Testing the IKEA HomeKit with Tradfri lights

There is the idea that home automation is expensive, especially when we talk about HomeKit, but the reality is that the prices of accessories compatible with Apple's home automation platform have dropped considerably as more manufacturers have come into play. And if any manufacturer can already give the final touch to prices, it is IKEA, which with its “Tradfri” range brings home automation to any user who has not yet decided to enter this addictive world. I have chosen one of the cheapest combinations to start with in HomeKit and I show you how it works in this video and in the article.

Bridge, lights and switch

Tradfri by IKEA is compatible with HomeKit, Google ASsistant and Alexa. As is evident, we are going to focus on its use with HomeKit, but for the other platforms it will be similar. In the video at the top of the article you will see the entire configuration process and the operation of the system, as well as some ideas for automations and environments. To achieve this you will need the following Tradfri elements:

• Tradfri connection device: it is the most expensive element (€ 30) but essential for Tradfri accessories to be integrated into HomeKit. It is powered by a charger and micro USB cable (included) and connects to the router using the Ethernet cable (included). There is no WiFi connection.
• Tradfri lighting dimmer: we will use it to control our lights (turn on, turn off and regulate the intensity). It is also essential to use this switch or any other available model, but this is the cheapest (€ 6) and that is why I have chosen. It has a base that we can fix with screws or adhesive, to which the switch is magnetically attached, so we can move it without problems.
• Tradfri LED 600 lumens E14 bulb: (€ 6). Bulb adjustable in intensity and temperature (does not change color).

The operation of the Kit is simple: the bulb (or bulbs) are associated with the switch that controls it, and the switch with the connection device. If the switch is too far from the connection device, IKEA also has repeaters that you can place to extend its reach. The entire kit is configured thanks to the Tradfri app (link) and the entire procedure can be seen from beginning to end in the video at the beginning of the article.

Tradfri products are 100% IKEA in terms of design and materials: discreet, cheap materials but well finished. As they say, they fulfill their function, but they are not designed to be placed in the most visible place in the room, but rather the opposite.

Integration with HomeKit

Once everything is configured, we can add the devices to HomeKit by scanning the QR code on the base of the connection device, and all the accessories that we have added will appear. They also appear to us independently, that is, Although I have associated three bulbs to the same switch, I have three bulbs that I can use independently in the Home app. From here, everything works as usual: control through Siri, automations, environments, control through the Home app, interaction with devices from other brands ...

If you expected that due to being cheaper devices they would have lower benefits than others, the truth is that you will be surprised, because their operation is very correct, maybe they may have a bit more delay when executing an order, but it is something absolutely tolerable and that is not a problem for you to have a very good user experience. I can finish by saying that I think they will not be the last IKEA Tradfri products that I buy to continue expanding my home automation. If you want more information about the products or buy them, you can do it through this link to the IKEA website.