Comparison

Philips PCA vs Hue Essentials

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Lighting control
  • HVAC control
  • Visible light communication
  • QR code input
  • Self-configuring
  • Location-based control
Features
Read 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

About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Features
Read 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

Philips PCA4 screens
Hue Essentials4 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Hue Essentials sells 8 one-off in-app purchases. Philips PCA asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
Philips PCA versus Hue Essentials: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPhilips PCAHue Essentials
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better4.1 (133 ratings)
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews — better37.2% of reviews
Number of ratings1133 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFreemium
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS16.615.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size16 MB269 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSignify Netherlands B.V.Thomas Vos

Customer experience

Philips PCA

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Hue Essentials

All ratings133 ratings
Positive75.9%
Neutral8.3%
Negative15.8%
Written reviews239 reviews
Positive37.2%
Neutral8.4%
Negative54.4%

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

None

Philips PCA

No in-app purchases

8 purchases

Hue Essentials

One-time8
  • Effects: Christmas$0.99
  • Effects: Universe$0.99
  • Effects: Wonders of nature$0.99
Show 5 more
  • 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?
Philips PCA is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Hue Essentials free?
Hue Essentials is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Philips PCA or Hue Essentials?
Philips PCA is rated higher. Philips PCA averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Hue Essentials averages 4.1 from 133 ratings.
Do Philips PCA or Hue Essentials have ads?
Neither Philips PCA nor Hue Essentials shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Philips PCA or Hue Essentials?
Philips PCA ships an update every 3 months, and Hue Essentials every 2 weeks. Most recently, Philips PCA was updated on September 10, 2026 and Hue Essentials on September 30, 2026.

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