Philips PCA vs Hue Essentials
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Philips PCA
This application allows for the control of lighting and HVAC systems from a single point. It utilizes visible light communication or QR code input to manage pre-commissioned connected lighting systems. A professionally installed Philips Connected Lighting system is required for operation.
- Lighting control
- HVAC control
- Visible light communication
- QR code input
- Self-configuring
- Location-based control
Read full descriptionHide full description
PCA is the latest control application from Signify. It is a self-configuring application that provides control options for lighting, HVAC from a single point. Using visible light communication or QR code input it can control the pre-commissioned Connected Lighting system. A professionally installed Philips Connected Lighting system is a pre-requisite for use of this app. iOS11 onwards is a requirement for PCA and is compatible with iPhone 6 Plus, 6, 5s and 5c. The PCA App will collect your location data provided by the location services offered on the phone platform to control the lighting and/or temperature at your current location. If you do not consent to the tracking of your location, certain functionality within the App may be limited. You can turn-off the location tracking functionality through the settings of your device, also temporarily. The PCA App needs to access your Camera and GPS receiver for delivering the functionalities and services of the App itself. If you do not consent to the use of these functionality within the App will be limited. Read our App Privacy Notice https://www.signify.com/global/privacy/legal-information/privacy-notice for more information
Hue Essentials
Unlock the full potential of your smart lighting system. Create custom scenes, dynamic effects, and automate your lights with schedules and triggers. Control multiple smart home bridges and devices seamlessly for a personalized ambiance.
- Custom scenes and effects
- Music and entertainment sync
- Sunrise/sunset automation
- Multi-bridge control
- Device discovery and setup
- Button and sensor automation
- Away from home control
Read full descriptionHide full description
Imagine unlimited possibilities in your smart home. Set scenes and fast effects to your mood. Experience Dance Sensation in your entertainment area with Philips Hue Entertainment. Feel more in control with schedules and automation from sunrise to sunset. Control multiple bridges simultaneously without switching between them. Supported devices • Philips Hue bridge • Philips Hue Bluetooth lights • deCONZ (ConBee) • diyHue • LIFX Scenes & effects Create the perfect ambiance from your photos or the included photo library. Experience special animations like lava, fireplace, fireworks, or lightning. Wake up at sunrise and go to sleep at sunset with fading lights. Get into the party on the beats of your music. Sync your lights for a night of disco with strobe effects (updates 25 times/sec). Quick access Create rooms and groups to organize your lights. You can even put a light in several groups. Smart lights & controls The unique ‘Touchlink’ search allows you to find new (3rd party, Zigbee) lights. Use included wizards for easy setup of your devices. You can set scenes, actions, or even multiple scenes on a button to make your switch a real investment. Experience the right ambiance during different times of your day with your motion sensor. All of your creations are stored on the bridge. Easy for you and your family. Advanced Automation allows you to have greater control of your smart home. Turn on your lights when the door opens. Adjust your ventilation when the humidity gets too high. Open or close blinds and curtains based on temperature or sunshine. Make it look like you are at home using 'Away from Home' (out of home control). Communicate directly with your Hue bridge using the API debugger. View technical details of your Hue bridge and update its resources like lights and sensors. You want it all? Fast performance with ad-free experience. Purchase the premium version to unlock full content.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: Philips PCA at 100% against Hue Essentials's 37%. Philips PCA also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.1) and in-app purchases (none vs 8). Hue Essentials's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 3 months) and ratings volume (133 vs 1). On price, ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Hue Essentials sells 8 one-off in-app purchases. Philips PCA asks for nothing beyond the download.
Philips PCA holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Hue Essentials has 133 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of Philips PCA's written reviews are positive against 37% of Hue Essentials's.
Philips PCA ships an update every 3 months, Hue Essentials every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 10, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Philips PCA | Hue Essentials |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better | 4.1 (133 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better | 37.2% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 133 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Every 2 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Freemium |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 16 MB | 269 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Signify Netherlands B.V. | Thomas Vos |
Customer experience
Philips PCA
Hue Essentials
Bugs and requests
Philips PCA
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
Hue Essentials
Reported bugs
4 issues- Fade feature not working
- Saving automations not working
- Crashes when checking 'About' section
- Widgets and Apple Watch app issues
Requested features
4 requests- Repeat/loop function for automations
- Strobing/flashing effects
- Dark mode
- Alexa integration
In-app purchases
Philips PCA
No in-app purchases
Hue Essentials
- Effects: Christmas$0.99
- Effects: Universe$0.99
- Effects: Wonders of nature$0.99
Show 5 moreShow fewer
- Effects: Romantic$0.99
- Effects: Floral fantasy$0.99
- Effects: Spooky$0.99
- Multiple bridges$4.99
- Premium$7.99
Questions
Is Philips PCA free?
Is Hue Essentials free?
Which has better reviews, Philips PCA or Hue Essentials?
Do Philips PCA or Hue Essentials have ads?
Which is updated more often, Philips PCA or Hue Essentials?
Other comparisons















