What Are Smart Light Bulbs?
Smart light bulbs are internet-capable LED light bulbs that are a great addition to every smart home. They can be customized and controlled remotely through a mobile app. With this and connectivity such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Zigbee, you’d be able to manage your smart lights. It is also worth noting that some models would require a hub for you to have access while some don’t need one to function. You can program the smart light bulbs to change light output according to your desire. There are also other features you can enjoy depending on what a specific model offers. That said, you should carefully choose what you’re going to get.
Best Smart Light Bulbs
Picking the best smart light bulb isn’t easy, especially when most of the choices offer closely similar if not the same features. There are established brands that are known to provide great features, but you might also want to consider other options. To help you choose which model would brighten up your home and set your mood perfectly, here’s a list you can refer to.
Reasons to Buy Smart Light Bulbs
With this smart bulb, you can change the vibe in your room and set a scene according to your mood in 16 million colors. There are Scene presets, but you can customize them depending on your desire. You will also worry less whenever you’re going out because this can also serve as extra security when it’s set in vacation mode. Compatibility-wise, this smart bulb can work with a lot of smart home systems and devices such as Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, and more. It also offers a Vacation Mode feature, which you can use when you’re not at home. This turns the bulb on and off at random, so whoever passes by the house would think that someone’s at home. You can also integrate your bulb with third-party smart devices like cameras and doorbells to maximize security. Unlike some smart light bulbs, this model is fixed at a warm white color temperature at 2700 Kelvin. This means you can’t tune it to emit cool colors to match your mood. Considering its inexpensive price and its 25,000-hour lifespan, this smart light bulb is still worth choosing. This is a dimmable bulb with a 16-million color palette, so you have a lot of colors to match your mood with. Its special feature Color Picker allows you to tweak the bulb’s color according to your preference. There are also colors it can’t replicate, like the grays or blacks, but this is often the case with all other smart bulbs. You can also create lighting schedules and set timers to turn your lights on or off. This smart bulb is dimmable and tuned to a neutral white 3500 K color temperature. It also emits up to 1,500 lumens, which are twice as bright as the output of a 60-watt incandescent bulb. You can also set it to turn on when one of your motion-sensing Ring smart devices detects a motion. Compared to the previous version that isn’t solar-powered (Ring Steplight Battery), this is certainly better. It’s not only because it’s bigger but also because it has more features that weren’t available on Ring Steplight Battery. The Solar Steplight may be expensive especially when you need more than a couple, but it is worth the price since there’s no need to buy another battery. You also have the option to recharge it via Micro USB, if you prefer. There are also pre-designed scenes available that you can use. Or, you can create one using the LIFX app. You also have the option to set the bulb to flicker, imitate a fire, or align with the vibe of the music. For convenience and energy efficiency, you can also schedule to turn on and off your bulb and change its color with the app. It is worth noting that this smart light bulb is not something that lights an entire room but functions as just an accent light. It is also relatively dim and not as bright as other color bulbs. The LIFX Candle Color’s price is justified by its features, so if you want a cool, smart light bulb, consider this as an option. You can also light up your space with over 16 million colors, making it an impressive device to set your mood. There is also a wide range of color temperature so you can tune it from warm to cool whites. You may also use the Day & Dusk automation feature, which tailors the brightness and color temperature. The Schedules feature allows you to program the light bulb to perform specific functions on designated times and days. If you’re going to leave the house, you can also enable Vacation Mode to fool the would-be intruders. Aside from these, it emits 800 lumens of brightness and has a warm color temperature of 2700 K. It is also rated to have 25,000 hours of lifespan, which is around 22 years if your average use is only three hours a day. This is a great deal considering its affordable price and outstanding features. It also doesn’t require a hub or bridge thanks to its built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi radio. You can also turn the strip on or off and cycle through the presets available using the controller that comes with the strip. It also has an estimated lifespan of 25,000 hours so you can spend a long time with this smart light strip. This may be a little pricey, but it’s packed with significant features that would make this worth buying. Aside from lacking Apple HomeKit support, this smart bulb has limited third-party integrations. Despite all that, the Sengled Smart Wi-Fi LED Multicolor is still a great option since