Unveiling the Ultimate Govee Smart Lights for 2023
Upgrade your gaming room with Govee's top-notch smart lights Transform your space with mesmerizing LED panels, strips, and bulbs, all while sticking to your budget Elevate your gaming experience with these stunning RGB lighting options
Govee burst onto the smart home scene in 2017, quickly establishing itself as a leading manufacturer of affordable yet impressive RGB lighting. With the introduction of RGBIC technology, which allows for multiple colors to be displayed on LED light strips simultaneously, Govee's extensive range of products became even more popular for game room lighting. As a more budget-friendly alternative to expensive smart home lighting options from brands like Philips Hue and Nanoleaf, Govee lights are particularly appealing to gamers who have already invested in RGB-enabled mice and keyboards. To further cater to the gaming community, Govee recently unveiled AI-powered algorithms that take smart lighting to a whole new level, enhancing gameplay experiences like never before.
With a wide variety of options available in the Govee line of lighting, including wall panel lights, monitor backlighting, and light bulbs, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. When selecting which Govee smart lights to purchase, gamers should consider which part of their room or desk would benefit most from a touch of smart lighting. Each type of smart home lighting serves a different purpose and has ideal installation points near gaming desks and monitors. The following Govee lights represent the top choices in each category of smart lighting, capable of transforming any ordinary-looking room into a unique gaming space.
Govee RGBIC LED Neon Rope Lights for Desks: The Best Overall Govee Smart Lights available on Amazon.
Govee LED Strip Light M1 Matter Compatible: The Best Govee Smart Light LED Strips priced at $45 on Govee's official website.
Govee Glide Wall Light Best Accent Govee Smart Lights $109.99 at Amazon
Govee AI Gaming Sync Box Best Govee Smart Lights for Monitors See at Amazon
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Govee DreamView G1 Pro Gaming Light is the top choice for gamers on a budget. With its affordable price tag of $90 on Amazon, it offers excellent value for money. The Govee Smart Lights for Monitors not only enhance the gaming experience but also add a stylish touch to any gaming setup.
Govee RGBIC LED Neon Rope Lights for Desks Best Overall Govee Smart Lights
The Govee RGBIC LED Neon Rope Lights for Desks is the perfect solution for enhancing the lighting on gaming desks. With 42 customizable segments and 84 RGBIC light beads, it offers an endless array of patterns and colors to create a visually stunning environment. The 10-foot neon rope light strip can be easily adjusted to fit any desk size, thanks to its 12 cutting points. Made from a durable silicone material, the light strip can withstand accidental bumps and knocks that are common in gaming setups. Moreover, these neon rope lights are compatible with popular smart home systems like Google Home and Amazon Alexa, as well as Govee's AI Dreamview Sync and Razer Synapse software.
Brand GoveeIntegrations Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Razer ChromaHub Required NoMusic Reactive YesMulticolor Capable Yes Pros Easy Installation
Blends in well with gaming desks
Compatible with Razer Chroma RGB devices
Soft exterior yet durable
Cons Optional Govee Desktop app is limited
See at Amazon
Many gamers rely on traditional LED light strips in their gaming rooms, often placing them near or on their gaming desks. However, these smart lights are not designed to withstand the typical wear and tear that occurs in a gaming setup.
That's where the 14-zone Govee Neon Rope Lights for Desks come in. These rope lights have a unique construction, featuring a soft exterior that not only feels pleasant to the touch but also has the durability to withstand collisions with chairs.
In addition to their durability, these rope lights also utilize back-facing LED emission, which diffuses the light output. This means that gamers can enjoy staring at the lights without suffering from any blinding effects.
The Govee Neon Rope Lights for Desks are exceptionally durable and are best installed on the front-facing edges of gaming desks. Unlike traditional LED light strips that are often hidden underneath desks for under glow lighting, these rope lights take their rightful place as integral parts of any gaming rig.
While splicing is not an option with these lights, they do have 12 cutting points, allowing for a more precise fit to any desk. With a total length of up to 10 feet, these lights can easily be adjusted to suit different desk sizes.
To control the lights, one end attaches to a control box unit, which can be mounted or conveniently hidden underneath the desk.
