Smart Switches
In-wall control that still works when the internet does not.
Smart switches are the least glamorous purchase in the smart home and the one that produces the fewest complaints. Guests can use them. Kids can use them. They work when the router is rebooting, and they do not need an app to turn on a light.
They are also the category most likely to require an electrician, so it is worth understanding your wiring before you buy four of them.
The neutral wire question
Most in-wall smart switches need a neutral wire in the box to power their radio. Many older US homes — especially those wired before the mid-1980s — have only a hot and a load wire at the switch. Before buying anything, cut power at the breaker, pull the switch plate, and count the wires.
If there is no neutral, you have three options: choose a no-neutral switch designed for the purpose (usually requiring a minimum load, such as a certain number of watts), use smart bulbs with a switch cover instead, or have an electrician run a neutral. The third option is the most expensive and the most permanent.
Dimmers and LED compatibility
A dimmer that buzzes, flickers or refuses to dim below a certain level is almost always mismatched with the LED bulbs on the circuit. Manufacturers publish compatibility lists for their dimmers, and checking that list before you buy saves a return.
Also note the minimum load. Some dimmers need a certain wattage to operate at all, which rules out a single two-watt LED in a hallway fixture.
Three-way and multi-way switches
If a light is controlled from two switches — a hallway light at both ends, for example — you need a smart switch designed for three-way circuits, plus a companion switch or remote for the second location. Not every smart switch supports this, and the accessory is sold separately in most lines. Budget for it up front.
Products mentioned in this guide
Products referenced in this guide, shown with the manufacturer's own photography. We do not publish prices or star ratings — both change faster than any article can be kept accurate.
Smart Switches
Lutron Caséta Smart Dimmer Switch
- Wall dimmer that keeps normal switch behavior for everyone in the house
- Uses Lutron's own Clear Connect RF rather than Wi-Fi or Zigbee
- Works with a companion remote for three-way and multi-location circuits
Works with
- Apple Home
- Google Home
- Alexa
- SmartThings
Frequently asked questions
Do smart switches need a hub?
It depends on the model. Wi-Fi switches connect directly to your router. Zigbee, Z-Wave and some proprietary systems need a hub or bridge. Some lines ship as a kit with the hub included, which is often the cheapest way in.
Can I install a smart switch myself?
If you are comfortable cutting power at the breaker and working with two or three wires, most single-pole installations are straightforward. Anything involving a missing neutral, aluminum wiring, or a circuit you cannot identify is worth a licensed electrician. Always verify power is off with a tester, not by flipping the switch.
Smart switch or smart bulb for a ceiling light?
Smart switch. It keeps the wall plate functional for everyone in the house and it does not depend on anyone leaving the switch on. Use smart bulbs where there is no switch — lamps, or fixtures on a plug.