Smart lighting is one of the most popular first smart home projects. The big decision is whether to make the bulbs smart or the switch on the wall.
Smart bulbs
- Easy: screw in, connect to the app – no wiring
- Color and white tuning for lamps and accent lighting
- The catch: if someone flips the wall switch off, the bulb loses power and can’t be controlled from the app or voice
- Costs add up in rooms with many bulbs, like a kitchen full of recessed lights
Smart switches and dimmers
- One switch controls every light on that circuit – great for ceiling lights and recessed cans
- The wall switch keeps working normally for guests and kids
- Works with the regular bulbs you already have
- The catch: many smart switches need a neutral wire in the switch box, which some older homes don’t have
Our rule of thumb
Use smart switches for overhead lights you use every day, and smart bulbs or plugs for lamps and places where you want color. Replacing a wall switch is electrical work: turn the breaker off, and if your boxes lack a neutral wire or you’re not comfortable with wiring, have it done by someone qualified.
Starting out? The smart home starter ($149) covers a hub plus 5 devices – lights, plugs, a lock, a thermostat or a voice assistant – all working together. See smart home setup.
