The best smart rope light?

I recently tried out Govee’s Neon Rope Light 2, which is a major upgrade over its predecessor and now features Matter compatibility. The idea of ​​enhancing the ambience of your office space with these smart lights is very appealing, so let’s dive into what sets them apart.

Govee has been a well-known name in the lighting industry for years, providing an affordable alternative to more expensive products like Philips Hue or Nanoleaf. However, while all of these brands have many products that match each other, the idea of ​​customizable rope lights is unique to Govee among the three brands. Other brands like Cync have their own rope-like alternatives, but Govee is making its product even better with its second-generation product.

I tested the 5 meter Neon Rope Light 2, which includes the light itself in the packaging and appears to be made of silicon. The quality is stunning, and when mounted on the wall, the diffused light creates a more attractive display than cheaper alternatives. They give off a soft, pleasant glow without being overly bright or harsh.

The most time-consuming part of the Neon Rope Light 2 was deciding on the design and setting it up before installation. The package also includes clips with pre-applied adhesive to make the physical installation process easier. The Neon Rope Light 2 introduces a longer metal version of these flexible metal clips to provide extra versatility, a feature missing from the original version.

Screws are included for extra security, but the adhesive clips stick well to almost any flat surface, including walls, metal, and wood. However, they are single-use and lose their stickiness once removed. Given the disposable nature of adhesive clips, careful planning is required. One workaround I found is to use command strips cut to the size of a clip, allowing for reuse rather than discarding.

Govee’s app offers a variety of design options. If you choose a pre-installed design, the app will show you where to place the adhesive clips, simplifying the design process. The app also offers tons of options, including more colors and different scenes. A unique feature is the music option, where the lights react to sound to create a dynamic light show. The app also offers pre-made scenes, DIY options for creating your own color combinations, and an AI mode that can generate scenes for you. You can even upload a picture; the app will recreate its colors on the rope light.

The Neon Rope Light 2 is compatible with Google Home and Amazon Alexa, allowing you limited control of your smart lights. You can turn them on or off or adjust color settings from your smartphone or smart home device. However, if you want more control, you’ll need to use the Govee app.

A new feature of Neon Rope Light 2 is the ability to control the direction of the light. Previous versions of Govee limited lighting effects from left to right, and you couldn’t do much else with them. However, with the Neon Rope Light 2 you can decide whether it lights up from left, right, up or down. This allows more creative freedom with your designs.

Govee products have always been a favorite of mine, offering cost-effective alternatives to the Nano Leaf and Philips Hue, and the Rope Light 2 is no exception. While they may not be as bright as some other options, the quality is comparable. Added Matter support simplifies the setup process and is compatible with multiple smart home platforms and other accessories.

Neon Rope Lights 2 Although somewhat challenging and time-consuming to install, if installed correctly and with a little creativity, they can significantly enhance the aesthetics of a space. They really added some much needed color to my home office.