With the advent of “smart home” technology, your living space is more customizable than ever.
What better way to show off your personality than a smart light bulb, controllable from your cell phone?
However, what happens if you don’t have a hub to hook these devices up to?
Typically, any device that operates off of Wi-Fi or Bluetooth technology won’t need a hub device to reach its full potential. However, most Wi-Fi bulbs work with a custom app. We’ve found that full Alexa integration does not occur in every model.
Which light bulbs work best with your Amazon Alexa? Do you want a light bulb that can change colors? Should you lapse and buy a hub?
We love our smart home technology, but every product appeals to unique people.
Read on to learn what light bulbs might best fit your needs!
Do You Need A Hub To Hook My Bulbs Up To Your Alexa?
Amazon Alexa, a program typically ascribed to the related Amazon Echo product, is a staple in “smart home” technology.
Thankfully, you don’t need a smart hub to hook your bulbs up to an Alexa.
With Wi-Fi or Bluetooth integration, your light bulbs can connect directly to your Amazon device so you can turn lights on and off with the power of your voice.
What Types Of Smart Bulbs Can You Use Without A Hub?
You have two primary varieties of light bulbs that you can purchase if you do not want to use a hub.
These varieties have either Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity.
In some cases, they may have both!
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity allows your bulbs to connect to your Alexa or personal device with ease.
We find that these devices are far more convenient than using a hub, but read on and decide for yourself!
Wi-Fi Bulbs
When it comes to smart bulbs, there is no variety more popular than Wi-Fi bulbs.
Wi-Fi bulbs can connect directly to your internet to interface with your Amazon Echo or a personal cell phone.
However, Wi-Fi bulbs come with a downside.
You need a stable internet connection to control them, especially if they feature color-changing capabilities.
Additionally, Wi-Fi bulbs are more expensive than other smart bulbs, though we think that they’re well worth the cost.
Bluetooth Bulbs
Bluetooth bulbs may not be as popular as their Wi-Fi alternatives, but they’re cheaper, just as durable, and arguably just as useful.
With Bluetooth bulbs, you can connect to any bulb on a budget.
However, you have a specific working range, typically around 50 feet.
Additionally, you cannot connect to multiple Bluetooth bulbs at the same time.
Light Bulbs That Work With Alexa Without A Hub
By now, you know everything that you need to know about hubless smart bulbs except for the bulbs themselves!
There are many hubless bulbs on the market, so it would be all but impossible to list them all in detail.
However, particular models function far better than their competitors, whether it is in brightness, customizability, or durability.
We have collected some of the most popular models here for you to peruse.
Read on to find your new favorite light bulb!
Gosund Smart Light Bulb
The Gosund Smart Light Bulb is one of the most reliable products in the light bulb market.
As a brand, consumers love Gosund for their high-quality light bulbs at remarkably affordable prices.
Gosund Smart Light Bulbs are Wi-Fi bulbs that allow you to change their colors immediately.
Additionally, we’ve found that Gosund bulbs use 80% less energy than your typical light bulbs, so you get convenience and fashion all in one bulb.
Additionally, Gosund bulbs work for both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can install them in your home regardless of which “Smart Home” device you use.
Etekcity Smart Light Bulb
The Etekcity may not be the most popular light bulb in the market, but it has a secret weapon.
While this light bulb features most of the same features as any other bulb, including Wi-Fi capabilities, we believe that it is also astonishingly bright!
If you want a light bulb that will fully illuminate your favorite rooms, consider Etekcity.
Lifx Color 1100 Lumens
Lifx is a trusted brand in the world of Wi-Fi light bulbs and their 1100-lumen model is a powerful and effective bulb.
With intense color saturation and high brightness, the Lifx 1100 Lumens can single-handedly fill your room with mood lighting.
Sengled Smart Light Bulbs
Sengled is one of the earliest names in smart bulb technology, and their Multicolor A19 bulb is one of the latest in a long line of exceptional bulbs.
With a mobile app, Alexa, and Google Assistant continuity, you can control these bulbs from anywhere.
Its features are somewhat standard, but with a four-pack costing $30, we think it’s one of the best deals you can get for these products.
In Summary
Ultimately, there are many options for when you buy a smart light bulb for your Alexa, especially if you don’t want to purchase a hub.
If you want brightness, consider the Lifx or Etekcity bulb.
However, if you want quality, consider Gosund, while Sengled is an excellent option for those who don’t want fancy features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Get A Hub For My Light Bulbs?
If you have any interest in getting more “Smart Home” technology in the future, it may be wise to invest in a hub.
A hub will not only keep your light bulbs organized, but you can assign many devices to your hub- from your phone to your garage door.
Is My Amazon Alexa A Hub?
Amazon Alexa is not a hub device, but it is a controller.
However, if you connect smart devices to your Alexa and enable particular Alexa skills, you can functionally transform your Alexa into a hub!
