It is undeniable that the light bulb is one of the greatest inventions man has ever made. With everything getting smart these days, light bulbs are no exception. Today’s smart light bulbs no longer just sit in a socket and light a room. Say goodbye to manually pushing light switches on and off — a few taps on your smartphone will do. If you’re looking for a non-ordinary lighting device to make your life easier, you’re on the right page.
What Are Smart Light Bulbs?
Smart light bulbs are internet-capable LED light bulbs that are a great addition to every smart home. They can be customized and controlled remotely through a mobile app. With this and connectivity such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Zigbee, you’d be able to manage your smart lights. It is also worth noting that some models would require a hub for you to have access while some don’t need one to function.
You can program the smart light bulbs to change light output according to your desire. There are also other features you can enjoy depending on what a specific model offers. That said, you should carefully choose what you’re going to get.
Best Smart Light Bulbs
Picking the best smart light bulb isn’t easy, especially when most of the choices offer closely similar if not the same features. There are established brands that are known to provide great features, but you might also want to consider other options. To help you choose which model would brighten up your home and set your mood perfectly, here’s a list you can refer to.
The third generation of the Philips Hue Connected Bulb has a lot of features that are available using its mobile app. If you were able to use the models before this, you would certainly see how Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance A19 developed. Thanks to its Bluetooth radio, you wouldn’t necessarily have to have a hub for it to function. You can continue using it with the Philips Hue Bridge, though, and integrate it with your Hue ecosystem to unlock more features.
With this smart bulb, you can change the vibe in your room and set a scene according to your mood in 16 million colors. There are Scene presets, but you can customize them depending on your desire. You will also worry less whenever you’re going out because this can also serve as extra security when it’s set in vacation mode.
Compatibility-wise, this smart bulb can work with a lot of smart home systems and devices such as Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, and more.
This white A19 shape LED puts out 800 lumens, which is bright enough to light up your home. All you need to control it is a mobile app that is conveniently the same as what you use with other Wyze smart devices.
It also offers a Vacation Mode feature, which you can use when you’re not at home. This turns the bulb on and off at random, so whoever passes by the house would think that someone’s at home. You can also integrate your bulb with third-party smart devices like cameras and doorbells to maximize security.
The Wyze Bulb is one of the most affordable smart light bulbs out there with quite significant features. It may not support Apple HomeKit, but it works with other voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Besides that, it is also easy to install and rated to last up to 20,000 hours, so this is truly one of a kind.
This smart light bulb from Samsung can brighten up your room with just a few taps on your smartphone or tablet. Its energy-efficient LED lighting emits 806 lumens and allows you to save money. This is helpful, especially when you have more than one smart bulb. You can power on or off and dim the lights according to your mood using the SmartThings app.
You can also adjust and program it to align with your schedule and based on when you’re at home or out on a vacation. This also works with the best virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Bixby so you can turn it on or off using only your voice.
Unlike some smart light bulbs, this model is fixed at a warm white color temperature at 2700 Kelvin. This means you can’t tune it to emit cool colors to match your mood. Considering its inexpensive price and its 25,000-hour lifespan, this smart light bulb is still worth choosing.
If you’re looking for a lighting device to add life and color to your home, you may consider this model. The Yeelight Smart LED Color Bulb is one of the best smart light bulbs because it’s easy to set up and offers great features. It has a built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi radio so you would no longer need a hub or bridge to use it.
This is a dimmable bulb with a 16-million color palette, so you have a lot of colors to match your mood with. Its special feature Color Picker allows you to tweak the bulb’s color according to your preference. There are also colors it can’t replicate, like the grays or blacks, but this is often the case with all other smart bulbs. You can also create lighting schedules and set timers to turn your lights on or off.
The Ring PAR38 Smart LED Bulb is weather-resistant, so it is of a better use when installed outdoors. With the Ring Bridge, you’d be able to connect and support up to 50 smart lighting devices.
This smart bulb is dimmable and tuned to a neutral white 3500 K color temperature. It also emits up to 1,500 lumens, which are twice as bright as the output of a 60-watt incandescent bulb. You can also set it to turn on when one of your motion-sensing Ring smart devices detects a motion.
