Koogeek LB1 Smart Light Bulb: Better Than Philips Hue

By Weston Lanpher on Aug 10, 2017, 11:37 pm EDT under Hands on Review

Ah, the smart home. It’s quite possibly my favorite developing technology category. Controlling essential features of your house from an app is such an underrated convenience that cannot be truly appreciated until you start upgrading your own home. If you’re looking at some smart gadgets for your home, an obvious place to start would be the light bulbs. There’s a clear industry leader in this (Philips and the entire Hue lineup) but those light bulbs require an extra piece of hardware in the form of the Philips Hub. Why not just get a light bulb that can connect directly to my WiFi? Well, Koogeek has delivered with their LB1 smart light bulb and I’m sold. These intelligent light bulbs:

– have a simple set up
– are easy to use
– come at a good price

The Features

The Koogeek LB1 offers very similar features to other smart light bulbs. Delivering 16 million colors and control via the smartphone app, you get all the basics on iOS with support on Android coming soon. The Koogeek Home app is simple and a cinch to use. In fact, I had no trouble adding the LB1. Note: as with most smart home devices on the market, 5 Ghz networks are not compatible so be sure to connect the LB1 to your 2.4 Ghz network.

Likewise, installation couldn’t be easier: Step 1: Open box. Step 2: Screw LB1 into light socket. Step 3: Admire your handiwork. It really isn’t complicated. Plus, with no hub or extra hardware required, installing the LB1 is all you need to do. Then, simply pair it and begin frantically changing the light color like a child with a new toy. Which I clearly am in this situation. The lights are very pretty.

Koogeek LB1 Smart Light Bulb: Better Than Philips Hue

Build Quality

Upon initial removal of the LB1 from the box, you will immediately notice the weight. The LB1 is a significantly heavy light bulb. I would estimate the weight to be about 4 times the weight of a typical LED light bulb and about twice the weight of Philips Hue bulb. The result makes the LB1 feel very premium and well built. Kudos to Koogeek for a well made product.

Koogeek LB1 Smart Light Bulb: Better Than Philips Hue

Using The LB1

As mentioned before, installation of the LB1 is just like a normal light bulb. Once installed, make sure the power is on and pair it to the Koogeek Home app or to the Apple Homekit app. You can then set scenes with other smart devices based on the room or the time of day. All in all, the LB1 is very simple to use and program.

Koogeek LB1 Smart Light Bulb: Better Than Philips Hue

Great Price

This is where the LB1 really shines (I’m sorry). For one LB1, it’s $37 on Amazon. For 3, it’s $98. For a comparable 3 bulb Philips Hue kit, it’s $170 for the newest generation with the older generation being about $10 less. Plus the cross compatibility means even if you already have an established smart home ecosystem, the LB1 can still be added with no extra fuss.

[tweet_box]The Koogeek LB1 is the best #smartlightbulb out there! Check it out![/tweet_box]

What We ❤️

The Koogeek LB1 is a comparable competitor to the Philips Hue in specifications and ease of use while remaining cheaper. Without a doubt, I would recommend the LB1 over the Philips Hue.

Koogeek LB1 Smart Light Bulb: Better Than Philips Hue

Future Designs/Desires

The LB1 could be lighter for use in smaller/more fragile lamps. I imagine this will be a side effect of the improving technology so I’m excited to try out a future second generation!