Best TV Backlights Without Camera 2025
Naila Syifa
Updated February 2025
Typically, TV backlights can match the colors on the screen in two ways – via a camera that captures the on-screen content or via an HDMI sync box that analyzes the HDMI-connected content and controls the backlight accordingly.
In this article, we will explore the best TV backlights that do not require a camera for color matching and instead rely on HDMI sync boxes. This approach offers a neat setup without a camera mounted on your TV. Colors are also captured more accurately without potential interference like reflections or ambient light issues that camera-based solutions often encounter.
However, HDMI sync boxes only provide synchronized lighting with content played through the HDMI input and not with the built-in apps on the smart TV. That means, if you watch a movie on the native Netflix app on your smart TV, the backlight will not be synchronized. But if you connect a streaming device like a Roku or Apple TV, then the backlight will be synchronized.
There is one exception though, which we'll discuss in more detail later in the article. Read on to find out!
#1 Best Overall: Govee AI Sync Box 2
Govee AI Sync Box 2
Govee AI Sync Box 2 features four HDMI 2.1 input ports that support high resolutions up to 8K@60Hz and 4K@144Hz. It also supports VRR and ALLM, making it a great choice for gaming setups.
The included RGBWIC light strip combines RGM with dedicated white LEDs for more accurate color reproduction, and it has a high-density design with 75 LEDs per meter and an impressive brightness output of 450 lumens per meter.
One unique feature that sets the Govee AI Sync Box 2 apart from its competitors is its CogniGlow technology, an AI algorithm that triggers lighting effects based on in-game actions, including light effects for special kills, counterattacks, or death.
The Govee AI Sync Box 2 is not just great for gaming but also for home theatre setup, thanks to its support for Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision. You can also sync the lightstrip with other Govee lighting, thanks to the DreamView feature that supports synchronization of up to 10 devices.
The Gove Home app can be used to control and customize the lighting effects, but you can also use voice commands with Alexa or Google Assistant for hands-free control. Moreover, Matter is supported for future-proof smart home integration.
Govee AI Sync Box 2
Best Overall
✓ 8K@60Hz and 4K@144Hz
✓ VRR and ALLM
✓ RGBWIC with 75 LEDs/m
✓ CogniGlow AI Light Effect
#2 Best Premium: Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip
Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip
The Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip starts from US$249.99, not a big price gap from the Govee AI Sync Box 2. However, it is a more premium option because that price only includes the lightstrip. The Hue Sync Box is sold separately at US$349.99 for the 8K version, and it requires a Hue Bridge at US$59.99 to work.
If you have a compatible 2022 or newer 60Hz and 120Hz Samsung TV, you can ditch the Hue Sync Box and pay for the Hue Sync TV app instead. It is cheaper, has a neater setup without the hardware, and supports synchronization with both HDMI inputs and native smart TV apps.
So, whatever you're watching on the screen, the Hue Sync TV app can pick it up to synchronize the lighting effects accordingly, much like what a camera-based TV backlight would do.
If your TV is not compatible with the Hue Sync TV app, however, then the Hue Sync Box is required, and you can only synchronize the lighting effects with content played through the HDMI inputs.
The Hue Sync Box 8K has four HDMI 2.1 ports, supporting high resolutions up to 8K@60Hz and 4K@120Hz. It also supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and synchronization of up to ten Hue lights.
Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip
Best Premium
✓ Sync HDMI Content
✓ Sync Smart TV App Content
✓ Scenes & Automation
✓ Hue Bridge and Hue Sync Box Sold Separately
#3 Best for Every Budget: Fancyleds Fancy Sync Box
Fancyleds Fancy Sync Box
Fancy Sync Box from Fancyleds comes in various configurations to suit various needs and budgets. The cheapest one, retailing from US$149, features one HDMI 2.0 port that supports 4K@60Hz. It is most suitable for basic home theater setups or those who play games casually.
