HomeKit Blog

With the ability to light up our homes on-demand and prices making them more affordable than ever, smart light bulbs are truly a staple in today's home. The best smart light bulbs are now available in just about every size and shape, some offering just the basic white light, while others providing enhanced brightness levels, cool colors, and nifty effects. However, for all of the changes on the outside, not much has changed when it comes to getting them connected to our home networks, and smart assistants all rely on either Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, RF, or Zigbee.

On the surface, Nanoleaf's latest lighting product, the Essentials A19 Light Bulb, which I have been testing for the past few months, is just another smart light bulb with bright colors, an app, and voice controls. However, thanks to the inclusion of a Thread radio onboard, Nanoleaf's bulb represents the next chapter for HomeKit and the connected home by combining all of the best features from the various wireless standards that came before it. So what makes Thread and the Nanoleaf Essentials A19 Light Bulb so great? Let's take a look!

Despite the sheer amount of options available today, Nanoleaf's offering is anything but your typical smart light bulb. For starters, Nanoleaf chose a unique Rhombicosidodecahedron design for the bulb's diffuser which looks incredibly slick while not in use and looks amazing when illuminated. Even with the unique design and the smarts inside, Nanoleaf's bulb sports measurements similar to that of standard "dumb" LED light bulbs at just 2.4-inches wide by 4.4-inches long, allowing it to fit into most fixtures with ease, though it is not always guaranteed.

Nanoleaf's bulb supports the industry standard of 16 million colors and a white color temperature range between 2700-6500K, but again, it goes beyond the norm with the ability to hit 1,100 lumens of peak brightness. I have tested many smart bulbs over the years, and I have always felt that the 450 and 800-lumen options were just not bright enough for most room sizes, so the extra brightness is certainly welcome. Colors produced by the bulb are about as good as it gets, with darker colors like blue, red, and pink, all performing well, while green and purple tones are just good enough — like I have seen in pretty much every other color bulb that I have tested.

What separates the Nanoleaf Essentials A19 Light bulb from the rest though is the wireless radios inside. Nanoleaf's light bulb is the first consumer smart home accessory that supports Bluetooth and Thread connectivity, both of which are hub-free (sort of), low-power wireless standards that keep setup simple, and device activity local. Thread, however, promises expanded range, greater reliability, faster response times, and longer battery life, through mesh networking and self-repairing capabilities.

During setup, the Nanoleaf Essentials A19 Light Bulb will automatically determine which connectivity method to use, based on whether or not one of Apple's HomePod minis are in the home. Apple's' Thread-equipped HomePod mini acts as a "border router" for the bulb, which is essentially how a hub works for other connectivity methods, such as Zigbee. If a HomePod mini is not present, the bulb will connect via Bluetooth, but if one is ever added after the initial pairing, it will automatically switch to Thread, which is how my experience went.

I really like how setting up the bulb follows the same process for either option, with the steps for iOS/HomeKit users requiring nothing more than screwing-in the bulb to a fixture, and then scanning the pairing code with the Home or Nanoleaf app. If the bulb connects via Thread, the user will not see any additional settings or dialogs for the new connectivity method, everything will just work behind the scenes.

Thread performance

As previously mentioned, my setup started with Bluetooth as Nanoleaf sent over the bulb before the release of the HomePod mini, so I got to experience the differences firsthand. Bluetooth performance, was, well, Bluetooth. I will dive into more details regarding Bluetooth later, but to sum it up, the performance was slow, spotty, and unreliable. Things took a dramatic turn for the better though once I set up my first HomePod mini. Again, while there is no confirmation provided by HomeKit or Nanoleaf regarding which method is being used, I saw my light bulb flicker shortly after the HomePod mini was ready to go, which gave me the first clue that Thread was ready.

With Thread up and running, commands sent via the Home and Nanoleaf apps took effect instantly on-device, no matter how far I was away from the bulb inside of my house. Now, I will admit, before testing, I expected only modest improvements, so I was blown away by the immediate response times as it truly matched the speed that you get with Wi-Fi devices. Naturally, I was still skeptical, so throughout testing, I periodically sent commands to the bulb after intervals of 10, 20, and 30 minutes to see if the bulb would go into some kind of lower-power sleep state, but every one executed instantly each time. Even three months later, the bulb is still lightning fast, and I have yet to come across a time where the bulb was not accessible.