it offers outstanding features. It can also last up to 25,000 hours so you can use it for years. Thanks to its built-in PIR sensor, this smart light bulb automatically illuminates at night when it detects motion within 30 feet. Aside from lighting your way, this can also serve as a deterrent when there are intruders, so you’ll feel safer. It will remain illuminated as long as it detects a motion and will automatically turn off after 90 seconds of ceased motion. It is also bright since it cranks out 1050 lumens and it has a warm color temperature of 3000 K. The color temperature displays 2700 K, which is enough to make you feel warm and cozy. If you’re worried about the energy used by the bulb, you can track it using the energy-usage meter in the app. The 600 lumens that it emits may not light up the entire room, but it saves power as it only requires 7 watts. Not only will it save energy, but also it will last long since it has an estimated lifespan of 25,000 hours. You can set it in several lighting modes to adjust the brightness and speed of the effect. Grouping it with other WiZ Connected bulbs is also possible for more convenient control. If you’re going out, you can activate a vacation mode to fool the possible intruders. This smart light is dimmable; however, you cannot adjust the color temperature as it’s tuned to a warm white 2000 K. Although it can function using only Bluetooth support, you can still unlock more features when you use it with the Hue Bridge. You will be able to connect up to 50 lights and accessories and use the smart light bulb with Apple HomeKit. It will also allow you to control your smart table lamp anytime, anywhere. If you don’t have a smart home device to integrate it with, you can control the light panels manually. It has two small buttons on the base unit so you won’t have any problem. You can also purchase a stand-alone remote control from Nanoleaf to control it better. The only problem here is a dangling power cord, but for fun, this is a good consideration. It is worth noting that the Ring A19 Smart LED Bulb requires the Ring Bridge to enable its smart features. You can control it using the Ring app that is available for iOS and Android devices so you will have access anytime, anywhere. The app also allows you to control multiple Ring smart devices such as doorbells, cameras, and other smart lights. While it is true that you don’t need a hub to control the bulb, you can still connect it to a hub to unlock more features. With Philips Hue Bridge, you can connect up to 50 smart lights and accessories compared with only 10 using Bluetooth. You can also control your bulb in greater range instead of in just one room that Bluetooth can reach. The bridge will also allow you to control your smart light bulb even when you’re away from home. You should also note that you can only automate lights with schedules if you connect it with the Philips Hue Bridge. The LIFX app is easy to navigate and is packed with a lot of features. With the app, you can create a custom schedule for when you want your lights to turn on or off. You also have the option to use the preset scenes or customize one, say combine the white and colored bulbs. There are also lighting effects such as flicker like a candle that you can use to add more fun. What makes this unique is the fact that it’s touch and sound-sensitive, making it create a cool light show on the walls. Its touch sensitivity allows tapping and pressing to perform a corresponding function. Unlike the Light Panels, this has a built-in audio sensor that allows you to sync the squares with music or games. The Nanoleaf Light Panels can also sync with the music, but it requires a separate accessory. With the Sylvania Smart Home app, you can turn your smart bulb on or off and dim it according to your preference. It has a full-color capability that allows you to create a colorful lighting experience from over 16 million colors available. You can also tune the color temperature ranging from warm 2700 K to cool 6500 K to set the mood. In terms of brightness, this smart light bulb offers an 800-lumen output, which is bright enough for any room. The Sylvania Smart+ Bluetooth LED will save you money since it can last up to 13.7 years. This also consumes 80% less energy so you can benefit from it for a long time. Although it is a Bluetooth-enabled light strip, you may still connect it with the Hue Bridge to unlock more features. With the bridge, you could group smart lights into separate rooms. You will also be able to control it away from home as long as there’s an internet connection. A bridge will also allow you to connect up to 50 Hue lights compared to only 10 using the Bluetooth. If these extra features don’t concern you, you can settle with the Bluetooth control that comes for free. To maximize its weatherproof feature, you can install it outdoors and explore the fun it offers. There are also two Y-shaped quick-connect power adapters that come with the kit for cable-routing flexibility. If these connectors aren’t long enough, you can always buy extension cables. You may also pick a predefined Scene to set the mood or you can customize and create one from scratch. It also supports multiple voice command services so you can control your lights with the sound of your voice. You should note, however, that these smart lights require a hub so you can control and maximize their features. You may also find the kit expensive, but it has an