Smart light bulbs offer more benefits than just lighting your space. These bulbs can set the mood or transform your room with their aesthetics. The best ones have top-tier quality and are intuitive and user-friendly.
Smart light bulbs use LEDs, which save both energy and your money in the long term, even though the initial cost of buying them is high. This is why most households prefer them over halogen and incandescent light bulbs.
Smart light bulbs can also help create your fancied smart home lifestyle. They can be connected to smart home devices like TVs and security systems. Some of these lights have an in-built motion sensor, which makes them turn on whenever they detect motion. Smart lights come in a variety of styles, sizes, and shapes, so it’s easy to pick a type that fits your lifestyle and home.
Here are some of the best smart light bulbs you can buy today.
- Best Overall: Philips Hue White and Color Ambience
- Best Budget-Friendly: Wyze Bulb
- Best User-Friendly: Sengled Smart Wi-Fi LED
- Best for Outdoor Illumination: Sengled Smart LED with Motion Sensors
- Best for Home Security: Ring Solar Pathlight
- Best for Small Spaces: LIFX Mini
- Best Smart Light Filament Bulb: TP-LINK Kasa Filament Wi-Fi Light Bulb
- Best for Decor: Philips Hue White and Color Ambience Lightstrip
- Best for Lighting Effects: Govee LED Light Strips
- Best Energy Saver: Nanoleaf Shapes
- Philips Hue A19 LED Smart Bulb Starter Kit
- 4 A19 bulbs
- 1 hue hub
- Multi-color
- 5 piece set
- Wyze Bulb Color
- 1100 lumen Wi-Fi RGB
- Tunable white A19 smart bulb
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Two-pack
- Sengled Alexa Light Bulb 1 Pack
- Wi-Fi light bulb
- No hub required
- Smart bulbs that work with Alexa
- Google Home
- Dimmable smart LED bulb
- A19 soft white (2700K)
- 800LM 60W equivalent
- 1 pack
- Sengled Motion Sensor Flood Light Bulbs 2 Pack
- Dusk to dawn LED security
- E26 Base PAR38 motion activated 5,000K daylight
- 1,500 lumens
- Waterproof for indoor/outdoor
- 2 pack 4th gen
- LIFX Mini White Wi-Fi Smart LED Light Bulb
- Dimmable
- Warm white
- No hub required
- Works with Alexa, Amazon Assistant, and Apple HomeKit
- 9 watts
- Kasa Smart Wi-Fi LED Bulb, Filament A19 E26 Smart Light Bulb
- Soft white 2,700K
- Dimmable
- No hub required
- Compatible with Alexa & Google Assistant
- Antique vintage style
- 7 watts
- Philips Hue 800276 White and Color Ambiance LightStrip
- Dimmable LED smart light
- Requires Hue Hub
- Works with Alexa, HomeKit, and Google Assistant
- 80 inches long
- Govee White LED Strip Lights
- Upgraded 16.4 ft. dimmable LED light strip
- 6500K
- Bright daylight white
- Strong adhesive
- 300 LEDs
- Flexible tape lights for vanity mirror, kitchen cabinet, bedroom
- Nanoleaf Shapes | Flexible Linkers 3-Pieces
- White
- 3 flexible connectors
- Folds up to 180 degrees
- Twists up to 30 degrees
- Replace rigid connectors included in Starter Kit or Extension Kit
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We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Best Overall: Philips Hue White and Color Ambience
- 4 A19 bulbs
- 1 hue hub
- Multi-color
- 5 piece set
This smart light bulb comprises a hub and two to four dimmable colored bulbs.
What makes the Philips Hue White and Color Ambience stand out from the rest of its competition is its app which has several features, including scenes, geofencing, routines, vacation mode, and sunrise/sunset automation. This bulb works with other smart home systems like Google Home, SmartThings, Alexa, Nest, and IFTTT.
Additionally, you can use the Hue Sync App to sync this bulb with your PC or Mac computer effortlessly. If you have a Philips Hue Sync Box, you can also connect it to your television. This A19 bulb has a power consumption of 10 watts, a brightness of 800 lumens, and can last 25,000 hours.