Smart app features

Regardless of the connectivity method, the Nanoleaf app provides access to dimming, color adjustments, scenes, and Circadian Lighting. While being able to adjust colors is neat, I especially like how Nanoleaf's bulb supports the same Color Scenes that are available with the company's signature Shapes Light Panels, allowing it to cycle through colors and brightness levels with slick transitions. I love the variety of scenes available from Nanoleaf and the user community, and how the app shows a color palette before downloading, making it easy to identify the perfect scene depending on the mood.

While the Nanoleaf app currently has the option to create schedules for other products, setting one up for the Essentials light bulb takes place outside of the app. Currently, users will have to create schedules through automation via HomeKit, or with Google Home devices, which I prefer as it keeps everything under one roof. One advanced option available through the app is Nanoleaf's Circadian Lighting feature, which helps to calm and energize the mind through automatic color temperature adjustments. In the morning the bulb will display warmer tones to ease users into the day, and in the afternoon, it will switch to a cooler white shade to help with focus.

Moving over to the HomeKit, Nanoleaf's light bulb supports the basics like Siri voice controls, color adjustments, dimming, scenes, and automation. The Essentials bulb also supports the latest iOS 14 HomeKit Adaptive Lighting feature, which is similar to Nanoleaf's Circadian Lighting with automatic color temperature adjustments made throughout the day. HomeKit also allows for remote out of home controls for the Nanoleaf light bulb when combined with a HomeKit resident device, like a HomePod, Apple TV, or iPad, which is another plus for those in the Apple ecosystem.

Bluetooth blues

Nanoleaf Essentials A19 Light Bulb review: What I don't like

As great as the Nanoleaf Essentials light bulb performs via Thread, things are not quite as great if you do not have a HomePod mini. Without a HomePod mini, Nanoleaf's bulb relies on Bluetooth, and unfortunately, I experienced lengthy response times, and inconsistent performance with the low-power wireless standard.

Over Bluetooth, commands would take up to 10 seconds before executing on-device, and in some cases, they would just flat-out fail, even if I was just a few feet away. The spotty Bluetooth performance would give me pause when it comes to adding it to automation and scenes so needless to say, if you are interested in the light bulb, I would strongly recommend picking up a HomePod mini to go along with it.

Speaking of Thread, it appears that the Nanoleaf Essentials A19 Light Bulb only works with the HomePod mini. Other Thread devices — like those from Nest or eero, do not act as a border router for the bulb. Also, while Thread works seamlessly with the HomePod mini, everything is done behind the scenes so there are no advanced settings, network overview screens, or troubleshooting steps provided by Apple's Home app or the Nanoleaf app. The third-party Eve for HomeKit iOS does display some basic information, but again, no actual settings if something goes wrong.

Finally, the Nanoleaf app can be a little confusing and at times, frustrating. Toggling the bulb is simple enough, but applying scenes takes place via multiple different areas in the app, and of course, the lack of schedules even with a dedicated section for creating them for other products is just odd. My biggest gripe though is how the app syncs scenes with HomeKit. Every time I open the Nanoleaf app, it automatically adds all of the default scenes — most of which I have removed previously, back into the Home app. Because of this, I try to avoid the Nanoleaf app at all costs and stick to Siri and the Home app for all of my controls.

The competition

Smart, color-capable light bulbs are everywhere these days, with many different shapes, sizes, and connectivity options to be found. However, when it comes to HomeKit, the number of bulbs does slim down by quite a bit leading most to stick to the tried-and-true Philips Hue and LIFX product lines, but both have their fair share of limitations and are expensive. Smaller vendors, like VOCOlinc and Meross, offer cheaper alternatives, but they top out at lower brightness levels, and color reproduction may not be as good as what you get with the established brands.

The latest Philips Hue A19 White and Color Ambiance Light Bulb support both Bluetooth and Zigbee connectivity, which allows those new to the smart lighting game to jump right in without a hub. Unfortunately, Philips Hue bulbs that connect via Bluetooth do not work with Apple's HomeKit and are limited to local connections so you will miss out on remote, out of home controls. To enable advanced features, Hue bulbs require the Hue Bridge, which adds to the cost, and setup becomes a little more complicated. And, as previously mentioned, Hue color bulbs are expensive, coming in at $50 each.

