Best Smart Light Bulbs Guide & Reviews of 2021

Homes are becoming more and more automatized today. From smartphones, cameras, and locks, people can buy items they can access remotely or apply their electronic devices. One of them is light bulbs. Change the color, dim the color and brightness, make them move to the rhythm of the music, and create the home the client always wanted. Read this guide with the best smart light bulbs in 2021 and step up the game.

Steven Lewis - Editorial Staff

Updated: June 4, 2021

What We Did to Find the Best

When writing down this review, we took into account not only the product descriptions. We also read what experts and clients had to say about each item. In this way, we selected the 10 best-rated equipment in the field and analyzed them using the following metrics:

  • Features

    0-10

    monitoring period, 24/7 alerts, disaster protection etc.

  • Support

    0-10

    telephone, email, chat, and other channels

  • Price

    0-10

    monthly fee, money-back, trial period

  • Ease of Use

    0-10

    installation, maintenance, service support

  • Trust Score

    0-10

    BBB.org and Trustpilot (positive, negative reviews)

After carefully reviewing all these aspects, we came up with the following list. We used a 50 balls system, with a maximum 10-point score to achieve. In this way, the best smart bulbs are ranked from 1 to 10 according to their performance on the metrics above.

1. Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance A19 Smart Bulb: Simple & Easy

Total Score 9.3/10

Philips Hue Main
Philips Hue Family
  • Features10/10
  • Equipment10/10
  • Price9.0/10
  • Ease Of Use9.0/10
  • Trust Score8.5/10

Starting Price

$286

Visit Website
BBB Rating B
Best for Easy Use

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

Philips is one of the best smart bulbs in the field of lightning. These four smart bulbs give owners a lot of comfort and options for coloring the home. They are perfect for ceiling fans or table lamps alike. Also, they can be controlled using the Hue app.

Pros:

  • Lightweight
  • 2700 Kelvin
  • 16 million colors available
  • Remote control and voice assistants
  • 25,000 hours of lifetime
  • Easy-to-download app
  • Can be placed anywhere

Cons:

  • Really expensive
  • Fragile
  • Not compatible with a lot of networks

All in all, owners can choose from almost 16 million colors and shades of white to provide great ambiance to their homes. To do this, they can manage the whole system using different voice assistants. These include Amazon Alexa, Google Voice, or FITT.


2. Philips Hue Bluetooth White and Color Ambiance Smart Bulb: Great Performance

Total Score 9.0/10

  • Features10/10
  • Equipment7.0/10
  • Price10/10
  • Ease Of Use8.0/10
  • Trust Score10/10

Starting Price

$89.99

Visit Website
BBB Rating
Best for Smart Networking

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

Using Philips, the colors can go with the mood of the owner. They can choose pink if they feel fun or blue in case of sadness. Either way, the decision is the clients’ and access the remote control or the app to carry it out.

The Philips Hue is connected via Bluetooth so that owners can connect as many new products as they prefer.

Pros:

  • Bluetooth and Zigbee compatible
  • Can apply the same Philips Hue
  • Affordable price
  • 2.4 x 2.4 x 4.3 inches
  • Only 110 volts
  • Can control up to 50 devices
  • Set the right mood

Cons:

  • Dimmer is not included
  • Creating a routine is difficult
  • Deficient customer service

On the downside, this set on Amazon does not include the dimmer to adjust the best smart bulbs. But they can be integrated with any other systems that the owner has, so long as they are Philips. So, people will not want to buy a new Hue to expand the network.


3. C by GE A19 Bluetooth Smart Bulb LED: Save a Lot of Energy

Total Score 8.9/10

  • Features9.0/10
  • Equipment9.0/10
  • Price10/10
  • Ease Of Use8.5/10
  • Trust Score8.0/10

Starting Price

$86

Visit Website
BBB Rating B+
Best for Long-Term Performance

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

C by GE includes a pack with 2 items to create the perfect ambiance at home. The light is white, but it can be crisp during the day and warm at night. Another perk is its refund policy: within 30 days, people can get their money back if they are not happy with the product they got.

Pros:

  • Bluetooth available
  • Great pricing for the best smart bulbs
  • Optimal white light
  • Remote control
  • Works with Amazon Alexa
  • Nice customer support
  • Lasts almost 20 years

Cons:

  • No colors
  • Requires other devices to work well

This kit includes two items. The first one is called C-Sleep (better suited for the night), and the other one is C-Life, which brings more light to the table. Both of them can be combined to have the lightning desired in the room.