Best Budget-Friendly: Wyze Bulb
- 1100 lumen Wi-Fi RGB
- Tunable white A19 smart bulb
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Two-pack
Smart light bulbs are costly, especially when compared to ordinary LED bulbs. The Wyze bulb is the perfect option for those on a budget.
Despite being affordable, you can control this bulb and connect it to other smart devices in your home. You can change its color temperature (2700k – 6500k) and brightness via Wyze’s app and also through Alexa, IFTTT, and Google Assistant.
Using the Wyze App, it is possible to create schedules for when to turn the lights on and off at specific times. You can also set the vacation mode to ensure your lights are on and off at sunset and sunrise while you enjoy your holiday. This bulb also allows you to set triggers using Wyze’s motion sensors and home security cameras. The Wyze Bulb has a power consumption of 9.5 watts, a brightness of 800 lumens, and a lifetime of 25,000 hours.
Best User-Friendly: Sengled Smart Wi-Fi LED
- Wi-Fi light bulb
- No hub required
- Smart bulbs that work with Alexa
- Google Home
- Dimmable smart LED bulb
- A19 soft white (2700K)
- 800LM 60W equivalent
- 1 pack
If you are searching for an affordable and easy-to-install bulb, consider buying the Sengled Smart Wi-Fi LED.
The starting price for this bulb is only $12. It is a suitable option for people who are less tech-minded. Unlike other complex options like the Philips Hue Bulbs, Sengled smart Wi-Fi bulbs don’t need a bridge to light in your home, so it is easy for users to connect it to their home network.
You can pick the soft white bulb selling at $12, the daylight bulb at $15, and the multicolored bulb at $25. If you plan to purchase several Sengled devices, buy a Sengled hub or any of the best smart home hubs available. Sengled Application works effectively with Google Assistant and Alexa to provide less sophisticated smart-bulb features like scenes, routines, timers, and schedules. This bulb has a power consumption of 9 watts, a brightness of 800 lumens, and a lifetime of 25,000 hours.
Best for Outdoor Illumination: Sengled Smart LED with Motion Sensors
- Dusk to dawn LED security
- E26 Base PAR38 motion activated 5,000K daylight
- 1,500 lumens
- Waterproof for indoor/outdoor
- 2 pack 4th gen
If you need an excellent floodlight for your walkways, consider purchasing the Sengled Smart LED with Motion Sensors.
Despite having an in-built motion sensor that can detect motion within 30 feet, it also releases 1,000 lumens of brightness. As long as you’re using this bulb, you won’t stumble in the dark trying to find your way to the door.
This smart light bulb also works with IFTTT, SmartThings, Alexa, and Google Assistant. It has push notifications for triggering other smart home actions when using routines, and it immediately detects motion. However, you will need a Sengled Smart hub or any other compatible hub option to control Sengled Smart LED with Motion Sensors. This bulb has a power consumption of 11.5 watts and a lifetime of 25,000 hours.
Best for Home Security: Ring Solar Pathlight
Ring Solar Pathlight Fixtures also provides amazing smart light bulbs for illuminating pathways and driveways during dark hours.
These bulbs easily integrate with other devices such as the Ring Alarm System and Ring Video Door Bell 3 Plus. They also work with IFTTT, Alexa, and Google Assistant.
The Ring App has various settings for configuring the Ring Solar Pathlight. It allows users to turn on/off motion detectors and lights. They can also adjust the bulb’s brightness and prevent it from turning on whenever it is bright outside. The sensitivity of the motion detectors can also be adjusted to the user’s liking. This smart light bulb is battery-operated and has a brightness of 80 lumens.
Best for Small Spaces: LIFX Mini
- Dimmable
- Warm white
- No hub required
- Works with Alexa, Amazon Assistant, and Apple HomeKit
- 9 watts
This smart light bulb is the best option for lighting smaller spaces. Besides being compact compared to its competition, LIFX Mini has an app with numerous amazing effects and features like strobe and candle flicker.
