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 | ⚠️ White spectrum (warm to cold on select products) | ✅ Yes (16 mil. colors) | ✅ Yes (limited selection) |
| Price (Starter Kit) | approx. 3,000 SEK + installation | approx. 1,500 to 3,000 SEK | approx. 500 to 1,500 SEK |
| Stability | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
Plejd: The Built-in Choice We Recommend
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.
Smista Elinstallation strongly recommends Plejd because it is a Swedish quality system that runs smoothly. It is exceptionally reliable and allows everyone in the house to turn lights on and off on the wall as usual.
- Pros: Swedish quality, 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. Focuses on white spectrum color temperature rather than RGB colors.
- 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?
Smista Elinstallation always recommends Plejd, because it is Swedish, manufactured to the highest quality, and operates completely hassle-free without dropped connections or unusable wall switches.
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?
Get a free quote from our certified electricians. We usually respond within 48 hours.
Free QuoteDo You Want to Install Plejd Lighting?
Smista Elinstallation are certified Plejd installers and can help you with everything from planning to installation. You can utilize a 30% ROT deduction on the installation cost. Contact us for a free quote.
