How Do Smart Light Bulbs Work? (2024)

  • How Smart Light Bulbs Work
  • Set Up
  • What Are Smart Light Bulbs?
  • Benefits
  • Types
  • Worth the Cost?
  • What to Look For
  • Alternatives

Smart lights, otherwise known as smart bulbs or smart lighting systems, offer an easy and affordable gateway to smart home technology. They are easy to deploy, they are affordable, and they are simple enough to use.

Smart lights also bring a lot of value to the smart home table. They help you conserve energy, they can be used to ward off intruders, and they offer an easy way to automate your home and make life more convenient.

There are so many things you can do with just simple smart lights, and in this guide, we’ll help you set up your first smart home system centered on smart bulbs.

How Do Smart Light Bulbs Work?

How many people does it take to screw in a smart bulb? One. This is not an opening to a joke, we just want to show you how easy it is to use smart lights. On the outside, smart bulbs are just like regular bulbs. You screw them into the light socket, turn on your light switch, and voila! You have a smart lighting system.

The “smart” part, however, comes from their being connected to your smartphone or tablet. This connection can be either through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or some other wireless technology like Zigbee or Z-Wave. Some smart light bulbs can also have a hub that bridges its connection to your Wi-Fi router and other smart home products.

From there, the functionality of smart bulbs branches out. If you can access them with your phone, you’d be able to turn them on and off remotely, change the color of their lights (in the case of color-changing smart bulbs), or schedule their cycles. If they connect with other smart home products, you’d be able to create rules that trigger the lights to turn on based on certain instances, like your door opening or a security sensor being triggered.

The truth is, smart bulbs are a versatile piece of smart home tech, so having one in your smart home opens up a lot of possibilities.

Pro Tip: Smart bulbs are best suited for socket-powered table lamps or power sources that lack manual wall switches. Although you can plug a smart bulb into a ceiling-mounted light fixture with a wall switch, you’d have to keep the switch on for the smart features to work.

How Do I Set Up a Smart Light Bulb?

Setting up a smart light bulb is simple, because it doesn’t require any heavy-duty installation like drilling or rewiring. Instructions for each bulb may differ, but generally speaking, to set up a smart light bulb:

Steps to Set Up a Smart Light Bulb

  1. Plug in the hub. If your smart bulb came with a hub, plug the hub into your router.
  2. Get rid of incandescent bulbs. Remove your old bulb and screw the smart bulb into the desired light fixture.
  3. Visit the app store. Download the mobile application affiliated with the brand of the bulb you purchased.
  4. Connect the bulb to the app. Pair the bulb with the mobile application.
  5. Name your bulbs. Label the bulbs intuitively, like “bedroom night table lamp,” so it’s clear what bulb you’re controlling in the likely event that you pair several.

FYI: Smart light hubs act as a bridge between your smart bulbs and your Wi-Fi router, as connecting dozens of smart bulbs directly to your router isn’t ideal; it could overload your network.

Where Can I Use Smart Light Bulbs?

Technically speaking, you can screw in a smart bulb into any socket where it fits and it will work just fine. However, smart bulbs are best suited for fixtures that are not connected to a wall switch, like table or floor lamps. That’s because in order to work, a smart bulb needs constant power even if the light itself is turned off.

If you want a smart lighting solution for a ceiling-mounted fixture, a smart light switch could be a better solution, although a bit harder to set up.

Additionally, we don’t advise using smart bulbs for ceiling fan light fixtures, as some smart bulbs are bulky and the constant movement could cause the bulbs to malfunction.

What Are Smart Light Bulbs?

Smart light bulbs are lighting devices that you can control wirelessly via a remote.1 That way, you can control them from different rooms, or even set up different combinations of lights that differ based on the time of day.

Smart light bulbs last longer than regular light bulbs2 and are more energy-efficient, too. We’ll go into more detail on that soon.

