Best smart light switches in 2024 | Tom's Guide

Nov 07, 2024

The best smart light switches let you control your lights with a phone or voice assistant and can save you money

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Does your home have a lot of built-in light fixtures, such as recessed lighting, chandeliers, or wall sconces? If so, replacing all those lights with smart light bulbs can get expensive quickly. A cheaper way is to install a smart light switch, which lets you control all the lights from one spot.

After testing a dozen or so models, we think the best smart light switch is the Leviton Decora. It works with every major smart home system, is easy to install, and comes in a number of configurations, so you can get it with or without a built-in motion sensor or dimmer, and there's even a model for homes without a neutral wire.

A smart light switch looks and acts like any traditional light switch or dimmer, but lets you control your lights from your smartphone, set schedules for when the lights should turn on and off, and connect them to other smart home devices using Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit. Many of the best smart light switches even have a vacation mode, which will turn your lights on and off randomly to make it look like you're home.

Many of the smart switches we've tested are available in multiple models with different features. For example, you may be able to get it as a simple on/off switch, with a dimmer, or with a motion detector. We've attempted to provide links for as many options as we could find.

Best overall

This smart light switch works with every major smart home assistant and comes in a variety of configurations — we've highlighted the model with the motion sensor, as it will turn the lights on and off automatically when you enter or leave a room.

Read more below.

Best value

This switch also has a motion sensor built in and works well, but we didn't like its look as much as the Leviton. It also doesn't work with HomeKit, but it's a bit cheaper.

Read more below.

Best cheap switch

If you're looking for a simple connected smart light switch, it doesn't get much cheaper than this. And, it works with all major smart home systems.

Read more below

Most connected

While it requires its own hub, Lutron's Caseta switches work with every major smart home system: Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Nest, and SmartThings.

Read more below

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Our expert review:

The Leviton Decora Smart WiFi Motion sensing Dimmer (D2MSD-1BW) is our favorite pick for the best smart light switch for those who want a dimmer switch with a motion sensor. We like its clean look and simple design, nice for those who want tech but don't want their switches to look too gadgety.

You can set specific dimming levels for times of the day (such as a nightlight), can handle a wide range of lights including LEDs, CFLs incandescent, and the less common Magnetic Low Voltage (MLV) type. It also supports a large number of smart home platforms, including the big three: Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit, and it's compatible with Matter.

About the only thing we didn't like is that it requires a neutral wire, which may be an issue for older homes. And, it's not Matter-compatible, though a dimmer-only version of the switch is.

However, Leviton has the Decora No-Neutral Dimmer ($49, Amazon) and a No-Neutral Switch ($44, Amazon), which work with the Decora Smart Wi-Fi Bridge ($20, Amazon); all are compatible with Alexa, HomeKit, and Google Home.

If you don't care for a motion sensor, Leviton also makes a dimmer-only version and an on-off only version of this switch, among others. If you have a room where you'd like a second switch, but don't want to pay an electrician to install one, the switch can also be paired with a Dimmer Companion ($27, Amazon), which is a battery-powered switch that can be attached anywhere with nothing more than some double-sided tape.

Read our full Leviton Decora Smart WiFi Motion sensing Dimmer review.

Our expert review:

The GE Cync Smart Switch Motion Sensing Dimmer isn't the sexiest or sleekest — we thought it looked a bit too busy compared to some of the other smart light switches we tested — but it gets the job done and is packed with features. The Wi-Fi-connected switch works with all kinds of bulbs, has apps for iOS and Android, and lets you control lights with a touch, voice, motion or remotely via a smartphone.

Installation, as with most other smart switches, requires a neutral wire, but we found it to be fairly straightforward. The switch includes an ambient light sensor (so it can be set not to come on in daylight) and a motion sensor to automatically trigger the light. The latter feature worked seamlessly. If you turn it off with the switch, after a few minutes it will engage the motion sensor again, or you can disable the sensor via the app in case you don't want it switched on in the middle of the night.

Like other Alexa-enabled switches (it also works with Google Assistant), the dimmer responds to voice commands, but the Cync Android app needs some work; setting up an automation for a room is confusing, and it can even be difficult to tell when you've scheduled it to go on and off.

The switch is sold in several configurations (dimmer and motion sensor; paddle switch and toggle switch), and each is available for homes that require, or don't require, a neutral wire.

However, it's unlikely that current GE Cync products will be updated to support Matter.

