If I may throw my hat in the ring here.
I'm using Wifi with almost perfect reliability in my house---which is great. MagicHome is great for the price, and WAF is high with the app and the remote. Not hacky at all 
Wifi: ($47 + 24v Power Supply) - 5m (This one doesn't use an IR remote, though)
The RGB + WW/CW CCT controller is great. We use 12 of them in our office without issue. It's wonderful---and I'm working pretty heavily on this driver (which unfortunately means I'm not working on my other apps or drivers right now). That, with these strips, has been lighting my bedroom as the primary source. My spouse has never complained, which speaks well for their consistency.
Zigbee: ($60 + 24v Power Supply) - 5m
I ALSO use a Zigbee RGB/CCT controller (compatible with hue) and a bunch of hue products connected directly to my hub (had a bad experience with their customer support recently and I'm transitioning away). If you want something in this range, get something like this with some of these LEDs and a 24V power supply of your choice.
ZWave: ($60-$70 for JUST the controller, you'll need to find RGBW strips.)
If you're looking to use Z-Wave, get a Fibaro RGBW controller --- although, that won't support CCT through Warm/Cold LED channels, only through RGB.
Or, get Hues---if you'd like. There are other options as well, these are just my favorites.
I'll also note --- if WiFi goes down in my house, home automation is usually the last thing I'm concerned about.
I forgot to ask--- are you looking for RGB + CCT? Or perhaps just RGB + W, or simply RGB? I can send you recommendations for all of them (I have a lighting obsession problem haha)
