Best Smart Switches for 2024
By Elisabeth Christ
Updated May 2024
Tired of fumbling for the light switch in the dark? Smart switches are here to banish those struggles and elevate your home lighting experience. These handy devices allow you to control your lights remotely, set schedules, and even dim them with just your voice.
But with so many options on the market, choosing the right smart switch can feel overwhelming. Fear not! We've delved into the latest offerings to help you find the perfect fit for your needs and budget. Whether you're a die-hard Philips Hue fan or a value-conscious smart home newcomer, we've got you covered.
Best for Simplicity: Kasa Smart Light Switch by TP-Link (HS200)
✓ 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connectivity
✓ Low-profile design with a sleek, modern aesthetic
✓ Up to 15A/1800W of electrical load capacity
✓ Easy-to-use in-app scheduling and remote control functionality
Best for Wide Compatibility: Leviton Decora Smart No-Neutral Dimmer DN6HD
✓ Advanced dimming technology
✓ Built-in LED indicator light for visual confirmation of switch status
✓ Designed to work without a neutral wire
✓ Manual and app-based control support
Best for Hue Enthusiasts: Philips Hue Dimmer V2
✓ Zigbee wireless protocol utilization
✓ Compact, wall-mounted design
✓ Up to 400 lumens of adjustable brightness for a wide range of lighting needs
✓ Includes a convenient remote control
Best for All-in-One Smart Switch: Brilliant Control Panel
✓ High-resolution 8-inch touchscreen display
✓ Wide-range smart home devices integrated
✓ Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant compatible
✓ Built-in camera and microphone for video calling and intercom functionality
#1 Best for Simplicity: Kasa Smart Light Switch by TP-Link (HS200)
Kasa Smart Light Switch by TP-Link (HS200)
The Kasa Smart Light Switch (HS200) by TP-Link is a fantastic choice for users seeking a hassle-free entry into the smart home world. This budget-friendly option skips the need for a separate hub, connecting directly to your existing 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. This streamlined setup process makes it a breeze to get started, even for those new to smart home technology. One of the standout features of the HS200 is its energy-efficient design. Rated at 120V, 15A, this smart switch can handle up to 1800W of power, making it suitable for a wide range of lighting applications. The switch also features a built-in LED indicator light that provides visual feedback on the switch's status, ensuring you always know when your lights are on or off.
The HS200 offers core functionalities that pack a punch. Remote control of your lights from anywhere using the Kasa app or voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa puts convenience at your fingertips. Scheduling and automation features elevate your lighting experience further. Set lights to turn on/off at specific times or based on sunrise/sunset for a touch of automated magic. Whether you're crafting a relaxing ambiance or ensuring a well-lit arrival after work, the HS200 empowers effortless control.
Kasa Smart Light Switch by TP-Link (HS200)
Best for Simplicity
✓ 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connectivity
✓ Low-profile design with a sleek, modern aesthetic
✓ Up to 15A/1800W of electrical load capacity
✓ Easy-to-use in-app scheduling and remote control functionality
#2 Best for Wide Compatibility: Leviton Decora Smart No-Neutral Dimmer DN6HD
Leviton Decora Smart No-Neutral Dimmer DN6HD
The Leviton Decora Smart No-Neutral Dimmer DN6HD caters to users who prioritize both reliability and versatility. This switch leverages the Z-Wave protocol, a mesh network technology renowned for its stability and extended range. Designed to work without a neutral wire, this dimmer switch provides a convenient solution for homes with older wiring or where a neutral wire may not be readily available. Despite its compact size, the DN6HD packs a punch in terms of functionality. Rated at 120V, 600W, this smart dimmer can handle a wide range of lighting loads, including incandescent, halogen, and dimmable LED bulbs. The switch's intuitive touch-sensitive controls allow for easy adjustment of light levels, while the built-in LED indicator provides visual feedback on the current brightness setting.
