Philips Hue Bridge
Score: 85/100
TP-Link Tapo Smart Dimmer Switch
Score: 77/100Rankings
The Philips Hue Bridge is a Zigbee hub that links up to 50 Hue lights, offering low power draw and Matter compatibility. Its reliance on a wired Ethernet connection and a 50-light limit can restrict flexibility. Ideal for Hue users seeking reliable local control and extensive automation.
The TP-Link Tapo Smart Dimmer Switch delivers hub-free Wi-Fi control, Matter certification, and smooth 1-100 % dimming. It is limited to 2.4 GHz networks and requires a neutral wire with a 150 W LED load cap. Perfect for users wanting affordable Wi-Fi dimming within a Matter ecosystem.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
— | 120 Vbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.1 Wbest | — |
— | 150 Wbest | |
2 yearsbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 280 g | 141 gbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Power & Electrical(1) | ||
Input Voltage (V) | 100-240 V | 120 V |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 280 g | 141 g |
Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) | 26x90.9x90.6 mm | 44.9x84.6x128 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers and editors praise the Hue Bridge Pro for its dramatically higher device capacity, faster processor, and expanded Matter/Thread support, positioning it as the most robust hub for large Hue ecosystems. They also commend the standard Bridge for reliable local control and broad smart-home integrations, though they note its Ethernet-only connectivity and lower bulb limit as drawbacks.
Everyday users generally commend the Bridge for its easy setup, low power draw, and ability to manage many lights beyond the Bluetooth range. Recurring themes include appreciation for automatic firmware updates and seamless integration with voice assistants, while the need for a wired Ethernet connection and the 50-light ceiling on the standard model are common sources of frustration.
Professional reviewers commend the S505D for its seamless Matter integration, remote control capabilities, and smooth fade on/off dimming, noting that it delivers reliable voice and app control without requiring a hub. The ease of setup via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and the ability to create schedules, timers, and Away Mode are seen as strong points for smart-home enthusiasts.
Everyday users praise the switch for the convenient voice control, intuitive app scheduling, and the security benefit of Away Mode that mimics presence. While no major complaints are recorded, users note the need for a neutral wire and wish for broader Wi-Fi band support.
