Smart Bulbs (Phillips Hue)

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almorgs

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Does anyone know where to buy smart bulbs? I googled it but the brands that came up were really unknown to me. I am looking for something reputable.

I don't know if Takealot sells them normally and is just not showing them now during lockdown?
 
I got myself some Xiaomi Yealights and they work exactly as described and a plus is you don't need the central hub which the Philips bulbs require.
 
Diabolix said:
I got myself some Xiaomi Yealights and they work exactly as described and a plus is you don't need the central hub which the Philips bulbs require.
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Ye I saw you need a Hub for the Hue lights...which kind of defeats the point of having the Google Home Hub as the hub...awesome thanks I will look out for the Xiaomi bulbs, did you get them in SA or import them from somewhere like gearbest?
 
Whatever you do don’t waste your money on Philips Hue.

It’s over marketed, under performing and too expensive.

Also it goes without saying that you wouldn’t know the brands of an industry you know nothing about.

Mostly importing is your best option. Banggood is a very good friend and so is Amazon.

Some of the top brands if you want to burn money...



But the Yeelight/Xiaomi products are very good from personal experience and also quite “open”.
 
almorgs said:
Ye I saw you need a Hub for the Hue lights...which kind of defeats the point of having the Google Home Hub as the hub...awesome thanks I will look out for the Xiaomi bulbs, did you get them in SA or import them from somewhere like gearbest?
Click to expand...
Gearbest or Banggood is probably your best option, local sites usually add another markup to it. Just check which site has the best price.

Just be very very patient and always take insurance on your order.
 
saor said:
Any recommended local stockists? These available at hardware stores or online only?
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You can get them online from here

Our Smart Products | Xiaomi

Everything you need to do with smart products, all on one page to make it that much easier for you to select, order and buy. From power banks to Headphones, we have it all.
mia.africa.com mia.africa.com
 
saor said:
Any recommended local stockists? These available at hardware stores or online only?
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If you are going local then there are a few Tuya based options that have been rebranded. Incredible connection has some, Takealot also has. I think Builders warehouse also keeps a line of them although my local one didnt have stock before lockdown.
Tuya based devices are great, you can just set them up as a group/scene and have them all controlled at the same time if you like.
 
Awesome thanks for all the help guys.
I see that basically all smart bulbs are screw types. This doesnt help me considering most of my lamps are Bayonet types... :rolleyes:
 
I have a few Hue and a few newer Yeelights. The Yeelights are way cheaper and connect to WiFi, but I find them pretty unreliable. Every few days they just don't turn on and I have to power cycle them. The Hue on the other hand are super reliable for me. I doubt it is my WiFi network, I have Unifi AC HD APs spread throughout the house and no other devices have connectivity problems.
 
almorgs said:
Awesome thanks for all the help guys.
I see that basically all smart bulbs are screw types. This doesnt help me considering most of my lamps are Bayonet types... :rolleyes:
Click to expand...
I have HUE Bayonet lights, but you will need Hue hub or dimmer switch to use it.
 
I've been using a Philips Hue hub for my lighting since 2016. I've bought many brand of smart LED bulbs, but the most reliable and best overall have been the Hue bulbs. All are still working great after 3.5 years and give no issues, and the Philips hue app control is brilliant.

Innr bulbs are next best, but also require a hub. Almost half the price of the Hue and LIFX bulbs. Brilliant colour accuracy in the RGBWs, and good brightness. Integrates well with Hue and other zigbee hubs. Yeelights are excellent value, but the brightness and colour is not as good as Hue or LIFX.

LIFX is best quality, brightest, and has best colour accuracy if you don't want to use a hub, but they are pricey.

Yeelights I reckon are best on a budget, and do work with Hue hub(with 3rd party app). But most of the others are a bit brighter.

For GU10 downlights I rate the INNR smart bulbs if you will be using a zigbee or Hue hub. Great value for money and no issues. The RGBW are not very bright, but the white ones are great.

My 5 Osram smart LEDs have given the most hassles. Stay away.

If you want a light strip, buy your own zigbee RBGW controller and a quality RGBW lightstrip. It will work out 1/4 of the price of the Hue ones but works 100% with the Hub and philips app.
 
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