Nanoleaf lightstrip: Nanoleaf Essentials Lightstrip review | TechRadar

Jul 8, 2023 alexxlab

Nanoleaf Essentials Lightstrip review | TechRadar

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Affordable and feature-packed

Recommended

(Image: © TechRadar)

TechRadar Verdict

LED light strips aren’t new, but to get one that’s as affordable and smart as the Nanoleaf Essentials Lightstrip isn’t easy. This is the first light strip from the brand known for its wall panels, and Nanoleaf has got it just right. The Essentials Lightstrip is bright, produces beautiful colors and is easy to set up. It’s future-proof with Thread connectivity onboard, but it works just as well on a Bluetooth connection.

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Cons

–
Lacks Alexa integration
–
Displays only single colors
–
Nanoleaf app not intuitive

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30-second review

UPDATE: The Nanoleaf Essentials Lightstrip had a few missing features at launch, namely music and screen syncing. Those have now been rolled out and we’ve updated our original review below to reflect that change.

Stepping away from its light panels, Nanoleaf has gone back to basics with its Essentials A19 smart bulb and Essentials Lightstrip. What makes them both exciting offerings in the smart lighting market is their affordability without compromising on features.

Like its bulb brother, the Nanoleaf Essentials Lightstrip is also compatible with Apple’s HomeKit and Google Assistant, it’s remarkably easy to set up and has its own little controller that can be wall-mounted to be used like a regular switchboard.

It can definitely give Philips Hue’s Lightstrip Plus a run for its money, especially now (almost a year since its original launch in late 2020) that there’s features like monitor syncing which was missing until the last round of firmware updates.

Like the Essentials smart bulb though, the light strip’s full potential can only be unlocked by using a Thread-enabled device like the Apple HomePod mini or the latest Apple TV 4K. But we found its Bluetooth connectivity to more than sufficient for anyone without either of the aforementioned Apple devices.

All in all, the Essentials Lightstrip is an attractive option for anyone looking to brighten up their home decor with some smart lights.

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Nanoleaf Essentials Lightstrip (LED) at Amazon for $39.99

Price and availability

Announced November 2020
Affordable
Expansion packs available

At just $49.95 / £44.99 / AU$99.99 for the two-meter strip, the Nanoleaf Essentials Lightstrip is arguably the most affordable smart light strip you can get today. In comparison, the 2m Philips Hue equivalent (V4 White and Color Ambiance) costs about $80 / £70 / AU$149. That makes the Essentials a far more attractive option, with a similar feature set and Thread connectivity built in.

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Available in 1m and 2m packs
Has its own controller
21 LEDs per meter

The Nanoleaf Essentials Lightstrip isn’t remarkably different from most others available on the market today. The starter pack is a 2m (80 inches) strip that’s a touch over half-inch wide, housing 21 LEDs per meter in groups of five.

Meter-long (40-inch) expansions are available, and up to eight can be connected to the Lightstrip for a total of 10m (400 inches). Anything more and the brightness will be affected.

Like the Nanoleaf light panels, the Essentials Lightstrip has a peel-and-stick adhesive layer on the back, and comes with a power cable connected to a small controller (also with its own adhesive pads) at one end and a rather chunky AC adaptor at the other. Another small cable connects the strip itself to the controller via tiny pins.

The controller can handle all the basic functions – power on/off, cycle through single colors and dim/brighten the light. It can’t change Scenes, though, for which you will need to use the Nanoleaf app.

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Setup

Easy to use
App not intuitive

Setting up the Nanoleaf Lightstrip isn’t very different from any other light strip on the market. You need to measure the surface you want the lights on, then cut the required length and stick it on. You can’t cut anywhere, of course – Nanoleaf has marked the correct spots with a scissor icon at intervals of 33cm (13 inches), so your final strip might be either a little small or a little longer than you might need, an issue you’ll face with any light strip.

