Does Philips WiZ Work with SmartThings? A Comprehensive Guide

In the ever-evolving world of smart home technology, compatibility between devices and platforms is a critical factor for consumers. Philips WiZ, a popular smart lighting system, and SmartThings, Samsung's robust smart home platform, are two major players in the industry. But do they work together? This article explores the compatibility between Philips WiZ and SmartThings, the benefits of integration, and how to set up the two systems if they are compatible.

Understanding Philips WiZ and SmartThings

What is Philips WiZ?

Philips WiZ is a smart lighting ecosystem that allows users to control their lights remotely via a smartphone app, voice assistants, or automation routines. Unlike Philips Hue, which requires a dedicated bridge, WiZ lights connect directly to your Wi-Fi network, making them more accessible and affordable. WiZ offers features like color-changing bulbs, dimming, scheduling, and integration with popular voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

What is SmartThings?

SmartThings is Samsung's smart home platform that acts as a central hub for controlling a wide range of smart devices, including lights, thermostats, cameras, and sensors. It supports automation, remote control, and integration with third-party devices and platforms. SmartThings is known for its flexibility and compatibility with a vast array of smart home products.

Compatibility Between Philips WiZ and SmartThings

As of October 2023, Philips WiZ does not natively integrate with SmartThings. This means you cannot directly add WiZ lights to the SmartThings app or control them through the platform without additional steps or third-party solutions.

Why Isn’t There Native Integration?

The lack of native integration likely stems from differences in communication protocols and business strategies. Philips WiZ uses Wi-Fi for connectivity, while SmartThings primarily relies on Zigbee and Z-Wave protocols, with Wi-Fi and cloud-based integrations for certain devices. Additionally, Philips may prioritize integration with other platforms like Alexa and Google Assistant, which have broader user bases.

Workarounds to Connect Philips WiZ with SmartThings

While native integration is not available, there are a few workarounds to connect Philips WiZ lights with SmartThings:

1. Using IFTTT (If This Then That)

IFTTT is a popular automation platform that can bridge the gap between Philips WiZ and SmartThings. By creating applets, you can set up triggers and actions that allow SmartThings to control WiZ lights indirectly.

Steps to Set Up:

1. Create an IFTTT account and link both your Philips WiZ and SmartThings accounts.
2. Create an applet with SmartThings as the trigger (e.g., a motion sensor detecting movement) and Philips WiZ as the action (e.g., turning on a light).
3. Test the automation to ensure it works as expected.

Limitations:

• IFTTT relies on cloud-based communication, which can introduce delays.
• The free version of IFTTT has limited functionality, and advanced features require a subscription.

2. Using a Third-Party Hub or Bridge

Some third-party hubs, like Home Assistant or Hubitat, can act as intermediaries between Philips WiZ and SmartThings. These platforms support a wide range of devices and protocols, allowing you to create custom integrations.

Steps to Set Up:

1. Set up a Home Assistant or Hubitat hub and connect it to your Wi-Fi network.
2. Add both Philips WiZ and SmartThings to the hub.
3. Create automations or scenes that involve both systems.

Limitations:

• Requires technical expertise and additional hardware.
• May involve a learning curve for beginners.

3. Voice Assistant Integration

If your primary goal is to control Philips WiZ lights through SmartThings using voice commands, you can use a voice assistant like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant as a bridge.

Steps to Set Up:

1. Connect Philips WiZ to your preferred voice assistant (Alexa or Google Assistant).
2. Link the voice assistant to SmartThings.
3. Use voice commands to control WiZ lights through SmartThings routines.

Limitations:

• Limited to voice control and basic automations.
• Does not provide full integration within the SmartThings app.

Benefits of Integrating Philips WiZ with SmartThings

While the integration may require workarounds, combining Philips WiZ with SmartThings offers several benefits:

1. Centralized Control: Manage all your smart home devices, including WiZ lights, from a single app.
2. Enhanced Automation: Create complex routines that involve multiple devices, such as turning on WiZ lights when a SmartThings motion sensor detects movement.
3. Voice Control: Use voice commands through SmartThings to control WiZ lights.
4. Energy Efficiency: Automate lighting based on occupancy or time of day to save energy.

Alternatives to Philips WiZ for SmartThings Users

If seamless integration with SmartThings is a priority, consider these alternatives to Philips WiZ:

1. Philips Hue: Philips Hue is fully compatible with SmartThings and offers a similar range of smart lighting features. However, it requires a Hue Bridge, which adds to the cost.
2. LIFX: LIFX lights connect directly to Wi-Fi and offer native integration with SmartThings.
3. Sengled: Sengled offers affordable smart bulbs that work with SmartThings and do not require a separate hub.

Future Prospects for Philips WiZ and SmartThings Integration

While there is no official announcement, it is possible that Philips and Samsung may collaborate in the future to enable native integration between WiZ and SmartThings. As the smart home market grows, interoperability between platforms is becoming increasingly important, and both companies may recognize the value of expanding their ecosystems.

Conclusion

As of now, Philips WiZ does not natively work with SmartThings, but there are workarounds like IFTTT, third-party hubs, and voice assistants that can bridge the gap. While these solutions may not be as seamless as native integration, they allow users to enjoy the benefits of both systems. If you prioritize SmartThings compatibility, consider exploring alternative smart lighting options like Philips Hue or LIFX.

For those willing to experiment with workarounds, combining Philips WiZ and SmartThings can still provide a powerful and flexible smart home experience. Keep an eye on updates from both companies, as future developments may bring native integration to these popular platforms.