4. Wyze Bulb: No Hub Required

Total Score 8.9/10

  • Features9.0/10
  • Equipment8.0/10
  • Price10/10
  • Ease Of Use9.0/10
  • Trust Score8.5/10

Starting Price

$78

Visit Website
BBB Rating B-
Best for No Additions

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

Although it doesn’t allow for clients to change the colors, buyers of Wyze can adjust the temperature of the devices. It has a wide range (from 2700k to 6500k), so it can be seen even during broad daylight.

Plus, it’s compatible with an app to control and dim the smart lighting as people prefer.

Pros:

  • High-quality voice assistant control
  • Adjust the brightness
  • Great temperature range
  • Set the mood of a small and big room
  • Includes a light switch
  • Simple app
  • Compatible with Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant

Cons:

  • No Siri allowed
  • A bit expensive
  • Cannot change the color

On the positive side, people don’t want to buy a hub, so there is no more money involved. It’s compatible with 2.4GHz but not with 5GHz, though the app is easy to download.

Also, it has different modes (Scene mode, Shortcuts, Automation) for different functions in case of need.


5. Kasa Smart Light Bulb by TP-Link: High-Quality Materials

Total Score 8.9/10

  • Features9.0/10
  • Equipment8.0/10
  • Price10/10
  • Ease Of Use8.5/10
  • Trust Score8.0/10

Starting Price

$21

Visit Website
BBB Rating B+
Best for Great Pricing

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

Kasa has a wide range of colors available and dimming of three different levels. So, people can create their own ambiance for a study day or for a party at night with friends.

On the negative side, it needs Wi-Fi to work since it’s the way to access the hub. Of course, the owner will also need to download a native app on their phone.

Pros:

  • Great pricing
  • Reputable brand
  • Nice customer support
  • Best smart bulbs for parties
  • Owners can use it from anywhere
  • Compatible with iOS and Android
  • Change to any color

Cons:

  • It’s a bit fragile
  • Does not work with Cortana or Siri
  • Not compatible with 5.8HGz

Control the smart bulb from anywhere using the Kasa free app in both Android and iOS. The voice assistants are also very simple, so people can adjust the brightness of their smart lighting without lifting a finger.

Just note that the smart bulb requires a secure 2.4GH Wi-Fi network to function.


6. Lifx Mini 800-Lumen Light Bulb: Stepping up Savings

Total Score 8.8/10

  • Features8.0/10
  • Equipment9.0/10
  • Price9.0/10
  • Ease Of Use8.0/10
  • Trust Score10/10

Starting Price

$121

Visit Website
BBB Rating A+
Best For More Savings

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

This Lifx model is between the best smart bulbs for those who want potent light at a low price. It doesn’t consume a lot either, so owners will see a lot of savings in their next bills.

The color temperature ranges from 2500K to 9000K, creating a personalized ambiance in any room in the house.

Pros:

  • Bright and efficient
  • Create a custom scene
  • Use the cloud for free
  • 16 million colors to choose from
  • The output of 800 lumens
  • 9W energy use
  • Energy-star certified

Cons:

  • The hub for Amazon Alexa is sold separately
  • A bit pricey
  • No remote homekit

On the negative side, it does not include a remote control for more traditional buyers. Instead, they will have to access their devices using the app. They can download the software for their Android and iOS devices.


7. LIFX 1100-Lumen, 11W Dimmable A19: Colors for Everyone

Total Score 8.7/10

  • Features9.0/10
  • Equipment9.0/10
  • Price9.5/10
  • Ease Of Use8.0/10
  • Trust Score8.0/10

Starting Price

$45

Visit Website
BBB Rating C+
Best for Wide Range

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

LIFX is a great choice for people looking for smart lights they can dim or change the color or shades. Using voice controls, they will be able to carry out these processes with ease and comfort.

In terms of life span, they are very durable. People can expect to have these best smart bulbs for more than 20 years.

