Nanoleaf Essentials smart bulb Review - A leap forward with Thread for Apple Home and HomePod mini

Nanoleaf has expanded its smart device product line up to include some affordable smart home lighting options. Just like the panels from the company, you do not need an additional hub. But the feature that makes them stand out is they work with Thread with HomeKit via the HomePod mini.
The Nanoleaf Essentials range comes in E26 and B22 smart bulbs and a 2 meter light strip. But in this review, I will take the smart bulb range through its paces. Although I used the E26 fitting, the B22 is identical other than the fitting type.
So if you are looking for some affordable HomeKit supported smart bulbs that work with Thread. I have installed 4 of these in my home and have put them through some in-depth testing. So continue reading this Nanoleaf Essentials smart bulb review to find out more.
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[@HomeKitAuthority]

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[@stevengeorges9046]

Most people purchase light bulbs to use in their new lamps. I am buying lamps to put my Nanoleaf bulbs in. I love thread!

[@stevengeorges9046]

@FreqWave Beatz Any lamp that takes a regular bulb socket. Just leave the lamp on and the bulb turns itself on and off using your HomePod mini and your iPhone or Suri command.

[@mark6ix_]

@@stevengeorges9046 will the lamp use energy if it is left on all the time or only when the actual light bulb is on?

[@MobileLearner]

@@mark6ix_ not too sure but if I had to guess I’d imagine it would use a very small amount of power when the bulb is off. Probably a small fraction of while it’s on

[@DannyDDK]

That’s good that I can control it via the O Map

[@HomeKitAuthority]

Ha ha

[@heidi9569]

Lol as an American it took me a few listens to that word before I realized he was saying the home app hehe

[@shinyy160]

CC be like

[@JottyOL]

It‘s so funny. When you say “home app” I first understood “Oma” which is the german word for grandma. Great videos, thank you!

[@HomeKitAuthority]

Thank you! I am working on “h”

[@ahgflyguy]

Lots of reviewers have noted that the essentials bulb does not fall back to Bluetooth when the HomePod mini Thread connection goes offline. It actually does. It just takes 10 to 20 minutes for that to happen. I can see a reviewer not wanting to wait that long to test some aspects that is so not-that-important. But it does fall back to BT gracefully, just kinda slowly. What I find interesting is that if a thread bulb gets power to it cut and then restored, it reconnects to the HomePod mini within about 5 seconds. But if the power to the mini is cut, it can take minutes to hours before it reconnects to the Nanoleaf bulbs using thread. Also, in the Mini is off and you want the bulb to hurry up and connect to other devices via BT, just power cycle the bulb.

[@NickAnema]

Holy shit. Good video. But damn man.. once or twice telling to follow/subscribe is enough. But every fucking 30 seconds a message to subscribe or follow.. that was just annoying!

[@TheLonet]

Avoid Nanoleaf. When the lights work, they are wonderful. When there’s an issue the brand’s support is non-existent. I had 7 bulbs and I already returned a pair to Amazon after a week waiting for Nanoleaf to reply to my three emails. I only got one automatic answer and I guess they had put my address on a block list because for the other two I sent them through their website I got no automatic receipt.

[@jacobnussbaum2309]

What was your issue?

[@TheLonet]

@@jacobnussbaum2309the lamps were constantly loosing connection. And worst of all was the non-existing support. There are companies such as this one that only wants to sell.

[@slater3583]

Can I just use Siri to control it as I don’t have a home pod???

[@thisIsjonk]

What's the power outage behavior of this bulb when connected via thread? By that I mean, when the power goes out and comes back on, does it turn on, or does it return to its previous state?

[@mrflippy3578]

Sorry that your question hasn't been answered after six months, but you can toggle whether you want it to turn on or return to previous state after power loss within the Nanoleaf app.

[@thisIsjonk]

@@mrflippy3578 Thank you!

[@mrflippy3578]

@@thisIsjonk I gotcha ;)

[@mitchell9169]

Starts at 1:30. you're welcome.

