Smart Dimmer Switches Showdown: Pros and Cons
Updated: Nov. 02, 2022
We put smart dimmer switches to the test in our HomeLAB. Here’s what you need to know about smart dimmer switches.
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HomeLAB Showdown: Smart Dimmer Switches
Old dimmer switches are great for mood lighting but have control limitations. Smart models improve on the old, giving you more control. Several have hit the market, but which one is the best? Here’s what we found and what you need to know about smart dimmer switches.
Check out these other products that will make your home smarter:
Dim The Lights By Voice
Hands-free control for your lights is an awesome convenience. You can connect smart dimmer switches to WiFi and control them with your smart assistant and smartphone. With our Amazon Echo in the homeLAB, all we have to say is, “Hey Alexa, turn on the lights,” and the room lights up. You can also dim the lights to a certain percentage. This is a great feature when you’re away from the switch and the room is too dark, or you want mood lighting.
Program For Night and Day
With smart dimmer switches, you can program your lights for any time of day. If you want your living room lights to dim at night, smart switches can adjust based on the time of sunset. This is also a perfect way to program “away” lighting. Smart dimmer switches don’t replace smart bulbs; dimmers can’t adjust warmth and color, for instance. But you won’t have to replace a dimmer switch as you would a smart lightbulb, and they’re useful for rooms lit by recessed lights, and for light fixtures that require unique lightbulbs.
Check For a Neutral Wire
Some dimmer switches require a neutral wire. Before you buy a smart dimmer switch, check your junction box for an available neutral wire.
Our Thoughts on Smart Dimmer Switches:
Wemo Wi-Fi Smart Dimmer $60
Pros:
- Dimmable touch slider
- No bridge needed
- Easy install
Con:
- Not three-way switch capable
Lutron Caseta Smart Dimmer $65
Pros:
- Convenient app
- Three-way switch capable
- Easy install
Con:
- Requires a smart bridge
Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi $50
Pros:
- Easy toggles
- No bridge needed
- Three-way switch capable
- Great app design and features
Plus, we’ve culled the new crop of high-tech gadgets that promise to change your life and we found some products that are truly innovative and offer real benefits. Here are 15 cool tech gadgets that will turn your home into a smart house.