Pros:

  • More than 16 million options
  • Themes and animations available
  • Day & Dusk automation
  • No hub required in 2021
  • Up to 23 years of use
  • Compatible with Apple HomeKit
  • Add more LIFX items if needed

Cons:

  • Quality can improve
  • A single size
  • 110 volts and no more

Some other advantages include not needing a hub to function. Only Wi-Fi is enough. The colors are really bright, but smart light bulbs consume a lot of Watts, especially when compared to other competitors on the list.

Plus, it’s compatible with HomeKit and Siri in 2021.


8. Eufy Lumos: Best Smart Light Bulb For Music Lovers

Total Score 8.7/10

  • Features9.0/10
  • Equipment8.0/10
  • Price10/10
  • Ease Of Use8.0/10
  • Trust Score8.5/10

Starting Price

$32

BBB Rating C+
Best for Music Lovers

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

Eufy is a brand that aims at every type of customer due to its low prices. Yet, it has a lot of benefits that belong to other, more expensive brands such as Away mode or Music mode.

This means that the ambiance will change depending on what the owner decides to set with the best smart light bulbs.

Pros:

  • Great hue for the night
  • No hub required
  • Dimmable models
  • Safety manual
  • Away mode
  • Easy voice controls
  • Soft white

Cons:

  • Consumes a lot (9 watts)
  • No discounts
  • Compatible with few systems

To achieve the ideal illumination for home, the Eufy system does not need hubs or other products. Instead, they can adjust the settings using voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant or with the remote control included in the kit. The apps are compatible with Android 4.3 and above and iOS for Apple users.


9. Nanoleaf Light Panels Rhythm Edition: Accompanying Music

Total Score 8.7/10

  • Features9.5/10
  • Equipment8.0/10
  • Price8.0/10
  • Ease Of Use10/10
  • Trust Score8.0/10

Starting Price

$199

BBB Rating C+
Best for High-Quality Materials

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

Different from the other products on the list, Nanoleaf is a whole collection of products. Those who buy this system will feel as if they were in a dancing club. The lights will move and change their tune to the rhythm of the music owners choose.

In addition to the items, there is a hub called Upgrade module that detects this feature in an automatic way.

Pros:

  • It only consumes 2 watts
  • Great variety of shades
  • Connect up to 30 smart bulbs
  • Best smart bulbs for home decor
  • Immersive screen mirror
  • More than 16 million options
  • Layout detect

Cons:

  • Very expensive
  • A bit complex to install
  • PSU wire needed

To control the devices, owners have different options. The first one is to use the Home app via the cellphone or a manual controller compatible with Google Voice Assistant, Siri, and Amazon Alexa.

Clients will get linkers, mounting stencils, strips, and everything else they need to get started as soon as possible.


10. Sengled Smart LED Multicolor Light Bulb: Create the Perfect Ambiance

Total Score 8.3/10

  • Features9.0/10
  • Equipment8.0/10
  • Price8.0/10
  • Ease Of Use9.0/10
  • Trust Score7.5/10

Starting Price

$104

BBB Rating B+
Best for Colorful Homes

DIY instal

YES

Trial Period

Sengled is great to provide ambiance to homes and parties. The bulbs can sync with the music, so they will change and adapt to make the best atmosphere possible.

Using the remote control, owners can make use of the whole system together or one by one if they prefer.

Pros:

  • No hue needed
  • Consumes only 8watts
  • Works with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi
  • User-friendly app
  • Music sync
  • 2700k-5000k
  • 5-year warranty

Cons:

  • Not manufactured in the USA
  • Quality can improve

On the positive side, the price of these smart light bulbs is very affordable. 10 units cost only $100, which means a family can take advantage of this offer. Yet, in terms of quality, they are a bit fragile and can break down if treated harshly.


Table of Smart Lights of 2021 (Pricing & Features)

Examine the best smart lights, all its features, benefits, prices, and other important things to consider before choosing the devices for the home.

