Technology Elevation
Brighten up your life and take control of your home’s lighting with the best smart light switches for every room. These innovative devices offer convenience, energy efficiency, and versatility that can transform any space. With just a touch or a voice command, you can dim the lights for a cozy movie night, set the perfect ambiance for a dinner party, or even turn off the lights when you’re away from home.
Designed to seamlessly integrate with your existing lighting system, these smart light switches come in a variety of styles, colors, and features to suit your personal preferences. From minimalist designs to sleek touchscreens, there’s a smart light switch out there that will elevate your home decor.
Not only do smart light switches offer convenience, but they also help you save energy and reduce electricity bills. With features like scheduling, motion sensors, and compatibility with voice assistants, you can easily optimize your lighting usage to meet your needs and reduce wastage.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your living room, bedroom, or kitchen, we’ve carefully curated a list of the best smart light switches that are sure to enhance your everyday life. Say goodbye to fumbling for switches and hello to smart lighting. It’s time to experience the future of illumination.
A Detailed Review on Best Smart Light Switches
1. Brilliant Smart Home Control
Most Advanced Smart Switch/Dimmer
The Brilliant light switch has a touch screen that lets you control more than just your lights. It also lets you control cameras, speakers, and other smart home devices. The screen is big, and you can use it to check on your security cams, play music on smart speakers, and do other things. A switch on one side that you can touch makes it easy to change how bright the lights are. Brilliant sells models with more than one switch, in case you have more than one light group.
The panel has motion sensors built in, so it can turn lights on and off when you enter or leave a room. You can connect multiple Brilliant panels with a small camera to make a video exchange. A lot of smart home systems can connect to the Brilliant screen, including Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri/HomeKit, Ring, August, Ecobee, Honeywell, Sonos, Philips Hue, and Genie.
You don’t have to replace your light switch or want a satellite switch that you can just attach to the wall. The company also made a plug-in panel that can do everything the best smart light switch can do, like control music, act as an intercom, check security cameras, use Alexa, and, of course, turn your lights on and off.
Specifications:
- Operation Mod: ON-OFF
- Current Rating: 1 Kiloamp
- Operating Voltage: 120 Volts
- Contact Type: Normally Closed
- Connector Type: Clamp
- Brand: Brilliant
- Terminal: Screw
- Item Dimensions: LxWxH 1.7 x 3.2 x 5.6 inches
- Mounting Type: Panel Mount
- Actuator Type: Touch
Reasons To Buy
+ Very nice interface.
+ There is no need to subscribe.
+ Alexa was built in.
Reasons To Avoid
– Quite pricey
Best Smart Light Switch for The Bedroom
2. Kasa Smart Motion Sensor Switch
Best Wifi Switch and Dimmer
The motion-activated Kasa Smart Wi-Fi dimmer from TP-Link gives you a lot of control over how its light- and motion-sensing features work. Why go to the light switch when the switch can turn the light on when you get close? It was selling for a surprisingly low price, too, TP-Link’s dimmer. It’s surprisingly simple to set up, but some people won’t be able to do it because it needs a neutral wire.
Specifications:
- Brand: Kasa Smart
- Color: White
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Mounting Type: Pole Mount
- Lower Temperature Rating: 32 Degrees Fahrenheit
Reasons To Buy
+ Move-sensing settings that can be changed indefinitely.
+ The way the wiring is set up makes fitting easy.
+ Attractive design style.
Reasons To Avoid
– Needs a neutral wire.
– This app called Kasa needs to be updated.
– It doesn’t pick up motion very well
Best Smart Light Switch for Living Room
3. GE CYNC Smart Dimmer Light Switch
Best Affordable Smart Light Switch
The GE Lighting Cync Dimmer + Motion Sensor Switch isn’t the most attractive dimmer on the market, but it gets the job done. The switch can also handle GE Lighting’s Cync smart bulbs, even if they’re not wired to the dimmer. This dimmer switch can connect to your home network without a smart home hub or any other bridge because it is Wi-Fi.
Onboard motion sensors can turn on the lights when someone is in the room, and environmental light sensors will stop them from turning on if there’s already enough light in the room. This item now comes in a 3-wire form that doesn’t need a neutral wire.
