$12 – $18
Simple dimmable warm white smart bulb in the Hue ecosystem. Soft white 2700K only. Works standalone via Bluetooth or with Hue Bridge.
You want reliable Zigbee smart bulb
Same reliable Hue Zigbee mesh as premium bulbs - proven quality and responsiveness
You have existing Hue Bridge and want to expand
Easy ecosystem expansion - integrates seamlessly with existing Hue setup
You only need warm white light
Fixed 2700K warm white is perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, and cozy spaces
You want to enter Hue ecosystem affordably
Cheapest Hue bulb option - good entry point to the ecosystem at lower cost than Ambiance or Color
You want adjustable color temperature
Only produces 2700K warm white - no cool white option. Get White Ambiance for temperature control
You want color-changing capability
White only - no RGB colors at all. Get White and Color Ambiance for colors
You use conventional dimmer switches
Will flicker badly when used with conventional or Z-Wave dimmers
You're on a tight budget
Still expensive for basic warm-white-only bulb - Wyze or IKEA offer similar for much less
Flickers badly when used with conventional dimmer switches
TechHiveZ-Wave dimmers cause flash on then off when first turned on, and won't dim at all
TechHivePower cycle resets bulb - doesn't remember last brightness level
User ReportsOTA firmware updates via zigbee2mqtt can brick bulbs when updating multiple simultaneously
GitHub IssuesOnly 2700K warm white - no temperature adjustment
widespreadCause: By design - White variant is basic model, Ambiance adds temperature control
Still expensive for basic bulb
commonCause: Hue premium pricing - paying for ecosystem even on basic model
Requires Bridge for full features
commonCause: Bluetooth mode limited to 10 bulbs and basic features
Incompatible with dimmer switches
commonCause: Smart bulbs need constant power - dimmers cause flickering and damage
Installing on dimmer switch circuit
Flickering, inconsistent brightness, potential damage to bulb
Tip: Replace dimmer with regular switch or Hue smart dimmer - bulb dims via app/voice
Expecting temperature control
Only warm white available - can't get cool daylight tones
Tip: Get White Ambiance if you need adjustable color temperature
Buying without Hue Bridge
Limited to Bluetooth mode - 10 bulb limit, no away control, fewer features
Tip: Get Starter Kit with Bridge or buy Bridge separately for full functionality
Turning off physical switch to control light
Bulb becomes unreachable, breaks automations and schedules
Tip: Leave switch on, control via app/voice - consider Hue dimmer switch
Remote access when away from home, voice assistants, Hue Labs features
Local Zigbee control via Bridge works without internet - schedules and automations continue
Hue app collects usage data, but local control via HomeKit or Home Assistant avoids cloud
Can work fully local with proper setup - Matter support adds local mesh capability
Philips Hue White Ambiance A19
If: Need adjustable color temperature
Wyze Bulb
If: Need budget warm white smart bulb
IKEA TRADFRI LED Bulb
If: Need budget Zigbee bulb
Expanding existing Hue system cheaply
Cheapest way to add more Hue bulbs to existing setup - maintains ecosystem consistency
You want any flexibility in color or temperature
Only 2700K warm white - get White Ambiance ($10 more) for temperature control
You're starting fresh on a budget
Wyze or IKEA TRADFRI offer similar basic functionality at much lower cost
You need reliable bedroom/living room lighting
2700K warm white is ideal for relaxing spaces - Hue reliability is excellent
No, Hue White is fixed at 2700K warm white. For adjustable temperature, get White Ambiance. For colors, get White and Color Ambiance.
Source: Hue Home LightingOnly if you have existing Hue system or want ecosystem benefits. For basic warm white, Wyze ($8) or IKEA TRADFRI ($10) work fine at much lower cost.
Source: Tom's GuideFor full features, yes. Bluetooth mode limits you to 10 bulbs, no away-from-home control, and fewer automations.
Source: Philips HueNo, conventional dimmers cause flickering and potential damage. Use a regular switch (always on) and control brightness via Hue app, voice, or Hue dimmer switch.
Source: TechHiveWhite only produces 2700K warm white. White Ambiance offers 50,000 shades from 2200-6500K, allowing you to adjust from cozy warm to energizing cool white.
Source: Philips Hue