Provider Best for Price for Devices Brightness Works with Hue Required Lifetime Power Consumption Colored Needs Internet Remote Control Included App to Download
1. Philips Hue A19 Easy Use $286 x 4 items 2700 Kelvin Alexa, Google Voice Assistant, FITT Yes 25,000 hours Low Yes No Yes Yes
2. Philips Hue Bluetooth Smart Networking $89.99 550 LM Alexa, Google Voice Assistant, FITT Yes 25,000 hours Low Yes No Yes Yes
3. C by GE Smart Light Long-term Performance $86 550 LM Alexa Yes 20,000 hours Low No No Yes No
4. Wyze Bulb Light Bulb No Additions $78 2700K to 6500K Alexa & Google No 25,000 hours Low No No Yes Yes
5. Kasa Smart Light Bulb Great Pricing $21 550 LM Alexa, Google Voice Assistant No 20,000 hours Medium Yes Yes Yes Yes
6. LIFX Mini 800 Light Bulb More Savings $121 2700K to 9500K Alexa, Google Voice, FITT Yes 25,000 hours Medium Yes No No Yes
7. LIFX A19 Light Bulb Wide range $40 1100K Alexa, Google Voice No 20,000 hours Low No No Yes Yes
8. Eufy by Anker Music Lovers $32 2700K Alexa, Google Voice, Siri No 20,000 hours Medium No No Yes Yes
9. Nanoleaf Light Panels High-Quality Materials $199 650 LM Alexa, Google Voice, Siri Yes 25,000 hours Low Yes Yes Yes Yes
10. Sengled Smart LED Colorful Homes $104x 10 units 650 LM Alexa, Google Voice No 25,000 hours Low Yes No No Yes

Smart Bulb Types

Is all the smart lighting the same? Of course not. But what makes it different, then? It has to do with connectivity, location, and type of technology used.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Smart Light Bulbs

Not all smart bulbs are useful for any context. For example, outdoor devices are more resistant to dust, wind, rain, sun, and other conditions that do not exist inside. Plus, some of them will be resistant to humidity or heat in the bathroom, while others will not.

Indoor

Let’s take a look at the main advantages and disadvantages of these homekits in 2021.

Pros:

  • Cheaper than the best smart bulbs for outside
  • More compatible with voice assistants
  • Easy to install without tools or knowledge

Cons:

  • Not so resistant to weather changes

Outdoor

So, what are the outdoor kit’s main advantages and drawbacks? Discover them below.

Pros:

  • Weatherproof to resist rain or dust
  • More potent so they can be seen even during the day
  • Usable with another smart lighting

Cons:

  • More expensive than other systems

Wi-Fi vs. Bluetooth

Most smart lighting systems are managed either by Bluetooth or via Wi-Fi. While they are different, these options are also similar because they require users to be near the best smart light bulb. If they are not, the connection will be lost.

Wi-Fi

Now, let’s discuss the good and bad points of Wi-Fi homekits for 2021.

Pros:

  • They can be managed from anywhere
  • They enable a Bluetooth connection, too
  • People can download an app for any phone

Cons:

  • They require a 2.4GHz internet connection

Bluetooth

Buyers can find below more information on the best and worst features of Bluetooth hues.

Pros:

  • The equipment is very affordable
  • Compatible with tablets in addition to cell phones
  • Can be paired in a heartbeat

Cons:

  • The range is quite limited

CFL vs. LED Light Bulbs

The main difference between these two smart lights is their consumption. While CFL is cheaper, they consume a lot more than LED. These may be more expensive but will produce a lot more savings in people’s bank accounts.

CFL

Still, wondering whether buying a CFL kit is a good idea? Find more clarity in the list below.

Pros:

  • Affordable to anyone
  • Usually compatible with a lot of equipment
  • Offer a wide range of colors

Cons:

  • Each smart bulb consumes a lot of energy

LED Light Bulbs

Finally, find here some characteristics of LED kits and make the most suitable buying choice.

Pros:

  • Very bright and efficient
  • Quite resistant
  • They remain cool and last longer

Cons:

  • A bit pricier than CFL bulbs

Take Into Account When Buying the Best Smart Bulb

So, are all factors the same? What to look for when choosing the best smart lights? This is a very personal decision, but some things are obvious, such as location, budget, and preferences.

Some others, like energy expenditure, are not, and are detailed below to serve clients.

1. How Much They Spend

Depending on the model, some devices will spend much more electricity than others. LED items, for example, are very efficient, especially when compared to a CFL smart bulb. Owners ought to take this into account if they want to save some energy and benefit the planet at the same time.

2. Use of Wi-Fi

While most models include remote devices, some others make use only of Wi-Fi to function. This is great in terms of comfort because they will be able to make light arrangements using their mobile phones. Yet, it can also be an issue in case there’s no internet at the moment. Or if the range of coverage is a bit narrow.

