Smart Bulbs
Philips Hue Akari Downlight
$81.50lowest, at Amazon AU
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Buy at Amazon AUAbout this product
The Philips Hue Akari is a recessed ceiling downlight with an E26 medium base, offering warm white and up to 16 million colour options. It connects via Bluetooth for smartphone control and is dimmable. The brand says it delivers 800 lumens and supports voice assistants including Google Assistant, Alexa, and Apple Home Kit.
Highlights
- Bulb Base TypeE26 medium base
- Bulb Wattage8.5 W
- Power SourceCorded Electric
- Power Supply240 V (voltage)
- ConnectivityBluetooth
- MaterialSynthetic Metal
Features and specifications in this description are as the brand describes them.
The Akari Downlight is a recessed ceiling fixture designed to fit into standard E26 medium sockets. The brand describes it as providing warm white settings and access to up to 16 million colour options, with dimmability via your smartphone app. It connects over Bluetooth, letting you control the light from one room, or pair it to a Hue Bridge to unlock the full suite of features and control up to 10 lights together.
The fixture measures 130 mm long, 90 mm wide and 72 mm tall, and the brand rates it as splash-proof. It runs at 8.5 watts and delivers 800 lumens. The downlight works with Google Assistant, Alexa and Apple Home Kit. The sources do not specify installation complexity, warm-up time, bulb lifespan, whether a bulb is included, or whether you'll need additional hardware beyond the fixture itself to set it up.
Key features
- Bluetooth control via smartphone app
- Up to 16 million colour options (brand claim)
- Dimmable warm white and colour ambiance settings
- Works with Google Assistant, Alexa and Apple Home Kit
- Recessed ceiling mount, 800 lumens
- Splash-proof rating for indoor use
Setting it up
- Install the Philips Hue app on your smartphone
- Power on the downlight via the wall switch
- Open the app and follow the in-app pairing steps to connect over Bluetooth
- To unlock full features, connect the downlight to a Hue Bridge following the app prompts
- Refer to the manufacturer's installation instructions for any ceiling mounting or wiring requirements
Good to know
- The brand describes it as suitable for living rooms, bedrooms and kitchens where ambient lighting matters
- Bluetooth control works for one room; connecting to a Hue Bridge expands the system and lets you control up to 10 lights together
- Check whether you need a Hue Bridge for the features you want, and whether your ceiling cavity suits recessed mounting
- The sources do not state bulb lifespan, warm-up time, colour accuracy, or whether a bulb is included in the box
- It supports major voice assistants but relies on the Hue app or Bridge for scheduling and automations
Research-based: compiled from the manufacturer's information and Australian retailer listings. NXT Smart Home has not tested this product.
Best for: Homeowners wanting recessed, colour-changing downlights that fit standard Australian 90mm ceiling cutouts within an existing Philips Hue setup.
Pros
- Fits standard Australian 90mm ceiling cutouts and comes pre-wired with an AU/NZ plug lead.
- Provides 800 lumens with 16 million colours and adjustable white colour temperature from 2,000K to 6,500K.
- Carries an IC-4 rating for insulation contact and an IP44 water-resistance rating on the face.
- Connects directly over Bluetooth for single-room use or pairs with a Hue Bridge for full smart-home integration.
Cons
- Requires a Philips Hue Bridge to access away-from-home control, automations, and Apple Home support.
- Integrated LED unit means replacing the entire fitting rather than swapping an individual globe.
- Bluetooth mode is restricted to controlling up to 10 lights within a single room.
The Philips Hue Akari Downlight is a recessed smart LED luminaire designed for flush ceiling installation. According to Philips Hue, the fitting draws 8.5 watts and outputs up to 800 lumens of light in its White and Colour Ambiance configuration. It provides tunable white light spanning 2,000K to 6,500K alongside up to 16 million colours. Sized for standard 90mm cutouts, the Akari features an IP44 rating on the exposed face, making it suitable for moisture-prone indoor areas including bathrooms and laundries. Out of the box, the unit operates via Bluetooth through the Philips Hue mobile app for basic dimming and colour selection, or via Zigbee when paired with an optional Philips Hue Bridge to unlock system-wide routines and cross-platform integrations.
Who it suits
The Akari suits Australian homeowners and renovators looking to install flush downlights that tie directly into an existing Philips Hue ecosystem. If you already rely on Hue switches, motion sensors, or portable lamps, using Hue-native downlights ensures consistent colour reproduction and unified control without needing third-party smart dimmer modules behind your wall plates. Its IP44 splash-proof rating also makes it practical for wet areas, allowing matching ambient lighting throughout living areas, kitchens, and ensuites.
Renters or those wanting a quick DIY retrofit without roof space access should look elsewhere, as replacing fixed downlights is less flexible than installing standard screw-in or bayonet smart globes. It is also less suitable for buyers who do not intend to purchase a Hue Bridge; relying purely on Bluetooth eliminates out-of-home control, Matter bridging, and Apple Home functionality.
