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Finding Your Next Smart Light Switch: A Buyer’s Guide
We’ve all been there — getting into bed after a tiring day at work and forgetting to turn off the lights. Then we just procrastinate for the next five minutes before abandoning the comfy bliss of our beds. Wouldn’t it be so much better if you could turn off your lights using your phone, or better yet, voice commands? If you’ve had these thoughts before, then it’s time to invest in a smart light switch.Smart light switches are designed to be replacements for built-in switches that turn your lights on and off. By using a smartphone application, you can access your switches almost anytime and from almost anywhere.Smart light switches include a ton of features too, and it can get overwhelming trying to pick out the perfect light switch for your specific needs. So, we’ve curated a list of some of the top smart light switches for 2023 so you can control your electrical appliances without having to move around!
Treatlife Smart Light Switch
Best Overall
Kasa Smart Light Switch
Great Value
Sonoff Smart Light Switch
Most Durable
Meross Smart Light Switch
Easiest Installation
Amazon Basics Smart Light Switch
Highest Quality
Factors To Consider Before Buying Smart Light Switches
Remote control
It is important to pick out a smart light switch that allows you to alter the settings of your lighting using a smart remote or simply through a smartphone app. You should look for smart light switches that let you to set schedules and can accommodate your daily routine — this can really make these products incredibly convenient.You should also consider a random mode feature for automatically turning your light on and off, which can help give the impression that you are home and scare away potential intruders. This feature also comes in handy when you are away from your house for extended periods of time.Easy installation
The smart light switch you buy should be simple to install too, or else you might have to seek the help of a professional — which can end up costing you extra money. Many smart light switches provide guides and manuals for assisting customers during setup and installation.Neutral wire
Some smart light switches require you to use a neutral (white) wire in your house. These wires are mostly found in more modern homes. Before going out and buying a smart lighting switch though, you should determine whether your house has a neutral wire or not. If your house does not have a neutral wire, make sure you buy a smart light switch that does not require these wires to function.Smart Light Switches vs. Tunable Lighting Systems
A common misunderstanding is that smart switches are just tunable lighting systems. Tunable lighting uses smart bulbs for modifying the color of the lights in your house based on the environment or your mood. Smart bulbs are fantastic, but they’re still just bulbs! They will only modify the bulb’s color and won’t do anything else.Combining smart bulbs with a smart switch can provide you with more functionality, but a smart light switch won’t change the color of your lights since it is not powered to do so. These products can change the brightness of your lights though.Treatlife Smart Light Switch
Best Overall
This pick from Treatlife is highly rated, and it’s a good representation of how smart light switches should operate. This product is incredibly simple to install, and it also comes with a handbook including some step-by-step instructions. You can even adjust the lights in your home from almost anywhere using the smartphone app.You can also control your lights using your voice thanks to the connection with Google Assistant and Alexa. This option even includes a system that can create schedules for automatically turning lights on and off at specified times. Due to the automated timing feature and the voice control, this pick is rated the best overall on this list.
Pros
- Automated lighting and easy installation
- One-year warranty and good customer service
- Features voice controls for efficiency
Cons
- Possible Wi-Fi connectivity issues
Kasa Smart Light Switch
Great Value
The Kasa Smart Light Switch is ideal for budget-conscious users who enjoy conveniently controlling their lighting using smartphones. This option allows you to schedule your lights to match your daily routine using an app. This product also includes a “random mode” for turning your lights on and off at different intervals, helping trick possible intruders into thinking someone is home. This smart light switch’s voice command feature is also compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana — and it lets you alter your lighting using your voice, helping you stay on top of things even when your hands are full. You can also use the “gentle off” option to gradually dim your lights when you are getting sleepy.
Pros
- Economical and versatile
- Voice control available
- Gently dims lights
- Controls light scheduling and brightness
Cons
- Difficult setup
- Possible privacy issues
Sonoff Smart Light Switch
Most Durable
Looking for a durable product? Then check out the Sonoff Smart Light Switch! The innovative design of this option provides low power loss and a long lifespan, so you won’t have to spend money on a replacement anytime soon. It is designed for easy installation too, so you don’t have to go through the hassle of hiring an expert to install it. You can use your smartphone to operate this smart light switch from almost anywhere, and you can even set schedules using the app. You can also control your lights through Alexa and Google Assistant using voice commands, which is pretty convenient. This pick even features a toughened glass panel for protecting the switch from fire and water damage.
Pros
- Highly durable with long battery life
- Voice controlled commands
- Includes a wireless remote control
- Easy installation
Cons
- Privacy issues may occur
Meross Smart Light Switch
Easiest Installation
Our next recommendation is this option by Meross. After the incredibly simple installation process, you can enjoy managing your home’s lighting using your smartphone. You can also adjust your light fixtures with voice commands through Alexa, Google Assistance, and the Apple home kit.Thanks to the app, you can also create custom schedules to accommodate your daily routine. And you can rest assured that your data is safe too, since all of it is securely transported and stored on AWS servers in the United States. This smart light switch even turns your lights off when they are not being used, or if they are accidentally left on, helping save you money on your electricity bills.
Pros
- Automatically adjusts brightness and is secure
- Controllable using voice and a remote
- Scheduling and timer functions
- Easy installation
Cons
- Requires a neutral wire
Amazon Basics Smart Light Switch
Highest Quality
This product from Amazon Basics features an easy-to-install design and is perfect for anyone who wants to integrate a smart lighting system into their house. This switch also doesn’t require a smart home hub since it works exclusively with Alexa. This option also gives you the convenience of controlling your lights using voice commands through Alexa or using an app.This pick is not super expensive either, so you can stay within your budget while managing your electronics with a simple flick of your phone! You can even set Alexa routines to switch your lights on and off based on your schedule, helping make your life more streamlined. You can also adjust the brightness of your fixtures with your voice or through the app.
Pros
- Simple installation and voice control
- Scheduling and timer functions
- Cost-effective
Cons
- Voice commands may be slow
- Requires neutral wire
People Also Asked
Which electronics can I control using my smart light switch?
Usually, smart light switches control lights, fans, and other electrical appliances — and this should be mentioned in their manuals.
Can my smart light switches be hacked?
Yes, if your smart light switch does not have a level of high security, it can be hacked.
Is an electrician required for installing my smart light switch?
No, if the installation and setup are easy enough, you can do it yourself! Just make sure you’ve read the instructions thoroughly. Electrical equipment should always be handled with care.
Do I need a hub for smart light switches to work?
Many current smart light switches do not require a hub to operate. You will need one to access all of the features that can come with smart light switches though.
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