Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism Review: Are They Worth the Hype?

The smart lighting market is ablaze with options, particularly as the holidays approach. Govee has emerged as a prominent player, offering a wide array of smart lights for virtually any scenario. From RGB bulbs to those whimsical LED sticks, they’ve got a solution to saturate your home in vibrant colors. Their newest offering, the Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism, aims to bring that same dazzling illumination to your home’s exterior.

These modular soffit lights feature tri-color lamps, promising nuanced lighting effects. Think gradients of color across your roofline, or a vibrant glow to illuminate walkways. Will your Homeowners Association approve? That’s another question.
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Now, the market is flooded with smart soffit lights from countless brands, many of which are unheard of. What sets Govee apart? Well, they’re a legitimate company with a user-friendly app. And with Matter compatibility, these lights integrate seamlessly with most major smart home platforms.

After tinkering with the Lights Prism for a week, I found them to be responsive and enjoyable. The setup is relatively straightforward; the modular lights come in manageable segments with adhesive backing for easy installation. However, one snag I encountered was the controller cable’s length. It proved too short to wrap around my garage without doubling back the lights. A splitter would have solved this, allowing for greater flexibility in arrangement.

The Prism’s unique selling point? The triple-color LEDs. Unlike generic soffit lights, Govee’s lamps can project three colors simultaneously, enabling more complex and dynamic lighting schemes. It’s not just a gimmick. These LEDs also offer directional lighting. You could focus beams on doorways or windows, creating subtle spotlights. I even considered using them indoors to highlight artwork, though that would require some finesse.
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When it comes to ground illumination, the Lights Prism performs admirably. They provide ample light from my garage’s soffits. Whether they’d be as effective mounted higher is uncertain.

This is where things get tricky. These outdoor smart lights don’t come cheap. Starting at $540 for a 100-foot kit, they represent a significant investment. Yes, a fully integrated professional soffit lighting setup could cost thousands, but cheaper alternatives exist. Even Govee’s Permanent Outdoor Lights Pro, which uses single-color LEDs, costs less.

My main reservation stems from the perceived build quality. The lights feel somewhat flimsy, which raises concerns about their longevity. If I’m aiming for inexpensive, I would prefer affordable options. And if I’m prepared to spend more, I’d be swayed by the triple LEDs, not to invest in something that would last longer, such as Philips Hue’s Festavia Permanent Outdoor String Lights. Their reputation for durability precedes them. I have Hue bulbs that are nearly a decade old and work perfectly.

A Light Show at Your Fingertips

Govee is well-known for its impressive lighting effects, and the Lights Prism delivers. The Govee app is packed with options, from premade effects to custom creations. You can even tap into the creativity of other Govee users.

The AI-powered effect generation is intriguing, though results can be hit or miss. My attempt to mimic forest lighting yielded a decent effect, but it lacked the natural, random swaying I envisioned.

Nonetheless, I found plenty of compelling premade effects categorized by mood and theme. Then there were licensed effects, like those for Zootopia 2. However, you’d need specific Govee lighting setups to fully appreciate them.

I’m entertained by music synchronization. The three-light lamps allow for richer gradients and more dynamic flashing. It’s cheesy, but fun.

Now, neither of Govee’s music sync methods is perfect. The onboard microphone, while precise, can be disrupted by ambient noise. Smartphone-based syncing introduces noticeable latency.

I could picture using the music effects for a backyard party. But broadcasting a Temu-esque version of those elaborate Christmas light shows to my neighbors? Probably not.

Matter Support: A Step in the Right Direction

Govee’s embrace of the Matter standard is commendable. It ensures compatibility with virtually any smart home platform and guarantees functionality even without an internet connection.

Still, to unlock the Lights Prism’s full potential, you’ll need the Govee app. Matter doesn’t support the granular control required for complex lighting effects. No major smart home platform offers built-in support.

The Verdict: Great Lights, but Wait for a Deal

The Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism present a compelling alternative to traditional, professionally installed outdoor lighting. Their triple-LED design enables more intricate lighting effects.

The elephant in the room is cost. While cheaper than professional installations, the Lights Prism doesn’t quite feel worth the premium price tag. When Philips Hue undercuts you in price? That’s noteworthy.

Despite my reservations, the Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism are undeniably cool. They integrate with major smart home platforms. If I found myself owning them, I wouldn’t complain. Because Govee runs frequent sales, especially during the holidays, keep an eye out for deep discounts. Should you spot a bargain – one that beats Philips Hue – then I’d say go for it. The Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism might just be your home’s next vibrant upgrade.

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