Australian notes
Philips Hue lists the Akari as IC-4 rated for Australian installations, meaning it is rated for safe contact with building insulation in standard ceiling cavities. The fitting comes pre-wired with an Australian standard 2-pin plug, allowing straightforward plug-in connection where ceiling socket outlets already exist. However, if your ceiling lacks existing plug bases, hardwiring or installing new power sockets is generally work for a licensed electrician; check your state's electrical safety regulator before proceeding. When paired with a Philips Hue Bridge connected to your local network, the Akari links with Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, SmartThings, and Home Assistant, supporting Matter bridging provided by the Hue ecosystem.
- Brand
- Philips Hue
- Model
- Akari Downlight
- Indoor <wbr>/<wbr> Outdoor
- IP44
- Mount Type
- Ceiling
- Height
- 72 mm
- Length
- 130 mm
- Width
- 90 mm
- Installation Method
- Recessed
- Brightness
- 800 Lumen
- Color Tone
- White and color ambiance, 2000-6500 K, Coloured and white light (RGBW), White and color light
- Dimmability
- Yes
- Lighting Effect
- Color changing, Diffused light effect
- Bulb Type
- LED
- Bulb Base Type
- E26 medium base
- Bulb Compatibility
- LED
- Bulb Quantity
- 2 0
- Bulb Wattage
- 8.5 W
- Style
- Single
- Subtype
- Downlight
- Durability
- IC-4 Rated (for use in Australia), Splash-proof, Wire-protected
- Glass Shade
- No
- Material
- Synthetic Metal
- Power Source
- Corded Electric
- Power Supply
- 240 V (voltage)
- App Compatibility
- Yes (Control instantly via Bluetooth in one room), Yes (Connect to a Hue Bridge to unlock the full suite of features)
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth
- Flexible
- No (Flexible arm)
- Linkable
- Yes (Control up to 10 lights with the Bluetooth app)
- Motion Sensor
- No
- Location
- Living Room, Bedroom, Kitchen
- Context
- Home, Bedroom, Kitchen, Living Room, Office Study
- Use Cases
- Ambiance creation
- Typical Users
- UNISEX, ADULT
Features
Bulb Included
- No (PowerLED lamp(s) included)
- No (Fluorescent lamp(s) included)
- No (Halogen lamp(s) included)
Control Method
Instant wireless dimming
Assistant Support
- Google Assistant
- Alexa
- Apple Home Kit
Highlighted Features
Dimmable
Specifications are sourced from the manufacturer listing. Confirm details on the retailer's product page before purchasing.
- Brand
- Philips Hue
- Category
- Lighting
- Product type
- Smart Bulbs
- SKU
- philips-hue-akari-downlight
- Catalogue ID
- 13928533422880379080
- Last Updated
- 22 October 2026
Prices are indicative and in Australian dollars — confirm on the retailer's site.We may earn a commission from links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Read our full disclosure.
- https://greenearth.net.au/products/philips-hue-akari-smart-led-downlight-recessed-bridge-lights-cool
- https://reductionrevolution.com.au/products/philips-hue-akari
- https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/philips-hue-akari-wca-90mm-down-light-with-bluetooth-black
- https://www.philips-hue.com/en-au/p/hue-white-and-color-ambiance-akari-downlight-black/8721103109477
- https://www.ozbargain.com.au/product/philips-hue-akari
- https://www.philips-hue.com/en-au/p/hue-white-and-color-ambiance-akari-downlight/8719514344723
FAQs
Do I need a Hue Bridge to use the Akari Downlight?
No, per the brand Bluetooth lets you control it from your smartphone app in one room without a Bridge. However, connecting to a Bridge unlocks the full suite of features, such as controlling multiple lights together and using voice assistant integrations.
What colour and brightness options does it offer?
The brand describes it as providing warm white settings and up to 16 million colour options. It delivers 800 lumens and is dimmable via the app.
Which voice assistants does it work with?
The downlight works with Google Assistant, Alexa and Apple Home Kit, though the sources do not detail which features each assistant unlocks.
Is it splash-proof or suitable for bathrooms?
The brand rates it as splash-proof with an IP44 rating. The sources do not confirm suitability for wet areas like shower cubicles; check the manufacturer's guidance for your specific installation.
Price history: Philips Hue Akari Downlight
Lowest price we recorded across Australian retailers, last 30 days.
- Now
- $81.50
- 30-day low
- $81.50
- 30-day high
- $99.95
- Change
- −$18.45
We began recording on 17 Oct, so this shows 12 days so far. Prices are checked on retailer pages and can change at any time; confirm on the retailer's site.
Where to Buy Philips Hue Akari Downlight in Australia
Compare stock availability and AUD pricing across verified Australian retailers. Prices checked 22 October 2026 — confirm on the retailer's site.
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