From plugs and light bulbs to wall panels and light switches, smart lights are gaining popularity in most modern homes. And, with many options being available on the market today, it will not cost you a lot of money to install smart light bulbs in your home.
Besides catching with technological advancement lightening your house using LED smart light bulbs helps to improve ambience, lighting, and enjoy other benefits. Some smart light bulbs actually come with features like automated vacation mode, which helps whenever you are not around. Others come with voice command features and color changing options, making it easy and convenient for you to use.
Upgrade to smart light bulbs if you want your home to look beautiful and feel more connected. Smart light bulbs are easy to install and they do come with many features making them easy to operate. While they may be a little more expensive compared to incandescent bulbs, smart light bulbs save lots of energy and they do last longer. Before choosing the best smart light bulbs, we considered factors like light output, ease of installation and use, performance, compatibility with other devices, and functionality of the features.
Smart lighting easily improves the appeal of any home. However, before replacing all the old bulbs in your home, you will need to understand some things about smart light bulbs. You need to know the difference between your regular bulbs and smart light bulbs.
What is a Smart Light Bulb?
A smart light bulb is a light bulb or light fixture, which uses light emitting diodes to sense and interact with the users, the environment, and other devices in the home. Unlike other regular or incandescent bulbs that require the user to operate them manually, smart light bulbs can be controlled using voice commands or remote controllers. Some smart light bulbs have features like wireless connectivity that allow you to control the light even when you are not at home. These are the main features that make people leave regular bulbs and opt for smart light bulbs.
There are many smart light bulb models on the market, with different features installed. Depending on your preferred model, you can control your bulbs from an app on your phone, using a remote, or through voice commands via smart display or digital assistant. Some smart light bulbs have color temperature features allowing to change from warm to cooler temperatures and vice versa. Another useful feature in smart light bulbs is that you can personally program their actions according to your daily schedules. You can program them to go off in the morning and turn themselves on at dusk. There are features that allow you to group your light so that you can easily control them at once.
Each smart light bulb receives instructions from a central controller that comes with it. Smart light bulbs are Wi-Fi enabled, allowing you to connect to the internet when installing them. Smart light bulbs can be pricier than regular bulbs, but they offer many benefits compared to those regular bulbs. They have a longer lifespan and they consume less energy. It is also fun to use smart light bulbs as you can adjust the color temperature based on your mood.
According to the Sensor’s Journal by Preethi Sambandam Raju et al., the demand for energy saving techniques is high. That is why people have resolved to using smart lighting techniques for indoor and outdoor environments to help save more energy.
How we picked
COST
An important factor we considered when choosing the best smart light bulbs. We chose products with different price ranges to cater to every individual budget type. The good thing is LED smart light bulbs are getting better and cheaper because of their popularity. From our wide collection of smart light bulbs, you can get one that suits your preferences and is within your budget.
COMPATIBILITY
We have selected a wide variety of products for our clients. We ensured that the products are compatible with platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Home kit. So before choosing a product from our collection, ensure it is compatible with your devices at home.
TRUSTED MANUFACTURERS
Our tech experts only picked products from well-regarded and trusted manufacturers, who have a reputation of manufacturing high quality smart light bulbs. Well-regarded companies will always be transparent about how they manufacturer their bulbs and will give detailed information that the buyer will need to know. We selected products that have money-back guarantees to help support clients who will want to return the products. Trusted manufacturers also offer good prices and discounts on their products.
RATINGS & CUSTOMER REVIEWS
User opinion matters, so we provide you with reviews of leading products and brands so you can learn about the pros and cons of each, and get a good idea of the customer experience.
Top Picks: Smart Light Bulb
- Special Features – Dimmable, Color Changing: Wyze Bulb Color
- Special Feature – Energy Efficient, Dimmable, Color Changing: Govee Smart LED Bulb
- Special Feature – Energy Efficient, Dimmable: Wiz Smart Bulb
- Special Featurere – No Hub Required, Remote Control: Sengled Smart Led Light Bulb
Best Smart Light Bulbs 2024
01
01
Best for Overall
Wyze Bulb Color
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Product details
- Color Temperature: 1800K – 6500K
- Control Methods: App, Voice (Alexa, Google)
- App Connectivity: Wyze App
- Lumens: 1100
- Wattage: 12W
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Best For: Homeowners looking for an affordable, smart lighting solution with versatile color options and easy app control.
- Price: $22.99 for a 2-pack
Features
- 16 million colors, tunable white (1800K-6500K), dimmable via app/voice, and compatible with Alexa/Google Assistant.
- Features include group control, scenes/automation, vacation mode, and energy monitoring for customized and secure lighting.