[@cellman1829]

Perfect timing as I just ordered my lightbulb through Apple store 🙏🙏👍🏻👍🏻

[@HomeKitAuthority]

Amazing! Great to see these back in stock

[@numberl6]

recently got one myself - in terms of responsiveness and wireless performance they are great. even better than my WiFi LIFX. but in terms of lighting performance I found them underwhelming. firstly, the brightness when in RGB mode is a lot lower that on LIFX, but I’m not a big RGB fan - if there was a white warm-cool edition only, I’d buy that. however, even in that regard they’re quite disappointing: the standard “white” is very cool, and there is no discernible difference between tones on the lower 40% of the warmth slider: they’re all kinda blueish, but don’t go further than that. when you go in the opposite direction, there is a significant tone shift for even the smallest slider increment, but the brightness begins to drop off towards the end. also there’s flickering that can be detected with the iPhone viewfinder at 60fps and higher (when in white-ambiance mode) I wouldn’t buy more of these, even considering the low price, but since there are no other Thread bulbs on the market, I wouldn’t buy any other bulbs as well

[@adaml.5355]

Have you tried the recent software update? I know they fixed some of the HomeKit white compatibility.

[@TerraMagnus]

I think the Thread folks are just now starting to see the kind of response times that us folks have been enjoying in the Zigbee world for years. Considering the shared history of the two transports, it's no surprise. I wouldn't look at these bulbs as general area lighting bulbs. I'd think of them more as something you might put in an accent lamp for mood lighting (though isn't this true of any RGB bulb in any but the tackiest of homes?) Wait until you start seeing cheap store-brand smart bulbs at Home Depot, like we have now for Zigbee bulbs, and you'll start seeing good general purpose options at sane prices.

[@shq_main2853]

Mine was great until recently. Now the connection randomly becomes unresponsive, even after a factory reset.

[@numberl6]

@@shq_main2853 yes i've been experiencing this for the past like year

[@Archy513]

I bought them thinking they would work with Alexa like the light panels and now they are the only thing I can’t control with Alexa :(

[@ritamix33]

this is the best breakdown of thread and bluetooth i have seen for using these bulbs. very in depth but succinct. thank you so much.

[@nicholas790]

I noticed the dimmer brightness when in color mode. Like you mentioned all the smart bulbs have this issue. My simple solution was to double up the sockets in my Nelson bubble lights. Now they’re plenty bright in white and color modes.

[@Illlini]

can you list current products that support thread?

[@CaptRam1u5]

Currently, there are only a handful for the US the list is: • Eve Door and Window (3rd Gen) • Nanoleaf Essentials A19 bulb • Nanoleaf Essentials Lightstrip Eve has announced that the there be a FW update to support Thread on the following: • Eve Aqua (2nd gen) • Eve Thermo (4th gen)

[@HomeKitAuthority]

Thanks for this Ian!

[@sirmacsir7112]

Why do you keep saying E26 when the displayed box clearly says E27 which is the correct label for the bulb?

[@brianwalsh1844]

I really like the Nanoleaf bulbs - better value than the Philips offering that I also have.

[@tommacdougall]

Loved the Nanoleaf bulbs until the most recent firmware update. Presently I'm in the "firmware loop", contacted support and they have been slow to respond and of little use ... referring me to their literature and videos. Now they want a video of me doing a factory reset on each bulb and then they will consider(?) replacing the bulb(s) if I pay the shipping ($10.00 US) each. So if you have any ideas on how to get out of the "firmware loop" it would be greatly appreciated.

[@CameronYoung-n4v]

Loved your nanoleaf smart bulb review! The Thread for Apple Home and HomePod mini upgrade is awesome

[@krazygreekguy]

Great vid! Do you know if these can and should be placed in recessed lighting? I have some LIFX BR30's, which I love the level of brightness and color saturation they're capable of, but would love to replace with something more reliable without sacrificing anything

[@husokhliqdad3246]

Hey I had the same question as well, I ended up gutting a nanoleaf bulb out ( very well built lol) and installed it in a wafer style LED in my recessed lighting so far so good granted only had it in for a day or so gonna keep testing to see how well it performs, the response time is still the same and brightness I was worried about the signal due to the metal can as well as heating issues. However I did contact Nanoleaf and this is what they said to me. “Hey there, Thanks for reaching out to Nanoleaf Support! I'd be glad to assist! We don't recommend putting them in completely enclosed fixtures but recessed cans should be ok as long as there's some airflow. And yes, you can control the Bulbs individually or as a group.”

