Philips Hue just pulled off its biggest product refresh in years at IFA 2025 in Berlin. The smart lighting brand announced its biggest update in years, anchored by a new Hue Bridge Pro that promises to make Hue faster, smarter, and more secure.
Hue Bridge Pro
It’s been a decade since Hue updated its hub, and the new Bridge Pro is a massive leap forward. Powered by the all-new Hue Chip Pro, it’s five times faster and packs 15 times more memory. It can handle 150 lights and 50 accessories in one home, while storing over 500 custom scenes.
The upgraded hardware unlocks MotionAware, a first-of-its-kind feature that turns your existing Hue lights into motion sensors. By analyzing subtle changes in Zigbee signal strength, the Bridge Pro can detect movement without the need for separate sensors. That data never leaves your home unless you opt in to Hue Secure. Beyond lighting, the Pro also integrates with Hue’s expanding security platform, triggering sirens, flashing lights, or sending alerts when motion is detected.
Signify adds Hue Essential to its portfolio to make smart lighting affordable
Alongside the new hub, Philips Hue is finally tackling its reputation for high prices. The new Essential line includes A19 bulbs, BR30s, GU10 spotlights, and strip lights starting at just $25 each, or $15 per bulb in multipacks. They’re not as efficient or color-accurate as Hue’s $60 flagships, but they use the same app, support Matter over Thread, and still deliver up to 800 lumens.
This makes Hue far more competitive with budget brands like Govee and Tapo and much easier for newcomers to try.
Smarter Bulbs and Brighter Strips
Hue’s classic A19 bulb got a big update too, now covering the full daylight spectrum, dimming to 0.2 percent brightness, and running 40 percent more efficiently. Every new bulb and strip light supports Matter over Thread alongside Zigbee and Bluetooth, meaning you can connect directly to Apple Home, Google Home, or Alexa without a Bridge.
Strip lights also level up: the new OmniGlow pushes 4,500 lumens over 10 meters, bright enough to light entire rooms, while new indoor and outdoor “Flux” and “Essential” strips add flexibility at lower prices.
Hue introduces its first video doorbell
Philips Hue is turning its ecosystem into a home security platform:
- A new 2K Hue Secure Video Doorbell ($170).
- A plug-in chime/siren ($59.99).
- Updated cameras with free 24-hour video history.
- Smoke alarm recognition this year, with AI facial recognition coming in 2026.
Festavia string lights also get outdoor-ready versions for patios and facades. For years, Philips Hue had the best smart lighting but carried a “too expensive” stigma. The Essential line brings prices down, the new strips finally serve real lighting needs, and the Bridge Pro quietly turns Hue into a smarter, more private, and more powerful home platform.
Hue Bridge Pro Price & Availability
For those building a serious smart home, the $98.99 and €89.99 Bridge Pro is a must-have upgrade. Most products will roll out from September 2025 through early 2026 in Europe and North America. Signify has yet to announce the new Hue Bridge Pro price or availability in India.
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