It stands out due to its ability to sync with the user’s music or the surrounding sounds. Its app also works with HomeKit, Google Assistant, and Alexa.
You don’t need a hub because LIFX’s bulbs connect to the Wi-Fi directly. Although the LIFX Mini is quite expensive, it has various options. You can go for the $18 Mini White, $28 Day & Dusk with a feature for controlling color temperature, or the $37 Mini Color that allows users to pick any of its 16 million colors. This A19 bulb has a power consumption of 9-11 watts, a brightness of 650-800 lumens, and a lifetime of 200,000 hours.
Best Smart Light Filament Bulb: TP-LINK Kasa Filament Wi-Fi Light Bulb
- Soft white 2,700K
- Dimmable
- No hub required
- Compatible with Alexa & Google Assistant
- Antique vintage style
- 7 watts
(Please note that as of July 18th, 2023, the Kasa Smart Wi-Fi LED Bulb, Filament A19 E26 Smart Light Bulb, Soft White 2700K, Dimmable, No Hub Required, Compatible with Alexa & Google Assistant, Antique Vintage Style (KL50),7 watts is currently unavailable on Amazon. Please check back later.)
Filament bulbs, famously known as the Edison-style lights, always give glow and warmth, and they’re great for setting the mood. They also have a superior appearance compared to traditional LED smart bulbs and can seamlessly pair with other exposed lighting fixtures.
The Kasa Filament Wi-Fi Light Bulb doesn’t require a hub because it can connect to your Wi-Fi directly. The Kasa app also gives users more control of the bulb in numerous ways.
The TP-LINK Kasa Filament Wi-Fi Light Bulb is only $15 more expensive than the non-smart bulbs. That price is more reasonable compared to most smart bulbs in the market. It also works with Google Assistant and Alexa. This bulb has a power consumption of 7 watts, a brightness of 600 lumens, and a lifetime of 25,000 hours.
Best for Decor: Philips Hue White and Color Ambience Lightstrip
- Dimmable LED smart light
- Requires Hue Hub
- Works with Alexa, HomeKit, and Google Assistant
- 80 inches long
Smart light bulbs cannot be confined to the shapes of traditional bulbs because they use LEDs. The Philips Hue White and Color Ambience Lightstrip is an example of a smart light bulb with an unconventional shape.
It is an 80-inch strip that displays millions of colors and is perfect for adding fun accents to TVs, cabinets, and other furniture pieces.
Users can also trim the Philips Hue White and Color Ambience Lightstrip to fit their needs. They can also add a 40-inch stretch if needed. This light strip has an adhesive backing for sticking it on a wall or any other surface. It also works with Samsung SmartThings, Alexa, Nest, HomeKit, and Google Assistant. However, you will need a Hue bridge for these lights to function. Philip Hue Lightstrip has a wattage of 20 watts, a brightness of 1600 lumens, and a lifetime of 20,000 hours.
Best for Lighting Effects: Govee LED Light Strips
- Upgraded 16.4 ft. dimmable LED light strip
- 6500K
- Bright daylight white
- Strong adhesive
- 300 LEDs
- Flexible tape lights for vanity mirror, kitchen cabinet, bedroom
If you need RGB in your space, consider installing the Govee LED Light Strips.
The Govee Light Strips are affordable, and their effects will create a massive difference in your room. Compared to other light strips available on Amazon, Govee LED Light Strips are the favorite option.
These light strips function with Google Assistant and Alexa’s hands-free voice control feature. Unfortunately, they are not compatible with the HomeKit. Govee LED Light Strips also comprise an in-built mic for syncing the LED lights with your music. Its app also has numerous scene and scheduling features. Like other light strips in the market, Govee LED Light Strips also have an adhesive backing and support clips. Its power consumption is 18 watts.
Best Energy Saver: Nanoleaf Shapes
- White
- 3 flexible connectors
- Folds up to 180 degrees
- Twists up to 30 degrees
- Replace rigid connectors included in Starter Kit or Extension Kit
Nanoleaf Shapes are the best smart light bulbs on the market.
