Belkin WeMo vs Lifx
When comparing Belkin WeMo vs Lifx, the Slant community recommends Lifx for most people. In the question“What are the best smart bulbs?” Lifx is ranked 2nd while Belkin WeMo is ranked 7th. The most important reason people chose Lifx is:
While few other SmartBulbs get as bright as a regular 60 watt bulb, the Lifx gets even brighter. Instead of just using it for accent lighting, these smart bulbs are some of the only ones that can effectively be used as a primary lighting source.
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Pros
Pro Very configurable lighting options
In addition to basic timers and schedules, you can set the lights to dim over a set amount of time - from 1 minute to an hour - which can help get into and out of bed. The lights are also able to begin turning on with the sunrise (through IFTTT)
Pro Configurable recipies
Thanks to IFTTT (If This Then That - phone app for automation based on triggers) support, you can build your own custom recipes that suit you. There are also plenty of already created recipes from other users that you could use as well.
Pro Compatible with multiple smart bulb ecosystems
Of course its compatible with WeMo's ecosystem, but it is also compatible with SmartThings and Revolv. This allows for more options down the road, and the ability to mix different bulbs in a single setup.
Pro Good color rendering
The WeMo beast out virtually all of its competition when it comes to color rendering - the ability to accurately reproduce colors. It really only suffers when attempting to produce a vibrant, true red.
Pro Very bright
While few other SmartBulbs get as bright as a regular 60 watt bulb, the Lifx gets even brighter. Instead of just using it for accent lighting, these smart bulbs are some of the only ones that can effectively be used as a primary lighting source.
Pro Simple setup
As soon as they are plugged in, the lights will turn on and start broadcasting a Wi-Fi signal. To pair it to your phone, just connect to that Wi-Fi signal. After you connect, you're done and can switch back to your home Wi-Fi.
Pro Third-party integrations
The bulbs can hook into the Nest Thermostat, Nest Smoke Detector, as well as IFTTT (If This Then That - a popular automation app based on 'recipes').
Pro Different bulb options
The Color 1000 comes in two variants - one is a compact A19 size, while the other is a BR30 size. The A19 produces 1055 lumens (equivalent to a 75W bulb), while the BR30 produces 970 lumens (equivalent to a 70W bulb).
Pro No hub required
The bulbs connect straight to the phone, meaning there's no need for a hub which reduces the upfront installation cost.
Cons
Con Requires the WeMo Link hub
The bulbs are connected through the WeMo Link which is a central hub, which then connects to your phone. It adds cost to the setup, but thankfully you only need 1 to control a large collection of WeMo Links. This hub doesn't have any wired connections - it plugs into any ordinary wall power outlet.
Con Limited connectivity
There is no option for a remote control or web-based control.
Con App lacks features
The app doesn't allow for light scheduling or custom color cycles.
Con High brightness washes out colors
The colored RGB lights can only achieve 50% brightness on their own; after 50% white LEDs are also turned on to achieve a very high total brightness. However, mixing white light with colored light will dilute the colors so that red light at 70% brightness will look more washed out than red light at 50% brightness.
Con Heavier, and warmer than other LED lights
To achieve their high brightness, the Lifx need more diodes than other LED bulbs, which means that they get hotter. To help deal with the heat, there are more heat sinks which adds the weight (they weigh 10.4 ounces each). Despite the heat sinks though, they still run a bit warmer than other LED bulbs.