The Govee Neon Rope Lights for Desks offer a more exciting experience when controlled through multiple smart home ecosystems rather than a wired remote. They are compatible with Google Home and Amazon Alexa devices, allowing basic commands such as powering on and off and changing colors. However, the true potential lies in the Govee Home app, which provides countless scenes created by Govee and other users. Additionally, gamers can activate DreamView in the mobile app, integrating the Rope Lights with other Govee lights for a stunning immersive lighting experience throughout the entire room or house.
One major advantage of the Neon Rope Lights for Desks is their compatibility with Razer Synapse software, making them an ideal choice for gamers. By installing a plugin, users can sync the Rope Lights not only with other smart lights but also with Razer RGB-enabled mice, keyboards, and headsets. With the Govee Desktop Software running in the background, gamers have complete control over the lighting around their gaming setups. They can even program color patterns based on the content currently displayed on their monitors.
The Govee Desktop App, although regularly updated, still falls short in replicating the powerful adjustments that can be made with the mobile app. However, the Neon Rope Lights for Desks have very few drawbacks, making them the top choice for Govee smart lights. These lights excellently highlight the edges of gaming desks, creating a dramatic effect. To get a detailed analysis of how these lights can transform a gaming space, read our review of the Govee Neon Rope Lights for Desks.
Govee LED Strip Light M1 Matter Compatible Best Govee Smart Light LED Strips$45 $60 Save $15 The Govee LED Strip Light M1 stands out for its exceptional brightness and the inclusion of 4-in-1 RGBIC+ Technology, which ensures richer and more accurate colors. Moreover, these lights are the first from Govee that are compatible with the Matter smart lighting protocol, making it incredibly convenient to synchronize devices across various platforms such as Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and HomeKit.
Govee brand offers seamless integrations with Google Home, Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and supports the Matter protocol. It requires a hub for Matter connectivity. The LED strip is music reactive and capable of displaying multiple colors. Additionally, it boasts an impressive brightness level comparable to any other LED strip in the market.
White light allows for more fine tuning
Cons Matter doesn't match functionality of Govee Home app
Still not compatible with 5 GHz Wi-Fi
$50 at Amazon $45 at Govee
LED light strips are incredibly versatile and are becoming a must-have for modern homes and gaming rooms. They can be installed along floorboards and stairs as track lighting or used to create backlighting behind gaming desks, instantly transforming dull spaces.
The latest version of the Govee LED Strip Light M1 introduces exciting new compatibility with Matter, a protocol that allows for seamless coordination of smart lights across platforms such as Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and HomeKit. This addition is particularly significant because previously, Govee devices did not have connectivity to Apple's smart home ecosystem. In essence, Matter enables users to control the same smart lights that are already part of Google Home or Alexa through their preferred smart home system and app. To connect to Matter, a hub is required, but many buyers may already have devices like Google Home or Amazon Alexa speakers that can also serve as Matter controllers.
The LED Strip Light M1 from Govee is poised to join the ranks of competitors like Nanoleaf in embracing the Matter protocol. What sets this strip light apart is its ability to deliver stunning RGB effects. With 60 LEDs packed into every three feet of the 6.56-foot strip, and the use of enhanced RGBIC+ technology, the M1 can display a wide range of colors simultaneously. The strip is divided into 20 customizable segments, allowing for dynamic scenes that can be controlled through the Govee Home mobile app.
One area where the LED Strip Light M1 excels is in its white-colored effects. Unlike many competing smart lights, the M1 can accurately replicate the effects of white LED bulbs. This versatility gives users more options when it comes to creating the desired ambiance.
Setting up the M1 lights without using Matter can be a bit cumbersome, as it requires switching to a 2.4 GHz wireless network. Additionally, some users may find the Govee Home app to be cluttered. However, these minor inconveniences are outweighed by the strip's outstanding lumen output and its ability to seamlessly connect with other smart home devices. Overall, the Govee M1 stands out as one of the top LED strips available in the market today.
