Essential Smart Bulbs, White and Colour
Philips Hue Essential Bulbs Review

E27, B22 and GU10  |  806 lm (A60)  |  16 million colours  |  2200-6500K  |  Matter via Bridge or Thread

Overview

Philips Hue Essential bulbs belong to Hue’s White and Colour Ambiance Essential range, with 16 million colours and warm-to-cool white from 2200K to 6500K. This review covers three fittings: A60 E27, A60 B22 and GU10. The A60 E27 gives up to 806 lm at 8 W and dims to 2%. The A60 B22 also gives 806 lm at 8 W. Hue lists none of the three as deep dimmable, and all three dim to 2%. The GU10 spotlight gives up to 345 lm at 4.7 W.

All three use Bluetooth and Zigbee, so you can control them from the Philips Hue app over Bluetooth, and Hue’s spec tables say voice assistants need a Hue Bridge, though Hue’s Alexa guide also gives a Bluetooth route. All three work with Matter through a Hue Bridge, and they can also join Matter directly through a Thread border router. Hue lists energy class F for the A60 E27 bulb and the GU10 spotlight.

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Key Features

✓Three fittings: A60 E27, A60 B22 and GU10
✓16 million colours and warm-to-cool white
✓2200-6500K on all three
✓A60 E27: up to 806 lm, 8 W, dimmable to 2%, not deep dimmable
✓A60 B22: 806 lm, 8 W, not deep dimmable
✓GU10: up to 345 lm, 4.7 W, dimmable to 2%, not deep dimmable
✓Bluetooth and Zigbee on all three
✓Matter through a Hue Bridge or a Thread border router
✓Voice via a Hue Bridge, Matter over Thread, or Alexa over Bluetooth (Hue’s Alexa guide)

Pros & Cons

Pros

+ Colour and white light in E27, B22 and GU10
+ All three can join Matter directly through a Thread border router
+ Bluetooth control in the Philips Hue app

Cons

− None of the three is deep dimmable (Hue lists dimming to 2%)
− Without a Hue Bridge, voice control needs a Thread border router or Alexa over Bluetooth

Which Version Should You Buy?

✓A60 E27 — Up to 806 lm, 8 W, 2200-6500K and dimmable to 2%; not deep dimmable. Works with Matter through a Hue Bridge. It can also join Matter directly through a Thread border router. Check latest price at Amazon
✓A60 B22 — 806 lm, 8 W and 2200-6500K; not deep dimmable. Works with Matter through a Hue Bridge. It can also join Matter directly through a Thread border router. Check latest price at Amazon
✓GU10 spotlight — Up to 345 lm, 4.7 W, 2200-6500K and dimmable to 2%; not deep dimmable. Works with Matter through a Hue Bridge. It can also join Matter directly through a Thread border router. Check latest price at Amazon

Setup & Installation

To start without a Bridge, make sure your phone’s Bluetooth is on and stay within about 9 m of the bulbs. In the Philips Hue app, open the Settings tab, tap Devices, then tap the blue plus (+) in the top right corner and scan the QR code; in Bluetooth mode you set bulbs up one at a time. If a bulb has no QR code, tap No QR code to add it by searching or using its serial number.

To join Matter directly, Hue says you need a Matter-enabled Hue light (with the Matter logo on the packaging) and a Thread border router. Open Apple Home, Google Home or Alexa, add a device, and scan the Matter QR code on the installation guide or enter the 11-digit pairing code. Power on the bulb and make sure it’s in pairing mode. If the bulb was on a Hue Bridge, remove it from the Bridge first.

Common Problems & Fixes

Running into issues? Our Philips Hue troubleshooting guide covers step-by-step fixes taken from Hue’s own support pages, including how to reset Hue lights, light not found over Bluetooth and Matter pairing failed.

Who Should Buy It

Anyone who wants colour smart bulbs in E27, B22 or GU10 fittings, with Matter through a Hue Bridge or directly over Thread.

Verdict

The Essential range gives 16 million colours and 2200-6500K white in three fittings, and all three can join Matter through a Thread border router. For a wider 1000-20000K range in an A60 E27, see the Philips Hue White and Colour Ambiance Bulbs.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.