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 63.2 Billion Dollars by 2025. 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.
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 have 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, but they can also 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.
The Best Smart Wifi Light Switches & Plugs for 2023
1. Lutron Caséta Wireless Dimmer Smart Light Switch Starter Kit
Best for bad internet. Also may be one of the most reliable smart switches on the market today.
With the Lutron Caseta Smart Switch, you can use your voice, app, or just the switch to adjust your lights on and off–even if your light bulbs aren’t smart. Yep, even if it’s ordinary incandescent, dimmable LEDs or halogen bulbs. Just use the Lutron Caseta Smart Switch to control them and connect them to Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit.
The Lutron Caseta Smart Switch cost more than many of its competitors but they are known for being rock-solid smart switches. Not only that but these smart switches don’t use WiFi to turn the lights on and off like smart switches. Your internet goes down, no problem. Do you have bad internet? These are the smart switches to get.
You can also control the brightness of the bulb. Create a scene cozy enough for a movie night and bright enough for serious work. You can even add a sunrise/sunset schedule to automate your lights.
This smart switch is what you want to keep your old, non-smart lights, and you want to automate them. You don’t need a smart bulb to have workable lighting automation.
Included Components:
Includes (1) Smart Bridge, (1) Caseta In-Wall Dimmer, (1) Pico Remote Control, and (1) Pico Wallplate Bracket
Pros:
- Turns your non-smart bulbs into smart ones
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit
- Excellent if you do not have a neutral available or want to add additional switches without wiring
- One Smart Hub can manage up to 75 switches
- WiFi is not needed to turn on the lights
- Maybe the most reliable smart switch on the market today
Cons:
- The cost of installing these on all the switches in your home can get expensive.
2. Leviton Decora Motion Sensing Dimmer Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch
Leviton has a great platform to fit just about any home’s needs.
Does your home have a lot of built-in light fixtures that you wouldn’t be able to just put in a smart light bulb or even if you could it would be very costly? If so, the Leviton D26HD-2RW Decora Smart Wi-Fi Dimmer (2nd Gen) is going to be the best way to go.
One of the really nice things about this smart switch is it works with all the ecosystems including Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit. So you don’t have to wait for Apple, Google, and Amazon to implement ‘Matter’ the open-source protocol that should make having a smart home easier.
It is easy to schedule lights to turn on when you want including sunrise/sunset, easily create lighting scenes with multiple devices, and control from anywhere. On the same page, the above product is located at Amazon, you can also get the function on the following products:
- Dimmer
- Dimmer Companion
- Fan Speed Controller
- Fan Speed Controller + Wallplate
- Motion Sensing Dimmer
- Plug-In Dimmer
- Plug-In Switch
- Scene Controller Switch
- Switch Companion
- Voice Dimmer
Leviton has done a great job of having products that will fit just about anyone’s home situation.
Pros:
- Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Siri
- Simple yet clean design unlike some of the cheaper smart switches
- Connects via 2.4 GHz WiFI and does not require a hub or controller
- These smart switches are reliable and they have a whole line of products to fit nearly any home
Cons:
- Neutral Wire Required. Might be an issue with some very old homes
3. Kasa Smart Light Switch
One of the most adorable smart switches on the market that are also very reliable.
The Kasa HS200P3 Smart Light Switchs are perhaps one of the cheapest and reliable was to replace all your switches in your home. At around $10-$15 each, there is no getting around the fact that you will save a good bit of money over the smart switches we’ve covered so far.
Not only that but Kasa also has Kasa Smart Dimmer Switch and Kasa Smart Motion Sensor Switch variations.
Need a smart plug to control a lamp? No problem, Kasa got a really highly rated Smart Plug HS103P4 4-pack that cost around $30 that we have tested and liked. On that same page, you can spend about $10 more for the Apple HomeKit version.