The PAR38 is compatible with Amazon Alexa and IFTTT, but it doesn’t support Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit. This should appeal to you if you’re new to smart lighting solutions since there are starter kits available. This might also interest you if you’re already in the Ring ecosystem.
Another smart light from Ring is the Solar Steplight that is perfect for illuminating stairways, decks, and other walkways. Since this charges the battery using solar energy, this doesn’t require a wire making it easy to install. This also means that there is no need to buy another battery because you can just place it in direct sunlight to recharge.
Compared to the previous version that isn’t solar-powered (Ring Steplight Battery), this is certainly better. It’s not only because it’s bigger but also because it has more features that weren’t available on Ring Steplight Battery.
This model, however, is also one of those that require a Ring Bridge to experience the smart features. This compact motion-sensing smart light emits 50 lumens, which is bright for a step light. You can also turn the lights on and off, change the brightness, and customize motion sensitivity using the Ring app. Setting schedules is also possible, as well as getting mobile notifications when motion is detected. In terms of integration, this smart light works with Amazon Alexa so you can turn it on or off at the sound of your voice.
The Solar Steplight may be expensive especially when you need more than a couple, but it is worth the price since there’s no need to buy another battery. You also have the option to recharge it via Micro USB, if you prefer.
The LIFX Candle Color is undoubtedly one of the coolest smart light bulbs you would ever see. It does not limit you to tuning your bulb to only one color, so it is very fun to explore. What makes it more commendable is it connects via Wi-Fi so it doesn’t require a hub to maximize its features.
There are also pre-designed scenes available that you can use. Or, you can create one using the LIFX app. You also have the option to set the bulb to flicker, imitate a fire, or align with the vibe of the music. For convenience and energy efficiency, you can also schedule to turn on and off your bulb and change its color with the app.
It is worth noting that this smart light bulb is not something that lights an entire room but functions as just an accent light. It is also relatively dim and not as bright as other color bulbs. The LIFX Candle Color’s price is justified by its features, so if you want a cool, smart light bulb, consider this as an option.
If you have home security cameras at home, the LIFX+ BR30 Night Vision can help you have better vision at night. This smart light bulb is equipped with infrared LEDs that function even when it’s powered off via software. With this, you can boost your infrared-enabled security cameras allowing you to monitor your home even in the dark.
You can also light up your space with over 16 million colors, making it an impressive device to set your mood. There is also a wide range of color temperature so you can tune it from warm to cool whites. You may also use the Day & Dusk automation feature, which tailors the brightness and color temperature.
Compatibility-wise, you can connect your smart bulb with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and more. The price is a little expensive for a smart light bulb, but its features are satisfying.
This affordable smart lightbulb offers a lot of features that you can customize using only your smartphone or tablet. The Philips Dimmable A19 Smart Wi-Fi WiZ Bulb does not require a hub or bridge. With the WiZ app, you can create Scenes to set on the smart bulb and establish a mood on any occasion. You can also automate lighting adjustments through the Rhythm feature.
The Schedules feature allows you to program the light bulb to perform specific functions on designated times and days. If you’re going to leave the house, you can also enable Vacation Mode to fool the would-be intruders. Aside from these, it emits 800 lumens of brightness and has a warm color temperature of 2700 K.
It is also rated to have 25,000 hours of lifespan, which is around 22 years if your average use is only three hours a day. This is a great deal considering its affordable price and outstanding features.
The TP-Link Kasa Smart Multicolor Light Strip is 6.6-foot long, comprising 96 LED clusters. There are 16 individual color zones and each zone is 5-inch long with 6 LED clusters. You can attach this light strip to walls, bookshelves, or anywhere you want.
It also doesn’t require a hub or bridge thanks to its built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi radio. You can also turn the strip on or off and cycle through the presets available using the controller that comes with the strip.
It also has an estimated lifespan of 25,000 hours so you can spend a long time with this smart light strip. This may be a little pricey, but it’s packed with significant features that would make this worth buying.
