In the Age of Wi-Fi, even lamps have become part of the growing internet of things (IoT). According to “Navigant Research Leaderboard Report: Residential Connected Lighting,” companies that make IoT-friendly lamps are getting smarter, too, and the market is growing.

The analysis examines the strategy and execution of 17 leading connected lamp, luminaire and controls vendors. They are rated on 12 criteria, which measure such intangibles as vision, go-to-market strategy, pricing, staying power and others.


According to the study, the market for connected lighting is still relatively new, but many sophisticated products are generating interest, which could lead to future growth. Navigant Research credits voice-activated platforms, such as Amazon Echo and Google Home, with increasing the adoption of connected home devices and introducing users to the potential of connected lighting technology.


The study names Philips Lighting as a market leader in the residential connected lighting space. This is based in large part on the company’s Hue, which Navigant credits with creating the market when it was introduced in 2012. 


According to Paige Leuschner, research analyst with Navigant, there are plenty of other companies, new and old, vying for the top spot. She describes the market as “a mix of incumbents offering rival products along with startups disrupting the market with more cutting-edge solutions.” 


As other companies, such as Lutron and LIFX, come up with new products, the range of options expands. Examples of new applications include security, elderly care and assisted living, health and wellness, notifications, and home automation, among others. Navigant projects global residential connected lighting revenue to grow from $644.3 million in 2017 to more than $1.9 billion in 2026.