The Best Smart Light Switch UK. Why You Need One. Top 5 picks.
Posted on August 21, 2022 • 11 minutes • 2201 words
Looking for a way to make your home a smart home? Check out our top 5 best smart light switches!
A smart light switch can do so many things for you- like turning on your lights when you get home from work, or setting a schedule so your lights turn off and on automatically. And the best part is, they’re really easy to install!
All modern homes need smart lighting! Once you have a smart light switch installed in your home, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Not only will it make your life easier, but it can also save you money on your electric bill. So what are you waiting for?
Keep reading to learn more about our top 5 picks!
How We Choose
You want to buy a smart light switch, but you don’t know which one to choose.
With all of the different options available, it can be hard to decide which smart light switch is right for you.
We have read thousands of reviews at Amazon to find the best smart light switch that money can buy. Our list includes top picks from brands like Philips Hue, Lightwave, and Sonoff.
SONOFF WiFi Touch Wall Light Switches
Best WiFi Smart Switch
What We Love About It
Looking for a stylish, custom look for your smart home? Check out the SONOFF WiFi Touch Wall Light Switche! With various options for 1, 2 and 3 gang in both black and white, these switches are sure to fit your needs. Plus, they come with an optional 433mhz handheld remote for even more convenience.
The SONOFF switches use WiFi and are easy to fit, making installation a breeze. The toughened glass panel and smart design with LED touch button give your home a modern look and feel. And with compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Echo, and Google Home, you can use voice control to set your lights – no more fumbling for the switch in the dark!
You can control your lights via your phone and share access with your family. Need to schedule lights to turn on and off? No problem! The app makes it easy to do just that. So why wait? Give your home the update it deserves with SONOFF WiFi Touch Wall Light Switches!
All The Details
The Sonoff light switch is a great way to add some convenience and automation to your home lighting. The switch itself is easy to install, and it doesn’t require an extra hub- it simply uses your existing home WiFi network. Once installed, the Sonoff light switch can be controlled using your phone, which gives you the ability to turn the lights on or off remotely, as well as set timers and create schedules. The switch also has an electric shock proof glass panel and a fire-retardant housing, making it safe to use in your home. Neutral wire required. 2.4GHZ WiFi required . And if you have any problems with the light switch, Sonoff offers a full 1 year warranty.
BSEED WiFi Smart Light Switch
Best Alternative WiFi Smart Switch
What We Love About It
Introducing BSEED, another of the smartest WiFi light switches on the market. With options available for 1,2,3 and 4 gang switches, as well as a dimmer switch and curtain, roller shutter and water heater switches, there is a switch for your needs. The smart design, tempered glass touch screen with LED, makes it easy to use, and you can schedule it to automatically power electronics on and off based on specific times you set. Plus, you can control your lights from anywhere using the free App. It’s also compatible with Amazon Alexa, Echo and Google Home so you can use voice to set your lights and control your appliances. So why wait? Make your smart home smarter today with BSEED.
All The Details
One of the best things about this smart light switch is that you don’t need any extra hubs for it to work- it piggybacks off of your existing WiFi! The timer function is also really great. Whether you want to set it for a single event, have it repeat daily or weekly, countdown to a special event, or have it loop perpetually, the timer can be customized to fit your needs. One note- make sure that your router uses 2.4GHz WiFi, as 5.0 GHz is not supported by this device. Neutral wire required. But other than that, this switch is easy to install and use, and adds a nice level of convenience and automation to your home lighting
Lightwave Smart Light Switch
Best Fully Featured
What We Love About It
The Lightwave smart switch is the perfect addition to any home. It offers a fully featured higher-end experience. With its sleek design and easy installation, it’s a must-have for any smart home system. The LED backlit display and physical switches make it easy to control your lights, and the multiple options available make it easy to find the perfect solution for your home. The Lightwave smart switch is the perfect way to add style and functionality to your home and makes it easy to control multiple lights and appliances.
All The Details
Lightwave allows you to control all of your home’s lighting using your smartphone. You can create timers, scenes, triggers, and other automations, and it works with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Echo, Google Home, and IFTTT for voice command. The installation is simple: just replace your existing switches using the same wiring. Depending on the configuration you can choose to use the neutral wire. The Smart Dimmer fits standard 35mm back-boxes; an optional 10mm spacer is included. You will require a Ligthwave Hub with this system so check out the starter kits if you don’t already have one. It is also compatible with dimmable LED bulbs. A WiFi router with broadband internet connection is required, and the kit includes built-in energy monitoring. With Lightwave, you can easily create a lighting system that meets all of your needs.
Philips Hue
Best For Simplicity
What We Love About It
Looking for an easy and convenient way to control your lights? Look no further than Philips Hue. With their smart wireless dimmer, you can easily mount it on your wall and use it as a remote control for all your Philips Hue lights. No wiring or complicated installation is needed – simply swap out your regular bulbs with Philips Hue bulbs and you’re good to go! You can even program the dimmer with a variety of options to suit your needs. If you just want a simple on/off switch, they also offer a smaller push-button option. So why wait? Give Philips Hue a try today!
