Smart strip lights are multi-functional. They are a popular item for teenagers and are also loved by social media influencers for their dazzling visual effects. In addition to their decorative uses, they can be used to provide task lighting in the kitchen or as a decorative feature around a fireplace mantel or window.
Unlike seasonal string lights, smart strip lights are made of a flexible rubbery material with embedded LEDs, allowing them to be extended or trimmed to fit your space. Many smart strip lights come with special modes, such as syncing to music and the ability to be put on schedules or triggered on/off by other smart devices.
We recommend the TP-Link Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Light Strip L930-5, as it offers bright, accurate colors and includes several special features at an affordable price, all while being easy to use.
Our favorite choice
The Tapo strip light set is affordable, bright, produces accurate colors, and comes with features that other strip lights don’t have. Additionally, it is easy to set up and use.
Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, IFTTT, Samsung SmartThings
The TP-Link Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Light Strip L930-5 provides the best user experience among smart light strips. It has a simple setup and control process, straightforward features, and produces accurate colors and brightness equivalent to or better than other strip lights in the same price range. The Tapo L930-5 also includes preset Scenes and Animations, as well as an Away Mode. These features enable the lights to be triggered to a specific setting when you leave the house.
Upgraded option
This light strip has more LEDs per foot than any other model we tested, making it bright enough for task lighting. However, its app isn’t as user-friendly as our other picks, and we had issues testing Matter.
Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Matter
If you are looking for a strip light that can provide both task and decorative lighting, consider the Govee LED Strip Light M1. It has more LEDs per meter than any product tested, resulting in higher brightness and bolder colors. The Govee M1 comes with protective polyurethane coating, making it sturdy and moisture-resistant. It also offers more special effects and customization features than any other strip light tested. However, its companion app may have a learning curve for some users, and using Matter can be hit or miss, particularly for those who use multiple smart-home platforms.
Another great option
Though it lacks some of the extras compared to our other picks, this model produces good colors and is notably easy to use.
Compatible with: Amazon Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT
The Wyze Light Strip Pro is an easy way to add accent lighting to your living space. It offers good colors and brightness, includes music sync features, and is very easy to use. While it may not have as many special effects or scene presets as other models, its simplicity makes it a great option for anyone seeking a straightforward solution.
