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Best Smart Lights
Smart lights improve your home in a manner of ways, not just concerning energy use. Generally, the way you initially used light bulbs will change. Some smart bulbs can influence moods by changing color and also better your sleeping experience. Furthermore, some brands have entertainment-based features as well. The best thing you could do for your home, is to add some smart lights to the equation.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Potency
Bright lights are valuable lights.
The moment you set out to buy a smart bulb, you already have its usage in mind. You have probably thought of the location you will use place it and the application you want it for. With all these in mind, you will quickly get an idea of the level of brightness you need. Someone looking to use smart lights in the bedroom area would probably require less brightness, compared to someone who wants to use them in the living room. The same applies to the level of light needed to illuminate a large area compared to a smaller space. Always ask yourself where you are planning to put the bulb and what you are going to use it for. The answers to these questions will tell you all you need when it comes to the smart light’s brightness levels.
Compatibility
Smart-Homes need compatible smart lights.
Most homes nowadays use several automated platforms. A smart bulb that can be integrated which such platforms, is more beneficial. Even if you haven’t fully automated your home yet, you’d at least want to be set for when you do. Compatible smart lights make it easy to multi-task since all you have to do is use voice commands. You can just sit comfortably, especially when you feel worn out. Smart lights like these help influence the atmosphere as well and are programmable to make your experience more personalized.
Ease of Use
An easy set up is a fast set up
Nobody likes feeling frustrated, which is why it’s always advisable to check if you can handle installation processes. Fortunately, most of the smart lights listed do not require a certain level of expertise. It is important also to check if any specific instructions need to be followed during the set-up process. If you aren’t keen enough, you might end up with smart lights you can't use, all because they need some permanent fixtures. An easy set-up will also not cost you anything since you will be able to take care of it yourself.
Capacity
Long lasting smart lights are the best smart lights
LED lights are the best replacement for incandescent bulbs. However, they are also more expensive. Since you will be spending a significant amount of money on smart lights, you need to ensure that you are getting value for your money. A durable, smart bulb is a good investment. The longer it lasts, the less you spend on replacement costs.
Features
More features equal more benefits
Smart lights are more futuristic than traditional lighting; nonetheless, they are not all on the same level. Some smart lights have a higher ranking because of their features. There are smart bulbs, which offer more in terms of illumination. You can get ones, which are easily adjustable when it comes to color and hue. This type of feature comes in handy if you want to be creative or customize your space.
There are smart lights that you can schedule and program. If you want to be able to operate your lighting remotely, you can’t overlook these features. To control some smart lights, you will need to use smartphone applications. Others only rely on Wi-Fi connections, while there are those that utilize a completely separate network. Whenever you want to buy smart lights, looking at the features it has will help you avoid inconveniences. You will also get to learn about more benefits that you didn’t know the product had to offer.
Effectiveness
Efficient lights are economic lights
Smart lights are more futuristic than traditional lighting; nonetheless, they are not all on the same level. Some smart lights have a higher ranking because of their features. There are smart bulbs, which offer more in terms of illumination. You can get ones, which are easily adjustable when it comes to color and hue. This type of feature comes in handy if you want to be creative or customize your space.
There are smart lights that you can schedule and program. If you want to be able to operate your lighting remotely, you can’t overlook these features. To control some smart lights, you will need to use smartphone applications. Others only rely on Wi-Fi connections, while there are those that utilize a completely separate network. Whenever you want to buy smart lights, looking at the features it has will help you avoid inconveniences. You will also get to learn about more benefits that you didn’t know the product had to offer.
Top 10 Picks
1. LIFX
If you love colors, this kind of smart light is an excellent selection for you. It will not only cater to your creative needs, but also to that of everyone else in the family. The smart bulb has several themes with over hundreds of white shades. The color selection it provides you with, totals to over 16 million. Such a smart bulb is perfect for bringing a boring space back to life.
Read moreBrightness:
The LIFX smart light is as bright as a 75w bulb. If you used an incandescent type of bulb before, it would serve as the perfect replacement.
