Brilliant Home ControlSource: Brilliant

Best Smart Light Switches iMore 2021

The best smart light switches are a great way to reap the benefits of connected lighting without having to worry about buying individual smart light bulbs in all different sizes. Having smart light switches also means that you won't have to explain how your home works to guests with on-device controls and support for voice assistants like Siri through HomeKit. The Lutron Caseta Smart Start Kit is the best overall smart switch for its ability to function without a neutral wire, and it performs with a high level of responsiveness and reliability.

Best Overall: Lutron Caseta Smart Start Kit

Lutron dimmer switch installed on a wall next to various voice assistant productsSource: Lutron

The Lutron Caseta Dimmer Switch combines robust smart home integration, dependable performance, and more with an easy to install package that can have you up and running in no time. Lutron's low power Clear Connect technology enables the ability to function wirelessly without the need for a neutral wire, which many older homes may lack. This proprietary wireless protocol also provides ultra-fast response times and rock-solid reliability.

Lutron's dimmer works with all major smart home platforms, such as Siri, Alexa, and the Google Assistant, using just your voice for commands. Of course, you can also use the Caseta Wireless App, or Apple's Home app for those that use HomeKit, to toggle your lights on and off when you are away. Physical dimming buttons are also on-device, providing a quick and easy way to adjust the light levels in your home.

The Caseta Wireless Dimmer can also function in more complicated electrical scenarios, such as three-way wiring, where two light switches control the same fixture. This wiring type is a breeze with the Caseta Dimmer, as a coordinating Pico wireless remote replaces the second light switch entirely. Other Caseta accessories include fan speed control switches and traditional on and off switches to cover every switch type you may need.

Pros:

  • Fast and responsive
  • Neutral wire not required
  • Supports HomeKit, Alexa, Google

Cons:

  • Busy design
  • Requires Caseta hub
  • Expensive

Best Overall

Lutron Caseta Smart Start Kit

Fast, reliable, and highly compatible

Lutron's dimmer is the only switch that works without a neutral wire. It's also fast, reliable, and supports all voice assistants.

Best Value: Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch

Kasa Light Switch By Tp Link installed on a wallSource: TP-Link

TP-Link's Kasa line is known for affordable smart home accessories with outstanding reliability, and the Wi-Fi Light Switch is no exception. This single-pole switch gives you remote controls, schedules, and more, through the Kasa app, Alexa, and the Google Assistant.

The Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch doesn't require a hub, so you can get up and running in minutes as long as you have a neutral wire in your electrical box. The best part about the Kasa Wi-Fi Light Switch is that it often goes on sale for even cheaper, so you can add the smarts for even less.

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • No hub required
  • Works with Alexa, Google Assistant

Cons:

  • No dimming
  • Requires neutral wire
  • Doesn't work with HomeKit

Best Value

Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch

Cheap and connected

The Kasa light switch is incredibly affordable and is often on sale for even less. This smart switch works with Alexa and Google.

Best Value for HomeKit: Meross Smart Wi-Fi Wall Switch

Meross Mss510hk Light SwitchSource: Meross

The Smart Wi-Fi Wall Switch from Meross is a cost-effective solution for those who want the smart lighting basics. With a "no-frills," on and off design, the Smart Wi-Fi Wall Switch is simple to install, and its compact profile helps if you are installing multiple switches within the same wall box as every inch counts.

This smart switch utilizes Wi-Fi to connect to your home network, allowing it to work inside the home and out without the need for a separate hub. Intelligent features include schedules, timers, and support for Alexa, the Google Assistant, and even Apple's HomeKit.

Pros:

  • Low price
  • No hub required
  • Supports HomeKit, Alexa, Google

Cons:

  • Neutral wire required
  • Does not support 3-way installation
  • Basic design

Best Value for HomeKit

Meross Smart Wi-Fi Wall Switch

Cost effective

The Meross Smart Switch checks all the boxes without breaking the bank. Alexa, Google, and HomeKit support are all on-board.