The standard LIFX Color A19 light bulb, available for $50, matches the Nanoleaf Essentials light bulb with a peak brightness of 1,100 lumens, and onboard dimming, but that is where the similarities end. LIFX's bulb supports one trillion colors, which is well above and beyond the 16 million that Nanoleaf touts, and it connects directly to home networks via Wi-Fi which offers lightning-fast response times. The LIFX color bulb also works with Alexa, Google, and HomeKit, plus it supports remote controls without a hub, but if you plan to add multiple bulbs around the home, your network may get saturated quickly.

Nanoleaf Essentials A19 Light Bulb review: Should you buy

You should buy this if ...

You are looking for an affordable HomeKit light bulb

At just $20, Nanoleaf's color-capable light bulb is one of the cheapest hub-free HomeKit options around. If you are looking for a quick and easy way to add a little color around your home, or just want the smart conveniences that come with a HomeKit-enabled light, then it is hard to go wrong with the Essential A19 Light Bulb.

You want a bright light bulb that supports millions of colors

Nanoleaf's Essential A19 Light Bulb supports the industry standard of 16 million different colors and shades of white, along with a room-filling brightness at 1,100 lumens maximum. Through the smart app controls, you can dial in your favorite hues, dim the lights down on-demand, and of course, you can incorporate them into scenes with other Nanoleaf bulbs or HomeKit accessories.

You own a HomePod mini and want to experience Thread connectivity

If you happen to have a HomePod mini in your home, then you will get the absolute best performance and reliability possible with the Nanoleaf Essential A19 Light Bulb. The HomePod mini and Nanoleaf's bulb are both equipped with Thread wireless radios, which offers instant response times and makes the overall experience with the bulb magical without a complicated setup process.

You should not buy this if ...

You do not own HomePod mini and do not like Bluetooth smart accessories

Bluetooth-based smart accessories are generally slower to respond to commands and less reliable due to limited range, and the Nanoleaf Essentials A19 Light Bulb is no exception — if you do not own a HomePod mini. If you don't already have Apple's smaller speaker and don't plan to add one soon, then you may want to look at other light bulb options.

You want a light bulb that works with Amazon Alexa

As of now, the Nanoleaf Essentials A19 Light Bulb does not work with Amazon's Alexa. If you want to utilize voice controls or want it to work with other smart accessories, you will need a HomePod or a Google Home device in your home.

You want to sync your light bulbs with media devices

Unfortunately, Nanoleaf's light bulb doesn't support any form of screen mirroring currently. This means that you won't be able to sync it with movies, shows, or games on your TV or monitor today, but Nanoleaf has mentioned that they are "working on it".

Unless you just have to have a light bulb with screen mirroring capabilities now, it is hard to find a reason not to buy Nanoleaf's Essential Light Bulb if you live within the Apple ecosystem. Nanoleaf's bulb offers all of the goodies at a lower price than its rivals, and having Thread onboard means it is about as future-proof as you can get for smart accessories. On the other hand, if you are on team Android, spotty Bluetooth and lack of integration with Alexa or other Thread accessories mean that you may be better off with another bulb.

4.5
out of 5

With a surprisingly affordable price tag and Thread networking, picking up a Nanoleaf Essentials A19 Light Bulb for your home is a no-brainer — if you have a HomePod mini. Thread is an absolute game-changer for the smart home world as it combines the best of Bluetooth, Zigbee, and Wi-Fi, and does so with a simple, seamless setup process that just works.

Add in bright, vivid colors, dimming, and HomeKit Adaptive Lighting support, and you get a clear winner that is easy to recommend to those just starting their smart home journey, and for those wanting to expand their connected castle. Nanoleaf has knocked it out of the park with the Essentials A19 Light Bulb, so much so, that it is now my go-to pick as the best standard-size smart light bulb on the market for those in the Apple ecosystem. I just hope that Nanoleaf is able to expand to other bulb shapes and sizes so that I can put them in even more places around the home sooner rather than later.

Modern smart cameras are an easy way to add a little extra security to your home thanks to convenient app controls, and just like much of the tech that we use today, they get better — and cheaper every year. The latest and greatest smart cameras can go completely wire-free for months at a time with rechargeable batteries, all while supplying ultra-high-definition 4K imagery, and even have live views summoned on-demand using just our voice.

