Lepro N1 AI Smart Neon Light Strip Review

The Lepro N1 AI Smart Neon Light Strip aims to compete with the many options on the market.

While there are plenty of options available, and many of them are cheaper, the Lepro tries to stand out from the crowd.

It is 6-meter flexible LED strip boasts 96 LEDs per meter, promising vibrant, diffused lighting effects similar to the Wiz Neon Flex Strip and Twinkly Flex.

The standout feature is the LightGPM AI system, which claims to generate custom lighting themes based on user emotions, voice commands, and environmental context.

Features

LightGPM AI Lighting Technology

The core of the Lepro N1’s appeal is its LightGPM AI system. This algorithm analyses various inputs to create dynamic lighting themes:

Emotion detection: The system can interpret facial expressions from photos to suggest matching lighting effects.

Voice commands: Built-in voice assistant functionality allows for hands-free control and scene setting.

Contextual awareness: The AI adapts to different activities and environments, such as gaming, relaxation, or parties.

The N1 offers a “MagicColor” mode, displaying multiple colours simultaneously for a rainbow-like effect. Users can customise the colour and brightness of 48 individual segments along the strip, providing granular control over the lighting design.

Emotion-Based AI Lighting

One of the N1’s unique selling points is its ability to analyse emotions from photos. Users can take a selfie or upload an image through the Lepro+ app, and the LightGPM system will suggest lighting effects to complement the detected mood.

While this feature is intriguing, its practical value may vary. The accuracy of emotion detection from static images can be questionable, and the subjective nature of colour-mood associations means the suggested themes may not always resonate with users.

Voice Command Lighting

The Lepro+ app includes a voice assistant for easy control of the N1. This feature allows users to adjust lighting settings, activate scenes, or change colours using natural language commands. The system’s ability to interpret emotions, scenes, and prompts adds an extra layer of interactivity to the lighting experience.

Voice control can be particularly useful in hands-free situations or for quick adjustments without opening the app. However, the effectiveness of this feature will depend on the accuracy of the voice recognition and the range of supported commands.

LightBeats Music Sync

The N1 includes a music synchronisation feature called LightBeats. This function uses the controller’s built-in microphone to detect ambient audio and adjust the lighting in real-time. The strip can also sync with music played directly from a connected smartphone.

Music sync is a popular feature in LED strips, and its inclusion in the N1 adds to the product’s versatility. This mode can enhance parties, gaming sessions, or create a more immersive environment when watching videos or listening to music.

Seamless Diffused Lighting

With 96 LEDs per meter, the N1 promises smooth, continuous lighting without visible gaps between individual LEDs. This high LED density contributes to a more professional look and reduces the “dotted” effect often seen in lower-quality LED strips.

The diffused design helps to minimise glare and create a more comfortable lighting experience. This feature is particularly beneficial for ambient lighting applications or when the strip is directly visible in a room’s decor.

Smart Control with Voice and App

The N1 supports voice control through popular smart home platforms like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. This integration allows the strip to be incorporated into broader smart home routines and controlled alongside other compatible devices.

The dedicated Lepro+ app provides access to advanced features such as AI lighting modes, segment colour control, and music synchronisation. It’s worth noting that the N1 is not compatible with the Smart Life app, which may be a drawback for users who already have other smart home devices on that platform.

DIY Flexibility

The 6-meter length of the N1 strip offers ample coverage for most rooms or decorative applications. The flexible design allows users to bend and shape the strip to fit various spaces or create custom designs.

While the strip is not self-adhesive, Lepro includes 20 mounting clips and screws for installation. This approach can be both an advantage and a disadvantage – it allows for more secure mounting and easier repositioning but may require more effort during initial setup compared to adhesive-backed strips.

Specification

SKU	N1-6-UK
Light Colour	Multi-coloured
Power Consumption (W)	36
Warranty	2 Years
Material	Copper, Plastic
LED Quantity	576
Width (mm)	16
Net Weight (KG)	0.9
Length (m)	6
Input Voltage (V)	100-240V AC
LED Quantity (Units/M)	96
Power Source	AC
Lamp current (mA)	2000
Frequency (Hz)	50/60
Certification	CE, UKCA
Package Quantity	Pack of 1 Unit

Unboxing / Design

The Lepro N1 arrives in a compact box that contains the LED strip, power adapter, controller unit, and mounting accessories. The packaging is functional and protects the contents well, though it lacks the premium feel of some higher-end smart lighting products.

The LED strip itself has a robust feel, with a flexible silicone housing that encases the LEDs. This design contributes to the diffused lighting effect and provides some protection against dust and moisture. However, it’s important to note that the N1 is not rated for outdoor use or exposure to water. I generally prefer the overall appearance of this style of light strip in comparison to the flat strips that have the LEDs exposed, but both styles have their advantages and disadvantages.

The controller unit is relatively compact and houses the microphone for music synchronisation as well as the Wi-Fi module for smart connectivity. Its design is utilitarian rather than stylish, which may be a consideration if the controller will be visible in your setup.

The included mounting clips are made of plastic and feel somewhat flimsy. While they should be adequate for most indoor installations, users planning to mount the strip in high-traffic areas or on challenging surfaces may want to consider alternative mounting solutions.