Pros and Cons
- Affordable price point
- Wide range of colours and adjustable white temperatures
- Easy setup and control via app and voice
- Integration with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Energy monitoring capabilities
- Customizable scenes and automation
- Requires Wi-Fi for full functionality
- May need a Wyze account for advanced features
- Limited to Wyze ecosystem for full integration
Bottom Line
The Wyze Bulb Color offers a cost-effective way to bring customizable smart lighting into any home. With the ability to choose from 16 million colours and adjust the white colour temperature, this bulb provides a range of lighting options to suit any mood or occasion. It is compatible with major voice assistants and the Wyze app, making it easy to control and automate. The bulb is energy-efficient and comes with features like vacation mode and energy monitoring to enhance its functionality
02
Product details
- Color Temperature: 2000K – 6500K
- Control Methods: App, Voice (Alexa, Google)
- App Connectivity: Govee Home App
- Lumens: 800
- Wattage: 9W
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Best For: Homeowners seeking a smart lighting solution with versatile color options and dual connectivity (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) for reliable control.
- Price: $19.99 for a 2-pack
Features
- Supports 16 million colors, tunable white (2000K – 6500K), voice control with Alexa and Google Assistant, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, and music sync mode.
- Include group control for multiple bulbs, timer and scheduling functions, customizable scenes, and DIY mode.
Pros and Cons
- Affordable and good value for a 2-pack
- Wide range of colors and adjustable white temperatures
- Dual connectivity (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth)
- Music sync feature
- Integration with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Customizable scenes and DIY mode
- Some features may require an active internet connection
- Limited to the Govee ecosystem for full integration
Bottom Line
The Govee Smart LED Bulb offers an impressive range of colors and adjustable white temperatures, making it perfect for creating the ideal ambiance in any room. With both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, these bulbs provide flexible control options, even without an internet connection. Compatible with major voice assistants and the Govee Home app, these bulbs are easy to set up and integrate into any smart home system. The music sync feature and customizable scenes add a fun and dynamic element to your lighting setup.
03
Product details
- Color Temperature: 2200K – 6500K
- Control Methods: App, Voice (Alexa, Google, Siri)
- App Connectivity: Wiz App
- Lumens: 800
- Wattage: 8.8W
- Warranty: 2 Year
- Best For: Individuals looking for an easy-to-use smart lighting solution with versatile color options and robust app control.
- Price: $10.99 per bulb
Features
- 16 million colors, tunable white (2200K-6500K), voice control (Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri Shortcuts), Wi-Fi, customizable scenes/schedules, energy monitoring, vacation mode, and dimmable via app/voice.
- Offers enhanced security with vacation mode and allows detailed control over lighting with extensive color options and scheduling features.
Pros and Cons
- Affordable price point
- Wide range of colours and adjustable white temperatures
- Easy setup with no hub required
- Integration with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri Shortcuts
- Customizable scenes and schedules
- Energy monitoring capabilities
- Requires Wi-Fi for full functionality
- May need a Wiz account for advanced features
- Limited to Wiz ecosystem for full integration
Bottom Line
The Wiz Smart Bulb provides a comprehensive smart lighting experience with a wide range of colors and adjustable white temperatures. It is easy to set up and control via the Wiz app or voice commands through major voice assistants. With features like customizable scenes, schedules, and energy monitoring, this bulb offers both convenience and efficiency. The no-hub-required setup makes it an attractive option for those new to smart home technology.
04
Product details
- Color Temperature: 2700K – 6500K
- Control Methods: App, Voice (Alexa, Google, Siri)
- App Connectivity: Sengled App
- Lumens: 800
- Wattage: 9.8W
- Warranty: 3 Year
- Best For: Individuals looking for a reliable, smart lighting solution that integrates seamlessly with major smart home ecosystems.
- Price: $14.99 per bulb
Features
- Tunable white color temperature (2700K – 6500K), dimmable via app or voice control, with group control, customizable schedules and scenes, and compatibility with Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and IFTTT.
- Energy-efficient design with Wi-Fi connectivity for advanced automation.
Pros and Cons
- Affordable and energy-efficient
- Adjustable white color temperature
- Easy setup with no hub required
- Integration with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit
- Customizable schedules and scenes
- Compatible with IFTTT
- Requires Wi-Fi for full functionality
- Some advanced features may require a Sengled account
- Limited to Sengled ecosystem for full integration
Bottom Line
The Sengled Smart LED Light Bulb offers a versatile and energy-efficient lighting solution with adjustable white temperatures and seamless integration with major smart home platforms. It is easy to control via the Sengled app or voice commands and does not require a hub for operation. Features like customizable schedules, scenes, and energy efficiency make it a convenient and eco-friendly choice for modern homes.
What is the Technology Behind Smart Light Bulbs?
