![]() In addition to smart home compatibility, you will also want to make sure your smart switch is compatible with your lamps and light bulb types. If, on the other hand, you are new to the smart home world, you’ll want to do some comparison shopping. ![]() In general, if you have a smart home system you already use and trust, it’s best to buy other intelligent devices that are compatible with it. Whatever smart tech is already part of your daily life should guide your choice of smart switches too. However, you won’t be able to monitor or control your switches from the internet or longer distances. On the plus side, it doesn’t require a smart hub to operate and has the lowest barriers to entry and installation, especially if you’re considering smart home technology for the first time.īluetooth connects each light switch to your phone through an app, allowing you to monitor and control your lights from anywhere around the house. Either option is a good choice for integrating your lighting and security system into your smart home hub.īluetooth has the shortest range of wireless networks. Both Z-Wave and ZigBee networks use less power than Wi-Fi and are also highly secure and encrypted. ![]() They work especially well when you have an entire smart home setup already up and running. Z-Wave and ZigBee are radio protocols that do require a hub to operate. If you want the benefits of smart controls without investing in a smart hub or smart security system, go for WiFi-enabled switches. With Wi-Fi, your switch can connect directly to your smartphone via an app that you can download for free. Switches that connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network are the most straightforward to install, especially if you don’t have a smart hub device. Each has its strengths and drawbacks, depending on your needs and preferences. Each brand will state on the packaging whether their model uses Wi-Fi (typically 2.4G), Z-Wave, ZigBee, or Bluetooth to operate. Smart switches need some form of wireless technology to function. Just be sure to know what kind of network and wireless technology you’ll be using to operate them as well as their compatibility with the rest of your home’s lighting and electrical wiring. Fortunately, you don’t need to invest in an entire home system to get the benefits of smart switches. While smart homes take a little research when you’re starting out, the end result is worth it. ![]() What to Consider When Choosing the Best Smart Light Switch You will also have to decide whether to invest in a home automation hub or not. Whether you choose smart switches, bulbs, or plugs comes down to your needs, familiarity with the technology, and the installation requirements with which you’re comfortable. Smart plugs are probably the most versatile of all smart home tech options, allowing you to plug in a range of devices, including lamps, and monitor power usage. Smart bulbs, in contrast, are mostly a single style of bulb (A-shape with a standard screw-in base), offering a range of colors and voice-activated controls. Switches also provide different brightness levels, including dimmable and motion-sensing options. You can use smart switches with a range of bulb types, from LED to incandescent. Switches add the ease of voice control to your life and allow you to monitor your lighting when you’re away from home or in another room. Smart light switches are a good choice for folks who may not have a home automation system but want to get started. You have a few different options for boosting your home’s IQ. Photo: Before You Buy a Smart Light Switch
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