Modernize Your Space With the Best Smart Light Bulbs

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A Buyer’s Guide to Finding Quality Smart Light Bulb

Remember that episode of Mr. Bean’s where he shoots the light bulb out before going to bed just because he is too lazy to switch the thing off? Well, a smart light bulb would have saved the poor incandescent lamp from its imploding fate. You can remotely control a smart bulb with the help of your smartphone or smartwatch, and to add to their ease of use you can even dial down the hassle by integrating these bad boys with your smart home assistant. From a handy voice command option to color customization, modernizing your space has never been easier. To help you navigate the online marketplace, we’ve curated a list of the leading smart light bulbs of 2023.

Earning the top spot on our list is this smart light bulb from LUMIMAN. Coming to you in a pack of two, four and six, you’ll also get to choose from 16 million colors. Allowing you to take full control of its brightness and vibrancy, LUMIMAN’s user-friendly app also lets you set timers and collectively control all the lights at your place.

If you’d rather go hands-free, you can also connect these smart bulbs to your Google Home or Alexa home assistants. This makes it a perfect option for those who are looking for a hassle-free experience.

Pros

• 16 million perfectly rendered colors
• Can be synced to your music's beat 
• Low wattage and energy efficient
• Featured app is easy to use

Cons

• Assistant integration must be done with app

Similar to our top pick, these smart bulbs from TREATLIFE also offer you 16 million colors to play around with. Allowing you to sync these colors to the music being played, this app also lets you set timers for the lights and control them while you’re away, which is great for people who live alone and need their lights to periodically switch on and off. They’re also a great gifting option for the elderly, as well as those who tend to forget if they’ve switched off their lights. 

Pros

• Compatible with Alexa and Google Home
• The app comes with amazing light presets
• The whites are fully adjustable

Cons

• The Wi-Fi connection takes time

The Sengled Smart Light Bulb boasts a massive spectrum as low as 2000k and as high as 6500k. Allowing you to play around with your light’s whites, if you’d rather go full color you can rest assured there are 16 million shades that allow you to play around with the brightness and contrasts can fully be tailored. 

Also compatible with voice control, an amazing feature of this app is how it allows you to schedule your lights’ brightness according to your routine. This app also offers you individual and group control of your home’s lights while you’re away.

Pros

• Comes backed by a three-year warranty
• A phenomenal price-to-performance ratio
• Seamlessly connects to Google Home and Alexa

Cons

• Lags a bit sometimes

Next up on our list is this smart light bulb from Kasa Smart. Unlike our other picks, this one is available in two brightness options: 800 lumens and 1000 lumens. Regardless of the option you go for, you’ll get a light bulb in the package that packs in 16 million colors and offers remote access via the Kasa smart app. 

As is expected from a brand like Kasa, this app is extremely user-friendly and is designed to impress. The Kasa smart app also allows you to set timers, change light modes and toggle brightness levels. You can also connect the app with the smart home assistants of Amazon, Google and Samsung for some voice control magic.

Pros

• The setup is quick and easy
• An extra bright option is available
• Compatible with Alexa, SmartThings and Google Home

Cons

• Pricey but well worth it

Coming to you from DAYBETTER, you can customize your purchase to come in various sized sets. Rocking over 16 million colors, this bulb is easy to install and set up. The Smartlife app offers you remote control and also allows you to toggle its colors and brightness levels. And to add to its functionality, you can also create presets with custom hues and warmth for different rooms. 

Another plus? Aside from having the option to group your lights, you can then control them for added convenience.

Pros

• Efficiently uses electricity 
• Amazing price point

Cons

• The app can get a bit annoying

Do smart bulbs work without Wi-Fi?

A smart light bulb won’t die on you the moment the internet at your place goes down. In fact, with the majority of modern brands the light will keep working with the exception of a lack of remote Wi-Fi access.

Do smart light bulbs need a special socket?

No, a smart light bulb doesn’t need any special socket. It can be fixed on any outlet, provided the base matches the size of the socket. Just like standard incandescent bulbs, you should make a habit of checking the product description prior to purchasing to ensure all specifications align with your home setup. 

Are smart lights safe?

Smart light bulbs are totally safe to use. In fact, they’re safer than your traditional incandescent bulb thanks to their LED composition.