Smart holiday lights: are they worth it?

Christmas is right around the corner, and we're already thinking of the best gifts to get loved ones. But gift giving isn't the only thing to consider: making your home look as festival as possible, especially if you're hosting the big Christmas roast, might take some work.

Getting the right Christmas lights for your house, for your tree, for your garden, and elsewhere might take some research but there are great options out there, and today we're looking at the pros and cons of smart holiday lights.

Anyone who has used a Philips Hue smart bulb, or any of its very capable competitors, will know how cool it can be to flick on lights at the touch of a button, or change their colour to suit the mood of the moment.

So, are smart holiday lights worth it? Will they take your Christmas to the next level, impressing family and friends? Let's find out.

What are smart holiday lights?

Smart holiday lights are a modern upgrade to traditional festive decorations, bringing advanced tech to the season.

These lights connect via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, allowing you to control them with smartphone apps or voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant. Unlike conventional lights with limited functionality, smart holiday lights offer a range of customisable effects, patterns, and schedules, giving users control over how the lights look and work.

Leading brands such as Philips Hue, Twinkly and GE Cync provide diverse options, from simple string lights to elaborate outdoor displays that sync with music or respond to voice commands. The Philips Hue Festavia string lights, for example, are a great option and will plug straight into your existing setup if you use Philips Hue.

One of the key benefits of smart holiday lights is their convenience. With app-based control, you can manage your lights without needing to fiddle with manual switches or timers, even when you’re away from home.

Scheduling features allow you to automate when the lights turn on and off, ensuring a festive atmosphere with minimal effort. Smart lights also excel in customization, enabling users to choose from an expansive range of colors, effects, and themes. You can program patterns to match specific moods or sync lights with music for a dynamic, interactive display that’s perfect for parties or creating a memorable ambiance.

Energy efficiency is another notable advantage: Smart holiday lights use LEDs, which consume significantly less power than traditional incandescent bulbs. For homes already equipped with smart home ecosystems, these lights integrate seamlessly, allowing users to synchronize their decorations with other devices for a cohesive, futuristic holiday setup.

Are there any drawbacks to smart holiday lights?

While smart holiday lights offer exciting features, they aren’t without their challenges.

The most significant drawback is cost, as smart lights are considerably more expensive than traditional options. In fact, a single string of smart lights can cost several times more than a conventional set, which may deter budget-conscious buyers.

Additionally, the initial setup can be daunting for those unfamiliar with smart home tech, and connecting the lights to Wi-Fi or pairing them with an app often involves a learning curve. Compatibility and longevity are also potential downsides.

Smart lights rely on software updates and app support, which may not be guaranteed indefinitely. Security and privacy concerns also come into play, as any internet-connected device can be vulnerable to hacking. Users need to be mindful of safeguarding their networks and updating device firmware regularly.

For those hesitant to fully commit to smart holiday lights, there are alternatives that strike a balance between traditional setups and modern convenience.

For example, smart plugs can automate existing holiday lights, allowing you to schedule on/off times or control them remotely without investing in entirely new products. Similarly, budget-friendly smart light strips can offer basic customisation features without the premium price tag of high-end brands.

So, are smart holiday lights worth it?

Smart holiday lights bring a modern flair to festive decorating, offering great convenience, customization, and energy efficiency. With features like remote app control, voice assistant compatibility, and dynamic color effects, they transform simple holiday lighting into an immersive experience.

For those already invested in smart home ecosystems, these lights integrate seamlessly, creating synchronized displays that elevate the festive atmosphere.

However, their higher cost and setup complexity mean they aren’t the right fit for everyone. These features come at a premium, and users should also be prepared to navigate potential issues like connectivity problems, software reliance, and security concerns.

Ultimately, whether smart holiday lights are worth it depends on your needs and priorities. If you love the idea of customizable, app-controlled displays and don’t mind the cost or setup effort, they’re a fantastic way to upgrade your holiday decor.

For those who prefer simpler, more affordable options, alternatives like smart plugs or budget-friendly light strips can offer a taste of the smart lighting experience without the full commitment.