Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip (55")
By Ethan Halfhide · Updated
Philips Hue lists the Play gradient lightstrip 55 inch at $274.99, and on October 28, 2026 it was in stock in an outlet sale at $139.97 on philips-hue.com (prices as of October 2026). It mounts behind the TV and shows several colors at once that react to what is on screen. To sync with your TV, Hue says it requires a Philips Hue Bridge and a Hue sync box, both sold separately, and you customize it in the Hue Sync desktop or mobile app. Hue's sizing FAQ puts the 55 inch strip on 55 to 64 inch TVs (the product description says 55 to 60 inch). It uses Bluetooth and Zigbee, is not cuttable or extendable, draws 20 W, covers 2000 to 6500 K white light and carries a 2 year warranty. Hue lists Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home, SmartThings and Matter (via Hue Bridge) compatibility.
TV backlight strip for 55 inch class TVs that syncs color with the screen through a Hue Bridge and Hue sync box
Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip (55")Specs and price last verified October 28, 2026
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Specifications
- Price
- $274.99
- Device type
- Light Strip
- Ecosystems
- Alexa, Google Home, HomeKit, Matter, SmartThings
- Rooms
- Living Room
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth, Zigbee
- Hub required
- Yes
- Rental friendly
- Yes
- Matter certified
- No
- Installation
- DIY (adhesive mounting clips)
- Energy Star
- No
- Local control
- Yes
- Voice control
- Yes
About
The Play gradient lightstrip attaches to the back of a wall-mounted or standing TV with the included curved and straight mounting clips and adhesive backing, and blends gradient color and white light (RGBICW) that reacts to the content on screen.
Philips Hue sells it in three sizes. Its FAQ says they fit 55 to 64 inch TVs, 65 to 74 inch TVs, and 75 inch and larger TVs; this listing covers the 55 inch strip (product number 046677560409).
For TV sync, Hue lists a Philips Hue Bridge and a Hue sync box as required, both sold separately, with the Hue Sync desktop or mobile app used to customize the effect. With a Hue Bridge it also works with Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home, SmartThings, IFTTT and Sonos, and joins Matter through the Hue Bridge.
Setup and compatibility notes
- Fit: the 55 inch strip is for 55 inch class TVs; Hue's FAQ groups it with 55 to 64 inch TVs and the product description says 55 to 60 inch. Hue says to measure the TV diagonally.
- Required for TV sync: a Philips Hue Bridge and a Hue sync box, both sold separately. Hue's page offers the Bridge Pro at $149.99 as of October 2026.
- App: Philips Hue app on Android 10.0 and above or iOS 16 or later; the Hue Sync desktop or mobile app customizes the sync. Hue lists "Works without Wi-Fi".
- Power: 20 W, 0.5 W maximum standby, 24 V input from the included power supply. Hue's FAQ says not to plug it into the sync box's power supply.
- Light: 2000 to 6500 K white range, 1,020 lumens at 2700 K and 1,100 lumens at 4000 K, CRI above 80, rated 25,000 hours.
- Size: 85-1/4 inches long overall; not cuttable or extendable.
- Environment: IP20, dry locations only, -20°C to 45°C.
- In the box: power supply and mounts (curved and straight mounting clips with adhesive backing).
- Warranty: 2 years, with a minimum 60 month defined support period from purchase.
Pros
- +Gradient color: several colors along one strip that react to the screen
- +Joins Matter, Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home and SmartThings through the Hue Bridge
- +Zigbee with repeater functionality, plus Bluetooth
- +2 year warranty and a minimum 60 month software support period, per Hue
- +Outlet sale price of $139.97 on October 28, 2026
Cons
- −TV sync requires a Hue Bridge and a Hue sync box, both sold separately
- −Size specific: Hue makes separate 55, 65 and 75 inch versions
- −Cannot be cut or extended
- −Dry indoor locations only (IP20)
How it compares
| Device | Price | Ecosystems | Matter | Hub required | Local control |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip (55") | $274.99 | Alexa, Google Home, HomeKit, Matter, SmartThings | No | Yes | Yes |
| Govee TV Backlight 3 | $109.99 | Alexa, Google Home | Yes | No | Not published |
| Philips Hue Flux Strip Light (10 ft) | $79.99 | Alexa, Google Home, HomeKit, Matter, SmartThings | Not published | No | Yes |
| Govee COB Strip Light 2 Pro | $99.99 | Alexa, Google Home, Matter, SmartThings | Not published | No | Not published |
FAQ
- How much is the Philips Hue Play gradient lightstrip 55 inch?
- Philips Hue lists it at $274.99. On October 28, 2026 philips-hue.com showed it in stock in an outlet sale at $139.97.
- Do I need a Hue Bridge and sync box?
- For TV sync, yes. Philips Hue says the strip requires a Hue Bridge and a Hue sync box, both sold separately.
- What size TV does the 55 inch strip fit?
- Hue's sizing FAQ says the three Play gradient lightstrips fit 55 to 64 inch, 65 to 74 inch, and 75 inch and larger TVs. The 55 inch product description says 55 to 60 inch TVs.
- Does it work with Apple Home and Matter?
- Hue lists Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings and Matter compatibility, with Matter running through the Hue Bridge.
- Can the Play gradient lightstrip be cut?
- No. Hue lists the strip as not cuttable and not extendable.
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About the author
Ethan Halfhide: Ethan Halfhide is a smart home enthusiast and AI technologist who follows the connected home market closely, from smart locks and security cameras to robot vacuums, lighting, sensors and hubs. He curates HomeGearLab's device directory, comparing products on published specs, compatibility, setup requirements and price so readers can pick gear that fits their home and works together.