Specifications:
- Operation Mode: ON-OFF
- Current Rating: 1 Amps
- Operating Voltage: 120 Volts
- Contact Type: Normally Open
- Connector Type: Clamp
- Brand: GE
- Terminal: Spst
- Item Dimensions: LxWxH 4.21 x 7.24 x 5.71 inches
- Circuit Type: 3-way
- Contact Material: Metal
Reasons To Buy
+ The motion sensor works great.
+ Very simple to set up.
+ Cync smart lights can be controlled even if they aren’t wired to the switch.
+ There is a version that doesn’t need a neutral line.
Reasons To Avoid
– Bad design for factories
– Setting up motion sensors isn’t always clear
– Too pricey for this type
Best Smart Light Switch for Bathroom
4. TP-Link Tapo Smart Light Switch
Best Wired Smart Switch
Tapo Smart Switch replaces your old light switch on the wall with one that works the same way but can also be controlled by voice and an app.
For this switch to work, you’ll need a Tapo hub. This hub plugs into an empty wall outlet and lets your Wi-Fi router and Tapo accessories, like this light switch, talk to each other wirelessly. From there, you can use the Tapo app on your phone or talk to Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant to control the switch.
You can use your hand to operate the switch, which is a single-gang switch that can work with one light. The app controls the switch’s internal mechanism, which is powered by two AAA batteries that come with the switch and are neatly hidden inside it. It’s not hard to install, but you do need to know a few basic things about home electricity.
Specifications:
- Operation Mode: Off, Smart Switch
- Current Rating: 15 Amps
- Operating Voltage: 120 Volts
- Contact Type: Normally Closed
- Connector Type: Screw
- Brand: TP-Link
- Terminal: Screw
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 5.06 x 3.33 x 1.41 inches
- Circuit Type: 1-way
- Actuator Type: Push Button
Reasons To Buy
+ Simple to put in place
+ Makes use of the switch’s preexisting wiring
+ Discreet in its appearance
Reasons To Avoid
– There isn’t a dimmer switch
– Only a single-gang switch is available
– Light strips from Tapo cannot be controlled directly
Best Smart Light Switch for Kitchen
5. Leviton Decora Smart Voice Dimmer Switch
Best Light Switch Compatibility with Voice Assistants and Smart Home Devices
How many functions can you fit into a single-gang light switch? The Decora Smart Voice Wi-Fi Dimmer with Alexa from Leviton has a Wi-Fi radio, a dimmer switch, and a smart speaker that works with Amazon Alexa. Indeed, Ecobee did a similar trick before, but they used an on/off switch instead of a dimmer.
Leviton also sells a wider range of other Wi-Fi parts, such as dimmers, switches, ceiling fan controls, multi-button controllers, and more. People who use Apple HomeKit or Google Home should look elsewhere.
Specifications:
- Operation Mode: ON-OFF
- Current Rating: 15 Amps
- Operating Voltage: 15 Volts
- Contact Type: Normally Closed
- Connector Type: Plug-In
- Brand: Leviton
- Terminal: Spdt
- Item Dimensions: LxWxH 1.3 x 1.75 x 4.13 inches
- Circuit Type: 3-way
- Mounting Type: Surface Moun
Reasons To Buy
+ Alexa that doesn’t leave a mark, show a power line or need a wall wart.
+ You don’t need a smart home hub.
+ There are many ways to control the lights and connect them to other smart home gadgets.
Reasons To Avoid
– Wi-Fi-only, so range issues may arise.
– Only works on 2.4GHz networks.
6. Enbrighten Zigbee Dimmer
Best Zigbee smart switch/dimmer
We suggest the Enbrighten Zigbee In-Wall Smart Dimmer from Jasco if you’ve decided on Zigbee as your smart lighting system of choice. It’s not a bad choice if you have a SmartThings hub, an Amazon Echo with a built-in smart home hub, or something similar. It has a slim design that makes it easy to put back into the box after installation.
It also has enough intelligence built in to tell the difference between the line wire and the load wire, so you don’t have to worry about mixing them up if you’re doing the work yourself. The price of this smart switch is also very reasonable.