Govee Glide Hexa Light Panels are a remarkable addition to any gaming room, captivating attention even when not illuminated. This 10-pack of hexagon-shaped lights can be arranged in customizable patterns on the walls. What sets the Glide Hexa Panels apart from other RGB wall panels is that they feature lights on each side of the hexagon shapes, creating a stunning illumination effect on the surfaces of the walls. Furthermore, Govee's RGBIC technology allows each panel to display multiple colors simultaneously. These panels are also compatible with Google Home and Amazon Alexa, enabling voice commands and seamless synchronization with other smart home lighting. With their impressive RGBIC effects, the Govee Glide Hexa Light Panels truly elevate the ambiance of any space.
Brand: Govee
Integrations: Amazon Alexa, Google Home
Hub Required: No
Music Reactive: Yes
Multicolor Capable: Yes
Number of Panels: 10
Voltage: 120 Volts
Working Temperature: 14°F to 104°F/-10°C to 40°C
Pros:
- Stunning RGBIC effects
Looks stylish even before lit up
Lights on backside of hexagons
Cons Not as easy to install as Nanoleaf Shapes
No touch controls
The Govee Glide Hexa Light Panels are a great alternative to the popular Nanoleaf Shapes when it comes to wall panel LED lights. While they may not be significantly cheaper, they do offer some features that some buyers may prefer, especially for enhancing gaming or streaming setups. Depending on the configuration chosen, gamers can connect anywhere from 7 to 25 Hexa lights in one pattern.
The installation process for the Glide Hexa Light Panels is similar to other wall lights, requiring careful consideration before finding the perfect spot on the wall. However, there are some differences compared to Nanoleaf Shapes. Each panel of the Glide Hexa Light Panels has only one input and output connection, which means there are more limitations on potential designs. Nevertheless, there is still a wide range of possible layouts to choose from, and the Govee Home app is there to guide installers and provide suggestions for configurations. To ensure a secure attachment to the wall, Govee includes a generous amount of double-sided tape on each Hexa light. As a result, unless the wall has a heavily textured surface, the panels will remain securely in place once installed.
The Govee app offers the usual adjustments and color patterns that are available with their other lighting products. It comes with 40 preset effects that are ready to use straight out of the box. Additionally, the Hexa Light Panels seamlessly integrate with smart home ecosystems and can be controlled through voice commands using Google Home or Amazon Alexa. However, it's important to note that they are not currently compatible with Apple HomeKit.
The Govee Glide Hexa Light Panels do not have touch controls like the Nanoleaf Shapes. Therefore, it is necessary to use the mobile app or a connected smart home system to control the lights. Although there is a border on the edge of the hexagon shapes, the presence of a backlight on each panel compensates for any loss in lighting. This backlight creates a more three-dimensional impact on viewers, especially when the panels are viewed at an angle. Govee's RGBIC technology allows multiple colors to be displayed on each panel simultaneously, which works exceptionally well due to the considerable surface area available. Overall, the Glide Hexa Light Panels are highly effective in transforming blank walls into modern art galleries.
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Brand GoveeIntegrations Amazon Alexa, Google HomeHub Required NoMusic Reactive YesNumber of Panels 12Voltage 20000Wattage 36 v Pros Good value
Easy installation
Expandable
Cons Design not as customizable as other lights
Control box makes slight buzzing noise
$109.99 at Amazon $129.99 at Best Buy
The Govee Glide RGBIC Wall Lights offer a unique design as long thin tubes of lighting that can accentuate existing decor in gaming rooms. These lights are connected in sections, creating a satisfying clicking sound. Similar to other Govee lights, they provide various preset or customizable effects through the Govee Home App and can be synchronized with Google Home or Amazon Alexa devices. The Glide wall lights come in different versions, and this particular edition includes 8 light segments and 4 corner pieces, capable of illuminating with up to 76 million colors simultaneously.
Unlike wall panel lights like the Glide Hexa that are typically placed in the center of walls, the Glide lights excel as trim around doors, picture frames, or TVs. Unlike regular LED light strips, the casing in the Glide segments makes the bright lights easier to stare at. While gamers may not be able to create intricate shapes with these lights, the flexible design allows for more than just simple straight lines. A comparable alternative to the Govee Glide Wall Lights is the LIFX Beam Smart Light Bar, but Govee offers a greater number of segments at a lower cost, providing buyers with more options.
