Best Smart Light Switches of 2020

Best Dimmer
Wemo Wi-Fi Smart Dimmer
List Price*
$59.99
Pro Bullet No hub required
Con Bullet Neutral wire required
Best Basic Switch
Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch
List Price*
$22.49
Pro Bullet Budget-friendly price
Con Bullet No dimming feature
Best Starter Kit
Lutron Caséta Dimmer Starter Kit
Price*
$99.95
Pro Bullet No neutral wire required
Con Bullet Hub required
Best for Quick Installation
Switchmate
Price*
$19.99
Pro Bullet Easy installation
Con Bullet Limited compatibility
Best for Philips Hue Smartbulbs
Philips Hue Smart Dimmer Switch
Price* 
$24.94
Pro Bullet Place anywhere
Con Bullet Hub Required
*Amazon.com price as of 12/18/2019 at 10:24 a.m. MST. Full disclaimer
Looking for the latest? We’ve checked this page to make sure everything is up to date. We looked at Wemo, TP Link Kasa, and Lutron Caséta and still think these are the best smart light switches out there.

Overview
You’re settled in with your popcorn, your cozy blanket, and your dog with his head on your lap, ready to watch your go-to feel-good movie—and you realize your lights are still on.

You could disturb your happy dog, risk spilling your popcorn, and get tangled in your blanket trying to get off the couch—or you could use your smart light switch to dim the lights without moving.

And smart light switches aren’t just for your inner couch potato. They can also help you limit energy use and discourage burglaries if you’re out of town.

There are quite a few to choose from, so we’re here to help you find the right one for your home and wallet.

Our favorite smart light switches


Compare our top picks for smart switches
*Amazon.com price as of 12/18/2019 at 10:24 a.m. MST. Full disclaimer

Wemo Wi-Fi Smart Dimmer | Best dimmer

Best dimmer
Wemo Wi-Fi Smart Dimmer
    Compatibility
    Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Nest, IFTTT
    Power
    120-volt AC
    Maximum wattage
    Incandescent—400W; CFL/LED—150 W
    *Amazon.com price as of 12/18/2019 at 10:24 a.m. MST. Full disclaimer

    Wemo Smart Dimmer pros and cons

    Pros
    • Pro BulletNo hub required
    • Pro BulletCompatible with most normal light bulbs
    Cons
    • Con BulletNeutral wire required

    Why we like the Wemo Wi-Fi Smart Dimmer

    Wemo’s smart dimmer is our favorite smart light switch because it includes time-saving features without getting too pricey or complex. Plus, unlike some other smart switches, it works over your home’s existing Wi-Fi instead of using an additional Z-Wave or Zigbee hub, which helps keep your costs down.

    This smart switch lets you turn your lights on and off with an app and set lighting schedules. It also offers an Away mode that randomly turns your lights on and off to help convince would-be bandits that someone is home.

    And because the Wemo switch works as a dimmer, you can adjust your lights to use less energy, set a mood, or reduce eye strain when you’ve got a headache.

    Plus, since this smart dimmer is compatible with Alexa, Google, and Apple devices, you can pair it with a smart speaker to add voice control to your lighting setup.


    TP Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch | Best basic switch

    Best basic switch
    TP Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch
      Compatibility
      Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Nest, IFTTT
      Power
      120-volt AC
      Maximum wattage
      Incandescent—300 W; LED—150 W
      *Amazon.com price as of 12/18/2019 at 10:24 a.m. MST. Full disclaimer

      TP Link Kasa pros and cons

      Pros
      • Pro BulletBudget-friendly price
      • Pro BulletStylish design
      • Pro BulletNo hub required
      Cons
      • Con BulletNeutral wire required
      • Con BulletNo dimming feature

      Why we like the Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch

      We love the Kasa smart switch because it’s affordable—great if you want to outfit your whole home with smart switches rather than just one room. It can’t dim your lights, but it does let you control lights with an app and program schedules. Handy features if you’re looking for ways to reduce your energy use.

      It also works with Alexa devices and the Google Home, which means you can control lights with your voice if you connect the switch to a smart speaker. 