The Sengled Smart Wi-Fi LED Multicolor is one of the best smart light bulbs for those who want an option that’s easy to install. This A19 bulb is dimmable and has an E26 base so you can use it with the standard lamp sockets you have at home. That said, you no longer need a hub or bridge to maximize your smart light bulb’s features.
There are five available presets for a color temperature that you may set using the app. Another thing you can do is set Light Schedules like Sleep and Wake Up at a specific time of the day and with designated settings. You can also control your lights using voice commands since this works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Aside from lacking Apple HomeKit support, this smart bulb has limited third-party integrations. Despite all that, the Sengled Smart Wi-Fi LED Multicolor is still a great option since it offers outstanding features. It can also last up to 25,000 hours so you can use it for years.
If you need an outdoor floodlight for your walkways or front door, this smart light bulb will certainly meet your expectations. The Sengled Smart LED with Motion Sensor is weatherproof so you can place it anywhere you want. It is easy to install, as it has an E26 base type that can fit with standard light sockets you have at home. You should note, however, that you can’t install it on fixtures with existing motion detectors. This also requires a hub so you can control it and enjoy more of its amazing features.
Thanks to its built-in PIR sensor, this smart light bulb automatically illuminates at night when it detects motion within 30 feet. Aside from lighting your way, this can also serve as a deterrent when there are intruders, so you’ll feel safer. It will remain illuminated as long as it detects a motion and will automatically turn off after 90 seconds of ceased motion. It is also bright since it cranks out 1050 lumens and it has a warm color temperature of 3000 K.
This dimmable filament bulb is perfect for setting the mood since it gives a warm, old-timey glow. You can install it easily since its base type is E26, which fits with standard light sockets. You will also not need a hub anymore, as this smart light bulb can connect directly to your Wi-Fi. What you will need is the Kasa app to manage the Kasa Filament Smart Bulb and explore the many features it offers.
The color temperature displays 2700 K, which is enough to make you feel warm and cozy. If you’re worried about the energy used by the bulb, you can track it using the energy-usage meter in the app. The 600 lumens that it emits may not light up the entire room, but it saves power as it only requires 7 watts. Not only will it save energy, but also it will last long since it has an estimated lifespan of 25,000 hours.
Another dimmable filament smart bulb is from WiZ Connected, which is owned by the company behind Philips Hue. This stylish yet inexpensive smart light bulb will work just fine, as an accent light, say, in a dining area or living room. It emits 350 lumens at full brightness, making it too dim to light an entire room. It is available in clear and amber versions, but the amber gives a more vintage look that makes it more appealing.
You can set it in several lighting modes to adjust the brightness and speed of the effect. Grouping it with other WiZ Connected bulbs is also possible for more convenient control. If you’re going out, you can activate a vacation mode to fool the possible intruders. This smart light is dimmable; however, you cannot adjust the color temperature as it’s tuned to a warm white 2000 K.
Designed for backlight or night-life use, the Philips Hue Iris Table Lamp allows you to set the mood with just a tap of your finger. It has Bluetooth support so you can manage it through the Hue Bluetooth app using only your mobile phone. It is a standalone accent light that you can control without a hub or bridge. You should note, however, that you cannot control it if you’re out of the Bluetooth range. This means that you cannot use it when you’re away from home unless you integrate it with Hue Bridge.
Although it can function using only Bluetooth support, you can still unlock more features when you use it with the Hue Bridge. You will be able to connect up to 50 lights and accessories and use the smart light bulb with Apple HomeKit. It will also allow you to control your smart table lamp anytime, anywhere.
The Nanoleaf Light Panels is not your typical smart light because it does not function as something to light up your entire room. Most people buy this for fun and to have cool lighting devices that they can put on the walls of their homes. This comes with nine triangular light panels that you can connect like a puzzle.
Setting up the sweeps, fades, bursts, and other effects are also possible to make it more fun to use. Another significant thing is it senses audio and transforms it into color and light with its Rhythm Module. Compatibility-wise, you can use this with Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa. That said, you can turn the Nanoleaf Light Panels on or off and command them to do other things with just your voice.
If you don’t have a smart home device to integrate it with, you can control the light panels manually. It has two small buttons on the base unit so you won’t have any problem. You can also purchase a stand-alone remote control from Nanoleaf to control it better. The only problem here is a dangling power cord, but for fun, this is a good consideration.
