Analysis of the Meross LED Strip compatible with HomeKit

We tested the Meross RGBW LED strip compatible with HomeKit, 5 meters long and all the advanced operating features that HomeKit offers us.

LED strips have become one of the favorite lighting devices of users because they not only allow us to bring pleasant lighting to our rooms but also because they have an important decorative function. Placing an LED strip behind a bookcase, under a piece of furniture or behind the television can completely change the angle of a room.. If we add to this control from your smartphone, HomeKit automations, the creation of different environments and voice control through smart speakers, it is explained why they are one of the most interesting lighting and home automation accessories for your home.

Features

• Smart LED strip with WiFi connectivity (2.4 GHz)
• RGB and white colors (2700K-6500K)
• Length 5 meters (cuttable)
• Only suitable for interiors
• Scope of delivery: LED strip, controller, power adapter, 5 mounting clips
• LED strip with adhesive on the back along its entire length
• Compatible with HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant and SmatThings

Everything you need for installation and operation is included in the box. No type of HUB is needed to connect it to your home automation system, in our case HomeKit. Yes, of course you need the right home automation unit for each system, for HomeKit, you need a HomePod, HomePod mini or Apple TV to be able to access all the advanced functions such as voice control, automations, remote control, etc.

facility

The installation of the LED strip it’s very simple thanks to the adhesive on the back which allows you to fix it on any smooth surface, with the only precaution that it is very clean before fixing it. If you want you can also use the fixing clips included in the box, but I don’t think this is necessary for most installations as it is secured perfectly with the adhesive. In case you want to remove it, it leaves no residue, but be careful if you install it directly on a painted surface because it can take the paint.

The length of this LED strip is 5 meters, which is really appreciated because for the price of a LED strip you get much more length than with other brands, so you can cover much more length for less, because with other brands you will have to buy additional extensions. In case you have excess LED strip, there is no problem because you can cut it in several points. Of course, do not place it in areas where humidity can accumulate or where water can fall directly, since they do not have any type of coating that protects it. Don’t worry about having the connectors and LEDs in sight, there is no danger of touching it because the voltage it has is very low.

Setting

For the configuration process, we have to resort to the Meross application (link). You can do it directly from the Casa application, but it is always better to use the official application for possible firmware updates, in addition to the fact that there are functions that you cannot access from Casa app. The setup process involves giving you access to your Wi-Fi network, which is done directly by scanning the HomeKit QR code via your smartphone’s camera when prompted by the Meross app. The steps to follow are very clear and you won’t have the slightest problem to complete it in a minute.

Meross LED strip control

To control the LED strip we can use the Meross app itself where we have the classic on and off options, brightness and color control. The range of colors covers the RGB spectrum and also white, which can vary from cold white to warm white., to create the most favorable environment depending on the time of day. The application also includes “themes” with color changes, ideal environments for reading, watching movies, etc. We also have an app for the Apple Watch with which we can control the light from our smartwatch.

The Home app has the same brightness, power and color features, but not the preset themes of the Meross app. In return we have automations and environments, two features that give us many options to control the Meross light and that This also allows us to integrate it with other HomeKit compatible accessories.whatever their brand, so that we can control several luminaires simultaneously to create complete atmospheres in the same room, or even throughout the house.

With automations we can make the lights turn on automatically when the sun goes down, or detect that we have arrived home using the location of our iPhone and turn on if it is dark, or if we combine it with a door opening sensor, turn on the lights when we open the house door as long as the sun has already set. Environments allow us to create scenes of multiple elements, so that with a single command several lights are switched on, the brightness or the color is changed. The possibilities are endless with these options. The response of the Meross LED strip is fast and its connection to the home system is very stable, with no connection drops in the two weeks that I tested it. In general, I have been using Meross devices with HomeKit for a long time and they have not given me any connection problems at any time.

We can perform all these controls from the Casa app or the Meross app, and we also have the option of using Siri on any of our Apple devices to control it by voice. Run a scene or just turn on the light, control color or brightness by giving command to your HomePodHomePod mini, iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch, even from your Mac, thanks to the Apple assistant, with an immediate response.

Editor’s review

The Meross LED strip is a great option for those looking for a decorative light that also illuminates a room. A very stable connection with a very fast response and with all the control options that HomeKit offers us, all at a very affordable price for which we get a 5 meter LED strip, a very unusual length and which with other brands requires buying two bands. You can get it on Amazon for 39.99 (link).

Versus

• Only suitable for interiors