We compared two E27 Wi-Fi smart bulbs from the same range: the multicolour TP-Link Tapo L530E and the warm-white Tapo L510E.
What we looked at
Colour and light options, dimming, schedules and away mode, voice assistants, brightness, and price.
The verdict
If you want 16 million colours and a 2500-6500K white range for mood lighting and scenes, the Tapo L530E is the colourful pick, at £8.98. If you only need a dimmable, soft warm white bulb with schedules, an away mode and voice control for about £1 less, the Tapo L510E is the value option.
A colour-changing dimmable bulb with a 2500-6500K white range and sunrise and sunset modes, at 99p more.
A dimmable 2700K warm white bulb with away mode and voice control for £7.99, but no colours.
TP-Link Tapo L530E E27 Smart Bulb, Multicolour Dimmable LED (806 Lumens, 60W Equivalent) — Best for Colour
Intended for: Marketed as an E27 multicolour Wi-Fi smart bulb with 16 million colours, a 2500-6500K colour range, 1 to 100 percent dimming, schedules and timers, and Alexa and Google Assistant voice control, with no hub required.
What we liked
- 16 million colours and a 2500-6500K white range for scenes and moods
- Dims from 1 to 100 percent
- Schedules and timers, including sunrise and sunset modes
- Device sharing so family members can also control it
- Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, no hub required
- 806 lumens, described as a 60W equivalent
Worth knowing
- Costs 99p more than the Tapo L510E on these listings
Best for
- Anyone who wants colour-changing mood lighting
- Lighting scenes for films, parties or a bedroom
- Alexa and Google Home households
Not ideal for
- Buyers who only want plain warm white light
- Anyone who wants the lower price
TP-Link Tapo L510E E27 Smart Bulb, Warm White Dimmable LED (806 Lumens, 60W Equivalent) — Best Value
Intended for: Marketed as an E27 warm-white (2700K) dimmable Wi-Fi smart bulb with schedules and timers, remote control through the Tapo app, an away mode and Alexa and Google voice control, with no hub required.
What we liked
- Cheaper than the Tapo L530E on these listings
- 2700K soft warm white light, dimmable from 1 to 100 percent
- Away mode that turns the light on and off randomly to simulate someone being home
- Remote control through the Tapo app, with schedules and timers
- Device sharing, and voice control through Alexa and Google Assistant
Worth knowing
- Warm white only, with no colour changing
Best for
- Buyers who want dimmable warm white lighting for less
- Anyone who wants an away mode for holidays
- Living rooms and bedrooms where colour is not needed
Not ideal for
- Anyone who wants colour effects
- Buyers who want adjustable white temperature