This energy-efficient smart light bulb is easy to set up because it has an E26 base that fits in standard light sockets. You may choose whether to install it inside or in protected areas outside your home.
It is worth noting that the Ring A19 Smart LED Bulb requires the Ring Bridge to enable its smart features. You can control it using the Ring app that is available for iOS and Android devices so you will have access anytime, anywhere. The app also allows you to control multiple Ring smart devices such as doorbells, cameras, and other smart lights.
Using the Ring app, you can turn your lights on or off and change light brightness with a few taps of your finger. If you connect it with compatible Ring devices, you will unlock more features. You can set your bulb to turn on when a motion sensor of a Ring security camera, for example, detects a motion. In terms of compatibility, this smart light bulb works with Amazon Alexa so you can turn it on or off with your voice.
The Philips Hue White Ambiance BR30 is a smart light bulb, perfect for those who are new to smart lighting systems. Since it’s a Bluetooth-enabled device, you can control it without a hub or bridge. This will save money as you no longer have to buy an expensive bridge. You only need to download the Hue Bluetooth app, which is available on iOS and Android devices.
Using the app, you can set the right mood by tuning your smart light bulb to the perfect brightness and color temperature. You can also use the preset Philips Hue light recipes to align with the vibe of your everyday activities. It works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant so you can control it with simple voice commands.
While it is true that you don’t need a hub to control the bulb, you can still connect it to a hub to unlock more features. With Philips Hue Bridge, you can connect up to 50 smart lights and accessories compared with only 10 using Bluetooth. You can also control your bulb in greater range instead of in just one room that Bluetooth can reach. The bridge will also allow you to control your smart light bulb even when you’re away from home. You should also note that you can only automate lights with schedules if you connect it with the Philips Hue Bridge.
This egg-sized A19 smart light bulb is lighter and smaller than most LIFX A19 smart bulbs. With its size, some may find it strange to look at, but it fits in any desk or table lamps. The LIFX Mini LED is also Wi-Fi-enabled, so you don’t need a hub or bridge to manage it. You only have to connect it to your network and integrate it with the LIFX app to control it remotely.
The LIFX app is easy to navigate and is packed with a lot of features. With the app, you can create a custom schedule for when you want your lights to turn on or off. You also have the option to use the preset scenes or customize one, say combine the white and colored bulbs. There are also lighting effects such as flicker like a candle that you can use to add more fun.
In terms of compatibility, you can integrate this smart light bulb with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. You can access your bulb anytime, anywhere using the LIFX cloud that comes with the bulb. While it is true that this is expensive, it is still worth considering since it uses less energy and lasts a long time. It also emits 800 lumens of brightness, which is pretty bright for its size.
Similar to the Light Panels from the same brand, Nanoleaf Canvas Smart Light Squares is not designed to light up an entire room. It’s only for a display that would make the heads of those who see it turn. It may not look like it, but these square lights are easy to set up. Arranging these squares is fun as you can interlink them however you want. You can also explore combinations with the Layout Assistant on the Nanoleaf app to see more ways.
What makes this unique is the fact that it’s touch and sound-sensitive, making it create a cool light show on the walls. Its touch sensitivity allows tapping and pressing to perform a corresponding function. Unlike the Light Panels, this has a built-in audio sensor that allows you to sync the squares with music or games. The Nanoleaf Light Panels can also sync with the music, but it requires a separate accessory.
The Sylvania Smart+ Bluetooth LED is a smart light bulb designed to make your life easier. It is easy to set up since you will only need the Sylvania Smart Home app that you can download on iOS and Android devices. It is also Bluetooth-enabled so you wouldn’t have to buy a hub or bridge to control and use it. Just screw the smart light bulb in, pair it with your smartphone through the app, and you’re good to go.
With the Sylvania Smart Home app, you can turn your smart bulb on or off and dim it according to your preference. It has a full-color capability that allows you to create a colorful lighting experience from over 16 million colors available. You can also tune the color temperature ranging from warm 2700 K to cool 6500 K to set the mood. In terms of brightness, this smart light bulb offers an 800-lumen output, which is bright enough for any room.