Govee Glide Wall Lights are not only compatible with Razer Chroma-enabled keyboards, mice, and headsets, but they also seamlessly integrate with the Razer Synapse software. This allows users to create stunning coordinated lighting effects with other devices in their gaming room. However, there are a couple of minor drawbacks to consider. The control box tends to produce a continuous buzzing sound, which may be bothersome to some users. Additionally, the power cord and adapter are quite bulky, which could pose a challenge when trying to hide them if the light segments are mounted higher up on a wall.
Brand GoveeIntegrations Alexa, Google AssistantProtocol Bluetooth, Wi-FiMusic Reactive YesVoltage 12Wattage 48 Pros Lag-free reactive lighting
No camera required
Sync box can connect to 3 HDMI 2.0 sources
Cons Expensive
Game support is limited
$254 at Amazon
The Govee AI Gaming Sync Box is a recent addition to the smart home market, offering a more advanced way for gamers to experience custom lighting effects that synchronize with on-screen content. This sync box comes with two standing light bars and an LED light strip that can be attached to the back of monitors ranging from 24 to 32 inches. In terms of connectivity, the sync box features three HDMI 2.0 inputs, including one ARC port for connecting to graphics card outputs and consoles, as well as two USB-C connections for the included light bars and light strip. The sync box also supports HDMI passthrough, allowing the video signal to be sent back to the monitors.
Setting up the Govee AI Gaming Sync Box is relatively simple once all the necessary connections have been made. The mobile Govee Home app takes care of most of the setup process and allows users to customize the lighting effects, adjust brightness, and sync the lighting to music. The standout feature of the Govee AI Gaming Sync Box is its CogniGlow technology, which can recognize in-game events such as boss kills and leveling up in supported games. Currently, the list of compatible game titles is somewhat limited, but it does include popular PC games like Valorant, Overwatch, and Apex Legends. However, even when using other PC games, console titles, or watching YouTube videos, the lighting effects produced by the 24 LED lights on the light bars and strips are still impressive.
The Govee lights and AI Gaming Sync Box offer several advantages over alternatives like the Govee DreamView that rely on cameras positioned on top of displays. One key advantage is the minimal lag between in-game actions and the corresponding lighting effects, which is not the case when relying on a camera. Additionally, gamers no longer need to allocate space on their monitors for an extra camera when they can utilize a webcam for more practical purposes.
While the AI Gaming Sync Box is comparable to the Philips Hue Sync Box, it surpasses the Hue solution when it comes to game content. The Govee system includes an LED strip and two freestanding tower lights, making it more suitable for gamers. Admittedly, both options can be costly for gamers who have already invested in building their PCs. Nonetheless, the Govee AI Gaming Sync Box significantly enhances performance by instantly and intelligently mirroring game events through its lighting effects.
Govee DreamView G1 Pro Gaming Light is revolutionizing gaming room lighting with its advanced features. This system includes 2 RGBIC light bars and a neon strip that can be easily mounted on the back of 24 to 32-inch monitors. Equipped with a camera, the DreamView G1 Pro captures every moment during games and movies, enhancing the overall experience with mesmerizing lighting effects and its Dynamic Audio Visualizer. With 4 available game modes, including FPS, MOBA, RPG, and racing titles, this gaming light is truly versatile. Don't miss out on the opportunity to elevate your gaming setup with the Govee DreamView G1 Pro Gaming Light.
Brand GoveeIntegrations Amazon Alexa, Google AssistantHub Required NoMusic Reactive YesMulticolor Capable YesVoltage 12V Pros Durable construction
Doesn't rely on PC software for effects
A lot of lighting for the price
Cons Doesn't mount on some monitors
Camera positioned where webcams usually are
$90 at Amazon $140 at Best Buy
The DreamView G1 Pro Gaming Light offers a more affordable alternative to the Govee AI Gaming Sync Box, providing similar lighting effects. It includes two freestanding light bars and a flexible neon strip that can be wrapped around the back of 24 to 32-inch monitors. Instead of relying on a Sync Box, the DreamView G1 Pro utilizes a 1080p camera to capture the monitor display and translate it into a range of LED colors and patterns.
