Best Overall
GHome Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch
Best Bang for The Buck
Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Dimmer Light Switch
Upgrade Pick
Enbrighten Z-Wave Smart Motion Sensor Light Switch
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Smart igniter switch are a agency of configure a home ’s inflammation to answer to verbal commands , political program lighting timers , or notify users via smartphone alerts of problems in the lighting system . An upside is that while many of these switches are compatible with smart - home systems , plenty operate via Wi - Fi or Bluetooth .
in front , discover what to attend for while shopping for the best smart lighter switch and discover why these picks are among the top performing artist in plate kindling .
How We Chose the Best Smart Switches
Curating our list of top plectrum involve researching the dozens of competing bright switches available on the market place while paying close attention to aspect we regard most of import to shopper . We also got in touching with manufacture experts who lend us their hands - on experience with the engineering side of smart devices and offer their advice on best installation practices .
We direct advice from Doug Roberson , primary operating ship’s officer at smart - home automation companyShellyin Las Vegas , Nevada , who advise face carefully at feature film being provide . “ reckon for power measurement to facilitate ameliorate energy efficiency . Look for electrical safety features like over - electrical power , overcurrent , overvoltage , and undervoltage shelter . ” With this in intellect , we guarantee that our list only include reputable brand that deliver on safe feature and several choice .
Other top considerations we weigh were mesh connectivity , with most using zee - Wave or Wi - Fi , and dominance options . While new Z - undulation devices enter the marketplace daily , most homes are already set up with Wi - Fi . Z - Wave can indeed offer a more reliable signaling , but at this time , Wi - Fi is more affordable , accessible , and commodious for most buyers .
When shoppers are regard smart switches , Joel Worthington , president ofMr . Electric , a residential and commercial-grade lineman service , suggests that “ householder [ evaluate ] their specific needs , as smart switches propose various features , include phonation control , app - base operation , and compatibility with other smart devices . Homeowners should ensure compatibility with their existing electric wiring and system . ” deliberate this , we selected switches that well integrate with the most pop voice assistants ( Amazon Alexa , Google Assistant , and Apple HomeKit ) while offering removed control admittance via loose - to - consumption nomadic apps .
Our Top Picks
Whether you ’re look for a simple shift that will detect motion and twist on the lights when you have an armload of groceries , or you ’re looking for a way to salvage money with a switch that automatically turns off lights that are not in use , we ’ve mystify you insure . The following inclination features a selection of the top voguish switches available for smart lighting , all arranged by category .
count for the best smart switch for Alexa ? The GHome wise ignitor switch number with Alexa preinstalled . emptor will meet a set of four smart switches designed for use on a 1 - manner wiring setup , which means the electrical switch is not a 2 - agency or 3 - way switch — it verify only a undivided twinkle , and no other switch controls the light .
The replacement command a neutral telegram for installation . Once installed , it can be configured to work on with Amazon Alexa or Google Home for voice commands , and no hub is necessary .
The match app grant the user to become the lights on and off , set a shutoff timekeeper , or schedule a time for the twinkle to turn on . The GHome smart switch connects to a 2.4 gigahertz ( GHz ) Wi - Fi mesh , and buyers will receive step - by - step installation pedagogy .
Get the GHome smart switch atAmazon .
Get a boost on smart - home integration with budget - friendly smart permutation from Kasa Smart . These switches are designed to supervene upon received single - celestial pole switches — they come with a green wire ( ground ) and white neutral telegram , plus a copper telegram junky that attaches to the load conducting wire and a black nut that connects to the blistering black wire ( employ a wire tester ) .
Photo: amazon.com
Users can moderate the lights in various ways — manually . Just push the heavy button to turn the light on and off , and then use the little push at the top to increase or decrease the light chroma . assure the lights from the Kasa Smart app is even easier .
Once the lighting is installed , the app wirelessly detects it and expect for a name , such as “ kitchen ” or “ primary bedroom . ” The lights can be turn on and off from the app and slur or preprogrammed to go on or off at set times . Kasa Smart switches are also compatible with Alexa , Hey Google , and SmartThings , so users have a variety of elbow room to enforce these low-cost switches .