Smart-Home compatibility
A smart bulb, which offers multiple connectivity options, is beneficial. If you already had Alexa at your home, you can consider yourself covered. Other users are also accommodated, as it has three different compatibility options.
Set-up:
The set-up process is quite simple. You won’t need to look around for an extra set of hands to assist you. No professional skills or experience is required to handle this smart bulb. You also have the option of adding more LIFX lights and get access to more features.
LED life span:
If you were to use the smart bulb for 3 hours a day, every day, it would last for up to 21 to 23 years. Such a remarkable life span will save you a lot of money.
Energy efficiency:
You don’t have to worry about wasting energy. The smart bulb is very efficient and uses significantly less energy. Say goodbye to inflated power bills and start saving on energy costs.
Features:
You can use the bulb as soon as you buy it. You won’t need any additional hardware to get it started. All you’ll need to do is plug in, and it will light up instantly. The bulb has another exciting feature, which enables its level of dimming to be controlled. You will be able to dim it in the app or via voice control.
Overall:
Having lights that you can schedule is extremely convenient. No one will be able to tell whether you are home or not. You should get this type of smart bulb if you’ve always admired such features.
2. Sengled Smart LED
Sengled offers an affordable smart bulb alternative. If you are working with a budget, this is your go-to bulb. Acquiring this bulb is often most people’s first step toward smart lighting. Just make sure you have the Sengled Element application so that you can have a guide to assist you whenever you get stranded.
Read moreBrightness:
The smart bulb offers a soft white type of brightness.
Smart-Home compatibility:
The smart bulb has voice control. It’s excellent for most smart homes except for those that use Apple based systems.
Set-up:
What makes this smart bulb stand out, is the fact that it has one of the most flexible set-ups available. If you already have an Element hub, you can connect the bulb right away. The bulbs connect to Echo plus among other options.
LED life-span:
The bulb is extremely durable. It is rated for use for approximately twenty-five thousand hours.
Energy efficiency:
As far as energy efficiency is concerned, this smart bulb will impress you. The bulbs can save 80% energy compared to their incandescent counterparts. You also have the option to monitor electricity use in your household. The application will provide you with all the information you need, down to each Kilowatt-hour.
Features:
You will be able to control the smart bulb remotely. Just make sure that you download the hub’s application before you try to do so.
Overall:
Not everyone is able to catch the sunrise. This smart bulb makes it so that you won’t beat yourself up about it. It’s not like the real deal, but, you can set it up to imitate the sunrise. This is an interesting feature, and quite unique as well.
3. Philips Hue Smart Bulb
Philips offers advanced smart lighting compared to what other companies offer. It’s not an exaggeration to say that the bulbs’ lighting is beyond amazing. Knowing that you can choose from millions of colors and shades is truly exciting.
Read moreBrightness:
The smart lights are bright enough to cover outdoor spaces, provided you use a Hue Hub. A Wi-Fi extender will not be necessary.
Smart-Home compatibility:
The number of platforms the smart bulbs are compatible with is remarkable. There are about ten platforms, including Microsoft Cortana, Logitech, and Xfinity, to mention a few.
Set-up
Setting up the bulbs is not complicated. All you need to do is screw them in, and they will light up.
LED life-span
These smart bulbs are durable. You will even forget that you once used to replace bulbs from time to time. Your kid would literally grow up and start a family before you even bought smart bulb replacements.
Energy efficiency
The Philip Hue brand highly regarded. Unlike other smart lighting alternatives, the bulbs are among the few of their kind to get Energy Star certification.
Features
You can get the most out of the smart lights by expanding your lighting system. The accessories you need to do this are the Hue Motion Sensor, Hue Tap, and a Hue Dimmer Switch.
Overall
As far as versatility is concerned, these smart bulbs take the lead. You can use the bulbs for many applications. Wherever you want smart lighting, Philips Hue bulbs will not let you down.
