Nanoleaf Matter Bulb Review (Nanoleaf Essentials A19 Smart Bulb)
By Naila Syifa
Updated July 2023
If you're in the market for a smart bulb that's easy to set up, looks great, and works with a wide range of devices, the Nanoleaf Essentials A19 Smart Bulb might be just what you need. Priced at only $19.99, this bulb is affordable but packed with features that make it stand out from the competition.
As part of the Nanoleaf Essentials Matter smart lighting line, this A19 bulb supports Matter over Thread. This helps to futureproof your home by ensuring compatibility across all major smart home ecosystems, while also getting improved reliability, faster speeds, increased range, and lower power consumption.
In this review, we'll take a closer look at the technical specs, connectivity options, and features of this innovative bulb.
Nanoleaf Essentials A19 Smart Light Bulb
Versatila and Future-proof
✓ 16M colors, dimming, color temperature 2700-6500K
✓ Circadian Lighting, Screen Mirror, schedule, remote access
✓ Bluetooth and Matter over Thread
✓ Works with Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home, SmartThings, and more
#1 Technical Specs
Nanoleaf Essentials Smart Bulb
The Nanoleaf Essentials Matter bulb is a standard A19 bulb with a maximum brightness of 1100 lumens. It has a color temperature range of 2700K to 6500K, which means it can produce a warm yellow light or a cool blue-white light depending on your needs. It also supports +16 million RGB colors and a full dimming range of 1%-100%.
This smart bulb only uses 8.5 watts of power, making it energy efficient. With a 25,000 hours lifetime, you can expect it to last for years before needing a replacement. It also guarantees a 3-year warranty to ensure your peace of mind in case of damage or malfunction.
When paired via Bluetooth, you can expect to have a maximum of 5 smart bulbs connected for best performance. When paired via Matter over Thread, an unlimited number of smart bulbs can be connected. More details on the connectivity options will be covered in the next section.
#2 Connectivity
Nanoleaf Essentials Smart Bulb
The Nanoleaf Essentials A19 Smart Bulb comes with two connectivity protocols you can choose from: Bluetooth and Matter over Thread.
Connectivity by Bluetooth is easier and simpler, you will only need to turn on the Bluetooth in your phone and connect it to the bulb. However, Bluetooth connectivity has a limited range, so you can only control the bulb when you are within that range. Accessible features are also fairly limited, and you won't be able to integrate the bulb into your smart home ecosystems.
On the other hand, Matter over Thread allows you to control the bulbs from anywhere you are and integrate them into all major smart home ecosystems including Apple Home, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, Amazon Alexa, and any other Matter-compatible app or voice assistant. You will also be able to access more sophisticated features that Bluetooth connectivity doesn't offer. Detailed information about the feature differences will be discussed in the next section.
However, connectivity by Matter over Thread requires a Matter-compatible Thread border router. If you don't have one yet, you'll have to bear additional costs for the full functionality of the bulb. Below is the list of some compatible hubs you can choose from:
• Apple: Apple HomePod mini, Apple HomePod (2nd Generation), Apple TV 4K (2nd generation and 3rd generation WiFi + Ethernet 128GB model).
• Google: Nest Wifi Pro (Wi-Fi 6E), Nest Hub (2nd gen), Nest Hub Max.
• Amazon: Echo (4th Gen).
• Samsung: SmartThings Station, SmartThings 2018 Hub (IM6001-V3P01), and Aeotec Smart Home Hub.
#3 Features
Nanoleaf Essentials Smart Bulb
By connecting your phone to the smart bulb via Bluetooth, you can access the free Nanoleaf App for control and settings. You can choose from virtually limitless color options, control brightness, adjust color temperature, control multiple bulbs, and create dynamic color scenes to match moods and ambiance. The Circadian Lighting feature also allows you to have your bulbs automatically adjust to your time zone, so you can have your lights free from blue light in the evening for a restful sleep.
When connected to a Matter-compatible Thread border router, you can access more advanced features such as voice control and automation via your chosen smart home ecosystem. You will be able to create schedules to automatically turn on/off your bulbs at specific times and days. Remote access away from home is also possible.
Another sophisticated feature that the Nanoleaf Essentials A19 Smart Bulb offers when connected via Matter over Thread is the Screen Mirror feature which is accessible through the Nanoleaf Desktop App. This feature reflects the color from your screen onto your lights to create immersive experiences when you watch movies or play video games.
Final Thoughts
Nanoleaf Essentials Smart Bulb
Nanoleaf Essentials A19 Smart Bulb is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for an affordable smart bulb packed with features. The support for Matter over Thread makes it future-proof, versatile, feature-rich, and reliable.
Whether you're looking to create a cozy atmosphere in your living room or an immersive gaming experience in your bedroom, this smart bulb can handle it all.
If you like to read more about Smart Lighting, check out our other relevant guides here:
The Best Smart Lights 2023
Philips Hue Smart Bulb Review
Nanoleaf vs Philips Hue: Smart Bulbs Comparison
TP-Link Kasa vs Philips Hue: Smart Bulbs Comparison
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