The Evolution of IKEA Smart Lighting
IKEA's journey into smart lighting began in 2017 with the TRÅDFRI line — Zigbee bulbs with a remote control and gateway. The first generation was basic but functional: dimmable bulbs, white spectrum (warm/cool), and a gateway serving as the central hub. The price was impressively low — under €10 per bulb — well below Philips Hue's €30+ per bulb pricing.
In 2022, IKEA introduced DIRIGERA, an entirely new hub replacing the older TRÅDFRI Gateway. DIRIGERA supports both Zigbee 3.0 and Thread, with native Matter support — effectively making every IKEA smart device Matter-compatible through the hub. The DIRIGERA hub is priced at approximately €55-60 in European markets.
In February 2026, IKEA launched 19 new smart lighting products — the largest refresh in the series' history. The new KAJPLATS line replaces many older TRÅDFRI models, offering improved brightness, new color models, built-in Matter support without a hub, and lower energy consumption. This represents a significant leap forward for the most affordable smart lighting ecosystem on the market.
Complete Product Range 2026
KAJPLATS — The New Generation
The KAJPLATS series represents IKEA's new era of smart lighting. It comes in multiple variants:
- KAJPLATS E27 1521 lumens (White Spectrum): The brightest bulb in the lineup, ideal for main room lighting. Priced at approximately €9. Energy efficiency class C.
- KAJPLATS E27 1055 lumens (Color & White): Full RGB color spectrum plus white, priced at around €9. The most affordable color smart bulb on the market.
- KAJPLATS E14 806 lumens (Color & White): For fixtures with smaller E14 sockets — chandeliers, table lamps, bedside lights. Priced at approximately €7.
- KAJPLATS GU10 470 lumens (Color & White): Spotlights for recessed ceiling fixtures and track lighting. Priced at €7 — possibly the best value in smart spotlights.
- KAJPLATS GU10 575 lumens (White Spectrum): White-only spotlight with even higher brightness. Priced at €5 — the cheapest smart bulb available anywhere.
TRÅDFRI — The Classic Line
Despite the arrival of KAJPLATS, the TRÅDFRI line continues with select models. The TRÅDFRI E27 1055 lumens (White Spectrum Globe) at €8 remains popular for basic dimmable lighting without color. The series also includes the TRÅDFRI Driver (€22) for integration into existing fixtures and concealed lighting installations.
ORMANÄS — LED Strips
The ORMANÄS series offers smart LED strips with color and white spectrum control. The basic 4-meter strip costs approximately €29 — significantly cheaper than equivalent Govee strips (€35-50) or the Philips Hue Lightstrip (€80+). Dimmable, with individual zone color control for creative lighting effects.
Sensors & Remote Controls
- BILRESA Remote Control (€3-4): New remote in two versions — dual button and scroll wheel. Controls up to 10 devices.
- MYGGSPRAY Motion Sensor (€7): Wireless motion sensor for automatic lighting. Day/night mode switching.
- MYGGBETT Door/Window Sensor (€7): Door/window sensor — open the door, the light turns on automatically.
- RODRET Dimmer Switch (€5): Wireless dimmer with on/off functionality.
- TRETAKT Smart Plug (€6): Smart plug for automation scenarios.
- TIMMERFLOTTE Temperature/Humidity Sensor (€5): Environmental monitoring at a remarkably low price.
- KLIPPBOK Water Leakage Sensor (€7): Water leak detection for kitchens and bathrooms.
- ALPSTUGA Air Quality Sensor (€25): Indoor air quality monitoring for healthier living.
DIRIGERA Hub: Do You Need It?
With the new Matter-native KAJPLATS products, you can use the bulbs without the DIRIGERA hub — as long as you have a Matter controller (Apple HomePod, Google Nest, etc.). However, DIRIGERA (€55-60) remains essential if you want to: a) use older TRÅDFRI products, b) fully leverage automation scenarios through the IKEA Home Smart app, c) centrally control sensors and remote controls.
Strengths of IKEA Smart Lighting
1. Unbeatable Pricing
This is the absolute selling point. A KAJPLATS GU10 White Spectrum costs just €5. A full color E27 bulb costs €9. A remote control costs €3. These prices are remarkably low — the equivalent Philips Hue Color bulb costs €30-35, meaning 3-4 times more. For a 10-bulb setup, IKEA costs €70-90, while Hue would run €300-350 (without the bridge). Even WiZ, considered budget-friendly, starts at €12-15 per color bulb — still more expensive than IKEA's options.
2. Physical Stores Available
Unlike LIFX, Govee, or even most Hue products, IKEA has physical stores across Europe where you can see the products in person, buy them immediately without waiting for shipping, and return them easily if unsatisfied. This hands-on shopping experience is a significant advantage for consumers who prefer to examine products before purchasing, especially when building a multi-room smart lighting system.
3. Matter Protocol Support
The new KAJPLATS series supports Matter natively, while older TRÅDFRI products become Matter-compatible through the DIRIGERA hub. This means IKEA lights work with Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, and Home Assistant — with virtually no platform limitations. As Wirecutter noted, IKEA's TRÅDFRI was previously tested but Matter support now makes the ecosystem far more compelling.
4. Complete Ecosystem
IKEA doesn't just sell bulbs. It sells bulbs, LED strips, motion sensors, door/window sensors, temperature/humidity sensors, air quality sensors, water leak sensors, smart plugs, and remote controls. With 59+ products, you can build a complete smart home starting from lighting and expanding into environmental monitoring and basic home security — all from a single brand at remarkably low prices.
