Choosing to install the best smart home light switches in your home is a good decision for getting started with home automation. This is more important if you want to make your home a part of the Smart House trend. You get the chance to take control of your lighting and dimmers automatically through your wireless network. Do anything from turning on the lights while abroad to deter unsavory characters to having the convenience of controlling your home’s lights from the comfort of your couch. You can also switch on the lights upstairs before you get there. All of these benefits and many more possible by installing a smarter light switch in your home.
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What Are Smart Light Switches?
Smart light switches look like normal light switch plates. They go onto your wall to control the lighting or your ceiling fan or even outlets. The main difference is that you can control the light switch or dimmer with your smartphone as your lights are now controlled by a simple app. There are many advantages including can set lighting schedules, control the lights from across the room and save energy all at the same time.
Why Should I Buy A Smart Home Light Switch For Google Home Or Alexa?
Smart home switches are different from the regular light switch. Let?s say you?re taking a much-needed vacation. You can control your lights from abroad – all you need is a WiFi connection. This ensures that you keep your home as secure as possible provides you with safety. If you are living on a budget, this may also be an excellent product for you as you can track your energy use. This may tell you when the most expensive times of the day are for your lighting and enable you to make some changes.
What Are The Best Smart Home Light Switches?
Many brands out there have their own ideas on what makes the best smart home light switch for Google Home & Alexa. It pays to learn which functions are available so that you can choose the ones that fit your needs. We have taken the time to research and compare the highest rated smart home light switches for you. Let?s take a look at some things that you should be considering:
Ergonomics
A big part of choosing the best light switch for your home is in how it looks. You may have some specific ideas about how would you want your interiors to look. Your light switches are a part of the package. You want the ones that you choose to fit in with your decor, are the easiest to use, and are be too bulky at the same time.
Connectivity
There are some smart light switches around that work with WiFi, while there are others that connect via Bluetooth. A WiFi connection is all you need to tap into your own home light switches anywhere in the world. You don’t have to be in your house for the switches to work. This is one of the best feature to look for, as you want your smart light switches to be easy to setup and responsive no matter where you are.
Compatibility
Have you got an Alexa or Google Home Assistant in your home? When you shop for the best smart switches, you should look for those that have compatibility with your smart control systems. This gives you much better efficiency and makes your life easier overall. I like that we can connect the light switches to Alexa as then, we get voice control and turn on the lights just by asking. It makes it so much easier when we need to get into the garage while holding boxes of tools.
Scheduling
One of the biggest bonuses of adding smart light switches to your home automation setup has to be the scheduling. You can set the lighting on and off according to sunrise and sunset. This makes life so much easier for you and allows you to save money. You never have to worry about forgetting to switch the lights off in your house. Even if you do, you may be able to switch them off with your smartphone anyway!
How To Install Smart Switches?
If you are looking for smart light switches that are easy to install in your home, then you are in the right place. Some of the smart switch products on the market are even installed over the switches that you already have. You can easily install most of them like a standard light switch. Some people are happy to install their own light switches. But, if you?re not too tech-savvy, you can reach out to a local professional to give you a helping hand (probably not necessary though as these are mainly plug and play).
The 5 Best Smart Switches For Your Home
Now that you know more about using smart light switch devices, you know how they work at home. We are here to help you make a more informed choice about which switches are the best to buy for use in your own home. Let?s take a look at our reviews of the top smart light switches we found that are compatible for use in your house.
Legrand-On-Q Smart Light Switch
My rating –
- Upgrade Your Lights: Legrand smart switches make ordinary light bulbs smart. Once the switch is wired, youll be able to control connected bulbs with your phone or voice.
- Works With Virtual Assistants: After setup on an iOS device (required), control your lights using Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant. Setup is not compatible with Android devices.
- Customize Your Lighting: Setup scenes, groups, and automation with the Apple Home app. Using Alexa or Google Assistant? The Legrand Homekit app (iOS only) pairs the lights with your smart speaker.
- No Hub Required: Legrand smart switches connect to your 2.4 GHz home WiFi network and dont require a hub. Just wire, set up on the app (requires an iOS device), and youre ready to go.