Requirements for using the Kasa Smart switch are minimum : The plate internet should have a 2.4 GHz Wi - Fi connection , and the existing switch boxes should be at least 2 inches recondite and have an existing neutral wire . In improver , the light bulb used in the lights must be dimmable . Many of today ’s electric-light bulb are dimmable , but if using ones that are n’t , the lights may flicker or go off rather than dim .
Photo: amazon.com
What our tester tell : Glenda Taylor , Bob Vila writer and product quizzer , had this to say about this Kasa Smart switch : “ instal the Kasa Smart switch was straightforward and substance abuser - well-disposed , and the Kasa app is splendid . I love how dewy-eyed it is to sail . Now , I can dim the lights in any room in my home — from my smartphone . ”Get the Kasa smart switch atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
If precise functionality is needed , the Enbrighten Z - Wave overbold switch would be an excellent choice . This inwall switch connects to a Z - Wave fresh - home internet and provides just the veracious lighting level via programmable dimmer options . It features motion - smell out technical school as well as voice - control capableness and works with the Enbrighten mobile app for remote performance and notifications . A gateway that ’s Z - Wave certify , such as SmartThings , Wink , ADT Pulse , Trane , Vivint , or Nexia , is required .
The onboard motion sensors reply to move within a 180 - degree field of view up to 45 feet by . Choose from three move - sensitivity options . As an added security characteristic , users can set up notifications to alarm them if the motion sensor is activated . Paired with dimmer presets , the motion sensing element can automatically activate prime configurations at just the right minute .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Get the Enbrighten smart switch atAmazon , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Best 3-Way
Lutron Caseta Smart Switch, Remote, and Bracket Kit
insure a 3 - way igniter with the Lutron Caseta remote smart permutation . Like other wise switches , the Lutron fresh switch can be controlled via remote mastery , Amazon Alexa , Apple HomeKit , Google Assistant , Ring , SmartThings , Sonos , and other impertinent machine . This outfit has a smart switch , a paries plateful , and a wall - plate arranger for easy installing .
This replacement can be preprogrammed to move around impudent lights on and off , and the geofencing feature turns the ignitor on or off when someone enters or leaves a room . Plus , this system will alert drug user when a light source has been leave on at bottom or on the deck of cards or terrace . However , they may need to invest in a electroneutral wire or a sassy bridge deck for right functionality .
Get the Lutron Caseta impertinent switch with remote atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Photo: amazon.com
Best 4-Way
Smartyuns Wi-Fi Glass Panel Smart Light Switch
For multiswitch frame-up with three or more substitution , a 4 - elbow room switch can split up the lode . This Smartyuns Wi - Fi light substitution integrates with the Smart Life nomadic app for remote operation and link with Alexa or Google Assistant for part control . The clams - tolerant touch screen for manual operation adds a sleek , modern jot .
The Smart Life app can check the lights and other integrated devices with a smartphone . Wi - Fi connectivity intend there is no pauperism for an additional saucy hub . A timer can be programmed to automate on / off times throughout the day .
Get the Smartyuns smart transposition atAmazon .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Plug-In
Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi Mini Plug-In Switch
Convert any plug - in lamp or small appliance into a smart gimmick with a Wi - Fi signal and this sparking plug - in shift outlet . The switch sparking plug into a standard household electric outlet and connects to the My Leviton mobile app over a Wi - Fi internet . add up it to Amazon Alexa , Google Assistant , or Apple HomeKit for phonation - control capability .
As a brook - alone Cartesian product , this smart plug offer the gizmo of remote or phonation on / off for any lamp or appliance . It also integrates well with Leviton wireless wall switches for additional control pick .
Get the Leviton overbold switch atAmazon , Ace Hardware , The Home Depot , orLeviton .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Dimmable
Lutron Caseta Smart Dimmer Switch
With the Lutron Caseta fresh dimmer substitution , there ’s the choice of app , remote , touch , or part control . It works with Amazon Alexa , Apple HomeKit , Google Assistant , Ring , and other voice supporter to hold in most any wakeful fixture . Add the Lutron Smart Bridge for timed schedules and seasonal adjustments .
Unlike most smart switches , no neutral conducting wire is necessary for the Caseta . It is compatible with old and new homes but not for scummy - voltage applications . Choose from four popular color to cope with a home ’s trim .