However, one area that hasn't changed much over the years is how smart cameras perform at night or in the dark. The most popular cameras either rely on the classic black and white infrared view or offer limited color views with bulky integrated floodlight designs. One company that has taken a different approach to night vision is EZVIZ, which aims to provide a color view in the dark through a unique dual-lens camera system found in the C3X Outdoor Camera. I have been testing the C3X for the past few months, and while the color night vision is indeed superb, I am more impressed by just how much EZVIZ packs into a camera that is affordable and doesn't require a subscription.

Despite the affordable price tag and classic smart camera appearance, the EZVIZ C3X features a solid white metal chassis and mount that feels surprisingly premium in the hand. Combined with weather-resistant cables, connections and compartments, the C3X really seems like it is capable of living up to the IP67 rating outdoors year-round. The bullet-style frame has a large black front, highlighted by the dual-lens camera system that gives the C3X its headlining color night vision capabilities, 1080p HD image quality, and a 106-degree wide diagonal field of view.

Underneath the body of the C3X is a single compartment — accessible via screwdriver, which houses a microSD card slot, and a tiny reset button. It may irritate those that want to access the memory card often, but I love how EZVIZ put both components in a position that requires more than just reaching around the back to get to as I have seen with other cameras.

I also like how the camera's mount and a power/data lead comes attached right out of the box, simplifying installation, and again, keeping the whole package weather-resistant. The attached lead consists of a 12V barrel connector for power, and an ethernet port if Wi-Fi isn't your thing, which was a pleasant surprise. While the lead is rather short, EZVIZ includes a longer power extension cable in the box along with weather-proof covers for both, again showing just how thoughtful the whole package is.

Once installed, setting up the C3X was quick and easy with a simple QR code scanning process, with Wi-Fi details and settings all being configured in under five minutes. The EZVIZ app, available on both iOS and Android, features a clean interface, with loads of settings and options available behind a main camera overview screen. Tapping on the camera on the home screen takes you immediately to the live view which is convenient, and the app presents you with handy controls on both portrait and landscape orientation. Advanced features are available outside of the live view, with some highlights like the ability to establish motion detection zones, setting smart notifications, and assigning alarm tones.

With the low price, one would think that advanced features and recording would be locked behind a subscription, but I am happy to report that everything is available without a monthly fee. I love how EZVIZ's C3X lets you record events directly to a microSD card (not included) and compatible EZVIZ NVR's, both of which are becoming increasingly rare with the push towards the cloud. Of course, EZVIZ offers a subscription service called CloudPlay that provides cloud storage starting at $3.99 a month per camera, but again, it is completely optional, and it doesn't come with any extra special features that can only be performed in the cloud.

Continuing the theme of pleasant surprises, the C3X's image quality, in both day and night, is quite good. During the day, or indoors in good lighting, the C3X produces detailed images that allow you to easily make out what is going on within its view with little noise and motion tearing. I did find that colors seemed a little muted through the C3X, but for the most part, the C3X matches most 1080p cameras that I have tested, including those that are available at twice the cost.

Before I dive into night vision, I will be upfront and say that I was quite skeptical of EZVIZ's color night vision claims, especially without an integrated floodlight. I was fully prepared to see the feature as being nothing more than a nicety that wouldn't be useful with grainy image quality — but boy was I wrong. Whether it is black and white infrared night vision, or the dual-lens color night vision, the EZVIZ C3X produces the best night time visuals that I have seen to date in a smart camera.

The dual-lens night vision mode truly brings the area to life in color, a sight that is striking to see after being used to infrared views for years. The color view extends the entire camera view, instead of being limited to a small area like with a floodlight, and it really allows you to see details like variances in shades on a fence or within the grass. Color night vision also does not appear to affect framerate or motion in front of the camera, which again, is really impressive given the low price of the C3X. Even the standard infrared black and white view outperformed one of my go-to outdoor cameras, the Logitech Circle 2 which I have positioned in the same area, with a much sharper, and brighter, image.

Dated design, bulky plug

EZVIZ C3X Outdoor Camera review: What I don't like

While I love the solid construction and extra attention to weather-proofing, the C3X does have some hardware quirks. First, the dual Wi-Fi antennas that surround the C3X give the whole package a dated look when compared to modern smart cameras, and makes it stand out when installed outdoors. Plus, the external antennas do not hold their positions well, as even the smallest of bumps will cause them to fall over, defeating their purpose. Another is that the power brick for the camera is quite large, which may prevent it from being used with smaller outdoor outlet boxes without an extension cord.

