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Light bulbs have grown exponentially smarter in recent years. You can now replace your standard incandescent bulbs with a variety of connected solutions that support phone and voice control. Back when we first started reviewing connected lighting products a decade ago, a starter kit with three bulbs cost $200, but today the best smart lights cost a fraction of that. Our top pick, the AiDot Linkind Matter Smart Light Bulb, costs $20, displays 16 million colors and a range of white tones, and works with multiple smart home automation platforms. If you want smart bulbs for your recessed fixtures, colorful accent lighting for inside or outside your home, or a night-light for your kid’s room or a dark hallway, we have you covered in our list below.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Best Overall
AiDot Linkind Matter Smart Light Bulb
Pros & Cons
Rich colors
Supports Matter
Works with multiple home automation platforms
Custom and music-themed effects
Offers power usage reports
Specs & Configurations
Connectivity
Wi-Fi
Integrations
Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, IFTTT
Base Type
E26
Light Color
Color
Light Color Temperature
2,700K to 6,500K
Output
800 lumens
Mfr. Est. Lifespan
25000 hours
Geofencing/Location Services
Why We Picked It
The AiDot Linkind Wi-Fi Matter Smart Light Bulb features built-in Wi-Fi and works with the Matter smart home standard, so you can easily connect it to your home network and pair it with the Alexa, Google, HomeKit, and SmartThings home automation systems. It also supports IFTTT applets that allow it to interact with several third-party smart home devices. It delivers rich colors and warm and cool whites and offers lots of fun lighting effects, plus energy usage reports.
Who It’s For
If you’re looking for a smart and colorful LED bulb that will work with all your other smart home devices, the AiDot Linkind Matter Smart Light Bulb is your best bet. It’s a plastic A19 bulb that uses a standard E26 screw-in base. With a maximum output of 800 lumens, it’s not quite as bright as the Roku Smart Bulb SE Color, but it offers a lot more integration potential.
Learn More
AiDot Linkind Matter Smart Light Bulb Review
Best White Bulb
Philips Dimmable A19 Smart Wi-Fi Wiz Light Bulb
Pros & Cons
Affordable
No hub required
Connects via Wi-Fi for remote app control
Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, and Siri shortcuts
Supports light Rhythms, Scenes, and Schedules
Finicky Wi-Fi setup and app control in testing
No HomeKit support
Specs & Configurations
Connectivity
Wi-Fi
Integrations
Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
Base Type
E26
Light Color
White
Light Color Temperature
2,700K
Output
800 lumens
Wattage
8.8 watts
Watt Equivalence
60 watts
Mfr. Est. Lifespan
25000 hours
Geofencing/Location Services
Why We Picked It
Philips makes some of our favorite smart light bulbs, but its Hue LEDs are prciey. Starting at just $9.97, the Philips Dimmable A19 Smart Wi-Fi Wiz Light Bulb is a far more affordable option. It offers ample features for the price, including support for IFTTT integrations and voice control via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri Shortcuts. It delivers 800 lumens of brightness, which is roughly equivalent to a 60-watt incandescent bulb, and it has a 2700K (warm) color temperature.
Who It’s For
The Philips Dimmable A19 Smart Wi-Fi Wiz bulb offers loads of value and convenience for its low price. It works with Wi-Fi for app control without needing a separate hub, it supports voice commands, and it features plenty of customization options. Its companion app lets you create Scenes to set the mood for different occasions, Rhythms to automate lighting adjustments based on the time of day, and Schedules to enable your preferred light mode on certain days and times.
Learn More
Philips Dimmable A19 Smart Wi-Fi Wiz Light Bulb Review
Best for Roku Device Users
Roku Smart Bulb SE Color
Pros & Cons
Affordable
Good color quality
Doesn’t require a hub
Supports voice control
Interacts with other Roku devices
Doesn’t work with HomeKit, IFTTT, or Matter
Limited integration potential
Specs & Configurations
Connectivity
Wi-Fi
Integrations
Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa
Base Type
E26
Light Color
Color
Light Color Temperature
1800K-6500K
Output
1100 lumens
Wattage
12 watts
Mfr. Est. Lifespan
25000 hours
Geofencing/Location Services
Why We Picked It
If you want your pick of colors and white tones, the affordable Roku Smart Bulb SE Color has you covered. It can display 16 million colors, and a white light temperatures ranging from 1,800K (warm) to 6,500K (cool). It’s also dimmable, with a brightness range between 30 and 1,100 lumens. The Bulb SE Color uses an embedded 2.4GHz Wi-Fi radio to connect to your home network and a Bluetooth radio to pair with Roku’s mobile app. It works with Alexa and Google Assistant voice controls, as well as Roku’s voice service if you connect it to a compatible media streaming device such as the Roku Ultra. You can also configure it to interact with Roku’s other smart home devices.
