Do I need a hub for these smart bulbs?

It depends on the ecosystem. Philips Hue bulbs generally deliver their full feature set through the Hue Bridge, though several newer models advertise direct Wi-Fi or Bluetooth control. Govee, Linkind, and OREiN bulbs in this pool connect over 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (and some over Bluetooth) without a separate hub, and several list Matter support for cross-platform control. Confirm the listing's stated protocol before buying if hub-free operation matters to you.