Smart Bulbs or Smart Switches? (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to have smart switches or smart bulbs? ›

Whether you opt for a smart bulb or a smart switch or both, you will experience the best that smart lighting has to offer. Smart switches give you the ability to make any of your existing light bulbs and fixtures smart, while smart bulbs give you the ability to play with color.

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.

If you aim to illuminate your room and don't need more features, then the bulb is a convenient option. On the other hand, a smart plug would be better suited if you want to operate other devices around a big house. Some people opt for both when they want to maximize the functionality of their house.

Disadvantages: the necessary complexity

While smart switches offer a range of benefits, their installation is not so plug-and-play regarding lamp replacement. It is necessary to understand the electrical operation and have some technical knowledge for a successful installation.

Cons: Installation is more hands-on than with smart bulbs, and you'll have to repeat the process if you want to move the switch to a different fixture. Scaling your system up isn't as cost efficient as with smart bulbs, either.

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.

Smart switches should last for a lifetime if they're used properly. You can increase their lifespan by following simple troubleshooting techniques. For example, if a smart switch keeps losing power, try resetting it to its original settings. These methods will ensure the device has a long life.

Smart bulbs always use electricity, after being turn off in the APP, it works in stand by mode at very lower wattage thus bulb can be activated again from APP.

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.

Smart plugs will plug straight into your outlet and installing a smart bulb is like changing any regular old light bulb. Smart switches, on the other hand, are more integrated into the home and require some electrical work.

Do smart plugs increase electricity bill? ›

How Much Energy Do Smart Plugs Use? Increasing sustainability and going green with smart plugs are key to a healthier home. Smart plugs use about 1-2 Watts of power. Your energy bill is measured in kilowatts per hour.

Smart bulbs tend to be the more affordable option, and the benefit is that you can use them in your existing light fixtures. However, if you're in the market for a whole new light, a smart light isn't a bad choice either.

If it's connected to the internet, it can get hacked — yes, even some of the best smart bulbs. While smart bulbs make it easy to adjust the lighting and ambiance in your room, they connect to Wi-Fi, which makes them susceptible to attacks.

This integration doesn't come easy, though. The advanced technology required to facilitate communication between these various smart devices and platforms is complex, and thus contributes to the higher cost of smart dimmer switches.

Smart switches provide an easy way to automate and control multiple lights, devices, and appliances with the touch of a button. With their ability to work via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, smart switches allow you to access your home from anywhere in the world.

Benefits of Using Smart Switches

Automation at Fingertips: Offer an effortless way to program your lights to turn on or dim at certain times, thus shaping a cosy mood for all occasions. With configurable presets, it simulates occupancy and adjusts brightness from movie time to reading books.

On its own, the average smart plug uses at most one, maybe two watts at any given time. Zero, like that of an unused standard outlet, would be ideal, but smart plugs require a small amount of electricity to stay connected to your Wi-Fi. Still, a smart plug uses only around 10 kWh over the course of a year.

So it's quite obvious that smart bulbs'consumption is significantly lower than other types of bulbs. It's also important to bear in mind that the amount of electricity used by any given smart light bulb will vary depending on its features and how often it is used.