Do you like the idea of saying “Alexa, turn off the lights” and have the lights turn off without you getting up from the couch? If so, a smart light switch might be right for you. Smart light switches let you turn your lights on and off using an app on your phone or a voice assistant like Alexa. Relatively easy to install, there are hundreds of different types and brands to choose from. In this piece, we break down our choices for the best smart light switches.
Further reading
Lutron Caseta Wireless Dimmer
When it comes to smart lighting systems, this switch from Lutron is one of the easiest to install and most feature-rich on the market. This smart light switch does not require a neutral wire. Plus, it offers geofencing capabilities, which means your lights can automatically turn on when you get home and turn off when you leave. You can also schedule them to turn on or off by themselves at certain times of the day. The switch itself is very functional, with different buttons indicating exactly what your options are, whether you want to turn off the lights or adjust the brightness. Want to use voice commands to control the lights? Integrate the Lutron Switch with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri to get started.
Keep in mind that you will need to get the Lutron Smart Bridge in order to use full functionality with all Lutron products, including Caseta. You can buy a starter kit, which includes the bridge and a remote control. The bridge must be plugged into your home router so that you can control the lights on your electronic device, such as a smartphone.
WeMo Smart Wi-Fi Dimmer
Looking for a dimmer that doesn’t require you to buy a whole new set of home bulbs? This one from WeMo will calibrate for any type of bulb. The Switch also has some cool design touches that put it ahead of the competition. For example, you can use a finger to control the brightness by running it along the gutter in the center of the switch. Whatever light the switch is paired with will darken or brighten accordingly. The switch also offers a night mode which gives you just enough light to find the bathroom in the middle of the night.
The WeMo app offers even more, including the ability to review your home’s electricity usage and control multiple WeMo devices. The WeMo Smart Wi-Fi Dimmer is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT and HomeKit. Plus, you don’t need a hub, so you can set up your smart light switches for a low initial cost.
GE C-Start smart switch
The C by GE is a powerful amalgamation of minimalist design and easy performance. The casual design of the plate is not overbearing or annoying, but is actually pleasing to the eye. The controls are simple touch-and-slide gestures, and the tiny rings of lights make this an effective (but not dominant) nightlight.
Scheduling and remote control is handled by the GE C app, but the Switch is also compatible with voice commands via Google Assistant or Alexa, giving you many different ways to control it, including dimming options. Alone, the GE C-Start smart switch is also incredibly adaptive: it can automatically dim or brighten the lights based on the natural light it senses in the space or if it detects movement in the area.
TP-Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch
Part of the Kasa smart device family, the TP-Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch enables detailed planning settings through the Kasa Smart app.
The TP-Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch is a simpler switch than some on our list, but a great choice for those looking for minimalist designs or those who love TP-devices and want to keep all of their devices linked and integrated. It also has great voice control options, offering compatibility with Alexa, Google Assistant, and even Cortana. The Kasa app has a presentation specifically designed to help homeowners install this switch on their own, something more smart switches should offer.
Instinct iDevices
There is nothing better than having a virtual assistant at your disposal. With iDevices Instinct, a smart light switch with built-in Alexa functionality, that’s precisely what you get. Since Alexa is behind the device, it basically works like any other smart speaker that uses Alexa. From the ability to turn on / off various lights connected to the Amazon Alexa ecosystem to checking your future calendar appointments, Instinct does it all. There’s also a blue ring on the switch itself to indicate Alexa’s responses and other functions. The ring also serves as a practical night light.
What we like about the Instinct iDevices is that it offers additional sensors in the package. For example, light and motion sensors can automatically turn on your lights at certain times of the day (or when someone walks by). You can also receive notifications when events occur, such as motion detection, even if you are not at home. In short, Instinct can do double duty as a security system and voice assistant.
Leviton Decora Smart Wall Switch
The no-frills design of the Leviton Decora smart wall switch makes it perfect for someone who is just beginning the process of upgrading their home to “smart” status. The large paddle switch is simple and straightforward, and the small toggle on the right side makes it easy to adjust the brightness in increments. Thanks to a row of LEDs, you will know how much you can increase or decrease the brightness. There’s also a small LED at the bottom of the switch, so you might find it in the dark – although it’s not bright enough to disturb your sleep.
Have a large room where you want to add a smart light switch? This one from Leviton supports three-way switches, and since it connects directly to your Wi-Fi, you won’t need a bridge. As for the compatible app, you can use it to set how long the dimming LEDs and the bottom LED (the one that stays on in the dark) stay on. You can also create schedules for when the lights should go off or on automatically, which means you can even use your lights to wake you up in the morning. Integrate the Leviton Decora Smart Wall Switch with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or IFTTT for a smarter, more connected home.
Gosund smart light switch (pack of 4)
If you are looking to update your home with smart switches everywhere, it is best to match them. This way you get an aesthetic look because the switches all look the same. Having the same switches also makes it easy to control your lights on the same companion app.
Gosund’s smart switch four pack is great value, and each switch costs only around $ 10. You can outfit your whole home with smart switches for less than the cost of a switch from other brands. They don’t require a hub and work with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control. You’ll need neutral wires to install these switches, and they only work on a 2.4Ghz (not 5Ghz) network, but the setup isn’t too bad. These Gosund switches also have a surprisingly good build quality, with surge, fire, and UV plastics, and a high gain antenna.
Research and buying advice
What is a smart light switch?
A typical smart light switch has a regular on / off switch, which gives it the ability to turn on and off like a regular light switch. But smart light switches also offer additional benefits as they connect via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to a companion app that lets you control the switch remotely. Most smart light switches also allow you to create schedules, scenes and control them by voice using an assistant like Alexa or Google Assistant, making them even more convenient.
Do smart light switches need a hub?
Most modern smart light switches do not require a hub, but some switches do require a hub to have full access to the functionality of the switch. Hubs are less and less common, and you can find a number of affordable smart light switches that don’t require a hub.
Can you make a smart light switch?
Yes, there are a number of ways you can turn your non-smart lights into smart lights. You can make your lights smart by using smart bulbs, smart plugs or by using instant products like Switchmate.
Can you dim the lights with a smart switch?
If your smart light switch and bulbs have dimming capabilities, you will be able to dim your lights. However, you will not be able to dim your lights if your hardware does not support this feature.
Why are smart light switches so expensive?
Some smart light switches are more expensive than others, but the cost has dropped significantly as more and more smart light switches have flooded the market. You can find a quality switch for under $ 30.
Are smart light switches saving you money?
Yes, smart light switches can save you money by helping to reduce power consumption.
How to install a smart light switch?
Most people can install a smart light switch in an afternoon. However, it’s important to keep in mind that most smart light switches require a neutral wire for installation. You should have neutral wires if your home was built after the 1980s. If you have an older home, you may need to find a smart light switch that doesn’t require a neutral wire, like the Lutron switch. Caseta.
Editor’s recommendations
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