Revolutionary Smart Light Innovations Unveiled: A Must-Have for 2023!

We have revised our recommendations and have enhanced our selections for the top choices for overall, smart bulb, and smart light strip purchases.

Smart lights offer more than just convenient lighting solutions for indoor and outdoor spaces. They present an opportunity to decrease energy usage and establish a customized atmosphere.

UPDATE: 10/12/2023

We've reviewed our recommendations and have updated our picks for the best overall, best smart bulb, and best smart light strip you can buy.

GE CYNC Smart LED Bulbs

Best Overall $24 at Amazon

PhilipsPhilips Hue Starter Kit

Best Smart Light System $172 at Amazon

Kasa Smart Light Bulbs

Best Smart Light Bulb $17 at Amazon

Govee RGBIC Bluetooth LED Strip Lights (65.6ft)

Best Smart Light Strip $70 at Amazon

GoveeGovee Outdoor Ground Lights

Best Outdoor Smart Light $60 at Amazon

See More

TwinklyTwinkly Strings Generation II

Best Smart Christmas Lights $173 at Amazon

What To Look For in a Smart Light in 2023

Finding the perfect smart light can be a complex task due to the wide range of options available. From different types of smart lights designed for specific purposes to numerous brands and variations, it can be overwhelming. To ensure you make the right choice for your home lighting needs, it is important to consider a few factors. First and foremost, you must determine the type of smart light solution you require.

Are you looking to brighten a pathway or replace interior bulbs? Are you tired of dealing with burnt-out Christmas lights or in need of an accent strip for your kitchen cabinets? Once you establish the purpose, you can explore various categories, including whole-home smart light systems, individual smart bulbs, smart light strips, outdoor and weather-resistant smart lights, and Christmas smart lights.

When shopping, it is important to consider three essential factors. Firstly, determine if the light requires a hub or if it is Bluetooth-compatible. You may prefer a Wi-Fi-based system that operates independently, but this might necessitate purchasing a separate hub. Alternatively, you can choose a Bluetooth-only bulb, which may be more affordable but can only be controlled when in close proximity. Additionally, a hub or Wi-Fi-enabled bulb can be connected to other smart home devices from different brands, enabling comprehensive home automation.

Secondly, consider the lumens, which is the measurement of visible light quantity. A good benchmark to keep in mind is 800 lumens, equivalent to the brightness of a 60-watt incandescent bulb. While smart lights are typically capable of dimming, it is important to ensure that the base lumens are sufficiently high to provide adequate brightness for your space.

Finally, take into account whether you prefer a standard white bulb or a bulb with multiple colors. Although this criterion may not be as crucial, as colored bulbs typically offer options for both warm and cool white light, there may be a difference in price between all-white and multi-colored bulbs that might influence your decision-making process if you are not interested in vibrant displays or customizable scenes.

Keeping all of this in mind, here are our top picks for the best smart lights.

Best Smart Light Overall: GE CYNC Smart LED Bulbs

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GE

Despite the dominance of Phillips Hue, Govee, and TP-Link in the market, we have chosen the GE CYNC Smart Bulb as our top pick for several compelling reasons. These bulbs stand out due to their outstanding build quality and reasonable price.

A notable advantage of the GE bulbs is that they do not require a hub, which can be a major benefit for many users. When entering the world of smart home technology, smart bulbs are often the first step. During this initial stage, a hub may not be necessary. However, if you later determine that more control is needed for your smart home setup, the newer GE bulbs are fully compatible with Matter hubs.

Controlling the GE smart bulbs is now easier than ever with their improved app and voice command capabilities through Alexa or Google Assistant. Unlike older models, these bulbs can be connected directly to these voice assistants, eliminating the need for a separate smart plug.

In addition to this, the GE smart bulbs offer even more control options such as a motion sensor, dimmer switch, or GE remote, making them incredibly versatile. They can be controlled via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, providing a reliable backup solution in case your Wi-Fi service is interrupted.