Moving away from the hardware, like other apps from smart home accessory vendors, the EZVIZ app isn't the most intuitive. Firing up the camera's live view is quick and easy, but tracking down specific features requires a lot of trial and error as the main navigation buttons are not labeled, and settings are buried in different sections of the app. Just tracking down recordings may be a little confusing for some, as motion events are sent to a "messages" tab within the app, which is odd. This is especially true when compared to most other cameras that I have tested, which put motion events into a dedicated security or timeline area.

My final gripe with the C3X is that it doesn't support Apple's HomeKit. I would love to have the ability to pull up a live stream through my Apple TV or use the camera with other HomeKit accessories through automation, but alas, like tons of other smart devices, it isn't compatible. Now, it does work with Alexa, and Google Home devices which are great, but if you are deep into the Apple ecosystem and prefer everything under one roof as I do, it is a little frustrating.

The competition

There are tons of outdoor security cameras on the market these days with options spanning both wired and wire-free variants each with its unique designs and features. However, when it comes to night vision, many options rely on infrared that only produces a black and white view, most of which pale in comparison to the C3X.

The closest competitors for color night vision that I have tested include Arlo's Pro 3 Floodlight Camera and the eufyCam 2C, both of which sport integrated lights. The Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera features a bulky design that stands out even more than the C3X, but it can be powered entirely through a rechargeable battery, and it can light up large areas with 3,000 lumens of brightness. The light enables color night vision, but image quality isn't as sharp and detailed as the C3X in the dark.

The eufyCam 2C has a smaller, more compact design and it runs on an internal rechargeable battery for up to six months. Obviously, battery life will take a hit with spotlight usage, and the integrated light is not very bright, so the overall reach of the camera is limited. The result is an image that is in color, but is grainer and doesn't cover an entire area like the C3X.

EZVIZ C3X Outdoor Camera review: Should you buy

You should buy this if ...

You want a camera that prioritizes night vision

The C3X produces some of the best nighttime visuals around thanks to the unique dual-lens setup that doesn't rely on a flood or spotlight. Whether it is the incredible color night vision capabilities or the extremely detailed IR black and white view, the C3X is perfect for monitoring dark areas.

You want a smart camera that works with app and voice controls

Setting up and managing the C3X camera takes place entirely through the EZVIZ app, putting the live feed and more just a few taps away. The camera also integrates with Alexa and Google Home devices allowing you to summon its view with voice controls.

You want a smart camera that records locally without a subscription

EZVIZ bucks the smart camera trends by allowing owners to record videos directly to a microSD card or NVR. This means that it can be used without a subscription, and without having to rely on the cloud to access your recordings.

You should not buy this if ...

You want a completely wireless experience

Although it is technically a "wireless" camera with Wi-Fi, the C3X still requires a wired power source as it does not include an onboard battery. The lack of a battery can limit placement options outdoors, and the included power supply is bulky and may not fit into enclosed or covered outlets.

You want a smart camera that blends into its surroundings

The C3X sports a white frame with a dual-antenna design that instantly calls attention to it — especially outdoors. This could be seen as a positive for some, but for those that prefer discreet security, it should be taken into consideration.

You want a HomeKit-enabled or Shortcuts compatible camera

The C3X does not support Apple's HomeKit so you will not be able to view the camera through the Home app or use it with other HomeKit accessories. The C3X also does not work with Siri Shortcuts, limiting voice assistant support to just Alexa and the Google Assistant.

If night time security is your highest priority for your home or business, then the EZVIZ C3X should be at the top of your list thanks to the dual-lens camera system. Even if night vision isn't a major factor, the lack of required subscription and local recording option makes the C3X an excellent choice for many. However, if deep iOS integration or completely wire-free operation is important to you, then you will be better off with one of the best HomeKit Cameras, or other smart camera options.

4
out of 5

With incredible color night vision capabilities, local recording, smart app controls, and affordable price, the EZVIZ C3X Outdoor Camera has something for just about everyone. The C3X may not look the flashiest, or support iOS exclusive features like HomeKit or Shortcuts, but it makes up for its shortcomings with the best color night vision that I have seen in a camera with, or without, an integrated floodlight. Plus, the ability to use the camera without a required subscription while retaining all of its major features is refreshing in an age where the push for services is so strong. If you want the best night vision around or just a solid smart camera, then it's hard to go wrong with the C3X.

