Wyze Floor Lamp Review: Slick Design, Could Be Smarter
Wyze floor lamp review: Smooth design, could use more smarts
"It's not perfect, but the minimalist design and cost of the Wyze floor lamp make it a consideration."
-
Sleek looking minimalist design
-
Bright light source
-
Very affordable cost
Most companies usually clean up their product launches, but that's not how Wyze does things. In the past year, the company has played a role that is unparalleled in the smart home sector. While it has only been a few months since the Wyze Bulb Color was launched, the company is back with yet another new lighting solution – the Wyze floor lamp.
You may be wondering how Wyze's interpretation of a floor lamp can go beyond the obvious function of connecting. Let me say right away that the company is only charging $ 30 for this. That might be enough to make some people think about buying, but does it fall victim to the age-old adage, "You get what you pay for?"
This nifty, Ikea-like minimalist design
If there is one specific aspect of the Wyze floor lamp that immediately catches my attention, it has to be its minimalist design. Seriously, this thing looks like it was made by Ikea's designers. Setting up is also a breeze, as the three parts of the floor lamp only have to be twisted together after unpacking.
John Velasco / Digital Trends
By the time it reaches 5 feet (11 inches) in height when fully stretched out, it can easily soar over tables and desks – though it's worth noting that two feet of its length is reserved for its flexible, posable neck. It is still enough to comfortably tower over couches, couches, and even loungers. The base is reinforced with enough weight to prevent it from falling over, but thanks to its 0.5-inch height, it can fit nicely even with small spaces.
This thing seems to have been made by Ikea's designers.
While its design is more compatible with other modern decorations, its minimalism doesn't clash too much with other styles. Well, unless it's in Grandma's living room. Still, I really wish there were other color options besides black.
Semi-smart, needs more options
Speaking of options, technically there is a lightbulb that is supposed to work with it – the included Wyze PARB lightbulb, which the company calls a parabolic aluminized reflector. It's a lightbulb entirely contained in the cone-shaped case that screws into the socket to ensure that the minimalist design is maintained. It has a maximum brightness of 800 lumens, but is set so that it only emits at a color temperature of 4,000 Kelvin. This is wonderful if you always prefer natural daylight, but there are some people who prefer warmer color temperatures which are more ideal for nighttime use.
A special remote control is included in the scope of delivery of the Wyze floor lamp, which is coupled to the PARB lamp via Bluetooth LE 5.0. It has a magnetic base that allows it to be firmly attached to the metal base of the lamp or other surfaces. It's great to be able to control the intensity of the light with the button in addition to the Wyze mobile app. However, since it is powered by Bluetooth Low Energy 5.0, it lacks the real remote control that other smart lights offer. When you are not at home, you cannot turn it on and off. There's a scheduling feature and smart dimming mode via the Wyze app, but none are as useful as the full remote or voice-activated operation that traditional smart lights offer.
As already mentioned, the remote control is only intended to work with the PARB lamp, so that other intelligent LED light bulbs offered by Wyze cannot work with this floor lamp. It's a bummer because it would have given the Wyze floor lamp significant versatility by giving users options for color, true wireless operation, and color temperature control. Hoping for at least one more PARB lightbulb down the street.
Focused lighting
If you are looking for a floor lamp that should focus the light in the smallest of spaces, the Wyze floor lamp is just right for you. There are a total of 15 individual condenser lenses that focus the light at an angle of 23 degrees. This makes it an ideal light to read or illuminate something you might be working on while at your desk. It's a strong light source that is a little harsh because it casts shadows.
John Velasco / Digital Trends
Since it is a focus light, it is not good to illuminate large rooms and spaces. It's just not meant for that, but it works well for highlighting murals and smaller decorative pieces. You could direct the light up to the ceiling, but it doesn't have the same diffusing effect to get full room coverage.
Our opinion
In all fairness, this is not what I would classify as your traditional smart light as it does not have the basic quality of being remotely controlled outside of the home. You still have local operation with the remote or mobile app, but I would prefer to control the voice assistant when I'm just too lazy to get up.
On the other hand, we don't often come across a floor lamp that offers a powerful source of light in a minimalist design like this one. There is certainly room for improvement, but there are some advantages to being a custom light – even more so if it only costs $ 30. That's cheaper than unplugged floor lamps that you can find at Target or Ikea. That alone is worth bragging about.
How long it will take?
I am convinced of the quality of workmanship of the Wyze floor lamp, as the base and the body are made of metal. The only unknowns is how well the joint neck will hold up over the long term, as well as the light bulb, which is designed to last for 25,000 hours. Fortunately, there is a three-year warranty on the lightbulb – while the stand and remote have a one-year limited warranty.
Is there a better alternative?
Not really in the floor lamp room, especially at this price point. There are other decorative smart lights and bulbs to consider, such as the Philips or Hue Iris Mi bedside lampboth of which glow in different colors to match the decor or mood.
Should you buy it?
Yes. It's not often that you find a semi-joined floor lamp at this price point. In some cases, it's cheaper than a traditional floor lamp that you can find at a furniture store or retail store.
Editor's recommendations
