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

E27, B22, GU10 and E14  |  Up to 810 lm (A60 E27)  |  1000-20000K (A60 E27, E14)  |  Bluetooth and Zigbee  |  Hue Bridge optional

Overview

Philips Hue White and Colour Ambiance bulbs give warm-to-cool white and colour light, and this review covers four fittings: A60 E27, A60 B22, GU10 and B39 candle E14. The A60 E27 gives up to 810 lm at 6 W with a 1000-20000K range, and Hue says it was redesigned to use 40% less energy. The B39 candle gives up to 500 lm at 3.7 W, also 1000-20000K. The GU10 spotlight gives 400 lm at 4000K with a 2000-6500K range.

The A60 E27, GU10 and E14 candle use Bluetooth and Zigbee, so you can start in the Philips Hue app over Bluetooth, within about 9 m, and add a Hue Bridge later. Hue’s bulb spec tables say voice assistants need a Bridge, though Hue’s Alexa guide also gives a Bluetooth route; with a Bridge, at least one bulb must be within 10 m of it. The A60 E27 page lists Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, Matter, Samsung SmartThings and Sonos. The GU10 works with Matter through a Hue Bridge; the E14 candle does too, and can also join Matter directly through a Thread border router.

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Key Features

✓Four fittings: A60 E27, A60 B22, GU10 and B39 candle E14
✓Warm-to-cool white and colour light
✓A60 E27: up to 810 lm, 6 W, 1000-20000K
✓A60 E27: dimmable to 0.2%, energy class D
✓B39 candle E14: up to 500 lm, 3.7 W, 1000-20000K
✓GU10: 400 lm at 4000K, 2000-6500K, deep dimmable
✓Bluetooth range about 9 m
✓Voice assistants via a Hue Bridge; Hue’s Alexa guide also gives a Bluetooth route
✓E14 candle: Matter through a Hue Bridge or a Thread border router

Pros & Cons

Pros

+ Start over Bluetooth and add a Hue Bridge later
+ A60 E27 and E14 candle cover 1000-20000K
+ Dimmable to 0.2% (A60 E27 and E14 candle)
+ E14 candle can join Matter directly through a Thread border router

Cons

− Apart from Alexa over Bluetooth (and Matter over Thread on the E14 candle), Hue lists a Bridge for voice assistants
− GU10 range is 2000-6500K
− Hue UK lists two A60 B22 versions with different specs

Which Version Should You Buy?

✓A60 E27 — Up to 810 lm, 6 W, 1000-20000K and dimmable to 0.2%. Hue says it was redesigned to use 40% less energy. Matter is in its works-with list. Check latest price at Amazon
✓A60 B22 — A60 bulb with a B22 fitting, for white and colour light. Hue UK lists two versions of this bulb with different wattage, brightness and colour temperature range, so check the specs before you buy.
✓GU10 spotlight — 400 lm at 4000K, 2000-6500K and deep dimmable. Works with Matter through a Hue Bridge. Check latest price at Amazon
✓B39 candle E14 — Up to 500 lm, 3.7 W, 1000-20000K and dimmable to 0.2%. 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

Without a Bridge, make sure your phone’s Bluetooth is on. 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. With a Hue Bridge, go to the Home tab, tap the three-dot icon and Add devices, choose a Room, scan, install and power on your lights, then tap Next and name them.

For a direct Matter connection without a Bridge, Hue says you need a Matter-enabled Hue light (with the Matter logo on the packaging) and a Thread border router; of these fittings, the E14 candle page lists that route. 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. 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 as well as warm-to-cool white from E27, B22, GU10 or E14 fittings, starting over Bluetooth with the option of a Hue Bridge later.

Verdict

The White and Colour Ambiance range covers four common fittings, with the A60 E27 and E14 candle reaching 1000-20000K. If you only need white light, the Philips Hue White Ambiance Bulbs give warm-to-cool white without colour.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.