TP-Link Vs LIFX: Which One To Buy?

Smart lighting is something we all look forward to in our houses. The main features we look at smart bulbs these days are the look, and the ability to integrate. With these features, you can save time, energy, and also achieve greater comfort. Today we will talk about two newer smart bulbs in the market right now; TP Link and LIFX. These two bulbs provide ease, but let’s go forward and check which one is better than the other.

Our Verdict

Both TP Link and LIFX provide the main functions that a smart bulb needs to have. But according to us, LIFX offers more advantages than the usual smart bulbs in the market now. It provides features that TP-Link is unable to provide.  Today, we will compare TP-Link and LIFX, and see why we had opted for LIFX over TP-Link.

TP-Link Vs LIFX: Comparison

Differences

1. Bulb Base

LIFX is compatible with most of the sockets, but the TP-Link is suitable only for one outlet. The LIFX is compatible with E26, E27 Screw, and B22 Bayonet. In the case of TP-Link, it only supports E26 sockets.

2.Outdoor

The LIFX bulb can also function outside unless it is not directly exposed to water. You can add a wide range of colors to your yard to make it look fantastic. It is also available with moisture resistance; hence you can use it in humid areas like your bathroom. But you cannot use TP Link in areas where it is moist because it does not go well with moisture. The bulbs are only suitable to be used indoors.

3. Color Range

Both the smart lights offer various colors. But in LIFX, it has more to offer. It provides 16 million colors to personalize your needs. In LIFX, you do have many choices with colors, but the spectrum it gives is very less. We can observe this for shades of white. When you choose white and wish to change the tone of it, you will end up with a yellow or with a straight white color. So, the main point is, when you want to change the shade of a given color, you’ll have a different intense color altogether. Since we have a wide range of colors in LIFX, it is a better buy.

4. Smart Home

Both the products are well connected with Nest. You can access the home and away feature from Nest, to control your lights. You can also use the IFFT geofencing for this feature, but if you are already in the Nest Ecosystem, then it makes it easier. In LIFX, it has unique abilities to turn on your lights to make it look you are home. It also activates the lights to warn you of smoke and carbon monoxide. In short, LIFX has more to offers in the smart home category. It also supports programs like Stringify, Logitech Harmony, Scout Alarm, and many more.

5. Brightness

The LIFX offers a brighter and intense light with 1100 lumens. Whereas, the TP-Link has a light intensity of 800 lumens. However, the color temperature of both are the same, and from 2500-9000K. When we compare the Wattage, the LIFX has 11 Watts, and the TP Link has 10.5 Watts. So, in this case, LIFX has more to offer with the 11 Watts.

6. Music Sync

The music sync feature is a significant difference between them. Most of the smart bulbs in the market right now, have the function of syncing with your music and give out beautiful lights. The TP-Link has disappointed us because this feature is not available in it.  But in the LIFX, it has this feature. It also has the Effects feature that gives out amazing and creative lights when it syncs to your favorite tune. You can also change the color intensity and stimulate a fire according to the music, using the Music Visualizer. So, in this case, LIFX is better than TP-Link.

7. Beam Angle

The TP-Link offers a beam angle of 220 degrees. This might be an advantage, but at the same time, it is having a brightness of 800 lumens only. Hence, in TP-Link, it offers less intensity with light spreading over a larger area. In the TP-Link, it has high intensity with the lesser spreading of light. Thus, in this case, both of them cannot compete.

8. Application Support

The LIFX supports iOS and Android, but also it is compatible with older versions of iOS and Android like iOS 9+ and Android 4.1+. Even TP-Link supports both the platforms, but it only supports iOS 10+ or Android 4.4+. The best feature about LIFX is, it lets you control your bulbs from your PC as it can integrate with Windows 10 as well. Again, the winner, in this case, is the LIFX.

9. Warranty

Lastly, TP Link offers a warranty of three years, but only in the United States. The LIFX gives a warranty for only two years. So, in this case, the TP-Link is a bit better than the LIFX.

10. Apple HomeKit

If you are looking for products that go well in your Apple ecosystem, the LIFX does not disappoint you. But, in the case of TP-Link, Apple HomeKit is not supported, whereas it is in LIFX.