How Do Smart Light Bulbs Work? (1)

Benefits of Smart Light Bulbs

Ease of installation isn’t the only thing smart light bulbs have going for them. Other benefits of smart light bulbs include:

  • Lower energy consumption: Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) or light-emitting diode (LED) light bulbs reduce the amount of electricity needed; they use 25 percent to 80 percent less energy than traditional incandescents.3
  • Long life span: The average incandescent light bulb has a lifespan of 750 to 2,000 hours, while LED smart lights can work for up to 50,000 hours.
  • Security: Many smart light bulbs have motion-detection features and will turn on if someone enters the room.
  • Light customization for color and brightness: You can change the bulb color and brightness, designing different “scenes” to fit your various moods.
  • Scheduling: You can set up a predetermined schedule of when lights turn on and off.

Energy Saver: Scheduling when lights turn on and off can also lower energy consumption, since you’ll never accidentally leave the lights on.

Types of Smart Light Bulbs

There is a range of smart light bulbs with varying bulb shapes and base sizes. Each bulb has a code consisting of a letter and a number like A19,4 so you’ll want to pay attention to what type of bulb is listed as compatible with your fixture, whether that’s a table lamp or ceiling fan.

The most commonly used household bulbs are the A19 and the E26.

How Much Do Smart Light Bulbs Cost?

Smart light bulb costs vary based on the brand, if it’s for indoor or outdoor, wired or wireless, has a hub or not, and if it’s a lamp. The cheapest smart bulb on the market that we found is the Cree 60W bulb, which costs $2.24, while the most expensive option, the LIFX Mini Light Bulb can cost just over $60. In our analysis, we found the average cost was about $29.

Are Smart Bulbs Worth the Money?

Though there is an upfront cost associated with making the switch from regular bulbs to smart bulbs, smart light bulbs are a money-saver in the long run. Since the smart bulbs are LED, they are highly efficient and don’t use as much energy as incandescent bulbs. Further, scheduling your smart bulbs means that the lights are never on when no one is home. And, if by chance you leave them on accidentally, you can turn them off remotely, making saving energy super easy.

There is one caveat, though. Smart bulbs consume energy even when the lights are off because they are always connected to Wi-Fi.5Also, if you choose a model that requires a hub, the hub also needs to be plugged in. When used correctly, however, the energy savings you get from switching to LED smart bulbs will offset their consumption cost.

If you want to experiment with smart home appliances, smart bulbs could be a good introduction to see how you like smart living. And a couple of more affordable bulbs won’t break the bank. If you want to lean into the smart home world, we compiled our picks for the best smart home devices.

How Long Do Smart Light Bulbs Last?

LED smart light bulbs can last for up to 50,000 hours, while compact CFL bulbs can last for up to 20,000 hours.6 Both LED and CFL bulbs last far longer than incandescent bulbs, which last a maximum of 2,000 hours.

Will Smart Light Bulbs Be Obsolete?

Light bulb technology is evolving rapidly, and Americans are getting on board. It’s unlikely that smart light bulbs will be obsolete anytime soon,7 especially because incandescent bulbs are being phased out of households.8 However, as incandescent bulbs become a thing of the past,9 now could be a good time to think about switching to smart light bulbs, if you haven’t already.

What Do I Look For In A Smart Light Bulb?

There are quite a few features and settings to consider when choosing a smart light bulb. We’ve highlighted the most important ones below:

