Now for something a bit different. The Bot by SwitchBot is a little gadget with a robotic arm designed to press (or pull) just about any button or switch around your home. It’s a little bit fiddly to set up, as the moving arm is quite small and you need to position it just right, but once you’ve put the effort in it works really well, at least on the standard single-gang light switch we tried it with. Despite being such a simple device, there are a few key questions you need to ask yourself when buying a smart light switch. Firstly, do you want a wireless switch for controlling a smart lighting system like Philips Hue? Or, do you want a wired switch that replaces your home’s existing wall-mounted switches and controls the regular light bulbs already installed?

This makes it easy for you to control the lighting hands–free. All you need to do is mutter out the voice commands. This function allows you to integrate your home lighting into your smart home system as well. Remote ControlAs for wired smart switches, these require a basic understanding of home electrics. You’ll need to turn off the power at the fuse box, then remove your old switch, detach the wires and fit them to the smart switch. It’s all relatively simple, as long as you’re aware of which wire is which. Someone with basic DIY skills should be able to sway a regular wall switch for a smart one in just a few minutes. Are smart light switches battery powered? It replaces your existing light switch and can be paired with the Lightwave Link Plus to control your lights from anywhere. You can set schedules, create timers, and adjust the mood of your home room by room. The dimmer switch is compatible with dimmable LED bulbs and requires a Wi-Fi router with broadband internet connection. Generally, a smart light switch will be compatible with at least an iPad, android device, Nest, or Ecobee in your home. For example, Apple Homekit devices such as Ecobee or iPad are perfect for iDevices and in-wall outlets. SmartThings technology on the other end supports Z-Wave and Zigbee devices. Switch or Plug NO NEUTRAL WIRE NEEDED - Unlike many other brands, this Smart WiFi Touch switch does not need any neutral wiring hence can be retrofit into any application. Are you looking for a different kind of light switch that can enhance your interior and make managing your lights more convenient? If that’s the case, get out 3 Gang Smart WiFi Touch Switch! With this, not only can you control your lights using voice command, but also elevate the aesthetics of your space with its sleek and modern design. Why should you buy this?

It comes with a voice control feature! You can connect this switch to Alexa or Google Home to conveniently manage your lights by saying, “Alexa turn the lights off", or "Google, turn the lights on.” The button itself is small and feels like a high-quality Hue accessory. It’s wireless and attaches to the included wall plate magnetically. You can use either the larger, square plate or a much smaller circular plate that is the same size as the button itself. Both attach to the wall with adhesive strips, or the larger plate can be mounted with screws if you prefer. The first thing you'll notice about the Eve Light Switch is its simplistic (and stylish) design. It doesn't draw attention to itself with multiple buttons or dozens of LED lights, but instead opts for a single large button and a single LED indicator. And since all your schedules are saved locally on the Eve Light Switch, you won't need an external hub or internet connection to keep things running smoothly. Upgrading to a smart light switch UK can significantly enhance your home's lighting efficiency and convenience. If you’d like the benefits of smart lighting without having to invest in smart bulbs, then smart light switches are the way to go. The switch can be operated manually, and in this case it’s a single-gang switch capable of turning a single light on and off. When controlled via the app, the switch’s internal mechanism is powered by a pair of included AAA batteries, which are neatly concealed within the switch. Installation is easy enough, but does require a basic understanding of home electrics.

MOES smart switch we know you'll love.

Which type of switch you buy depends on what you want from your lighting. Do you want color-changing bulbs, or do you just want remote control of your existing bulbs? If it’s the latter, then a smart switch like the Tapo will be perfect for your needs. Are smart light switches hard to install? In addition, most smart light switches will require some installation, as they'll replace your current switch. Some smart switches will also need a neutral wire, which is installed in the wiring of most modern homes. If installation sounds difficult, you can also have an electrician install it for you. TIMING FUNCTION - Schedule the intelligent Wi-Fi light switch to automatically power electronics on and off based on specific time you set; Power saving eliminate wasteful standby power and prevent overcharging and overheating save on your electric bills and extend product life. Signify's Philips Hue has been one of the most popular smart lighting systems for the past couple of years. So, it's no surprise that the Smart Dimmer Switch makes it really easy to control your Hue lights. It has a maximum dimmable load of 280W (non-LED) and a current rating of 1 Amp. It comes with a 2-year manufacturer's warranty.

Another switch from Philips Hue, but this time it’s the Smart Button. This one really doesn’t need much explaining, as it’s a button that is pretty smart and controls your Hue lights. You can assign two commands to the button, for a brief press and a long press, and that’s about it.With the timing function, you can set your switch to turn your lights on and off automatically according to your schedule. You can create smart scenes, so one SONOFF device can turn another one on or off. This allows you to control multiple devices with just one tap. The button pusher requires the SwitchBot app that allows you to schedule built-in timers without requiring a hub or Smartphone. The battery-operated switch pusher is built with an extended battery life based on Bluetooth low energy (BLE) – allowing you to use it for up to 600 days. Depending on the light switch design and capacity, this feature doesn’t only allow you to remotely switch your lighting on and off. You can also use this feature to set up timing schedules and tailor your home lighting habits based on your needs. Technology Aesthetics aside, we liked the versatility on offer here and how the Bot can easily be scheduled to switch things on and off each day. Be aware that the SwitchBot hub, sold separately, is required for voice control.

The switch doesn't require a hub, and it works with any 2.4GHz Wi-Fi router. There can be issues initially pairing if you also have a 5GHz band configured on your router. They work great for those who want to automate their regular light fixtures. Smart plugs on the other end tend to be more flexible as you can plug them with whatever device you want – great for lamps! The Verdict First, you will want to make sure that the smart light switch works with your smart home's voice assistant. Many of these switches will work with the most popular assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant, but compatibility isn't always across the board. In particular, Apple Homekit compatibility can be difficult to find, so if you use it, make sure your switch is compatible.Its worth noting that not all LED bulbs are compatible, and the switch can reset itself if the resistance in the circuit is too low.