Smart lighting just got a bit more expensive for consumers in the United States. Philips Hue, a leading brand in the smart home space owned by Signify, is set to raise prices across its range of lighting and security products starting July 1, 2025.
While initial promotional messages from Philips Hue vaguely hinted that prices would “go up” on the specified date, parent company Signify has now explicitly confirmed the reason behind the upcoming price hike. In a statement, Signify attributed the increase directly to the impact of tariffs. The company also added a cautionary note, stating that it “reserves the right to modify prices based on new or additional tariffs becoming effective in the future,” suggesting the possibility of further adjustments depending on trade policy changes.
Tariffs Driving Costs Across the Industry
This move by Philips Hue highlights a broader trend impacting the technology sector. The price increase is specifically linked to significant tariffs, including existing duties like a 55% tariff on certain Chinese imports. This isn’t an isolated issue for Philips Hue; other companies in the smart home market, such as Yale, have also cited tariffs when explaining recent price increases on their products.
Industry surveys further underscore this widespread challenge. Research indicates that more than half of U.S. companies anticipate having to raise prices to accommodate increased costs resulting from tariffs. Moreover, a significant majority of businesses experiencing tariff-induced cost hikes have passed at least some of these elevated expenses along to consumers. Some companies are even reportedly raising prices on products not directly subject to tariffs as a proactive measure to prepare for the wider financial implications of these duties. In response to this climate, many businesses are also exploring relocating their manufacturing operations outside of China to mitigate the tariff impact.
What Products Are Affected?
Signify has not yet released a detailed list of specific products or the exact percentage increase for the entire Philips Hue portfolio. However, their statement suggests the changes could impact the entire lineup. Examples of products already showing higher US pricing compared to other regions offer insight into the potential scale:
The new Hue Play Wall Washer light is priced at $219.99 in the US, which is roughly 10 percent more expensive than its €199.99 price in Europe (after currency conversion).
The latest Hue Smart Button is listed at $32.99 in the US. This is a notable jump from its predecessor’s $24.99 launch price, while the price for both generations in Europe has remained consistent at €21.99 (around $25).
These examples suggest that consumers might see increases around the 10% mark on both new and existing Philips Hue items, though this is not an official average provided by the company.
Impact on Consumers and Alternatives
Philips Hue products are already positioned at the premium end of the smart lighting market. These impending price increases could potentially make them less appealing to budget-conscious consumers in the US, potentially driving them to explore more affordable alternative brands in the smart home technology sector. While tariffs affect many companies importing goods, some competitors may still be able to offer more competitive pricing despite facing similar supply chain challenges.
The official new US pricing is expected to be revealed next week when the official Philips Hue online store is updated. It may take a bit longer for these changes to be reflected by third-party retailers.
For those planning to purchase Philips Hue products before the price hike, the official US store is currently offering a temporary 25% discount on many items. You can use the coupon code “HUE-25-FLASH” at checkout to take advantage of this offer before prices increase on July 1st.