[@craftrobot]

Yes! Ordered 9. I expect the software will catch up. i also expect the thread support in the Eero 6 will catch up. Great report!

[@robdrewery7762]

I now have Home Pod and 5 Mini Home Pods and just installed the Eve Plugs yesterday. Wowzer, so damn easy for this 70-something! Next are 3 Nanoleaf E27 bulbs. Thank you for your review, I am SOLD! I do have Question concerning HomeKit Thermostats: Do they support both the (gas) furnace and a Heat Pump? My experience with Amazon Echo was frustrating and costly with the Furnace Technician finding out that it did not support a 2-stage system. Do you have an answer? Cheers, Rob Drewery

[@1991KingCrimson]

Awesome video! Super helpful. I am just now getting into the Apple ecosystem in my home

[@renedekat3519]

This product has been unavailable with Apple for months and months and months.

[@HomeKitAuthority]

I got more last night. Keep trying

[@BraidenBrousseau]

don't worry ... they STILL don't support adaptive lighting .... so you shouldn't be a in a rush

[@pauljeynes2589]

Great pieces of kit. Just wish they were in stock!!!

[@benjaminschneider]

Yeah. I’m waiting to buy some for forever now.

[@HomeKitAuthority]

Keep looking. I bought these myself and just bought 3 more!

[@HomeKitAuthority]

Keep searching! I got 3 more

[@Danbrown521]

@@benjaminschneider look at apple.com, available for purchase now

[@amirsharon598]

Where did you buy them from?

[@joshuamiller-le753]

these bulbs suck. They NEVER stay connected and smart functions are useless because they NEVER respond.

[@Patchow]

Am I correct in thinking if I turn off the light switch, the bulbs will not work? What smart light switch works best? I don’t want guests turning them off accidentally

[@AymanAlThubity]

why there is 30 bulbs limit? I thought thread is the solution for big home and better connectivity overall... searched everywhere can't find an answer.

[@adaml.5355]

Finally! I know these are hard to get. Ordered them in November. Still don't have one.

[@HomeKitAuthority]

Keep holding on

[@wozzle68]

I am a bit disappointed with the colours of my Nanoleaf Essentials bulb :(

[@samgab]

I'm not sure who the "Oh-Map" or the "Fred" you keep talking about are...

[@UnderBrokenWings]

Question about over loading my WiFi router: Assuming I don't have a mesh router and I have a homepod Mini: - Because the nano leaf doesn't come with a hub like a Philips Hue, do I have to worry about my wifi being overloaded by each individual bulb that's connected? For example like LifX - Or would a homepod mini act as a hub - Or does Thread somehow help alleviate this as well? Sincerely, A n00b who doesn't know what Thread is and is new to the homekit and smart home world.

[@ru6886]

Think he mentioned that it would just connect via Bluetooth to your phone so it should be okay

[@ranver18]

So apparently this light bulb is not as bright as the Philips Hue 9W colour bulb?

[@TerraMagnus]

It would be interesting to see what things look like in the real world when Matter gets added to the mix, and devices from competing manufacturers are potentially cooperating as admin nodes on the same mesh. Will my HomePod Mini, my Nest thermostat, my Echo Dot, and my Raspberry Pi running Home Assistant be co-equal partners in a mesh of shared devices?

[@DamienEarth]

I hope this never becomes a thing. HomeKit is end to end encrypted, no one is working with your data or can see your video or hear your audio .. on top of that, the connection is thread with your HomeKit products. You have to pick a side!

[@TerraMagnus]

@@DamienEarth it's a thing. It's literally part of the pitch for Matter, which Apple helped to craft.

[@turnright1131]

They’re cool but suck for sunrise alarm use

[@Fush1234]

Can’t see the point. Useless expense realky.

