Smart lights are a versatile way to brighten up your home – literally. They can help you create the perfect ambiance, elevate your gaming setup, or give you a way to control your lights hands-free with voice commands. Most of the top smart lights also use LEDs, meaning they last longer than your standard incandescent bulbs and can help you save energy.
Our number one choice for the best smart light is the Phillips Hue Smart 75W A19 LED Bulb. This smart bulb mimics natural lighting, offers a full spectrum of colors, and comes with an app that’s easy to use.
Plus, it’s compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can seamlessly integrate it with your existing smart home setup. But Philips Hue is far from your only option. From smart bulbs to light strips and plugs, there’s a smart lighting solution for every style and budget. No matter what you’re looking for, here are the best smart lights you can purchase.
The Best Smart Lighting in 2024
| Product | Estimated Price | Features | Voice Assistant Compatibility | Best For | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philips Hue Smart 75W A19 LED Bulb | $49.79 | 16 million colors, warm to cool whites, app control, Bluetooth, works with Hue Bridge | Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit | Best Overall Smart Light | Requires Hue Bridge for full features like automation and geofencing |
| Govee LED Light Bulb Dimmable | $13.99 | 16 million colors, music sync, Sunrise/Sunset modes, energy-efficient | None | Best Budget Smart Light | Controlled via Govee Home App |
| Kasa Smart Light Bulbs (2-Pack) | $13.99 | 16 million colors, adjustable white temperatures, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi control, scheduling | Alexa, Google Assistant | Best Smart Color Light | Works with the Kasa app, no hub needed |
| TREATLIFE Smart Light Bulb (4-Pack) | $19.99 | Tunable white (2500K – 6500K), dimmable, energy-saving | Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings | Best Smart Tunable White Light | Controlled via Treatlife app, energy-efficient |
| Linkind Matter Smart RGBTW Bulb | $33.98 (4-Pack) | Millions of colors, tunable white (1800K – 6500K), music sync, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi | Apple Home, Alexa, Google Assistant, Matter | Best Smart Light for Matter | Requires Matter for smart home integration |
| Kasa Smart Light Switch KS200P3 | $41.99 (3-Pack) | 2.4GHz Wi-Fi control, scheduling, Away Mode | Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit | Best Smart Switch for Indoor Lighting | Works with the Kasa app, no hub needed |
| TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug Mini (4-Pack) | $19.99 | Bluetooth onboarding, Wi-Fi control, scheduling | Alexa, Google Assistant | Best Smart Plug for Lamps | Compact design for easy use in power strips or wall sockets |
| Ring Smart Floodlight | $69.99 | 2000 lumens brightness, motion detection, scheduling | Alexa | Best Outdoor Smart Security Light | Requires Ring Bridge for full features |
| Govee Permanent Outdoor Smart Lights | $419.99 | RGBIC technology, 75 scene modes, 26 lumens brightness, IP67 waterproof rating | Alexa, Google Assistant | Best Outdoor Smart Lighting | 150 feet length, UV protection, withstands harsh weather |
| Govee RGBIC LED Strip Lights (16.4 ft) | $14.99 | RGBIC technology, 16 million colors, 64 preset scenes, music sync | None | Best Indoor Smart Strip Lights | Controlled via Govee Home App, no voice assistant support |
Best Smart Light Overall – Philips Hue Smart 75W A19 LED Bulb
- Single A19 bulb, 75W equivalent
- Use Hue Bridge for advanced control
- Offers millions of colors and white light
- Choose preset light scenes for different moods
- Voice control setup via Hue app
Our top pick for the best smart light is the Philips Hue Smart 75W A19 LED Bulb. Priced around $49.79 (per bulb) on Amazon, it’s not the cheapest on our list, but you get your money’s worth with a premium product that’s packed full of features.
Philips Hue is a leader in the smart lighting world, for good reason. This particular bulb offers an impressive 16 million colors and can shift from warm to cool whites. Installation is super easy – just screw it in, and you’re good to go!
It also integrates effortlessly with all major smart home platforms, including Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, so you can control your home’s lighting with your voice. While the bulb itself works via Bluetooth, you’ll want to add the Hue Bridge to unlock its full potential. This opens up advanced features like automation, geofencing, remote control, and compatibility with the new Matter standard.
The Philips Hue app is intuitive and user-friendly. One cool feature is that you can use preset lighting scenes to help you focus or unwind, including a 24-hour natural lighting scene that mimics the sun’s cycle to keep your environment in sync with your day.
