The smart home market is on a significant upward trend – and by significant, I mean it’s getting huge. Revenue in the “Home Automation” segment is expected to amount to 3.6 million USD in 2016 alone, nearly 50% growth over 2015. What was once “cool” or “wow-worthy” additions to your home are now becoming near essentials. Especially when it comes to devices like smart light switches and plugs, which I love, you’ll be wondering what you ever did without them once they’ve been installed.
I recently installed a smart light switch and plug in my home and – let me tell you – it’s now become a necessity in any room or home that’s in my future.
Control your lights from anywhere.
What is a smart light switch or smart plug?
A smart switch is like a normal switch that goes on your wall to control lighting, a fan, or a socket. However, you also get the ability to control the switch with your smartphone through an app. Smart plugs has similar functionality. This allows you to turn on the power from your phone, set schedules, and tie the lights together with other smart devices in your home. This can be useful if you connect a smart doorbell with a switch or plug through IFTTT so that when someone rings your doorbell it turns on the lights automatically.
Why do I need a smart light switch or plug?
These devices not only provide safety and security while you’re away, they can help you monitor energy usage and help cut costs on your lighting bills. By connecting the products with your mobile app, you can control your lighting (or plugged-in devices) from your mobile device with a few simple taps. It truly provides peace of mind, while protecting your home at the same time. You can see our ideas on using a smart outlet here.
How to install smart light switches and smart plugs
Smart plugs are super easy in that you literally just plug them into your existing plugs and set up the app on your phone. Some smart switches can go over existing switches, but most will need to be installed like a normal light switch in your wall. It’s pretty easy, but if you don’t feel comfortable, you may need to call a qualified electrician.
How much to smart switches and smart plugs cost?
Most switches range from $30-50 dollars while plugs go for a little less. Some can be had for as low as $20 if you buy 2-packs.
The Best Smart Light Switches & Plugs – 2018
When searching for smart light switches and plugs, I did my research – research that I’m sharing with you now. Below are the 12 best WiFi smart light switches and plugs on the market now.
12. Philips Hue Dimmer Switch
The Philips Hue Dimmer Switch, replaces your current normal light switch and can provide smart functionality to traditionally dumb lights. Simply replace your existing switches with this one and you can control your lights via an included remote control.
If you also have a Philips Hue Bridge, then you can connect to your switch via Wi-Fi and control your lighting from anywhere in the world.
What Users Are Saying
With a very strong 4.5 out of 5 star score with hundreds of reviews on Amazon, reviewers love this switch. People love the seamless integration with other Philips Hue products, and the fact that it blends in with normal house decor.
Read reviews for the Philips Hue Dimmer Switch on Amazon!
Why You Should Get It
At $24.99 with strong reviews, this switch is perfect for those who are looking to add some simple smart functionality to their home without a lot of fuss and hassle. Plus, once you’ve gotten used to controlling your lights with the included remote and you’re ready for truly smart functionality, you can simply add the Philips Hue Bridge to add global control capabilities.
11. Logitech Pop Add-On Home Switch
The Logitech Pop Add-On Home Switch gives you the ability to control your smart home devices and is an extension of the POP Home Switch Starter Pack. We’ve placed this first on our list because you do need to have the POP Home Switch Starter Pack for this device to work, though we’re impressed with the product nonetheless.
With this device, a Wi-Fi Bridge connects the switches to your smart home devices, which means that all you need to do is plug the Logitech device into an outlet, download the free iOS or Android app to your mobile device and setup your products. So, you can connect your current lighting, sounds systems and more. Bonus!
What Users Are Saying
Reviewers are impressed with this device, though they feel it is priced too high considering the fact that you need to have the POP Home Switch Starter Pack to use it.
Read reviews for the Logitech Pop on Amazon!
Why You Should Get It
If you already have the POP Home Switch Starter Pack (or if you’ve been considering it as a purchase), this add-on is a no-brainer. It’s great for current users of the Starter Pack.
10. TP-Link Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch
The TP-Link Smart Switch is a great smart product for beginners, which is why we’ve included it on this lit. If you often find yourself forgetting to turn off lights (or wondering if you did, in fact, turn them off), the TP-Link is a handy and reliable solution. With the accompanying Kasa App, you can use this product to control virtually any feature remotely, whether it’s your home lights or ceiling fan. Bonus – it pairs with Amazon Echo, so you can use voice control to manage the switch. Thanks, Alexa!
What Users Are Saying
As one of the more popular light switches on Amazon, there are over 2000 reviews of the TP-Link. The product has received very strong reviews overall; the only negative reviews simply claim that the connection drops every once in a while, but otherwise the product is very strong.
Read reviews for the TP-Link Smart Switch on Amazon!