Wake-up lights are slowly but surely becoming apart of the nighttime routines of many, thanks to their ability to replace the jarring alarm tones of the past with gentle, warm lighting that eases you into the day. While there are now more options to choose from than ever before, the best Philips wake-up lights can set you back quite a bit, and other solutions like smart lights that emulate the wake-up effect through features like HomeKit Adaptive Lighting lack the basics like an always-on clock.

That is not the case with the HeimVision Smart Wake-Up Light, as it combines wake-up light functionality, smart connectivity, and loads of extras, with an incredibly affordable price tag. I have been testing out HeimVision's light for the past few months in my home, and I love how just one small accessory replaces the need for an alarm clock, lamp, phone charger, radio, and sound machine, allowing me to reclaim the precious space on my nightstand.

The HeimVision Smart Wake-Up Light features a playful design, with a large round diffuser taking up the majority of the glossy white and clear plastic front. The Smart Wake-Up Light looks much larger in pictures than it does in-person, with measurements of around 6.5-inches both in height and width and just 2.8-inches deep, which is a great size for almost any nightstand or for a child's room.

Underneath the diffuser is an LCD presenting the time and active modes in a soft amber-like tone, and surprisingly, it can actually be turned off, which is awesome. Around the edges of the light are a series of buttons, 11 total, keeping the entire package looking clean while still providing tactile controls for everything. Around the back is a single 5V/1A USB-A port, non-removable FM antenna wire, speaker, micro-USB port input for power, and underneath is a compartment for a coin battery for backup purposes, which is included.

The integrated LCD clock and speaker allow HeimVision's light to act as an alarm and sound machine with several built-in presets, and the FM antenna, of course, enables it to play your local stations. While it isn't the highest or fastest output around, the USB port on the back is handy as it can be used to charge phones and removes the need for yet another charger block. Needless to say, I absolutely love how a single accessory can replace several bedroom essentials as it frees up precious space on a nightstand and how it reduces the number of devices to manage at bedtime.

The star of the show, though, is the onboard light, which shifts between several different color temperatures and brightness levels to gently wake you up at your desired times in the morning. The light features 20 different brightness settings and is plenty bright enough to serve its purpose, although its effectiveness, like with wake-up lights in general, is truly personal. The light also works as a mood light with the ability to display various colors, all of which look rich and vivid — especially darker hues like blues, which are stunning with the orb-like design.

Finally, the HeimVision Smart Wake-Up Light includes a 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi radio, which opens it up to app and voice controls through the Smart Life app available on iOS and Android without a separate hub. Being a smart home enthusiast, I love how you can set the time and alarms, create schedules, adjust brightness levels, switch between colors, change radio stations, activate sleep sounds, and use it with other Smart Life accessories all via the app. I also love how the light can be used with Alexa, the Google Assistant, and Siri through Shortcuts, providing even more automation potential.

Confusing setup and controls

HeimVision Smart Wake-Up Light review: What I don't like

Like most low price smart accessories found on Amazon these days, the HeimVision Smart Wake-Up Light relies on the Smart Life app and only supports 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi. The Smart Life app is designed as a catch-all that doesn't focus on one accessory type and features two ways to pair devices, so if you don't read the included manual, miss the automatic pairing option, or if the option doesn't work, you will run into some problems. Since I have had issues in the past using the automatic process with other accessories, I chose the manual route.

Through the manual method, you are expected to select the appropriate accessory type from a massive list, and you will ultimately find two potential options presented for the light: Smart Alarm Clock and Sleep Lamp — neither of which sport an icon that matches the HeimVision light. However, according to the images in the manual, you are supposed to select "Lighting (Wi-Fi)," which is represented by a light bulb in the app. Then after selecting the correct option, the app tells you to perform a hardware reset, which — you guessed it — doesn't resemble the actual process for the wake-up light. The manual provides the correct reset process, albeit underneath a set of screens showing the wrong steps, and things are pretty straightforward after this portion.

Moving over to the actual hardware, with the sheer amount of features available on HeimVision's light, switching between modes and setting alarms on-device can be a little confusing at first. Whether it is trying to figure out what each icon on the various buttons mean or trying to decipher the abbreviated words and symbols on the LCD display, getting acclimated to the light will take some time. Another hardware complaint that I have is that the light isn't bright enough to truly fill a room or replace a lamp. I was unable to track down a brightness rating for the light, but if I were to guess, I would say that it probably tops out at around 300 or 400 lumens.

