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When you buy Philips Hue light bulbs*, you may wonder if it is necessary to buy a Hue Bridge* as well. You will find the answer in this article. Especially if you own an Echo Plus*, you can save yourself the cost of the bridge for now.
Is the purchase of a Hue Bridge necessary when owning an Echo Plus?
If you have an Echo Plus, you do not necessarily need a Hue Bridge. Because the light bulbs can also be controlled with the mentioned device.
Keep in mind that if you don’t have a Hue Bridge, you won’t be able to use all functions to their full extent. However, you can upgrade the system at any time. The control of the light sources via the Echo Plus proves to be intuitive in any case. You will be able to learn how to use it in a short time, even if you are a beginner. But first of all, make yourself familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of Alexa control.
Table of Contents
These Functions are Performed by the Echo Plus
With the Amazon Echo Plus you can save yourself the Philips Hue Bridge. Because a ZigBee Hub is integrated in this device. You have the option of connecting all the bulbs to the Echo Plus, which is controlled by Alexa. This can be easily done by voice command.
Many users like to use the Echo Plus, because it also allows the operation of other smart home devices. So with this product, you get virtually everything from one source.
A Simple Setup
First of all, the light bulbs are a positive feature. The device automatically detects the bulbs and adds them. They can be controlled with the Hue Skill, which you can download for free. With this skill you have the possibility to define different commands for each bulb.
Voice control is also simple and intuitive. With seven integrated speakers, the Echo Plus recognizes your voice and commands from any direction. This also applies to loud ambient noise and commands from a greater distance.
Try Philips Hue Without Making a Major Investment
You should consider controlling Philips Hue bulbs with the Echo Plus especially if you want to get an overview of the functions of the bulbs first. This will save you a large investment and will not tie you down financially to the system.
Another advantage of the Echo Plus is the fact that you can use the device in many ways. So you have the possibility to play music over it or to query it for the weather.
Check Price:
Where Do Users Have to Make Compromises?
Unfortunately, not all Philips Hue features are available through Echo Plus. For the beginner, this version still proves to be a good choice. It allows you to familiarize yourself with the basic features of the intelligent light sources – so you can see if the system meets your expectations and sometimes needs an upgrade.
Also the Echo Plus is not quite cheap. So even with this device, you can’t avoid a larger output. If you still want to save money, you should check the prices of several dealers. Compare them so that you make a good long-term choice. But don’t just look at the cost – it’s much more important that you buy the Echo Plus from a reputable seller.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Echo Plus at a Glance
Advantages:
The Echo Plus is not only functional but also serves for entertainment. So you can use the device to listen to music or get information from Alexa voice service. You can also send messages through the device. All you need is a working WLAN connection.
Furthermore, the product scores with its wide variety of functions. For example, you can use it to control other smart home components. So if your home is already equipped with smart devices, you should consider purchasing the Echo Plus.
In view of the wide range of possible uses, the purchase price for the product is not too high. It therefore proves to be affordable for many users.
Disadvantages:
Unfortunately, the Echo Plus does not allow you to use all the features of Philips Hue bulbs. This is a disadvantage for you if you want to use the device only to control the bulbs. In this case you might want to have all the options available. Also the price is a bit too high in this respect. So it is not worth buying the Echo Plus just to control Philips Hue bulbs.
Hue Bridge: Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
The Philips Hue Bridge is of course perfectly tailored to control the manufacturer’s intelligent light sources. You can take advantage of all of its functions. The system is also easy to use. With just a few simple steps, you can make the desired settings.
Another advantage of the Hue Bridge is that you can always buy it later. This gives you the opportunity to familiarize yourself with all the functions of the intelligent light bulbs at your leisure. On the basis of this, you will be able to make a well thought-out decision.
The price of the device is also kept within limits. The upgrade of the system does not involve high expenses for you.
Disadvantages:
The Hue Bridge is really only intended to control the light sources. So you can’t use it in any other way. Before you make a purchase, you should make sure that you really need the Bridge and use it to its full extent.
If you already own an Echo Plus, you should think twice before buying this device. It takes over many of the functions of the Hue Bridge.
You also need an RJ45 Ethernet jack and LAN cable to install and activate the Hue Bridge. This should be available near the place where you want to install the component. Alternatively, the bridge can be connected via a router.
Further Information
Where can interested people buy an Echo Plus?
You can buy an Echo Plus today both in specialized stores and online. However, many people choose the second option. Because here you have a larger selection of dealers. Furthermore, it is easier to compare prices online. There are still slight fluctuations in the costs of the Echo Plus from different sellers.
In the specialized trade, on the other hand, you can enjoy personal advice. You can also ask questions about Hue Bridge. Many buyers see the opportunity to try out a product on site as an advantage. This is especially useful if you want to use the Echo Plus not only to control the smart home system, but also for entertainment. This way you can get an idea of the sound quality.
What expenses are to be expected?
