Permanent Lighting Showdown: Gemstone vs. Govee for the Modern Home

Have you ever wondered why you’re paying hundreds of dollars a year on holiday lighting installation? Have you ever tiptoed around your roofline in mid-December, freezing fingers wrapped around a staple gun? If so, you’ve probably asked the question: Why don’t we just install permanent lights?

You’re not alone. More Kansas City homeowners are investing in permanent lighting—both for holiday sparkle and year-round curb appeal. Two names dominate the space: Gemstone Lights, installed professionally by dealers like Blingle, and Govee’s DIY Permanent Outdoor Lights.

This post gives a clear, side-by-side breakdown for homeowners who are deciding which system is right for them. We’ll be fair. We’ll be thorough. We might even get a little nerdy. Because whether you’re a DIY warrior or someone who wants a one-and-done install that lasts 20 years, your house deserves lights that match your vibe.

Meet the Contenders

Gemstone Lights

• Premium, permanent lighting professionally installed via authorized dealers like Blingle South Kansas City. Hidden track system, individually addressable RGBW nodes, app-controlled, custom patterns, true architectural-grade white light, and a lifetime warranty on lights.

Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights

• Retail, app-controlled DIY kits that mount via adhesive pads and clips. Affordable, bright, color-rich, with music sync, voice control, and easy app effects. Great for tech-savvy homeowners comfortable on ladders.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

Side-by-Side: What Really Matters

──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

What Govee Gets Right

Let’s give credit where it’s due: Govee is simple, fun, and full of instant gratification. If you’re:

• Handy (and not afraid of a ladder),
• Wanting a low-cost, seasonal glow,
• Looking for great app effects with music sync,
• Not overly concerned with “invisible” by day…

…then Govee might be a great place to start. You can buy it today, install it this weekend, and be ready for Halloween, Red Friday, or Arbor Day—whatever moves you.

And their new Pro line adds warm white, bringing Govee a little bit closer to the year-round elegance people want. It’s not the same as architectural lighting, but for a few hundred dollars? That’s a trade-off many are happy to make.

Where Gemstone Shines

Now let’s talk adding value to your home. Because Gemstone Lights aren’t “holiday lights”—they’re an upgrade to your home’s entire exterior.

• A clean roofline that glows softly year-round? ✔️
• A porch scene that goes warm white 300 days a year, but bursts red and gold for Chiefs games? ✔️
• No visible wires, nodes, or strips? ✔️
• And when Christmas hits? One tap. Your house becomes the centerpiece. Then, back to elegant neutral—without climbing a ladder or peeling tape off your soffit.

Gemstone’s RGBW tech means you get true white lighting in addition to color. And its Hub 2 system offers Autopilot—automatic transitions tied to the calendar: Valentine's pinks, July red-white-blue, spooky oranges, and back to neutral, all without setting a single timer. It’s smart-home lighting that stays smart.

⚠️ Bonus: It’s also the only system with a lifetime light warranty, 10-year parts coverage, and local support from your Blingle team.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

Who Should Choose What?

We like to keep it real. So here's how to decide:

───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

The Bottom Line

If you’re a DIYer who wants great holiday lighting, Govee’s got you covered. We admire the creativity and love seeing our neighbors’ color shows all over KC. You’re doing the work, and it shows.

But if you’re looking for a permanent system that works every night—not just holidays—and looks seamless on your home, then Gemstone Lights installed by Blingle is the gold standard.

Next in this series: We’ll explore how permanent lighting isn’t just for the holidays anymore—with a look at year-round color palettes, zoning examples, and how people are using Gemstone to replace soffit lights and landscape fixtures entirely.

Ready to go pro? Schedule a free quote with Blingle KC and see what permanent lighting looks like when it’s done once, and done right.

⚠️ Safety & Use Disclaimer

This article is provided for general awareness only. It is not a safety manual, professional advice, or a substitute for training, permits, or compliance with laws and codes. Do not rely on this content to plan, perform, supervise, or inspect any work.

Always:

• Obtain proper training and certification.
• Follow manufacturer instructions, OSHA/ANSI standards, the NEC, and all applicable local codes and HOA rules.
• Consult a licensed electrician/contractor or other qualified professional for your specific situation.

Work at height and with electricity/tools involves inherent risk. You assume all risk if you choose to perform any work. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we disclaim all liability for injuries, damages, or losses arising from use of or reliance on this material. In an emergency, call 911.