Best Budget Smart Light – Govee LED Light Bulb Dimmable, Music Sync Color Changing
- Choose colors using camera
- Sync lights with music rhythm
- Bluetooth control with Govee Home app
- Set timers for on/off with sunrise/sunset modes
- Energy-saving 7W bulb equivalent to 60W
At just $13.99 on Amazon, the Govee LED Light Bulb packs a ton of features for its low cost, making it an amazing value for anyone wanting to experiment with smart lighting on a budget.
This best budget smart bulb can display over 16 million colors and is equipped with special modes like Sunrise and Sunset, making it perfect for waking up or winding down. Its energy-efficient design saves you up to 90% on lighting costs, so it’s not only budget-friendly upfront, but also in the long run.
You can pick colors using your phone’s camera or control the bulb through the Govee Home App via Bluetooth. While it doesn’t support Alexa or Google Assistant, the app offers full control over brightness and colors. It even allows you to sync the bulb to your music. The music sync feature is especially cool if you’re hosting a party or just want to set a vibe, as the lights will change color to the rhythm of your music.
Best Smart Color Light – Kasa Smart Light Bulbs, Full Color Changing Dimmable Smart WiFi Bulbs
- 16 million colors, adjustable whites
- Voice control via Alexa or Google
- Kasa app for remote control
- Energy monitoring and scheduling
- 9W input power, UL certified
If you’re looking for cheap smart lights that work with Alexa or Google Assistant and offer a nice color range, check out the Kasa Smart Light Bulbs. Priced at just $13.99 for a pack of two ($7 per bulb) on Amazon, these color-changing smart bulbs offer incredible value without skimping on features.
There are 16 million colors to choose from and adjustable white temperatures ranging from 2500K to 6500K. You can also set the bulbs to automatically adjust their color temperature to mimic natural light patterns. Using a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection, you can manage your bulbs remotely through the free Kasa app on your smartphone, allowing you to dim, change colors, or schedule them to turn on and off automatically.
Best Smart Tunable White Light – TREATLIFE Smart Light Bulb – Tunable White Dimmable LED
- 2.4G Wi-Fi, no hub needed
- Remote control via app or voice
- Adjustable color temperature and dimming
- Set schedules and group control
- Fits E26 socket, 9W
If you don’t need to change colors, the TREATLIFE Smart Light Bulbs are one of the best tunable white lights you can get. For just $19.99 ($5 per bulb), you get a pack of four bulbs that can adjust between 2500K warm white and 6500K cool white, allowing you to tailor the lighting to your needs – whether you want a warm, relaxing glow or energizing, white light. Plus, with 1-100% dimming, you can tune the bulb to be just as bright or soft as you need it to be.
These smart bulbs are compatible with Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings, allowing you to adjust your lights using your voice. You can also control them remotely through the Treatlife app, which connects via 2.4G Wi-Fi. The energy-saving design also cuts your electricity bills by up to 80%, making them a smart choice for both your wallet and the environment.
Best Smart Light for Matter – Linkind Matter Smart RGBTW Bulb
- Matter platform compatible
- Dynamic colors and music sync
- Voice and group control via app
- Wake-up mode for natural lighting
- Energy-saving, 9W (60W equivalent)
The Linkind Matter Smart RGBTW Bulb is the best smart bulb for Matter. For just $34, you get a 4-pack of bulbs ($7.50 per bulb) that streamlines your smart home setup, allowing you to control all your Matter-compatible devices without juggling multiple apps.
The bulbs support 2.4GHz WiFi and offer seamless integration with major smart home platforms like Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, and AiDot. You can also control the lights remotely from anywhere via the app.
Whether you want soft lighting for a romantic dinner or vibrant colors for a party, this bulb delivers. These bulbs are customizable, boasting millions of colors and tunable white light ranging from 1800K warm white to 6500K cool white. The music sync feature is a fun addition, with lights that “dance” to the sound in your environment.
Best Smart Switch for Indoor Lighting – Kasa Smart Light Switch KS200P3
- HomeKit and Siri integration
- Guided easy installation
- Voice control with Siri, Alexa, Google
- Remote control via Kasa app
- Scheduling and Away Mode features
Smart switches offer many of the same benefits as smart light bulbs, minus the color changing. While more expensive up front, they might be a more affordable choice if you already have lots of existing indoor lighting. Instead of replacing each bulb with a smart one, you can simply install smart switches to control your current “dumb” bulbs, making them smarter without having to buy new bulbs.
Our number one choice for the best smart switch is the Kasa Smart Light Switch. At just $41.99 for a 3-pack, it’s affordable and loaded with features, including compatibility with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.