The GE bulb is offered in various versions, such as full multicolor, soft white, and tunable white. These options are available in different form factors, such as recessed spotlight bulbs. Additionally, there is a Dynamic Color version that can change color in response to the music played in the room.

For those who do not initially need a smart home hub, the GE CYNC Smart Bulbs provide a dependable and high-quality solution for incorporating smart lighting into your home.

Discover the incredible GE CYNC Smart LED Bulbs.

A standout in its category, the GE CYNC smart bulbs offer an impressive array of features. With their vibrant and accurate colors, seamless functionality through an intuitive app, and exceptional craftsmanship, these bulbs earn recognition as the best overall choice.

What truly sets these bulbs apart is their remarkable adaptability. Equipped with motion sensors and dimmer switches, they can effortlessly cater to your specific needs. Additionally, their compatibility with Matter ensures seamless integration with other smart devices.

Experience the ultimate in smart lighting with GE CYNC Smart LED Bulbs.

$24 at Amazon

Best Smart Light Platform: Philips Hue Starter Kit

Philips

If you're aiming to fully maximize the intelligence of your home, simply incorporating a few smart light bulbs won't suffice. The ideal solution lies in implementing a hub system. Utilizing a hub brings forth numerous advantages, such as alleviating strain on your Wi-Fi network and facilitating the effortless inclusion and management of additional smart home devices.

Although a hubless system may be more cost-effective and suitable if your intentions are solely focused on smart lighting for a limited number of rooms, you'll be missing out on some remarkable integrations. This is precisely why the Philips Hue Starter Kit is crowned as the ultimate smart light platform.

While it may be a bit inconvenient to physically connect the Hue Hub to your modem or Wi-Fi router (which means you won't have access to your light's features during an Internet outage), the smart light starter kit offers numerous possibilities if you decide to expand your lighting setup and automation.

For instance, you can create a complete scene using this starter kit, a Philips Hue light strip, and Spotify, where the lights synchronize with the music. This scene can also be controlled through Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, which is surprisingly lacking in many other smart lights. Although the hub simplifies the connection process, the reliance on Wi-Fi may result in occasional instability in the connections.

The lights emit a powerful 1,100 lumens, which may be too intense for some. Fortunately, each bulb can be dimmed and customized to any of the over 16 million available colors. Certain colors are more striking than others, but overall, the spectrum is vivid and dynamic.

The Philips Hue Starter Kit is an exceptional starting point for transforming any home or office into a smart lighting environment. While the initial cost may appear high, if you're committed to maximizing the intelligence of your home, it lays a solid foundation for creating a truly intricate setup.

the Philips Hue Starter Kit

The Philips Hue Starter Kit is the ultimate smart light system, offering you the best in convenience and user-friendliness. With this kit, you can automate your entire home and enjoy brilliant lighting with a wide range of colors. Customize your experience with various 3rd-party integrations available.

Original Price: $200

Sale Price: $172

Save $28

$172 at Amazon See at Best Buy

Best Smart Light Bulb: Kasa Smart Light Bulb

TP-Link

If you prefer to avoid the added complexity and expense of using a smart home hub, like the one needed for Phillips Hue lights, there are now more options available for smart bulbs without a hub. Several brands have made it much simpler to use smart bulbs without a hub, particularly if you only require one in a single room. Our top pick among these options is the TP-Link Kasa Smart Bulb.

As smart bulbs have gained popularity, they have started to offer similar features, making it challenging to choose between them. Often, the decision comes down to key factors such as durability and lifespan, in which the Kasa smart bulbs excel.

With the ability to produce 16 million colors and adjustable whites ranging from warm to cool, these bulbs are suitable for any room. They are available in 800 or 1000-lumen brightness, which is equivalent to approximately 60W and 80W, respectively. If that seems too bright, the bulbs can be dimmed all the way down to 1% brightness.