Specifications:
- Operation Mode: Off
- Current Rating: 15 Amps
- Operating Voltage: 120 Volts (AC)
- Contact Type: Normally Open
- Connector Type: Screws
- Brand: Enbrighten
- Item Dimensions: LxWxH 1.13 x 1.75 x 4.13 inches
- Circuit Type: 3-way
- Contact Material: Metal
- International Protection Rating: IP54
Reasons To Buy
+ SimpleWire technology simplifies installation.
+ Slim profile may assist certain users in managing electrical box space.
Reasons To Avoid
– Needs neutral wire.
– The Broadsheet user manual will blur your vision.
7. SnapPower GuideLight 2
The best way to light up your house is with the GuideLight 2. There are LED lights built into the outlet cover plate that stay on for up to 25 years and leave the outlets open. Something inside the lights turns them on and off by itself. They add soft lighting that turns off in the morning and on at night. GuideLight 2 is a great way to light up your bedrooms, hallways, bathrooms, kitchen, and other rooms in a soft way. It’s simple to set up and doesn’t need electricity, batteries, or wires.
Specifications:
- Switch Type: Duplex
- Brand: SnapPower
- Color: White
- Product Dimensions: 3.15″W x 5.16″H
- Finish Type: Polished
Benefits of Using Smart Light Switches
These are the main advantages of a smart switch:
Make Your Home Smarter:
A smart switch makes it easier to set up automated controls for your smart lights. For instance, you can set your lights to turn on and off at certain times of the day by programming them. You can also use a smart switch to make your smart lights act like someone is in the room, or you can set scenes that change the brightness of the lights in a room based on what you’re doing, like reading or watching TV.
Make Things Safer:
A smart switch makes it look like someone is home even when no one is there, which is a great way to keep thieves away. Some smart home switches can also control outdoor lighting automatically, making it look like someone is home even when no one is.
Easy Access:
You don’t have to get up and look for light switches when you have smart home switches. You can control lights anywhere in your house with just one tap on your phone.
It Spends Less on Power and Cash:
Smart home switches can turn off lights when you’re not there and change settings to use the least amount of electricity possible. You can save cash, and you might be able to get hundreds of dollars back every year. A smart switch can be set to automatically turn off lights and appliances when they’re not used. This saves energy.
Control from Anywhere:
One big benefit of smart switches is that they can be controlled from anywhere as long as you have a mobile device that can connect to the internet. A smart switch, for instance, lets you turn on a light before you get home. You can control things in your home from anywhere with a smart switch. Like, you can turn lights on and off while you’re at work or on vacation.
Built-In Systems:
Smart switches are a part of smart home systems that work together to give you even more control and automation. What if you could press a button on your phone to turn off all the lights in your house at once? Or what if your entertainment center would turn on as soon as you walk in the door?
Types of Smart Light Switches
Let’s delve into the types of best smart light switches available to make your home lighting smarter and more efficient.
Single Pole Smart Light Switches:
These are the most common types of smart light switches. They work with lights that are controlled by one switch. Single pole switches are relatively easy to install and offer the convenience of controlling your lights remotely or with voice commands.
3-Way Smart Light Switches:
These switches are designed for areas with two switches controlling the same light, like staircases or hallways. 3-way smart switches allow you to control the same light from different locations in your home. They often require a special installation due to the unique wiring setup.
Dimmer Smart Light Switches:
If you desire more control over your lighting, dimmer switches are the way to go. They allow you to adjust the brightness of your lights to create different moods or save energy. Dimmer smart switches are available in both single pole and 3-way configurations.
Smart Fan Control Switches:
In addition to lights, smart switches can control ceiling fans. These switches enable you to adjust fan speed, direction, and lighting using your smartphone or voice commands.
Toggle and Rocker Style Smart Switches:
Smart switches come in various styles, including traditional toggle and modern rocker switches. You can choose a style that matches your home’s décor.
Smart Switches with Built-in Voice Assistants:
Some smart switches come with built-in voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. These switches not only control your lights but also serve as a hub for smart home control and voice interaction.
