Best Smart Light Panels for Gaming & Mood Lighting: 2025 Expert Review
Oli at OR Electrics
Fully Qualified Electrician (18th Edition)
Walk past any student accommodation in Headingley or a gaming setup in a Leeds terraced house, and you'll likely spot the tell-tale glow of hexagonal light panels. They have exploded in popularity for creating immersive atmospheres, but the market is flooded with cheap imports that often disappoint.
From an electrician's perspective, my main concerns with these products are usually the power supply units (PSUs) and the connection stability. Poorly made panels can flicker, overheat at the connectors, or leave you with a mess of wires that is both unsightly and a potential trip hazard.
In this review, I've analysed three popular options to see which ones offer safe, reliable performance. I'll look at a budget-friendly starter pack, a massive 20-panel set for maximum impact, and a kit that solves the common issue of loose connections.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Cable-Free Appearance"
"Marketing photos show panels floating on the wall with zero visible cables."
Every setup needs a visible USB cable running to a power source. Unless you chase the cable into the wall (which is difficult in solid brick) or use trunking, you will see a wire.
The Spec: "Double-Sided Tape Installation"
"Just stick them up anywhere and move them anytime."
The included adhesive often rips plaster right off the wall when removed—a nightmare in rented properties. I always recommend using high-quality branded Command strips instead of the default sticky pads.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Pagezol Hexagon Lights - 8 Pack RGB LED Lights
Pagezol
For just under £13, this 8-pack is incredibly cheap, working out at roughly £1.62 per panel. It's an accessible entry point for teenagers or anyone wanting to test out the aesthetic without committing a lot of money. However, expect basic build quality at this price point.
The Good
- Extremely low cost for an 8-panel system
- Includes music sync functionality
- Simple app integration for colour changing
The Bad
- Connectors can feel a bit flimsy
- Light diffusion isn't as smooth as premium brands (hotspots visible)
Installer Tip:
At this price, the power filtering usually isn't great. If you plug this into a cheap USB hub, the lights might flicker. Ensure you use a dedicated, high-quality USB plug adapter (ideally 5V 2A) to keep the light steady.
Priced at £12.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonPUMPKINS 20Pcs Hexagon LED Lights, RGB Hex Light Panels
PUMPKINS
This kit stands out purely for its scale. Getting 20 panels allows for genuinely impressive wall art designs that smaller kits can't match. It's the 'quality' pick here in terms of impact and the ability to create a comprehensive feature wall rather than just a small cluster of lights.
The Good
- Massive 20-panel kit allows for complex shapes
- Uniform light mixing helps avoid the 'dotty' LED look
- Good value per panel for a larger set
The Bad
- Requires careful power management (don't exceed the PSU limit)
- Installation takes patience to align 20 panels perfectly
Installer Tip:
Plan your design on the floor first! Once you start sticking 20 panels to the wall, mistakes are messy to fix. Also, ensure the USB power source is positioned centrally or has enough slack, as 20 panels draw significant current.
Priced at £45.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonTECKNET Hexagon LED Lights, 8 Pack RGB Gaming Hex Wall Light Panels
TECKNET
The biggest frustration with budget light panels is loose connections causing flickering sections. TECKNET addresses this with stronger, more secure connectors. The frosted finish also provides a much softer, more professional light output compared to cheaper glossy plastic competitors.
The Good
- Stronger connectors solve the common 'wobbly connection' fault
- Frosted finish creates a smoother, spotless light
- Impressive 36-month warranty offers peace of mind
The Bad
- More expensive per panel than the budget pick
- Limited to 8 panels per USB cable for optimal brightness
Installer Tip:
The secure connectors are great, but they can be tight. Be gentle when snapping them together to avoid cracking the PCB. The frosted finish looks much better when turned off than the shiny plastic of cheaper models, making it better for living rooms.
Priced at £23.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Are these light panels safe to leave on 24/7?
Will the adhesive damage my paintwork?
How do I hide the power cable?
Can I connect more panels than the pack includes?
Do I need an electrician to install these?
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