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LIFX vs Nanoleaf

LIFX logo

LIFX

Software

WiFi-enabled smart lights with no hub required

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Nanoleaf logo

Nanoleaf

Software

Modular smart lighting panels for creative expression

From
On request
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.; Nanoleaf matter control requires a compatible Matter hub, and Thread devices require a Thread border router
  • They diverge on capability: LIFX covers No Hub Required, Nanoleaf covers Modular Design.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which LIFX and Nanoleaf actually diverge.

Attributes where LIFX and Nanoleaf differ
AttributeLIFXNanoleaf

Identical on both: starting price (On request), pricing model (one-time), free tier (No), platforms (IOS, Android, Windows, MacOS), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown), founded (2012).

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

Only in Nanoleaf

  • Modular Design
  • Music Sync
  • Screen Mirror
  • Touch Control

Both cover

  • HomeKit
  • Alexa
  • Google Home
  • SmartThings
  • IOS support
  • Android support
  • Windows support
  • MacOS support

What people use each for

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

LIFX

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

Nanoleaf

  • Colour-changing panel and strip lighting for rooms and desk setupsnot LIFX
  • Screen and game reactive lighting synced to a PCnot 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.

Nanoleaf

  • Matter control requires a compatible Matter hub, and Thread devices require a Thread border router
  • The desktop app requires Windows 11 or macOS 13
  • Engine DJ and Overwolf integrations are desktop only
  • The Corsair iCUE integration works with select products only
  • The API documentation is available in English only

Pricing, plan by plan

LIFX

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

Nanoleaf

On request
  • Shapes Starter Kit$99/month
    • 9 panels
    • Music sync
    • Touch control
  • Lines Starter Kit$149/month
    • 9 lines
    • Backlit design
    • Modular

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 Nanoleaf if

  • You need modular design.
  • You work on IOS, Android, Windows, MacOS.
  • You also want music sync.
Nanoleaf review

Questions people ask

Is LIFX or Nanoleaf better?
Neither clearly leads. LIFX starts at On request and Nanoleaf at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, LIFX or Nanoleaf?
LIFX starts at On request and Nanoleaf at On request.
Does LIFX or Nanoleaf run on more platforms?
Both run on IOS, Android, Windows, MacOS, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
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 Nanoleaf is typically brought in for.
What can LIFX do that Nanoleaf cannot?
LIFX covers No Hub Required, 16 Million Colors, WiFi Direct, High Brightness. Nanoleaf covers Modular Design, Music Sync, Screen Mirror, Touch Control. Both handle HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings.
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