4. Cree BA19
Nowadays, it’s possible to customize almost everything. This kind of smart bulb makes it easier than ever to personalize your lighting. You can use it anywhere at home since it offers omnidirectional lighting. If you have only used smart bulbs that specifically light up at the top, you will appreciate this one even more.
Read moreBrightness
The smart bulb’s illumination is equivalent to 5000k daylight. The most significant advantage that such a light source has is that you get the best view. Since it is all-round, you don’t need any additional lighting in the same area.
Smart-Home compatibility:
Having multiple platforms to use is always a big plus. You have several you can choose from if you haven’t set-up any of them already. From Wemo to Wink, it doesn't restrict you to just one.
Set-up:
You can install your Cree smart bulb the same way you would a simple bulb. You only have to ensure that you are using the right Hub.
LED life-span:
The smart bulb will last you for approximately two decades. Two decades is definitely worth you spending every penny on this bulb.
Energy efficiency:
One fun fact about these bulbs is that by the time they stop working, you will have saved over 100$ in energy. You could channel some of that money to other essential household needs.
Features:
Apart from the common platforms and home automation options, the smart bulb is usable with other hubs that are ZigBee certified.
Overall
The smart bulb offers a lot of value. To top it all off, it also comes with a limited warranty that lasts for 3years.
5. Sylvania Full Color LED
If you use Apple HomeKit, you don’t need to look any further. This smart bulb offers a world of convenience for Apple users. What sets it apart from other smart lights is that you won’t need the OSRAM LIGHTIFY Gateway. Once you confirm your iOS device is compatible, you will be set. Just use the Bluetooth pairing, and you can enjoy the smart lights.
Read moreBrightness:
You will get a wide assortment of white color temperature options. Whether you prefer daylight or soft lighting, the smart lights can offer both. Being an RGBW LED enables the bulb to support thousands of color variations.
Smart-Home compatibility:
The smart bulb is compatible with Apple. You can use Voice Control to get assistance from Siri. The voice integration makes it convenient to control lighting among other things.
Set-up:
As mentioned earlier, the smart bulb has the easiest installation process compared to other Apple compatible lights.
LED life-span:
The bulb is durable and will outlast other regular bulbs in the household.
Energy efficiency:
You will notice a significant change in energy usage at home. The bulb has very little energy consumption.
Features:
Once you install the bulb, you won’t experience any trial and error while pairing. The bulb makes the user aware when the pairing is ready to take place. It flashes four times to give the indication.
Overall
The smart light is a must-have if you are a fan of Apple devices. Integrating it into your lifestyle will be quicker, and you can schedule the lighting as you please.
6. eufy Lumos
Knowing how to install a smart lighting system is important. However, having safety measures at your fingertips is invaluable. This smart bulb company offers both. Not only will you get a manual to guide you, but you will also get an instruction card filled with safety tips.
Read moreBrightness:
You will be able to adjust the ambiance of the room however you like. This kind of smart light works on different occasions.
Smart-Home compatibility:
Alexa is the best platform to use this smart light. However, you can still use it with Google.
Set-up:
You don’t need a Hub for this smart bulb. The bulb is effortless to put in place and light up.
LED life-span:
The smart bulb will last for more than ten years.
Energy efficiency:
The bulb is as bright as an incandescent bulb but uses less than 10W to achieve such illumination. You will find that you will only spend about 20% of your usual lighting costs.
Features:
Some smart lights are more advanced. With this alternative, you can have as many as ten lighting schedules.
Overall
If you are planning to buy multiple smart lights, getting the same brand will work to your advantage. With this brand, you can control several smart bulbs simultaneously. You just need the EufyHome app and bulbs of the same model.
7. HALO Recessed
Just like regular lights, not all smart lights can be used everywhere. The HALO smart bulb is unique because it can work in wet places. The bulb has Wet and Damp listing, which means you can use it in the shower as well. It’s definitely miles ahead of other competing brands.
Read moreBrightness:
The bulb has a 685lm light emission and an adjustable color temperature.
