# LIFX vs SmartlightBulb

The clearest difference is rating: LIFX at 3.7 against SmartlightBulb's 3.0. LIFX also leads on ratings volume (7.1K vs 1). SmartlightBulb's advantage is monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and iOS requirement (7.1 vs 18.0). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

LIFX holds the better App Store score, 3.7 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: LIFX has 7.1K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

LIFX ships an update fortnightly, SmartlightBulb every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | LIFX | SmartlightBulb |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.7 (7.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lifx/id657758311/reviews)** | [3.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartlightbulb/id1218620286/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **7.1K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 18.2% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 314 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **7.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [LIFX](https://appshunter.io/developer/657758314) | [ShenZhen Lenze Technology Co,.Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1190864538) |

## What reviewers say

### LIFX

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lifx/id657758311)

Control your smart lights with this app. Easily adjust brightness, color, and temperature. Automate schedules, create custom scenes, and explore fun lighting effects. Integrates with voice assistants and HomeKit for seamless control.

**Highlights:** Basic light control (on/off, dim, color, temperature), Group lights for easy management, Automated schedules and scenes, Special lighting effects (music visualizer, fire, etc.), Live color painting on compatible lights, Custom color palettes, HomeKit integration

**Features:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🌟 Excellent color quality and brightness
- 🔍 Customizable lighting effects and scenes
- 🔌 Easy setup and connectivity
- 📱 Responsive and intuitive app
- 🤖 Good integration with smart home platforms

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connectivity issues and unreliable performance
- 🤯 Confusing and cluttered app UI
- 🔄 Frequent app and firmware updates breaking functionality
- 🤖 Poor integration with smart home platforms
- 🕰️ Scheduling and automation issues

**Reported bugs**

- Lights randomly disconnecting from app
- Scenes and effects not working as expected
- Scheduling issues and lights not responding to timers
- Compatibility problems with newer iOS versions
- Frequent app crashes and freezes

**Requested features**

- More granular control over individual lights
- Improved scene and effect customization
- Better scheduling and automation options
- Seamless integration with smart home platforms
- Simplified onboarding and setup process


### SmartlightBulb

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartlightbulb/id1218620286)

Control your smart lights with ease. Change colors, sync with music, and set schedules remotely via Bluetooth. Enjoy convenience and ambiance tailored to your lifestyle.

**Highlights:** Customizable RGB color selection, Music synchronization for dynamic lighting, Remote on/off control within Bluetooth range, Scheduled lighting on/off timers

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is LIFX free?

LIFX is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is SmartlightBulb free?

SmartlightBulb is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, LIFX or SmartlightBulb?

LIFX is rated higher. LIFX averages 3.7 out of 5 from 7.1K ratings, while SmartlightBulb averages 3.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do LIFX or SmartlightBulb have ads?

Neither LIFX nor SmartlightBulb shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, LIFX or SmartlightBulb?

LIFX ships an update fortnightly, and SmartlightBulb every 3 weeks. Most recently, LIFX was updated on October 17, 2026 and SmartlightBulb on October 15, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*