Govee LED Strip Light M1 review: Should you buy it?

Although the Matter 1.0 spec is set to debut in late 2022, compatible smart home accessories have been slow to roll out. That’s especially true with light mats — in fact, the only other material-compatible mat on the market since the M1’s launch is the Nanoleaf essential case model. That product also requires a Thread border router, so Govee’s Wi-Fi-based strip is a big deal.

After setting it up in the Govee Home app, I successfully used Matter to pair with Alexa, HomeKit, and Google Home, but there were some hiccups. For example, I started with HomeKit, but the Matter QR code posted on our test line was too small for the Apple Home app to scan. Without a physical copy elsewhere, the only options were to read the numerical code from that tape or decode it in Govee Home. I had to switch from an iPhone to an Android phone to pair with Google Home because Google hasn’t yet enabled Mater pairing on iOS. It took a few attempts to pair even on Android.

The Govee LED Strip Light M1 generally has the same features you’d expect from integrated platforms, including automation support and voice control. It doesn’t support platform-specific features like HomeKit’s Adaptive Lighting, but you have standard controls over brightness and (solid) colors. You have to use the Govee Home app to trigger the multi-color effects, the good news is that there are tons of presets and full customization.

Govee’s lightstrip definitely delivers in the results. While the company seems loathe to share high lumen ratings, it’s as bright as you’d like it to be, and color is accurate and well-rounded. Visually, in fact, I prefer it to the Nanoleaf Strip I recently tested.

Unfortunately, a few things stop the Govee LED Strip Light M1 from fully recommending. They’re mostly technical issues — aside from Matter quirks, the Lightning lost connection to one or more smart home platforms during testing, even though the Eero Pro 6E router was inches away. I was able to force it to connect by unplugging the pad for a second and plugging it back in, but this made the Govi ​​Home app or the included remote the most reliable control options, slightly beating the Mater-enabled product’s point.

It also suffers from a dependency on Wi-Fi. It’s much slower to respond than Thread or Zigbee-based lights, and of course, you’ll need a Wi-Fi router that’s both in range and not overloaded with connections. Still, if you have a case controller (like an Echo or Google Nest speaker) but nothing that supports Thread, this is the only case-compatible option for now.

Lastly, I note that I’m not impressed with Govee’s music syncing options. You can only sync from your phone or the remote’s built-in speaker, and all Govee sync styles seem to assume you’re listening to high-energy pop, rock, rap or EDM. When listening to genres like ambient or power electronica, the flickering sound caused by the music sync initially made me think the M1 was broken.

There are many smart lighting lines on the market, but only a few are of high quality and support the three major smart home platforms. As for pricing, note that all prices below are for versions in the six- to seven-foot range.

• Nanoleaf Essential Light Line ($148.99 at Amazon): The Nanoleaf Essentials Matter light path requires both a Matter controller and a Thread border router, but with the drags you get the fast response and benefits of Thread’s mesh technology. We’re having trouble pairing a case to work with Google Home.
• Philips Hue Lightstrip Plus (€2199 at Amazon): This Philips Hue strip is quite expensive, not least because you don’t have a ZigBee-based Hue Bridge/Smart Hub. Hue products are notoriously reliable, and you’ll get Alexa, HomeKit, and Google Home support seamlessly.
• LIFX Lightstrip ($279.99 at Samsung): If you want a Wi-Fi strip that offers Alexa, HomeKit and Google Home compatibility sans matter, the LIFX lighting system is probably your best choice. Wi-Fi comes with its drawbacks, and in terms of length it remains more expensive than the Govi ​​or NanoLeaf options.