The Kasa app for iOS or Android is also very good unlike some of the other cheap competitors. It’s very easy to set up and adjust your lighting.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Great App
- Works with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant
- Fantastic Scheduling features
- They have a whole line of smart products that are also affordable
Cons:
- Neutral Wire Required. Might be an issue with some very old homes
- You need good WiFi or your experience might suffer
4. Philips Hue Dimmer Switch
Philips Hue Smart Dimmer Switch with remote.
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.
At about $30 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. Lutron Aurora Bulb Dimmer Smart Switch
Best for Philips Hue Smart Bulbs
Have you already invested in some Philips Hue Smart lighting? If so, the Lutron Aurora Smart Bulb Dimmer Switch for Philips Hue Smart Bulbs (Z3-1BRL-WH-L0) might just be what you are looking for. The Smart dimmer switch keeps Philips Hue smart bulbs in ‘ready mode’ and provides easy dimming for everyone, with no app required.
Two common modern problems? It is dimming the light and accidentally switches off appliances that are connected to Alexa or Google. The Lutron Aurora Smart Bulb Dimmer addresses both in terms of light bulbs. This unique innovation of smartly controlling Philips Hue smart bulbs brightens or dims light using the simple rotating knob. You can connect it to Alexa and like devices for hands-free on/off of light.
Remove your worry too that someone may unintentionally be turning off the switch because Lutron Aurora safely locks the switch in ON mode. You can install it super easily- even without manuals, it is that simple. Simply tap for power on/off and control brightness either through Hue App or manually.
This can’t get any easier to install this smart switch either. Two steps in less than 2 minutes with no wiring and you’re done. Simply mount the bracket over the existing toggle switch.
Pros
- Easy to set up and use
- Compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant
- Hue app control using the smartphone and wifi or manual control when the signal is down
- Locks toggle switch
Cons
- Limited to Philips Hue smart bulbs yet
6. Eve Smart Light Switch Apple HomeKit
Works great with Apple Home Kit
The Elgato Eve HomeKit Light Switch allows you to transform any room in your home with an 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.
We love the compatibility of this device with HomeKit because it allows for wireless control from Apple devices. Of course, this 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 the app could use some work
7. Switchmate Smart Light Switch
Switchmate One-Second Installation Smart Lighting.
Priced at a comfortable $29.99 at the time of writing, the Switchmate Voice-Activated Smart Lighting 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. It also can be controlled via your voice. If you have a Goole Assistant or Wink Hub 2, it will work seamlessly for 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 aesthetics for this light switch
Cons:
- No Wi-Fi connection
8. Wemo Stage Scene Controller Smart Light Switch
Great Smart Home Remote Control for Apple HomeKit
The Wemo Stage Scene Controller with Thread, Smart Home Remote Control for Apple HomeKit Smart Light Switch uses Thread technology allowing smart home products to connect faster and be more reliable than normal WiFi. This controller also supports Bluetooth if your devices don’t support Thread technology.
This product deeply integrates this smart switch exclusively with Apple HomeKit. This remote allows you to control multiple smart bulbs, smart light switches, and other smart home devices.
Wemo Stage Scene Controller Smart Light Switch has 3 buttons, each supporting single, double, and long-click controls, allowing control of 9 different smart home products, or scenes so you can precisely control your lighting and other smart devices.
This product was released in 2021 and did come with a few bugs. So if you look around online at some of its very first reviews they might not all be super positive. That being said, in 2022, everything seems to be working wonderfully.
Pros
- Deep Apple HomeKit integration
- Can be used with a physical remote or using your iPhone
- Very customizable
Cons
- Some users have said that the battery life could be better
9. Kasa Energy Monitoring Mini 15A Smart Plug
Kasa Energy Monitoring Mini 15A Smart Plug Works with Siri, Alexa & Google Home, and No Hub is Required.
With Kasa, 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 these added security features.
The Kasa Smart Plug Mini (KP125P2) works with Apple, Amazon, and Google systems. So no matter which you use, they got you covered. Also, you can use this smart plug to monitor energy usage in real-time and view its historical power consumption via the Kasa Smart app.