The Sylvania Smart+ Bluetooth LED will save you money since it can last up to 13.7 years. This also consumes 80% less energy so you can benefit from it for a long time.
The 2020 version of the Philips Hue Lightstrip Plus is certainly one of the best smart light strips out there. This 80-inch light strip is easy to install and easier to set up because of its ultimate flexibility. You can shape it according to your preference as long as you won’t bend it near an LED. You can also connect it with one or more 40-inch extensions if it’s too short and cut it on designated lines otherwise. It also stands out because it’s the only light strip that can support both Bluetooth and Zigbee protocol. This means that you can control your smart light strip using only the Hue Bluetooth app without buying a bridge.
Although it is a Bluetooth-enabled light strip, you may still connect it with the Hue Bridge to unlock more features. With the bridge, you could group smart lights into separate rooms. You will also be able to control it away from home as long as there’s an internet connection. A bridge will also allow you to connect up to 50 Hue lights compared to only 10 using the Bluetooth. If these extra features don’t concern you, you can settle with the Bluetooth control that comes for free.
The Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Lily Outdoor Spot Light Kit comes with three smart lights that you can control using the Hue app. These dimmable LEDs emit 600 lumens, which are equivalent to the brightness output of a 49-watt incandescent bulb. These are also IP65 rated, so it’s protected from dust and water jets from up to 6.3-mm nozzles.
To maximize its weatherproof feature, you can install it outdoors and explore the fun it offers. There are also two Y-shaped quick-connect power adapters that come with the kit for cable-routing flexibility. If these connectors aren’t long enough, you can always buy extension cables.
You may also pick a predefined Scene to set the mood or you can customize and create one from scratch. It also supports multiple voice command services so you can control your lights with the sound of your voice. You should note, however, that these smart lights require a hub so you can control and maximize their features. You may also find the kit expensive, but it has an estimated lifespan of 25,000 hours so it’s still worth considering.
This affordable smart light bulb proves that you don’t have to spend much to experience outstanding features. It is also easy to install, as it has an E26 base that you can screw into a standard light socket. It can produce a brightness output of up to 650 lumens, which is bright enough to light up a room or any type of living space. You may also install this floodlight in damp locations such as bathrooms if you prefer. The WiZ Connected BR30 Colors Bulb is Wi-Fi enabled so you wouldn’t need a hub or bridge to make use of the smart features.
To enjoy and experience more fun, you can glow your floodlight in one of the 16 million colors it offers. It also offers wake-up and bedtime modes, which might help get up in the morning and sleep at night. You can also group your smart light bulb with other WiZ bulbs in a room to control all of them at once. It also supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant allowing you to control it with the sound of your voice.
The WiZ Connected Color and Tunable White A19 Bulb is quite the same as the BR30 floodlight version. It’s not physically similar, though, since the BR30 is taller and has a wider shell. Both the BR30 and the A19 are Wi-Fi-enabled, so they don’t need a hub to maximize their features. The A19 also has an E26 base so you can screw it into the light sockets available in your home.
You can create the ambiance of your choice with the 16 million colors available for customization. The A19 also supports more than a dozen dynamic modes, such as flickering “candlelight” and pulsing “ocean.”
While these features are similar to that of BR30, the brightness output that it produces is what makes it different. Compared to the BR30’s 650 lumens, the A19 emits 800 lumens, which are equivalent to a 60-watt incandescent bulb’s output. The A19 also offers a wider beam angle of 200 degrees, while the BR30 only offers 90 degrees.
LIFX Beam
The LIFX Beam is a smart lighting device and is the brand’s answer to the Nanoleaf Light Panels. Designed strictly for fun, these beam-like rods do not aim to light up an entire room. Although it puts out about 1,200 lumens at maximum brightness, it is more like a decoration rather than a functional light. You can stick it to the wall or any flat surface, but it’s not recommended to be installed in an upside-down position. It is also a Wi-Fi-enabled modular light surface so you wouldn’t have to buy a hub to enjoy its features.