Who It’s For
At a little less than $10 per bulb, the Roku Smart Bulb SE Color is an excellent low-cost smart lighting solution for livening up fixtures with an E26 screw-in base. It works particularly well in homes with other Roku devices.
Learn More
Roku Smart Bulb SE Color Review
Best for Recessed Fixtures
Nanoleaf Essentials Matter BR30 Smart Bulb
Pros & Cons
Rich colors
Works with numerous platforms
Voice control
Thread and Matter support
Mood lighting effects
Requires a Thread border router for remote control
No Wi-Fi
Tricky setup
Only available in a three-pack
Specs & Configurations
Connectivity
Bluetooth
Integrations
Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit
Base Type
E26
Light Color
Color
Light Color Temperature
2,700K to 6,500K
Output
1000 lumens
Wattage
8.5 watts
Watt Equivalence
60 watts
Mfr. Est. Lifespan
3 years
Geofencing/Location Services
Why We Picked It
The Nanoleaf Essentials Matter BR30 is a full-featured smart bulb for recessed fixtures that uses Matter technology to integrate with the most widely used home automation platforms including Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings. It offers customizable lighting for recessed outlets, with voice control support, robust colors, and fun effects. The 8.5-watt LED bulb can display more than 16 million colors, and white color temperatures ranging from 2,700K (warm) to 6,500K (cool), with a maximum brightness of 1,000 lumens.
Who It’s For
If you’re looking to smarten up your recessed or track lighting, the Nanoleaf Essentials Matter BR30 is a top choice. You can control the Nanoleaf BR30 bulb from its companion mobile app (available for Android and iOS), but it doesn’t have a built-in Wi-Fi radio. Therefore, if you want to control it remotely and integrate it with third-party smart home ecosystems, you’ll need a separate device that serves as a Thread border router.
Learn More
Nanoleaf Essentials Matter BR30 Smart Bulb Review
Best Hue Bulb
Philips Hue Bluetooth White and Color Ambiance Bulb
Pros & Cons
Works without a hub.
Easy to install.
Vibrant colors.
Supports Alexa and Google voice commands.
Can be added to Hue ecosystem.
Expensive.
Requires Hue Bridge for remote access and to use other Hue features.
Specs & Configurations
Connectivity
Bluetooth, ZigBee
Integrations
Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, IFTTT
Base Type
E26
Light Color
Color, White
Light Color Temperature
2000-6500K
Output
800 lumens
Wattage
10 watts
Watt Equivalence
60 watts
Mfr. Est. Lifespan
22 years
Geofencing/Location Services
Why We Picked It
The Philips Hue Bluetooth White and Color Ambiance is the first Hue smart bulb equipped with a Bluetooth radio, which means you can control it without connecting it to a Hue Bridge: Its app lets you turn it on and off, dim it, and change colors and color temperature settings, and the Ambiance supports Alexa and Google voice commands. You can pair it to a Hue Bridge if you want to control it from afar, as well as take advantage of smart home integration and other features that make Hue a best-in-class smart lighting platform.
Who It’s For
If you want to dip your toe into the smart lighting waters before investing in a pricey hub-controlled system, the Hue Bluetooth White and Color Ambiance bulb is a good place to start. It performed well in our tests and is easy to install, and you can add it to your Hue ecosystem should you decide to go all out.
Learn More
Philips Hue Bluetooth White and Color Ambiance Bulb Review
Best Outdoor String Lights
Govee Lynx Dream Bluetooth & Wi-Fi Outdoor String Lights
Pros & Cons
Lots of customizable lighting effects
Supports Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands
Works with IFTTT
No hub required
Bulbs are spaced far apart
No HomeKit support
Specs & Configurations
Connectivity
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Integrations
Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
Base Type
Strip
Light Color
Color, White
Light Color Temperature
2,700K
Output
50 lumens
Wattage
12 watts
Watt Equivalence
1.2 watts
Mfr. Est. Lifespan
20000 hours
Geofencing/Location Services
Why We Picked It
For a festive way to illuminate your outdoor spaces, try string lights such as the Govee Lynx Dream. Each string has dimmable multicolor LED bulbs that you can control with your voice or phone. They also support IFTTT applets, and you get a generous selection of preset lighting scenes and a fun Music Sync mode that’s great for parties.