[@LefterisDemetriou]

Nanoleaf light bulbs are rubbish.

[@1072064]

Brilliant video....... well presented and informative! Does ‘thread’ work between different brands such as EVE and Nanoleaf?

[@HomeKitAuthority]

Thank you, I do try and give the best information. Yes Nanoleaf and Eve along with other brands all work together in a Thread network

[@stevengeorges9046]

As long as they have Thread, yes they should all mesh together.

[@ashawnknight3074]

Great video. What’s the model lamp in your background?

[@HomeKitAuthority]

It’s the yeelight star light

[@marcwar3]

I have 6 HomePod minis, 7 nano leaf lightbulbs. Operating from the Home App, always a few seconds delay for the lights. ALWAYS delays if even anything from the HomePod minis! Called Apple Tech support and after 3 different techs, none of them knew what the Thread Network was/is! Can you please give us a basic, basic, explanation as to how to setup your HomeKit and how to know for sure that you're HomePod Minis are using the thread or not?? Help!

[@FightingNavyman]

hey HomeKit Authority how has your electricity bill been after replacing some of your lightbulbs with nanoleaf bulbs? has it gone up/down or feels the same when you see your electrical bill?

[@tennishistoryandresultsdat4540]

Were anyone successful in getting them connected to Smart Life app in Android? I have several A19 and Smart Life does not seem to recognize them

[@infernalkyrex3144]

BUT the most important question of them all, can I just say “hey Siri turn on the lights in ***** room” to turn on the lights?

[@GreeniusGenius]

Well of course, they’re HomeKIt lights…

[@victorsoh9069]

Looking forward to see your review on the Nanoleaf light strips

[@HomeKitAuthority]

Just need to get another. I gave the other away as a Christmas present

[@shq_main2853]

Mine was great until recently. Now the connection randomly becomes unresponsive, even after a factory reset.

[@momsspaghetti6507]

these bulbs are ds. I ordered 5of them, they all have response delay, after a week they all started having connection issues. I removed them all and now they wont even pair. Ive had my phillip hue ones for more than 2 years already and I have never had a single issue with this brand.

[@Cocker_Spaniel]

My bulbs seem to not fade out when turning off vice versa. They just instantly turn on/off. Is there a way to make them fade in/out?

[@marktime61]

So what does thread run over? You distinguish between BT and Thread but surely thread either runs over BT or Ethernet (wifi) or…. ?

[@brianwalsh1844]

Do you know when Nest thermostats and smoke alarms will get Matter support?

[@HomeKitAuthority]

sorry not at this time

[@valerie5417]

I bought these and I couldn’t have been more disappointed. I have a google hub and an Apple TV 4K. My google home assistant never found these bulbs, the firmware for 2 of the 3 bulbs wouldn’t download. I bought Wiz bulbs to replace them and the wiz bulbs worked great. So it wasn’t anything to do with my system or network. Plus I spent 25 DAYS email the customer service and all they did was send me some KZbin video links and never addressed the firmware issue. Terrible customer service experience. I asked for a refund even offered to send them the bulbs, but all the offered to do was replace the bulbs which I didn’t want bc they DID NOT work with my google home set up despite being advertised to do so. Such a bad customer service experience zero help or value added.

[@gigglybeast]

The price of these bulbs is too damn high! Especially for mediocre performance.

[@wrlSivan16]

Does apple smart bulbs slow down your router like Phillips hue?

[@handsomelok]

It is not working

[@MattLakeland]

I’ve just bought one and set it up today. I can control the bulb via the Home app turning it off and on, but Siri won’t recognise it for voice control. Anyone know what the problem could be?

[@vladimirputin7951]

Please I am in Europe, Greece and I can't find the app to use the smart light pulp from my android phone.I need help!

[@Cali_90s]

awesome channel. i was looking for a channel that does homekit stuff. i subd

[@kylehazachode]

What’s going on with Nanoleaf? The bulb has been out of stock everywhere since this video’s been uploaded. I gave up waiting and bought Meross’ bulbs, not excited to use them.

[@mpetrides]

What is the Thread app you were using at around 7:18 into the video?

