started flickering and having color inconsistencies.
Their Zigbee bulbs also don’t function as repeaters, which is a downside if you’re looking to strengthen your Zigbee mesh network.
Sengled bulbs are nice if you want a cheap option, but they don’t seem to have the longest lifespan in my experience.
3. TP-Link Kasa Bulbs
Pros:
- Reliable brand with good integration into smart home ecosystems
- Competitive pricing and available on Amazon
- Has great reviews overall
Cons:
- Recent firmware updates breaking third-party API access
- Potential issues with Home Assistant and other platforms
While I haven’t personally used Kasa’s smart bulbs, I have had experience with their Wi-Fi smart plugs, which were very reliable. I actually swore by TP-Link Kasa smart plugs for years.
However, TP-Link supposedly recently started pushing updates to some devices that block third-party API access, affecting integrations with Home Assistant and other platforms.
Because of this, I’m avoiding new Kasa devices, and this is a significant downside for smart home enthusiasts.
4. Philips Hue Bulbs (Winner)
Pros:
- Rock-solid reliability with Zigbee technology
- Acts as a Zigbee repeater, strengthening your network
- Excellent color accuracy and brightness
- Can be used with or without the Hue Bridge
- Feature-rich Hue app with dynamic lighting effects
Cons:
- Much more expensive than other options
Philips Hue has been a leader in smart lighting for years, and it continues to be the best choice in 2025. I have never experienced dropouts with Hue bulbs, and they always produce vibrant, accurate colors at a consistent brightness. Since they operate using Zigbee, they strengthen the network by acting as repeaters, unlike Sengled’s Zigbee bulbs.
Additionally, the Hue app provides excellent lighting animations and effects, making it a standout choice.
While they are pricier, the reliability and features make them worth it. I’ve switched all my smart lights to Philips Hue in early 2025.
5. Govee Bulbs
Pros:
- Budget-friendly and well-reviewed on Amazon
- Sold at major retailers
- Offers good color accuracy
Cons:
- Uses Wi-Fi, which can be affected by network conditions
Govee has become a popular budget brand, offering smart bulbs that perform well for the price. They are available both online and in physical stores, making them easy to find. However, like other Wi-Fi-based smart bulbs, they may suffer from connectivity issues depending on your network conditions.
If you’re on a tight budget, they can be a decent option, but they don’t match the reliability of Zigbee-based solutions like Philips Hue.
Conclusion: Philips Hue are Still the Best Smart Bulbs!
When comparing these five brands, Philips Hue still comes out on top in 2025. It offers the most reliable connection, great color reproduction, and strengthens your Zigbee network. While it is more expensive, it’s the best investment for a hassle-free smart lighting experience.
If you’re on a budget, Govee is a solid alternative, while Sengled and Meross have had reliability issues over time. TP-Link Kasa would have been a good choice if not for the recent API limitations.
At the end of the day, choosing the right smart bulb depends on your specific needs, but if reliability and performance are your top priorities, Philips Hue wins in every aspect, by a longshot!
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