Set Up and Lepro App Settings

Setting up the Lepro N1 involves several steps:

1. Physical installation: Mount the LED strip using the provided clips and connect it to the controller and power supply.
2. App download: Install the Lepro+ app from the App Store or Google Play.
3. Device pairing: Follow the in-app instructions to connect the N1 to your home Wi-Fi network (2.4GHz only).
4. Account creation: Set up a Lepro account to access all features and enable cloud-based control.
5. Configuration: Customise settings, create scenes, and explore AI features within the app.

The physical installation process is straightforward, though the lack of adhesive backing means you’ll need to plan your layout carefully and potentially drill holes for the mounting clips.

The Lepro+ app has a modern interface and provides access to all of the N1’s features. Navigation is generally intuitive, with clear categories for different functions like colour selection, scene creation, and AI modes.

Some notable app features include:

• Segment control: Adjust colours and effects for individual sections of the strip.
• Scene library: Pre-set and custom lighting scenes for various moods and activities.
• Scheduling: Set timers for automatic lighting changes throughout the day.
• Music sync settings: Fine-tune the sensitivity and style of audio-responsive modes.
• AI configuration: Upload photos for emotion detection and customise AI-generated themes.

While the app offers a wide range of controls, some users may find the abundance of options overwhelming at first. The learning curve for fully utilising all of the N1’s capabilities can be steeper compared to simpler smart lighting systems.

Performance

Lighting Quality

The Lepro N1 delivers impressive lighting quality thanks to its high LED density and diffused design. Colours appear rich and vibrant, with smooth transitions between hues in multi-colour modes. The strip produces a good level of brightness and is suitable for both accent lighting and more general illumination tasks.

The diffused effect is particularly noteworthy, creating a cohesive light source without visible hotspots. This results in a more premium look compared to budget LED strips where individual LEDs are often clearly visible.

Colour accuracy is generally good, though, as with many RGB LED systems, some colours (particularly pure whites and certain pastel shades) may not be as precise as dedicated white or RGBW strips.

AI Features

The LightGPM AI system is the N1’s standout feature, and its performance is a mixed bag. The emotion detection from photos works reasonably well, often suggesting appropriate colour schemes for basic emotions like happiness or calmness. However, the system can struggle with more nuanced expressions or poorly lit images.

The AI-generated themes based on voice prompts and scenes are more consistently useful. The system does a good job of interpreting commands like “create a relaxing atmosphere” or “energise the room,” producing lighting effects that generally match the requested mood. Similarly asking it for some Christmas lighting produced some suitably festive colours.

The contextual awareness for different activities (e.g., gaming, yoga, parties) is a nice touch, though the effectiveness can vary depending on the specific scenario and user preferences.

Music Synchronisation

The LightBeats music sync feature performs well, with the strip responding quickly to changes in audio. The built-in microphone is reasonably sensitive, though it can sometimes pick up unwanted ambient noise in quieter environments.

When syncing directly with music from a connected phone, the responsiveness is even better, creating a more precise audio-visual experience. The app offers several different sync modes, allowing users to customise the style of light reactivity to suit different music genres or personal tastes.

Smart Home Integration

Voice control through Alexa and Google Assistant works as expected, with the N1 responding promptly to basic commands for power, brightness, and colour changes. More complex operations, like activating specific scenes or AI modes, may still require use of the Lepro+ app.

The N1’s integration with broader smart home ecosystems is somewhat limited compared to more established brands like Philips Hue or LIFX. While basic functionality is covered, advanced users looking for deep integration with other smart home devices may find the options lacking.

Power Consumption and Heat Management

With a rated power consumption of 36W, the N1 is relatively efficient for its length and brightness. The strip doesn’t generate excessive heat during operation, even when run at full brightness for extended periods.

Price and Alternative Options

The Lepro N1 AI Smart Neon Light Strip is available from Lepro.co.uk for £69.99, and it is also available on Amazon in both 3M and 6M variants.

The light strip market is saturated with hundreds of options. This rope-style light strip has fewer options.

The 3m Wiz Neon Flex Strip is available for £70.

TheTwinkly Flex is £63 for a 2m strip.

The Philips Hue White and Colour Ambiance Outdoor Lightstrip [2M] is a similar design and is £76, and the Hue Gradient Lightstrip for TVs and monitors is similar but very expensive.

Then there is the Govee Neon Rope Light 2, which is £75 for 5m.

For more affordable options, you have random brands, including:

• Lamomo Neon LED Strip Light, 10M RGB LED Lights Strip for £10
• AILBTON 6m Neon Rope Lights for £35

Verdict

The Lepro N1 AI Smart Neon Light Strip is an excellent LED strip that aims to differentiate itself from the crowded market with several innovative features

Its strengths lie in the high-quality diffused lighting, extensive customisation options, and the potential of its AI-driven lighting effects.

Looking at the competition, the price is attractive when compared to other diffused-style LED strips, but if you would be happy with a more basic flat strip then you could save quite a bit of money.

For users seeking a simpler smart lighting solution or those heavily invested in specific smart home ecosystems, alternatives from brands like Philips Hue or Wiz may be more appropriate.

Compared to the Wiz Neon Flex Strip, the N1 offers more advanced features and longer lengths at a similar price point. However, the Wiz product benefits from better smart home integration and a more established brand reputation.

In conclusion, the Lepro N1 AI Smart Neon Light Strip is a solid choice for users looking to explore the cutting edge of smart lighting technology. While its AI features may not revolutionise everyone’s lighting experience, the high-quality diffused light and extensive customisation options make it a competitive option in the mid-range smart LED strip market.

Last update on 2024-12-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API