All The Details
The Philips Hue Dimmer Switch is a great way to brighten or dim your lights without having to use your voice or phone. With the Hue Bridge, you can pair your dimmer switch with your Philips Hue lights and enjoy installation-free smart lighting control. The Hue Dimmer switch is magnetic and can be removed from the base plate, allowing you to use the dimmer switch as a handy remote control. You can also toggle through four different lighting scenes by pressing the “Hue” button. If you want to personalise which scene is assigned to each click, you can do so via the ‘Philips Hue’ app. Whether you use it as a remote or light scene switch, the Philips Hue Dimmer Switch is a great way to brighten up your home.
Candeo Smart Switch LED Dimmer
Best For Traditional Style
What We Love About It
The Candeo switch is great if you want it to blend in with standard wall switches. Dimmer switches are a great way to save energy and money. The Candeo Smart Switch Dimmer is a great option for those who want a traditional look for their smart dimmer switch. This switch is also compatible with Philips Hue, Smartthings, and all Zigbee hubs, making it a great choice for those who want to control their lights with voice command. As it uses the Zigbee technology, its easy to incorporate with all your other smart gadgets. The Candeo Smart Switch Dimmer is an easy way to save money and energy, and it’s a great addition to any home.
All The Details
The Candeo Dimmer is a great way to upgrade your home lighting system and is compatible with popular Zigbee hubs. With this dimmer, you’ll be able to use all the same features as a traditional dimmer plus some added benefits like being able to use smart apps, Zigbee remotes and buttons, and voice assistants. The Candeo Dimmer is also easy to retrofit into your existing switches, making it a great option for those looking to upgrade their home lighting without having to do a lot of extra work. Plus, the Candeo Dimmer doesn’t require a neutral wire, making it even easier to install. And with its push-button On/Off feature and ability to turn on at the previous brightness when turned off, the Candeo Dimmer is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, easy-to-use Zigbee dimmer.
Smart Light Switch UK FAQs
How to wire smart light switches UK?
There are a few things you need to consider when wiring a light switch in the UK. First, you need to make sure that the switch is compatible with the type of light bulbs you’re using. Second, you need to identify the Live and Neutral wires coming into the switch. Finally, you’ll need to wire the switch according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you’re not sure whether your light switch is compatible with LED bulbs, it’s always best to check with the manufacturer before proceeding. When it comes to electrical projects, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Once you’ve determined that your light switch is compatible with your light bulbs, makes sure to switch off the lighting circuit at your breaker box before you start any work. Always consult a qualified electrician for expert advice if in any doubt.
Do you need a neutral wire for a smart light switch?
Most light switches do require a neutral wire as they need to draw a small amount power all the time, even when switched off. However there are a few products that don’t need a neutral wire, so its always best to check the product description.
Why do all WiFi smart switches only support 2.4GHz and not the newer 5.0Ghz WiFi ?
There are a number of reasons why smart switches only support 2.4GHz and not 5.0Ghz. First, 2.4GHz is the more common WiFi frequency, so devices are more likely to be compatible with it. Second, 5.0Ghz has shorter range than 2.4GHz, so it may not be able to reach devices that are far away from the router. Finally, 5.0Ghz can be more susceptible to interference from other devices, such as microwaves and Bluetooth devices, which can disrupt the signal. For these reasons, it’s generally better to use 2.4GHz for smart switches (and other devices).
Do smart switches use power when the light is off?
Yes, switches do use power even when the light is off. The amount of power used is very small,
In general, it’s not worth worrying about the few pennies a day that a smart switch uses when the light is off.
Which is better: a smart light or a smart light switch?
Both smart lights and smart switches have their pros and cons, so it really depends on your needs and preferences. Smart lights are more convenient because you don’t have to physically walk to the switch to turn them on or off. However, they can be more expensive than regular bulbs and sometimes require a hub to work (depending on the brand). Smart light switches, on the other hand, are less expensive but require that you physically wire in the switch, which can be daunting for some. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which is best for your situation.
Do you need special wiring for a smart light switch?
No, you do not need special wiring for a smart switch. Most smart light switches use standard wiring, so they can be installed by most electricians. However, it is important to check the specifications of the switch to be sure. Some light switches may require a specific type of wiring or configuration in order to function properly.
Will the switch still work if the internet or WiFi goes down?
The switch will still work if the internet or WiFi goes down, but you may not be able to control it from your phone or computer. The switch will continue to function as a basic on/off light switch, but you won’t be able to change the colours or dim the light with your phone.
Best Smart Light Switch For You
If you’re looking for a way to make your home smarter, then a smart light switch is the perfect place to start. They’re easy to install and can save you money on your electric bill. Plus, they make life a whole lot easier. Read above to learn about our top 5 picks!