Smart light bulbs are the most popular segment of smart home improvement products. They allow you to automate your lights or control them remotely. Smart LED bulbs not only uplift your home but can improve efficiency and lower electricity consumption.
What are Smart Light Bulbs?
In its most basic form, a smart light is one that can be controlled without having to press its electrical switch. It may come with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity. You can install an application on your smartphone and control the Wi-Fi smart light. The app may allow you to turn the light on or off as well as adjust its brightness. With some apps, you can control lights remotely from a place such as your office.
Some color smart bulbs may allow users to change the color of the light at will. A few advanced smart bulbs enable you to set a schedule for turning them on or off at a particular time. It lowers electricity consumption by preventing wastage. You can automate lights using the application. Smart LED bulbs may support voice commands through Amazon Alexa and Google Home Assistant. A few cheap color-tunable bulbs may use an IR remote control for adjusting their brightness or color.
What to Look for When Buying a Smart Light Bulb?
There is a wide variety of smart LED bulbs available in the market. They have different specifications and vivid features. Here are a few things that buyers must consider when buying a smart light bulb.
RGB vs. White – One of the primary specifications to look for in smart LED bulbs is the light spectrum supported by them. LED-based bulbs can emit light with varying color temperatures. It will depend on the number and type of diodes used. Some bulbs can emit only white light while others support RGB as well.
If you prioritize illumination, then white smart bulbs will be ideal for you. White bulbs are broadly categorized as Warm White and Cool White. The light of Warm White smart lights has an orange glow, similar to halogen lamps. Cool White smart bulbs emit light with a bluish tinge. You may choose between Warm White or Cool White as per your preferences.
A few homeowners may want color smart bulbs that can also emit RGB light. They may want to change the color of the light at will or for an occasion like a party. If you want the ability to adjust the light color (to red, green, blue, or some other color), then opt for color-tunable bulbs. Most color smart bulbs can emit white light as well, thereby functioning as white smart bulbs. You won’t have to buy separate bulbs for illumination and mood lighting.
Socket Type – An important specification to consider in smart LED bulbs is the type of socket they support. There are different types of sockets available for LED-based bulbs. The most popular of these include the E27 screw-type and the B22 bayonet-type sockets. When choosing a smart light, consider the type of socket on the fixture (such as a lamp or chandelier). Make sure that the bulb you are buying is compatible with your lighting fixture. If you buy a bulb with a different socket, it won’t fit in your lighting fixture. You may have to buy an adapter in addition to the smart bulb.
Connectivity Options – The main feature of smart light bulbs is that they allow you to control lights remotely. They make use of different connectivity options for the same:
- Wi-Fi – Most smart lights come with built-in Wi-Fi capability. They can connect to a 2.4GHz wireless network. Users can install an application on their smartphone and control lights remotely. It provides maximum flexibility to homeowners. A person can control and adjust the Wi-Fi smart lights at their home when they are at the office or outside.
- Bluetooth – Some smart LED bulbs utilize Bluetooth instead of Wi-Fi for connecting to the app. You will be installing the app on your smartphone, but it will connect to the bulb via Bluetooth. A major limitation of Bluetooth smart lights is that you can only control them when you are within their range, 10-15 meters. You won’t be able to access lights remotely.
- IR Remote Control – A few LED-based bulbs utilize an IR remote control instead of a smartphone application. The remote is provided in the package along with the bulb. It has multiple buttons for adjusting brightness, changing color, or setting a mode of illumination. However, the adjustment options are severely limited as compared to smartphone apps. You can only choose from about sixteen different colors and a few specific brightness levels (three or five). They don’t allow you to automate lights either.
Some smart light bulbs come with a dedicated remote while others support Wi-Fi connectivity that enables you to control them through an app installed on your smartphone. An app-controlled smart light bulb provides more control options and features. Choose smart LED bulbs whose connectivity options you find convenient. If you want to automate lights, then consider Bluetooth or Wi-Fi smart lights that allow you to set a schedule.
Wattage and Voltage – The primary purpose of smart bulbs is illumination. Therefore users must pay attention to their wattage and lumens ratings. An LED-based bulb consumes less power as compared to halogen and CFL lamps while providing equal or more light. A 15W smart LED bulb will illuminate large rooms adequately. Smart LED bulbs with a 9W rating are ideal for most rooms. If you are buying white smart bulbs for a lamp, then you may be fine with a lower wattage rating. However, do keep in mind that the brightness of color smart bulbs may be lower in RGB mode as compared to white mode. Along with wattage, you should also pay attention to the voltage range supported by the bulb. Some countries use a 110V mains while others employ a 220V mains. Make sure that the smart light that you are buying is suitable for your area’s mains voltage.
Dimmable – A few individuals may want to adjust the brightness of smart LED bulbs at will. They may want to set the brightness to the maximum at night and turn it down during the day. There are dimmable smart bulbs that allow users to adjust their brightness. You can set it depending on the activity you are performing. It can be raised when getting dressed up in the morning or lowered when reading a book before bedtime. Buy dimmable smart light bulbs if you need the brightness adjustment functionality.
Best Smart Light Bulbs – Automate Your Lights or Control Them Remotely
If you are browsing for the best smart light bulbs, then here are a few well-recommended options for you. They include different types of smart bulbs to meet the varying requirements of homeowners.