Controlling multiple bulbs in different rooms is made easy with the user-friendly Kasa Smart app for iOS and Android. Additionally, you have the option to use voice commands with Alexa or Google Assistant. Although Apple HomeKit support is not available, the Kasa bulbs can be integrated with Samsung SmartThings if you already use it to control other smart home devices.

Experience the convenience of the Kasa Smart Light Bulbs. Not only can you effortlessly monitor the energy usage of these bulbs, but you can also optimize their performance through the creation of timers and schedules. Say goodbye to wasted energy and hello to increased efficiency. Additionally, you can rest easy with the knowledge that TP-Link offers a generous two-year warranty, providing reassurance that you won't have to constantly replace bulbs every six months.

Save $8 on the top-quality Kasa Smart Light Bulbs at Amazon. These bulbs offer exceptional controllability, vibrant colors, and adjustable whites, without the need for a hub. Get yours now for only $17.

Best Smart Light Strip: Govee 65.6 ft RGBIC LED Light Strip

Govee

Govee has been making a significant impact in the smart lighting industry by creating meticulously crafted and highly functional products. The Govee RGBIC LED Light Strip exemplifies their dedication to excellence, as it not only boasts impressive features but also comes at an incredibly affordable price point.

One important aspect to highlight is RGBIC, a system that utilizes an individual controller chip for each segment of the light strip. This unique system enables the strip to simultaneously display multiple colors along its entire length, offering an extensive array of combinations. With this feature, it becomes effortless to divide the room's lighting without the need for connecting multiple light strips together.

However, it's worth noting that RGBIC light strips do not support cutting and joining with pin connectors. Therefore, it's crucial to carefully measure and ensure sufficient length for the desired lighting run. To address this limitation, Govee offers a wide range of lengths, starting from 16ft up to an impressive 100ft.

Control the light strip easily through the Govee app for iOS or Android, which offers a multitude of options once you become familiar with it, or utilize voice commands with Alexa or Google Assistant. Dynamic mode allows you to sync colors with music or other audio in the room, while Scenes provide predetermined color combinations for different moods. In case you can't find a preset you like, DIY mode allows complete customization of the lighting, allowing you to save the theme for future use.

Although there are cheaper light strips available, especially for shorter lengths, if you desire precise control over lighting provided by RGBIC technology, along with outstanding features, voice control, and a well-designed app, it will be hard to find a better option.

The Govee RGBIC Bluetooth LED Strip Lights (65.6ft) are the ultimate smart light strip. With a wide range of vibrant colors, numerous preset themes, and the innovative Music Mode, these lights are a game-changer. What sets them apart is the RGBIC capability, which allows you to enjoy multiple colors simultaneously along a single strip. Say goodbye to dull lighting and transform your space with these dynamic LED lights.

$70 at Amazon

Best Outdoor Smart Light: Govee Outdoor Ground Lights

Govee

Transform your outdoor area with these versatile and vibrant outdoor lights. Govee's Outdoor Ground Lights offer a distinctive way to add light and color to both your front and back yard. Each individual light can be easily placed into the ground along sidewalks, patios, and driveways, ensuring a safer walking path. With 1.6 feet of cord between each light, you can cover approximately 24 feet of ground.

Although the total length of the strand is 36 feet, there is a deliberate 12.5-foot gap between the first light and the adapter. This space serves two important purposes. Firstly, it caters to outdoor spaces where the nearest outlet may be further away. Secondly, while the lights themselves are weatherproof, the adapter is not, making it crucial to avoid placing it in any areas that may become wet, such as dewy grass.

The purpose of these multicolor ground lights is not to annoy neighbors, but to provide just the right amount of visibility at night. Despite each bulb being only 80 lumens, it is sufficient for its intended use. Additionally, if the lights appear too bright, there is a built-in dimmer in Govee's dedicated app.

