When it comes to smart lights, Philips Hue is the first name that springs to mind. Its products are high-quality and popular, but too expensive for many shoppers.

This is where Govee comes in.

I had the opportunity to try a variety of Govee lighting gear in my home for a few weeks, and not only have I found Govee's ecosystem up to par with what I expect from the likes of Philips, but I might prefer it.

While Govee provided AP with product samples to test, I've also bought some of my own, and I intend to keep building out the kit over time. Here's why.

Similarly broad product offerings

From outdoor spotlights to indoor neon ropes

I'm keen on getting the latest gadgets, but I don't want to spend a fortune on them if I can help it.

I wanted a new smart floor lamp, as well as some connected outdoor lights. Philips Hue offers both, but their prices are genuinely prohibitive.

When I compared products like the Govee Lyra floor lamp and the Philips Hue Signe gradient floor lamp, the price difference was stark.

The first costs $150 and is often discounted, while the second sells for a whopping $330.

Similarly, I contemplated buying Philips Hue Lily outdoor spotlights to light up the trees in my garden.

However, when I looked at options, I realized a single Philips Hue Lily light gets me two Govee Outdoor Spotlights with a few bucks to spare, since the two-pack often sells for less than $90.

Govee's build quality and reliability have been another pleasant surprise. Besides being affordable, the Govee products I've used are well-built and work reliably.

For example, I've tested Govee Outdoor spotlights and string lights in harsh weather conditions, with pouring rain or freezing temperatures, without encountering issues.

I think Govee's lights look nice, too, perfectly complementing my home's modern interiors.

Plenty of customization options

The app comes with a lot of features, but isn't the most user-friendly one around

The features are difficult to navigate, and even something as simple as changing a light's color can be cumbersome.

Overall, the app could benefit from a simpler interface that makes common actions easier, rather than requiring a lot of fiddling.

Unfortunately, that hasn't happened.

In more recent years, Govee added social aspects to the app, which the fanbase largely dislikes. Why would you want social media in the app that controls your lights?

However, the features are broadly similar to Hue's. You can control each light's color, choose from predefined scenes, and group devices.

Finally, all Govee lights can automatically adapt to music without a sync box, unlike Hue products.

This works by syncing with your phone's microphone or using the device's built-in mic.

The results are relatively good, but won't match what you get from lights with direct music streaming integration.

Govee also offers an additional $35 Music Sync Box for better results and synchronization across different lights, without breaking the bank.

Advanced connectivity options

Philips Hue uses Zigbee, reducing Wi-Fi network load and creating a mesh network that extends range.

Hue lights also work with other Zigbee devices but require a Hub for internet access, which increases costs.

Recent Hue models offer Bluetooth for hub-free local control but don't provide the added benefits of an interconnected ecosystem.

Govee's integration of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth eliminates the need for a hub. However, adding many devices can burden your Wi-Fi network, while Zigbee's separate network allows devices to communicate without a router.

In my daily use, I haven't had connectivity issues with Govee products compared to Philips Hue ones. It could be an issue when you add several devices, depending on your router's capabilities.

However, since the Zigbee protocol is a standard, Hue lights are compatible with other Zigbee products, such as light switches and plugs.

This means that I can control Hue lights with a standard Zigbee switch, which I couldn't do with Govee ones.

Despite Philips Hue's advantage here, Govee products now offer support for the Matter protocol.

This is a major advancement, as this next-gen smart home protocol works locally and brings extensive compatibility across smart home products, putting Govee on par with Philips Hue, which has also integrated Matter.

Solid third-party integration

Support for most smart home ecosystems

As I integrated Govee lights into my home, their ability to work seamlessly with Google Home, Alexa, and IFTTT was remarkable.

In addition, Govee's newest products, and future ones, come with Matter support, helping them integrate with a range of products and apps, such as SmartThings.

Smart lights for a smart price

A similar experience for less cash

While Philips Hue holds a certain prestige with its extensive product range and advanced ecosystem, Govee challenges the status quo by offering an array of affordable products that I find easy to use.

Some drawbacks include the app's subpar user-friendliness and the lack of Zigbee support.

Thankfully, Matter protocol support alleviates this, offering broader compatibility.

Govee's approach to smart lighting, offering cost-effective, highly customizable, and easy-to-integrate solutions, positions it as a formidable player in the smart home arena, challenging established norms and inviting users to rethink their smart lighting choices.

I'm not a big fan of its app, but I mostly use Google Home to control my lights.

In my case, Wi-Fi works better, since most Govee lights I've bought are outdoor lights and benefit from my mesh network in the garden.

Whether that is your case or not, I encourage you to check out Govee's lineup if you're in the market for smart lights. In my opinion, they offer the best value for money.

Alexa, Google Home, Govee app

The Govee Smart Bulbs offer 54 colorful scenes, are dimmable, support Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant integration, can sync with your music, have a timer function, and other features that you will like.