Totally agree about the router upgrade making a huge difference. I had a similar experience—my Wi-Fi bulbs were constantly dropping off or lagging until I switched to a mesh network. Now they're rock solid, even with multiple devices streaming at once. But I do think bulb quality matters too. I've noticed cheaper Wi-Fi bulbs sometimes struggle more with reconnecting after power outages or firmware updates compared to pricier brands.
That said, Zigbee setups have their perks, especially if you're planning to scale up your smart home. They don't crowd your Wi-Fi network, and the response times are usually quicker. But honestly, for most casual setups, a solid Wi-Fi network and decent bulbs are more than enough. Plus, it's nice not having another hub cluttering up the living room...
Mesh definitely helps, but honestly, I'd lean towards Zigbee or even Thread if you're serious about scaling up. Wi-Fi bulbs are convenient, sure, but they're still power-hungry compared to Zigbee, and they add unnecessary load to your network. I've seen setups get messy fast when people start adding dozens of Wi-Fi bulbs. Plus, hubs aren't that big a deal—mine's tucked away neatly behind the TV stand, outta sight and mind...
Interesting points, but I gotta say, hubs aren't always as hassle-free as they seem. I've done a few custom builds where clients specifically asked to avoid hubs because they didn't want yet another device cluttering their setup—even if it's hidden behind furniture. And honestly, I get it. Every extra piece of hardware is another potential point of failure or troubleshooting headache down the line.
A few thoughts from my experience:
- Wi-Fi bulbs have come a long way in terms of efficiency and reliability. Sure, they're still not as power-friendly as Zigbee or Thread, but the difference isn't always noticeable in real-world usage—especially if you're not running dozens of bulbs simultaneously.
- Mesh networks have improved dramatically too. I've seen setups with 20+ Wi-Fi bulbs running smoothly without noticeable network strain, provided the mesh system is robust enough (think Eero Pro or Orbi).
- Also, consider flexibility: Wi-Fi bulbs are usually easier for clients to manage themselves later on. No need to worry about compatibility with specific hubs or protocols if they decide to expand or change brands down the road.
- Anecdotally, I recently finished a project where we installed about 15 Wi-Fi bulbs throughout a client's home. They were initially hesitant about network load, but after upgrading their router and adding a mesh extender, everything's been rock solid for months now.
Don't get me wrong—Zigbee and Thread are fantastic options for larger-scale setups or tech-savvy homeowners who don't mind tinkering a bit. But for simplicity and ease-of-use, Wi-Fi bulbs still have their place... especially if you're not planning on going full smart-home mode anytime soon.
Fair points, but honestly I've had mixed luck with Wi-Fi bulbs. They're great until the router decides to randomly reboot at 2am... ask me how I know. Still, can't deny they're convenient when they behave.
Have you noticed if certain brands handle router hiccups better than others? I've been curious if pricier bulbs actually reconnect faster or if it's all marketing hype...