[@HomeKitAuthority]

Eve app

[@mpetrides]

@@HomeKitAuthority Thanks!

[@josedamian-puga2563]

So this will work then with two stereo original HomePods right not just the mini

[@thongbui3034]

Hi HomeKit Authority Where is the product manufactured?

[@512Belieber]

Do we need anything else apart from the bulbs to connect?

[@drublod530]

Can these be used with musical flashing,changing colors to music through home pod mini?

[@milayoung572]

Yes, you'd love Nanoleaf’s Rhythm Music Visualizer. It totally vibes with your tunes.

[@migueldiego8819]

PRO TIP: If you are having trouble (like me) understanding what Jon is saying -given the accent and how fast he talks- or having trouble assimilating all that information -again for the reasons stated, then watch this at 0.75x speed. Wayyy better 🙂

[@KGE64]

Is there any open source software to directly control these lamps, say for example from a Pi4 ? I have looked but could not find anything.

[@rich4738]

Can this solution do sunrise simulation like Hue?

[@IM-qy7mf]

Literally took you over 2 mins to get into the TOPIC of the video; thumbs down just for that

[@HomeKitAuthority]

Thanks for watching, but you may want to invest in a new stopwatch. The design section starts at 1:29, which is not over 2 mins as you claim. Moreover from the start until 38 seconds in, I talk about the product. Here is a link to a stopwatch I would recommend that I have used for timing KZbin videos - www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08H58VRP3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_MDDC07Z1Q8M1CVN8NW60?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 It will literally change the accuracy for you

[@vaani9444]

@@HomeKitAuthority 😂😂

[@snuggles03]

That was a very, very handy review thank you. I’m thinking of getting a HomePod and setting up some type of home automation

[@BlairSlavin]

If in future review of the lights if you can include if they group well with scenes that were set up with Hue and home kit and if you can incorporate them into the scenes.

[@GaffGiff]

Hi

[@stevengeorges9046]

Hi

[@stevengeorges9046]

Question: I can use Siri (via HomePod mini) to change a Nanoleaf thread lightbulb to any color I want. “Hey Siri, change the color to red, blue, magenta, teal, gold” . . . Teal looks kind of cool. My question is, what Siri VOICE command do I use to make the bulb bright white? When I say “white” all I get is the not-so-bright RGB white, not the bright (temperature) white.

[@aizalsarahadil7569]

Does Nanoleaf essential lightstrip and bulb support razer synapse?

[@_LC51_]

Can I light up a whole bedroom?

[@Allthecrazythings87]

Its such bs to say it doesnt need a hub. It absolutely does. Bluetooth sucks and you obviously get no cloud support… and guess what the homepod is? THE HUB. Which is the only way to get thread!

[@HomeKitAuthority]

If you listened to the video and watched it all you will hear me say to get thread you need a hub such as a HomePod mini. But you don’t need a hub to make it work, that is 100% true.

[@ok103]

Where can I buy these bulbs ? Are they available in Israel ?

[@AgWhatsUp]

I see no point in getting anymore philips hue bulbs since they’ve already said they will not support Thread in future devices, but only in their hub. Ive seen how responsive and reliable Thread is with my Eve Door & Window sensor. Honestly I don’t want to expand my smart home devices any further unless Thread is supported. For now if I were to get a color bulb, this nanoleaf bulb will be my go-to

[@mklcolvin]

Anyone know if these work in an outdoor environment? I’d love to light up the driveway in front of our garage with these?

[@DjangoGroen]

Can I use it with my Google nest hub without bluetooth?

[@shoppingbyrd8557]

Thank you for sharing. What is the brand of the ceiling fixture? It’s so beautiful!

[@Cocker_Spaniel]

Do they work also over wifi? Can I control them outside my home?

[@lp4296]

If you have a HomeKit hub (HomePod Mini, HomePod, Apple TV or an iPad setup as HomeKit hub), then yes you can use them while you are away (via iCloud and HomeKit). However, I’d suggest having a HomePod Mini since it supports Thread, as the video states.

[@williebeaminiv1928]

Great video. Definitely subscribing and look forward to seeing what else you’ve covered!