You can also tune the color temperature from a warm 2000 Kelvin to a very cool 9000 Kelvin. It also has a built-in cloud so you can access your smart lights anytime, and from anywhere. Compatibility-wise, the LIFX Beam works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and more.
If you’re someone who’s looking for something that would give a vintage vibe, this smart light bulb may be the one for you. This clear bulb, with a filament visible at 2000 K warm amber color temperature, provides an elegant and cozy golden look. Its timeless design and calming candlelight glow make it one of the options you should consider. It also has an E26 base so you can mount it into a standard light socket you have at home.
Using a Sengled hub or any compatible third-party hub allows you to group your smart lights and control them all at the same time. In terms of compatibility, this smart light bulb can work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control. It is also compatible with SmartThings for smart home automation.
True to its name, the Sengled Element Touch is a light bulb that you can control at the touch of a button. You might wonder why you would need a bulb that needs manual control when you want something that would offer convenience. Worry not, because it’s a smart light bulb as you can still control it wirelessly using a mobile app or home controller. It requires a hub, though, for you to maximize its features.
This A19 bulb emits 800 lumens of brightness which is equivalent to the output of a 60-watt incandescent bulb. It is also possible to automate your lighting on a schedule and create lighting groups from your smartphone or smart hub. You can also use it with Amazon Alexa to support voice control. Its estimated lifespan of 22 years and its ability to display real-time electricity usage make it something to consider.
If you want a smart light bulb that would help you create a perfect mood or vibe, consider this product your option. The C by GE Full Color Smart LED Bulb can do quite a lot of smart things.
Despite having a dimmer output of 760 lumens in white-light mode, it puts out vivid colors in full-color mode. There are also millions of colors available, so you will not run out of options. Tuning the white light temperature from warm to cool and adjusting the brightness of the lights are also possible. You can also set schedules so you no longer have to come home in a dark house again.
There are scenes available that you can explore or if you want, you can create one and save it as a scene. You will not also have to worry about the lights in the morning and at bedtime, as this can support your sleep/wake cycle. These features are available to control using the C by GE app that is available on both iOS and Android smartphones.
Outstanding features sometimes come with a price, so spending more money on devices that perform well is worth buying. One good example is the Ring Solar Pathlight.
You can tell the lights not to turn on when it’s still bright outside so you can save more power. Another thing you can do is group lights together, which allows you to control them all at once. Grouping also lets other lights increase their brightness when one detects a motion.
You can also integrate this Solar Pathlight to other compatible Ring devices to unlock greater features using the Ring app. For example, if you link the Pathlight to Ring Video Doorbell, the video doorbell will start recording if the path light detects motion.
Although it is true that the Ring Solar Pathlight is a little expensive, it’s still worth considering. With its friendly design and great available features, you will see its value and how you’ll benefit in the long run.
The Philips Hue Go offers a variety of ways of how you want to use it, thanks to its built-in rechargeable battery. You can use it as a centerpiece of a romantic dinner, bring it along with you when you travel, or do whatever you want with it. You can place it in any location and have full control anywhere you are. It’s worth noting, however, that it is not waterproof so you have to be careful when using it both indoors and outdoors. Although it’s true that it’s battery life optimized, you can also run it on AC power.
When it comes to controlling the lights, the Philips Hue Go offers three different ways. You can control it instantly via Bluetooth, Voice Control, or using the button that’s on the smart light bulb. It limits only the features from these three to a few, but if you want to unlock more, you can connect it to a Hue Hub. The Hue Hub allows a wider range of reach, and it will also give you control even when you’re away from home.
If you’re looking for a smart light bulb that drives down energy consumption, consider this product an option. It allows energy efficiency as it reduces consumption by up to 80% without affecting the light’s quality. The Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Light Bulb KL110, in turn, saves you money, which will benefit you in the long run. This smart light bulb also is Wi-Fi enabled so you don’t need a hub to control it and enjoy the features.
This smart light has a brightness output of 800 lumens that you can dim, ranging from 1 to 100 percent. What the KL110 lacks is the ability to tune color temperature, and there is also no timer feature. Despite that, this still offers a lot of features which can give you convenience.
