Smart bulbs or smart switches for a lighting makeover?

On our most recent IoT Podcast episode, Logan left us a voicemail question because he just bought a house and he’s about to equip his entire home with new LED lights. And that raises the oft-asked opinion on whether to use smart bulbs or smart switches.

Stacey and I often disagree on this: I’m in the former camp while she’s in the latter. That’s mainly because we have different lighting situations where one of these solutions is more effective than the other. In my home, we don’t have many overhead lights controlled by switches, for example. Stacey has fewer lamps than I do.

So to answer this question, we took the approach of offering different choices for different situations. In Logan’s particular case, he definitely wants smart lighting, uses the Google Home platform already and would prefer not having a home hub. However, he’s not averse to the idea of a Samsung SmartThings hub so that he can add more smart products later.

Depending on how many lights Logan is converting, my first thought is to consider Wi-Fi or Bluetooth bulbs such as C by GE or the newer Philips Hue line, for $10 to $15 and up a bulb, depending on desired features.

These work with Google for voice control and grouping but don’t require a hub. However, since Logan likely has many bulbs to switch out, this could be more costly than it’s worth. I mention it mainly for people who, like me, have more lamps than overhead fixtures in their home.

Logan says he wants to keep costs down, especially if he goes the smart switch route and he’s looking into smart switches from Zooz, which generally cost $30 in either toggle or paddle options.

While we haven’t used any Zooz products, they appear on paper to fit the bill. Other choices here within a limited budget are available from GE, found in either Z-Wave or Zigbee options. A hub like SmartThings, or the SmartThings WiFi gear which has hub capabilities, will be needed in this case. If you’re still anti-hub, Wemo does make a $50 Wi-Fi smart switch.

Stacey’s a huge fan of the Lutron line of switches, which look fantastic, require a hub and cost $60 each. You’ll also have to add in the cost of standard LED bulbs if you decide on smart switches. But you’re getting one of the best and widely supported smart switches currently available without having to worry about compatibility.

The bottom line: The more fixtures you have in a home, the more it probably makes sense to replace switches instead of bulbs. Determine what features and compatibilities you want first, then sum up the costs of a bulb versus switch solution. Oh and if you think family members will just turn off dumb switches for smart bulbs, lean towards the smart switch side.

To hear Logan’s question, as well as our discussion in full, tune in below to the IoT Podcast: