How Long Do Hue Bulbs Last? Here’s Our Expert Review

Are you thinking about springing for smart lighting options from Philips but are unsure of how long does Philips Hue bulbs last? Discover the key features of these smart lights and their expected lifespans in the article below.

Can you imagine a futuristic home with smart lights that are brightened or dimmed wirelessly, and can even switch colors with just a few simple swipes on your phone?

If you’re anything like me, you cannot wait for the day where you can control every aspect of your home via your smartphone, tablet, or simple voice instructions. 

Well, the good news is that there’s no need to wait for smarter lighting, as Philips has already launched next-generation LED bulbs with smart chip technology. 

Philips Hue LED bulbs have been around for some time, with the company even launching the Bluetooth embedded version of Hue bulbs recently. The range encompasses smart bulbs, fixtures, and light strips powered by efficient LED technology. 

Hue’s smart, energy-efficient lighting options also save up to 80% of electricity and are a smart choice for both your home and pocket. 

However, at the same time, these bulbs do cost way more than your average LED lights. A regular LED bulb costs around $5, while the Philips Hue LED range starts from $15 per bulb.

So, let’s see how long does Philips Hue bulbs last and whether they are worth the investment.

How Long Do Hue Light Bulbs Last? Here’s What the Company Claims

How Long Do Hue Light Bulbs Last? Here’s What the Company Claims

Here’s a chart that shows the expected lifespan of Philips Hue Bulbs as stated on the company website:

Philips Hue White LEDWhite Ambiance LEDWhite and Color AmbianceImprovements/Advantages Average Lifespan  (Hours)Average Lifespan in Years (Based on 6 hours of daily usage)
1st Generation Affordable, White Dimmable Lights, 600 Lumens15,000 6-7
2nd Generation33% Brighter, i.e., 800 Lumens and Good Color Display25,00011-12 
3rd Generation800 Lumens Brightness and Visibly Richer Colors25,00011-12

Philips Hue is leading the way in smart lighting innovation with an exciting array of products that range from $15 per bulb to $50 for one of their more high-tech options. 

Starting from the 1st generation round bulbs to the conical 3rd generation lights, these smart bulbs are connected to a Hue Bridge plugged into your Wi-Fi router. The Hue Bridge, in turn, uses a Zigbee chip to control the Hue smart lights. The bulbs are then controlled by downloading the Hue app on your phone. 

The latest Hue bulbs have Bluetooth and are also compatible with voice recognition programs and smart home devices like Alexa, Siri, Amazon Echo, Google Home, and even Google Nest Devices. Can’t wait to check out these latest features, can you?

As can be seen from the chart above, the 1st generation Hue bulbs last for 15,000 hours on average. According to the manufacturers, the 2nd and 3rd generation bulbs will last for 25,000 hours on average and can even keep working for 50,000 hours if used judiciously. 

On their website, Philips claims that these bulbs can last you between 15 to 25 years. However, several factors play a key role in how long does Hue bulb last, whether you use them inside or outside.

Discover More About Philips Hue Bulbs

Discover More About Philips Hue Bulbs

1. Philips Hue White LED

The Hue range starts with a standard, dimmable white LED smart bulb priced at $15. A starter kit with 3 bulbs, a start button, and your standard Hue Bridge comes for $99 and is a perfect way to get started in the smart lighting game. 

The latest version of these bulbs also comes equipped with radios for both Zigbee and Bluetooth. 

2. Philips Hue White Ambiance LED

This updated Hue range offers you A-shaped bulbs and BR30 floodlights that can change their color temperature from a soft, light yellow glow to a bluish-white daylight tone. 

Currently, these bulbs retail for $25 each and their starter kit comes at $120, and the latest versions have Bluetooth as well. 

3. Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance LED

These bulbs are at the higher end of the spectrum and cost $50 apiece. The price may seem steep but these smart LED bulbs come equipped with Bluetooth and project white light at the color temperature of your choice along with a full spectrum of colors that are visibly brighter than the 2nd generation bulbs. 

Trust me, these are great for creating an amazing ambiance during home parties or even for a quiet, indulgent night at home. I personally like to switch my Hue bulbs to dark blue and unwind with a glass of wine at home while listening to some good old jazz or electro-pop. 

The starter kit for this range starts at $180. Since these bulbs are a little pricey, they do go on sale frequently. I would advise adding them to your wishlist and waiting for special deals or offers to buy one.

Now, let’s see how long does Hue bulb last and the factors that can impact its performance.

How Long Do Philips Hue Bulbs Last? Here’s the Truth of the Matter!