Smart-Home compatibility:
This smart bulb works with Alexa automated homes.
Set-up:
The bulb comes with a fixture, which is controllable via an application as well. It comes in a downlight design, which is retrofit. You won’t need professional help to install it, thanks to its screw-in base. In fact, you can insert it in two ways. You can choose to use a friction clip or a torsion spring attachment.
LED life-span:
The smart bulb can light your home for over 45000 hours.
Energy efficiency:
You might find it hard to believe, but the smart light fixture will help you cut costs by approximately 340$. It has energy star certification because of such efficiency.
Features:
The smart light fixture covers a wide area. As such, it is for ceilings, which measure 8'-10'. If you use the application, you will be able to dim the lighting to 5%.
Overall
You won’t have to worry much about the fixture getting ruined by water. This lighting option makes it possible to have smart lighting even on your outdoor patio. You won’t be stressed out about damages when it rains.
8. Kasa Smart
Tp-Link products are globally recognized. The company is a consumer favorite and offers quality Wi-Fi networking products. It’s not a surprise that they have outstanding smart lights as well. This multi-color light bulb outperforms other smart lights and is quite reliable.
Read moreBrightness:
The LB130 bulb is good for people who don’t need excessive brightness. It has different hues, for every type of mood.
Smart-Home compatibility:
The bulb works with three platforms. If you use Microsoft Cortana, you’re definitely in luck.
Set-up:
Setting up this bulb is so easy, that even teenagers can do it. As long as you have ever changed a standard bulb, you will manage to install this one.
LED life-span:
It will take you twenty-plus years before you replace this smart light.
Energy efficiency:
This smart LED bulb uses insignificant energy. It will not increase your costs at all.
Features:
You can use the smart bulb whether you have an iOS or Android device
Overall
The application conveniently enables you to create a group for all your devices. The best part is you can name each of the smart bulbs and refer to them specifically via voice commands.
9. Hive LED
Hive’s smart lights are very innovative. If you have motion sensors at home, you can pair it with the smart bulb. The smart bulb also offers you the advantage of heating and cooling your home. It is designed to meet several household needs simultaneously.
Read moreBrightness:
This is a 9 watt LED bulb which will offer you sufficient lighting.
Smart-Home compatibility:
The smart lights are compatible with two platforms including IFTTT.
Set-up:
Setting it up will be fast, and you won’t need extra hands to assist you.
LED life-span:
The LED bulb will serve you for more than ten years.
Energy efficiency:
You can trust any smart bulb with Energy Star certification to be efficient.
Features:
The smart bulb can be dimmed as per your preference. The bulb allows for schedules; however, you can’t set more than six. You will also get a number of automation options, which are pre-set.
Overall
Having the lights turn on whenever you walk in is fun. The sensor feature in the Hive application is all the more reason why this is a great smart bulb.
10. Misfit Wearables
Misfit smart lights are unique because they can also function without phones. It’s rare to find people who don’t have phones, but this just makes it easy for everyone. You might own a phone but not have it with you at the time, or you might have lost it. Whatever the case, Misfit has you covered.
Read moreBrightness:
The smart bulb has a dome design which influences incredible light dispersion. It does not have any hotspots whatsoever.
Smart-Home compatibility:
You can use the Misfit mobile application to customize your home’s lighting.
Set-up:
The set-up process only needs your phone. It doesn’t require any professional installation.
LED life-span:
The LED smart bulb is durable.
Energy efficiency:
The BOLT company LED technology is highly efficient.
Features:
If you don’t have a phone at the time, you can use the Misfit Flash to help adjust your settings. The smart bulb also works without a Hub.
Overall
This smart light also has an aesthetic value. The bulb has an aluminum body and a sleek appeal. You can use it to add a decorative touch to any space.
Sources
- , The Best Smart LED Light Bulbs, Article
- , The Best Smart Light Bulbs Review, Article
- , The Best Smart Light Bulbs for 2019, Article
- , Best smart bulbs for your connected home, Article