Illuminate your home with the best smart light switch

A smart light switch is always a bright idea

Best Smart Ligth Switch

by Hannah Carroll |
Updated on

Kitting out your home with the best smart light switch may feel a little futuristic, but smart technology has its place in the here and now. Not only does it give you the convenience of managing your systems remotely, but it also helps increase your energy efficiency because you can monitor your usage and only use your lights when needed.

The smart light switch is becoming more popular as we begin to integrate more smart technology into our homes. Just walk around your neighbourhood, and you won't have to go far to see smart home security systems like Ring doorbells. And just like the smart doorbells, the light switches are connected to an app on your smartphone and provide access remotely.

The best smart light switch at a glance:

Best smart light switch overall: Philips Hue Bridge White view on Amazon
Best smart light switch for timing function: SONOFF WiFi Touch Wall Light Switch view on Amazon
Best smart switch for DIY novices: SwitchBot Smart Switch Button Pusher view on Amazon

Smart light switches can also be controlled through smart speakers such as Amazon Echo; some options even come with voice control. Hello, 2024!

Best smart light switch 2024

Best smart light switch overall

Philips Hue Smart Home BridgeCredit: B&Q

Description

Are you looking for a smart light switch that can control everything in your home? The Hue Bridge can connect with your smartphone or tablet, from smart lighting to alarms and thermostats to smart door lock controls. It can support up to 50 lights, not to mention you can adjust the brightness colour and create custom scenes via the app.

Customer reviews: "So easy to set up and change lights on timers. Brightness settings are perfect. It's easy to set up and use. It's fun to play with the settings but an absolute game-changer for waking up in the mornings. Having the lights slowly brighten up makes getting out of bed so much easier."

Pros

  • Easy to install
  • You can control your lights remotely
  • Colour changing
  • Wi-fi enabled

Cons

  • It cannot be used with conventional dimmers

Best smart light switch for timing function

SONOFF WiFi Touch Wall Light SwitchCredit: Amazon

Description

From its remote app control to the hands-free voice capabilities and its timer/schedule feature, we can see why there are over a thousand good reviews on Amazon for this smart light switch.

Customer review: "I've got a switch for each room except the hallway cause they are smart units anyway. The four switches were easy to install for the most part and connected quickly to the WiFi router. Controlled via Google Home, the integration is great. You can set up smart scenes, put them on timers to turn off or on after X minutes, etc. It's great. I would absolutely recommend it if you want to make all your lights smart in your property."

Pros

  • Quick pair option
  • Easy to set up
  • Sleek design

Cons

  • Not all wiring is compatible

Best smart switch for DIY novices

 SwitchBot Smart Switch Button PusherCredit: Amazon
Price: $29.00
Alternative retailers
Walmart$29.99View offer

Description

SwitchBot Smart Switch Button Pusher is a compact device designed to automate the pushing of buttons, allowing remote operation of various appliances and devices through a smartphone app or voice commands. Although it is not as fancy as some of the options on this list, it is much easier to install.

You can add a SwitchBot Ecosystem to enhance your smart home experience. Making it possible to control your light switch remotely, use voice activation and more. However, it is sold separately.

Customer review: "I bought this item to give my electric bathroom towel radiator timer functionality. I had gotten quotes to change the switch to a timer physically, and this was going to be £60-80, so I thought this could do the job, and it does for much cheaper.

"Installation was easy and guides you through it step by step. To unlock the full smart functionality and smart home integration, you need to buy a 'smart hub' that is compatible, but if you want to use this device as a timer for a switch, then you can do this as a stand-alone.

"I have seen reviews for the switch mechanism being weak, but if you have a relatively new switch, then it'll be able to work comfortably.

"I am very happy with the product, although I have just installed it."

Pros

  • Universal
  • Schedule built-in timers
  • Easy to install and set up
  • No tools required

Cons

  • SwitchBot remote is sold separately

Best smart light switch for dimming

Philips Hue Smart Dimmer Switch 2Credit: John Lewis

Description

Set the mood in your home with this incredible dimmer switch from Philips. Not only can you switch between four preset light recipes, but you can connect up to 10 smart lights to this device. What more could you want?

Customer review: "I have a few Hue lights already, but I bought this switch for the Hue Centris I had got for my kitchen as it was a pain to take my phone out every time I wanted to adjust the lights. It works great. It's easy to set up different colour schemes that change every time you press the Hue button. The good quality build feels sturdy."

