Best TV Backlights 2025
Naila Syifa
Updated February 2025
Smart light is everywhere in our homes these days, but what about a smart light behind your TV? Typically known as TV backlights, these smart LED strips don't just add ambient lighting to your viewing space—they can sync with what's on screen, creating an immersive viewing experience that extends beyond the TV's borders.
In this guide, we'll explore the best TV backlights available in 2025 to enhance your home entertainment setup.
#1 Best TV Backlight That Changes with Picture: Govee Envisual T2
Govee Envisual T2
The Govee Envisual T2 uses a dual camera to capture the colors on the screen and dynamically change the backlight to match the on-screen visuals, no matter what you're watching. The light strip uses RGBIC LED beads with an impressive 60 LEDs/m density for smooth color transitions and vivid lighting effects.
For even more immersive lighting, you can also add up to 5 additional Govee lights to sync with the backlight for a full room effect, thanks to the DreamView Syncing feature.
Control and adjustment of the backlight settings can be done via the Govee Home app or voice control via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. The physical Control Box is also included, but it typically stays hidden behind the TV, so don't expect it to function like a remote control that you can use easily from your couch.
The Govee Envisual T2 is available for 55-65 inch, 75-85 inch, and 98-100 inch TVs with a price ranging from US$139.99 to US$199. Its gravitational hanging design also makes the Envsiual T2 compatible with ultra-thin TVs.
Govee Envisual T2 TV Backlight
Best TV Backlight That Changes with Picture
✓ Dual Camera
✓ RGBIC LED Beads
✓ 60 LEDs/m
✓ App, Voice, Control Box
#2 Best Premium TV Backlight: Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip
Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip
The Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip starts from US$249.99, so you know why we put it in the "Premium" category. On top of that, this TV backlight requires a Hue Bridge (US$60) and a Hue Sync Box (US$250-350) to function. Unless you're already invested in the Philips Hue ecosystem, the overall cost for this setup can be quite high.
What makes the Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip unique is that it uses the HDMI sync box instead of a camera to detect the on-screen colors and synchronize the backlight accordingly. This results in a minimalist setup with no visible cameras ruining the aesthetic of your TV room. It also detects color more accurately, while camera-based solutions may struggle due to reflections on the TV screen that also get picked up by the camera.
However, the sync box can only process HDMI inputs. That means, the backlight will only sync colors to content coming through the box's HDMI input, such as streaming devices, gaming consoles, set-top boxes, etc.
Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip
When you're using built-in smart TV apps like Netflix and Disney+, the Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip will not be able to sync the backlight with the on-screen content as it does not have access to the video signals. Compatible Samsung TVs can download the paid Hue Sync TV app to bypass this limitation, but it is not available for other smart TV platforms for now.
The Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip works with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTT. It supports automation, custom scenes, schedules, and geofencing, making it a highly versatile and customizable TV backlight solution.
For other alternatives that use a similar HDMI sync box mechanism instead of a camera to sync the backlight with on-screen content, read our guide: Best TV Backlights Without Camera
Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip
Best Premium TV Backlight
✓ Color Temperature 2000-6500K
✓ Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT
✓ Scenes & Automation
✓ Requires Hue Bridge and Hue Sync Box
#3 Best TV Backlight Without Syncing: Govee RGBIC Smart LED Backlight
Govee RGBIC Smart LED Backlight
A TV backlight that matches the on-screen content may not suit everyone. Some people find it distracting, as the color takes focus from the TV screen to the light itself. If you're this type of user, the Govee RGBIC Smart LED Backlight is a great option that provides ambient lighting behind the TV without syncing to the on-screen content. Plus, it just costs under US$40.
The lightstrip uses colorful RGBIC light beads that you can manually adjust the color and brightness in the app. You can also choose from 99+ preset scene modes to create the perfect ambient lighting for your TV.
On top of that, the Govee RGBIC Smart LED Backlight features a built-in microphone that can sync the lights to audio, pulsing and changing colors in time with music. So, while it may not sync with your TV's content, it can still create a dynamic lighting effect that reacts to the audio you're playing.
Lastly, the Govee RGBIC Smart LED Backlight supports voice control with Alexa and Google Assistant. Voice commands allow you to easily control the lighting without reaching for your phone.
Govee RGBIC Smart LED Backlight
Best TV Backlight Without Syncing
✓ RGBIC LED Beads
✓ 99+ Preset Scenes
✓ Music Sync
✓ App & Voice Control
#4 Best Alternative TV Backlight: Nanoleaf 4D
Nanoleaf 4D
Another TV backlight that we can't help but mention is the Nanoleaf 4D. It costs US$100 for TVs up to 65 inches and US$120 for TVs up to 85 inches, which is more affordable than the Govee Envisual T2 but still comes with a camera that synchronizes the backlight with the on-screen content. What's even better is that the camera has a magnetic privacy cover, ensuring peace of mind when you're not using the sync feature.
The Nanoleaf 4D features an RGBIC gradient lightstrip with 30 LEDs/m density and 10 color zones that can independently display different colors. It is also trimmable to fit your TV size or even monitor.
You can choose the immersion level when syncing the backlight with the on-screen content, allowing you to find the right balance between ambient lighting and visual focus on the TV. You can also customize the backlight with various scenes and animations, sync with music, or sync with 50+ Nanoleaf RGB lights.
Controls and settings can be accessed through the Nanoleaf app, the included physical Controller, or with voice commands. The Nanoleaf 4D also supports integration with Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and SmartThings.
Nanoleaf 4D Screen Mirror + Lightstrip Kit
Best Alternative TV Backlight
✓ Camera with Privacy Cover
✓ RGBIC LED Beads
✓ 30 LEDs/m
✓ App, Voice, Controller
Compare the Best TV Backlights
Govee Envisual T2 TV Backlight
Best TV Backlight That Changes with Picture
✓ Dual Camera
✓ RGBIC LED Beads
✓ 60 LEDs/m
✓ App, Voice, Control Box
Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip
Best Premium TV Backlight
✓ Color Temperature 2000-6500K
✓ Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT
✓ Scenes & Automation
✓ Requires Hue Bridge and Hue Sync Box
Govee RGBIC Smart LED Backlight
Best TV Backlight Without Syncing
✓ RGBIC LED Beads
✓ 99+ Preset Scenes
✓ Music Sync
✓ App & Voice Control
Nanoleaf 4D Screen Mirror + Lightstrip Kit
Best Alternative TV Backlight
✓ Camera with Privacy Cover
✓ RGBIC LED Beads
✓ 30 LEDs/m
✓ App, Voice, Controller
Final Thoughts
Govee Envisual T2
Overall, the TV backlight market in 2025 offers a diverse range of options to enhance your home entertainment experience. Whether you prefer a dynamic, color-syncing backlight or a more subtle, ambient lighting solution, there are plenty of high-quality choices available to suit your preferences and budget.
As you evaluate the different models, consider factors like compatibility, customization, and integration with your existing smart home ecosystem to find the perfect TV backlight that elevates your viewing pleasure.
If you like to read more about TV Backlights, check out our other relevant guides here:
Best TV Backlights Without Camera
Govee TV Backlight 3 Lite vs Envisual T2
Nanoleaf 4D vs Govee Envisual T2
Govee Envisual T2 vs DreamView T1
Author
Naila Syifa
Naila has spent over 1,800 hours researching, exploring, and writing about the latest trends in technology, consumer electronics, and smart home gadgets.
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