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Hue takes on cheaper rivals with the entry-level Essential smart bulb lineup
Hue launched its largest product lineup at IFA 2025, notably introducing the budget-friendly Essential smart bulb range. These bulbs, while slightly pricier than some Amazon options, compete with Govee and Aqara, starting under $20. The Essential line includes A19 bulbs, GU10 spotlights, and strip lights, with and without color options, offering similar functionality to higher-end Hue bulbs but with some limitations. Key differences include reduced dimming, a narrower white temperature range, and less accurate color reproduction. Essential bulbs are available now, with starter kits including the Hue Bridge V2. A new, more powerful Hue Bridge Pro is also launched, boasting improved performance and introducing Hue Motion Aware, transforming bulbs into motion sensors. The Bridge Pro supports combining multiple bridges and will be released in September for $90. New Hue strip lighting options, including the OmniGlow with seamless lighting and the versatile Flux line, cater to various applications and aesthetics. A new A19 bulb with enhanced daylight replication and energy efficiency was unveiled. Finally, a partnership with Sonos will integrate Philips Hue lights with voice control and future sound-light interactions.