- Wired Like A Normal Light Switch: Install your smart switch like any other light switch. Note: neutral wire (the white one) is required to keep the switch connected to WiFi for full functionality. Check out our full line of switches & plugs to enhance your smart home.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Legrand-On-Q light switch takes setting the mood in your home to a whole new level. With the voice activation capability, you can dim the lights and set the mood, controlling your home in a new way. This may be the light switch for you if you want to turn ordinary light switches into the extraordinary. We like this Apple HomeKit smart switch. It?s got the wires and wire nuts included, so there?s no need to go to HomeDepot for any more neutral wire. With the easy installation, you?re connected pretty quickly. And there?s not much waiting around for the lights to get going.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Installation takes five minutes | There is a white indicator light and you cannot turn it off in the settings. It?s not much of an issue as the light is small and not too bright, but it would still be nice to have the choice. |
| The Apple Home app is easily connected so you don?t have to download the Legrand Home app if you don?t want to do so. | Slight but noticeable delay when physically turning on the lights |
| The response time of the Legrand-On-Q is instant with the home app. It may even be faster than actually flipping the switch yourself. | |
| Looks identical to the standard Legrand switch | |
| Affordable and excellently priced | |
| This light switch comes with a wall plate, but it does fit in the standard wall plate, too |
WeMo Smart Light Switch
My rating –
- Works with Alexa for voice control (Alexa device sold separately)
- WeMo light switch seamlessly replaces your old wall light switch. Control you lights from WeMo light switch on the wall, The WeMo app, and even your voice with both Amazon alexa and Google assistant
- Set SCHEDULES and timers. Set porch light to turn on at sunset. Schedule ceiling fans to turn before you arrive home. Sync on and off times to Sunrise and sunset, and more
- Works with Amazon alexa and Google assistant. Pair WeMo light switch?with Amazon alexa or Google Assistant built-in devices like Google home?to turn your lights on or off with just the power of your voice
- Randomize lights to protect your home. Enable ?away Mode When you?re away and WeMo will turn lights on and off randomly. Electrical ration: 120V/15a/60Hz/1800W
- Note: Works with any one-way connection light switch (not compatible with 3-way) and requires a neutral wire
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The WeMo smart light switch looks cool. There are glowing LED status lights on it. One of the main features of this switch is that it can calibrate to work with any kind of lightbulb for most dimming. It also offers the least flickering. I suppose there is one downside we?ve come across with the WeMo Smart Light Switch. It is that the LED lights – cool though they are – have seven different statuses. These feel impossible to remember, especially as they all have a unique LED color to them.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Run your finger along the surface of the light, and you can dim or brighten the light that?s connected | Not compatible with a list of other home smart systems |
| Has a night mode, so you may not wake yourself up to more than necessary in the night to find a bathroom | Only supports one switch per light |
| There is a handy WeMo app that has the capability of supporting many WeMo products | It?s a pricier option, so may not be as affordable as one would like |
| You could set your own light schedules and lighting modes | Lots of color-coded status lights to remember |
| We like that we can review our power-consumption data as we go via the app | |
| Works well with Alexa, HomeKit and Google Home |
Kasa Smart Light Switch
My rating –
- Control From Anywhere: Turn electronics on or off from anywhere with your smartphone using the Kasa app (Compatible w/ Android & iOS)
- Voice Control: Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and MicroSoft Cortana supported devices for a hands free experience
- Guided Install: No need to understand complex switch wiring or master vs auxiliary switch configurations; The Kasa app guides you through easy step by step installation
- Scheduling: Use schedules to set your Smart Switch to automatically turn on and off while youre home or away. Maximum Load: 5A, 600 W; Incandescent 600 W LED
- Note: Requires a neutral wire / works in a single pole setup only / Requires a secured 2.4 gigahertz Wi Fi network connection; Refer to the PDF attached below in Technical Specification for user manual
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
One of the most helpful things about the Kasa Smart Light Switch is the Kasa app. To be able to switch on and off your lights from anywhere is an excellent touch. It?s Android and iOS enabled, and you can use Cortana, Alexa, and other assistant voice controls to get it working. Remote light scheduling may make it simpler for you to get your home ready when you?re on your way. You don?t need to buy a hub with this model which will save you some cash. Before purchase, it?s always a good idea to check whether you have a neutral wire inside the light switch on the wall. You?ll need one to make this product work properly.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| You have the ability to use the remote control from your app outside the home | Can only dim one bulb at a time |
| Control the switch with your voice | Can be temperamental and flicker |
| Very easy to install with clear guidelines and step-by-step instructions | Doesn?t work natively with Samsung SmartThings |
| Smart scheduling even when you?re away | You may need to install both switches |
| Uses a neutral wire | |
| Connects 2.4 GHz with a WiFi network | |
| Energy-efficient option |
Gosund Smart Light Switch
My rating –
- VOICE CONTROL: Gosund Smart Switch works with Alexa and Google assistant, just say the commands and enjoy the great convenience of voice control.
- PHONE REMOTE CONTROL: You can remotely control your lights at any time anywhere, get Gosund wifi switches installed in your room and start to enjoy remote control with no limits. Also supports device sharing function, your family members to remote control it too.
