Smart light switches are very suitable as energy-saving solutions, allowing you to remotely control your lights with a smartphone in your home, office, or anywhere.
You can add voice control by connecting your smart light switch with Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant-you can even connect a smart dimmer or smart on/off switch to your security system for more peace of mind. Smart light switches are no longer the future; they are only for the here and now. From smart dimmer switches to smart on/off switches, Smarthome provides you with the best smart light switches in 2021.
Contents
- 1 Are smart light switches worth it?
- 2 Best smart light switches & Dimmers in 2021
- 3 How to choose the best smart light switch
- 4 Smart Light switches and Dimmers Reviews (2021)
- 4.1 #1 GE C-Start Smart Switches Motion Sensing Dimmer
- 4.2 #2 Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi Dimmer (2nd gen)
- 4.3 #3 Lutron Caseta
- 4.4 #4 Lutron Aurora
- 4.5 #5 Philips Hue Dimmer
- 4.6 #6 LeGrand Smart Dimmer Switch
- 4.7 #7 WeMo Wifi Smart Dimmer
- 4.8 #8 Brilliant
- 4.9 #9 Leviton Decora Smart WiFi Voice Dimmer with Amazon Alexa
- 4.10 #10 Ecobee Switch+
- 4.11 #11 Wemo F7C030fc Light Switch
- 5 FAQ’s About Smart Light Switches & Dimmers
Are smart light switches worth it?
The smart light switch replaces the traditional wall switch. It can be turned on or off manually, or it can control through an app or smart speaker. One smart light switch can control multiple lights, saving you money instead of replacing every light bulb in your home with a smart light bulb.
Best smart light switches & Dimmers in 2021
How to choose the best smart light switch
First, make sure you get the correct smart lighting for your home. In terms of smart lighting, smart switches are one of the more common choices. You can find them in almost every major home improvement store.
In other words, smart switches are not the only or definite best choice for upgrading a house. There are two different common types of smart lighting: smart bulbs and smart plugs. And no one size fits all the answers, which is the best.
For example, smart bulbs allow you to control lights or arrange them on a schedule remotely and allow you to change the color of the lights on the fly. Smart plugs make things simple, and at the same time, will enable you to turn existing lights with ordinary bulbs into lights that can turn off and on from anywhere. They also sometimes let you track energy consumption. Both options come with plug-and-play installation. If you don’t like it or want to move it later, you can do it effortlessly.
On the other hand, the smart switch is a moderate intermediate point between the other two, and it is the most natural to use. You can still control the lights via the wall switch as usual, but you will get some additional benefits, such as dimming or pop-up remotes, which still allow you to control the lights more efficiently. But they are also suitable for existing lamps that may not be able to accommodate smart bulbs. In other words, the installation is manual and permanent.
Smart Light switches and Dimmers Reviews (2021)
The following are our top choices in smart light switches and then a guide to features and terminology you will encounter when buying.
#1 GE C-Start Smart Switches Motion Sensing Dimmer
Specification
Size: 1.4 x 1.7 x 2.8 inches
WiFi: Yes
Motion Sensor: Yes
Works with: Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit
Dimmable: Yes
Supports three-way switches: Yes
GE C-Start smart switch is not the most fashionable, but it is the best smart light switch because it can do the job and is rich in features. The Wi-Fi-connected switch is suitable for all kinds of light bulbs and has apps for iOS and Android, allowing you to remotely control the lights by touch, voice, motion, or via a smartphone.
#2 Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi Dimmer (2nd gen)
Specification
Size: 4.1 x 2.1 x 1.4 inches
WiFi: Yes
Motion Sensor: No
Works with: Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, HomeKit, IFTTT
Two-Factor authentication: No
Dimmable: Yes
Supports three-way switches: Yes
The second-generation Leviton Decora smart WiFi dimmer looks very similar to the original-an inconspicuous toggle switch with a smaller toggle switch on the right. However, it is easier to install in this model. As before, it works with three-way switches, but Leviton also released an Anywhere Dimmer (sold separately), which allows you to add an auxiliary light switch without connecting any wires.