Best Capabilities: Brilliant Home Control

Brilliant Home Control installed in front of a kitchen settingSource: Brilliant

The Brilliant Home Control goes above and beyond simple lighting controls thanks to its large touchscreen display and support for tons of smart home accessories. This jack of all trades switch works with connected thermostats, video doorbells, music services, and more, plus it has Amazon's Alexa built right in for convenient voice controls.

If all of that wasn't enough, the Home Control sports an integrated camera that enables it to act as a video intercom within the home. Brilliant's Home Control is available in tons of different finishes, as well as in multiple sizes that can replace more than just one switch on the wall.

Pros:

  • Built-in Alexa
  • Motion detection
  • Sleek touchscreen design

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Limited HomeKit support
  • Requires neutral wire

Best Capabilities

Brilliant Home Control

Control center

Brilliant's Home Control combines an integrated camera, Alexa, lighting, and music controls, all into a slick touchscreen display.

Best Toggle Switch: C by GE On/Off Smart Switch

GE Smart Toggle Light Switch installed in a wallSource: Amazon

The C by GE On/Off Smart Switch puts modern smart technology into a tried and true, traditional toggle form factor. The toggle design allows you to install these where needed without having to worry about them sticking out like a sore thumb if your home is already full of toggle switches.

GE's Toggle Switch connects to your home using Wi-Fi, which doesn't require an additional hub. Once connected, this switch works with Amazon's Alexa and the Google Assistant for voice controls, plus the C by GE app, which can create schedules and more.

Pros:

  • Traditional toggle design
  • Supports Alexa and Google Assistant
  • Works with 3-way installations

Cons:

  • Doesn't support HomeKit
  • Lacks dimming
  • Neutral wire required

Best Toggle Switch

C by GE On/Off Smart Switch

Traditional style, modern capabilities

The GE Smart Toggle Switch combines classic design with smart internals, allowing it to blend seamlessly within your home.

Best Design: Eve Light Switch

Eve Light SwitchSource: Eve

The Eve Light Switch is a beautiful, minimalist take on the smart switch. Instead of a toggle or rocker switch, Eve's light switch incorporates one solid-state capacitive touchpad that encompasses a large portion of the device. This style makes turning on and off the lights a breeze with a single tap anywhere on the touchpad.

The Eve Light Switch uses Bluetooth technology for communications with Apple's HomeKit platform. A direct Bluetooth connection makes pairing fast and easy, with a simple scan of the included HomeKit code after installation. HomeKit integration enables powerful automation and scenes, such as turning off all the lights by saying "Goodnight" to Siri on your iOS devices or HomePod.

Pros:

  • Easy setup
  • Stylish design
  • Bluetooth connectivity

Cons:

  • Limited range
  • HomeKit only
  • Requires HomeKit hub for remote controls

Best Design

Eve Light Switch

Hey Siri, turn on the lights

Eve's switch connects to HomeKit via Bluetooth without a hub. HomeKit allows the switch to work with Siri, automation, and scenes.

Switch it Up

Having one of the best smart light switches in the home enables the smart home of the future today. Setting your home's lighting devices to come on according to your schedule not only offers convenience but also provides a little extra security when you are not around by making it seem like someone is within the home.

If you are in the market for a light switch that is fast, reliable, and is compatible with all of the major smart home platforms, then the Lutron Caseta Smart Start Kit is the right switch for you. The Caseta Dimmer Switch is also the only switch on the market that does not require a neutral wire, making it a perfect choice for those with older homes.

Credits — The team that worked on this guide

Christopher Close has spent way too much of his time installing over 50 various smart light switches around his home throughout the years. Whether it's Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, or RF-based light switches, Christopher has experienced it all. If you wish to join him on his quest to automate everything, you can follow him on Twitter at @itschrisclose.

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