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LIFX vs Control4

LIFX logo

LIFX

Software

WiFi-enabled smart lights with no hub required

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Control4 logo

Control4

Software

Premium integrated control system for smart homes and buildings

From
$1000/project
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: LIFX the Internet Archive's capture of LIFX's products page on 19 July 2016 priced the White 800 bulb at $39.99 USD (890 lumens) and the Color 1000 bulb at $59.99 USD (1,055 lumens); this is a 2016 capture and current prices likely differ.; Control4 requires professional installation and dealer network, with no self-install option
  • They diverge on capability: LIFX covers No Hub Required, Control4 covers Integrated Control.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which LIFX and Control4 actually diverge.

Attributes where LIFX and Control4 differ
AttributeLIFXControl4
Starting priceOn request$1000/project
Pricing modelone-timeUnknown
PlatformsIOS, Android, Windows, MacOSMobile (iOS, Android), Web, In-home hub
Founded20122003

Identical on both: free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in LIFX

  • No Hub Required
  • 16 Million Colors
  • WiFi Direct
  • High Brightness
  • HomeKit
  • Alexa
  • Google Home
  • SmartThings

Only in Control4

  • Integrated Control
  • Lighting
  • Climate
  • Security
  • Entertainment
  • 1000+ devices
  • Voice Control
  • Mobile app

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

LIFX

  • Ambient lightingnot Control4
  • Gaming setupnot Control4
  • Photography lightingnot Control4
  • Smart homenot Control4

Control4

  • Whole-home automationnot LIFX
  • Commercial building controlnot LIFX
  • Custom installationnot LIFX
  • Luxury smart homenot LIFX

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

LIFX

  • The Internet Archive's capture of LIFX's products page on 19 July 2016 priced the White 800 bulb at $39.99 USD (890 lumens) and the Color 1000 bulb at $59.99 USD (1,055 lumens); this is a 2016 capture and current prices likely differ.

Control4

  • Requires professional installation and dealer network, with no self-install option
  • Limited device compatibility; works best with Control4-certified ecosystems
  • Subscription required for remote access and advanced features
  • System complexity requires technical knowledge or ongoing dealer support

Pricing, plan by plan

LIFX

On request
  • LIFX Bulb$40/month
    • 16M colors
    • WiFi direct
    • No hub required

Control4

$1000/project

No published plan breakdown. See the Control4 review.

Which should you pick?

Choose LIFX if

  • You need no hub required.
  • You work on IOS, Android, Windows, MacOS.
  • You also want 16 million colors.
LIFX review

Choose Control4 if

  • You need integrated control.
  • You work on Mobile (iOS, Android), Web, In-home hub.
  • You also want lighting.
Control4 review

Questions people ask

Is LIFX or Control4 better?
Neither clearly leads. LIFX starts at On request and Control4 at $1000/project, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, LIFX or Control4?
LIFX starts at On request and Control4 at $1000/project.
Does LIFX or Control4 run on more platforms?
LIFX runs on IOS, Android, Windows, MacOS. Control4 runs on Mobile (iOS, Android), Web, In-home hub.
What is LIFX best used for?
LIFX is most often used for ambient lighting, gaming setup, photography lighting, smart home. Of those, ambient lighting and gaming setup are not what Control4 is typically brought in for.
What can LIFX do that Control4 cannot?
LIFX covers No Hub Required, 16 Million Colors, WiFi Direct, High Brightness. Control4 covers Integrated Control, Lighting, Climate, Security.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Control4: What devices can Control4 control?

Control4 controls connected home devices including lighting, audio, video, climate control, locks, intercoms, and security systems. Compatibility varies by device brand and integration type.

Source
Control4: Does Control4 require a subscription?

Control4 systems work locally without subscription, but the Connect service subscription adds remote access and premium features. Connect pricing varies; as of 2026, base Connect is optional.

Source
Control4: Is professional installation required for Control4?

Yes. Control4 systems are professionally installed and configured by certified Control4 dealers. Installation complexity and cost depend on system scope and home size.

Source
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