If you are looking for a smart wifi switch, to make your lights smart, then you are at the right place. So, sit tight and read on! Smart homes are a hot topic these days. There are new and advanced smart devices launching in the market day by day.
With hundreds of smart devices available in the market, choosing the right one can be a bit challenging. Smart devices operate differently and communicate through various methods such as Bluetooth, WiFi, or a smart hub.
Some smart devices require a hub while others simply communicate with your smart phone through Wi-Fi
In this smart wifi switch buying guide we will help you choose the best smart wifi switch which is most suitable for your needs. Before we go into further details, we will first talk about:
‘what exactly is a smart wifi switch?’
What is a smart wifi switch?
Smart wifi switch is a device which replaces your existing/ traditional switch. It can connect and communicate with your smart phone enabling you to control the light with your smart device or voice assistants, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
Top Smart WiFi Switches – Quick Summary
Tapo Smart Wifi Switch
Smart wifi switch, compatible with any light bulb. Requires Tapo hub. Compatible with Google Home and Amazon Alexa.
Switchbot Smart Switch Robot
No wiring required, can turn any light switch on and off. Compatible with Alexa and Google Home.
BSEED Smart Wifi Light Switch
Compatible with voice assistants, illuminated glass touch control. Compatible 2.4Ghz wifi network only. Neutral Wire Required
Yagusmart Wifi Swith
Control manually or using a smart phone, remotely control using smart phone app. Can work without Neutral wire*. See product description
Sonoff Light Switch Smart Wifi Compatible
Timing function to turn on and off automatically. Control using the switch or mobile app. 3 gang Requires Neutral Wire
Ketotek Smart Wifi Switch
Wifi compatible, glass touch control 1,2 or 3 gang available. Can work without Neutral wire* using capacitor
MeosGo Wifi Switch
Neutral wire not needed. 1,2 or 3 gang (switches on one switch plate). App control.
At this point you are probably wondering, what are the other benefits of a smart wifi switch?
What are the benefits of a smart wifi switch?
There are many different benefits to this gadget; these benefits mostly depend on your needs and expectations from a smart switch. Once you have installed a smart switch, the light that the switch is controlling can be turned on/off using your smartphone or voice assistants (such as Amazon Alexa).
You can say:
‘Alexa turn on the light’
And the light will automatically turn on with out you leaving the comfort of your sofa
Similarly, you can turn lights on/off while you are away from home through your smart phone.
That’s not all, you can also set schedules and lights will automatically turn on and off at scheduled times. In addition, you can also monitor your energy usage of the light which is connected to that switch.
How to install a smart switch?
Installing the wifi smart switch is relatively easy; the smart switch basically replaces your old switch. It will most likely fit easily onto your existing switch back box. However, some smart switches require a deeper back box. We recommend that you ask an electrician to replace it for you.
It is a quick and easy job and shouldn’t cost too much!
If you decide to do it yourself, make sure you follow the instruction manual that came with the smart switch and turn off the electricity from the mains before starting the work.
Connect the wifi smart switch to your wifi router
After you’ve successfully installed the light switch, the next step is to connect it to your WiFi router. Completing this step is necessary, as it allows you to control it effortlessly using your smartphone.
Check the features of smart wifi switch
If you’re keen on adding voice-control feature to your smart wifi switch, it’s important that you ensure its compatibility with your chosen voice assistant, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Therefore, Before making a purchase, check the product description to find out whether the smart switch is compatible with your preferred voice assistant or not. This simple check will ensure that your new gadget seamlessly integrates into your existing smart home setup, making it a hassle-free addition to your smart home.
Do I need a smart light bulb in order for a smart wifi switch to work properly?
The benefit of using a smart switch is that it converts any light into a smart light. The light can be turned on and off using the app or voice command; you won’t even have to leave the comfort of your sofa. You can also control the lights remotely if you have a smart WiFi switch installed.
Smart wifi switch vs smart light bulb – which is better?