Smart lighting system utilizes multiple technologies, the major ones including Bluetooth lights, Wi-Fi lights, and Zigbee lights.
Zigbee technology is a wireless communication protocol, which allows smart devices to easily communicate with each other. People in modern homes prefer zigbee because it consumes low power, so you will not keep charging your smart phone devices, and it is very secure. Zigbee still works even when the Wi-Fi is down.
Wi-Fi is a very familiar and popular technology for smart lighting in most homes. In this technology, your smart light bulbs are connected to you home Wi-Fi and they can easily communicate with each other. However, the lights may not work whenever the router is down and the Wi-Fi may sometimes get overloaded. Despite the challenges, Wi-Fi technology works well.
Bluetooth technology is also wireless and it uses RF signals to send data. It requires no hardware, is easy to use, and it accessible by everyone. The downside of Bluetooth technology is that it only works over short distances and stores limited amount of data.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing the Best Smart Light Bulbs
Some of the key features to look at include:
Color
The technology behind the creation of white light bulbs and color light bulbs is different. Color light bulbs are complex to create compared to white light bulbs. Color bulbs are fun and customizable compared to white light bulbs. So, you will find that white bulbs are cheaper compared to color light bulbs. Keep that in mind before you make a choice on the type of bulb you may want.
Connectivity
The way each smart light bulb communicates with other devices will vary depending on the technology you are using. Some communicate via wireless technology like zigbee, others over Wi-Fi technology, while others over Bluetooth. Each technology has its advantages and disadvantages. Ensure you are familiar with these technologies and which you are comfortable to use before making a purchasing decision.
Smart home platform compatibility
If you are looking to integrate your smart light bulbs with certain technology like Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Home kit, ensure your devices at home are compatible with them. So before choosing a product from our collection, ensure it is compatible with your devices at home.
Brightness
The brightness of smart light bulbs is measured in lumens. Before shopping for a smart bulb, check the product label to see its brightness levels. The higher the lumens, the brighter the bulb will be. However, you should also consider dimmable lights, as they may help if the brightness level is too high.
Hub
A hub will mean additional expenses when buying smart light bulbs. Some smart light bulbs will need a gateway like a hub to connect to. If you are willing to spend more money for the gateway, then you may consider this option.
App features
Some smart light bulbs offer basic features like the on and off buttons, while others have additional features like remote control, motion sensors, and voice command. These additional features increase the functionality of the bulbs.
Benefits of Smart Light Bulbs
You Can Schedule When Your Lights Come on and Off
Some advanced smart lighting features allow you to set a timer on when the lights will go on or off, which according to a study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics.
You Can Remotely Control your Lights
With the integration of technologies like Z-wave, Zigbee, Bluetooth, and Wi-fi, you can easily control the operation of your smart light via phone or tablet. You can also use voice control if you have installed platforms like Amazon Alexa, Apple Home Kit, and Google Home.
You Can Create Instant Ambiance
A smart lighting system works instantly to change the ambience and appearance of any room. You can choose your color depending on what you prefer in your home.
Make you Save on Energy
Smart light bulbs are light emitting diode bulbs, which save approximately 80% of energy compared to using regular bulbs because they consume less electricity. These smart bulbs also have a longer lifespan allowing you to save more money.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Can I install a Smart Bulb by Myself?
A. Yes, you can easily install a smart light bulb yourself in just a few minutes. You need to screw in the bulb and set it up on an app in your phone or tablet. If you have the user manual, you can do all the setting and enjoy instant ambience.
Q. Where Should I Put a Smart Bulb?
A. You can install a smart light bulb both indoors and outdoors, depending on what you want. They come in fixtures like regular bulbs and you can put them anywhere in the house and brighten your home.
Q. Do Smart Bulbs Work with Normal Switches?
A. Yes, some smart light bulbs do work with regular switches. A smart switch is more permanent and you can use it to control several lights are once. However, since they are more permanent, you cannot use them in rental houses, and they will cause inconveniences when you want to move.
Q. Do Smart Bulbs Use a Lot of Wifi?
A. No, smart light bulbs do not use a lot of Wi-Fi. However, when you connect more than 20 bulbs on the router at once, it may slow down the speed. You should consider using a hub if you want to connect many bulbs to your router.
Conclusion
Upgrade the lighting in your home while saving on energy and electricity bills by using smart light bulbs. Smart light bulbs are economical, convenient, and perfect way to provide ambient lighting in your indoor and outdoor spaces.
For a versatile lighting solution, consider adding the Best LED Strip Lights to your setup. These strip lights can accentuate and decorate any space, making it more inviting.
There are many designs of smart light bulbs, some are regular while some come with additional features. This article has detailed information on smart lighting to help you make an informed decision.
