Philips Hue vs. Belkin WeMo – We Compare
Smart light bulbs are becoming more and more popular, and there are now even more choices than before. They come in diverse shapes, sizes, degrees of technicality, and color. Moreover, they are produced and released into the market by numerous manufacturers. With such a choice it is key to look at the differences between them
To start off a smart bulb is basically an wireless-capable light emitting diode (LED) bulb. It can be customized, remotely-controlled, and scheduled depending on the set up. This is a stark contrast to the ordinary kinds of bulbs which are on or off, or you are using a dimmer.
The Belkin WeMo and the Hue by Philips are the two popular choices, but how do the stack ups against each other.
Belkin WeMo vs. Hue by Philips
Both smart light bulbs embody the features and capabilities of the standard smart bulbs. However, they also feature certain differences. These are discussed here under:
Hardware & Connectivity
Hardware is the co-operant pieces of equipment that are required to enable the bulbs to light well. Both smart light bulbs are accompanied by and indeed require these co-operant pieces of equipment to operate successfully. However, their hardware requirements differ remarkably.
The Philips Hue kit comprises three light bulbs and a bridge depending on the starter kit you buy. It is this bridge that is subsequently used to control the bulb. It also comes along with an Ethernet cable and an adapter. These two are used to connect the bulb to the power source.
Belkin WeMo, on the other hand, comes along with two smart light bulbs and the WeMo link that is used to control them both. This bulb requires no router connection unlike the Hue. Instead, it is designed to fit in the ordinary power outlets via a built-in Wi-Fi system.
The Philips Hue lights connect to the network via an Ethernet cable. Because of this, the connection is relatively stable and reliable in the long run. It is less prone to failures, blackouts, and downtimes.
The Belkin WeMo light bulb, on the other hand, connects to the Wi-Fi directly by a built-in Wi-Fi system. This brings along certain problems. The built-in Wi-Fi system may not necessarily be compatible with your network. This incompatibility may often lead to loss of network and power interruptions alongside other problems.
Winner: Belkin WeMo
Lighting Quality
WeMo light bulbs have the ability to produce up to 800 lumens of light. This is bright enough to match the 60 Watts of the ordinary light bulbs. Philips Hue lights have the ability to generate only 600 lumens of light. On the basis of the light quality, the Belkin WeMo carries the day with there brighter bulbs.
Winner: Belkin WeMo
Lighting Color
Philips Hue bulbs can generate a myriad of colors. These range from the seven colors of the rainbow to just about any other color, brightness and shade. This being the case, you can utilize the bulbs to suit just about every other occasion. You also have the freedom to select which color to suit your unique preference and liking. This is great for setting the mood, parties, discos, or just nice ambient lighting.
Belkin WeMo bulbs, on the other hand, have the ability to only generate white hue lights, nothing more! They grant you a limited power of choice. While Hue can be bought with white or colours bulbs, the choice is limited to only white bulbs with the WeMo system.
Winner: Philips Hue
Energy Consumption
Given that Belkin WeMo bulbs have the ability to generate lights that are brighter than their Philips Hue counterparts, they consume higher electrical power. They, therefore, exert higher utility bills on average as compared to the Philips Hue. You should, therefore, see to it that you factor this as well. This is to tame your expenditure appropriately.
Winner: Philips Hue
Installation
All factors considered, the Philips Hue light bulbs are easier and more convenient to install than the Belkin WeMo light bulbs. This is because it automatically connects to the Wi-Fi network as soon as the physical connections have already been put in place. The set up app by Philips is very easy to use and takes no time at all to have it top and running.
Winner: Philips Hue
Compatibility
Compatibility refers to the ability of these light bulbs to interface and works seamlessly with your existing hardware and software components. It is mainly determined by the various kinds of light bulb bases that these bulbs are availed in.
The Philips Hue is available in several bases. These include the BR30, A19, PAR16, and GU10, among others. The Belkin WeMo, on the other hand, is available in the A19 base only. It, therefore, goes without saying that the Philips Hue is the more compatible of the two options.
Winner: Philips Hue
Versatility
Other than compatibility, versatility is also equally crucial in light bulbs. It is basically the ability to suit or extend the functionalities of the light bulbs. It is determined to a large extent by the ability of the light bulbs to accommodate other accessories.
The Belkin WeMo light bulb bridge can accommodate several other kinds of bulbs apart from one of its kind. Examples of these are Lightify Tunable White, Sylvania Ultra IQ LED BR30, Gardenspot Mini RGB lights, and Flex RGBW Strip lights, to mention but a few!
Philips Hue, on the other hand, offers other light bulbs and accessories over and above merely accommodating other kinds of bulbs. These are Philips Hue Go, Iris, Phoenix, Philips Hue Lamps, Bloom, Strip Lights, and Beyond, among others.
It, therefore, follows that the Philips Hue has the potential to grant you greater convenience and reliability. It is, therefore, your better bet, in case versatility is your utmost concern.
Winner: Philips Hue
Price
The starter kits for both WeMo and the Hue start at around $100, however the Hue bulbs are more expensive. That being said there is more choice and the price varies depending on the bulb.
Hue also have coloured bulbs which are more than there white bulbs, whereas WeMo are only white bulb. So the price is close, so really the winner has to be picked on value, and for that reason it would go for to the Philips Hue. It is well built and a better investment I believe.
Winner: Philips Hue
Verdict
The verdict is clear! The Philips Hue smart light bulb is undoubtedly the better of the two options in our opinion. The flexibility is greater and the echo system of bulbs and accessories, as well as apps is a lot greater and more developed.
The Hue certainly isn’t the cheapest overall, but if you are looking to start setting up your home with smart bulbs then the Hue is a good system to start developing with and a better longer term investment.
You may not think you need coloured bulbs, however once you have them, you may find uses for them you have never considered, such as sunrise and sunset lighting in your bedroom, or a better mood light for watching TV.
Founder & Editor
Mike is the founder of Hue Home Lighting, a huge Hue fan with far too many lights, covering home and garden. A smart home gadget addict and also enjoys the odd bit of DIY
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Mike
Ridiculous! The hie can’t even run a motion sensor without leaving the light on at the boundary between night and day At least wemo can achieve that. With a better organized guo, too. Hie is a shambles.