#3 Lutron Caseta
Specification
Size: 4.6 x 3 x 1.5 inches
WiFi: Via Lutron Bridge
Motion Sensor: No
Works with: Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Nest, SmartThings
Dimmable: Yes
Supports three-way switches: Yes
Lutron’s Smart Starter Kit comes with an in-wall switch, wireless remote control, and a smart bridge (hub) and can also be used to connect other Lutron products to the cloud and control it.
The switch itself looks very high-tech. There are several buttons to control the many options provided by Caséta. This Lutron dimmer has largely gone beyond fashion: the white and gray buttons are located on the front and center, rather than being hidden by touch-sensitive controls like other dimmers of this kind.
#4 Lutron Aurora
Specification
Size: 1.5 inches (dia) x 0.7 inches
WiFi: Via Philips Hue Bridge
Motion Sensor: No
Works with: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Philips Hue
Dimmable: Yes
Supports three-way switches: n/a
In some homes, the wall switch controls the socket, not the lamp, so you can plug in a floor lamp or desk lamp and then turn it on or off from the wall instead of the light itself. However, if you also use the socket for a device that must keep at all times, such as a clock radio, you must tape the switch on the wall or use other methods to prevent accidentally flipping the switch and turning off the power. Everything is connected to the socket.
Lutron Aurora is a simple and elegant solution to this problem. It is clipped to the toggle switch but directly linked to the Philips Hue lights, allowing you to control them by clicking or turning the dial while maintaining power to the socket.
#5 Philips Hue Dimmer
Specification
Size: 4.5 x 2.5 x 0.55 inches
WiFi: Via Philips Hue Bridge
Motion Sensor: No
Works with: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Philips Hue
Dimmable: Yes
Supports three-way switches: n/a
This switch only works with Hue bulbs, although it is almost magical. Just turn on the light containing the Hue bulb as usual (even though a traditional wall switch); then, start using the Philips dimmer, and it will work automatically. Don’t worry. There is no interference or conflict between Hue Dimmer and your standard wall switch.
The Philips Hue app is full of exciting controls and creative themes for your Hue bulbs. You can set a schedule for your Hue bulb, and you can control it with your voice through Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit. It is also compatible with many other smart home platforms.
#6 LeGrand Smart Dimmer Switch
Specification
Size: 4.7 x 2.9 x 2 inches
WiFi: Yes
Motion Sensor: No
Works with: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit
Dimmable: Yes
Supports three-way switches: Yes
This smart light switch also applies to what it controls. Legrand claims that it can automatically detect and calibrate LED, CFL, halogen, incandescent, and EFL bulbs. It can control up to 450W LED and CFL or 700W halogen and incandescent lamps, covering most light sources. We tested it with many dimmable LEDs and incandescent light sources and found that it can work as advertised and control these light sources without any problems.
#7 WeMo Wifi Smart Dimmer
Specification
Size: 4.1 x 1.7 x 1.6 inches
WiFi: Yes
Motion Sensor: No
Works with: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, IFTTT
Dimmable: Yes
Supports three-way switches: No
The switch retains the minor finger groove where you slide your finger to adjust the brightness. This is an intuitive control mechanism that is very satisfying to use when you slide your finger. A small dot on the groove will light up to let you know that you are setting the brightness percentage of the bulb. In general, it has a clean and simple design that even extends to the back of the device, and now the touch is shallower and easier to install. Color-coded wires from the back also make installation easier.
