Transforming your home into a smart home can begin with something as simple as swapping out standard light bulbs for smart ones. Smart bulbs can easily fit into existing light sockets and offer features such as remote control, scheduling, color changes, and more.
For those keen on enhancing their lighting experience, options extend beyond bulbs to include smart string lights, light strips, various fixtures, lamps, and even outdoor lighting solutions. Our comprehensive guide to smart lighting will help you navigate choices among brands like Philips Hue, LIFX, Nanoleaf, and Wyze, as well as connectivity options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and Matter. We’ll also detail compatibility with voice assistants such as Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant.
Our Top Picks in Smart Lighting Products
Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance
Pros:
- Bluetooth support reduces the need for a Hue Bridge
- Outstanding light quality with smooth dimming
- An extensive ecosystem of compatible products
- Compatibility with Apple HomeKit
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to competitors
- Bluetooth connection limits the number of devices to 10
- Requires Hue Hub for room assignment
Price When Reviewed: $49.99
The Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance smart bulb is ideal for newcomers to smart lighting, offering easy setup and broad compatibility.
Wyze Bulb Color
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Connects via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth without a hub
- Surprisingly bright for the price
Cons:
- Cannot be grouped with other Wyze bulbs
- Sold only in 2- or 4-packs
- Does not compete with Philips Hue’s ecosystem
Price When Reviewed: $34.99 for a 4-pack
Wyze bulbs are a perfect choice for budget-conscious users wanting ease of integration without a hub.
Philips Hue Lightstrip Plus (2020)
Pros:
- Bright and colorful
- Compatible with Bluetooth and Zigbee
- Automation features and robust scheduling
Cons:
- More expensive than competitors
- Power cable has a bulky adapter
- Limited animation options without third-party apps
Price When Reviewed: $75.95
This light strip is a reliable choice for accent lighting and integrates well with the Philips Hue ecosystem.
LIFX Ceiling
Pros:
- Simple installation process
- Dual-zone lighting features
- High-quality light with extensive range
Cons:
- Connectors may not be secure
- The app can be complicated to navigate
- High power consumption
Price When Reviewed: $89.97
The LIFX Ceiling light is suitable for those looking for easy installation without compromising on quality.
Nanoleaf Shapes Hexagons
Pros:
- Interactive lighting scenes
- Touch controls for other smart devices
- Compatible with major home automation systems
- Easy installation
Cons:
- Panels can be challenging to remove
- Chunky power adapter
- Higher price point
Price When Reviewed: $199.99
This modular lighting system is ideal for users desiring unique designs that contribute to the decor while offering smart control capabilities.
Color and Tunable White Features
Smart lights often focus on offering vibrant colors and tunable white light. While colored LEDs are celebrated for their versatility, natural white lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood based on color temperature. Warmer tones promote relaxation, while cooler tones can energize a space.
When considering bulbs, white-only options are generally more economical than their color counterparts and can be suitable for various applications. Always verify if a bulb has the desired features, particularly color-tuning capabilities.
Protocols and Features
The main technologies in smart lighting are:
- Zigbee: Requires a hub for connection, popular with Philips Hue.
- Wi-Fi: Directly connects to your router, with brands like LIFX utilizing this method.
- Bluetooth: Pairs directly with devices, limited in control distance.
Depending on your needs, assess which technology aligns with your preferences and smart home system integration.
Smart Bulbs vs. Smart Switches
Deciding between smart bulbs and switches involves a choice between ease of installation and potential control complexity. Smart bulbs offer individual control but can be more expensive, while switches can manage multiple lights but typically require professional installation. Understand your preference to ensure your setup meets your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Smart Lighting
Do smart lights require a hub?
It depends. Some bulbs require a hub (like Zigbee models), while others connect directly to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
Can you control smart bulbs when you’re away from home?
Yes, most smart bulbs can be controlled remotely when connected via Wi-Fi or a hub. Bluetooth-only bulbs are limited to in-home control.
What’s the difference between tunable white bulbs and dimmable white bulbs?
Tunable bulbs allow adjustments across various color temperatures, while dimmable bulbs adjust brightness without changing color temperature.
Other Notable Smart Lights
If our top picks don’t meet your needs, consider exploring additional options. Products like Govee Neon Rope Light, LIFX String Light, and WiZ Bar Linear Light offer various features and price points for smart lighting solutions.