GE Smart Dimmer Switch (5 Reasons Why Leviton is Better)
By Naila Syifa
Updated September 2023
When it comes to a smart switch, Leviton and GE are two of the most recommended brands in the market. They both offer a smart motion dimmer switch that combines 4 functionality in one device: smart switch, dimmer, motion sensing, and ambient light sensing.
The motion sensing dimmer switch from Leviton and GE both have certain similarities. However, they also have differences in several aspects.
If you're wondering which one is most suitable for your needs, you've come to the right place! In this article, we'll compare both products based on their price, technical specs, design, and features.
Key Takeaways
Leviton Decora is better than GE Smart Dimmer Switch for 5 reasons:
(1) Leviton supports more types of lighting and fixtures.
(2) Leviton's motion sensor covers a wider 180° field-of-view than GE's 105°.
(3) Leviton supports HomeKit while GE doesn't.
(4) Leviton has more features like Vacancy Mode and Guidelight.
(5) Leviton is more affordable.
However, one advantage GE has over Leviton is that it doesn't need a neutral wire.
Leviton Decora Smart WiFi Motion Sensing Dimmer
For Modern Homes
✓ Motion and ambient light sensor
✓ Supports 3-way switch
✓ Works with Alexa, Google, Siri, IFTTT
✓ Requires a neutral wire
GE Cync Smart Switch Motion Sensing Dimmer
For Old Money
✓ Motion and ambient light sensor
✓ Supports 3-way switch
✓ Works with Alexa & Google
✓ No neutral wire required
#1 Price
Leviton Decora Smart WiFi Motion Sensing Dimmer
Of the two, Leviton Decora Smart Motion Sensing Dimmer Switch is the more affordable one, priced at $49.99.
On the other hand, GE Cync Smart Switch Motion Sensing Dimmer is a lot more expensive at $64.99.
We'll look at some key considerations aspects below to decide whether this dimmer switch from GE Cync has additional benefits that may justify its higher price tag.
#2 Technical Specs
GE Cync Smart Switch Motion Sensing Dimmer
Leviton and GE smart motion dimmer switches are both designed to work with a variety of different lighting types, but the switch from Leviton provides wider support. This is because Leviton Decora Smart Motion Sensing Dimmer Switch can support loads of incandescent/halogen up to 450W, LED/CFL up to 300W, and MVL up to 450VA. Meanwhile, GE Cync Smart Switch Motion Sensing Dimmer supports incandescent/halogen up to 450W and LED bulbs only up to 150W.
However, Leviton smart switch requires a neutral wire for installation. This can be a major drawback for homeowners who don't have a neutral wire in their switch box. In such cases, the smart dimmer switch from GE might be a better option. It does not require a neutral wire, making it easier to install in older homes. However, it does require a ground wire for installation.
Some similarities between the two motion-sensing dimmer switch are that both models connect to a 2.4GHz WiFi connection, does not require any separate smart home hub, and support a 3-way switch setup that allows you to control the same light from two switches at different locations. Both Leviton and GE also provide a two-year limited warranty.
#3 Design
GE Cync Smart Switch Motion Sensing Dimmer
When it comes to design, the Leviton and GE smart motion dimmer switches are different quite significantly.
The Leviton switch has a more minimalist look, with a simple white faceplate, a small LED indicator light, and a dim/bright bar located right next to the on/off button. The GE switch, on the other hand, has a more traditional design with a circular LED indicator light around the rounded on/off button, and the dim and bright buttons above and below it.
#4 Features
Leviton Decora Smart WiFi Motion Sensing Dimmer
Both the Leviton and GE smart motion dimmer switches offer a range of features to enhance your home lighting experience. You can use each of their developer apps to control the switch remotely, create schedules, customize automation, and configure settings.
They both have motion sensors that can detect movement in a room and turn lights on or off accordingly, helping you to save energy and money. However, Leviton's motion sensor covers a wider area, with a field-of-view of 180 degrees, compared to GE's sensor which has a narrower 105-degree coverage.
Both dimmer switches are also equipped with an ambient light sensor, which turns the light on or off based on the amount of natural light in the room. This too can help you save energy and money by ensuring that your lights are only on when they're needed.
Even though both Leviton and GE switch support voice control, Leviton Decora Smart Motion Sensing Dimmer Switch is compatible with a wider range of smart home ecosystems, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and IFTTT. GE Cync Smart Switch Motion Sensing Dimmer on the other hand is compatible only with Alexa and Google Assistant.
One of the most defining features of the Leviton Decora Smart Motion Sensing Dimmer Switch that sets it apart from its counterpart is the built-in guidelight. You can configure this feature to turn on at night to softly illuminate the room when motion is detected, instead of turning the room light. This is a feature not supported by GE Cync Smart Switch Motion Sensing Dimmer.
Leviton smart switch also provides additional Vacancy mode, that lets you manually turn lights on and the switch will automatically turn the lights off when no motion is detected. GE smart switch only has an Occupancy mode that Leviton also provides. It is a feature that will automatically turn lights on when motion is detected, and off when no motion is detected.
Leviton Decora vs GE Cync Motion Sensing Dimmer Switch
Final Thoughts
Leviton Decora Smart WiFi Motion Sensing Dimmer
With a more affordable price, Leviton Decora Smart Motion Sensing Dimmer Switch offers more features, a more modern design, and better capability in supporting many types of lights and fixtures. However, it requires a neutral wire that is mainly found only in newer homes built after 1985.
If you don't have a neutral wire in your switch box, the GE Cync dimmer switch can be an excellent choice. Despite its expensive price tag as a major drawback, it still offers great features and functionality.
If you like to read more about Smart Switches, check out our other relevant guides here:
Best Smart Switches Singapore
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 Decora vs Lutron Caseta: Smart Dimmer Switches Comparison
Lutron vs Kasa: Who is the Better Smart Dimmer Switch?
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