Beware, Philips Hue, IKEA, and Aqara, a new player has entered the Zigbee game: Lidl. The German retailer has entered the smart home market with its competitively priced Silvercrest and LIVARNOLUX Zigbee devices. As the affordability of Lidl's offerings raised eyebrows, consumers were left wondering if the quality would match that of their pricier counterparts.
Shedding light on Lidl's quality and performance
As early adopters have started to share their experiences with Lidl's smart devices, it's become clear that the smart bulbs, in particular, warrant a closer look. Although budget-friendly Zigbee LED strips have been on the scene for some time, finding an inexpensive yet high-quality smart bulb has been a more challenging task.
Lidl smart Zigbee bulbs: A mixed bag of affordability and shortcomings
Reddit's user /u/achybreakyballs (apologies for the name) recently tried out Lidl's smart bulbs, purchasing seven GU10, one E14, and two E27 bulbs, and pairing them with a Philips Hue hub. Their experience, however, revealed a few notable drawbacks in comparison to the Philips Hue bulbs.
Dimming limitations and response time concerns
One significant issue was the limited dimming range of Lidl's smart bulbs; at 1% brightness, they were roughly as bright as a Philips Hue bulb at 50%. This could be a deal-breaker for those who prefer low lighting during nighttime bathroom visits. Additionally, the user reported a noticeable lag in Lidl bulbs' response time, particularly when it came to colour changes in Hue scenes, resulting in an abrupt rather than gradual transition.
GU10 smart bulbs' re-pairing troubles
The most troubling issue discovered was that Lidl's GU10 smart bulbs would reset when fully powered off, requiring re-pairing each time the light was switched off using a traditional light switch. This issue was not observed with the other bulb types. If confirmed by other customers, this behaviour could render Lidl's GU10 smart bulbs practically unusable.
Weighing the pros and cons
While Lidl's smart bulbs offer an affordable alternative to Philips Hue and IKEA, consumers need to consider these potential shortcomings before making a purchase. The limitations in dimming range, response time, and re-pairing issues with GU10 bulbs could offset the cost-saving benefits for some users. As always, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons to determine if Lidl's smart bulbs are the right fit for your smart home needs.
Despite some drawbacks, Lidl's smart bulbs receive praise
YouTube channel Everything Smart Homecommends the maximum brightness and light quality of Lidl's smart bulbs, giving them a positive recommendation. However, their review doesn't discuss the minimum brightness or any of the issues mentioned by the Reddit user. It's worth noting that their tests were conducted using Lidl's Zigbee hub, not the Philips Hue hub.
Lidl's Zigbee LED strips impress
While Lidl's smart bulbs have received mixed feedback, their Zigbee LED strips seem to fare better. Reddit's user /u/elliottmarter expressed their satisfaction with Lidl's smart LED strip, stating that it paired effortlessly with a ConBee II.
In conclusion, Lidl's foray into the smart home market has yielded a range of products with varying degrees of success. While their smart bulbs have some limitations, their LED strips appear to be a more reliable option. As with any smart home product, it's essential to consider individual preferences and requirements before deciding which devices are the best fit for your needs.