While the DreamView G1 Pro lacks the intelligent response capabilities of the Sync Box, it does offer four game modes suitable for various genres such as FPS, MMORPGs, and racing titles. This camera-based system is particularly beneficial for gamers who use consoles or media players alongside their monitors, as it eliminates the need for PC software that reads screens and communicates with LED lights. However, it's worth noting that the responsive lighting of the G1 Pro may not be as quick as that of HDMI sync boxes like those from Govee or Philips Hue. Additionally, if the camera shifts its position gradually, recalibration will be necessary through the Govee Home App.
Govee offers a more cost-effective option compared to Corsair's LT100 Smart Lighting system, which charges extra for just two lights. The Govee standing lights not only provide stunning RGBIC effects on a gaming desk but also come with a camera and neon LED light strips that create a captivating glow on nearby walls. Among the various Govee products available, the DreamView G1 Pro stands out as an appealing choice due to the comprehensive package it offers.
Govee Smart Light Bulbs WiFI and Bluetooth - The Best Choice
$30 $40 Save $10
The Govee Smart Light Bulbs serve as the fundamental component for any gaming room lighting setup. With a wide range of over 16 million colors and an estimated lifespan of 50,000 hours, these RGB lights excel in everyday use. The Govee Home app provides access to 54 preset lighting schemes, and the lights can also be conveniently controlled through voice commands using Google Home or Amazon Alexa. Operating over Bluetooth and/or WiFi connections, these smart light bulbs offer adjustable brightness from 0 to 100%.
Pros: Affordable price tag with dual Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity.
Easy Google Home and Alexa integration
Cons Colored effects could be brighter
No Apple HomeKit support
$30 at Amazon
Govee Smart Light Bulbs offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional light bulbs in game room lighting. While LED wall panels and monitor backlighting are impressive, the foundation of most game room lighting still relies on light bulbs in existing lamps. However, the cost of replacing multiple lighting fixtures with smart lighting can quickly add up. In comparison to popular brands like LIFX and Philips Hue, Govee Smart Light Bulbs are a more affordable option that provides essential lighting for any room, serving as a great starting point before incorporating other types of RGB lights.
Installing these Govee Smart Light Bulbs through the Govee Home App is a straightforward process, offering the choice between a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection to mobile devices. For seamless integration with other smart home ecosystems, such as Google Home and Amazon Alexa voice commands, it is recommended to connect the Govee light bulbs to Wi-Fi networks whenever possible. Unfortunately, similar to other Govee devices, Apple HomeKit functionality is not available. The best part is that a separate hub is not required for either connection option.
Govee Smart Light Bulbs truly shine when used as standard white lights, emitting a healthy 800 lumens from the 60-watt versions. These bulbs impressively respond to actions or scenes in the Govee Home app, offering dimming capabilities that rival traditional wired dimmer switches. While the bulbs still maintain their potency when displaying any of the 16 million available colors, their effects may be somewhat subdued when used in a single lamp with a typical lampshade. However, Govee also offers an even brighter option with their 85-watt light bulb, which provides 1200 lumens of vibrant RGB lighting. When combined with additional Govee lights like the Hexa Glide Light Panels or Wall Light, gamers can create synchronized RGB lighting that can illuminate larger spaces.
Compact design
Many customizable scenes
Cons More expensive than cheap lamps with smart bulbs
Effects are muted on darker walls
$126 at Amazon $126 at Govee
When setting up a new gaming room, floor lamps can be a convenient way to instantly enhance the lighting. While many buyers opt for smart bulbs in their fixtures, the results may not always be satisfactory. The Govee Cylinder Floor Lamp, however, is specifically designed to maximize the effects of RGBICWW lighting. Its sleek and slim design makes it perfect for placing in corners near gaming desks.
