While replacing the light with smart bulbs is typically going to be an easier option in a standard light fixture, and can be done for about the same cost as a smart switch if the situation allows, you’ll create a situation where you can’t easily control the lights from the wall switch (as turning off the power prevents the smarts in the light from working). These cases are where smart switches come in. There’s also the possibility that you simply aren’t interested in fancy smart lights. Maybe you have an expensive light fixture that can’t accommodate smart bulbs, it’s too difficult to reach, or installing an equivalent fitting would be cost prohibitive. Sometimes, however, we have a situation where the light cannot be easily replaced. This isn’t quite the same thing though, as it only applies to lights that go through a wall switch and not other lamps, light light strips, or panels.Ī smart switch also doesn’t allow you to make use of other smart light features like color selection and, in some cases, animated effects. Installing lights that have these capabilities is typically the way to go, be they smart bulbs, light strips, or other types of fixtures.Ĭonversely, there is also the view that installing smart switches frees you up from being locked into one lighting brand as you can use any bulb or fitting. Smart lighting brings a number of convenience benefits to the smart home, such as the ability to automate your lights based on time of day, when people arrive or leave, and of course to have remote control or control them using your voice assistant of choice. There are other good choices, though, so I’ve included the best options for those who don’t want a hub, don’t need a dimmer, or don’t want any wires at all. I found the clear winner overall is the Lutron Caseta Dimmer based on their high reliability, fast response time, and support for the widest range of smart home platforms. There are a few ways to tackle that problem, and I’ve looked at dozens of no neutral smart switch products to come up with the best options for different use cases. I cover this in some detail later in the article. My house doesn’t have a neutral wire running to the wall switch boxes, which is a problem when it comes to most smart switches because they need their own power source. But I did have some situations where I it was just impractical to change the lights themselves, so I needed a smart wall switch to do the job. I’ve been using smart lighting for years now, and I do love the versatility and features of smart LED lights. When you buy through links in this article, I may earn an affiliate commission.

Installing smart wall light switch