The Lightie

Best smart · Published 2026-04-12 · Updated 2026-07-20

Three UK smart bulbs for different ecosystems and controls.

A source-backed comparison of current E27 smart bulbs using manufacturer-published brightness, colour, protocol, hub, and platform information.

ProductBest ForKey FeatureEditorial scoreLink
Philips Hue White and Colour Ambiance A60 E27 1100The broader Hue lighting systemUp to 1,100lm · colour + tunable white9View →
IKEA KAJPLATS Colour and White Spectrum E27 Starter KitA Matter starter bundleMatter over Thread · remote included · 1,055lm8.1View →
Nanoleaf Essentials Matter Thread E27 Smart BulbMatter-over-Thread homesMatter over Thread · Bluetooth setup8.3View →

Product specifications and availability can change. Each pick links to the official product information used for this update; verify the current model, installation requirements, and warranty before buying.

How we ranked these picks

Smart-lighting products are compared as systems: protocols, physical controls, documented local-control options, apps, Matter or bridge support, recurring costs, and reliance on future software support.

ReliabilityPhysical controlEcosystemMatter support
1

Philips Hue White and Colour Ambiance A60 E27 1100

Best for The broader Hue lighting system · 9/10

Verdict: This current UK A60 E27 model is rated up to 1,100 lumens and provides colour plus tunable white. Bluetooth covers basic control, while a Hue Bridge unlocks the wider Hue system and its supported integrations.

Pros

  • Up to 1,100 lumens
  • Colour and tunable white
  • Bluetooth control
  • Wide Hue accessory range

Cons

  • Bridge needed for the full system
  • Premium positioning
  • Not for use on a conventional wall dimmer
2

IKEA KAJPLATS Colour and White Spectrum E27 Starter Kit

Best for A Matter starter bundle · 8.1/10

Verdict: This UK starter kit pairs a 1,055-lumen E27 colour-and-white bulb with a remote. IKEA says it uses Matter over Thread; phone and ecosystem control require a compatible Thread border router or hub such as DIRIGERA.

Pros

  • Bulb and remote included
  • Matter over Thread
  • 1,055-lumen rating
  • CRI 90 rating

Cons

  • Hub sold separately
  • Thread border router needed for phone control
  • A starter kit rather than a bulb-only pack
3

Nanoleaf Essentials Matter Thread E27 Smart Bulb

Best for Matter-over-Thread homes · 8.3/10

Verdict: Nanoleaf's current UK E27 Essentials bulb supports colour, tunable white, Bluetooth, and Matter over Thread. A compatible Matter hub and Thread border router are required for smart-home ecosystem control.

Pros

  • Matter over Thread
  • Colour and tunable white
  • Bluetooth app control
  • E27 UK option

Cons

  • Matter ecosystem control needs compatible hub hardware
  • Not compatible with traditional dimmers
  • Features vary between Nanoleaf app and Matter platforms

How to Choose

  • Match the fitting and voltage first: UK lamps commonly use E27 or B22, while an A19 name alone does not guarantee a UK-compatible base.
  • Check which features work over Bluetooth and which require a bridge, Matter controller, or Thread border router.
  • Keep smart bulbs continuously powered and use compatible wireless controls instead of a conventional wall dimmer.
  • Choose by the ecosystem and physical controls you will actually use, not by a Matter logo alone.

Related Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

They need power to remain reachable. A normal switch can still cut power, so consider a compatible wall-control accessory or a switch guard if that is likely to happen.

No. Matter products still need a compatible controller, and Matter-over-Thread products also need a Thread border router for ecosystem control. Check the exact product page and your platform's requirements.

Often, but the common platform may expose fewer features than each maker's own app. Confirm support for colour, scenes, updates, and physical controls before mixing systems.