This is a must-have device for those who have home automation and monitor energy usage. Paired with these devices, you can control your lights, temperature, and appliances with your home automation system. This is one of the very best smart outlets you can buy on the market today.
Pros:
- Determine schedules quickly and easily
- Wi-Fi enabled
- No hub or subscription needed
- Works with ner everything
- Monitor energy usage
Cons:
- If your WiFi isn’t great (maybe your router isn’t very good) you may have issues. Almost any negative review we’ve seen always has someone talking about WiFi.
10. Kasa Dual Outlet Smart Plug
Control 2 devices from anywhere at the same time–or individually
How about having a good thing twice?
That’s what the Kasa Smart Plug has in store for you. It lets you control 2 devices from anywhere all together or individually. Think about controlling lamps in your bedroom… or your hair iron and electric toothbrush in the bath. There’s a plug at either end of this. Another plus for this plug is that you can use your voice to control them. It works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana.
This is a must-have for people who want practicality and who have outlet constraints. It turns one outlet into two, and not just two outlets, but 2 smart ones.
Pros:
- Control 2 devices at the same time
- Can be controlled together or individually
- Voice control through Alexa, Google Assistant or Microsoft Cortana
- Set scenes
Cons:
- Only for upright outlets
11. Kasa Smart Wifi Outdoor Plug
Extend your Smart Home to the outdoors
Be in control of your house even outdoors with Kasa Smart Wifi Outdoor Plug. Take pride in controlling your electric devices from anywhere with just a few touches of the free Kasa Smart app connected to your smartphone. The smart plug can reach a wifi range of up to 300 feet and it easily controls outdoor lighting or appliances. Do not hesitate to place it anywhere since it is absolutely weatherproof and tough against dust and water splash.
But it does not stop there, the outdoor plug is so smart that it is compatible with Google or Alexa voice commands. Control the outlet together or individually and schedule connected appliances to work on the desired time. Try the outdoor plug now and experience its easy setup but smart performance.
Controlling has never been this rewarding, especially on all things within our lot. Use Kasa Smart Wifi Outdoor Plug with 2 outlets in 1 smart plug. On and off your appliances from anywhere and take advantage of its compatibility with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Microsoft Cortana.
Pros
- 2 outlets in 1 smart plug that you can control together or individually
- Weatherproof
- Long-range (up to 300 feet) connection to wifi
- Can be connected to smartphone and control outlets by Kasa Smart app
- Easy to install
Cons
- Can overheat if directed to the sun
12. Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip
The Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip is a smarter way to control multiple devices from anywhere
No, this is not an ordinary power strip. This is by lot smarter. Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip has 6 Smart Outlets you can control individually and 3 built-in USB Charging Ports you can use directly. You can control them wherever using the Kasa Smart app on your phone. Easily monitor the energy consumption of connected devices and disconnect from the power strip if pleased. You can also set a time for each outlet to power on/off depending on your routine.
And when we say smart, you know we mean it since it can be connected to voice-command devices be it Alexa, Google Assistant, or Microsoft Cortana. Stay calm during possible power surges because the power strip is ETL certified too so as long as you have your smartphone and wifi connection, control the rest of the connected devices comfortably.
Do some controlling with ease on electrical devices connected to Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip. This is a 6-outlet and 3-USB Port power device that allows you to control and monitor your connected appliances using your smartphone. Feeling more smarty? Use voice command devices.
Pros
- Has 6 outlets and 3 built-in USB ports
- Easy to use
- ETL certified for power surge protection
- Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Microsoft Cortana
- Uses Kasa Smart app through phones for control
Cons
- Some have WiFi connection problems
Why should you trust Ideaing?
Since 2013, our team at Ideaing holds an extensive background in technology, from electrical engineering to product managers at Fortune 500 companies. We pride ourselves in providing truly objective insight into our reviews and recommendations. We spend hours researching, analyzing, and testing products.