#1. RAYH 15W Wi-Fi Smart Light Bulb B22 E27 LED RGB Lamp Work with Alexa/Google Home 85-265V RGB+White Dimmable Timer Function Magic Bulb
RAYH 15W Wi-Fi smart light bulb
RAYH 15W Wi-Fi smart light bulb is a highly popular option for buyers of smart bulbs. It is an LED-based bulb with a power rating of 15W and Lumen rating of 90LM/W. The fixture can function in a voltage range of 85-265V (AC). It supports voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Home Assistant. RAYH 15W smart bulbs can emit RGB and White light, thereby fulfilling the functions of both color smart bulbs and white smart bulbs. It is a Wi-Fi smart light that can be operated using the smartphone app. You can connect the bulb to your home’s Wi-Fi network and control lights remotely. The app allows you to adjust brightness, change color, and set a schedule using the timer function to automate lights. RAYH 15W smart bulbs are available in multiple variants that include – RGB+Warm White, RGB+Cool White, only Warm White, and only Cool White. You can purchase them for B22 or E27 socket fixtures.
#2. VBS Dimmable 15W B22 E27 Wi-Fi Smart Light Bulb LED Lamp App Operate Alexa Google Assistant Control Wake up Smart Lamp Night Light
VBS Dimmable 15W Wi-Fi smart light bulb
VBS Dimmable 15W Wi-Fi smart light bulb is one of the best selling white smart bulbs. It only emits white light and is suitable for buyers who need smart LED bulbs but don’t require RGB functionality. VBS smart lights are Wi-Fi enabled and can be connected to a wireless network. Users can install an application on their smartphones to control lights remotely. They can adjust the brightness and use the timer function to automate lights as per their chosen schedule. You can operate them using voice commands via Amazon Alexa Echo or Google Home Assistant as well. VBS white smart bulbs are available in Warm White (2700K) and Cool White (5700K) variants for both B22 and E27 sockets.
#3. SEEDIQ LED Bulb E27 Dimmable RGB Smart Bulb 10W 15W AC 220V 110V Smart Light Bulb RGBW RGBWW with IR Remote Control
SEEDIQ smart LED bulbs are an alternative for buyers of smart light bulbs. They don’t have Wi-Fi functionality and can’t be controlled using an app or a voice assistant. Instead, these bulbs come with an IR remote control. It allows you to choose from sixteen different preset colors, including white. You can also adjust the brightness of these color smart bulbs and select from four illumination modes – flash, smooth, fade, and strobe. However, it has a working range of 5-10 meters. SEEDIQ smart LED bulbs with an IR controller are available in 5W, 10W, and 15W power ratings. Buyers can choose between RGB+Warm White and RGB+Cool White variants. Additionally, SEEDIQ also sells Wi-Fi smart lights and color-tunable bulbs that support voice and app control. All these products are available for fixtures with E27 sockets.
#4. Tuya Smart Light Bulb 12w 15w Color Changing Wi-Fi Hue Light E27 RGB LED Bulb Dimmable Alexa Compatible Tuya Smart Life APP Google
Tuya Wi-Fi smart LED bulb is a versatile product among smart lights. It is one of the few color-tunable bulbs that can emit Warm White and Cool White light (2800K-6500K) in addition to RGB. The smart light is a single product that fulfills the functions of multiple white smart bulbs. You can choose between warm white and cool white lights as required. Tuya Wi-Fi smart light is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home Assistant and may be controlled using voice commands. It also has a built-in Wi-Fi module and can be connected to your home’s wireless network. Users can install the SmartLife app on their smartphones to control lights remotely. It allows you to adjust the brightness, change the color, and set a schedule to automate lights. Tuya Wi-Fi color smart bulbs come with an E27 socket base and are available in 12W and 15W variants.
#5. VBS LED Lighting Store Dimmable E27 LED Lamp RGB 15W WIFI Smart Bulb Bluetooth APP Control 5W 10W IR Remote Control RGBWW Light Bulb 85-265V For Homes
VBS LED Lighting Store smart LED bulbs
VBS LED Lighting Store has a comprehensive range of smart LED bulbs. Their Wi-Fi smart lights range includes 15W color smart bulbs that support the RGB spectrum in addition to white light. They can be connected to the smartphone app available for iOS and Android platforms. Users can control lights remotely, adjust the brightness, and set a schedule to turn the lights on or off automatically at a specific time. VBS also sells 15W LED-based bulbs that utilize Bluetooth instead of Wi-Fi for connecting to the app. Additionally, they provide smart LED bulbs with an IR remote control. They come in 5W, 10W, and 15W configurations. Users who prefer a remote control over wireless connectivity can consider these color-tunable bulbs.
#6. YYXMB Tuya Smart Wi-Fi 5W GU10 GU5.3 MR16 LED Bulb LAMP Remote Voice Control RGBCW Dimmable LED Light
Buyers who want smart LED bulbs for GU10 or GU5.3 socket fixtures can consider the YYXMB Wi-Fi smart lights. They have a power rating of 5W and can emit RGB, Warm White, and Cool White light. Users don’t have to buy separate white smart bulbs for warm and cool light. The smart LED bulbs support voice commands and are compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Home Assistant, and IFTTT. They have Wi-Fi capability and can be controlled via a smartphone app. It allows users to adjust brightness or automate lights using the timer function. YYXMB sells smart LED bulbs for other socket types as well.
#7. FLYIDEA 15W Smart Light Bulb Dimmable Wi-Fi LED Lamp E27 Color Changing Lamp RGB Magic Bulb 110V 220V APP Operate Alexa Google Assistant
Buyers searching for white smart bulbs can consider FLYIDEA 15W Smart Light Bulbs. They only emit white light and are available in Warm White and Cool White variants. These are Wi-Fi smart lights that can be operated using a smartphone app. Users can control lights remotely, change brightness, or automate lights using the app. The LED-based bulbs can be adjusted individually or in groups. FLYIDEA smart bulbs support voice commands through Amazon Alexa and Google Home Assistant as well as shortcut commands through Apple Siri. FLYIDEA also sells color smart bulbs that support the RGB light spectrum in addition to white light.