It doesn’t take an enormous amount of money to have a decent and well-performing smart light bulb. The Eufy Lumos LED Smart Bulb offers multiple features that you can control anytime, anywhere. It is also easy to install because it will only take a couple of minutes, especially when you pair it with Alexa.
It emits an output brightness of almost 900 lumens, which is brighter than most of its competitors. It also allows you to turn it on or off, dim, and group multiple bulbs together for more convenient control. You can also create custom settings and save it as a favorite to use for later with a single tap of your finger. There is also an “away mode” lighting that allows you to turn the lights on and off at random when you’re not at home.
Although it is compatible with Amazon Alexa, it doesn’t work with the Google Assistant, Siri, or IFTTT. While this is true, you can still enjoy the features it supports since there are other options to control this smart bulb. With its affordable price and other features, this is still worth considering.
The Cree Connected Light Bulb is a Zigbee-enabled device that adapted its design from the 4Flow LED. For you to have access to the smart features, it requires a smart hub that can translate its Zigbee signal into Wi-Fi. Although it launched with only Wink support, it later included additional control gateways. This made it compatible with SmartThings, Staples Connect, and the Philips Hue Bridge.
Whichever platform you use, you will still have access and control with the smart light bulb. It includes creating a timed schedule as well as syncing it with other smart devices like motion sensors. You can view your schedule automation, if you like, in a calendar view using the app. Grouping lights together is also possible, so it’s very convenient since you can control them all at once.
You should note, however, that it doesn’t work well with any Dimmer Switch as the light bulb comes with a dimming mechanism, too. It will most-likely clash, which would cause the bulb to flicker and buzz. What works well with the Cree Connected Light Bulb is the Amazon Alexa that allows you to have voice control.
The Sengled Smart LED Multicolor Candle Bulb is perfect for those who want a light bulb that’s packed with features and is easy to use. The installation of this candle bulb won’t make you sweat, as it would only take a few minutes. You should note, however, that this requires a hub connected to a Wi-Fi network to get started. You can control it using a smartphone through the Sengled Home app available for iOS and Android devices. This will let you remotely control the bulb anytime, anywhere, provided that you’re connected to the internet.
Its Wake Up and Sleep Modes allow it to light up and dim slowly over the period you set. In terms of voice control, this multicolor candle bulb works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings, and IFTTT. It has an estimated lifespan of 25,000 hours so you can enjoy these smart features for years.
Reasons to Buy Smart Light Bulbs
The thought of buying a smart light bulb for home use may concern some people because of its price. They rarely realize how much it could help them in the long run. While it is true that these are more expensive than the non-smart light bulbs, getting them does more and better things. If you’re still unsure whether or not to get one, here are the reasons you should.
Convenience
Having a smart light bulb will certainly give you the convenience you deserve. Not only can you control it remotely, but you can also enjoy the rest of the smart features it offers. If you leave home and forget to switch the lights off, you can switch them off anywhere you are. It only takes a few taps, or even the sound of your voice is enough to control it.
Some bulbs allow you to set schedules and create routines so you wouldn’t have to do the same things every day. Some models have a Vacation or Away Mode, which helps to add security to your home when you’re away. You can also pair it with other compatible devices to unlock more functions. These features are enough reasons to excite some customers but if these still don’t convince you, read further.
Cost-Efficiency
Considering that smart lighting uses LED bulbs, it would definitely save money as these bulbs have a longer lifespan. The amount of money that you will save varies depending on various factors. One example is the mentioned energy use efficiency, which lessens the cost of your electricity bill. Some smart light bulbs also use solar power to recharge so you can save money since they don’t rely so much on electricity.
All the products mentioned above have a long estimated lifespan, so you don’t have to replace and buy one once in a while. Some brands offer starter kits that include everything you need to set up smart lighting. Buying a bundle would save you some money.
Efficient Energy Use
Since all smart light bulbs are LED, they are more efficient than incandescent bulbs. The brightness of, say, a 100-watt incandescent bulb is only the same as what a 16-watt LED bulb can produce. That said, you can enjoy the smart features while having low energy consumption. Using this helps not only you but also the environment. Some smart bulbs also have a convection cooling trick, which circulates air through the bulb’s body. With this, the device will emit less heat and transmit less energy, making it more efficient.