Get the Lutron Caseta dimmer smart switch at
Photo: amazon.com
Amazon
, Lowe ’s ,
The Home Depot
Photo: amazon.com
, Walmart , Target , orBest bargain
.
Best Motion-Sensing
GE Cync Smart Dimmer Light Switch + Motion Sensor
This motion - sensing dimmer smart electrical switch provide a full range of mastery options . Use the wandering app or voice - control connectivity for remote , touch sensation - free program at home or away . The organisation also allow predetermined dimmer configurations , an automatize on / off timer , and motion activation . It is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant without an extra impudent - home hub .
Download GE ’s Cync mobile app for monitoring and restraint from anywhere . The app also works with GE smart visible radiation light bulb installed in established lamps and switches for full rest home lighting control from a single concealment .
Get the GE saucy switch at
Photo: amazon.com
,
Lowe ’s
, Walmart , orBest Buy .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Double Switch
Lesim 2 Gang Touch Wi-Fi Smart Light Switch
set up the Lesim Wi - Fi impudent switching to manipulate the Light Within from anywhere . This sleek doubled switch comes with clams - immune glass panels on the surface , so it will look as smart as it function . The Lesim electric switch can replace an exist 2 - ring switch ; an instance might be an outlet with a switching for a porch light and a 2nd switch for a garage light . The Lesim switch is incompatible with a 3 - way electric outlet and requires a neutral wire for installation .
The Lesim sassy switch syncs with Alexa ( a hub , such as an Echo Dot , is necessary ) for hands - free part control . Just say , “ Alexa , turn on the garage luminousness . ” The transposition is also compatible with Google Assistant or can be assure remotely from a smartphone using the downloadable Lesim app .
to boot , the transposition syncs with the IFTTT ( If This Then That ) subscription armed service . The service ( available for a fee ) allows users to connect to other smart devices and see to it them all from the IFTTT app . A 2.4 gigacycle Wi - Fi connection is required .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Lesim smart switch at
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Smart Switch
There are many features to consider before invest in a impertinent firing electric switch , such as induction and functionality . Also , the permutation must be compatible with a home ’s wiring , web connectedness , and the electrical power of the light fixtures .
Type
Traditional luminousness switch can perform various functions , and impudent switches must perform the same and tender a few extra feature . Consider the ignition needs in each room when opt a type of switch . The espouse are unwashed type :
Network and Connectivity
Most smart light switches require Wi - Fi to sync with pop smart - domicile system , such as Alexa , Google Home , and Samsung SmartThings . By syncing with a smart - home system , exploiter can control the electric switch and the other connectedsmart - home components(such as security camera and thermostats ) .
Most wise switches connect with a 2.4 GHz Wi - Fi home net ; others tie in with either a 2.4 gigahertz or 5 GHz connection . However , some do n’t link up to a 5 GHz connection , so know the connection ’s capacity before buy . Many use a smart technology recognise as “ Zigbee . ” Zigbee is the fabric behind saucy devices like Amazon Echo , Philips Hue , IKEA Tradfri , and Homey , dish up as a communication protocol that enables these devices to connect and interact in a smart - rest home organisation .
Typically , a router have a label on the back that say whether it ’s a 2.4 GHz or a 5 gigahertz system . If not , consult the owner ’s manual or check the manufacturing business ’s website to determine the router ’s capacity .
Photo: amazon.com
Light Bulb Compatibility
bright switches work with standard , average bulbs , with the caveat of beingdimmer switches . To blur a bulb , the lightbulb itself must be dimmable .
fresh switches can check most smart bulbs ; however , depend on the switching , all of the electric light ’s function may not be available . For example , if asmart bulbfeatures colouring - switch hues , controlling those colors may not be potential with a overbold transposition .
The user must insure the bulb ’s special force through a freestanding app that organize with the bulb . Smart bulbs include Philips Hue , Wyze , and Sengled Smart bulb .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Wattage Rating
Like easy bulb , the switches that moderate them have a wattage rating . electrical power measures the amount of electricity flowing through the circuit per hour . If the short fixture practice a 60 - James Watt incandescent lamp , the substitution should be rated at least 60 W .