Similarities

1. Geofencing And IFTTT

Both devices support IFTTT. This feature is helpful is you want to connect different apps and devices to one. IFTTT brings all of your smart home devices together. Not only this, but it also has the feature of Geofencing. Using your GPS location, it can identify your location and turn off the lights when you away and turn them back when you enter your home.

2. Away from Home

If you want to turn on your lights before you reach home for some guests, or if you have forgotten to turn off your lights, these devices are the ones for you. You can control your lights or adjust the control of these bulbs using the away from Home Control that is present in the app.

3. Voice Control

Another feature we look forward in the smart devices is voice control. You can control your lights using voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant. With just a few commands, you can schedule or change the colors of your lights without even moving an inch.

4. Dimming

Another feature common between the both is that you can dim the lights. The feature is essential when you want a peaceful environment to suit your mood.

5. No Hub

The No-Hub requirement is a unique feature in these devices. Most of the other lights in the market, require a hub to work. But in both these devices, they can directly connect to Wi-Fi without any sort of hub.

6. Scenes And Schedules

You can schedule your lights using the application provided for each device. You can turn on or off your lamps even when you are away from home. If you are planning to host a party, you can create a scene that creates beautiful colors. With definite brightness, it might add more life to the party.

Features & Specification Of TP-Link

• IEEE 802.11b/g/n Protocol
• 2.4GHz, 1T1R Connectivity
• Works on Android 4.1 or higher, iOS 9.0 or higher
• E26 Lamp Base
• 800 Lms. brightness
• W Power
• 2500K-9000K Color Temperature 
• 220-degree beam angle

Features & Specifications of LIFX

• 1100 Lumens Brightness
• 11 W Power
• 2500K to 9000K Color Temperature
• 135 degrees Beam Angle
• 1% – 100% Software dimming
• 802.11b/g/n connectivity
• WPA, WPA2 Security

What You Get In The Box

The TP-Link box contains

• Smart Wi-Fi LED Bulb LB130
• Quick Installation Guide

The LIFX box contains

• LIFX Bulb
• Instructions booklet

Overview Of LIFX

The LIFX smart bulb is one of the newest smart bulbs out in the market right now. The bulb new features, unlike the other smart bulbs. The lamp can sync with your favorite music, giving you the perfect mood. Not only this, but you can also even adjust the intensity using the 16 million color shades provides and choose the best one. TP-Link offers a brightness of 1100 lumens with 2500K- 9000K. The only disappointment is in the beam angle, as it is only 135 degrees. This shouldn’t be a problem as it giving higher brightness. The bulb can connect to your Wi-Fi without any extra pieces of equipment like a hub.

You can control your lights using voice commands through Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Microsoft Cortana. Another unique feature is that it also supports the Apple HomeKit, unlike most of the smart bulbs. If you’re looking for a tile light, Definitely check out, the comparison between LIFX tile and nano leaf. Moreover, If you’re really interested in LIFX, you should do check out, What are the differences between LIFX, LIFX plus, and LIFX Mini.

Overview Of TP Link

TP Link is yet another smart bulb we get to see often now. Unlike the other smart bulbs, this one does not sync with your music to give you beautiful lights. This difference is a major one between the TP-Link and the LIFX. TP-Link offers multi colors for your lights, but with a strict color scheme. You wouldn’t get the color you wished. It provides less brightness of 800 lumens, but more excellent area coverage with a beam angle of 220 degrees. Also, the bulb supports only Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. It is only supported by iOS 10+ or Android 4.4+, which is a demerit because if you have a lower version, it won’t function. If you feel like TP-link is not your type, You should definitely check out Sengled wifi multicolor light in contrast to LIFX.

FAQ’s

Final Thoughts

Finally, when you compare both the products, we can only see one winner that is the LIFX smart bulb. It has many advantages over the TP-Link, like music syncing and support for older versions of Android and iOS. LIFX has a higher brightness compared to the TP Link. It also works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Cortana, and even Apple HomeKit. The LIFX is ahead of the TP-Link in all aspects.