Touch and Motion-Sensing Smart Switches:
You can opt for touch-sensitive or motion-sensing smart switches for a touch of futuristic convenience. They respond to your touch or movement, making them ideal for rooms like the kitchen or bathroom where your hands might be full.
Smart Switches with Scheduling and Automation:
Many smart switches offer scheduling and automation features. You can program your lights to turn on and off at specific times, creating an illusion of occupancy while you’re away or ensuring you wake up to a well-lit home.
Smart Switches with Remote Access:
One of the primary advantages of smart switches is the ability to control your lights remotely via smartphone apps. Whether you’re at work or on vacation, you can adjust your lighting as needed.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Smart Light Switch
When you’re in the market for the best smart light switches, making an informed decision that meets your specific needs is essential. Here are the key factors to consider when purchasing a smart light switch:
Compatibility:
Ensure that the smart light switch is compatible with your existing home wiring. Some older homes may have wiring that is not compatible with certain smart switches, so it’s crucial to check this beforehand.
Switch Type:
Decide whether you need a single pole, 3-way, or dimmer switch, depending on the type of lighting setup you have. Make sure the smart switch you choose matches the number of switches controlling your lights.
Voice Control:
If you prefer voice control, opt for a smart switch that works with your chosen voice assistant, whether it’s Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit. Voice control adds an extra layer of convenience.
App Control:
Look for a smart switch that comes with a dedicated smartphone app. The app allows you to control your lights remotely, set schedules, and create automation routines. Ensure the app is user-friendly and compatible with your mobile device.
Hub or Hubless:
Some smart switches require a central hub or bridge for connectivity, while others can connect directly to your Wi-Fi network. Hubless switches are typically more convenient and cost-effective.
Dimming Capability:
If you want to control the brightness of your lights, choose a dimmer switch. Make sure it’s compatible with the type of bulbs you’re using, as not all dimmers work with LED or CFL bulbs.
Brand and Ecosystem:
Consider sticking with well-known brands, as they often have a wider range of compatible devices and better customer support. If you’ve already invested in a specific smart home ecosystem (e.g., SmartThings, HomeKit), choose a switch that’s compatible with that ecosystem.
Installation:
Check if the installation process is something you can handle yourself or if you’ll need a professional electrician. Many smart switches offer detailed installation instructions and video tutorials for DIY installation.
Design and Aesthetics:
Consider the design and style of the switch. Smart switches come in various designs, including traditional toggle and modern rocker switches. Pick one that complements your home’s décor.
Price:
Compare prices across brands and models. Remember that higher-priced switches may offer additional features, but it’s essential to find a balance between your budget and the features you require.
Customer Reviews:
Read user reviews to gain insights into the real-world performance and reliability of the smart switch you’re interested in. This can help you make an informed decision.
Warranty:
Check the manufacturer’s warranty. A more extended warranty can provide peace of mind and assurance of the switch’s quality.
Installation and Setup of Smart Light Switches
Step 1: Learn How to Set Up Your Smart Switch
Before you can turn an old light switch into a smart switch, you need to know what kind of set you have. This is because the smart switch you buy needs to be compatible with the set. If you only have one switch, you need to buy a “single-gang” set. A two-gang is needed for two switches, and a three-gang is needed for three switches.
Step 2: Figure Out What Kind of Wiring You Have
In order to look at the wiring, you must first turn off the power at the fuse box. You do not want to risk getting an electric shock while you are in there. Next, make sure you have a voltage tester that doesn’t touch anything. Note: Don’t assume that all of the fixtures you’re replacing are wired the same if you’re replacing more than one. A lot of the time, each room has a different set of switches because of who put them there and when. Because of this, these steps will need to be done again in every room.
Step 3: Find The Switch That is Already There Where You Want to Put The Smart Switch
It’s pretty easy; just take the wall plate off the wall by unscrewing it. A lot of the time, it’s stuck because the paint has dried and soaked into the wall. It should be easy to do with a butter knife or a flathead screwdriver.
