Smart lighting is usually the first thing people add to a home automation setup — and for good reason. The barrier to entry is low, the results are immediately visible, and you do not need to touch any wiring if you start with smart bulbs. But the Czech market has some quirks that make certain popular international choices less practical here.
The Main Options Available in Czech Republic
Three ecosystems dominate the smart lighting space for Czech consumers: Philips Hue, IKEA Tradfri (now sold under the IKEA Smart Home brand), and the Shelly ecosystem. Each takes a different approach, and the right choice depends heavily on what you already have and what you want to do.
Philips Hue
Philips Hue is the most polished option and the one most likely to just work out of the box. The Hue Bridge connects to your router via ethernet and creates a local Zigbee network for the bulbs. The app is well-designed, the integration with voice assistants is reliable, and the product range is extensive — from standard E27 bulbs to GU10 spotlights to outdoor fixtures.
The main drawback is price. A Hue starter kit with the bridge and three bulbs costs around 2,500–3,000 CZK at Czech retailers like Alza or Mall.cz. Individual bulbs run 600–900 CZK each. For a typical Czech flat with 15–20 light points, a full Hue installation becomes expensive quickly.
Hue bulbs are widely available in Czech Republic at major electronics retailers, which matters for replacements and expansions. The warranty and support situation is also straightforward — Signify (the company behind Hue) has a proper European presence.
IKEA Tradfri / IKEA Smart Home
IKEA's smart lighting system uses the same Zigbee protocol as Philips Hue but costs significantly less. A starter kit with a hub and two bulbs is around 800–1,000 CZK. Individual bulbs are 200–400 CZK depending on type.
The trade-off is a less capable app and fewer automation options compared to Hue. IKEA's system works well for simple on/off scheduling and brightness control, but complex scenes and integrations require more effort. The good news is that IKEA Tradfri devices work well with Home Assistant and can be paired directly with a Zigbee coordinator, bypassing the IKEA hub entirely.
Shelly
Shelly takes a completely different approach. Instead of smart bulbs, Shelly makes small Wi-Fi relays and dimmers that fit behind existing switches or in junction boxes. This means you keep your existing bulbs and light fixtures — only the switch becomes smart.
For Czech homes with older wiring or unusual light fittings, this is often the most practical solution. Shelly devices are made by a Bulgarian company with good Central European distribution, and they are well-supported in Home Assistant. The Shelly 1 (basic relay) costs around 400 CZK; the Shelly Dimmer 2 around 700 CZK.
The limitation is that Wi-Fi-based systems can be less reliable than Zigbee in homes with many devices competing for bandwidth, and the setup requires more technical comfort than plug-and-play bulb systems.
Comparison Overview
| System | Protocol | Starter Cost | Czech Availability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philips Hue | Zigbee | 2,500–3,000 CZK | Excellent | Ease of use, reliability |
| IKEA Smart Home | Zigbee | 800–1,000 CZK | Good | Budget, basic automation |
| Shelly | Wi-Fi | 400–700 CZK | Good | Existing fixtures, wiring |
What About Zigbee Coordinators and Home Assistant?
If you are comfortable with a bit of technical setup, running your own Zigbee coordinator with Home Assistant opens up the most flexibility. A Sonoff Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus (around 400 CZK) can control Philips Hue, IKEA, and dozens of other Zigbee bulbs from a single interface, without depending on any manufacturer's cloud service.
This approach requires running Home Assistant on a Raspberry Pi or similar device, which adds cost and complexity. But for a home with many devices from different manufacturers, it is the most future-proof solution.
Czech electrical standard uses E27 (standard screw) and E14 (small screw) bulb fittings most commonly, along with GU10 for recessed spotlights. All major smart lighting brands cover these fittings, but always check before ordering — some colour-changing variants are only available in E27.
Practical Tips for Czech Apartments
Panel flats (panelák) present specific challenges. The concrete walls attenuate Wi-Fi signals significantly, which can cause issues with Wi-Fi-based systems like Shelly in larger flats. Zigbee is generally more resilient because each device acts as a repeater, extending the network range.
If your flat uses ceiling roses with bayonet fittings (B22), you will need adapters for most smart bulbs — this is uncommon in Czech Republic but worth checking. Most Czech homes use screw fittings.
For rented flats, smart bulbs are the safest option since they require no modifications to the wiring or switches. Check your lease before installing anything that requires opening electrical boxes.
Where to Buy in Czech Republic
Philips Hue is available at Alza.cz, Mall.cz, Datart, and most large electronics retailers. IKEA products are available at IKEA stores and online. Shelly devices are best ordered from Alza.cz or directly from the Shelly online shop, which ships to Czech Republic. For Zigbee coordinators and less common devices, AliExpress is commonly used by Czech home automation enthusiasts, though delivery times are longer.