For these reasons, it’s safe to say that having a smart lighting system at home is worth the investment.
Things to Consider When Buying a Smart Light Bulb
Now that you know the reasons why you should get a smart light bulb, it’s time to know what features to look for. Here are some things to consider when you’re planning to get one.
Estimated Lifespan
People often ask how long the bulb’s lifespan is, so they know if the convenience of not replacing the bulb is going to last. Each smart light bulb has an estimated lifespan that usually ranges from 20,000 to 25,000 hours. Some models can last for over 20 years based on the average use of three hours a day. This matters especially when you don’t want to replace your light bulbs too often.
Power Consumption and Brightness
Another thing to consider is the power consumption and brightness of the bulb. Aside from the wattage, you may also stumble upon the term “lumens,” which refers to the brightness output of the bulb. Since smart light bulbs use LEDs, they consume less power but emit more brightness than incandescent bulbs. It is also worth noting that you can dim these smart light bulbs depending on your preference.
Light Color
Smart light systems often offer bulbs that emit different colors or the ones that only have different shades of white. Multicolor bulbs can produce up to 16 million different colors to match your mood. On the other hand, the white light bulbs can only produce a color temperature that you can usually tune from warm to cool white. Normally, the multicolor bulbs are more expensive than the white-only smart bulbs. Depending on your needs and budget, you can get either of the two choices.
There are also amber bulbs that give off a vintage vibe if you want a certain room to have that mood.
Connectivity
For smart lights to send and receive signals, they use wireless transmissions. They use varying methods depending on the model of the bulb. Some have a built-in Wi-Fi radio that connects with the router to control remotely. There are also those that use Bluetooth radio that gives you control within the Bluetooth range. You may control it if you’re away from home using a hub or bridge, which relays their signals to your router.
Hub Requirement
While some only need the mobile app and the built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth radio to work, some models require a hub. These hubs do not exist to add to your burden but to give you more features to enjoy. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled smart bulbs have limited features and control, which you can expand with a hub. The hub or bridge doesn’t come for free, though, so you have to buy it separately.
While having a hub gives you more benefits, it is a good thing that some models do not require a hub to work. You may have limited control, but it still counts since you can still use the smart features. It is also good for starters, as this will save you from spending more money on a pricey hub.
Integration
One of the most common ways to pair your smart light bulbs is with the voice assistants you have at home. Depending on the bulb’s compatibility, you can pair it with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple’s Siri, and more. This allows you to control your bulbs without moving a finger, only with the sound of your voice. You can also pair some smart light bulbs with other smart home devices such as security cameras and doorbells. You should note that these voice assistants and other devices don’t come with your light bulb purchase.
Base Type
The base type is just as important as the bulb itself since you can’t install the bulb without the base. Some bases quite look similar to others, so you might get confused. The most common base type is the E26, which you might already have at home. Most of the smart light bulbs on our list have an E26 base, while some models have an E12 candelabra base. That said, it is important to know what type of base you have at home to fit the bulb you’re going to buy.
Price
It is undeniable that one of the things that consumers consider is the cost of the bulb to know if it fits their budget. If you’re eyeing to buy a certain smart light bulb, you must know if it’s worth its price. You might also want to look for something that offers the same features but with a lower tag price. You should note, however, that it must never be at the expense of the quality of the bulb. Reading reviews should be a habit before purchasing so you will not end up wasting money.
Which Is the Best Smart Light Bulb?
There are indeed a lot of options to choose from, especially when you want something that would make your life easier. All smart light bulbs are designed for a specific function, but convenience is most likely the top priority. Some models may be made strictly for fun, but you can still control them remotely for convenience. People call it a “smart” light bulb for a reason — so you can expect better use and experience.
As to which smart light bulb is the best, the answer lies in your purpose and reason for getting one. If you only want to have a bulb that you can control remotely, you can get the ones that don’t break the bank. If you have an existing hub or smart device that you can pair your smart bulbs with, get the ones with great compatibility options. It is important to know what you need it for so you should take your time examining all the options you have and pick the one that best fits your lifestyle and needs.
