The ability to control your lights from your smartphone is definitely cool, but the Philips Hue suite of products can leave a dent in your wallet. Mipow’s line of PLAYBULB smart lights gives you the awesome color changing app control at a much lower price.

Mipow currently offers several different lighting options in their product line. If you’re looking for a regular bulb to place in an existing lighting figure, the Mipow PLAYBULB LED Bulb can be screwed into your existing lamp like a traditional bulb. Pair it up with your smartphone using the Mipow PLAYBULB app for iPhone and Android, and you’re ready to set the colors, adjust the brightness, add effects, and set a timer, all without needing to reach for the light switch.

If you’re looking for some accent lighting, the PLAYBULB Candles provide a nice ambiance while still providing you with smart connectivity. You can use the Mipow PLAYBULB app to adjust the color, brightness, and add different effects. These “candles” can also be flipped over to serve as a holder for a real tea light candle. These lights are powered by 3 AA batteries each, and I’ve been using rechargeable batteries without an issue.

Or, if you’re looking for a larger piece of accent lighting, the PLAYBULB Sphere provides a soft glow inside a large, frosted glass sphere. Again, your smartphone can connect to the light thanks to the Mipow app, allowing you to set the color, brightness, and effects to suit your mood or the occasion. The Sphere can easily be recharged thanks to the wireless charging base.

LED strips are very popular thanks to the ability to “stick” anywhere and provide bright accent lighting under cabinets, behind TVs, or along staircases. The PLAYBULB Comet brings you the convenience of LED strip lighting combined with smartphone connectivity. Mount it behind your TV to help ease eye strain during late night viewing, and adjust the color and brightness to fit the mood of the TV show you’re watching by simply pulling up the PLAYBULB app.

One of PLAYBULB’s most unique offerings in the PLAYBULB Garden solar light. You wouldn’t dream of letting your Hue lights outside in the rain, but the PLAYBULB Garden’s enclosed housing makes it weatherproof and the integrated solar panel means that it will keep itself charged with the sun’s rays. Again, the PLAYBULB app allows you to adjust the color, brightness, and effects from the comfort of your home (well, as long as you’re near a window and within Bluetooth range). Light up your front yard in red or green for the holidays, or switch it to light blue or yellow for a relaxing summer night.

Of course, the PLAYBULB line will not give you all of the functionality of the Philips Hue suite of products. For example, there’s no WiFi connectivity, no “Hey Siri” or smarthome controller integration, and no IFTTT linking. However, if you want to get started with making your home’s lighting a little more “smart,” but you’re not quite ready for the investment of Philips Hue, the Mipow PLAYBULB products are a great way to get started.