Govee Curtain Lights review: Customize Your DIY Light Show

When I first heard of the Govee Curtain Lights, I knew I had to get them. They're just a set of hanging string fairy lights with individually controllable RGB LEDs, but when connected with Govee's software, they transform into a massive pixel art tapestry that will liven up your wall.

Although they look equally at home on any flat surface, they are primarily intended to hang in front of a set of floor-length curtains, the kind you'd have in front of a set of French doors. Additionally, you may hang them outdoors since they are IP65-rated.

For $129, these lights aren't exactly an impulse purchase, so I wanted to see whether they're worth your money. I've had the lights on my wall for a few weeks now, and here's what I've discovered:

Govee Curtain Lights, Smart LED Curtain Lights, Color Changing Wall Lights, Dynamic DIY Curtain String Lights for Bedroom Living Room Backdrop Decor, Outdoor IP65 Waterproof, 5 x 6.6ft, 520 RGBIC LEDs

• Gorgeous Pattern Displays: Newest app version supports Music Mode to link with up to 2 or 3 sets. These Govee Wi-Fi curtain lights are 5 x 6.6 feet and contain 520 light beads, allowing for a higher pixel density. Suitable for Home or Moment decorations.
• DIY Your Canvas: With 5 canvas layers, add more dimension to your lighting effects with Govee LED Curtain Lights. You can also upload pictures and GIFs for a fun animated decoration to complete your space. Note: GIF function only works with one set.
• 107+ Dynamic Scene Modes: Amplify the coolest vibes for Christmas or special occasion likes party decorations. Whether you're in charge of a local festival, hosting a party, or looking for extra lighting for wall decorations, these curtain lights are a nice choice.
• Enhanced Music Mode: Make your space the life of the party with our animated Music Mode, which allows your playlists to sync with the DIY curtain string lights. You can also use DreamView to sync the rest of your Govee lights for window decor.
• Easy to Install: There are multiple ways to install these IP65 waterproof outdoor curtain lights. Use the included adhesive tape, seamless nails, or hooks to place the Govee smart lights in bedrooms, gaming rooms, outdoor patios, living rooms, and more.

$129.99

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What's in the Box?

• Curtain lights, control box, and power adapter
• Curtain hooks, seamless nails, and VHB pads
• Screws, screwdrivers, and manuals

The lights themselves, as well as a power adapter and a control box with an integrated power button and microphone, are all included in the box. The string lights are pretty sizable and easy to tangle, but they are provided in a way that keeps everything organized and manageable until they are put in place.

Govee includes everything you need for three distinct installation methods—well, nearly; one method requires a hammer, which you do not get for obvious reasons.

You may connect “G4 hooks” and hang the lights on your current curtains, hang them up with the provided VHB strips, or hang them from hooks that stick into the wall. I went with the latter, mainly because I lack suitable drapes.

Setup and configuration

• 1.5 x 2-metre space is required.
• There are three installation methods to choose from.

As I previously said, I installed the Curtain Lights using what Govee refers to as “seamless nails.” They are just a set of four white plastic hooks with four pre-installed short nails. The hooks are simply lined up and driven in with a hammer, and the lights are ready to hang.

I can't comment on the other methods since I didn't try them, but they seem to be as easy. I also know from previous testing of Govee products that the accompanying VHB pads tend to be quite strong and dependable, so I can only assume that is the case here as well.

It's as easy as it can be to set up the lights using the app. If you've ever used a Govee product, you'll know what to expect. If not, it's simply a matter of typing in the case name and selecting it from the list. You may simply tap the plus button at the top right of the app, and the product should be identified immediately.

You may hang the lights with the power wire trailing on the right or left side. I first thought I'd made a mistake since animations that display text were showing backward, but there's a toggle in the app called “Switch Installation Direction,” and tapping that put things right.

App and smart features

• Govee Home app for Android and iOS
• Works with Google Home and Alexa

The Govee app is the same app used by all of Govee's other products, so there aren't many surprises there. The user experience is also largely the same.

It's easy to use, but it's not the most intuitive; occasionally features are hidden in slightly odd places, and it takes some tapping to find what you're looking for.

The connection with smart homes is the same as it is with Govee's other products. It merely took a few clicks for me to install the Curtain Lights since I use Google Home and Govee was already connected to my Google Home account. There's nothing to worry about if you're trying Govee for the first time since while I haven't done the basic setup in a while, it was hassle-free.

Once connected, you can add the Curtain Lights to your automation and control them using the Google Home app or your voice with Google Assistant. You can control the brightness and toggle them on or off through the Google Home app, as well as choose from a basic set of pre-determined hues. You cannot select any of the fancy animated sequences; you must use the Govee app for that. If you use Google Home to automate an on/off cycle, it will continue to use the last animation that you set.

I didn't try it out with this device since I don't use Alexa for my personal smart home needs, but from what I gather, the functionality and process are mostly the same.

Performance and effects

• Music modes, preset scenes, DIY mode
• Upload GIF animations and browse user-created scenes

The lights may grow quite bright, to the point that you could use them in the middle of the day if you wanted to. There is good uniformity in color rendition throughout the array, and the LEDs can kick off some seriously vibrant colors.

There is no flickering to the unaided eye, and the same is true when captured on film. If you want these lights to enliven your live streaming or YouTube setup, this is fantastic. With these lights in the backdrop, I even shot some 120 fps slow motion with the Lumix S5II, and there was still no noticeable flicker.

In the app, you may pick from a wide range of effects and scenes, ranging from abstract patterns to pixel art and everything in between. Of course, some are more successful than others, and your viewing distance also plays a significant role. Simple images are more recognizable than complex ones since there are only 520 “pixels” to work with. However, you can link additional sets of curtain lights, so you can go more complex if you have the space and patience.

The app enables you to upload animated GIFs to be displayed on the Curtain Lights, which is a feature unique to Govee, as far as we know. When compared to using the app's built-in features, this makes it far simpler to get your unique artwork displayed since you can just use software that you're familiar with and transfer it over. It's a fantastic feature.

The music-reactive mode is my particular favorite, especially with the Meteor Shower and Dream Color settings. To create hypnotic, vivid patterns in sync with the music, it uses the built-in microphone in the control box and reacts swiftly to the beat. The only drawback is that it reacts to voices in the same manner, so I can see the effect becoming muddy during a noisy party. You can tailor the sensitivity using a slider in the app, but being able to respond solely to the sound output of your phone would be much better—perhaps in the future.

Verdict

There aren't many products available if you like the concept of animated RGB LED curtain lights. At least none are as user-friendly and well-made as Govee's, which makes them extremely easy to recommend.

The app's complete suite of tools allows you to upload GIFs as well as create animations, which means your options are limitless. Furthermore, having easy access to community-created animations means you can enjoy a plethora of scenes without needing to do the labor.

We think the price is reasonable for what you receive; however, a lower asking price would make such a purchase more appealing. However, Govee is renowned for its fantastic deals, so keep an eye out around Prime Day and Black Friday if the price is a barrier. Even at the time of writing, Amazon was offering a $30 reduction off the asking price, so keep an eye out.

I have loved playing with the Govee Curtain Lights, and I reckon anybody who appreciates vibrant lighting would feel the same way. This is a great option—and a lot of fun—if you have floor-length drapes or a blank wall that may need some sprucing up.