If you are wondering whether to buy a smart light bulb or a smart switch, there is no straightforward answer to this question.
A simple answer would be: it depends on your needs and the type of light you have.
A smart bulb is a great way to make your home smart. It is cost-effective and very easy to install/setup. However, there is one big drawback to using a smart light bulb instead of a smart light switch.
For example, if a smart light bulb is operating through a traditional switch, you would normally keep the switch on at all times and turn the bulb on/off through your phone or a voice assistant. However, when someone accidentally turns the switch off, the smart bulb will no longer work until the switch is turned back on. This could be a problem if no one is home, and you want to remotely turn on the light bulb. To be honest, this is not a great deal, as once the switch is turned back on, the smart bulb should work as normal.
Another issue with using a smart light bulb instead of a smart switch is that, as you would normally turn it on/off through a mobile phone or voice assistant, anyone who does not have access to the app or does not know how to use the voice assistant won’t be able to turn it on/off.
Moving on to a smart switch: Using a smart light switch is a great way to control a light. Despite this, unlike a smart light bulb which has multiple light colors, you won’t be able to change the color of the light if you are using just a smart switch with a normal light bulb. This is simply because a normal light bulb does not have the ability to change colors.
However, a smart switch is still a great choice, especially when you have a light with multiple bulbs. Changing each of those bulbs would be costly – in such a situation, using a smart wifi switch will save you money.
So, choosing between a smart light bulb and a smart switch depends on your circumstances.”
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Smart wifi switches to buy for a smart home
There are numerous makes and models of smart switches available in the market to choose from, making the buying decision a bit challenging. But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.
We have compiled reviews of the top smart wifi switches that are perfect for a smart home and should work seamlessly in any household.
Sonoff Smart Light Switch
Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control.
Free app also available to control the light switch, real time light switch status can be seen in using the app.
Timing function – to turn on/off automatically.
No hub required.
Should fit your old switch back box.
Front plate made using toughened glass panel for style and durability.
Neutral wire is required – check if your current light switch has a neutral wire, if unsure check with an electrician (if you do not have a neutral wire – see options below which don’t require a neutral wire).
MoesGo Smart wifi Switch
Available in different colours to match your home.
1, 2 or 3 gang option.
Works with Google and Amazon assistants.
No neutral wire required (only need to connect the capacitor supplied to both sides of the bulb – follow manual).
Switch Bot Smart Switch
This smart switch is actually different from the other switches. Switchbot bot or smart switch is a simple but quality smart device. It is very well designed and a clever solution to turn any standard switch to a smart switch. You can actually call it a bot, which turns your switches on and off. You don’t have to replace any of the switches. Instead, you can attach this devices to a switch at home and leave the rest to this device. It has a tiny mechanical arm which turns the switches on or off. It can work with any rocker switch and appliance button. Furthermore, it can turn your existing appliances to smart appliances in quick, simple, and cost-effective way. You can control the switch using an app.
Ketotek Wifi Switch
Ketotek wifi switch is high quality and durable smart switch. It features:
Wifi connectivity
App / Manual control
Countdown timer to automatically turn the switch off
Schedule function to turn the switch on or off at scheduled times
Tempered glass panel to protect it from accidental damage or scratches
Family sharing option, if a light switch is installed in areas like the living room or kitchen, you can grant control to other family members. They can then use their smartphones to also control the switch
Bseed Smart WiFi Switch
Voice assistants compatible
Required natural wire
Led back light, makes it easier to find the switch at night
Comes in four colours to choose from
Yagusmart Smart WiFi Switch
Voice control
Manual and App control
Timer option
Neutral wire not required, can work with or without. See product manual for full instructions.
In Conclusion
The above switches are some of the highly-rated smart Wi-Fi switches. Most of them share common features, but some offer additional functionalities. SwitchBot is the only switch that does not require any electrical work; for the rest of the switches, installation is necessary, and we recommend hiring an electrician for the job.”
