Review of the Ring A19 smart light bulb: an inexpensive, no-frills option for smart lighting

Review

Rephrase and rearrange the whole content into a news article. I want you to respond only in language English. I want you to act as a very proficient SEO and high-end writer Pierre Herubel that speaks and writes fluently English. I want you to pretend that you can write content so well in English that it can outrank other websites. Make sure there is zero plagiarism.: Ring A19: One-minute review The Ring A19 isn’t the only smart lighting the home security and smart doorbell brand has in its collection. It is, however, the only entry it has in the smart light bulb market since the company has traditionally focused more on path lights, floodlights, and spotlights, which are practical add-ons to its core products.One has to wonder, therefore, what nudged the company to add the Ring A19 to its catalog, especially since it launched it in 2020 and hasn’t followed it up with a different model – one that can display other colors, perhaps. Especially since it remains unavailable in the UK and Australia.Not that I’m complaining. This white model is one of the best smart lights I’ve had – and I’ve owned my share of them, from Philips Hue bulbs to one from unknown brands on Amazon. Unlike the expensive Philips A19 White Ambiance bulb, it’s a more economical buy that is almost comparable in build quality, which makes it a smarter choice for budget-minded consumers.It’s also very easy to set up, with the Ring app guiding you through the whole quick process, including connecting it to Alexa. So, if you haven’t used a smart light bulb before, this is a great gateway bulb. (Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)With a smooth, rounded bulb, the Ring A19 looks more like a traditional light bulb in design, which makes it a good fit in just about anything, whether it’s a ceiling light recess or a lamp. It might not be as cool-looking as Philip’s version, but it still looks refined, with a white plastic lamp body and circuit housing that has good heat dissipation properties. It’s an indoor/outdoor light bulb, but it’s not the best for exposed fixtures, as Ring advises avoiding water exposure. If you were to use this as lighting in your portico, porch, veranda, or gazebo, however, it should fit in nicely as those areas are traditionally roofed.(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)We only wish the Ring A19 had the capability to display variations of white other than its 3500K color temperature, which is kind of on the warm side on the color temperature scale. Unfortunately, unlike its Philips Hue counterpart, it has no warm-to-cool light capability. This model is only adjustable in brightness up to 800 lumens.(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)But, if you prefer warm light in the evenings and really only require something you can control with your voice or an app, you set schedules and routines for, and whose brightness you can change without an actual dimmer, then this is perfect.You’re definitely getting your money’s worth here, especially since it’s more than bright enough for most users’ needs and very responsive to app and voice controls. It does take a second to respond, however, to Alexa voice commands – it only supports Alexa (as well as Ring Bridge connectivity so you can connect it to other Ring products like a smart doorbell or a smart camera) – but during our week-long testing, it hasn’t failed to do so yet.(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)Unlike other smart lights from lesser brands, I haven’t encountered any failures or issues like random flickering and connection issues.So, despite its limitations, the Ring A19 is a fantastic smart light bulb option if you’re looking for an affordable contender that can light up your entire home and provide all the smart light basics. Instead of going for one of those unknown brands you’ll find at online retailers, invest in this better-quality option instead.Ring A19: Price and availability How much is it? $14.99 (about £12, AU$23)When is it available? Available nowWhere is it available? Only available in the USAt only $14.99 (about £12, AU$23), the Ring A19 is a very affordable smart light bulb from a trusted brand. It’s definitely cheaper than the Philips Hue A19, although that one comes with adjustable color temperature, making it a better value if your budget isn’t too tight.It’s only available in the US, however. At the time of writing, it’s not available in the UK and Australia, and there’s no word on whether Ring is planning on rolling it out in these countries.Ring A19: Specs Swipe to scroll horizontallyHere are the specs for the Ring A19 smart bulb Ring A19Designed for:Indoor / outdoorConnectivity:Ring Bridge, Wi-FiVoice command compatibilityAlexaLumen output:Up to 800 lumens (adjustable), 3500K Color TemperatureLifetime up to:25,000hLight color:WhiteWattage bulb included:8.5WDimensions: 4.35 x 2.48 x 2.48 in (110.5 x 63 x 63 mm)Should I buy the Ring A19?Swipe to scroll horizontallyRing A19 report cardValueThe Ring A19 is one of the more affordable smart light bulbs from a trusted brand.4.5 / 5DesignDonning a more traditional light bulb design, this light bulb feels robust and easy to setup.4.5 / 5PerformanceIt responds quickly to app and voice control, and doesn’t suffer from intermittent issues. It only displays a single color temperature, however.4.5 / 5Buy it if…Don’t buy it if… Ring A19: Also considerSwipe to scroll horizontally Ring A19Philips Hue Lustre WhiteGovee Wi-Fi LED BulbPrice: $14.99 (about £12, AU$23)£19.99 / AU$54.95 (about $25)$14 / £14 / AU$39.99Designed for:Indoor / outdoorIndoorIndoorConnectivity:Ring Bridge, Wi-FiBluetooth, Wi-Fi2.4GHz Wi-Fi + BluetoothVoice command compatibilityAlexaPhilips Hue app (Android & iOS), Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Matter, ZigBee; Apple HomeKit and Microsoft Cortana with Hue BridgeAlexa or Google AssistantLumen output:Up to 800 lumens (adjustable), 3500K Color Temperature470 lumen1000 lumensLifetime up to:25,000h2 yearsNot specifiedLight color:WhiteWhite16 million colorsWattage bulb included:8.5W5.7W9WDimensions: 4.35 x 2.48 x 2.48 in (110.5 x 63 x 63 mm)(45 x 77 x 45 mm)Not specifiedHow I tested the Ring A19I tested the Ring A19 for a weekI tested its performance using Alexa and the Ring appI tested the Ring A19 for a week, using it as one of the light bulbs in my living room. I noted its installation and setup, as well as its smart home features and performance. Since it’s a more stripped-down smart light, there isn’t much to test in terms of features. However, I did test its brightness adjustment as well as its ability to respond to voice commands and app control.A big smart home fan, I’ve been a smart home user for a few years, with Philips Hue light bulbs being my very first smart home device. I’ve also been testing smart home devices, from smart lights and smart speakers to smart appliances like robot vacuums and heaters, since owning my first light bulbs.We pride ourselves on our independence and our rigorous review-testing process, offering up long-term attention to the products we review and making sure our reviews are updated and maintained – regardless of when a device was released, if you can still buy it, it’s on our radar.Read more about how we testFirst reviewed November 2023