Philips Hue is expanding its smart home ecosystem with a major refresh that introduces a new hub, improved bulbs, outdoor lighting options, a budget line for first-time users, and even a smart video doorbell. The updates mark one of the company’s broadest product rollouts in recent years, aiming to strengthen Hue’s presence in both premium and entry-level smart lighting.
At the center of the lineup is the Hue Bridge Pro, built around the new Hue Chip Pro. The hub increases capacity to support up to 150 lights and 50 accessories on a single network, while also offering 15 times more memory than the previous generation. It can store as many as 500 lighting scenes and introduces MotionAware, a feature that allows compatible lights to double as motion sensors. The Bridge Pro will retail for $99 (€90), with existing users able to migrate to the new hub directly through the app.
Hue’s standard smart bulbs have also been upgraded for 2025, incorporating Chromasync technology for better color accuracy and a wider white spectrum designed to better mimic natural daylight. They can dim down to 0.2% brightness and will be available in a range priced between $16 and $80.
For outdoor spaces, Hue is introducing new string lights. The Festavia Globe line features shatterproof bulbs with animated lighting effects, starting at $130 (€130). The Festavia Permanent, a 150-foot weatherproof option designed for year-round installation, will cost $300.
A notable addition is Hue Essential, a new budget-friendly series designed to make Hue more accessible. While these bulbs sacrifice some brightness and spectrum range compared to premium models, they retain core smart features at a lower cost. A single Essential color bulb is priced at $25, or $60 for a four-pack. Later in 2025, Hue Essential will expand with two light strips, priced at $59.99 and $100.
Perhaps the most significant move beyond lighting is the Hue Video Doorbell, entering a crowded but lucrative market. It offers 2K video with Starlight low-light imaging, two-way audio, and integration with Hue lighting, allowing household lights to respond when someone rings the bell. The device comes with a smart chime and starts at $170 (€170).
The company’s existing Hue Secure cameras are also getting a bump to 2K resolution later this year, along with free 24-hour video history—a feature that previously required a subscription. Wired models will gain compatibility with Apple Home.
Taken together, these updates suggest Hue is no longer just refining its existing smart bulbs but positioning itself as a broader smart home ecosystem, spanning indoor and outdoor lighting as well as home security.