Weaknesses & Limitations
1. Color Quality
IKEA's color reproduction, while decent, doesn't reach the level of Philips Hue or LIFX. Reds and greens are less saturated, and transitions between colors aren't as smooth. If creating “scenes” with precise colors is a priority — for photography, content creation, or entertainment — IKEA may disappoint. For ambient mood lighting and practical automation, however, the color quality is perfectly adequate.
2. App Experience
The IKEA Home Smart app has improved significantly in recent years but still trails the Philips Hue app in features and polish. Automation scenarios are basic, music reactivity is absent, and managing multiple rooms can become cumbersome. Integration through Apple Home or Google Home partially compensates for this limitation, effectively bypassing the native app for daily control.
3. No Entertainment Integration
IKEA offers nothing equivalent to the Philips Hue Sync Box or Hue Entertainment Areas. If you want lighting that syncs with movies, gaming, or music, you'll need to look at third-party solutions or switch to Govee or Hue for those specific use cases. This is a notable gap for users who prioritize immersive media experiences.
IKEA vs Philips Hue vs WiZ: Head-to-Head
| Feature | IKEA KAJPLATS | Philips Hue | WiZ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Color E27) | €9 | €30-35 | €12-15 |
| Hub | Optional (DIRIGERA €55) | Required (€55) | No |
| Protocol | Zigbee / Matter | Zigbee / Matter | WiFi |
| Max Brightness (E27) | 1055-1521 lm | 1100 lm | 810 lm |
| Color Quality | Good | Very Good | Decent |
| App/Automations | Basic | Extensive | Moderate |
| Sensors Available | Yes (6+ types) | Yes (3-4 types) | No |
| Entertainment Sync | No | Yes (Sync Box) | Basic |
| HomeKit Support | Yes (via Matter) | Yes | Siri Shortcuts only |
| Energy Monitoring | Yes (INSPELNING plug) | No | No |
Installation Guide: Step by Step
Method 1: With DIRIGERA Hub
- Connect DIRIGERA to power and your router via Ethernet cable.
- Download the IKEA Home Smart app (iOS/Android) and create an account.
- Screw in the bulb to any E27/E14/GU10 socket and turn it on.
- In the app, tap “Add Device” — DIRIGERA will automatically detect the bulb via Zigbee.
- Name it and assign it to a room for organized control.
- For sensors/remotes: follow the pairing guide in the app (typically press the button 4 times quickly).
Method 2: Without Hub (Matter Direct)
- Ensure you have a Matter controller — Apple HomePod Mini/Apple TV 4K, Google Nest Hub, Amazon Echo 4th gen+.
- Screw in the KAJPLATS bulb and turn it on.
- In the Apple Home/Google Home app, tap “Add Accessory” and scan the QR code on the packaging.
- The bulb will appear directly in your Matter controller without any intermediate hub.
Budget Setup: Complete Smart Lighting for Under €100
A realistic budget setup with IKEA: 4x KAJPLATS E27 Color (€36) + 2x KAJPLATS GU10 White (€10) + 1x BILRESA Remote (€3) + 1x MYGGSPRAY Motion Sensor (€7) = €56 total. Add the hub: +€55 for DIRIGERA = €111 total. This gives you smart lighting across 3-4 rooms — something that would cost €250+ with Philips Hue.
Value Assessment
IKEA's smart lighting represents exceptional value for several key reasons:
- Energy savings: With high electricity costs across Europe, the energy savings from dimming and automation have real value. A 1055 lumen LED that automatically dims at night saves noticeably on your electricity bill over a year.
- Low entry cost: The entry point for smart lighting starts at €5 — no competitor comes close to this pricing.
- Warranty & Support: IKEA offers local warranty, 365-day return policy, and customer service in local languages — things impossible with import-only brands.
- Matter future-proofing: The new KAJPLATS bulbs with Matter guarantee compatibility even if IKEA were to discontinue the line (technically unlikely, but the protection exists at a protocol level).
Alternatives Worth Considering
WiZ (Budget WiFi)
If you don't want a hub and prefer WiFi connectivity, WiZ bulbs start from €12-15 per color bulb. Better color reproduction than IKEA, but without sensors, remotes, or the breadth of accessories. The WiZ app offers better scenes and circadian rhythm modes. Wirecutter's top pick for smart LED bulbs in 2026 at just $7 in the US.
Philips Hue (Premium)
If you want the ultimate experience — entertainment sync, Hue Labs, a rich app with deep automation — Hue remains unmatched. But with prices 3-4x higher per bulb and a mandatory bridge, it's clearly a premium choice. The Hue ecosystem includes outdoor lights, light bars, gradient strips, and professional entertainment integration that IKEA simply doesn't offer.
Govee (Decorative)
For LED strips, light bars, ambient backlighting, and entertainment sync, Govee offers more creative possibilities (music sync, screen mirroring) at competitive prices. However, it doesn't offer “serious” room lighting — Govee is best for accent and entertainment applications rather than primary illumination.
Final Verdict
IKEA's smart lighting in February 2026 represents the best value proposition on the market. The new KAJPLATS series with Matter support, sensors priced at €5-7, and the DIRIGERA hub with Zigbee+Thread+Matter create an ecosystem that doesn't just appeal to the “budget buyer” — it serves every user who wants reliable smart lighting without excessive spending.
If you're just starting with smart home lighting, our recommendation: begin with 2-3 KAJPLATS bulbs (€18-27 total) without a hub, using Matter through Apple Home or Google Home. If you enjoy the experience, expand gradually and add the DIRIGERA hub when you want sensors and automations. Smart lighting doesn't need to cost a fortune — IKEA proves it convincingly.
Our Rating: 8.5/10 — Excellent value, complete ecosystem, and wide retail availability. Only falls short in color accuracy and app capabilities compared to premium alternatives.