The smart home industry is evolving rapidly, and with it comes new technology that fascinates many people. One of the most important components of any high-tech smart home is the light switch: You might have a few in your home now, but if you want to expand your smart home with some advanced features, you'll need to invest in some more.
Smart switches and dimmers are gaining popularity because of their convenience, but you might be wondering which type of smart switch or dimmer to choose. Maybe you're not sure what type of switch is best for your lighting needs. In this review article, we're going to explore the best switches and dimmers available on the market!
Smart Switches And Dimmer For You
When you're shopping for a smart switch or dimmer, there are a few things to consider. First, what kind of control do you need? A basic on/off switch will do for most applications, but some people might want to be able to adjust the brightness or color of the light.
Then, what features do you need? Many switches and dimmers now have built-in sensors that can detect when somebody is in the room and turn the lights on or off accordingly. Some also have features that allow you to remotely control the lights from a distance.
The last thing to consider is price. Obviously, the more features a dimmer has, the more expensive it will be. But also keep in mind that higher-end models typically have longer warranties and are likely to be more reliable than lower-end models.
So, if you're worried about being able to repair or replace your smart switch or dimmer if something goes wrong, go with a higher-end model.
Different Types Of Smart Switches
There are a few different types of smart switches, but they all have one thing in common: they can be controlled using your phone or computer.
The three most common types of smart switches are occupancy sensors, light dimmers and smart outlets.
Here's a look at each type and what you can do with them:
- Occupancy Sensors: Occupancy sensors allow you to control certain devices or lights based on how many people are in the room. For example, if there's someone in the room with their device turned on, the occupancy sensor will activate the device; if no one is in the room, the sensor will turn off the device. You can use this feature to turn devices on and off when people enter or leave a room, or to regulate how much light is coming into a room.
- Light Dimmers: Light dimmers allow you to lower or increase the brightness of a light without turning it off and on again. You can also set specific dimming levels for each light in a room. This is especially useful if you want to create different moods or settings in a room (for example, by making a bedroom bright but not too bright during the day).
- Controllers: Controllers are used to increase or decrease the speed of motors, rotate shafts and operate fans. They are often used in small appliances for changing the temperature or in humidifiers to add moisture. They can also control small motors such as those in toys and remote controls when you want to make adjustments on a whim.
Things To Keep In Mind When Shopping For A Smart Switch Or Dimmer
Smart switches and dimmers can be expensive, so it's important to do your research before you buy. Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for a smart switch or dimmer:
-First, decide whether you need a smart switch or dimmer. A smart switch is a gadget that can be controlled using an app or a web interface. Dimmers can be used to control the brightness of a light source, but they can also be used to control other devices in your home like fans and thermostats.
-Next, decide what type of technology you want your switch or dimmer to use. There are two main types of technology: Zigbee and Z-Wave. Zigbee is more common than Z-Wave, but both technologies offer advantages and disadvantages.
Zigbee is simpler to use, so it's better if you just want to use the switch or dimmer with one app or web interface. Z-Wave offers more flexibility because it can be used with more apps and web interfaces, but it requires a separate hub (a device that connects the switch or dimmer to your home network) and some devices have been known to have problems with Z-Wave.
- Each type of technology has a different set of benefits and risks. For example, Z-Wave requires a separate hub to connect the switch or dimmer to your home network, but it's more secure than Zigbee.
In my opinion, if you plan on using your smart lights with one app or web interface then go with Zigbee. If you want to use your smart lights with multiple apps and web interfaces then go with Z-Wave.
- If you're on a budget, there are cheaper options like the TP-Link Deco or the Philips Hue starter kit. You could also get a Hue hub and bridge, but you would need to buy the bridge separate from the hub.
Best Smart Switch/Dimmer Overall
When it comes to smart switches and dimmers, the options are endless. So which one should you get? Here are our top 2 picks for the best smart switch/dimmer overall.
Best Smart Switch/Dimmer Overall:
Belkin WeMo Insight Switch/Dimmer - This switch is great for those who want convenience and control over their lighting. The WeMo Insight can be controlled via your smartphone or computer, and it has multiple settings including on/off, dimmer, and light intensity. It's also very easy to set up, and it comes with a 2-year warranty.
EcoSmart Switches - This switch is perfect for people who want eco-friendly lighting options. It uses LED technology, so it's environmentally friendly and doesn't use any power when not in use.
The EcoSmart switch can be controlled using your smartphone or computer, and it has 10 different settings including on/off, dimmer, light intensity, and even a schedule mode. It also comes with a 1-year warranty.
Best Wi-Fi Smart Switch/Dimmer
The TP-Link Kasa Switch is a great Wi-Fi smart switch/dimmer that works with a wide range of home automation systems. The switch features two built-in lights, and there are also three optional light strips that can be added for even more flexibility.
You can control the brightness of each bulb individually, as well as turn them on or off from anywhere in your home. You can also set up scenes and timers to automatically switch the lights off at night and on at certain times of the day. And there's an optional multi-color LED light strip included for those who want to add an extra dimension to their lighting setup.
Best Zigbee Smart Switch/Dimmer
Hive Active Smart Dimmer, This is one of my favorite smart switches. It supports up to 30 devices, has a large backlit display and works with Alexa voice control! The box includes three different color plates for passive or active lighting control (Red, Green and White). However, Hive does offer additional plates beyond those provided in their starter kit (Blue, Mocha Brown and Cream).
The Best Z-Wave Smart Switch/Dimmer
The LIFX A60 LED Smart LED Dimmer is another great option if you're looking for a smart switch or dimmer that can be controlled using your smartphone or other electronic devices. This product features six light switches that can be programmed to turn off or on automatically based on preset patterns or schedules, or you can use the LIFX A60 LED Smart LED Dimmer as a standalone light switch.
The LIFX A60 LED Smart LED Dimmer can also be controlled using voice commands, so you can simply say "Alexa, turn off the lights", and your smartphone, tablet, or Echo speaker will turn off all of your lights. The LIFX A60 LED Smart LED Dimmer is also compatible with Alexa Home Control and Google Assistant smart home platforms.
In addition to being a great option for controlling your lighting from throughout your home, the LIFX A60 LED Smart LED Dimmer is compatible with a wide range of other smart home devices via its ZigBee connectivity.
Best Budget-Priced Smart Switch/Dimmer
The Lutron Caseta Wireless Smart Dimmer has an intuitive interface that is easy to control, even without programming in addition to the voice commands and automation features. The smart switch has a small footprint and can be mounted on a wall or in a cabinet using screws or adhesive tape.
The unit also has the ability to connect wirelessly through the use of your home's Wi-Fi signal. This makes it possible for you to control all of your lights from anywhere inside your home. You can control the dimming from any Lutron app on your phone and even schedule lighting to automatically turn on and off. The smart switch was developed primarily with security concerns in mind.
