Best budget smart lights 2021: Light it up on the cheap with these bulbs and strips

Smart lighting may be one of the easiest areas of the smart home to get started with, but it can also wind up becoming one of the more expensive – unless, of course, you opt for some budget variations along the way.

If you don’t necessarily require the fancy features of Philips Hue or Lifx, picking up a cheaper alternative to the big-name lightbulbs and light strips is a top way to save money for other areas of the home.

However, like with anything on the more budget end of the spectrum, there are lots of options to between and not too many distinguishing factors. To help guide you through the decision-making, we’ve compiled this handy guide to some of the better picks.

All will work with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, and could be your ticket to a brighter smart home. Let’s explore.