What is the Difference Between Philips Hue and WiZ?

Philips is known to be a market leader when it comes to smart lighting systems. It has loads of amazing options to choose from, so when selecting smart bulbs for your home, you might think, “What is the difference between Philips Hue and WiZ?”.

The main difference between Philips Hue and WiZ is that WiZ uses Wi-Fi to connect to the internet and does not require a bridge or a hub. In comparison, the Hue bulbs require Bluetooth or a hub. At the same time, WiZ requires its own app to run and is not compatible with Hue.

Even though Signify took over WiZ in 2019 but it is more like buying lights from a different brand as Signify also owns Philips. So, let’s take the discussion further and discover the differences between the two to help you make the right decision.

Close comparison: Philips Hue Vs. WiZ

There are three main differences between Philips Hue and WiZ that are based on price, connectivity, and attractiveness.

Connectivity

As mentioned previously, the main and first difference is that WiZ bulbs and devices connect directly to the Wi-Fi and do not require a hub or Bluetooth.

Price factor

The second difference is the price. Philips WiZ bulbs are targeted at entry-level smart bulb users, which means they are relatively lower priced as well. If you were to compare the prices, you would observe that Hue bulbs are far pricier. One of the reasons Hue bulbs are expensive is that they are focused on saving the environment and burning fossil fuels.

Attractiveness

Finally, WiZ bulbs are less attractive than Hue bulbs.

Furthermore, a noteworthy thing to consider is that WiZ bulbs are basically a rebranding of the old WiZ bulbs before Signify bought them. This means that the bulbs won’t work with the ecosystem and will require a separate WiZ app for functioning.

Things to consider before buying Philips Hue or WiZ

Price

Even though we have discussed the price factor previously but if you are in the market as a first-time buyer, it is important for you to know the details. When it comes to the price, the Hue starter kits start from somewhere around $270. So, the cheapest single Hue bulb you can get a hold of is around $25.

At the same time, a pack of four WiZ bulbs is going to cost you $50. However, the problem is that although WiZ bulbs are cheaper, they can be harder to find. So, either you will have a hard time finding them or will have to go with whatever type is available.

Lighting options and quality

When it comes to lighting options and quality, the WiZ and Hue bulbs have slight differences. WiZ is relatively more basic than Hue.

These bulbs come in four shapes and two-socket sizes. Since E26 sockets are the most common in households, you won’t have a problem opting for E26 WiZ bulbs. Plus, WiZ bulbs are available in soft white, daylight, and color-changing varieties.

On the other hand, Hue has a comparatively larger product catalog as it had a head start. Hue bulbs are offered in three socket sizes and several different bulb shapes. These bulbs are available in soft, warm white, warm-to-cool white, or colored light varieties.

When compared side-to-side, you will find that Hue bulbs are more vibrant than WiZ bulbs. This is especially the case for color-changing bulbs.

Talking about the quality, you will not be able to see a difference unless you have installed the bulbs in the same room, which is not recommended. However, Hue is a better option, providing a higher-quality lighting experience.

Another advantage Hue has over WiZ is the additional products. Hue also offers floor lamps, table lamps, ceiling lights, outdoor wall lights, pendant lights, etc.

Longevity Concerns

If you are buying a product that is going to be a part of your home for years to come, you should consider its long-term support. After all, the last thing you would want is to purchase the product and use its app for several years, only to find out that the manufacturer has given up on it.

For instance, Philips has already shut down app updates and voice commands for any lights connected to its first-generation hub just to force consumers to buy their V2 hub.

One might agree with this, considering the technical necessity of the updates, but someone who is looking to save the environment will not find it feasible to switch to new hubs after every few years.

That said, Hue bulbs connected to the 9-year-old hub still offer impressive utility. Meanwhile, since WiZ does not require a hub connection, the chances of failure are relatively fewer. However, as a smaller brand, it will have to up its game to keep the app functioning flawlessly for years to come.

WiZ app vs. Philips Hue app

Not only are the Philips Hue and WiZ bulbs different, but also the apps. For instance, the WiZ app supports SmartThings, Alexa, Google Assistant, etc.

However, WiZ does not support the Apple HomeKit. But you can still control the bulbs using Siri shortcuts and Apple’s shortcuts apps. This allows you to play with the basic functions of the bulb but does not offer much as the HomeKit.

On the other hand, Hue bulbs are based on a platform that is considered amongst the best in the world. This makes them versatile as the app works with almost everything, including the HomeKit.

Since the purchase of the app by Signify, not much work has been done, which highlights the fact that the app might have some complications, and the brand did not want the association. Several users have claimed that connecting the bulbs through Wi-Fi on their smartphones is hard.

And on top of that, the help they received from customer support didn’t help either. There are some tried and tested solutions, but if the bulbs cannot connect to Wi-Fi in the first place, consumers will hardly bother putting in additional effort.

Concluding on the difference between Philips Hue and WiZ

Both Philips Hue and WiZ are smart inventions. However, Hue tends to be a bigger brand, while WiZ needs to go through major upgrades. This means only time can tell if the brand can come up with the solutions and introduce the newer generation WiZ bulbs as products that are meant to stand the test of time.