Philips Hue Essential Light Strip Launches in Europe at €59.99

Philips Hue has expanded its smart lighting lineup with the European launch of the Essential Light Strip, a more affordable entry-level option that brings the brand's connected lighting technology to budget-conscious consumers.

The 5-meter (16-foot) Essential Light Strip is now available at select European retailers, including OBI stores in Germany, where it's priced at €59.99. This positions it as a more accessible alternative to Philips Hue's premium offerings while maintaining core smart lighting functionality.

Key Features and Specifications

The Essential Light Strip delivers both white and colored lighting effects with a color temperature range spanning from warm 2,200 K to cool 6,500 K. Users can select from various preset scenes through the Philips Hue app, with options tailored for different moods and holidays. The LEDs are dimmable and rated for approximately 15,000 hours of use.

For enhanced functionality, the strip can connect to a Hue Bridge (currently priced at $98.99 on Amazon), unlocking broader smart home integration capabilities through Matter support. This allows the Essential Light Strip to work seamlessly with other Matter-compatible devices and platforms.

Compared to Premium Models

The Essential model represents a more basic approach to smart strip lighting. Unlike higher-end Philips Hue strips that can dim to 0.2%, the Essential version only dims to 2%. It also features less sophisticated color blending technology, which may result in less uniform color transitions across the strip.

While premium models can be extended by connecting additional segments, the Essential Light Strip is fixed at 5 meters. However, users can cut the strip to their desired length, providing some customization flexibility.

Market Availability

Currently, the Essential Light Strip is available in select European markets, with Germany being one of the first to receive stock through retailers like OBI. The product has already launched in the United States, suggesting a phased rollout strategy across different regions.

Philips Hue has not announced specific launch dates for other European countries such as the Netherlands and Spain, though availability is expected to expand in the coming weeks.

The introduction of the Essential Light Strip reflects the growing demand for affordable smart home devices as consumers increasingly adopt connected technology. By offering a lower-priced option, Philips Hue aims to capture a broader segment of the market while maintaining its position as a leading smart lighting brand.

The Essential Light Strip joins other products in Philips Hue's refreshed lineup, which includes various lighting solutions designed to replace the company's existing range. This strategy allows Philips Hue to cater to different price points while maintaining ecosystem compatibility across all product tiers.

For consumers looking to experiment with smart lighting or expand their existing Hue setup without significant investment, the Essential Light Strip provides a compelling entry point with core features intact, even if some premium capabilities are scaled back.