estimated lifespan of 25,000 hours so it’s still worth considering. You can create the ambiance of your choice with the 16 million colors available for customization. The A19 also supports more than a dozen dynamic modes, such as flickering “candlelight” and pulsing “ocean.” While these features are similar to that of BR30, the brightness output that it produces is what makes it different. Compared to the BR30’s 650 lumens, the A19 emits 800 lumens, which are equivalent to a 60-watt incandescent bulb’s output. The A19 also offers a wider beam angle of 200 degrees, while the BR30 only offers 90 degrees. Despite having a dimmer output of 760 lumens in white-light mode, it puts out vivid colors in full-color mode. There are also millions of colors available, so you will not run out of options. Tuning the white light temperature from warm to cool and adjusting the brightness of the lights are also possible. You can also set schedules so you no longer have to come home in a dark house again. There are scenes available that you can explore or if you want, you can create one and save it as a scene. You will not also have to worry about the lights in the morning and at bedtime, as this can support your sleep/wake cycle. These features are available to control using the C by GE app that is available on both iOS and Android smartphones. You can tell the lights not to turn on when it’s still bright outside so you can save more power. Another thing you can do is group lights together, which allows you to control them all at once. Grouping also lets other lights increase their brightness when one detects a motion. You can also integrate this Solar Pathlight to other compatible Ring devices to unlock greater features using the Ring app. For example, if you link the Pathlight to Ring Video Doorbell, the video doorbell will start recording if the path light detects motion. Although it is true that the Ring Solar Pathlight is a little expensive, it’s still worth considering. With its friendly design and great available features, you will see its value and how you’ll benefit in the long run. When it comes to controlling the lights, the Philips Hue Go offers three different ways. You can control it instantly via Bluetooth, Voice Control, or using the button that’s on the smart light bulb. It limits only the features from these three to a few, but if you want to unlock more, you can connect it to a Hue Hub. The Hue Hub allows a wider range of reach, and it will also give you control even when you’re away from home. This smart light has a brightness output of 800 lumens that you can dim, ranging from 1 to 100 percent. What the KL110 lacks is the ability to tune color temperature, and there is also no timer feature. Despite that, this still offers a lot of features which can give you convenience. It emits an output brightness of almost 900 lumens, which is brighter than most of its competitors. It also allows you to turn it on or off, dim, and group multiple bulbs together for more convenient control. You can also create custom settings and save it as a favorite to use for later with a single tap of your finger. There is also an “away mode” lighting that allows you to turn the lights on and off at random when you’re not at home. Whichever platform you use, you will still have access and control with the smart light bulb. It includes creating a timed schedule as well as syncing it with other smart devices like motion sensors. You can view your schedule automation, if you like, in a calendar view using the app. Grouping lights together is also possible, so it’s very convenient since you can control them all at once. The thought of buying a smart light bulb for home use may concern some people because of its price. They rarely realize how much it could help them in the long run. While it is true that these are more expensive than the non-smart light bulbs, getting them does more and better things. If you’re still unsure whether or not to get one, here are the reasons you should.
Convenience
Having a smart light bulb will certainly give you the convenience you deserve. Not only can you control it remotely, but you can also enjoy the rest of the smart features it offers. If you leave home and forget to switch the lights off, you can switch them off anywhere you are. It only takes a few taps, or even the sound of your voice is enough to control it. Some bulbs allow you to set schedules and create routines so you wouldn’t have to do the same things every day. Some models have a Vacation or Away Mode, which helps to add security to your home when you’re away. You can also pair it with other compatible devices to unlock more functions. These features are enough reasons to excite some customers but if these still don’t convince you, read further.
Cost-Efficiency
Considering that smart lighting uses LED bulbs, it would definitely save money as these bulbs have a longer lifespan. The amount of money that you will save varies depending on various factors. One example is the mentioned energy use efficiency, which lessens the cost of your electricity bill. Some smart light bulbs also use solar power to recharge so you can save money since they don’t rely so much on electricity. All the products mentioned above have a long estimated lifespan, so you don’t have to replace and buy one once in a while. Some brands offer starter kits that include everything you need to set up smart lighting. Buying a bundle would save you some money.
