Key takeaways
- Cheapest pick worth buying: Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Starter Kit ($180 – $230).
- Starter kits lower the price per bulb.
- Check whether bulbs need a hub or work directly over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
In this article
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You do not need to spend a lot to get good smart bulbs. These are the cheapest smart bulbs we would still buy in the US, sorted by typical price.
Prices are typical ranges, not live prices. The button on each pick opens the current price.
Budget picks at a glance
| Product | Verdict | Score | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Starter Kit | Buy | 8.8/10 | $180 – $230 |
Budget picks in detail
Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Starter Kit
Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.8/10 · Typical price: $180 – $230
A safe choice: Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Starter Kit earns a buy verdict with a score of 8.8/10, at a typical price of $180 – $230.
How to save money
Starter kits lower the price per bulb.
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.
Where not to cut corners
Check whether bulbs need a hub or work directly over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
Common mistake: Fitting smart bulbs on circuits controlled by dimmer switches.
Compare more options
Search smart bulbs on Amazon See top-rated smart bulbs on Amazon
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best cheap smart bulbs in the US?
The cheapest model we would still buy is Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Starter Kit, typically $180 – $230.
Are cheap smart bulbs worth it?
Starter kits lower the price per bulb. Do not compromise on the basics, though. Check whether bulbs need a hub or work directly over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
When are smart bulbs cheapest in the US?
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.