Who It’s For
The Govee Lynx Dream String Lights are an excellent choice for anyone who wants to add colorful lighting outside of their home. Available in 48 or 96 feet, the strings are weatherproof, easy to install, and support remote control via voice commands or the flexible Govee Home mobile app. They also look great and are simply fun to use.
Learn More
Govee Lynx Dream Bluetooth & Wi-Fi Outdoor String Lights Review
Best Accent Lighting
TP-Link Kasa Smart Multicolor Light Strip (KL430)
Pros & Cons
Easy to install
Alexa and Google voice control
Works with third-party devices
Can be extended up to 33 feet
Cool lighting effects
Energy usage reports
Pricey extension strips
Lacks HomeKit support
Specs & Configurations
Connectivity
Wi-Fi
Integrations
Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
Base Type
Strip
Light Color
Color
Light Color Temperature
2500K-9000K
Output
1400 lumens
Wattage
17 watts
Watt Equivalence
100 watts
Mfr. Est. Lifespan
25000 hours
Geofencing/Location Services
Why We Picked It
The Kasa Smart Multicolor Light Strip offers an easy way to add a splash of color to any area of your home. This thin, flexible strip of plastic contains LEDs that emit white and colored light that you can control using the Kasa mobile and with Alexa and Google voice commands. It also offers some neat lighting effects, works with third-party smart devices, and can tell you how much power it’s using.
Who It’s For
If you want to add color to a bookshelf, brighten up a bare wall, or create the perfect movie night mood lighting effect, the TP-Link Kasa Smart Multicolor Light Strip is a good way to do it. It’s very easy to install, can be cut to fit your specific needs, and it delivers bright, colorful lighting and a wide range of whites.
Learn More
TP-Link Kasa Smart Multicolor Light Strip (KL430) Review
Best Smart Night-Light
Globe Electric Smart Ambient Light
Pros & Cons
Easy to install
Supports Alexa, Google, and Siri voice commands
Broad color range
Dual-band Wi-Fi
Works with SmartThings platform
Doesn’t support HomeKit or IFTTT
Narrow motion detection range
Specs & Configurations
Connectivity
Wi-Fi
Integrations
Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
Base Type
Standalone
Light Color
Color
Light Color Temperature
2,000K-5,000K
Wattage
25 watts
Mfr. Est. Lifespan
15000 hours
Geofencing/Location Services
Why We Picked It
The Globe Smart Ambient Light is a plug-in night-light with a built-in motion sensor that illuminates the way when you approach it. You can tune the LED to a specific white color temperature or display any number of RGB colors, create lighting schedules, and control everything from either an app or with your voice.
Who It’s For
The Globe Smart Ambient Light is worth checking out if you’re looking for a night-light to illuminate hallways, closets, bedrooms, and any other parts of your home with a soft, colorful glow.
Learn More
Globe Electric Smart Ambient Light Review
Best Smart Table Lamp
Philips Hue Iris Table Lamp
Pros & Cons
Wide color and white temperature range
Stylish design
Features Bluetooth for hub-free app control
Supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands
Some features require a Hue Bridge hub
Specs & Configurations
Connectivity
Bluetooth, ZigBee
Integrations
Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant
Base Type
Standalone
Light Color
Color, White
Light Color Temperature
2,000K to 6,500K
Output
570 lumens
Wattage
8.1 watts
Watt Equivalence
40 watts
Mfr. Est. Lifespan
25000 hours
Geofencing/Location Services
Why We Picked It
The Philips Hue Iris is a smart and stylish table lamp that lets you set the mood instantly. It displays 16 million colors and a wide range of warm and cool white tones to create the perfect ambience, and it supports routines to wake you up and help you sleep. The newest model offers a 570-lumen maximum output, more than double that of its predecessor, and adds Bluetooth support so you can control it from your phone without a separate hub, though you’ll need a Philips Hue bridge (sold separately) to do so when you’re out of the house.