Installing a smart light switch is a straightforward process with no complicated wiring or auxiliary switches. Just follow the easy, guided steps in the Kasa App, and you’ll be up and running in no time. The switch operates over a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection and doesn’t require a separate hub, keeping things simple.
You can control your lights from anywhere using the Kasa app, which lets you set timers and schedules, or even use Away Mode to give the impression that someone’s home when you’re away.
Best Smart Plug for Lamps – TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug Mini
- Bluetooth setup
- Voice control with Alexa/Google
- Space-saving mini design
- UL certified safety
Like smart switches, smart plugs are a solid alternative to smart bulbs. You can use them with regular lamps and other plug-in lighting appliances that you already own to get many of the same advantages of smart light bulbs.
Priced at $19.99 for a 4-pack, the TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug Mini is our top smart plug pick. Setting it up is simple, thanks to Bluetooth onboarding, which streamlines the process to get you connected and ready to go in no time.
The plug works over Wi-Fi, and the Tapo app allows you to set timers and schedules for your lamps or other devices. You can even automate your lighting based on your daily routine.
One of the best parts about the Tapo Smart Plug Mini is its compact, space-saving design. You won’t have to worry about it blocking other outlets, making it perfect for crowded power strips or wall sockets. It also has full compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Best Outdoor Smart Security Light – Ring Smart Floodlight
- 2000 Lumens floodlight when motion detected
- Connects with Ring Bridge
- Works with Echo and Alexa
- Hardwired installation
- Ring Bridge needed
Costing $69.99, the Ring Smart Floodlight is a powerful option for outdoor security lighting, offering 2000 lumens of brightness to illuminate your driveway or yard when motion is detected. This makes it ideal for deterring potential intruders and keeping your home well-lit at night.
One of the best things about this floodlight is how easily it integrates with other Ring devices. You can connect it to your Ring doorbell, cameras, or other smart lights to create a fully coordinated security system. It’s also compatible with Amazon Alexa, so you can control the floodlight using your voice or integrate it with other Alexa-enabled devices, like the Echo Show or Dot.
The Ring Smart Floodlight requires the Ring Bridge to unlock all of its features. Once connected, you can receive notifications, customize the motion sensitivity, and adjust lighting settings directly from the Ring app.
Best Outdoor Smart Lighting – Govee Permanent Outdoor Smart Lights
- RGBIC lighting with 16 million colors
- AI-generated light effects
- IP67 waterproof, works from -4°F to 140°F
- Simple installation with glue and clips
- Control with app, Alexa, or Google Assistant
Govee Permanent Outdoor Smart Lights are some of the best outdoor smart lights you can buy. Priced at $419.99 for 150 feet, these lights offer RGBIC technology with 75 scene modes, making them a great choice if you want to decorate the front of your home on holidays.
The triangular lens design creates eye-catching lighting effects with a brightness of 26 lumens per light and a wall-washing depth of more than 16 inches. These lights are built to last, with an impressive IP67 waterproof rating and UV protection, ensuring they can withstand harsh weather, from -4°F to 140°F.
You can customize the colors and effects directly from the Govee Home App, or use Alexa and Google Assistant for easy voice control. Installation takes just seconds with the provided VHB glue and clips. You can string up to 9 segments together, perfect for lining your eaves or walls.
Best Indoor Smart Strip Lighting – Govee RGBIC LED Strip Lights
- RGBIC lights display multiple colors
- Personalize with Govee Home App
- Choose from 16 million colors
- Sync lighting to music with 11 modes
- 64+ preset lighting scenes
Govee also claims the top spot for indoor strip lighting. The brand’s RGBIC LED Strip Lights are perfect for adding some vibrant, customizable flair to your space. They offer incredible value, priced at just $14.99 for a 16.4 feet strip.
These smart light strips use RGBIC technology to display multiple colors on the same strip, giving you a dynamic, eye-catching effect perfect for creating mood lighting or spicing up holiday decorations like Halloween or Valentine’s Day.
Though these lights don’t support Alexa or Google Assistant, their app control offers more than enough flexibility. With the Govee Home App, you get tons of customization options – including access to 16 million colors, over 64 preset scenes, and a Music Sync Mode.
Are Smart Lights Worth It?
Smart lights are a worthwhile investment for most homes. While they might cost a bit more upfront than traditional bulbs, the long-term benefits make them well worth it.
