I must admit, I am a complete sucker for smart bulbs, and it was LIFX that first won me over to this time last year. This time we are testing out the 3rd generation of LIFX smart bulb.

For whatever reason, I had a real hassle setting this smart bulb up - I downloaded the app with no problem, but when I went to add the lightbulb the device simple wouldn’t finalise the connection. I went down the advised traditional route of turning  my phone, the light and then finally the router off and on again, and for unknown reasons this was enough to get it working. From here you can use the app to simply turn the light on and off, but much more entertaining are the 16 million colours and 1000 shades of warm to cool whites you can play with.

The LIFX will kick out up to 1100 lumens (that’s the equivalent to about 75W) It can be dimmed at a slide of a finger and it only takes 11W to get this bright, which earns the LIFX an A+ energy rating and should save you money in theory. Compatible with Android, iOS and Windows 10, it will also connect with Nest, Amazon Echo and Smart Things Motion Detector to give you even more control over you home. The app also works with OK Google, but the battle I had with it just resulted in my phone insisting on playing The Kinks’ When I Turn Off the Living Room Light - not worth the hassle.

There are two big dials to play with, controlling the colour and the white light, or there are also themes to choose from like Peaceful, Mellow, Powerful or Halloween (basically just green). There are even special effects to play with, such as a flickering candle or strobe lighting.

Where the LIFX bulbs really come into their own is when you have kitted out the whole house with them, as you can really play with the atmospheres of each room, but at about £48 a pop it could be an expensive investment. I still stand by the LIFX as a great product: my living room light currently switches on automatically when the sun begins to set, and the light remains cool and bright until 10pm, when it changes to warmer red tones to help my brain wind down ready for bed (I even put it on green when we eat, as it’s meant to encourage the scoffing of vegetables!)

The LIFX is energy efficient, versatile and fun - a great little gadget that can create a big difference to any room. RRP $59.99

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4.8 out of 5

Pros

Energy efficient A+

1100 lumens

16 million colours and 1000 whites

Doesn’t require a hub

Compatible with a variety on smart home tech

Themes and effects

Personalise schedules

Cons

Expensive