Once you’ve stuck your strip where you want it, you can stick the controller to a nearby surface (wall or shelving unit) to resemble a switchboard. Then plug the AC adaptor into a wall socket, switch it on and scan the QR code provided in the box with either Apple’s Home app or the Nanoleaf companion app. Even if you use the latter and happen to be an iPhone or iPad user, the light will automatically get added to the Home app. You can set it up via the Google Home app if you’re an Android user.

(Image credit: TechRadar)

As mentioned earlier, the Lightstrip is Thread-enabled, meaning there’s an alternate way to connect, provided you have what is called a Thread ‘border’ router. While there are several devices from Google and Amazon that have Thread radios in them to work as routers, none of them have been ‘switched on’, with the sole exception of the Apple HomePod mini and, more recently, the latest Apple TV 4K. If you happen to own Apple’s diminutive smart speaker or streaming box, the Lightstrip will be connected immediately with no extra steps needed.

What is Thread and why do your smart home gadgets need it?

When connected via Thread, the Lightstrip is quick to respond, but is a little slower when used over Bluetooth.

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Performance

Very bright
Advanced features need Thread connectivity

The light strip has a rated life span of 25,000 hours, with white light temperatures ranging from a warm 2,700 Kelvin to a cold 6,500 Kelvin. There’s also support for 16 million colors but only a single color can be displayed at a time, which is a shame as the effects of color zones can be quite mesmerizing.

For a light strip, the Essentials is bright – where the Philips Hue V4 White and Color Ambiance has a maximum brightness of 1,600 lumens, the Nanoleaf tops out 2,200 lumens, with average brightness of 2,000 lumens. When using a just a white or yellow hue in full brightness, it’s enough to light up a room quite well.

If you already have an Apple HomePod mini or the Apple TV 4K and have connected the Lightstrip using Thread protocol, then you’ll find the lights responding to any command immediately. On the other hand, if you’ve connected via Bluetooth – which is what will happen if you don’t own a HomePod mini – the lights take between two to four seconds to respond, even if you’re well within range. This lag is a little longer than what we found with the Essentials A19 light bulb working over Bluetooth, and can be a little frustrating, but not once did we find that the Lightstrip failed to respond.

(Image credit: TechRadar)

At launch, the Lightstrip’s most interesting features hadn’t been rolled out yet, like being able to mirror a monitor’s colors or the lights syncing to existing Nanoleaf Shapes panels and ambient music. A recent firmware update has now added those features, but you will have to be connected to a Thread device to use those features – anyone operating the light strip via Bluetooth is going to lose out.

That said, Circadian Lighting is available on the Lightstrip (like it is on the Essentials bulb) and this automatically tunes the color temperature of the light to suit the time of day in your location. You can also apply some Scenes that are available on the Nanoleaf app (there’s a vast library of those), and the adventurous can create their own custom Scenes, but note that only a single color will be displayed at a time – no rainbow hues here.

While the Lightstrip is compatible with both Siri and Google Assistant, there’s no support for Alexa, although Nanoleaf has promised that it’s high on its to-do list.

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Verdict

While smart bulbs have become commonplace, light strips are still not quite as mainstream. But when you have one that’s as affordable as the Nanoleaf Essentials Lightstrip, it’s easy to reach for it. And you really don’t need an Apple HomePod mini to use the Lightstrip. Yes, it’s slow to respond when connected via Bluetooth, but that’s on the wireless protocol, not a problem with the smart lights. Once more Thread-enabled devices become available, the need for Bluetooth connectivity might be eliminated.

Until then, there are just a couple of Apple devices that can be used to take full advantage of the Essentials Lightstrip, an important consideration if you want to play around with the advanced features like monitor mirroring and music syncing. If you can live without those features, though, we couldn’t recommend the Essentials Light Strip highly enough.

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Should I buy the Nanoleaf Essentials Lightstrip?

It’s easy to answer that question with a simple ‘yes’, but only if you’re really keen on bias lighting. The good thing about bias lighting is that it doesn’t have to be for a TV or a computer monitor – you can stick the Essentials Light Strip on shelving units and even behind your bed’s headboard for some beautiful effects.