These $199 bulbs consist of connected modular hexagon light panels that can pair with Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant to spice up the mood in your living area or bedroom.
Unlike other smart light bulbs in this list, the Nanoleaf Shapes have settings for pulsing music modes, color patterns, and brightness. Although they are very costly, they are worth every dollar because they are ornamental and fun. These lights will upgrade your smart home considerably. Nanoleaf Shapes have a power consumption of 1 watt, a brightness of 50 lumens, and a lifetime of 25,000 hours.
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How to Pick the Best Smart Light Bulbs: Step-by-Step
Selecting the best smart light bulbs for your space is challenging because it is difficult to check and compare the many models in retail stores. However, your choice of smart light bulbs should be guided by your needs, tastes, and preferences.
Here are vital things to consider when picking a suitable smart light bulb.
App Features
The app’s features determine what you can get from the smart light bulb. You will discover some options only have the basic off/on feature. Opt for options that provide special effects and other features like vacation mode, brightness adjustment, routines, and sunset/sunrise automation. However, bulbs with more features are expensive but worth it.
Smart-Home Compatibility
For smart lights to become more useful in your smart home, they must be integrated with other devices. For easy usage, they should also work with other systems like Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit. This can enable you to control the lights using your voice. A highly compatible smart light bulb will allow you to use smart devices made by other brands.
Brightness
Always check the lumens in your search for smart light bulbs because it determines their brightness. The output of LED bulb spec and the amount of light it distributes is always stated in lumens. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light.
In this case, you should consider where you intend to place the bulb. For instance, smart light bulbs for lighting your driveway must have higher lumens to guarantee better visibility. Bulbs for in-door lighting should have lower lumens.
Wireless Network/Bluetooth Connection
Most smart light bulbs are controlled by users through the wireless network using smartphone apps. Others only use Bluetooth connection. Therefore, you can pick smart light bulbs that use any of these two connections or both.
However, Bluetooth connection hinders several types of automation and also restricts the user’s distance to the bulb in order to control it. These limitations make Bluetooth smart light bulbs unappealing for most users.
What to Know Before Buying Smart Light Bulbs
The popularity of smart light bulbs is increasing rapidly, and many people prefer them over standard LED light bulbs. Right now, there is a broad range of smart lights in the market because numerous brands are producing them to meet the increasing demand.
Below are things you need to know before buying smart light bulbs.
Product Cost
The price of smart light bulbs cannot be overlooked, especially when you’re searching for a suitable option. The available brands of smart lights have different prices depending on their specs and quality. Besides the buying price, consider the operational cost of these bulbs by checking their power consumption. Remember, operating costs will be high if you purchase a smart light bulb with a higher power consumption.
Light Color
Besides providing much-needed light, smart light bulbs also add to your interior décor. So, when buying these bulbs, consider the aesthetic of your space. This will guide you in choosing the perfect bulb that emits colors that complement your home’s color palette and theme. You can also opt for multi-colored bulbs as they can complement a wide range of aesthetics.
Hub Requirement
Many smart products need hubs to function optimally. However, not all smart light bulbs need a hub to operate. Before purchasing these bulbs, check their hub requirements. If you’ve budgeted for hub installation, choose any available smart light bulbs. In case you don’t have an extra budget for a hub, opt for bulbs that don’t require additional hubs.
Using a Smart Light Bulb: What It’s Like
Many people now use smart light bulbs to decorate and light their homes and offices. Although they are costlier than the typical LED lights, they provide a myriad of benefits that make the extra cost worth it. These bulbs can be controlled via smart home systems and mobile applications through wireless networks or Bluetooth connection.
The apps used for operating smart light bulbs have numerous additional features that benefit the users more. Through these apps, you can routinely set the bulbs to turn on/off at specific times, change color, and set brightness. You can also put it on vacation mode for the lights to turn on/off at the set time in your absence. Using these bulbs is fun and makes life easier!
The image featured at the top of this post is ©RossHelen/Shutterstock.com.