— Smart Wifi Light Switches and Plugs Buyers Guide & FAQ —
What To Look For When Buying Smart Wifi Light Switches and Plugs
A lot of brands have come up with innovative ideas on this product. Each has its own function that may fit your needs. Here are some things that can help you in choosing your own smart light switch:
Ergonomics
Be sure to find one that can efficiently work for you. Some may have bulky features that prevent you from using it freely. You may end up moving a piece of furniture or knock it down every now and then. Some brands have outlets and switches on the sides.
Connectivity
For connectivity, some work with Wi-Fi, while others just work by connecting via Bluetooth. There are also some that work with both.
Those with Wi-Fi provide high-speed access to the internet. You can use it even without staying close to the other device.
For those with Bluetooth connectivity, they are primarily used to connect devices without using cables and with short distances. So if you’re just near your device, you can opt to use your Bluetooth connection and Wi-Fi when away.
Size
Smart switches and plugs come in different shapes and sizes. Most of them on the market are a bit bulky but can hold up to several devices. But if you need a space-saving one, you may want a smaller model to fit your needs.
Capacity
Always check the capacity of your switch or plug. Some would usually have 1 to 2 allowed for connection. But there are some products that allow 4 or more devices to be connected to it.
Additional features
Check before purchasing if your product of choice has additional features. This way, you’re not just going to save money, but you’ll also get to have efficiency at a maximum level. Some products have additional features that include power-monitoring, energy-saving, customizable, voice recognition, and more!
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.
Smart Wi-Fi Lights and Plugs FAQs
Different brands of smart switches and plugs have come up with several products to fit your style and purpose. Looking for a good investment can be quite expensive. So, here we compiled the most common questions we get in buying either a smart switch or plug:
Q: Can it be used outside?
A: Some brands design their products to withstand every weather element. Rain or shine, you’re good to go with your smart device!
Q: Can it lower my electricity cost?
A: Yes, it can lower your electricity cost. Since your devices are now turned into smart devices, you can control them remotely anytime and anywhere.
Q: Are these safe to use?
A: Yes, they all have the same safety features as other devices plugged on walls. Just be sure to purchase from a certified supplier!
Q: Can I control my devices with several phones?
A: Most devices allow controlling devices with the use of several phones and tablets. They just need to connect to an app. Before purchasing, check if it’s compatible or not. But for you to avoid confusion, you may opt to stick with just one.
Q: Is it compatible with any phone?
A: Read descriptions before buying one as some products work only with Apple and not with Android. To be sure, purchase one that works with both.
Q: Can I manually turn off smart devices?
A: Yes, you can manually turn off devices connected to your smart switch and plug, in since these devices are meant to help you work more efficiently.
The Wrap-up
The average house in the U.S. now has 20.2 connected devices, according to a new report based on an analysis of 41 million homes and 1.8 billion connected devices according to forbes.com. Smart home lights, plugs, and smart speakers are mainstream at this point.
The thing is there are dozens (maybe hundreds) of options for smart switches and smart plugs now on the market. The main issue is that many of the companies making these devices might not be worth the investment. Think about this. Will this company you never heard of even be around in 5 years? Many of these companies seem to be here today and gone tomorrow. That means no support if you buy a smart plug or smart switch from them and have issues. That could be a real headache if you wired smart switches in your home and now there is no support. On our list, you are going to find companies that have already been around for some time and will likely be around for a long time.
Thanks for stopping by and reading our site!
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. Just looking for smart plugs only? Check out Best Smart Plug 2023. Looking to start from scratch? Basic Smart Home Automation on the Cheap (Quick Read)
Ideaing empowers you to live smarter. Our team researches and recommends only the best smart gadgets, and we may earn a small commission if you buy through our site. Our writers maintain strict editorial independence and integrity. Ideaing is independently owned and the opinions expressed here are our own. Learn more about us.
{{ commentsCountView }}
Drop a Comment