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 (we'll guide you through it).
- 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.
Still stuck? Send us a message and we usually reply within a couple of days.
Remote Lighting is an independent control panel for LIFX and is not affiliated with LIFX.