C by GE Starter Packby GE

TECHWALLA
VERDICT
Recommended, but seriously flawed. There are probably better alternatives.
73 %
TECHWALLA SCORE
based on the following sites
  • 80%
  • 70%
  • 70%
  • 70%
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PROS

  • The C by GE Starter pack is an affordable way to try out energy-saving LED lighting controlled by a Bluetooth-enabled Android or iOS device.
  • With the app, users can control levels of brightness and color temperatures. The app can also create groups and scenes.
  • No special hub or network is required, because the C by GE app communicates directly to bulbs via Bluetooth.

CONS

  • The app's use of Bluetooth precludes any remote control, and you can't use the app to control lights connected to dimmable switches or any switches that are in the off position.
  • The lights can't be programmed to turn on or off according to a schedule.
  • C by GE doesn't support any third-party systems such as HomeKit or Amazon's Alexa although GE has said this may change.
GE's entry in the growing Bluetooth-enabled smart LED light bulb market is a new brand--C by GE--with two products: C Life and C Sleep, sold in a four-pack of two each. C Life is an all-purpose bulb for everyday use with a fixed, warmish color temperature. C Sleep is designed for bedrooms and offers three color temperature settings for morning, daytime and bedtime. You control both with an Android or iOS smartphone app.
Name C by GE Starter Pack WeMo LED Lighting Starter Set Hue Personal Wireless Lighting (Starter Pack) MagicLight Plus
Manufacturer GE Belkin Philips MagicLight
Techwalla Score
73%
80%
79%
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List Price $50 $99 $200 $31
80%

Thanks to an intuitive app and no need for a hub, the C by GE Starter Pack is an affordable and pleasant way to set up connected lighting th…

Thanks to an intuitive app and no need for a hub, the C by GE Starter Pack is an affordable and pleasant way to set up connected lighting throughout your household.

Read Full Review
70%

These Bluetooth bulbs don't work with any larger smart-home platforms yet -- that means that you need to be within Bluetooth range (about 50…

These Bluetooth bulbs don't work with any larger smart-home platforms yet -- that means that you need to be within Bluetooth range (about 50 feet) in order to use them. You also can't make a lighting schedule or set a timer for when things should come on or off.

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70%

While you currently cannot control the bulbs with third-party controllers or apps, and you can’t schedule lights to turn on and off accordin…

While you currently cannot control the bulbs with third-party controllers or apps, and you can’t schedule lights to turn on and off according to a schedule, GE’s app makes the most of what the bulbs can do by letting you create lighting scenes and lighting groups.

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70%

While you currently cannot control the bulbs with third-party controllers or apps, and you can’t schedule lights to turn on and off accordin…

While you currently cannot control the bulbs with third-party controllers or apps, and you can’t schedule lights to turn on and off according to a schedule, GE’s app makes the most of what the bulbs can do by letting you create lighting scenes and lighting groups.

Read Full Review

These are just fine as first dip into the smart light market. They only work with their own app, so, sorry Echo owners. I

These are just fine as first dip into the smart light market. They only work with their own app, so, sorry Echo owners. I

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Although my bulbs and app have had moments where they have failed to talk to each other, being able to connect them without a hub is extreme…

Although my bulbs and app have had moments where they have failed to talk to each other, being able to connect them without a hub is extremely convenient.

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