Govee LED Strip Gentle M1 evaluate: Do you have to purchase it?

Though the Matter 1.0 spec first launched in late 2022, suitable good dwelling equipment have been gradual to roll out. That’s very true with lightstrips — actually, the one different Matter-compatible strip in the marketplace as of the M1’s launch is Nanoleaf’s Important Matter mannequin. That product additionally requires a Thread border router, so Govee’s Wi-Fi-based strip is a giant deal.

After setup within the Govee Residence app, I efficiently used Matter to pair with Alexa, HomeKit, and Google Residence, however there have been some hiccups. For instance, I began with HomeKit, however the Matter QR code taped to our check strip was so small that the Apple Residence app couldn’t scan it. And not using a bodily copy anyplace else, the one choices have been to learn the numeric code from that tape or pull a code up in Govee Residence. I additionally needed to swap from an iPhone to an Android telephone to pair with Google Residence, since Google has but to allow Matter pairing on iOS. Even on Android, it took just a few tries to pair.

The Govee LED Strip Gentle M1 typically behaves such as you’d count on in paired platforms, together with automation assist and voice management. It doesn’t assist platform-specific options like HomeKit’s Adaptive Lighting, however you do have customary management over brightness and (strong) colours. You’ll have to make use of the Govee Residence app to set off multi-color results, the excellent news being that there are many presets and full customization.

Govee’s lightstrip actually delivers in output. Whereas the corporate appears oddly detest to share max lumen rankings, it will get as shiny as you could possibly need, and its shade is each correct and well-saturated. Visually, actually, I most popular it to Nanoleaf’s strip which I additionally examined not too long ago.

Sadly, just a few issues cease the Govee LED Strip Gentle M1 from getting a full suggestion. Above all are technical points — apart from Matter quirks, the lightstrip often misplaced contact with a number of good dwelling platforms throughout testing, regardless of my having an Eero Professional 6E router simply inches away. I used to be in a position to drive it to reconnect by unplugging the strip for a second and plugging it again in, however this made the Govee Residence app or the included distant essentially the most dependable management choices, considerably defeating the purpose of a Matter-enabled product.

It additionally suffers from its reliance on Wi-Fi. It’s noticeably slower to react than lights based mostly on Thread or Zigbee, and naturally, you’ll want a Wi-Fi router that’s each in vary and never overly saturated with connections. Nonetheless, when you have a Matter controller (like an Echo or Google Nest speaker) however nothing that helps Thread, that is your solely Matter-compatible possibility for now.

Lastly, I’ll word that I wasn’t impressed by Govee’s music sync choices. You’ll be able to solely sync out of your telephone or the distant’s built-in speaker, and all of Govee’s sync patterns appear to imagine you’re listening to high-energy pop, rock, rap, or EDM. When listening to genres like ambient or energy electronics, the flickering brought on by music sync initially made me suppose the M1 was damaged.

There are many good lightstrips in the marketplace, but just a few match the invoice of being each high-quality and supporting all three main good dwelling platforms. So far as pricing goes, word that the entire costs under are for strips within the six- to seven-foot vary.

• Nanoleaf Necessities Matter Lightstrip ($148.99 at Amazon): The Nanoleaf Necessities Matter lightstrip requires each a Matter controller and a Thread border router, however with these in tow, you’ll get faster response and the advantages of Thread’s mesh expertise. We did have bother getting Matter pairing to work with Google Residence.
• Philips Hue Lightstrip Plus (€2199 at Amazon): This Philips Hue strip is decidedly costlier, not the least as a result of it requires a Zigbee-based Hue Bridge/Sensible Hub should you don’t have one. Hue merchandise are famously dependable although, and also you’ll get Alexa, HomeKit, and Google Residence assist with out Matter.
• LIFX Lightstrip ($279.99 at Samsung): The LIFX lighstrip might be your most suitable option if you need a Wi-Fi strip that provides Alexa, HomeKit, and Google Residence compatibility sans Matter. It does include the downsides of Wi-Fi, and stays pricier than Govee or Nanoleaf’s choices relative to size.