Govee RGBIC LED Strip Light 5m, Compatiable with Alexa and Google Assistant, WiFi Smart Strip Lights Color Changing Music Sync for Bedroom Party Decor

This is a LED strip light which on first appearances is the same as any other RGB LED strip light.However first appearances can be wrong, in this case very wrong indeed, these are RGBIC!I shall explain the difference in just a moment but will start as I usually do on my reviews with all you need to know!They come in a colourfully printed retail package ideal for gifting and make no mistake these will make an epic gift!In the box there are two 15mtr long self adhesive strips, a UK 3 pin plug adapter (I don't doubt an appropriate plug will be provided wherever in the world you are too) an in line control box and well written clear instructions.Installation is just as easy as it is with any similar light all you have to do is peel off the backing and press it in place on any suitable dry and clean surface.Next use the QR code provided to download the Govee Home app onto your smartphone and follow the instructions to connect the lights to the app.At this stage it is wise to then connect the lights to your home assistant which if I found an easy task (I did!) anyone could do because I normally don't!When you turn these on they instantly light up just as you would expect them too and you can ask Alexa to turn them on / off or change the colour or brightness without need of your phone.However if you have your phone to hand, either on the Govee Home app OR the Alexa app you can use this to set the lights to what Govee call scenes!The IC (After RGB) stands for intelligent control which refers to a series of chips set into the strip that elevate these lights over all others.In simple terms these chips make it so the light strip can now display multiple colours at the same time (in groups of 6 individual bulbs) and can make them appear to move in any direction or even in a random way.This might not sound like a big deal to you but it is a huge step forward in RGB LED strip lighting, once you have experienced these you will never go back to single colour strips!There are a bewildering amount of scenes you can choose from, there is something for every occasion, on the Govee Home app they are all arranged under headings for Natural, Festival, Life, Emotion, Dance, Movie, Games, Relaxation, Collaboration and more!When you press on the heading you are interested in a selection of button shortcuts appear each with a colourful logo for you too press to activate.For popular festivals and films there are multiple options to try so you can get the one that best suits your mood and if you cant find one you like you can even create your own in the app!I have had LED lights concealed in most rooms of my home for years and have always enjoyed the control of ambient lighting they give me but these are on a whole new level.I bought this set to replace the lights in my lounge, 30mtrs was enough to light the full circuit of the ceiling and go up and down both sides of my fireplace.I would urge anyone buying these to carefully measure and consider the exact placement of the lights before they put them up because you don't get a second chance once they are in place.I now have three sets of these all working together and seperatly on the app and on my home assistant so I can make my whole ground floor, Christmas, Easter, Halloween, Party or grandchild lighting appropriate at the touch of a button or simply by my Granddaughter telling our home assistant what she wants.I have reviewed many different lighting products on amazon vine over the last few years and have seen and used them all, these are the only ones I have used my own money to purchase!In my (independent) opinion these are as good as they get and when coupled with the excellent Govee Home app make these (and their other products) the ultimate home lighting option.These are not the cheapest lights on amazon but they are easily the best and I wont be happy until my entire home, (both inside and outside) is covered with these amazingly effective (and discreet when not powered up) lights from Govee!H2H

Offers a fantastic balance of features and affordability, making it a great choice for budget-conscious smart home enthusiasts. Here's a breakdown to help you decide if it's the right fit for you.Pros:Solid Performance: These strips have been reliable since day one, according to my experience (and many other reviewers). They deliver vibrant colours and consistent performance.Hidden Gem: Perfect for cove lighting or tucked behind furniture. The light fills the space beautifully without visible LED "dots" (if that's the look you're avoiding).Smart Home Integration: Seamlessly integrate these lights with Google Home and Amazon Alexa for voice control and automation.Reliable Connection: Forget connection drops! Compared to other brands I've used (Lifx), these Govee strips consistently maintain a strong connection.Superior Colour: The colour reproduction is excellent, surpassing the Xiaomi bulbs I previously used.Customizable Effects: While the pre-set effects change colours a bit too rapidly, the app allows you to create your own with adjustable colour transition speeds for a more personalised experience.Functional App: Despite a busy interface, the app is easy to navigate and offers a wide range of controls for your lights.Cons:Visible LEDs in Direct View: If you plan on using these strips in a diffuser channel or for direct viewing, consider the Govee M1 series. They boast a higher LED density, eliminating the potential for visible light points.Busy App Interface: The app can be overwhelming at first glance due to the sheer number of options. However, it remains functional once you get familiar with it.Overall:The Govee RGBIC LED Light Strip (5m) is a fantastic value for the price. It delivers reliable performance, excellent colour reproduction, and seamless smart home integration. While the pre-set effects might be a bit fast for some and the app could be more streamlined, the ability to create custom effects and the superior build quality compared to other brands make it a compelling option. For those seeking hidden mood lighting or a budget-friendly smart light solution, this Govee strip is highly recommended!