The Govee app, which is a feature common to all Govee products, has its strengths and weaknesses. Initially, it may be overwhelming due to the numerous options available for scene creation and individual color settings for each ground light. However, once you become familiar with it, you will enjoy features such as music sync mode for dancing lights, a timer, and a wide array of colors. Moreover, if you have other Govee lights, the app serves as a central hub to connect and coordinate visual spectacles.

If you're utilizing the Govee Outdoor Ground Lights as pathway lights, the time function available in the Govee app will prove to be of utmost importance. With this feature, you have the ability to establish a weekly schedule in order to compensate for the absence of a motion sensor.

Govee Outdoor Ground Lights

Enhance your outdoor experience with Govee's premium Outdoor Smart Light. These ground lights go beyond basic pathway illumination, offering a unique outdoor sanctuary. Enjoy the convenience of weekly scheduling and the flexibility of DIY light mapping, allowing you to effortlessly create a stunning light show at dusk. Get yours for only $60 on Amazon.

Best Smart Christmas Lights: Twinkly Strings Generation II

Twinkly

In the past, holiday lights used to be a plain green cord with sparkling lights. However, with the introduction of smart home automation, we now have Twinkly Strings, a versatile set of Christmas lights that can be used both indoors and outdoors for various purposes.

The Twinkly Strings are not your typical Christmas lights. With full control and mapping capabilities through the Twinkly app, you can create a customized light show that complements your holiday style. However, this advanced technology may not be suitable for everyone. If you don't utilize the various features and capabilities, you won't fully maximize your purchase.

Although the longest strand measures over 150 feet in length, it would have been convenient if they could be connected end-to-end. Keep in mind that if you plan to use Twinkly lights outdoors, you may encounter some difficulties since each strand requires its own power outlet. Additionally, the presence of the adapter in the center of the strand makes it even more challenging to manage multiple cords.

When you successfully set it up, however, you're in for an enjoyable experience. Twinkly Strings Generation II is undeniably the most distinctive collection of Christmas lights, and their capabilities, ranging from crafting personalized visuals to orchestrating complete light spectacles, contribute to a vibrant holiday exhibition.

Twinkly Strings Generation II

Get the Best Smart Christmas Lights for just $173, saving a whopping $87 compared to the original price of $260. Say goodbye to those ordinary Walmart lights, because Twinkly's smart LED Christmas tree lights are here to amaze you. These lights offer complete customization with a wide range of vibrant colors and dynamic effects. You can even map your Christmas tree to personalize every segment, resulting in the most pristine and visually appealing Christmas tree you can imagine. Don't miss out on this incredible deal, available on Amazon. Also, check out Wayfair for more information.

FAQ

Are smart lights energy efficient?

Smart lights are commonly LEDs, which consume less energy compared to conventional light bulbs. Furthermore, smart lights have the capability to be programmed to automatically switch on and off at specific times throughout the day, reducing energy wastage and ensuring that each bulb is utilized only when necessary. In case a Wi-Fi-enabled light is inadvertently left on, it can be easily turned off using a smartphone. To achieve maximum energy efficiency, it is advisable to seek out smart lights that bear the ENERGY STAR logo.

Do smart lights use electricity when turned off?

Do smart lights burn out?

Similar to other electronic devices, smart lights consume minimal energy when they are switched off. This small amount of energy usage is unlikely to have any noticeable impact on an energy bill. However, in order to completely prevent the ongoing consumption of electricity, it is necessary to unplug the smart light or completely remove it from the fixture.

About how long do smart lights last?

The lifespan of a third-generation Philips Hue bulb is impressive - it can last up to 25,000 hours, equivalent to over 1,041 days of continuous operation. Taking into account normal everyday usage, these smart lights have the potential to illuminate spaces for anywhere between 15 to 25 years.

Can you use smart light bulbs in ceiling fans?

Smart light bulbs can be utilized in ceiling fans; however, their compatibility may vary depending on the fan type and bulb size. Moreover, if the ceiling fan also functions as a dimmer, the bulb's performance might be compromised due to a restricted power supply.