  • Does it require a hub? Not all smart light bulbs require a hub, but if the hardware is built into the bulb itself, it will have a bulkier look.
  • Different colors/color spectrum: This is the fun part of smart bulbs because you can choose from the full color spectrum. That means cool vibes without having to commit to a permanently colorful lighting landscape.
  • Pairing abilities: If you use Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant (Google Home), or Siri (Apple HomeKit) voice assistants, make sure the technology is voice-activated so you can control the lights with your voice. Of course, you’ll need smart speakers like the Nest Mini or the Echo Dot With Clock.
  • Design: Does the bulb look traditional, especially if it is going to be visible in your lighting fixture?
  • How it connects: Typically, smart bulbs connect through Wi-Fi, though there are Bluetooth, SmartThings, Z-Wave and Zigbee-compatible bulbs available.
  • Size: A19 is the standard bulb shape, and E26 is the most common base size for lamps. Make sure your bulb will fit in the lighting fixture you want to put it in.
  • App features: Is it easy to set up schedules and different light scenes for larger smart lighting systems? Are there ads, and is it intuitive to navigate to the parts of the app you’ll need most? Be sure to check the app’s ratings in the app store to get a sense of how current customers really feel.
  • Brightness: Brightness is measured in watts, and most smart bulbs are around 60 watts.
  • Cost: Obviously, the bottom line matters. However, there are lots of options to find something that fits in your budget, considering that the lower end of the price spectrum is around $2 per bulb, while the higher-end bulbs will cost closer to $60. Take advantage of smart home Black Friday deals while they’re up!
  • Scheduling features: The ability to schedule is a huge perk of smart light bulbs, so make sure it’s easy to do so via the device’s app.
  • Geofencing: Some smart bulbs can connect to the GPS in your phone, so the lighting turns off automatically when you leave the home and turns on when you enter.
  • Installation process: If there is a hub, you’ll have to connect it to your home’s router. However, installing a hub should not take more than 15 minutes.
How Do Smart Light Bulbs Work? (2)

Smart Light Bulb Alternatives

While we’re big fans of smart light bulbs, there are some alternatives we wanted you to know about as well:

  • Smart switches: A smart switch controls the flow of power to a certain area and replaces a traditional wall switch. It connects to the internet, and you can control it through a mobile app or a voice assistant like Google Assistant. Installing a smart light switch is more of an undertaking than installing a smart light bulb, because you’ll have to access the hardwires in your wall. However, it is still possible to do without professional help. Plus, smart switches make it possible to use smart lighting for overhead lightings like recessed lights or sconces.
  • Smart plugs: Smart plugs are adaptors that plug into existing wall outlets. Then, you insert a small electronic device into those adapters. You can control the plugs via a smartphone app, turning on devices remotely even if they’re not “smart.” Smart plugs work well to control lamps that are plugged in rather than hardwired, like a floor lamp.

In Conclusion

Smart home technology is the way of the future, and smart light bulbs are a great place to start if you’ve been curious about upgrading some of your appliances. If you find they’re not for you, no worries, since starter kits are a low-stakes purchase and don’t require complicated installation.

If you find you’ve discovered a new world of smart devices you want to double down on, we can help you to learn about those, too. Read about how home automation works and how to install a smart lock on your door.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most common questions we get about smart light bulbs.

  • Do smart light bulbs need Wi-Fi?

    Yes, most smart light bulbs need Wi-Fi, but many have backup Bluetooth technology features so the lights can still operate in the event that Wi-Fi is down.

  • Do smart bulbs work in any lamp?

    Yes, smart light bulbs come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and configurations, so it is possible to find bulbs that fit in most lamps.

  • What is the point of smart light bulbs?

    Smart light bulbs enable users to minimize unnecessary light and energy usage in their households, control lighting by a remote or voice, and schedule lights to turn on or off. Some smart light bulbs offer different color options and the ability to create scenes of multiple bulbs, as well.

  • Do smart bulbs work with normal switches?

    Yes, you can use a smart bulb with a normal switch.

How Do Smart Light Bulbs Work? (2024)

FAQs

How does a smart light bulb work? ›

A smart light connects to and receives instructions wirelessly from a central controller. This key relationship is worth remembering when learning how to set up smart lights. The central controller can be a hub or a software smart home platform.

How does a light bulb work in detail? ›

The metal used to make the filament glows when it becomes hot, and thus we have light. Because it is so very thin, it heats up really fast, so when we flick the switch the light comes on! More modern light bulbs replace the filament with a gas. When heated, these special gases glow and create light.

How do smart bulbs work without electricity? ›

This means that smart bulbs use electricity even when they're off. “How does that happen if the bulb is turned off?” you might ask. Well, in order to be turned on with your phone or another device, the bulb still needs to be connected to the internet or Bluetooth.

