Ikea's Smart Home Gear: Affordable but Frustrating

Ikea's latest smart home offerings are cheap, but good luck getting them to work.

The Swedish furniture giant recently launched a range of Matter-compatible devices that promise to seamlessly integrate into any smart home ecosystem. These products, which include programmable buttons, smart bulbs, plugs, and sensors, start at just $6. They sound enticing, but many users report struggles with connectivity that overshadow the affordability.

Testing shows that onboarding these devices is anything but straightforward. A recent personal experience revealed that out of six Ikea devices attempted for connection—spanning various functions—none successfully integrated into my smart home setup. The frustration isn't isolated; the Tradfri subreddit is buzzing with users echoing similar woes. Reviews on Ikea's own website also highlight a pattern of connectivity issues, raising significant questions about the reliability of these products.

At the core of the problem appears to be the new Matter-over-Thread protocol introduced to simplify smart home compatibility. Matter was heralded as a game changer for smart devices, aiming to eliminate the fragmentation that has plagued the industry for years. However, the rollout has not gone as smoothly as anticipated. In hands-on reviews, testers found that the devices often fail to connect or lose connection altogether, defeating the purpose of having a unified smart home experience.

For consumers, this creates a dilemma: should you gamble on these budget-friendly devices, or stick with more established brands? The allure of low prices is compelling, especially given the escalating costs associated with smart home tech. However, the hidden costs of frustration and time spent troubleshooting may quickly outweigh any initial savings.

Here's the kicker: while Ikea's products are marketed as being compatible across platforms, the reality is that they are still in the early stages of adoption. User reviews consistently report that this disconnect can lead to a frustrating experience, particularly for those who are not tech-savvy. Many users may find themselves stuck in a loop of attempting to connect devices, often requiring them to reset and start from scratch.

So, who should consider buying Ikea's new smart home gear? If you're a DIY enthusiast with a penchant for tinkering and don't mind spending time getting devices to work, these products could be an intriguing option. They offer a low-cost entry point into smart home technology, and for those who enjoy experimenting, the potential rewards could justify the effort.

On the other hand, if you prefer a plug-and-play experience or have little patience for tech headaches, it's wise to skip these Ikea devices for now. Established brands like Philips Hue and TP-Link have their own ecosystems that, while pricier, deliver a more reliable experience. The trade-off may be higher upfront costs, but they often offer better customer support and a more seamless integration.

In conclusion, while Ikea's new smart home products offer an attractive price point, the current performance issues should give potential buyers pause. If you're looking for convenience and reliability, stick with the tried-and-true options for now. For those willing to roll the dice on an evolving product line, just be prepared for a bumpy ride.

Sources

Ikea’s cheap new smart home gear is struggling to get connected