LIFX Control Panel alternatives
The open-source desktop tools for LIFX are local-network apps: you install one on a computer and it talks to your bulbs over your home Wi-Fi. You're installing software on each machine you use, and it only works while you're on the same network as your lights.
Remote Lighting takes the other approach. It's a website, not a download, and it controls your lights through the LIFX cloud API, so it works from any computer with a browser whether or not you're on the same network as your bulbs.
| Remote Lighting | Desktop LAN apps | |
|---|---|---|
| To install | Nothing (runs in the browser) | An app on each computer |
| Operating system | Any with a browser | Depends on the app (Mantle covers Windows, macOS and Linux; most others are Windows-only) |
| Away from home | Yes, over the cloud API | No, same network only |
| Works if the internet or LIFX cloud is down | No | Yes, stays local |
| Cost | Free | Free / open source |
The honest trade-off is the network. A LAN app keeps working with no internet at all, because it never leaves your house; Remote Lighting needs the cloud, but in exchange it works from anywhere. If you want to know when the LIFX cloud itself is having problems, we publish a live LIFX status page.
In 30 seconds
- Open the live demo. It runs in your browser, no install and no account.
- Sign up free to use your own bulbs.
- Paste a LIFX personal access token (two minutes; we link the steps).
- Control your lights from any computer, anywhere.
FAQ
What is LIFX-Control-Panel?
An open-source Windows app that controls LIFX bulbs over your local network, written after LIFX dropped its own Windows app. Its author also develops Mantle, a cross-platform successor. Both are LAN apps, so they only work while you're on the same Wi-Fi as your lights.
Why use Remote Lighting instead?
No install, any operating system, and it works from anywhere rather than only on your home network. That covers Macs, Chromebooks, locked-down work laptops, and controlling your lights while you're out.
When is a local app the better choice?
When you want your lights to keep working with no internet at all, or with the lowest possible latency on your home network. A LAN app never leaves your house; that's both its advantage and its limit.
What about Home Assistant?
Home Assistant's LIFX integration is well maintained and gives you browser control, but you have to set up and run a Home Assistant server on your own hardware first. Remote Lighting is hosted; there's nothing to run.
Is Remote Lighting open source?
No, it's a hosted service. There's nothing to compile, update or keep running yourself.
Does it cost anything?
The control panel is free to use.
Remote Lighting is an independent control panel for LIFX and is not affiliated with LIFX.