Building a smart home often starts with the lighting. But should you choose professionally installed Plejd, colorful Philips Hue, or budget-friendly IKEA Trådfri? We guide you right based on the most common needs.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Plejd | Philips Hue | IKEA Trådfri |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installation | Electrician (behind switch) | DIY (screw in bulb) | DIY (screw in bulb) |
| Keeps standard switches | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Supports existing fixtures | ✅ Yes | ❌ Requires Hue bulbs | ❌ Requires Trådfri bulbs |
| Colored Light | ❌ No (white, dimmable) | ✅ Yes (16 mil. colors) | ✅ Yes (limited selection) |
| Price (Starter Kit) | ~3,000 SEK + installation | ~1,500–3,000 SEK | ~500–1,500 SEK |
| Stability | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
Plejd: The Built-in Choice
Plejd is installed behind your existing light switches by a certified electrician. The system then works with all bulbs and fixtures you already own — you do not need to change a single light bulb.
- Pros: Incredibly stable, you keep your normal light switches (great for guests and children), invisible installation, works with any bulb.
- Cons: Requires an electrician for installation. Not focused on colorful lights.
- Best for: Ceiling spotlights, dimmers in the living room, facade lighting, smart switches throughout the home.
Philips Hue: For the Color Nerd
Philips Hue is based on smart light sources. You screw a Hue bulb into your fixture and connect it via the Hue Bridge.
- Pros: Easy DIY installation, fantastic colors and scene programs, enormous ecosystem with sensors and accessories.
- Cons: Your regular light switch must always be on. If someone turns off the power, the bulb loses its network connection. More expensive to run if you need to replace many bulbs.
- Best for: Accent lighting, bedside table lamp, TV backlight (Hue Play), cozy corners.
IKEA Trådfri: The Budget Choice
Like Hue, this is a system with smart light sources, but at a significantly lower price.
- Pros: Very affordable. Good basic integration with Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa.
- Cons: The app (IKEA Home smart) can feel limited. Fewer advanced scenes and automation.
- Best for: Simpler home automation on a tight budget.
Which System Do We Recommend?
As electricians, we regularly install Plejd systems and see clear advantages in daily use — above all that the light switches work exactly as before for everyone in the family. Our strategy for most homes:
- Plejd for all fixed lighting (ceiling spots, dimmers, stairwell lights, facade)
- Philips Hue as a complement in the living room and bedroom for mood lighting and colored light
Need help with this?
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Free QuoteDo You Want to Install Plejd Lighting?
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