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Smart Home · head to head

LIFX vs Shelly

LIFX logo

LIFX

Smart Home

WiFi-enabled smart lights with no hub required

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Shelly logo

Shelly

Smart Home

Powerful WiFi smart home devices with local control

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Shelly has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • 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.; Shelly premium features limited to cloud-based functionality; local control requires separate setup
  • They diverge on capability: LIFX covers No Hub Required, Shelly covers Local Control.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which LIFX and Shelly actually diverge.

Attributes where LIFX and Shelly differ
AttributeLIFXShelly
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelone-timeUnknown
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsIOS, Android, Windows, MacOSWeb, Mobile app, Cloud, Local network
Founded20122016

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Smart Home).

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
  • Windows support
  • MacOS support

Only in Shelly

  • Local Control
  • Open API
  • MQTT Support
  • Energy Monitoring
  • Home Assistant
  • Web support
  • Local API support

Both cover

  • Alexa
  • Google Home
  • SmartThings
  • IOS support
  • Android support

What people use each for

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

LIFX

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

Shelly

  • Smart home automation and controlnot LIFX
  • Energy monitoring and managementnot LIFX
  • WiFi/Bluetooth/Matter device integrationnot 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.

Shelly

  • Premium features limited to cloud-based functionality; local control requires separate setup
  • Device-specific capabilities vary; not all features available across entire product range

Pricing, plan by plan

LIFX

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

Shelly

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Shelly 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 Shelly if

  • You need local control.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Mobile app, Cloud, Local network.
  • You also want open api.
Shelly review

Questions people ask

Is LIFX or Shelly better?
Neither clearly leads. LIFX starts at On request and Shelly at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, LIFX or Shelly?
Shelly has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for LIFX and Free for Shelly.
Does LIFX or Shelly run on more platforms?
LIFX runs on IOS, Android, Windows, MacOS. Shelly runs on Web, Mobile app, Cloud, Local network.
Can I use Shelly for free?
Yes. Shelly has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. LIFX starts at On request.
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 Shelly is typically brought in for.
What can LIFX do that Shelly cannot?
LIFX covers No Hub Required, 16 Million Colors, WiFi Direct, High Brightness. Shelly covers Local Control, Open API, MQTT Support, Energy Monitoring. Both handle Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, IOS support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

LIFX: Does LIFX require a subscription to use its smart lighting products?

No, LIFX products do not require a subscription. Bulbs and fixtures connect directly via Wi-Fi with no hub, wiring, or recurring fees.

Source
Shelly: Does Shelly offer a free tier or paid premium service?

Shelly offers a free service with an option to upgrade. The site mentions Go Premium in the Shelly app, which provides more automation and control capabilities. A Shelly Cloud Premium Voucher is available for purchase.

Source
LIFX: What is LIFX's return policy?

LIFX offers a 30-day return window for customers who are unsatisfied with their purchase.

Source
Shelly: What is the difference between free Shelly and Shelly Cloud Premium?

The free version provides basic functionality, while Premium unlocks more automation options and additional control features. Specific pricing for Premium is not disclosed on the homepage.

Source
LIFX: Do LIFX light bulbs have a trial or money-back guarantee?

Yes, LIFX provides a 30-day return period. Additionally, first-time customers can apply coupon code Welcome20 to save 20% off their first order.

Source
Shelly: Can I purchase Shelly Cloud Premium directly?

Yes. Shelly Cloud Premium Vouchers are available for purchase through the Shelly shop. Pricing details are available on the product shop page.

Source
LIFX: What shipping costs apply to LIFX orders?

LIFX offers free shipping on orders over $79. Individual product prices range from $17.50 to $199.99 depending on the type of light.

Source
LIFX: Does LIFX offer commercial or bulk pricing for businesses?

Yes, LIFX references 'Lighting at scale' and provides a Bulk Order Enquiry contact page for commercial customers, though specific enterprise pricing details are not disclosed on their homepage.

Source
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