Smart LED Light Bulbs are one of the simplest and most economical methods to get started with smart home technology. The following information will help you get started.
What to know
Tune and Dimming: Millions of different hues can be produced using color Smart LED Light bulbs, and certain white types can switch from chilly to warm tones
Available controls: Most smart LED light Bulbs can be controlled with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, or Google Home, but setup requires a smartphone app.
Wi-Fi Range: Most smart LED bulbs use WiFi to connect. Purchase a hub and a bulb that uses: Zigbee mesh wireless for houses that experience patchy or weak internet service.
Pricing: Some of the smart LED lights currently available cost $45 or more, but the majority of them cost around $20 and are completely functional.
There are many smart LED light bulbs available in the market, and the best one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. However, here are some of the top options based on their features, customer reviews, and overall performance:
Philips Hue is a popular brand that offers a wide range of smart LED light bulbs. They are easy to set up, work with various voice assistants and smart home systems, and provide high-quality light output.
2. LIFX
LIFX is another top brand known for its high-quality smart LED light bulbs. They offer a range of products, including bulbs that can be controlled via voice commands, mobile apps, and smart home devices.
3. TP-Link Kasa
TP-Link Kasa offers a range of smart LED light bulbs that are easy to set up and control. They work with various voice assistants and can be controlled using the Kasa app on your smartphone.
Sylvania Smart+ offers affordable and easy-to-use smart LED light bulbs. They work with various voice assistants and have a wide range of color options.
5. Yeelight
Yeelight is a brand that offers smart LED light bulbs with a range of color options and customizable settings. They are compatible with various voice assistants and can be controlled using the Yeelight app.
Nanoleaf Essentials offers smart LED light bulbs that can be controlled with voice assistants, mobile apps, or smart home devices. They have a sleek design and offer a wide range of color options.
7. GE Lighting
GE Lighting C by GE offers a range of smart LED light bulbs that are compatible with various voice assistants and smart home systems. They have a simple and intuitive app that allows you to control the bulbs’ brightness and color temperature.
8. Wyze Bulb
Wyze Bulb offers affordable and easy-to-use smart LED light bulbs that work with various voice assistants and have a range of color temperature options. They also have a vacation mode feature that can help make your home look occupied when you’re away.
Overall, when choosing a smart LED light bulb, consider factors such as compatibility with your existing smart home system, ease of use, color options, and price.
What functions do smart bulbs perform?
Traditional light bulbs cannot compare to the level of control and engagement provided by smart light bulbs. Including possibilities for remote control and programmed timers. They are also more practical; using a smartphone is simpler than getting up and walking over to a wall switch.
Apart from keeping you from being in the dark, you can schedule or remotely regulate the majority of the bulbs, which is fantastic if you frequently switch the light off before leaving the house or want to save money on electricity. Some lightbulbs employ geofencing, which enables them to switch on or off when you enter or exit the house using the GPS in your smartphone. Additionally excellent for mood lighting, color-changing bulbs can even coincide with some movies and television programs.
Some bulbs work with Google Assistant, Alexa from Amazon, or Apple’s Home Kit. This implies that you can manage your home’s lighting with only your voice. Some of the lights on this list can be integrated with a thermostat, security cameras, and other smart home appliances.
What functions do Smart Bulbs perform?
The level of interaction and control offered by smart light bulbs is superior to that of traditional light bulbs. Including potential remote control and set timer options. Additionally, they are more useful; reaching for a wall switch on a smartphone is easier than getting up and doing so.
The majority of the bulbs may be scheduled or controlled remotely, which is great if you routinely turn off the lights before leaving the house or want to save money on electricity. The majority of the bulbs also keep you from being in the dark. Using the GPS in your smartphone, some lightbulbs use geofencing, which enables them to turn on or off when you enter or leave the house. Color-changing bulbs are fantastic for mood lighting and can even match certain movies and television shows.
Some lightbulbs are compatible with Google Assistant, Amazon’s Alexa, and Apple’s Home Kit. This suggests that you can control the lighting in your home with only your voice. Some of the smart home gadgets on this list, such as Smart thermostats, security cameras, and lamps, can be interconnected.
How DO I Connect My Smart LED Light Bulb to My Smartphone \Tablet?
Some Smart LED Bulbs require you to connect to your phone via a hub for home automation, like the Philips Hue Bridge. The addition of a Hub typically results in an increase in cost and one or two more steps during installation.
Some bulbs bypass the intermediary and establish a direct Wi-Fi connection with your phone or tablet. Others connect using Bluetooth, however, you can only control the lights when you are within the much shorter Bluetooth range in that instance.
Make sure it’s simple to use because you’ll probably be controlling these lights from your phone or tablet. For instance, if you have several bulbs, you should look for a companion app that enables you to quickly aggregate them for personalization.
Of course, you can simply flip the switch to turn off any connected bulb.
Smart bulb, or smart switch?
There is a heated debate about which of the two methods is the most effective for installing smart lighting. Either buy pricey smart bulbs and control each one separately, or install smart switches/dimmers and utilize inexpensive dumb bulbs to control every light on that circuit. Both strategies are reasonable: The biggest problem with smart bulbs is the price, but there’s also complexity to consider. While it is normally possible to group bulbs according to location, this is only as simple to use as the bulb control app.
On the other side, installing smart switches is far more difficult, to the point where some users might feel uncomfortable working around the exposed wire and would rather employ an electrician. However, smart switches are more flexible in many settings.
Many users (or their kids) would immediately use the wall switch to turn the lights out when they leave a room since they have become habituated from years of flipping hard-wired switches. After that, unless the switch is put back in the on position, no amount of apps will be able to turn the light back on. Smart switches can be installed, however, they cannot alter the hue or color temperature of a bulb, therefore this won’t be a problem.
However advanced the technology, not everyone will find smart bulbs useful. Notably, the majority of these bulbs are ineffective when dimmed via a hardwired wall switch since it conflicts with the power of the radio. Some will stop working even if there is a dimmer on the circuit that is turned all the way up. An LED bulb will probably produce much, much better light.
Are Smart LED Light Bulbs Worth the Money?
Smart LED light bulbs often cost more than conventional bulbs since they operate using Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and various technologies.
Keeping that in mind is crucial, especially if you plan to renovate your entire home. However, smart bulbs also consume less energy and are far more durable. Implying that over time, you can save money. The cost of entry isn’t as high as it once was, as you can see from the fact that the majority of the choices on this list are under $55. Even alternatives priced under $15 are now available, including several of our top recommendations.
SAMMY MWANGI the editor of Autohomegadgets.com. He is an Electronics Technician enthusiast and a Sales Manager in one of the leading ICT companies in Africa. When he is not working, he loves to travel and explore nature. He is a Robot fanatic too.