You can connect about 50 bulbs to one hub, and the connectivity is rock solid.
I have adaptive lighting working across Philips Hue, Nanoleaf, Aqara, and Lifx smart lights in my home.
Best smart home lighting system
My Smart Lighting Ranking
Philips Hue is the only smart bulb system that works flawlessly across every major platform, supports Apple Adaptive Lighting, and has a decade-long track record of reliability that cheaper alternatives simply cannot match.
The best bang-for-buck smart bulb on the market, with 1,000 lumens, a wide tunable white range, and seamless Alexa and Google Home integration for around $14. Real owners consistently pick it as their go-to for whole-home setups.
The top pick for Apple HomeKit users who want a hub-free smart bulb that works natively with the Home app. At $29 for two, it undercuts Hue while delivering solid HomeKit integration.
Four color-changing smart bulbs for around $30 makes the Tapo L530E the most affordable entry point into smart lighting. WIRED named it a top pick and real owners love the value-to-feature ratio.
WIRED's all-around favorite smart bulb, the Cync Dynamic Effects stands out for its animated lighting effects that go beyond simple color changes. At $36 for two, it delivers a premium experience without the Hue price tag.