For pro-level gamers, the Fancy Sync Box with three HDMI 2.1 ports would be the better choice. At more expensive prices starting from US$239, it supports high-resolution gaming up to 8K@60Hz and 4K@144Hz, VRR, and ALLM. This variant also offers an RGBW LED option, which has a dedicated white LED for better color accuracy compared to the RGB-only variants.
No matter which configuration you choose, any Fancy Sync Box variant supports HDR, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos. You can set it to display static colors, sync with music, or sync with HDMI-connected content. Voice control is also supported via Alexa and Google Assistant.
Last but not least, the Fancy Sync Box is CEC-enabled, which means it can be controlled directly through your TV remote. Turning on the TV will automatically turn on the backlight, while turning off the TV will turn off the backlight as well.
Fancyleds Fancy Sync Box
Best for Every Budget
✓ HDMI 2.0 or HDMI 2.1
✓ 1 or 3 HDMI Ports
✓ RGB or RGBW
✓ HDR, Dolby Vision & Atmos
#4 Best for Every TV Size: Lytmi Fantasy 3
Lytmi Fantasy 3
The Lytmi Fantasy 3 is perhaps the most versatile in size among other TV backlights, supporting TV screen sizes from 27-inch to 120-inch.
The package includes an HDMI 2.1 sync box and a lightstrip. The sync box comes in two versions. The Pro version supports VRR and ALLM but only offers 3 HDMI ports, while the Standard version has no VRR or ALLM but offers 4 HDMI ports. However, both versions support 8K@60Hz and 4K@120Hz resolution.
The backlight strip has an impressive LED density of 72 LEDs per meter, and you can pair it with other Lytmi lights to create a synchronized lighting setup throughout your room. Other than syncing with HDMI-connected content, the Lytmi Fantasy 3 can also sync with music.
Control and customization are done through the companion Lytmi Home app. Furthermore, with integration with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings, the Lytmi Fantasy 3 can be easily controlled via voice commands or automated as part of a smart home ecosystem.
Lytmi Fantasy 3
Best for Every TV Size
✓ TV Size From 27”-120”
✓ 8K@60Hz and 4K@120Hz
✓ 3 or 4 HDMI 2.1 Ports
✓ 72 LEDs/meter
Compare the Best TV Backlights
Govee AI Sync Box 2
Best Overall
✓ 8K@60Hz and 4K@144Hz
✓ VRR and ALLM
✓ RGBWIC with 75 LEDs/m
✓ CogniGlow AI Light Effect
Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip
Best Premium
✓ Sync HDMI Content
✓ Sync Smart TV App Content
✓ Scenes & Automation
✓ Hue Bridge and Hue Sync Box Sold Separately
Fancyleds Fancy Sync Box
Best for Every Budget
✓ HDMI 2.0 or HDMI 2.1
✓ 1 or 3 HDMI Ports
✓ RGB or RGBW
✓ HDR, Dolby Vision & Atmos
Lytmi Fantasy 3
Best for Every TV Size
✓ TV Size From 27”-120”
✓ 8K@60Hz and 4K@120Hz
✓ 3 or 4 HDMI 2.1 Ports
✓ 72 LEDs/meter
Final Thoughts
Fancyleds Fancy Sync Box
These TV backlights offer a compelling alternative to camera-based solutions, providing synchronized lighting with HDMI-connected TV content. Each option caters to different needs and budgets.
The Govee AI Sync Box 2 is the best option overall, especially for gamers who will benefit from the AI-driven CogniGlow lighting effects. The Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip supports syncing with built-in TV apps for compatible Samsung TV, but it comes at a premium price. For more budget-conscious buyers, the Fancyleds Fancy Sync Box offers great value. Lastly, if you have a smaller/larger TV size that none of the other options cater to, the Lytmi Fantasy 3 could be the perfect choice.
If you like to read more about TV Backlights, check out our other relevant guides here:
Best TV Backlights
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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