Step 4: Look at The “In” Wire, The “Out” wire, and a “Neutral” Wire
Check to see if the switch you already have has the four main types of wiring that are needed to install a switch. A white “neutral” wire, an “in” wire, an “out” wire, and a “ground” wire should all be present. For example, if you live in an old house and don’t have a neutral wire, you will need to buy a certain type of smart light switch that doesn’t need one. Don’t worry if this makes no sense to you. You should be able to use the smart switch wiring diagram that comes with your new device.
Step 5: Connect The Wire From Your Smart Light Switch to The Wire From Your Wall
After you disconnect the wires, all left to do is remove your old switch and install your smart light switch. Connect the “in” wire to the “in” wire, the “out” wire to the “out” wire, and so on. Simple as that. Prepare the wires for the new switch with a wire stripper. Then, use wire connectors to make sure that none of the wires are loose or shown.
Step 6: Turn The Power On and Check The Wire
You can now test your new switch by turning the power back on at the breaker box. You’re good to go if it turns on, but if it doesn’t…
Step 7: Turn Off The Power at The Switch Box
Check the breaker box again and turn off the power before you mess with the wires if the new smart switch still won’t work. If the smart light switch isn’t working, one of the wires is probably loose, so make sure they’re all properly attached. One tip: Even if the wall box is small, don’t stuff all the wires inside it. Make sure they’re put away neatly; they can easily come loose if you don’t.
Step 8: Take Off The Smart Light Switch
After installing the smart light switch without any problems, you can either snap the plate on the wall or screw it on, depending on the model. You are almost finished!
Step 9: Hook Up Your Smart Switch to The Internet
Now the hard part is over! Now that you’ve finished setting up your wifi light switch, all that’s left to do is start using your new smart lighting system. It should be easy to do this. You should be able to download an app for the smart switch you bought on any device you choose. It should be pretty easy to connect the app to your wifi after you’ve downloaded it.
Step 10: Use an App to Control Your Smart Switch from Afar
Finally, you should link your smart light switch to your chosen smart hub so that Google Home or Alexa can control it. Right now you can use all the features that your smart switch has to offer!
FAQs – Best Smart Light Switches
Here are some frequently asked questions about the best smart light switches:
Q: What is a smart light switch, and how does it work?
A smart light switch is an advanced version of a traditional light switch that allows remote control of your lights through a smartphone app or voice commands via a compatible voice assistant (e.g., Alexa, or Google Assistant). They work by connecting to your home’s Wi-Fi network, enabling you to control your lights from anywhere.
Q: Are the best smart light switches compatible with all types of light fixtures?
Smart light switches are generally compatible with most types of light fixtures, including incandescent, LED, CFL, and fluorescent lights. However, it’s essential to check the compatibility of the specific smart switch with the type of bulbs and fixtures you have.
Q: Do I need a hub or bridge to use the best smart light switches?
The need for a hub or bridge varies among the best smart light switches. Some models connect directly to your home Wi-Fi network, making them hubless. Others may require a central hub for operation. Hubless switches are often more user-friendly and cost-effective.
Q: Can I control multiple lights with a single smart switch?
Yes, many smart switches allow you to control multiple lights simultaneously. You can group lights together in the app or use a single switch to control an entire room or area.
Q: What voice assistants are compatible with the Best smart light switches?
Best smart light switches are compatible with popular voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. This compatibility enables voice control, allowing you to turn lights on and off or adjust brightness with voice commands.
Q: Can I set schedules or automation with Best smart light switches?
Yes, one of the significant advantages of Best smart light switches is the ability to set schedules and create automation routines. You can schedule lights to turn on or off at specific times or create automation based on triggers such as motion, sunrise/sunset, or other smart devices.
Q: Are the best smart light switches safe and secure?
Best Smart light switches are designed with security in mind. They use encryption and secure protocols to protect your data and ensure secure communication with your home network. Additionally, many smart switch apps offer features like remote lockout and two-factor authentication for added security.
Conclusion
To summarize, the best smart light switches provide increased convenience while also having a lower impact on the environment. They come in a variety of types, which ensures that they are compatible with a wide range of home configurations. The appropriate smart light switch can improve the quality of your home lighting experience, regardless of whether you want to control it with your voice, automate it, or access it remotely.
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