3. Connectivity via Bluetooth

This is a very convenient system to pair up the products with a mobile phone, tablet, or even laptop. They are easy to connect, and most people know how to use Bluetooth. On the negative side, the connection can be very unstable.

4. Protocols and Features

Some protocols include Zigbee and Z-Wave hubs. This means they use this type of network to communicate with the owner and their bulbs. For example, one company that usually does this is Philips, though it’s not the only one.

4. Protocols and Features

Some protocols include Zigbee and Z-Wave hubs. This means they use this type of network to communicate with the owner and their bulbs. For example, one company that usually does this is Philips, though it’s not the only one.

5. Where to Put Them

As stated above, it’s not the same to use the lighting indoors or outdoors. Plus, there is also a difference between using the lights in the bathroom (where there are water and moisture at all times) or in the bedroom. Make sure the features are enough for the product to resist weather, dust, and other related things.

6. How Powerful They Are

In addition to knowing how many colors they offer, these products’ labels also include other information. For example, they state how bright the lamps can be or the range (usually between 2500K and 6000K) they can reach. Of course, this is closely related to how much energy they will spend and save.

7. Need for a Hub

Some systems will work on their own, without the need for an external device such as a hub to increase connectivity. But other models will need one either to connect with Amazon Alexa or to make it compatible with other appliances.

8. How Much It Will Save

This is very much related to the items above. The fewer watts the bulb consumes, the more the owner will save in their electricity bill. Plus, most products have this type of data on their labels. For instance, some reviews show a reduction of up to 60$ per month.

9. Online Reviews & Comments

No matter how good descriptions are, the real thing is always better when choosing something for the home. So, read reviews about the best smart bulbs and see what people have to say. If they complain a lot about certain aspects, there must be a reason for that, so it may be better to just run away.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What Do Smart Light Bulbs Do?

    Smart light bulbs have a lot of different functions. The first one is to accompany the music the person is hearing. They will move around and blink, so make the perfect ambiance for a party.

  • Do Smart Light Bulbs Work in Any Lamp?

    Yes, this usually happens, unless the homekit is very old. Smart bulbs come in many shapes, sizes, colors, and settings. But most of them have the same type of connectors, whether they are CFL or LED.

    So, they are likely to be compatible with any bulb found at home.

  • How Long Do Smart Bulbs Last?

    It depends on the model. The best smart bulb lasts up to 25,000 hours, which is a lot of years. The ones that last the least are around 20,000 hours.

    Anyway, the duration is extended. The only issue that may arise is a defect that makes it break out.

  • Do Smart Bulbs Work Without Wi-Fi?

    The best smart bulbs do work without Wi-Fi, while some others don’t. The best models offer clients at least two alternatives, and one of them is using a normal, manual controller.

    Instead, other smart lights need an app or voice systems to be able to manage the LED lamps.

  • Should I Get Smart Bulbs or Switches?

    It depends on personal needs. Switches are useful for managing a lot of smart bulbs at the same time. So, it can be cheaper to acquire them, especially if the house is big.

    The cost can be $40-$50. Yet, the best smart bulbs are a bit more expensive but have a lot of range. Most of them, for example, can dim or change the colors of the smart lighting depending on the taste of the owner.

  • Do Smart Light Bulbs Use More Electricity?

    No, on the contrary. The best smart bulbs have very low consumption, with an average of 2-5 watts.

  • Do Smart Bulbs Use Electricity When Off?

    Yes, they do. Smart bulbs are on even when they are off, and there is a simple explanation for this. Most of them need Wi-Fi to function, and this connection spends electricity.

    While some devices allow owners to turn this off, some others need it to survive.

Bring the Colors to Your Room

All in all, most equipment is affordable, and anyone can have them at home. It all comes down to the buyers’ preferences and needs. Some will consider that the best smart light bulbs are the ones that save the most money. Instead, others will like to have a wide variety of colors to choose from.

Either way, just make sure to read descriptions, opinions, and this guide in 2021 to make the smartest buying choice. What about you? Have you ever used this type of device?


Editorial Staff

Steven Lewis combined his writing talent and home security knowledge and became a journalist researching the topic. He holds a Degree in Criminal Law and has spent a significant part of his career studying security issues backed up with his legal knowledge.


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