      Lutron Caséta Smart Lighting Dimmer Switch Starter Kit | Best starter kit

      Best starter kit
      Lutron Caséta Smart Lighting Dimmer Switch Starter Kit
        Compatibilty
        Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Nest, IFTTT, and more
        Power
        120-volt AC
        Maximum wattage
        Incandescent—600 W; LED/CFL—150 W
        *Amazon.com price as of 12/18/2019 at 10:24 a.m. MST. Full disclaimer

        Lutron Caséta pros and cons

        Pros
        • Pro BulletNo neutral wire needed
        • Pro BulletLight switch and dimmer functions
        • Pro BulletSimpler installation
        Cons
        • Con BulletHub required

        Why we like the Lutron Caséta starter kit

        Lutron Caséta’s smart lighting dimmer kit is an excellent product, but we ranked it a bit lower because it requires a hub and because the dimmer switch alone usually costs about the same amount as switches that don’t need hubs.

        But if you don’t mind paying a bit more for a hub, Lutron’s kit is extremely capable—you get app control, dimming abilities, and scheduling. You can also sync it with other smart home devices to program scenarios. For example, once you have the Caséta Smart Bridge, you can sync your lights with Serena window shades.

        Plus, the kit comes with a remote. After you install the switch in your wall, you can stash one by your couch or nightstand so you can turn your lights off and on even if you’re burritoed in a blanket.


        Easy-install smart switches to consider

        Replacing your current light switches with any of the switches listed above will require a bit of electrical work.

        If you’re not up for digging out your tool set, finding your electrical breaker, and rewiring things, we sympathize. But don’t worry—you can still live your dream of controlling lights without getting off your couch. The smart switches below can be installed without any tools or electrical work.

        Best for quick installation | Switchmate

        Best for quick installation
        Switchmate
        Price*
        $19.99
          Compatibility
          Google Assistant
          Power
          AA battery (1)
          *Amazon.com price as of 12/18/2019 at 10:24 a.m. MST. Full disclaimer

          Switchmate pros and cons

          Pros
          • Pro BulletEasy installation
          • Pro BulletLow price
          Cons
          • Con BulletLimited compatibility
          • Con BulletClunky looking

          Why we like the Switchmate

          The Switchmate isn’t the prettiest smart switch out there, but it’s the simplest to install. You just snap it in place over your existing toggle-style light switch (there's also a version for rocker-style switches). It shouldn’t take you more than a few seconds. You won’t need any extra equipment like a hub.

          It’s a bit clunkier looking than the rest of the smart switches listed here, but it includes motion detection, voice control, and a mobile app, so if you want the perks of a smart switch without the hassle of wiring, the Switchmate is a great solution.


          Best for Philips Hue smartbulbs | Philips Hue Smart Dimmer Switch

          Best for Philips Hue smartbulbs
          Philips Hue Smart Dimmer Switch
          Price*
          $24.94
            Compatibility
            Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, SmartThings, IFTTT, and more
            Power
            CR2450 battery (1)
            *Amazon.com price as of 12/18/2019 at 10:24 a.m. MST. Full disclaimer

            Philips Hue Smart Dimmer Switch pros and cons

            Pros
            • Pro BulletEasy installation
            • Pro BulletPlace anywhere
            Cons
            • Con BulletHub required

            Why we like the Philips Hue Smart Dimmer Switch

            This switch won’t do you any good unless you already own Philips Hue smart lights, which is why we didn’t recommend it higher in the article. (Especially since a Philips setup requires a hub that costs about $60.)

            That said, it’s a fantastic switch if you’ve already got the Philips hub and smart bulbs. It costs quite a bit less than most smart switches and installation is so easy it’s basically inconsequential—the base sticks onto the wall with built-in adhesive—no wires or screws needed.

            Since the Hue dimmer doesn’t have to replace an existing light switch, you can place it wherever is most convenient, whether that’s next to your bed or on the wall by your front door. The actual switch snaps into the base magnetically, which means you can remove the switch from the wall whenever you want and use it as a remote.


            Other products we considered

            Ecobee Switch+

            Ecobee Switch+
            Price*
            $79.99
              *Amazon.com price as of 12/18/2019 at 10:24 a.m. MST. Full disclaimer

              The Ecobee Switch+ is unique because it has built-in Amazon Alexa voice controls. This means you can talk to the switch to control lights, music, you thermostat, or just ask Alexa about the weather.

              Unfortunately, the Switch+ seems to be plagued by performance issues according to customer reviews. This is enough to keep it out of our top rankings, but damned if it isn't a fascinating product anyway.


              Our recommendation

              Smart light switches are a great, affordable solution if you’re looking for ways to save energy and make your life a little simpler. Any of the switches on this list will do the job, but we think the Wemo Wi-Fi Smart Dimmer is the best solution for most people.

              For more smart shopping advice, check out our recommendations below to help automate your home.


              *Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable, at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
              *Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.