For multibulb fixtures , the wattage paygrade is all the bulbs tot together . Purchasing a bright switch with a matching ( or higher ) wattage rating is all important to be compatible with the multibulb fixture . Typically , switches have 150- , 300- , 600- , and 1,000 - James Watt military rank .
Control Style
Smart switch provide the user with greater inflammation dominance and can be curb in a few dissimilar ways . These devices offer vocalization ascendance with Alexa , Google Assistant , Siri , and other Bluetooth and Wi - Fi software . Some require chic - home hubs , while others form through a smartphone .
Mobile apps also make outside control capableness possible , allowing users to verify the switch from most anywhere . If the goal is for the light to come on when someone walk into the room , choose one with motion sensors .
Functionality
Dimmable smart switches grant the drug user to dim the igniter remotely . These are beneficial for saving get-up-and-go by not always running the light at full elucidation . But there ’s a grab : For a overbold switch to slur a light bulb , it must bedimmer enable . attempt to dim a nondimmable electric-light bulb could demolish the bulb or reduce its utilitarian life .
Some overbold switches have a sensing element that observe motion when someone enters the room and automatically turns on the like light . look on the app , it may also be potential to configure the switch to turn the light off after a few moment of inertia .
Installation
Worthington says that “ impertinent switches can be more intriguing to instal compare to regular switches , primarily due to their additional feature . ” He explains that it ’s of import to lease a qualified electrician “ who has the expertness to see to it proper installing , complaisance with local electric codes , and the seamless desegregation of smart shift into your home . ”
Installing a smart switch is no more unmanageable than supercede a standardlight replacement , so experienced DIYers can handle it themselves . Before tackling the project , check with the local construction authority . In some community , DIYers are not permitted to replace electrical switching , and aprofessional electricianis required .
Before getting get going with the installation task , follow the instructions included with the unit of measurement , including shut out off the power to the replacement before move out the cover .
Smart switches often require a inert wire , which transmits a small amount of electricity to the switch . This minimal power is necessary for the switch to put across with the home ’s Wi - Fi internet . If the wiring in the switching box contains a neutral conducting wire , it can often be found at the back of the box seat , crest with a wire holdfast . If not , an electrician will need to instal one .
The 2d part of installing requires download the app associated with the switch and following the prompting to link up it to a smartphone or smart - home system . Smart switches that link with a central hub , such as Philips Hue switch , require plug the hub directly into the router and then be the prompts to configure the switches .
FAQs
Like many smart - habitation components , overbold switches can make life easy and avail economize on energy costs . If this is your first time shopping for a smart switch , it ’s rough-cut to have a few doubt . Below are result to some popular questions demand about smart switches .
Q. Are smart switches secure?
voguish switches andsmart - home plugsrely on a wireless connexion , which take in them vulnerable . Hackers can access vulnerable networks via the radio frequence that connect wireless gadget or combine the processing power of many pocket-sized gadget to launch major cyberattacks . Take action to protect your bright - dwelling house Wi - FI connection , beginning with a strong encryption method .
Q. Do smart switches use electricity when off?
Yes . Although the Christ Within or other gimmick may be turned off , the smart switch receives a small electrical load through the neutral wire .
Q. Do smart switches need a hub?
perhaps . It all depends on the type of switch . Some overbold switches plug in directly to a smartphone and do not ask a hub , also called a control . Others , such as Zigbee - enabled switches , connect to a Zigbee hub .
The user ’s smartphone or other digital devices also plug into through the hub to manipulate the Inner Light and other connected components .
Q. How do you install a smart light switch?
Unless you ’re familiar with wiring technique , installing a smart sparkle switch may best be left to an electrician . If you settle to tackle the projection , you ’ll first turn off the magnate to the switch , remove the existing switch , and then connect the conducting wire ( as shown in the directions that come with the switch ) .
Once the switch is installed on the wall , you ’ll want to download the agree app on your digital machine and watch the command prompt to set up the app and control the switch .
Q. Is there a 4-way smart switch?
Yes . A 4 - fashion chic switch can ensure all the functions of an be 4 - way shift . The trick is to replace the be electrical switch on the load side , which is the switch that send feedback to the other two switches . The instruction included with the 4 - way smart substitution will assist the user determine which switch to put back .
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