[@joerobinnettebiden4723]

How can I make the bulb set the brightness higher before my alarm clock bells ?

[@tCruzin4Lyfe]

So if I get these and connect them to HomeKit I will not be able to turn them on from work? I’ve been using LIFX bulbs and was able to do that

[@HomeKitAuthority]

do you have a home hub such as a HomePod or Apple TV?

[@mrmaas3]

Can a single bulb light a bedroom well or do I need a couple? Also does it work on thread with the new Apple TV 4K?

[@HomeKitAuthority]

Depends on the size of the room, but mine does ok. Yes, the new 4K Apple TV is thread

[@will300c]

Thread is marginal with homepod mini it does constant updating when you execute home or any app that supports home. U can not control the lights during this process. The thread on homepad min is not ready for prime time. Apple has issues with the Border router in Homepod Mini. The response times dramatically decrease with more than one homepod mini

[@jedwardoo]

What’s your thoughts with using Roku on the TV instead of an Apple TV if one has an iPhone and iPad?

[@nares2005]

Great video. One question though, does this bulb extend thread range?

[@TheBrickLand]

Yes it does. Any thread device connects to each other to make a mesh network. But you do need a HomePod mini to control it via thread

[@HomeKitAuthority]

Slightly correct. Mains powered devices like bulbs, light switches ect expand and help create the mesh. However battery powered devices like the Eve Weather don’t

[@wanderlustitis]

I can’t make out what you are saying “o map”? “Home app”? O man? I’ve just ordered three of these directly off the Nanoleaf website!

[@DanielLee1]

_”Home app”_ I find it easier to recognise what he’s saying because I live in the U.K, and this is just a strong accent from wherever he lives, but I was still surprised he doesn’t seem to try and control his accent to make himself clearer!

[@andrejkostikov7024]

Nice video... but PLEASE... where I can buy one to be delivered? Could you refer me to the website, cause I have been looking on amazons different ones and other webs- no result.

[@HomeKitAuthority]

The links should talk you to the Nanoleaf website in the description

[@ralph5198]

Is bluetooth disabled on the bulb when you connect via thread?

[@silviaperez8571]

If i plan to use these with homekit and thread support my question is if the power goes off will they stay as they were when the power comes back on?

[@Daniel-pi6zk]

Good video. Adorable pupper.

[@ChasingOrionsSpur]

So question. If I have three bulbs together, say in a fixture over a table. Can they be grouped together as one light?

[@HomeKitAuthority]

Yes they can within the £ Home app

[@alexaddonizio]

Are these bulbs close in brightness to the Phillips Hue white smart bulbs? I got some off brand color bulbs for my bedroom ceiling light and they just aren’t bright enough.

[@HomeKitAuthority]

I think they are for whites yes

[@JoeSnD]

A larger nanoleaf tile also includes a thread hub

[@stephenwatts7356]

Can you enter turn on turn off times. Say Monday turn on 8:00 Monday turn off 10:00 Monday Tuesday turn on 17:00 Monday Tuesday turn off 23:00 Etc.

[@HomeKitAuthority]

Yes, using HomeKit automations

[@stephenwatts7356]

That’s cool Thank you for the quick response. 👍

[@eksmad]

YOU made me order this bulb yesterday. I have four Osram Smart+ Classic Multicolor before but since I sold my HomePod and got a HomePod mini .. well, guess what, they don't work properly anymore, lol. Time to throw the garbage out and get four of these, huh? I ordered only one, I will test it first but your review makes them look like they are exactly what I was hoping for when I get the Osram ones.. they are often slowly responsing, if at all. Thanks again for this super helpful review!

[@HomeKitAuthority]

Glad I can help

[@mondachewon2873]

Hue is more easy to use with same function

[@BrianRouse]

If I have minis, regular homepods, and an Apple TV in my system, is nanoleaf smart enough to find the mini to utilize thread?

[@HomeKitAuthority]

HomePod mini is the only one that works with Thread so yes. I have 2 regular HomePods, 2 Apple TV and 4 Minis and no issues

[@streetlightgaming1534]

1000th like 😎