This translates to a robust connection, especially beneficial in larger homes or those with potential Wi-Fi interference issues. Z-Wave’s mesh network also boasts self-healing capabilities, where devices can relay signals to each other, ensuring a more resilient connection throughout your smart home. The DN6HD shines in its compatibility with a wider range of bulb types. Unlike some smart switches, it supports dimming for popular LED options, making it a future-proof choice for users who have already transitioned or plan to transition to LED lighting. Additionally, the DN6HD offers dimming functionality for compatible LED bulbs even in homes lacking a neutral wire. This expands its compatibility further, allowing you to leverage the dimming features regardless of your wiring configuration.
Leviton Decora Smart No-Neutral Dimmer DN6HD
Best for Wide Compatibility
✓ Advanced dimming technology
✓ Built-in LED indicator light for visual confirmation of switch status
✓ Designed to work without a neutral wire
✓ Manual and app-based control support
#3 Best for Hue Enthusiasts: Philips Hue Dimmer V2
Philips Hue Dimmer V2
The Philips Hue Dimmer V2 caters to users who are already invested in the Philips Hue ecosystem. This sleek and stylish dimmer seamlessly integrates with your existing Hue setup, offering a familiar and intuitive control experience. It utilizes the Zigbee protocol, a low-power wireless mesh network known for its reliability and responsiveness. This translates to smooth and lag-free dimming adjustments, ensuring a frustration-free experience.
Beyond basic dimming functionality, the Hue Dimmer V2 unlocks the full potential of your Hue bulbs. Access a wide range of preset lighting scenes directly from the dimmer switch, setting the perfect mood for any occasion with a simple click or turn. For a touch of personalization, create your own custom scenes within the Philips Hue app for even more control over your lighting ambiance. The switch's four-button design offers quick access to your favorite lighting scenes, while the built-in battery ensures that it can be used even during a power outage, offering quick and convenient control without needing to reach for your phone.
Philips Hue Dimmer V2
Best for Hue Enthusiasts
✓ Zigbee wireless protocol utilization
✓ Compact, wall-mounted design
✓ Up to 400 lumens of adjustable brightness for a wide range of lighting needs
✓ Includes a convenient remote control
#4 Best for All-in-One Smart Switch: Brilliant Control Panel
Brilliant Control Panel
The Brilliant Control Panel takes the concept of a smart switch to a whole new level. This innovative device combines a traditional light switch with a built-in touchscreen display, offering a central hub for your smart home. The high-resolution, responsive touchscreen allows for intuitive control of your lights, thermostats, locks, and other compatible smart home devices.
Beyond its central hub functionality, the Brilliant Control Panel shines as a luxurious smart switch. The 5-inch responsive touchscreen allows for precise dimming control, while the ability to customize button actions provides a personalized and wide-range touch to control your home's lighting, as well as other connected devices like smart plugs, thermostats, and security cameras. The integrated motion sensor offers an extra layer of convenience, automatically turning on lights as you enter a room and turning them off when you leave. The Brilliant Control Panel also boasts built-in speakers and microphones, allowing for voice control compatibility with popular assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. This level of functionality transforms the Brilliant Control Panel from a simple switch into a true smart home command center.
Brilliant Control Panel
Best for All-in-One Smart Switch
✓ High-resolution 8-inch touchscreen display
✓ Wide-range smart home devices integrated
✓ Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant compatible
✓ Built-in camera and microphone for video calling and intercom functionality
Compare Smart Switches
Final Thoughts
From simple on/off control to feature-rich smart home hubs, the world of smart switches offers a variety of options to suit different needs and preferences. Consider your budget, existing smart home ecosystem, and desired functionalities when making your choice. No matter which switch you pick, you're on your way to a more convenient and potentially energy-efficient lighting experience. So, ditch the traditional switch and dive into the smart revolution!
If you like to read more about Smart Switches, check out our other relevant guides here:
Aqara H1 Smart Wall Switch Review
Leviton Decora Smart Motion Sensing Dimmer Switch Review
Amazon Basics 3-Way Smart Switch Review
TP-Link Kasa KS200 Smart Switch Review
Aqara H1 vs D1: Smart Switches Comparison
Leviton vs GE: Smart Motion Dimmer Switches Comparison
Leviton Decora vs Lutron Caseta: Smart Dimmer Switches Comparison
Lutron vs Kasa: Who is the Better Smart Dimmer Switch?