Pros

  • Battery-powered
  • Wireless design
  • Four preset light themes
  • Dimming and brightening abilities
  • Easy to install
  • Comes with a remote control

Cons

  • Some customers found that the app needed updating

Best smart switch for design

BSEED Smart Light SwitchCredit: Amazon

Description

We love this sleek, designed smart light switch. The BSEED Smart Light Switch offers seamless integration into modern homes, enabling remote control of lighting fixtures via smartphone apps or voice assistants, enhancing convenience and energy efficiency.

Customer review: "Love these switches. They are very stylish, and I am happy with them. When installing, they are a little deeper than a standard switch box, so bear in mind that a little extra work may be needed so that they sit flush. Good communication with seller would recommend."

Pros

  • Stylish
  • Multiple colour options
  • Scratch proof
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • Professional installation recommended

Best smart light switch that doesn't require a neutral wire

 MoesGo No Neutral Wire WiFi Smart Touch Wall Light SwitchCredit: Amazon

Description

You have complete control over this light switch, from scheduling your lights to come on while you're not at home to a timer for when you go to bed. The one-key control system is so easy to use that a child could get the hang of it.

Customer review: "The switch was easy to install; however, the need for a neutral at the switch is not standard. This wasn’t a problem for me as I was wiring my workshop and could easily add the neutral. Setting up with the Smart Life app was a breeze, as was Alexa integration. The switch is good quality and looks very modern. Would recommend."

Pros

  • No neutral wire is required.
  • Voice control
  • High-quality tempered glass design

Cons

  • Some found that the instructions were not very clear

Best for budget

Yagusmart Smart Wall Light SwitchCredit: Amazon

Description

If you're looking for a budget way to control your lights, then look no further than the Yagusmart Smart Wall Light Switch. It has many of the bells and whistles you'd expect from a smart switch, plus it's available in black, gold or white.

Review: "I am speaking from the perspective of a highly technical person who works in the IT industry and has tons of experience in the smart home and integration space, but this is an incredible piece of hardware.

"The price is fantastic, incredibly low compared to things like Phillips Hue bulbs, IKEA smart bulbs or others, especially for the convenience that you don't have to change anything else, but you get the features of the other products (or most important features, anyway).

"For me, this was a breeze to set up, but if you require any support, do some research or look at some comments before you purchase. There are some really good guides on here."

Pros

  • Timing function
  • Elegant appearance
  • Mobile app
  • Manual touch switch light
  • Two wiring methods
  • Different colour options

Cons

  • Some customers found the instructions a little confusing

How to choose the best smart light switch

As a smart light switch isn't the easiest to install, it's essential you understand what to look for when choosing the best smart light switch for your abode. Here are a few things you need to know:

Neutral wiring is needed in your home for most smart switches

If you live in an older home, you may need a fully qualified electrician to install neutral wiring. Check the specifications to see if wiring is needed before you purchase.

Determine the compatibility with your devices

Not all smart light switches work with smartphones and smart speakers. Do your research before hitting that buy button.

You may need to upgrade your Wi-Fi

Most smart light switches require good internet to work. Check the product information before buying so you don't have to invest in a booster or additional hub.

Ensure the light bulbs are compatible

This might sound straightforward, but this is a simple step that can be overlooked: always buy bulbs that work with your new smart light switch.

Other accessories for switches to work

If you're kitting out your whole home, be aware that you can only connect a limited amount of light bulbs to a single switch. You may need to invest in more light switches or a hub for a full home set-up.

Woman pressing smart light switch
©Photo: Getty Images

Do you need an electrician to install a smart light switch?

The installation of a smart light switch typically involves basic electrical wiring tasks, which may require knowledge of electrical systems. While some smart light switches are designed for DIY novices, others will require more specialist knowledge.

Does dimmed smart light save electricity?

Dimming a smart light can save electricity by reducing its power consumption, as less energy is required to produce dimmer light levels. However, the extent of energy savings depends on factors such as the type of bulb used and the degree of dimming applied.

Do smart bulbs use a lot of Wi-Fi?

Smart bulbs typically use very little Wi-Fi bandwidth when they're in operation. They only use Wi-Fi intermittently to receive commands or updates from the smart home hub or app. Therefore, they have a minimal impact on your overall Wi-Fi usage.

Hannah Carroll is a Senior Home, Parenting and Lifestyle Product writer for Yours, specialising in product testing and reviews. As a mother of three, Hannah loves finding clothes that make her feel fabulous and products that are great for large families.

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