#8 Brilliant
Specification
Size: 5.6 x 3.3 x 1.7 inches
WiFi: Yes
Motion Sensor: Yes
Works with: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, Ring, Sonos, Philips Hue, Ecobee, Honeywell Lyric
Dimmable: Yes
Supports three-way switches: Yes
The Brilliant touch screen light switch allows you to control not only the lights but also other smart home devices, such as cameras, speakers, etc. The panel has a large touch screen that you can use to view security cameras, play music through smart speakers, and more. The touch-sensitive slider on one side is an easy way to change the brightness of the light. If you have multiple light sets, Brilliant sells models with various sliders.
#9 Leviton Decora Smart WiFi Voice Dimmer with Amazon Alexa
Specification
Size: 1.4 x 1.7 x 2.8 inches
WiFi: Yes
Motion Sensor: Yes
Works with: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
Dimmable: Yes
Supports three-way switches: Yes
There are not a lot of smart switches with built-in Alexa, probably because it is much simpler to put the Echo Dot in the room. Compared with Ecobee Switch+, the Leviton Decora intelligent voice dimmer with Alexa includes a key function: dimming. Yes, unlike Ecobee’s on/off switch, Leviton allows you to gradually adjust the brightness of the light.
#10 Ecobee Switch+
Specification
Size: 4.7 x 2.9 x 2 inches
WiFi: Yes
Motion Sensor: Yes
Works with: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit
Dimmable: No
Supports three-way switches: No
Ecobee Switch+ has a large number of next-generation features. First, when you enter or leave the room, the motion detector can automatically turn on and off the lights in the room. You can activate a smart night light to help you find your way in the dark. It also has built-in Alexa (as well as a microphone and speakers), so you can use Amazon’s assistant more easily. The speaker is tiny, so it’s perfect for short Alexa queries, but we won’t use it to play music.
#11 Wemo F7C030fc Light Switch
Specification
Size: 4.1 x 1.7 x 1.6 inches
WiFi: Yes
Motion Sensor: No
Works with: Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Nest
Dimmable: Yes
Supports three-way switches: No
The WeMo WiFi light switch uses your existing home WiFi network to control your lights from anywhere in the world wirelessly. No subscription or hub required: install the light switch and start managing your lights via your phone or tablet. With the free WeMo app, you can turn lights on and off and set a worry-free schedule no matter where you are. The WeMo light switch also works like a standard switch: press the switch to turn the light on or off.
FAQ’s About Smart Light Switches & Dimmers
How to install a smart light switch
Unlike most smart home devices, they only require you to plug them into the socket, and installing a smart switch requires replacing the current in-wall switch. Since very few (if any) light control products include professional installation as part of the package, you need a basic understanding of electrical work, including turning off the circuit breaker. You can connect all wires (including the neutral wire) to the new switch for complete wireless access, thereby replacing the entire existing device with a smart switch.
However, smart switches are generally bulkier than similar traditional products. Therefore, if they cannot fit into the electrical box correctly, you may need to replace it with a new electrical box, which may be the job of an electrician. Similarly, some old houses do not have proper wiring, so it is good to hire an electrician here. Finally, if you have multiple switches to control a single light (called three-way or four-way lighting), some smart switches will not work.
What is the best smart light switch?
After testing many models, we believe that the best smart light switch overall is the GE C-Start smart switch motion sensor dimmer. First of all, it costs $60. these smart switches use with Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit. It has a built-in motion sensor, so you can automatically turn on the light when you enter the room. It also has an ambient light sensor, so if there is a lot of sunlight coming in, It will not always turn on the lights. This smart feature can save you money. Moreover, this dimmer switch is suitable for a variety of bulb types.
How do we test smart light switches?
To test the smart switch, we either install it ourselves or ask an electrician to install it at home. We then evaluated the switch based on the following criteria:
Design: The best ones will come in multiple colors to best match your decoration.
Functionality: Does it support a three-way or four-way connection?
Application: How easy is it to use the application that works with the switch? What features did you get, such as scheduling the light to turn on and off?
Smart home compatibility: Is the switch compatible with other smart home devices? How many?
Price: Although smart light switches are more expensive than traditional switches, some switches are more expensive than others.