Who It’s For
If you’re looking for a smart, stylish table lamp that can evoke a specific vibe instantly, the Philips Hue Iris is a terrific standalone smart accent light for beginners and existing Hue users alike. It’s easy to set up and use and even easier on the eyes, offering preset white or color scenes, along with the ability to create and save your own.
Learn More
Philips Hue Iris Table Lamp Review
Best for Kids
Amazon Echo Glow
Pros & Cons
Easy to install and use
Dimmable
Tap control
Interacts with other smart devices via Alexa routines
Light could be brighter
Requires Echo device for voice control
Lacks IFTTT support
Specs & Configurations
Connectivity
Wi-Fi
Integrations
Amazon Alexa
Base Type
Standalone
Light Color
Color, White
Light Color Temperature
2,600K
Output
100 lumens
Wattage
7 watts
Geofencing/Location Services
Why We Picked It
The Amazon Echo Glow is a kid-friendly smart light that cycles through 16 colors with a tap of your hand. This smallish orb-like lamp supports the kid-friendly FreeTime subscription service and offers a Rainbow Timer that uses colors to help motivate kids to complete tasks like homework or brushing their teeth on time. It can also be included in Alexa routines to let your child know when it’s time to get ready for bed.
Who It’s For
If you’re looking for a fun and colorful mood light or a night-light for a child’s room, the Echo Glow is a top pick. Just keep in mind that you’ll need a separate Alexa device to control the Glow with your voice as it lacks a speaker and microphone, and it’s not bright enough to be used as a bedside lamp.
Learn More
Amazon Echo Glow Review
Buying Guide: The Best Smart LED Light Bulbs for 2024
What Does a Smart Light Bulb Do?Smart bulbs offer a degree of control and interactivity you just can’t get with traditional bulbs, including scheduled timers and remote control options. They’re also more convenient; it’s easier to tap on a smartphone screen than to get up and trudge over to a wall switch.Beyond keeping you out of the dark, you can schedule or remotely control most of the bulbs we’ve reviewed, which is great if you want to save on energy costs or often forget to turn off the lights before leaving the house. Some bulbs use geofencing, which means they work with the GPS in your smartphone to automatically turn on or off when you get home or leave the house. Color-changing bulbs are also great for mood lighting, and some can even sync with certain movies and TV shows.Some bulbs are compatible with Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s HomeKit, or Google Assistant, which means you can control your home lighting with just your voice. You can also integrate some of the bulbs on this list with security cameras, thermostats, and other smart home devices. IFTTT compatibility further lets you create recipes that automatically cause your lights to react to certain triggers, like phone notifications or weather changes.Can a Smart Bulb Change Color?Some of the bulbs on this list are just white, while others can take on any color of the rainbow. Color is a fun way to add atmosphere to your home, but often results in a pricier bulb.Most of the smart bulbs we review are marketed as equivalent to 60-watt incandescent models, which sounds self-explanatory, but some bulbs are brighter than others. To see just how bright a light is, you need to look at the lumens it puts out (listed in the table below): the more lumens, the brighter the light.Another factor to keep in mind is color temperature. Higher temperatures, such as 8,500K, look like harsh office lighting, which is fine for staying awake or working. Lower temperatures, such as 2,500K, translate to a cozy, warm glow that’s perfect for relaxing.How Do I Connect My Smart Bulb to My Phone?Some smart bulbs need to connect to your smartphone through a home automation hub, which usually means a higher price and an extra step or two in the installation process. Other bulbs cut out the middleman and connect to your phone or tablet directly via Wi-Fi. Still others connect via Bluetooth—but, in that case, you can control the lights only when you are within the much smaller Bluetooth range.
Recommended by Our Editors
Since you are likely going to control these lights from your phone or tablet, make sure that it’s easy to do. If you have multiple bulbs, for instance, you should seek out a companion app that lets you easily arrange them in groups for customization.Of course, you can turn off any connected bulb just as easily by simply flipping the switch. We pay close attention to how each app works and provide a detailed overview in each review.Are Smart Light Bulbs Worth the Money?Smart bulbs use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and a variety of technologies to work, so they are typically more expensive than traditional bulbs. That’s important to keep in mind, especially if you want to upgrade your entire house. But smart bulbs also use less energy and last a lot longer—meaning you can save money in the long run. And as you can see, most of the options on this list fall well below $50, so the price of entry isn’t as steep as it used to be. You can now even find sub-$10 options.
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