How does a light bulb work explained for kids? ›

In the common incandescent lamp, current is forced through a fine metal filament that has a high resistance. The energy used in overcoming this resistance produces a white heat, and the filament glows brilliantly.

How do smart bulbs communicate? ›

Wireless Connectivity: Smart bulbs connect to your home network, typically through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, or Z-Wave protocols. This connection allows them to communicate with a central hub (in the case of Zigbee or Z-Wave), directly with a smartphone (via Bluetooth), or through your home Wi-Fi network.

Do smart lights need internet? ›

Smart lighting systems are connected to the internet and controlled via an app on a smartphone or tablet, or a smart speaker, such as Alexa or Google Home. The system can be controlled remotely from anywhere. And lights can be scheduled to turn off and on, adding additional security when away from home.

How does a bulb glow answer? ›

When the electric current passes through an electric bulb, the filament of the bulb gets heated to a high temperature due to the heating effect of current. So, the bulbs starts to glow.

What are 5 interesting facts about the light bulb? ›

5 Lightbulb Facts That Will Brighten Up Your Day
  • The Longest Lightbulb Has Run for Over 120 Years. The Centennial Bulb at Fire Station 6 in Livermore, California, more than lives up to its name. ...
  • LED Color Temperatures. ...
  • The Bulb Named After a Vegetable. ...
  • How Much Light Incandescent Bulbs Produce. ...
  • Earliest Proto Lightbulb.
Sep 22, 2022

How does the electricity flow through a light bulb? ›

The filament sits in the middle of the bulb, held up by a glass mount. The wires and the filament are housed in a glass bulb, which is filled with an inert gas, such as argon. When the bulb is hooked up to a power supply, an electric current flows from one contact to the other, through the wires and the filament.

What happens to smart lights when the power goes out? ›

Smart Lights

That being said, while these lights are smart, they are essentially the same as any other lights during a power outage, meaning they will go off.

Do smart bulbs go bad? ›

Yup, even without power they keep going, they're that efficient. As a result you can expect a very long lifetime from your smart bulb. The average will last around 23,000 hours. For a six hours day, or night, of being on that's about ten years of life.

Do smart bulbs use power when off? ›

Unlike traditional lamps that use no power when turned off, smart lamps use power for their communication systems when they are off (or in “network standby” mode). Initial measurements indicate that energy use of smart lamps in standby mode varies from less than 0.25W to over 2.5W per lamp.

What is LED for kids? ›

The letters L.E.D. stand for light-emitting diode, and inside each one is a small crystal that, when properly connected with electricity, lights up. LEDs that light up red have a crystal made of gallium arsenide. An aluminum gallium crystal creates green, and indium gallium nitride creates blue.

How does a LED work? ›

LED stands for light emitting diode. LED lighting products produce light up to 90% more efficiently than incandescent light bulbs. How do they work? An electrical current passes through a microchip, which illuminates the tiny light sources we call LEDs and the result is visible light.

Who invented the light for kids? ›

It is thought that Thomas Edison invented the first light bulb in 1879, though scientists and inventors had been exploring how to invent incandescent light bulbs for several decades before Edison.

What are the disadvantages of smart bulbs? ›

The biggest disadvantage of smart light bulbs is that they're much more expensive than regular lightbulbs. As of this writing, a standard incandescent bulb costs about a dollar, while a non-smart LED light bulb costs around $5. A smart bulb costs around $15 each, and that's not counting additional hub expenses.

Do you need Wi-Fi for smart bulbs? ›

Yes, most smart light bulbs need Wi-Fi, but many have backup Bluetooth technology features so the lights can still operate in the event that Wi-Fi is down.

Do I need a smart plug for a smart bulb? ›

Do I Need a Smart Switch for a Smart Bulb? No. While you do not need a smart switch for a smart bulb, having one helps with interconnectivity throughout your household. Because even if you are using traditional or non-smart bulbs,the smart switch has the power to make any product smart.

Do smart light bulbs work in any lamp? ›

Since they come in different shapes and sizes, there's a smart bulb for almost any lamp or fixture, indoors and outdoors (so long as your fixture is weather-tight).

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