Why You Should Get It
This is a great product for beginners, as it is easy to install and simple to use. It offers the basic features and functionality that you would expect from a smart light switch and, since it’s priced at a comfortable $39.99, it’s not a significant investment into the smart switch market.
9. Elgato Eve HomeKit Enabled Light Switch
The Elgato Eve HomeKit Light Switch allows you to transform any room in your home with the in-wall switch. It’s a simple addition to your current light switch, as it replaces your current light switch and is compatible with CFL, LED, incandescent, fluorescent, xenon and halogen lighting. Like other smart light switches, this product is easy to install and use, with no renovations required. Unlike some other light switches, this one is compatible with Apple HomeKit, which makes integration into your iPhone or iPad super easy.
What Users Are Saying
One user pointed out an important feature of this product, “This device works via Bluetooth, if my internet goes down, I can still control it from my phone.” This means that you don’t need to have a strong Wi-Fi signal in the area of your home that you plan to install it.
Read reviews for the Elgato on Amazon!
Why You Should Get It
We love the compatibility of this device with HomeKit which allows for wireless control from Apple devices. Of course, this also works with Android devices as well, so you’ll never need to worry about answering the question, “Android or iPhone?”
8. WiOn 50052 Indoor Wi-Fi In-Wall Light Switch
Available to connect with Android and iPhone devices, the WiOn In-Wall Light Switch promises to make your smart home experience so much better. This device will allow you to control your associated lights from anywhere at any time, using the associated mobile apps. In addition, functions include sun tracker technology (automatic turn on/off depending on sunrise or sunset), countdown mode (timing your lighting depending on the time of the day) or random security setting (best for when you’re away).
What Users Are Saying
“Plug the unit in, enter your information and you’re done“, says one user on Amazon. That’s just how easy the device promises to be. Users on Amazon love how simple it is to install and use this device, as it has made their experience so much more simple.
Read reviews for the WiOn on Amazon!
Why You Should Get It
This product was selected because of the ease of use. All you need to do is download the app, connect your device using your existing Wi-Fi network and begin controlling the product from anywhere. No wire changes needed – meaning no messy walls or installation nightmares.
7. Wink Relay Smart Home Touchscreen Control Panel
If you’re ready to control your smart home with an impressive touchscreen, the Wink Relay Smart Home Touchscreen Control Panel is for you. Not only does it manage lighting in your home, it also connects to your smart devices, like your thermostat, entertainment and more. It’s a 4.3-inch touchscreen that manages your lights, room humidity, temperature, locks and so much more.
What Users Are Saying
Users on Amazon say that this is a great product in concept and theory, though there are challenges that does not always make it deliver. Users are looking forward to version 2, but even still one user summed up the general feel when saying, “I have a variety of home automation devices including door locks, cameras, lights, and HVAC controls. I can access and control each and every one of these devices from the Wink Relay.”
Read reviews for the Wink Relay on Amazon!
Why You Should Get It
You should get this product if you love the idea of having a touchscreen manage your smart devices. It’s a beautiful, sleek addition to your home. Though users say that the product requires more testing and installation support, there is great potential for the future.
6. Ankuoo NEO Wi-Fi Light Switch
The Ankuoo light switch is different from the plug, in that it lets you turn lights on and off from anywhere at any time though an associated mobile app – and it’s connected to lighting exclusively. It uses your existing home Wi-Fi network to schedule timers, use countdowns and utilize anti-theft product options. You can also add multiple switch to your home that will control your lighting using one single app.
What Users Are Saying
“Have it for our front door light, so it comes on every day when the sun goes down and turns off after sunrise,” says one Amazon user. They use the scheduling timer to add safety and security to their home during the evening (while saving energy along the way, as they will no longer forget to turn the light off).
Read reviews for the Akuoo light switch on Amazon!
Why You Should Get It
We love that Ankuoo offers both the light switch and light plug options for devices. Depending on your desired use, it’s comforting to know that the company offers both products for users. This switch is ideal for users who are looking to monitor and manage light products exclusively.
Related: Check out these smart light bulbs (they’ll change your life, too).
5. Switchmate Voice-Activated Smart Lighting Toggle Switch
Priced at a comfortable $29.99 at the time of writing, the Switchmate Voice-Activated Smart Lighting Toggle Switch is a simple light switch that attaches to your existing fixture. With a magnetic force as an attachment, you won’t need to use any tools to make the change from a “dumb” outlet to a smart variation. The Switchmate connects via Bluetooth; you can use the associated app to turn on lights and schedule your lighting on the fly and now, it can be controlled via your voice. If you have a Goole Assistant or Wink Hub 2, it will work seamlessly with those for an advanced lighting automation.
