TP-Link Kasa vs Philips Hue: Smart Bulbs Comparison
By Naila Syifa
Updated September 2023
Smart bulbs are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience, energy efficiency, and ability to improve mood and ambiance.
Two of the most recommended smart bulbs on the market today are TP-Link Kasa KL125 and Philips Hue A19. Both smart bulbs let you choose from a wide array of colors and temperatures, allowing you to set the perfect mood for any occasion. However, both products have significant differences in a few aspects.
In this article, we will compare the technical specifications, connectivity, and features of these two smart bulbs to help you decide which one is the best fit for your home.
Key Takeaways
Kasa smart bulb has better color accuracy and lower wattage, while Hue has a wider color temperature range. Hue provides better connection via Zigbee, but it requires a hub, unlike Kasa which connects directly to Wi-Fi. In terms of features, Kasa offers energy monitoring and Away Mode, while Hue supports sync with music, games, and movies.
TP-Link Kasa Smart Bulb A19 KL125
Affordable Everyday Use
✓ 16M colors, dimming, color temperature 2500-6500K
✓ Schedule, remote access, energy monitoring, away mode
✓ Requires 2.4GHz WiFi
✓ Works with Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings
Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance A19 Smart Bulb
Premium Home Entertainment
✓ 16M colors, dimming, color temperature 2000-6500K
✓ Sync with media, schedule, remote access
✓ Bluetooth and Zigbee
✓ Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Cortana
#1 Price
Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Smart Bulb
TP-Link Kasa KL125 is slightly cheaper at only $14.99, but the cheap price doesn't necessarily mean cheap quality. Philips Hue A19 on the other hand has a more expensive price tag of $25.99, but such a price can still be considered affordable. Moreover, the range of capabilities it offers will definitely be worth your money.
#2 Technical Specs
TP-Link Kasa Smart Bulb KL125
Both TP-Link Kasa KL125 and Philips Hue A19 produce up to 800 lumens of light and offer 16 million colors for which you can choose from. However, Philips Hue offers a wider range of color temperature options, from 2000K to 6500K, while TP-Link Kasa KL125 only offers a range from 2500K to 6500K. This means the Philips Hue bulb is capable of providing a warmer light tone.
However, with a color rendering index (CRI) of 90, the TP-Link Kasa smart bulb can reproduce colors more accurately, compared to the Philips Hue with a CRI of 80. The TP-Link Kasa KL125 is also better at energy efficiency, consuming less power of only 9 watts compared to Philips Hue's 9.5 watts.
Both smart bulbs have 25,000 hours of lifetime, but Philips Hue offers a longer 3-year warranty compared to TP-Link Kasa's 2-year warranty. This allows you to have peace of mind in case of any defects or issues that may arise with your smart bulb.
#3 Connectivity
TP-Link Kasa Smart Bulb KL125
TP-Link Kasa bulbs connect directly to your home's Wi-Fi network, meaning that you won't need a hub to control them. However, you need to make sure that you have a 2.4GHz WiFi network because the Kasa smart bulb does not support 5GHz WiFi networks. TP-Link Kasa KL125 smart bulb is also compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings, so you can use voice commands to control the bulb.
Philips Hue smart bulbs, on the other hand, supports 2 connectivity protocol: Bluetooth and Zigbee. Connection via Bluetooth doesn't require a hub, but the control range and features are limited. It also only supports integration with Alexa and Google Assistant. Connection via Zigbee allows you to connect the smart bulbs to Apple HomeKit and Microsoft Cortana, access more advanced features, and control the bulbs remotely when you're away from home. However, a Philips Hue Bridge is required so you will have to pay extra for it.
As a communication protocol, Zigbee has many advantages over WiFi, including lower power consumption, wider range, more stable coverage, and better security. Therefore, in terms of connectivity, Philips Hue takes the win.
#4 Features
Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Smart Bulb
When it comes to features, both TP-Link Kasa and Philips Hue have a lot to offer. Some common features they both share include color options, a full dimming range of 1%-100%, adjust warm to cool white light, timers, schedules, remote control away from home, preset, and scenes.
One unique feature that the TP-Link Kasa offers but Philips Hue doesn't is the energy monitoring feature that allows you to monitor real-time usage statistics to make an informed decision about your energy consumption and save on energy bills. The smart bulb also has an away mode that can turn your lights on and off randomly to make it looks like someone is home, which can help deter burglars and enhance your home's security.
However, Philips Hue also offers an advantage in terms of features with its ability to sync with music, movies, and games, which can create a more immersive experience. With the Hue Sync TV and desktop app, Philips and Spotify integration, or with the Hue Play HDMI sync box, you can make your lights reflect the color of the content you're watching or listening to on screen, bringing a new level of entertainment to your home.
TP-Link Kasa Smart Bulb vs Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Smart Bulb
Final Thoughts
TP-Link Kasa Smart Bulb KL125
TP-Link Kasa smart bulb is more affordable, has better color accuracy, lower wattage, requires no hub, and comes with additional energy monitoring and away mode features.
Philips Hue, with a more expensive price and a separate hub required, offers a wider range of color temperatures, a longer warranty, better connection via Zigbee, and comes with the sync with media features.
TP-Link Kasa is perfect for homeowners looking to save money with a smart bulb that offers all the basic features necessary for day-to-day use. Philips Hue is a better suit for homeowners willing to pay more for an immersive home entertainment experience.
If you like to read more about Smart Lighting, check out our other relevant guides here:
The Best Smart Lights 2023
Nanoleaf Matter Bulb Review
Philips Hue Smart Bulb Review
Nanoleaf vs Philips Hue: Smart Bulbs Comparison
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