It’s bright enough to be the only light source you might need in a small room (albeit not to read by) and the colors are absolutely gorgeous. If you can be patient with its response time over Bluetooth, then you’ll be hard-pressed to find a similar product as affordable and feature-packed as the Essentials Light Strip.

[First reviewed March 2021]

Nanoleaf Essentials Lightstrip: Price Comparison

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Sharmishta is TechRadar’s APAC Managing Editor and loves all things photography, something she discovered while chasing monkeys in the wilds of India (she studied to be a primatologist but has since left monkey business behind). While she’s happiest with a camera in her hand, she’s also an avid reader and has become a passionate proponent of ereaders, having appeared on Singaporean radio to talk about the convenience of these underrated devices. When she’s not testing camera kits or the latest in e-paper tablets, she’s discovering the joys and foibles of smart home gizmos. She’s also the Australian Managing Editor of Digital Camera World and, if that wasn’t enough, she contributes to T3 and Tom’s Guide, while also working on two of Future’s photography print magazines Down Under.

Nanoleaf Essentials 40” Lightstrip Expansion

Smart Home Accessories

$19.95

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Product Information

Overview

Now it’s easy to extend your Nanoleaf Essentials Starter Kit with this 40” (1 meter) expansion lightstrip*. Each controller can power up to 33 ft (10 meters) of lightstrips at full brightness. Nanoleaf Essentials provides a seamless introduction to smart lighting. Take your space from work mode to game night fun instantly, with bright and efficient lightstrips.

Highlights

Smart Color Changing LED Lightstrip.

Choose from 16+ million vibrant, playful colors or select crisp functional white lighting.

Add up to 33 feet of Lightstrips at full brightness.

Adaptive lighting feature automatically adjusts the color temperature.

Customize lights with the Nanoleaf app or voice.

Low latency with improved connection reliability and range (with a compatible border router).

Lightstrips can be cut every 13 in.

Plug and go with no hub required.

What’s in the Box

40″ Lightstrip with adhesive tape

Tech Specs

Other Features: Bluetooth, HomeKit Compatible, Adaptive Lighting, Wireless

Internet Access: Some Features Require Internet Access

Connections: Bluetooth, Wireless

Length: 40 in. / 1 m

Width: 0.6 in. / 1.5 cm

System Requirements

Operating System: iOS 11.3 or later.
Compatibility

iPhone Models
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
- iPhone XS
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone SE (1st generation)
iPad Models
- iPad Pro 12. 9-inch (5th generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation)
- iPad Pro 10. 5-inch
- iPad Pro 9.7-inch
- iPad Air (5th generation)
- iPad Air (4th generation)
- iPad Air (3rd generation)
- iPad Air 2
- iPad (9th generation)
- iPad (8th generation)
- iPad (7th generation)
- iPad (6th generation)
- iPad (5th generation)
- iPad mini (6th generation)
- iPad mini (5th generation)
- iPad mini 4
Apple Watch Models
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch SE
- Apple Watch Ultra
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch Series 5
- Apple Watch Series 4
- Apple Watch Series 3
- Apple Watch Series 2
- Apple Watch Series 1
Apple TV Models
- Apple TV 4K (3rd generation)
- Apple TV 4K (2nd generation)
- Apple TV 4K (1st generation)
HomePod Models
- HomePod (2nd generation)
- HomePod (1st generation)
- HomePod mini
iPod Models
- iPod touch (7th generation)

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Simple Control
Use the App to scan your lights’ pairing code and get set up in seconds, then enjoy your smart light-switch. Rem”,”moreDescription”:”otely turn your lights on and off, adjust brightness (trust us they go BRIGHT), and select your color Scenes from anywhere within your home. Group your lights together for joint control with Group Scenes (because we love a team player), or segment by room to keep your lights as organized as you wish your life could be.