While the company website claims that these bulbs can last you between 15,000 to 25,000 hours, the longevity of these bulbs depends on several factors like usage, electricity fluctuations, manufacturing defects, etc. 

I got my last batch of Hue bulbs in 2019, after the addition of Bluetooth, and have been quite happy with my investment so far. The White and Color Ambiance LED bulbs illuminate every corner of my open concept lounge and dining area and are great for setting the right ambiance for parties and gaming nights.

Philips Hue vs Incandescent Bulbs

As mentioned above, Philips Hue bulbs are definitely at the higher end of the spectrum, not only in terms of price but also in terms of their technological features and light quality. 

Let’s see what makes Philips Hue lights stand out from the rest and why their cost is justified in the long run:

Incandescent Bulbs Philips Hue Smart LED Bulbs
Only 5-10% of their energy is converted into light. LED bulbs use 80% less energy and convert 90% of their energy into light.
Hue smart bulbs are more even energy-efficient than standard LEDs.
Can be controlled via dimmer light switches.Offer smart control, including wireless dimming, brightening, and automation via Zigbee and Bluetooth.
Do not have voice control or advanced syncing features. Offer advanced features like voice control and sync with a wide range of smart home devices. 
Each bulb has a set light color. Philips Hue bulbs can be used to switch to a full spectrum of color temperatures and rich hues as per your mood and occasion.
Generate a lot of heat as a by-product, 90% of the energy used is turned into heat. Generate very little heat as a by-product. 
Short Lifespan: According to the Department of Energy, a 60W incandescent bulb will last for approx. 1,000 hours.Long-Lasting: A Philips Hue Smart LED bulb lasts between 15,000 to 25,000 hours or longer. 
Higher Energy Cost:
A 60W incandescent bulb, used for 1000 hours every year would use approx. $66 worth of power over 10 years. 
Lower Energy Cost:
The energy cost for a 12W LED bulb, used for 1000 hours per year, amounts to approx. $13.20 over 10 years.

Why Do Bulbs Have Different Lifespans?

Why Do Bulbs Have Different Lifespans?

Before looking at the external factors that affect how long does Philips Hue bulbs last, let’s learn more about the different types of bulbs and their projected lifespans:

  • Incandescent bulbs have the shortest life spans, typically between 750 to 2,000 hours, but are still popular due to their retro charm.  
  • Halogen bulbs are modern versions of incandescent bulbs and on average, last nearly twice as long. 
  • Both of these are filament bulbs and are easily damaged by vibrations and electricity fluctuations. 
  • Fluorescent bulbs that can glow for 24,000 to 36,000 hours are heavy-duty lights used in offices, warehouses, and other commercial spaces with long functioning hours. 
  • CFLs are long-lasting and creative lights that come in several design options and keep glowing for 8,000 to 20,000 hours. 
  • These lights are built for long-term use where they are not switched on and off very often and do better in a cool, dry environment. 
  • LEDs are the most advanced and long-lasting bulbs that can keep shining for 25,000 to 50,000 hours. 
  • Smart LEDs like Philips Hue bulbs come with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, automation, and motion-sensor technology to save you both effort and energy. 

Now, let’s see what are the factors that impact the longevity of Philips Hue bulbs.

Factors That Affect The Longevity of Philips Hue Bulbs

Factors That Affect The Longevity of Philips Hue Bulbs

Here are some factors that can impact the performance of your Philip Hue bulbs: 

  • Environment: LED bulbs are sensitive to temperature, and exposure to extreme heat or cold can make them phase out faster. My advice would be to avoid using them outside. 
  • Electric Fluctuations: If you live in an area with constant electrical surges or power cuts, it’s better to avoid getting expensive LED lights as they are easily damaged by repeated surges. 
  • Light fixtures and settings can also reduce the life of Hue bulbs, especially if they cause them to heat up. 
  • Any manufacturing defect or damage while transportation is covered by warranty. The warranty period for Philips Hue bulbs lasts ranges from 2 to 3 years, subject to terms and conditions.

To Hue or Not to Hue? Here’s Our Final Verdict

In this article, I have tried to equip you with enough information on the feasibility of installing Philip Hue smart bulbs. 

While they are a considerable investment, as a Hue bulb user myself, I can confidently say that they are worth the expense. 

For newbies looking to explore smart home lighting, I recommend going for their $99 starter kit.

In the case of smart lighting devotees, you can try out their $180 starter kit with 3rd generation bulbs and experience smart lighting features like never before. 

Trust me, once you get started, you won’t be able to go back to regular lights again. 

So, was this article able to resolve all your doubts about Philips Hue bulbs? Do you have any more questions? Let us know in the comments below.