David Awoyode
Philips Hue is preparing to launch several new products, including upgraded Gradient Strips, Festavia string lights, and a more powerful Hue Bridge Pro capable of supporting up to 150 devices. But one rumored release — Philips Hue Essential — has raised questions about its purpose and market positioning.
What Is Philips Hue Essential?
The Essential range appears to be lower-spec versions of standard Hue bulbs, likely with a more affordable price tag. But this raises a key question: who is it really for?
Competition at the Budget End
The entry-level smart lighting market is already dominated by brands like Govee, Ikea, and WiZ. Interestingly, WiZ and Hue share the same parent company — Signify. At first glance, it seems strange that Signify would release a budget Hue line that might compete directly with WiZ.
WiZ vs Hue: Not Quite the Same Audience
While WiZ bulbs connect directly to Wi-Fi and are ideal for simple setups of one or two lights, Philips Hue uses Zigbee (via the Hue Bridge). Zigbee enables a mesh network with stronger range, less Wi-Fi strain, and support for hundreds of connected devices.
Why Hue Essential Makes Sense
This distinction suggests that WiZ and Hue Essentials aren’t truly competing. WiZ is perfect for casual users, while Hue Essentials could serve as a lower-cost entry point into a scalable Hue ecosystem.
Expert Insight from Signify
“Hue offers a more comprehensive range across indoor and outdoor setups,” said Giuliano Ghidini, Business and Marketing Leader at Signify. “With Zigbee and the Hue Hub, you get excellent coverage, reliability, and less pressure on your Wi-Fi network.”
A More Affordable On-Ramp to Hue
The high cost of entry has long been a barrier to Hue adoption. A starter kit of two color bulbs with a Hue Bridge can cost around $140 / £130 / AU$190, while rival Govee offers four bulbs for a fraction of the price. Hue Essential could offer the best of both worlds: affordability plus long-term expandability.
Conclusion
Philips Hue Essential may not be strictly “essential,” but by lowering the barrier to entry while keeping the flexibility of the Hue ecosystem, it could be a very tempting new option for smart home users.
Charles Esther