My final complaint is with regards to the lack of HomeKit support, which, while not unexpected, is still frustrating for those that like to have everything available in Apple's Home app. I would love to be able to control the wake-up light through the Home app or use it in automation with other HomeKit accessories, but unfortunately, it simply isn't available. As previously mentioned, you can use the light with Siri, but that is only through Shortcuts, which I have found to be incredibly inconsistent with a variety of accessories — especially if you try to run commands via a HomePod.

HeimVision Smart Wake-Up Light review: The competition

While gaining popularity over the past few years, smart wake-up lights are still a rather niche category, limiting available options. The most popular option, the Philips SmartSleep Connected Wake-Up Light sports a price tag that is over three times the price of HeimVision's offering but has an almost identical feature set. However, Philips positions the SmartSleep Connected as a true sleep solution with "clinically-proven" results provided by features like ambient environment monitoring and breathing guides.

Another popular smart wake-up light is the Hatch Restore, which, like the Philips SmartSleep Connected, focuses more on delivering better sleep rather than trying to do everything and is quite a bit more expensive at $130. The Hatch Restore features a cleaner overall design, and the same applies to the accompanying app since it strips out all of the other smart home accessory types. The Hatch Restore lacks an integrated FM radio tuner, and it locks some of the more advanced sleep features behind a subscription, so the cost of ownership only gets higher.

The closest low price competitor to HeimVison's light is the Corlitec Smart Wake Up Light Alarm Clock, which looks almost identical, has the same feature set, and the same price tag. The Corlitec wake-up light even works with the same Smart Life app, so I wouldn't be surprised if the same manufacturer made both lights. Regardless, the Corlitec light does have a different stand or base, opting for a leg look versus the bulkier bottom of the HeimVision wake-up light.

HeimVision Smart Wake-Up Light review: Should you buy

You should buy this if ...

You want an affordable wake-up light

At just under $50, the HeimVision Smart Wake-Up Light is an affordable alternative to the popular lights from brands like Philips. In some cases, HeimVision's light is easily two to three times cheaper while providing more features.

You want a wake-up light that fills several roles

With the ability to play various sleep noises, onboard FM radio capabilities, colorful lighting, and a digital clock display with alarm, HeimVision's wake-up light can fulfill several nightstand roles in one compact package.

You want a wake-up light with app and voice controls

Every aspect of the HeimVision Smart Wake-Up Light is available through the Smart Life app for iOS and Android. Voice controls via Alexa, Siri, and the Google Assistant make quick adjustments like changing up colors conveniently.

You should not buy this if ...

You just want a simple wake-up light with few on-device controls

While having a full suite of features in one device is nice, actually making adjustments or switching between modes on-device can be a little confusing at first without clear labeling. If you want just a simple wake-up light with as few buttons as possible, then look elsewhere.

You want a clock and light combination that will light up an entire room

The integrated LED light inside the wake-up light isn't the brightest around, so don't expect to use it as a full-blown lamp replacement. The HeimVision light is better-suited for mood lighting and for as an aid late-night runs, but not as a room-filling lamp.

You want a smart wake-up light that supports HomeKit

Despite having support for Siri Shortcuts, the HeimVision Smart Wake-Up Light doesn't work with Apple's HomeKit. Shortcuts can accomplish many of the same things as HomeKit, but it will take some work to get everything set up.

If you are in the market for an affordable wake-up light or are just looking for a smart alternative to traditional bedroom devices like an alarm clock, then the HeimVision should definitely be on your radar. HeimVision's light is an incredible value with the ability to act as a clock, sound machine, mood light, radio, and phone charger, all in a package that costs under $50. However, if you value simplicity or only want HomeKit-compatible accessories in your smart home, then the HeimVision light isn't the one for you.

4
out of 5

With a slick design, smart controls, colorful lighting, affordable price, and more, the HeimVision Smart Wake-Up Light is an excellent addition to almost any bedroom or nighttime routine. HeimVision's loaded light can replace all of the nighttime essentials: alarm clock, sound machine, bedside lamp, radio, and phone charger, making it easy to recommend for someone who is in the market for an upgrade — smart or not. Even if you doubt the effectiveness of the actual wake-up light functionality, the sheer amount of features and the compact size still make the HeimVision Smart Wake-Up Light an incredible overall value.