Complete Customization
Create custom dynamic Scenes by selecting palettes and colors with the intuitive color wheel, adjusting ratios, and choosing animated motions. Try vibrant RGB hues to set a total vibe, or put the “fun” in functional lighting with the whole range of white color temperatures.

Advanced Automations
Set Schedules to automate your daily lighting needs, from gentle morning light-alarms, to gradually dimming nightly reminders that Holy **** it’s 2AM again, you need to wake up in 4 hours, PLEASE go to sleep.

Now You’re Talking
Connect your lights with your smart home assistant (HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Samsung SmartThings) and use voice commands to control them hands-free. Just say “Hey Siri, turn on my “TGIF” Scene” and instantly enter full relaxation-mode at the end of a long week. The best part of all, you don’t even have to say “Please”… but it’d still be nice if you did though 🙂

Join the Community
Explore the App’s “Discover” tab for a huge collection of incredible Scenes created by users like you. Well, like you, just more creative. But if you too are the creative type, share your own Scenes and show the community what you’ve got! There are endless Scenes to discover for every mood and occasion, all the way from “Ho Ho Holidays” to “Netflix and Chill”.

+ More
With a virtual AR Layout Assistant, curated Scenes and Playlists, Cloud Control (requires Apple home hub), and additional product information, the Nanoleaf App really is your smart lighting one-stop-shop.

The Nanoleaf App supports Nanoleaf Light Panels, Canvas, Shapes, Essentials, Elements, and Lines.

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BerlinAach B TrierAach, HegauAachenAalenAarbergenAasbuettelAbbenrodeAbenbergAbensbergAbentheuerAbrahamAbsbergAbstattAbtsbessingenAbtsgmuendAbtsteinachAbtswindAbtweilerAchbergAchernAchimAchslachAchstettenAchtAchtbachAchterwehrAchtrupAckendorfAdde buellAdelbergAdelebsenAdelheidsdorfAdelmannsfeldenAdelschlagAdelsdorfAdelsheimAdelshofen, Kr FuerstenfeldbruckAdelshofen, MittelfrAdelsriedAdelzhausenAdenauAdenbachAdenbuettelAdendorfAderstedtAdlersteigeAdligstadtAdlkofenAdmannshagen-BargeshagenAdorf/Vogtl. AebtissinwischAerzenAffalterbachAffingAffinghausenAfflerAgathenburgAgethorstAglasterhausenAhamAhausAhausenAhlbeckAhlden (Aller)Ahlefeld-BistenseeAhlenAhlerstedtAhlsdorfAhlstaedtAhnatalAhnebyAhnsbeckAhnsenAholfingAholmingAhorn, BadenAhorn, Kr CoburgAhorn talAhrbrueckAhrensboekAhrensburgAhrensfeldeAhrenshagen-DaskowAhrenshoeftAhrenstedtAhrenvioelAhrenvioelfeldAicha Vorm WaldAichachAichelbergAichenAichhaldenAichstettenAichtalAichwaldAidenbachAidhausenAidlingenAiglsbachAilertchenAindling

Nanoleaf Lines Starter Kit, LED RGBW Smart Light Strips, Modular Lighting, Wall Lights that Change Color, Music and Screen Sync, Works with Alexa Google Assistant, 15 y

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A country

City

Nanoleaf Essentials Lightstrip review | TechRadar

Affordable and feature-packed

TechRadar Verdict

Cons

30-second review

Price and availability

Setup

Performance

Verdict

Should I buy the Nanoleaf Essentials Lightstrip?

Nanoleaf Essentials 40” Lightstrip Expansion

Overview

Highlights

What’s in the Box

Tech Specs

System Requirements

iPhone Models

iPad Models

Apple Watch Models

Apple TV Models

HomePod Models

iPod Models

Nanoleaf Products – Microless

Nanoleaf Lines Starter Kit, LED RGBW Smart Light Strips, Modular Lighting, Wall Lights that Change Color, Music and Screen Sync, Works with Alexa Google Assistant, 15 y