Efficient Energy Use
Since all smart light bulbs are LED, they are more efficient than incandescent bulbs. The brightness of, say, a 100-watt incandescent bulb is only the same as what a 16-watt LED bulb can produce. That said, you can enjoy the smart features while having low energy consumption. Using this helps not only you but also the environment. Some smart bulbs also have a convection cooling trick, which circulates air through the bulb’s body. With this, the device will emit less heat and transmit less energy, making it more efficient. For these reasons, it’s safe to say that having a smart lighting system at home is worth the investment.
Things to Consider When Buying a Smart Light Bulb
Now that you know the reasons why you should get a smart light bulb, it’s time to know what features to look for. Here are some things to consider when you’re planning to get one.
Estimated Lifespan
People often ask how long the bulb’s lifespan is, so they know if the convenience of not replacing the bulb is going to last. Each smart light bulb has an estimated lifespan that usually ranges from 20,000 to 25,000 hours. Some models can last for over 20 years based on the average use of three hours a day. This matters especially when you don’t want to replace your light bulbs too often.
Power Consumption and Brightness
Another thing to consider is the power consumption and brightness of the bulb. Aside from the wattage, you may also stumble upon the term “lumens,” which refers to the brightness output of the bulb. Since smart light bulbs use LEDs, they consume less power but emit more brightness than incandescent bulbs. It is also worth noting that you can dim these smart light bulbs depending on your preference.
Light Color
Smart light systems often offer bulbs that emit different colors or the ones that only have different shades of white. Multicolor bulbs can produce up to 16 million different colors to match your mood. On the other hand, the white light bulbs can only produce a color temperature that you can usually tune from warm to cool white. Normally, the multicolor bulbs are more expensive than the white-only smart bulbs. Depending on your needs and budget, you can get either of the two choices. There are also amber bulbs that give off a vintage vibe if you want a certain room to have that mood.
Connectivity
For smart lights to send and receive signals, they use wireless transmissions. They use varying methods depending on the model of the bulb. Some have a built-in Wi-Fi radio that connects with the router to control remotely. There are also those that use Bluetooth radio that gives you control within the Bluetooth range. You may control it if you’re away from home using a hub or bridge, which relays their signals to your router.
Hub Requirement
While some only need the mobile app and the built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth radio to work, some models require a hub. These hubs do not exist to add to your burden but to give you more features to enjoy. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled smart bulbs have limited features and control, which you can expand with a hub. The hub or bridge doesn’t come for free, though, so you have to buy it separately. While having a hub gives you more benefits, it is a good thing that some models do not require a hub to work. You may have limited control, but it still counts since you can still use the smart features. It is also good for starters, as this will save you from spending more money on a pricey hub.
Integration
Base Type
The base type is just as important as the bulb itself since you can’t install the bulb without the base. Some bases quite look similar to others, so you might get confused. The most common base type is the E26, which you might already have at home. Most of the smart light bulbs on our list have an E26 base, while some models have an E12 candelabra base. That said, it is important to know what type of base you have at home to fit the bulb you’re going to buy.
Price
It is undeniable that one of the things that consumers consider is the cost of the bulb to know if it fits their budget. If you’re eyeing to buy a certain smart light bulb, you must know if it’s worth its price. You might also want to look for something that offers the same features but with a lower tag price. You should note, however, that it must never be at the expense of the quality of the bulb. Reading reviews should be a habit before purchasing so you will not end up wasting money.
Which Is the Best Smart Light Bulb?
There are indeed a lot of options to choose from, especially when you want something that would make your life easier. All smart light bulbs are designed for a specific function, but convenience is most likely the top priority. Some models may be made strictly for fun, but you can still control them remotely for convenience. People call it a “smart” light bulb for a reason — so you can expect better use and experience. As to which smart light bulb is the best, the answer lies in your purpose and reason for getting one. If you only want to have a bulb that you can control remotely, you can get the ones that don’t break the bank. If you have an existing hub or smart device that you can pair your smart bulbs with, get the ones with great compatibility options. It is important to know what you need it for so you should take your time examining all the options you have and pick the one that best fits your lifestyle and needs.