Many of the top-rated smart lights cost only $5 to $7.50 per bulb, which isn’t much more than a regular “dumb” bulb. Plus, smart lights help you save money at home. Since they’re LED-based, they consume much less energy than incandescent bulbs and last longer, so you don’t have to replace them as often. You can also automate them to turn off when you’re not at home or when you leave a room, preventing energy waste and lowering your electric bill over time.
Then, there’s the convenience factor. With smart lights, you can control the lighting in your home with just your phone or voice. For example, you can dim the lights for a movie night or change the color for a party with just a tap or simple voice command. Scheduling your lights to automatically turn on or off at certain times also makes daily life easier.
Another benefit is that smart lights add an extra layer of security to your home. You can set them to turn on when they detect motion, which can help deter potential intruders. And if you’re away, you can schedule your lights to turn on and off, making it look like someone’s home.
On top of all that, smart lights can transform the look and feel of your space. With millions of color options and dimming features, you can set the perfect vibe for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive celebration.
What Other Customers Are Saying
We’ve covered some of the best smart lights in this article, but other users on platforms like Reddit have shared their personal favorites too. For instance, Reddit user FormerDittoHead highly recommends the Sengled Zigbee Smart Bulbs.
In another thread about the best smart lights for Alexa, user Mrbeankc shares his appreciation for Amazon Basics Smart Light Bulbs:
Another Reddit user, Clammero, thinks that WiZ has the best smart lights.
Factors To Consider When Shopping for Smart Lights
When deciding on the best smart bulb for your space, there are a few key factors you should think about:
Compatibility
First, make sure the smart bulb works with your existing smart home setup. You’ll want to check that it’s compatible with your preferred smart home ecosystem, whether that’s Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit. Choosing a smart light bulb with built-in integration for your existing smart home devices will make things easier and save you headaches down the road.
Color and Brightness
Decide whether you want a smart light that offers a single shade of white or one that lets you adjust between different shades, from warm to cool. If you’re into full customization, look for a smart bulb that provides a full-color spectrum.
Also, consider how bright you want the light to be. Unlike traditional incandescent bulbs, smart bulbs measure brightness in lumens—the higher the lumens, the brighter the light. Think about where you’re putting the bulb to ensure its brightness meets your needs. For instance, softer lighting might work better for a bedroom, while brighter lights could be ideal for a kitchen or home office.
Energy Efficiency
Smart bulbs use LEDs, which are far more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent light bulbs. Just like with a smart thermostat, this can help you save energy and cut down your electricity expenses. But, they’re not all equal. When choosing, check the wattage and the expected lifespan.
Home Security
Just like with any smart home device that connects to your home’s Wi-Fi, smart bulbs can be vulnerable to potential hacking or data breaches. Look for smart bulbs from reputable brands that use encryption for data transmission.
Final Thoughts About Smart Lights
Smart lights do more than just light up your home – they offer convenience, customization, enhanced security, and energy savings. But, they’re not the only smart device that can greatly upgrade your home. If you’re ready to take your home to the next level, explore our other articles for more tips, insights, and top picks on the best smart home devices available.
FAQs
Smart lights function just like regular bulbs – they screw into your light fixtures and draw power from your home’s electrical sockets. The difference is that they’re equipped with smart technology that allows them to communicate wirelessly with other devices, like your smartphone. Many smart bulbs connect via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, letting you control them through an app. Others use different wireless protocols like Matter, Zigbee, or Z-Wave to communicate with your smart home setup.
It’s important to note that Bluetooth-only bulbs have limited range since they rely on a direct, point-to-point connection. This means you can’t control them when you’re too far away or in a different room. However, some smart lights, like Philips Hue, can connect to a dedicated hub via Bluetooth, which gives you more control range and features.
In most cases, yes! You can usually replace your regular bulbs with smart ones, but you’ll need to check that the smart bulb matches the fitting of your current bulb. Most smart lights come in standard screw or bayonet fittings, and some brands even offer GU10 and candle bulb options.
However, some smart bulbs are a bit bulkier than typical bulbs, which might make them stick out of certain lamps or shades. Be sure to check the dimensions of the smart bulb before making the switch to ensure it fits your setup nicely.
Keep in mind that once you’ve replaced your old bulb with a smart one and paired it with your app, you’ll need to use either the app or a voice assistant to control the light. If you turn it off using the lamp’s physical switch, the app or voice assistant won’t be able to control it until the switch is back on.
Yes, smart lights are generally safe to use. Like any connected device, it’s important to ensure your home network is secure and your lights use encryption for data transmission to protect against potential vulnerabilities. Be sure to stick to reputable brands, and always use secure passwords to keep your network protected.
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