Philips Hue Smart Button
VERDICT
It’s not trying to do everything; it’s trying to do one thing perfectly: control your lights. With a magnetic base and intelligent time-based logic, this is the most seamless way to add a physical switch to your Hue ecosystem without wiring anything.
The Big Picture
Sometimes you don't want a big plastic square on your wall. The Hue Smart Button is tiny, round, and wrapped in soft-touch silicone. It adheres magnetically to its own wall plate or literally any metal surface (fridge, lamp post, desk leg). It’s designed to be invisible until you need it.
🕰️ Time-Based Light
This is the "Killer Feature."
How it works: By default, the button knows what time it is.
• Press it at 8:00 AM: Lights turn on Energize (Cool White).
• Press it at 10:00 PM: Lights turn on Relax (Warm Dim).
You don't have to program scenes; it just gives you the right light for the right moment automatically.
🧲 Magnetic Magic
The mounting system is brilliant.
Two options: It comes with a standard white wall plate (so it looks like a normal switch). But the button itself is magnetic. You can detach it and take it to the couch, or stick it directly to the corner of a metal floor lamp. It’s a remote that never gets lost.
✅ The Pros
- Instantly responsive (Zero lag with Hue Bridge).
- Time-of-day automation is pre-configured.
- Holding the button dims/brightens the lights.
- Cheaper than the Flic system (~$25 vs $100+).
❌ The Cons
- Only works with Philips Hue lights (Locked ecosystem).
- Button is small; easy to lose if not stuck to something.
- Single button design limits complexity (no double-tap options natively).
🤔 Should you buy it?
YES if you have Hue lights. It is the best accessory Philips makes. Buy one for every room.
NO if you use LIFX, Govee, or other smart bulbs (it won't control them directly). Get the Flic 2 instead.
See the showdown: Philips Hue Smart Button vs. Flic 2 Comparison