What Users Are Saying
On Amazon, this device has received a 3.6 out of 5 stars. While users love the functionality, the easy install and the product itself, some users feel that the switch can do far more if it’s also Wi-Fi-compatible. Currently, it’s Bluetooth, so you have a range to consider to be able to control it.
Read reviews for the Switchmate on Amazon!
Why You Should Get It
If you’re looking for a simple DIY solution, this is the product for you. With no tools needed to make the switch, this product is easy to install and use.
4. TP-Link Smart Plug Mini
Much like its competitors, the TP-Link Smart Plug Mini allows you to control your plugged-in products from the associated smartphone app; however, the TP-Link makes their Smart Plug Mini different in that it works with Amazon Alexa to enable voice control. This means that you can ask Alexa to turn the plug on or off, letting voice control do the work for you.
Also, since it’s mini, it doesn’t hog both plugs while only using one. You’re free to use the other plug for other appliances, or another TP-Link mini!
What Users Are Saying
With 4.1 out of 5 stars on Amazon, users are loving this device. They enjoy the “mini” size of the device, as it’s a barely-there product.
Read reviews for the TP-Link Mini on Amazon!
Why You Should Get It
You should definitely get this product if you have Alexa in your home. With voice control, this product and Amazon’s AI truly go hand-in-hand.
Related: Discover what you can do with a smart outlet here.
3. Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi Switch
Another voice-controlled lighting switch is this Leviton Decora Smart Switch. It works seamlessly with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant so you can just say, “Alexa, turn the porch lights on” or “Ok Google, turn everything on” once you arrive at home at night. No need to fumble for your keys in the dark.
For a more simplified and easy operation, you can set up switch schedules basing on time or sunset or sunrise times. Create custom lighting scenes for every room and always go home to a relaxing vibe. You can group the devices per room for an even more convenient lifestyle. No need for a hub for this switch to function.
What Users Are Saying
Scoring 3.8 stars out of 5, most Amazon reviewers were impressed by this switch. They say it works flawlessly and the instructions were easy to follow. However, troubled users were facing either connectivity or installation problems.
Read reviews for the Leviton on Amazon!
Why You Should Get It
If you’re already an Alexa or Google Assistant advocate, the Leviton Switch makes a great addition to your smart home automation system. The voice control makes everything easier and you don’t need an extra hub to make it work.
2. Wemo Mini Smart Plug
With the Wemo, you can control your home from anywhere. Whether you’re lying on a beach in Mexico or you’re spending another late night in the office, you can control your light and appliances using the free associated app – all you need is Wi-Fi. There’s no hub or subscription required, which is an added bonus. Plus, you can schedule your plugged-in devices automatically, so if you know you’ll be away from home, you can still take advantage of this added security feature
What Users Are Saying
Users on Amazon love the ability to determine schedules and automatic on/off features. This is an added bonus to controlling your plugged-in appliances from the associated smart phone app.
Read reviews for the Wemo mini on Amazon!
Why You Should Get It
This is a must-have device for those who have home automation and AI products, like the Alexa and Nest. Paired with these devices, you can control your lights, temperature and appliances with your home automation system. So good.
1. Wemo Light Switch
Have you ever arrived home from work, only to find that your house is practically a hot box of heat? You saved energy (and money) throughout the day because you turned your fan off prior to leaving home, but now you’re stuck with waiting 30, perhaps 60 minutes until your home can cool down.
That’s where the WeMo Wi-Fi Light Switch comes in. This device can be programmed to turn your fan on for you just before you get home so you arrive to fresh, circulated air, without the headache of the hot box of heat.
What Users Are Saying
With over 3600 reviews on Amazon, users love the functionality of this product. It’s ideal for the home owner who wants it all – from weather-based scheduling to manual scheduling options.
Read reviews for the Wemo light switch on Amazon!
Why You Should Get It
We love the IFTTT Weather Recipe that this device can create. Essentially, you can program the device to know that if it rains, do X, or if it reached a certain temperature, do Y. It’s truly smart, connected functionality. Although there are tweaks to be made to the app, the WeMo is our pick for the top spot because it seems to offer so much more than other devices on the market, like IFTTT and advanced scheduling features.
With smart home devices making their way into US homes quicker than ever (household penetration is expected to hit 18.62% in 2020, up from 5.82% in 2016), smart light switches and plugs are perhaps the easiest to use and install. When I was on the search for smart light switches and plugs, there were so many to choose from – so many, in fact, that I needed to put together a list of my top favorites. Need light bulbs? Check our best smart Wi-Fi Light bulbs. Also, I show you how to convert your existing lights and switches into smart solutions.
Have you used a smart light switch or plug? Share your feedback with us on Twitter.
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