If you’re not using synced backlighting on your TV, you’re missing half the experience. These smart lighting systems make movies and games feel dramatically more immersive by splashing vibrant colors onto the back of your TV that perfectly mirror what’s happening on screen.
While Philips made synced ambient lighting popular with its Ambilight TVs, you don’t need a new TV to get the same immersive effect. Brands like Govee now offer affordable sync kits that work with any TV. Here at Game Rant, we’ve tested plenty of smart lights, and these are our top picks for the best TV backlight kits that sync with your screen.
6Govee Envisual TV LED Backlight T2
Govee has been releasing plenty of smart lights recently, but the Envisual TV LED Backlight T2 remains its top offering for synced TV lights. Featuring their newest and most innovative dual camera and an RGBIC light strip, this backlight kit works with any TV content and offers the most accurate color-matching of any camera-based kit.
We reviewed the Envisual TV LED Backlight T2when it first launched and were impressed by its color accuracy and brightness. It responded quickly and accurately to scene changes and had no trouble monitoring all quadrants of the screen. While there can be slight delays in very fast-paced scenes compared to HDMI sync boxes, it’s more affordable—and most people won’t even notice the difference.
The Govee Home app is another big reason why Govee lights are becoming so popular. It’s easy to use and offers plenty of lighting modes to choose from. you may even sync the lightstrip with other Govee lights, transforming your entire space into a dynamic, immersive light show, perfect for movies, gaming, or setting the mood.
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5Ailofy Smart LED Backlight with Camera
If you want TV syncing backlights without breaking the bank, the Ailofy Smart LED Backlight with Camera is a solid budget pick. While not as polished as premium options like the Govee Envisual T2, it delivers impressive color-matching for less than half the price, making it a great entry point for synced TV lighting.
Like most budget kits, it uses a camera to monitor and sync the colors with whatever is playing on your TV, whether you’re watching movies, gaming, or streaming. The companion app adds extra versatility with music sync, preset lighting scenes, and even automatic black bar detection to ensure seamless bias lighting without gaps.
4Govee HDMI 2.1 Sync Box 2
If you want precise, lag-free TV backlighting without a camera perched on your TV, the Govee AI Sync Box 2 is a fantastic upgrade. Instead of relying on a camera, it uses an HDMI sync box that sits between your TV and video source, such as a PS5 or Apple TV, and analyzes the video signal directly as it passes through, resulting in faster and more accurate color matching.
During our hands-on testing, we were blown away by its near-instant response time and exceptional color accuracy, especially in dark scenes where camera-based backlight kits can struggle. It supports up to 4K/144Hz pass-through, which is a big win for gamers. It can even react to in-game events likeLeague of Legendskills for extra immersion.
The only downside is that it doesn’t work with built-in TV apps. HDR content can also look oversaturated, but you can fine-tune colors to your liking in the Govee Home app. At $260, it’s a far cheaper option than Philips Hue or FancyLEDs offerings, making this the best mid-range sync box for gamers and movie buffs alike.
3Linkind ET6 Smart TV Backlights with HDMI 2.0 Sync Box
If the Govee AI Sync Box 2 stretches your budget, the Linkind ET6 Smart TV Backlights with HDMI 2.0 Sync Box is an excellent budget alternative. I’ve used this kit in my setup since 2024, and it performs remarkably well, as long as you don’t need 4K/120Hz gaming. Unlike the Govee AI Sync Box 2, it’s capped at 4K/60Hz, but that’s more than enough for movies, TV, and even casual gaming.
The standout feature is its price. At just $98, it undercuts even camera-based sync kits while delivering better color accuracy and virtually no lag or inconsistencies. In my setup, I’ve paired it withLinkind’s EN6 Neon Rope LightandSmart Light Bulbs, creating a stunning light show that adds a ton of atmosphere to movie nights.
What’s impressive is that, despite the budget-friendly price, the ET6 still includes premium features like automatic black bar detection and hands-free voice control through Alexa and Google Assistant. While basic functions work via the Google Home app, you’ll want to use the AiDot app to unlock full functionality, including advanced scenes, syncing with other AiDot-compatible lights, and customizing your ambient lighting.
2Lytmi Fantasy 3 TV Backlight Kit With HDMI 2.1 Sync Box
If you want something more affordable than the Govee HDMI 2.1 Sync Box 2 but with better gaming features than the Linkind ET6, the Lytmi Fantasy 3 TV Backlight Kit hits that sweet spot. Like the others, it pulls colors directly from your HDMI signal for perfect sync, but the big upgrade here is full HDMI 2.1 support.
That means you get 4K/120Hz passthrough, so your PS5 or Xbox Series X games will look buttery smooth while the lights keep up perfectly with the action. There are slightly fewer LEDs per meter compared to the Govee, but in real use, it’s just as immersive, especially when gaming in the dark or watching movies.
That said, like all HDMI sync boxes, it won’t work with your TV’s built-in apps, but you’re able to plug in a streaming device like an Apple TV or Fire Stick for vibrant bias lighting every time. The real downside is that you miss out on Govee’s extensive software features, but Lytmi’s app holds its own with solid presets and hands-free voice control.
1Philips Hue 65-Inch Smart TV Light Strip With Bridge
If you’re already invested in the Philips Hue ecosystem, theHue Play HDMI Sync Box 8Kis the missing link to finally sync everything with your TV. This updated version now supports 4K/120Hz, making it ideal for PS5, Xbox Series X, and Apple TV 4K users who want high refresh rate gaming paired with perfectly matched lighting.
The only drawback is the price. The updated Sync Box alone costs $385, and you’ll still need a lightstrip and bridge. It’s a pricey setup, but you’re getting the best color matching out there, plus that signature Philips Hue diffusion quality that eliminates hotspots for a theater-perfect glow.
If you want to save money, you can grab the complete bundle at Best Buy and save $66 versus buying separately. Even better, you can skip the Sync Box entirely and use theHue Sync TV appinstead if you own a 2022 or newer Samsung QLED TV or an LG TV running webOS 24 or later. At $129.99 upfront or $2.99/month, it’s a much cheaper way to sync your Philips Hue lights with everything on your screen, including built-in TV apps.
