Smart WiFi Light Switches and Plugs

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 wifi 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.

smart wifi light switches 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 Wifi Light Switches & Plugs – 2018

When searching for smart wifi 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.

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.

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.

Pros:

Program your fans, etc. while you’re away from home
Program dependent on factors like weather, etc.
Advanced features beyond competition

Cons:

App could be improved

2. Wemo Dimmer Light Switch

The second Wemo on the list comes second on the list, which clearly earmarks this brand as one of the best in the industry. The Wemo Dimmer Light Switch is a great, easily accessible product that lets you control your plugged-in devices from anywhere – literally. Control it from the wall the old-school way, the Wemo app, and even your voice through Alexa. The Wemo is great in that it can sync with your schedule or you can manage devices and optimize on-the-fly.

Why You Should Get It

There are two major differences between this dimmable switch and the aforementioned Wemo switch as part of the smart wifi light switches and plugs; first, this switch offers a night mode, which is ideal for those with kids or older family members in the home. Second is – you guessed it – this device is dimmable!

Pros:

No hub required for these smart wifi light switches
Dimmable and night mode enabled
In-wall switch, excellent for a modern home

Cons:

App could be improved

3. ecobee Switch+ Smart Light Switch

There are so many things I love about this light switch, and it’s not even about turning on the lights! The ecobee has plenty of hands-free solutions, including the ability to ask Alexa for things like the lights, news, music and more. You can have the device turn off the lights when the room is empty, and turn on at sunset and off when you choose. It’s a super smart device that makes your life smarter than ever.

Why You Should Get It

You should get this device if you’re like me and have things in your hands at all times, be it my phone, dogs, babies, computers, grocery bags and more.

Pros:

Control your lighting from anywhere
Smarten your outdoor lighting
Night light for after hours

Cons:

Users say that firmware could be updated

4. 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.

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.

Pros:

Control your smart lights from your bedroom to your backyard
Customize with the Philips Hue
Alexa enabled

Cons:

Some users express a loose connection

5. 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!

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.

Pros:

Home switches give everyone in the house more access
Put these switches wherever you like!
Anyone in the home can control smart lighting, brightness and more

Cons:

Requires the POP starter pack

6. 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!

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.

Pros:

Easily check to see if you turned your lights on or off
Control any feature remotely
Pairs with Amazon Echo

Cons:

Limited to basic features

7. 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.

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?”

Pros:

Compatible with a number of lighting options
Easy to install
Works with HomeKit

Cons:

Some users say app would use some work

8. 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.

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.

Pros:

Use scheduling timers to add safety and security to your home
Save energy through mobile scheduling options
Monitor and manage light products

Cons:

Some users say there are connectivity issues

9. 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.

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.

Pros:

Bluetooth for reliable connection
Easy to install
Simple aesthetic for this light switch

Cons:

No Wi-Fi connection

10. 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!

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 as smart wifi light switches.

Pros:

Great, “mini” size!
Because of its size, it doesn’t take the space of two plugs
Works with Amazon Alexa

Cons:

Some network issues reported

11. Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi Switch

Leviton DW15S-1BZ 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.

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 as one of the smart wifi light switches. The voice control makes everything easier and you don’t need an extra hub to make it work.

Pros:

Create custom lighting for every room
Set-up schedules depending on your lifestyle
Alexa enabled

Cons:

Some installation problems reported

12. 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 features.

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.

Pros:

Determine schedules quickly and easily
Wi-Fi anabled
No hub or subscription needed

Cons:

Some users report connection issues.

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 wifi light switch or plug? Share your feedback with us on Twitter.