Unlike its predecessor, the Lyra Floor Lamp, which emits light from a long pole without a top or lamp shade, the Govee Cylinder Floor Lamp has a more traditional look. It shines light from a fixture on top of its pole, similar to the lights outside a barbershop. The lamp's base is sturdy enough to prevent it from toppling over if pets or children accidentally brush against it.
The Cylinder Floor Lamp from Govee stands out from other smart lights due to its practicality as a replacement for traditional light fixtures. It serves a crucial purpose by providing essential lighting in a room, ensuring that gamers can navigate without tripping over obstacles. While the lamp's 64 preset patterns are visually appealing, they are best suited for a white wall backdrop. Therefore, it is advisable for buyers to position the lamp near the edge of a space for optimal results. It is worth noting that if a room has darker walls, the diffused lighting effects may not be as impressive.
In addition to the pre-set effects offered in the Govee Home app, users have the freedom to create their own personalized scenes that can even synchronize with music if desired. Although the Cylinder Floor Lamp does not currently support the Matter protocol, buyers can integrate it with Google Home and Amazon Alexa for voice commands and seamless coordination with other smart home devices.
The Govee Cylinder Floor Lamp is a bit more expensive compared to a cheap floor lamp equipped with smart bulbs. However, these cheaper alternatives are not specifically designed to effectively disperse the wide range of RGBICWW lights. As one of the top-notch smart lighting fixtures readily available, the Govee Cylinder Floor Lamp is an exceptional choice for providing essential illumination in a newly set up gaming room.
How to Prioritize Smart Lighting Purchases
Govee's range of smart lighting options continues to expand, providing an ideal solution for every corner of a gaming room. While these lights are more budget-friendly compared to their competitors, it may still be a challenge to afford all of them. To determine which Govee lights should take priority, it's important to assess which area requires the most illumination.
The Neon Rope Lights for Desks provide a solution for adding a touch of creativity to a regular gaming desk. These rope lights have a soft yet durable exterior, making them ideal for accentuating the edges of a desk with vibrant lighting that can synchronize with Razer gaming peripherals. Installing these rope lights is a breeze, and they can also be integrated with other lights that are already connected to Google Home or Amazon Alexa.
On the other hand, the Govee LED Strip Light M1 is a more traditional LED strip that has been enhanced to be compatible with the cutting-edge Matter smart lighting protocol. With Matter compatibility, these lights can seamlessly communicate with other smart home ecosystems without the need for repeated setup in multiple apps. The M1 strip lights are also exceptionally bright, featuring a generous number of lights on each strip that display vivid and dynamic preset or custom patterns. These Govee lights exemplify the manufacturer's commitment to embracing innovation while still offering an affordable smart lighting solution.
Govee Smart Light Bulbs and lamps are the perfect starting point for gamers venturing into the world of smart lighting setups. These smart bulbs are compatible with a wide range of existing light fixtures and can be easily controlled through various smart home apps. In addition, Govee offers the Cylinder Floor Lamp, a stylish and tall lamp that emits vibrant colored or white light onto nearby walls.
Understanding the unique advantages of each Govee smart light makes the decision-making process much easier for gamers. Whether you choose to invest in a single Govee light or opt for a complete system utilizing their smart lighting products, rest assured that all the options mentioned above will greatly enhance your gaming experience.
FAQ
Q: What's the easiest way to add RGB lighting to a gaming room?
Colored LED light bulbs serve as an excellent primary lighting option for any room, effortlessly fitting into pre-existing light sockets within seconds. Additionally, there is a wide range of RGB lamps and lighting fixtures available that require minimal setup for a delightful lighting experience.
Q: What are the most popular types of lighting to add near gaming desks?
Many gamers opt to enhance the lighting experience of their gaming setup by incorporating RGB enabled peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and headsets, which offer color-changing effects. To further elevate the visual appeal, RGB cooling fans and LED strips are often installed in PC cases. In recent times, the popularity of smart LED lighting has extended beyond these traditional options, with wall panel lights being frequently added near PC desks.
Q: Do all RGB lights in a gaming room need to be made by the same brand to work together?
It is generally easier to have RGB lights from the same manufacturer in a gaming room. However, there are smart home platforms and software solutions available that allow integration of various types of devices into a single ecosystem.