The price for the Echo Plus is within the affordable range. It is in the three-digit range and thus affordable for many buyers. Considering the wide range of functions, the cost of the device proves to be quite reasonable.
The Philips Hue Bridge is slightly less expensive than the Echo Plus. You have to reckon with double-digit spending here. However, the product only functions as a central control element for the light bulbs. So you can’t use it for anything else – like the Echo Plus.
It’s up to you which version of the light bulb control you choose. However, if you want to save money when buying, compare the prices of several dealers. Keep in mind that there are now different versions of the Hue Bridge available. Furthermore, there are product packages that contain the intelligent light bulbs in addition to the Bridge – often articles of this type are available at a lower overall price.
Which option is the right choice?
Whether you prefer an Echo Plus or a complete Philips Hue system is up to you. It’s best to make the decision based on your user behavior. If you’re looking for a system to keep you entertained in your own home, Amazon is the better choice for you. It’s the same way when you’re looking for a product that can be used to control other smart home components.
However, if it is more important to you that all the features of Philips Hue bulbs are available to you, you should consider purchasing the Hue Bridge. This also applies if you are not a fan of voice control.
In case of doubt, you should seek advice from an expert. He can give you useful tips based on your preferences.
This is what the experience of the users says
When it comes to buyer criticism, it is extremely positive with regard to the Hue Bridge. Many users praise the easy handling of the system. They also describe it as a good introduction to the smart home concept. According to users, setting up the Bridge and making the initial settings is also quick and takes only a few minutes.
The Echo Plus is also well received by customers. Users especially praise the clear audio output and the excellent sound of the speaker. The quick and easy setup of the device is also positively mentioned in this case. The Echo Plus is intuitive to use and is a great help in everyday life. By the way, the device also reacts to a suffering response for most users.
Related Questions
What is the handling of Philips Hue light bulbs?
The Philips Hue lamps are easy to handle. It doesn’t matter whether you control them with the Hue Bridge or the Amazon Echo Plus. You will find your way around in no time. The systems recognize the lamps automatically and you can make individual settings for each light. When it comes to control, the Hue Bridge is of course ahead of the rest. After all, that component is designed for simple and intuitive handling of the lamps. So if you are looking for the option that gives you the easiest control, the Hue Bridge is the right choice.
What is the privacy policy of Echo Plus?
Many users have privacy concerns with Amazon’s smart speakers. However, these concerns are unfounded. So you can deactivate the microphone on that device at any time. The recorded conversations can be accessed via the Alexa app and can be permanently removed. You also have the option to have a conversation deleted by the voice service immediately after ending it.
What is the range of the Hue Bridge?
The Philips Hue Bridge has a range of up to 100 meters. However, very thick concrete walls and steel fences can become a problem in this respect. You can recognize a malfunction by difficulties in switching the light bulbs on and off and a delayed reaction time of the motion sensors. If you want to maximize the range of the Hue Bridge, you should place it in a central location in your home. Place the first light at a distance of up to ten meters from the control unit. This way, you can expand the radio connection continuously.
Also make sure that there are no large steel elements or too thick concrete walls between the individual lamps. In case of doubt, it is worthwhile to test the connection and thus the functionality of the bulbs in between.
How can the Hue Bridge be controlled?
The lamps communicate with the bridge via ZigBee. You can control the component via the Philips Hue smartphone app. You can also use voice control. However, you can also do without the Bridge completely.
Is it possible to connect the Hue Bridge with WLAN?
Currently, the WLAN connection is not standard on the Hue Bridge. You have to connect the device to an RJ45 Ethernet jack with a LAN cable. Alternatively you can connect the system to a router. However, this is a disadvantage if there is no such connection available at the desired location.
A practical alternative to the LAN connection is a repeater. With it you have a repeater at the place where you want to attach the Hue Bridge. You can use either a WLAN repeater with an Ethernet socket or a powerline adapter with an Ethernet socket. But keep in mind that you will have to expect additional costs for both solutions.
If connecting the Hue Bridge is too complex for you, you should consider the Echo Plus. Here you only need a working WLAN connection to control the lights.
Conclusion – save yourself the purchase of the Hue Bridge with the Echo Plus
If you already own an Echo Plus and want to try out Philips Hue bulbs, you don’t have to buy the bridge right away. Because the Amazon product has a built-in ZigBee Hub, you can use it to control the intelligent light sources.
If you are faced with the decision to buy the Bridge or the Echo Plus, your choice depends on the desired application of the product. If you’re looking for an item that can be used to entertain and control other smart home devices, the Echo Plus is the better choice. If you’re looking for a product to operate the smart light bulbs on your own, you can go straight to the Hue Bridge, which has the advantage of giving you immediate access to all the system’s functions.
If you are not sure about your choice, you should have a consultation. An expert can help you with your choice and ensure that you make a well-considered choice.
Attention: When installing electronic equipment, please be sure to observe the manufacturer’s safety instructions. You have to take care of your own safety. The information on this site only helps you to learn.
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