Our expert review:

If you're looking for a no-frills smart light switch, the Kasa HS200 is a great option. It costs less than $20, looks just like any other light switch, yet works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit, and there's even a Matter-compatible model so it'll work with SmartThings, too.

A lot of the value with this smart light switch comes from the Kasa app, which lets you create schedules for when your lights turn on and off, connects you with other smart home devices, and even lets you set a vacation mode, which will turn your lights on and off to make it look like you're home.

Of course, there are a few tradeoffs with a model this inexpensive. For one, this is a simple on-and-off switch, so there's no dimming capability. (However, Kasa offers other models, some of which have dimmers and motion sensors, which we list below.) You'll also need a neutral wire, so it may be difficult to install in older homes. And, it's a single-pole switch, so you won't be able to install it in any situation where two switches control a single light.

Our expert review:

The Caséta line of switches from Lutron offers an impressive list of features: geofencing, which means your lights will automatically turn on or off when you leave or arrive at home; the ability to schedule your lights to turn on or off at particular times or days; dimming capabilities; and compatibility with a long list of smart home platforms. You can also control the system using your voice through Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Siri, and it works with a plethora of other smart home systems, too.

Lutron's smart starter kit comes with one in-wall switch, one wireless remote and one smart bridge (hub), which can also be used to connect other Lutron products (such as its smart plugs and Serena smart shades) to the cloud and control them.

The switch itself looks high-tech, with several buttons laid out to control the numerous options Caséta offers. Lutron has gone for function over fashion for the most part with this dimmer: The white and gray buttons are front and center, not hidden by touch-sensitive controls, as is the case with other dimmers in this category.

The only downside is that the switch, like all of Lutron's products, must be linked to the Smart Bridge. The bridge itself must be plugged into your router so that you can control it from your smartphone.

If you think that the Caseta dimmer looks too busy, Lutron also has the Diva Smart Dimmer Switch kit ($119, Amazon); this switch has a simple rocker, with a small slider along one side to dim and brighten your lights.

Read our full Lutron Caseta Dimmer Switch Starter Kit review.

Below are a number of smart light switch accessories; while they act like a smart light switch, they don't require you to replace an existing switch. However, with all of these, you'll either need a smart switch already installed in your home, or have smart lights that will work with this product.

+ Works with Siri, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant+ Lots of customization- Only works with Philips Hue lights

If you have Philips Hue bulbs, the Philips Hue dimmer can be used as a wireless remote. There's a power button, a dimmer in the middle, and a button on the bottom that you can program to activate a specific scene. (The original dimmer, which you can still find, lacks this last button.)

+ Works with Philips Hue, Zigbee+ Works with Siri, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant

If you have a wall switch that controls an outlet, rather than a light fixture, the Lutron Aurora lets you smart up that switch without replacing it. That way, the outlet can stay on, so you can use it for other appliances, like a clock or radio, and not worry that someone's going to flick the switch and cut its power. The company also makes a model for paddle switches as well. It works with Philips Hue and Zigbee smart lights

Read our full Lutron Aurora review.

+ Tiny- Only works with Lutron products

If you have Lutron smart light switches or plugs, you can use the Pico Dimmer remote to control them, too. The Pico is much smaller than a typical switch, so it can be easily lost, but it can also be wall-mounted wherever you like.

The Lutron Pico comes in four colors (white, black, light almond and ivory); if you don't like its look, Lutron also sells a newer Paddle Remote with a much cleaner design.

Only works with GE Sync products

If you're looking for an easy way to add a light switch to your home and have GE Sync smart light switches, lights, or plugs, you can use this wall-mounted remote to control them, too. Its battery should last for about two years, too. However, unlike the Pico and Philips Hue switches, the GE Sync switch can't be removed from the wall.

Smart light switches vs. smart light bulbs vs. smart plugs

First thing to consider is whether you need a smart light switch or a smart light bulb. The difference is, with a smart light bulb, you can control the bulb itself with your phone, rather than the switch. Because of this, smart light bulbs are a good option if you’re just trying to control a single light. If that’s the case, we’ve rounded up the best smart light bulbs to help you choose. You should also check out 9 things you never knew you could do with smart lights while you're at it.

Smart light switches are a better option if you have lots of bulbs though or multiple rooms you want to control. They also tend to be much more cost efficient than splashing out for lots of smart light bulbs.

If you’re old school and your home is lit via floor and table lamps, then one the best smart plugs is likely the best option for you. You simply connect your lamp straight to it, and then the smart plug into your wall socket, no wiring involved! Smart plugs tend to be less expensive than smart light switches as well.

Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave, or Matter?

Smart light switches usually connect to your internet via Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, or Zigbee. Through Wi-Fi, your switch links to your router, whereas Z-Wave and Zigbee use smart home hubs. While the latter options mean you will need to purchase a separate hub, it does mean you will still be able to use the smart light switch when the internet is down.

The newest smart home standard called Matter, has recently come online, and its more-open design means that the same light switch will be able to connect to Alexa, Google, and even Apple HomeKit without too much trouble.

Do you need a neutral wire?

Some smart light switches will need a neutral wire to work. Homes which were built in or after the 1980’s likely will have one, but older homes might not. Because of this, it’s a good idea to check whether your home has a neutral wire before you make a purchase. If you’re unsure, here’s a breakdown on what’s a neutral wire and what to do if you don’t have one.

Single-pole vs. three-way switches

If a light fixture is controlled by more than one switch — for example, when you have a light switch at the top and bottom of a set of stairs — then you'll need to get a three-way smart light switch. However, if there's only one switch controlling an outlet, you can get a "single pole" switch.

Even if you don't have a three-way switch, there's an easy way to get around it; many smart light switch makers now offer a remote, or companion switch that's battery-operated. All you have to do is attach the switch to your wall using screws or adhesive — no wiring required.

Dimmer

Some smart switches have a dimmer function, so you can adjust the level of the lights' brightness. While these generally cost more than non-dimmer switches, it's nice functionality to have. If you do opt for a dimmer switch, you should also know that CFL, incandescent, and LED lights will all react differently — some LEDs may flicker if you dim them too much.

Motion sensor

If you don't want to bother actually pressing a light switch, then check out models which have built in motion sensors. These can sense your presence in a room and turn the lights on automatically. Just be sure that it's in a place where it can sense you the entire time you're in the room, or else it'll turn the lights off on you!

Smart home connectivity

Most smart light switches will work with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit, so you can connect them to other smart home devices, and control them using your voice.

Away Mode

This is a feature we like: If a smart light switch has this feature in its app, it will automatically turn your lights on and off randomly while you're away, to make it look like you're home.

No, you do not need to hire an electrician to install a smart light switch. However, it is important that you take the proper safety precautions. Make sure that you turn off the circuit breaker to the switch before starting any work, and be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions on how to install a smart light switch. If you're unsure at all, it's worth calling an electrician.

Yes, you can. The majority of smart light switches are designed to replace traditional light switches. However, you may need to determine if your existing switch uses a neutral wire, or is connected to another switch, so you know to purchase a compatible smart light switch.

For the most part, smart light switches will work with any light — incandescent, LED, halogen, and fluorescent. However, certain types of bulbs may not work properly with a dimmer switch; if you turn the switch down low, your bulb may start flickering, for instance. It's best to consult the manufacturer's site before purchasing a smart light switch.

Unlike most smart home devices, which merely require you to plug them into an outlet, installing a smart switch involves replacing a current in-wall switch. Since few, if any, light-control products include professional installation as part of the package, you will need a basic understanding of electrical work, which includes turning off the circuit breaker.

Smart switches are often bulkier than their traditional counterparts, however; so if they don't fit in the electrical box properly, you may need to get a new box, which is probably a job for an electrician. Similarly, some older homes don't have the right wiring, so an electrician is a good idea here, too.

To test smart switches, we either installed them ourselves, or had an electrician install them in our house. We then evaluated the switches based on the following criteria:

If you're looking to outfit your house or apartment with other smart home devices, be sure to check out some of our other guides.

Here at Tom’s Guide our expert editors are committed to bringing you the best news, reviews and guides to help you stay informed and ahead of the curve!

Michael A. Prospero is the U.S. Editor-in-Chief for Tom’s Guide. He oversees all evergreen content and oversees the Homes, Smart Home, and Fitness/Wearables categories for the site. In his spare time, he also tests out the latest drones, electric scooters, and smart home gadgets, such as video doorbells. Before his tenure at Tom's Guide, he was the Reviews Editor for Laptop Magazine, a reporter at Fast Company, the Times of Trenton, and, many eons back, an intern at George magazine. He received his undergraduate degree from Boston College, where he worked on the campus newspaper The Heights, and then attended the Columbia University school of Journalism. When he’s not testing out the latest running watch, electric scooter, or skiing or training for a marathon, he’s probably using the latest sous vide machine, smoker, or pizza oven, to the delight — or chagrin — of his family.

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