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Smart switches and dimmers have become extremely popular in modern homes. They allow users to control smart bulbs remotely and adjust their brightness. In addition to smart bulbs, many of them work with non-smart, dimmable LEDs, CFLs, and incandescent bulbs and lights. A smart switch dimmer facilitates complete control of the home’s lighting and ambiance.
What is a Smart Switch? How Does it Work?
A smart switch dimmer is an intelligent device that allows you to control smart or dimmable bulbs and lights in your home. You can switch lights on or off and adjust their brightness. In addition to manual operation, it facilitates remote control. You replace the existing switch of lighting fixtures with a smart switch dimmer.
Most smart switches and dimmers can be controlled through a smartphone app published by the manufacturer. They may support voice commands issued through virtual assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. The same is made possible by an integrated Wi-Fi or Z-wave module. You may need a compatible smart bridge or hub to enable remote access to the smart switch.
In addition to turning lights on or off manually, users can set schedules to automate the process. They can adjust the brightness of lights according to the time of the day. Some smart switches and dimmers may create routines by integrating compatible lighting devices in your home. You have the freedom to adjust your home’s ambiance as required.
The Best Smart Switches and Dimmers of 2021
Many smart switches are available in the market. Homeowners who are searching for the best smart switches and dimmers of 2021 may consider one of the following models.
#1. Gosund Smart Dimmer Switch
Gosund Smart Dimmer Switch is an affordable product among the best smart switches and dimmers of 2021. It is a unique product designed to work with traditional dimmable LEDs and CFLs (up to 150W), incandescent bulbs (400W), and even ceiling fans (100W). On the flip side, it is not compatible with smart bulbs. Gosund Smart Dimmer Switch supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant without requiring a separate hub. You can control it through voice commands. It has integrated 2.4G Wi-Fi for connectivity. Its front side features an LED touch panel for adjusting the brightness and speed of smart lights. An app is also available for smartphones to operate the switch. You can create schedules, scenes, and groups using it.
With a price tag of $19.99, Gosund Smart Dimmer Switch is the most affordable option on the list. It is designed for single-pole circuits and requires a neutral wire connection. If you need to control non-smart devices, it is a suitable option.
#2. Kasa Smart HS220 Dimmer Switch by TP-Link
TP-Link’s Kasa Smart HS220 Dimmer Switch is one of the most affordable options among the best smart switches and dimmers of 2021. It enables you to control electronic devices remotely. The company provides the Case app for Android and iOS devices for controlling the smart dimmer switch. You can set schedules for turning the switch on or off automatically through it. HS220 switch itself can be single or double-tapped for gradually turning lights on or off. An integrated brightness indicator is provided for convenience. The device features 2.4GHz integrated Wi-Fi for enabling access over the Internet without a hub. It supports voice control through Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana virtual assistants. TP-Link’s Kasa Smart HS220 Dimmer Switch costs $25.99 and is backed by good reviews. It is one of the best smart switches and dimmers of 2021. Buyers must note that it is compatible with only single-pole setups, and its installation requires a neutral wire.
#3. Lutron Caseta Smart Home Dimmer Switch
Lutron Caseta Smart Home Dimmer Switch is a premium offering out of the best smart switches and dimmers of 2021. You can control lights in your home remotely, turn them on or off according to a schedule, or physically through the switch. One of the main advantages of Lutron Caseta is that it does not require a neutral wire. It is suitable for all homes, irrespective of their age. Traditional dimmable LED, incandescent, and halogen bulbs can be operated with it in addition to smart bulbs.
Lutron’s Caseta smart switch and dimmer is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit as well as products from Ring, Sonos, and Serena. However, users are required to purchase a smart bridge to enable the functionality. It is even required for controlling the smart switch and dimmer through the Lutron app. Homeowners can set schedules so that the lights turn on or off according to seasons via the app. They may buy the wireless Pico remote (PJ2-3BRL-GXX-L01) to control the lights from anywhere in the home.
Lutron Caseta Smart Home Dimmer Switch costs $72. The package becomes quite expensive considering the additional cost of a smart bridge. However, it does have some great features and works without a neutral wire, earning it a spot on this list of the best smart switches and dimmers of 2021.
#4. Meross Smart Wi-Fi Dimmer Switch (MSS560XHK)
Meross Smart Wi-Fi Dimmer Switch is another economical alternative out of the best smart switches and dimmers of 2021. It enables you to adjust the intensity of CFL, LED, and incandescent bulbs. There are two buttons to change brightness and one on/off button on the dimmer switch. Five LEDs on it show the current brightness levels.
The smart switch and dimmer works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and even Apple HomeKit (not the MSS560X model). It comes with integrated 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and does not need a hub. Users may download the Meross app on iOS and Android devices. It enables you to control the smart switch and dimmer remotely. Meross Smart Wi-Fi Dimmer Switch is super affordable at $24.99. It does require a neutral wire connection to work and is compatible with single-pole but not 3-way circuits.
#5. GE Enbrighten Z-Wave Plus Smart Light Dimmer
When it comes to the best smart switches and dimmers of 2021, GE Enbrighten Z-Wave Plus Smart Light Dimmer is an excellent product. It is suitable for high-power dimmable LEDs/CFLs (300W) and incandescent bulbs (600W). The device makes use of the Z-wave protocol for enabling remote communication instead of 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. You will need a Z-wave hub for controlling it through a smartphone or via voice commands. A wide range of smart bridge models with Z-wave is compatible with it.
GE Enbrighten Z-Wave Plus Smart Light Dimmer supports Alexa and Google Assistant. Users can set scenes, schedules, and alerts using the app. It can be operated manually as well. GE Enbrighten Z-Wave Plus Smart Light Dimmer costs $44.99 and will fit the budget of most homeowners. There are six different finishing options available, and buyers can choose one that matches their home’s décor. A neutral wire connection is required for installing the smart switch dimmer.
#6. Philips Hue Smart Dimmer Switch with Remote
Homeowners who are already invested in the Philips Hue ecosystem should consider the Smart Dimmer Switch from the company. It is one of the best smart switches and dimmers of 2021, provided you have smart bulbs from the brand. The device allows users to switch Philips smart bulbs on or off and change their color and intensity. It also enables you to cycle through four different scenes.
The smart dimmer switch can control up to 10 smart lights on its own and 50 if you purchase a Philips Hue Hub. An internet connection is not mandatory for it to work. You can operate the smart switch dimmer either with the included remote or through the Philips Hue app. It also supports Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Homekit for facilitating voice control. When used with the Philips Hue Hub, it can control Alexa and HomeKit compatible appliances. Philips Hue Smart Dimmer Switch with Remote costs $24.99 and is quite affordable. However, it only works with Philips Hue Smart Lights and will be suitable for homes that have the ecosystem.
#7. Leviton DZ6HD-1BZ Decora Smart 600W Dimmer with Z-Wave Technology
Leviton DZ6HD-1BZ Decora Smart Dimmer is a well-recommended item on the list of the best smart switches and dimmers of 2021. Users can employ it for dimmable LED/CFL (300W max) and incandescent lighting devices (600W max). It makes use of Z-Wave technology instead of a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection. You will need a Z-Wave hub for the smart switch and dimmer.
Leviton DZ6HD-1BZ Decora Smart Dimmer is compatible with Alexa and enables voice control. It does require a neutral wire to work. You can employ the smart switch dimmer in 3-way circuits by adding up to four remote units. There are six color change kits sold separately for matching the aesthetics of your home. Leviton DZ6HD-1BZ Decora Smart Dimmer presents a great value at its asking price of $49.99.
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