Smart Light Switches vs. Smart Bulbs

The smart home industry is growing and with so many options, it can ve hard to choose where to use what.

Well, today I am going to talk about the differences between switches and bulbs and where you should use which one.

So let's get started.

First, I am going to talk about smart switches.

Source: techhive.com

Switches are, in my opinion, the best way to smartify your house and are the cheapest way to do so. The switches can be relatively cheap depending on which ones you get but the more expensive ones can have unique features like built-in screens or motion sensors.

Now the best place to use them is in places where you need simple smart control of lights. Somewhere like a living room where you aren't going to put RGB lighting. The benefit of smart switches is that you can use normal light bulbs with them. You just have to be careful that the bulbs you are choosing have a dimming capability if your switch supports that.

These bulbs can be inexpensive and a switch perfect option for areas with high ceilings or areas with tons of light bulbs.

Another benefit of a light switch is that you don't have to rely on the internet. The switch will still work if the wifi goes out, unlike smart bulbs.

My favorite smart light switch system is the Lutron Caseta. You can buy a starter kit at this link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G5V6M6G ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_9B4H8T16SR49EPCK2EAZ

Now let's talk about smart bulbs.

Source: goodhousekeeping.com

Bulbs have a purpose as well but generally are harder to use and don't work great for big areas.

The biggest issue with them is the cost where one bulb can cost almost $40 and ith say 8 in a room... that's $320. That's a lot.

Now they do have a purpose and each type of bulb available to buy has a different purpose.

A simple bulb that just turns on and off can be great for a closet or a lamp. These can be relatively inexpensive unlike others but that brings issues on how to control it which raises the price.

A more complex bulb that changes color temperatures like the Philips hue gives you easy control and basically a new bulb every time you want to change the color. These are around $25-30.

A cool feature with these or even the next category of smart bulbs is that in Apple HomeKit, You can have the color temperature change based on what time it is. it creates a beautiful ambiance and really puts your home to work.

The last category for smart light bulbs is RGB color bulbs with millions of colors. These are great for gaming rooms or if you want outdoor Christmas lights that are a one-time setup. These can also be great for areas that you want to sync up with the tv with something like the Phillips hue sync box.

Now another major issue is the control part. Motion sensor prices can add up and the best way in my opinion is to cover up the existing light switch with some type of plastic cover on amazon so no one accidentally cuts the power off to them and use the wireless light switch that the brand makes like the one by Phillips hue:

They are battery-powered and have sticky tape so you can easily attach them to the wall.

The actually switches magnetically attached so you can move it around.

In the end, Switches are still the better deal and experience and cost much less.

That's it.

-Karan