HomeKit accessories in general, and lighting accessories specifically, can be a bit pricey.  VOCOlinc seems to be trying to buck this trend offering reasonably priced HomeKit accessories and their LS1 Smart Light Strip is no exception.  in fact, it has some features that its more expensive counterparts have a hard time keeping up with.  With physical specifications and app features, the VOCOlinc light strip is hard to pass up if you’re in the market for some accent lighting.  

---

Features

• 16 million colors, dimmable, tunable whites 2400 – 5300 K
• 550 lumens per meter
• IP 67 IP rating (dust protection and protection from strong water splashes)
• Dynamic lighting effects through the LinkWise app
• Works with Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa

Need to Knows

• 2.4 gHz WiFi b/g/n IEEE802.11
• 2 m. (6.5 ft.); trimmable; extendable up to 10 m. / 32.5 ft. 
• 0-40 C / 32-104 F operating temperature range
• physical on/off button

Pros

Though its not exactly a wonder to gaze upon, it is a lightstrip after all and, by design, is meant  to play a bit part, the VOCOlinc Smart Light Strip has some key design choices that I rather appreciate.  First, it has a physical on/off button.  While for my intended purposes, it will be controlled via a contact sensor, I like this consideration as my HomeKit obsession is merely tolerated in my household,  it will result in less confusion and complaining.

I am also a fan of the flexibility in terms of this light strip.  It’s extendable up to 32 feet and is trimmable every 4 inches.  This is particularly useful when taken into consideration with the next pro; its IP rating.  Though as you’ll see further down, the accessory seems to be going through something of an identity crisis.

This accessory is rated at IP 67.  If you’re not aware, IP, or Ingress Protection, is an internationally recognized means of rating how well a device is protected from the elements.  The first digit indicates the devices protection against intrusion from foreign objects and goes from 1-7, 1 being “no special protection” and 7 being “totally dust tight”.  A rating of 6 means that the device is protected from “dust that may harm the equipment”.  The second number indicates protection against moisture and ranges from 1-9 with 1 being “no special protection” and 9 claiming “protection against prolonged effects of submersion under pressure.  The VOCOlinc LS1 sits at 7 meaning that it is protected against “strong water jets and waves.”  You are reasonable to question the general ambiguity of these definitions, but suffice it to say that you don’t have to worry if you’re planng on using this to decorate outdoors or in the shower, but maybe think twice if you’re looking to use this lightstrip for underwater pool lighting.  You’ll also want to consider it’s temperature range which we’ll talk about below.

Finally, choosing wifi over Bluetooth was a wise decision.  Some light strips on the market use Bluetooth as their chosen HomeKit connectivity, but it is definitely laggy and doesn’t provide the greatest user experience for lighting.  It’s fine for sensors and other accessory types, but there is a reason why the big boys use either Zigbee or WiFi.

Cons

When I first received the light strip, I thought I had made some mistake and ordered a different product as surely a 2 meter lights strip would not require such a large box, but alas the LS1 just comes in an unnecessarily large box.  While it is well-packed, the size of the box could definitely be shrunken dramatically.  Upon unboxing the light strip, the excess packaging concerns did not cease with the LED strip itself being enveloped in an interesting metallic-looking plastic and the controller being contained within a thick plastic pouch with the power lead housed in a small cardboard compartment set off to one side.  Though neatly packaged and relatively secure, this is the definition of excessive packaging waste.

This lightstrip claims 550 lumens per meter or 1100 lumens for the initial two meters.  This is relatively low, but is comparable with offerings from other manufacturers in its class.  So I wouldn’t plan on using this as a main light source.  I’m also not terribly excited about its white temperature range which maxes out at 5,300 K but again, as an accent piece, it is sufficient.

I mentioned this device having a bit of an identity crisis.  While it has a decent IP rating and can definitely withstand the elements, it has a fairly limited operating temperature range, 32-104 F.  This essentially means that the majority of the world might run into a snag with this accessory at some point during the year.  Sure you can always take it down and store it during the summer or winter months, but ain’t nobody got time for that.

The App

I generally have mixed feelings about the LinkWise app.  Aside from the obvious firmware updates which are pretty frequent and show a high level of commitment on VOCOlinc’s part, it’s not an app that will replace one of my mainstays like Home 3, Eve for HomeKit, or even Apple’s Home app due mostly to its color scheme not being consistent.  This being said the LinkWise app does give us some added features for the LS1 that keep it on the main page of my “Home” app folder and in regular rotation.

Like some of the bigger players in the smart lighting game, VOCOlinc has provided the added benefit of a few different lighting effects for the LS1.  We can choose between Breathe, Blink, and Flow effects.  The first being a gentle, yet distinct fading in and out of up to six different colors.  The second being a more defined change between up to six colors.  Finally, Flow gradually shifts between the six different colors.  The hues, intervals between color changes, and brightness are all customizable.

Final Thoughts

Alright, I’ll just go ahead and say it.  If you are looking for accent lighting, the VOCOlinc Smart Light Strip should be a strong consideration.  Considering all the features and price of the accessory, it beats the competition in my book.  While it doesn’t have the lumens and app features of the Hue Lightstrip Plus or Lifx Z Strip, it doesn’t require a hub and it is nearly half the price.  I also really like that it has a physical on/off button and is extendable to 32 feet.  By far for me, the stand-out feature is its IP rating.  At this moment, there are only a couple of other HomeKit-enabled lights trips that can withstand outdoor environments and bearing in mind price, the need for a hub, and questionable reliability and quality, the LS1 is kind of a no-brainer.    This product is a winner and will, until further notice, be my go-to lightstrip.  Good on you VOCOlinc.

Which HomeKit-enabled lightstrip do you prefer and where have you put it? Let us know in the comments down below and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @myhomekithome for all things Apple HomeKit.

---

Links & Resources

VOCOlinc LS1 Smart Light Strip on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2E7WnCJ

Learn more about the VOCOlinc’s entire lineup of HomeKit products at https://www.vocolinc.com

http://www.enclosurecompany.com/ip-ratings-explained.php

---