- EASY INSTALLATION:NOTICE: This Alexa smart switch Requires Neutral Wire at home, Works on 2.4GHz WiFi Band, Works in a single-pole setup only(Not 3-way), Doesnt work with Apple Homekit/SmartThings, Only purchase when you?re aware of this information. Our improved illustrated user manual will guide you step by step, no worries.
- TIMER and COUNTDOWN:Timer/Countdown/Scene function, make your switches turn On/Off automatically at the certain moments that you set.
- SAFE and RELIABLE: Flammability UL94-V0, FCC, ETL certificated, prevent lightning, surges, and spikes. Our goal is customer satisfaction and we are committed to making it right for you.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
It?s easy to take notice of a switch that is more affordable than other light switches in the same category. It?s of a fairly basic design. So you can see why the Gosund Smart Light Switch price is much cheaper than its counterparts. There is a large paddle switch in the middle, and you could manually switch it on by pressing this. The Gosund name is at the bottom of the switch. It is rather a design flaw as it takes away from what could have been a sleek look. It?s not easy to replace the plate it comes with. So, you could be stuck with the light switch plate bearing the company name.
There is a light on the rocker (a small, LED one) but it?s rather bright, which is quite off-putting. If you?re looking for a dim light switch LED, then perhaps this may not be the best one for the bedroom. This particular switch requires a neutral wire as it does not come with one. Also, the installation itself is similar to a standard light switch. Despite the obvious design flaws, the Gosund outperforms the price tag. You can hook it up directly to the WiFi with no other hubs needed. It works alongside the Smart Life app, and there?s a good solution for the budget-conscious.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable option to suit almost all buyers | The LED light on the rocker is far too bright so not all that suitable for bedrooms |
| You could use voice controls with Alexa and Google Assistant | You can?t change the light switch plate without an odd fit |
| You get a consistent connection throughout use | Not as many features as other brands |
TanTan Gosund Smart Dimmer Switch
My rating –
- 0% - 100% Dimmable Range- Adjust the desired brightness via application on the phone. Or manually via the LED touch panel. Brightness memory function for the last light setting when smart light switch powered off. Smart dimmer switch supports dimmable LED/CFL bulbs(up to 150W) or incandescent bulbs (up to 400W),and 100W ceiling fans. Smart bulb can?t be dimmed by the smart dimmer switch.
- Voice Control - The smart switch works with Alexa and Google Home to free your hands; Enable the Gosund skill in the Alexa/Google Home application to pair. No Hub or subscription required for Wi-Fi Dimmer Light Switch.
- Timer Schedule&Remote Control - Set schedules to turn on/off electrical appliances when you are home or away. Remote control your smart switch from anywhere via Gosund App; You can also share the App with your family members to control device. And you can create Group control your Gosund dimmable smart light switches; create scenes for when you get up, go to sleep and so on.
- Flammability UL94-V0 cetificated, The surge protection prevent lightning.
- NOTE: 2.4G WiFi only for the application connection (NOT 5G); single-pole use only (NOT 3-way). Neutral Wire is required; standard size fits any standard multi-gang wall plate. Step-by-step instructions and different color label will guide you through the wiring process.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The TanTan switches are a part of the Gosund brand family, and yet so different to the others out there. If you are searching for switches that can install easily, then you may have found the ones that you need. You need to connect both the hot and the neutral wires, so it?s best to ensure that you have these before buying. These work with Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices by voice control. So, when your hands are full, and you?re moving room to room, you could still control the lights.
The app on your phone can also control the lights. This is one of the light switches on the market that can support device sharing. As a result, you can get the whole family involved. You also need to have a neutral wire in the home, and it doesn?t work with Apple HomeKit or Samsung Smart Things. So, it?s good to be aware of this before you go and buy.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Safe and reliable; UL94-VO certificated | May go sideways after a firmware update |
| There are a timer and countdown function to time your lights going on and off | Product description misleading – says 240VAC 50HZ on the box but the manual says 110VAC |
| Very easy to install | |
| Smart control for all kinds of light bulbs | |
| Amazon Alexa and Google Home enabled |
Conclusion
We feel that the top smart switch for home use is the Legrand-On-Q Smart Switch. The Legrand-On-Q Smart Switch is affordably priced and installation is simple and takes only five minutes out of your busy day. You have the choice of wireless control of this smart switch with the either the Legrand Home App or the Apple Home App. The response time with this smart switch is instant via simple, remote app control, making it even faster than flipping the a light switch on your own. The Legrand-On-Q Smart Switch is an affordable and convenient option for your home. Do you have a Legrand-On-Q Smart Switch that you are currently utilizing in your smart home? If so, we would love to hear about your experience in the comments below.
