In the world of connected homes, if there is a basic product that everyone can buy and that are also getting cheaper, it is smart plugs and WiFi bulbs. But there are times when connected bulbs cannot be used, for these cases the solution is called smart switches with wifi.
They’re a basic part of the world of automation and Smart Homebut it must be recognized that they are quite unknown to many, especially since changing a traditional bulb for another WiFI is very simple and cheap.
But what about those houses with integrated ceiling or LED lighting that did not arrive in time for the internet of things? Connected switches are one of the best solutions to be able to control this lighting remotely and intelligently.
It must be remembered that unlike WiFi bulbs smart switches only have two functions: turn on and turn off. While the bulbs can change color, hue or brightness level with the switches you have the basic function.
Taking into account our experience and the analysis we have made of the market, we are going to comment What are the best smart switches you can buy right now? and control your lighting from wherever you want, even with Alexa or Google Home.
- What types of smart switches exist
- What should you look for before buying
- Meross wall switch
- Aqara H1
- Moes Smart Light Switch
- Meross relay switch
- Philips Hue relay switch
Types of smart switches you can buy
There are currently two types of smart switches that you can buy at just about any store that carries home products. These are smart switches like relay module and smart wall switch.
relay smart switch
This type of relay or relay switches are characterized because They are usually installed inside the walls or hidden somewhere without being seen.
They can be installed on any electrical appliance as long as you have access to the positive and negative wires. It is installed in the middle of the cables and connects via WiFi or Bluetooth to your application to control power on or off.
Perfect if you want to install it directly in a wall box because they take up very little space, are reliable and can stay there forever until you need to remove them.
smart wall switches
These wall switches are the most obvious and popular. They are replacements for the switches you use every day to turn your light on and off.
Its difference is that includes a WiFi or Bluetooth connected circuit that allows you to control it remotely. Its great benefit is that even if you control it from your mobile you can always turn it on and off physically.
In this category you will find several models, for example those that use a physical switch and traditional, but also those who use a touch panel.
What to look for before buying a smart switch
When choosing a relay switch all you need to know is the physical size to fit it where it’s going to go.
In the case of smart wall switches you have to know its requirements before buying it.
They all require a positive wire and a negative wire, just like all traditional switches use. But also many models need a neutral wire with which without it they will not work. If you do not have it where you want to install it but you do have it in another part of your installation, you can always run a cable to the switch.
There are models that do not require a neutral cable, so it is important before buying to review your installation.
We also recommend that you pay attention to the measurements of the switches, especially at depth as some may not fit in older wallboxes.
Meross wall switch
Meross wall switch
A cheap switch, very easy to install, that blends perfectly into any interior design and is also compatible with Alexa, Google Home and Apple HomeKit. This is a round product Meross wall switch.
This model requires a neutral wire to work and if you use HomeKit you won’t even have to download an app, you can configure it from the iOS Home app.
Aqara H1
Aqara H1
If you are looking for a switch that is super easy to install, since it does not require a neutral cable, we can recommend this one. Aqara H1. It is a smart switch with a touch panel, so you simply have to tap anywhere on the panel to turn it on or off.
Aqara is a recognized brand in the world of Smart Homes because its products are natively compatible with Alexa, Google and Apple HomeKit. They even have IFTTT compatibility.
Of course, this model does not have WiFi but is connected via a hub with Zigbee 3.0.
Moes Smart Light Switch
Moes Smart Light Switch
One of the big differences of this Moes wall switch is that it is a version with two switches in a single module and it’s still pretty cheap.
Moes switches work with the open platform Yours, so if you already have it to control other products you can integrate it with the rest of the products. It also connects directly to your WiFi network and as in other options works with neutral wire.
There are two more models, a simple one with a switch and a triple one.
Meross relay switch
Meross relay switch
If you are looking for a relay-type switch to control any lighting or electrical installation, we can recommend this brand model Meross.
It is an easy-to-install model that can be installed from within a wall installation or cut that cable from a lamp that you have and put this switch in the middle. It is compatible with your Meross app, but also with Alexa, Google Home and SmartThings.
Very cheap and there is also a model that is also compatible with HomeKit.
Philips Hue relay switch
Philips Hue Relay Switch
If you are totally into the world of smart lighting with the Philips Hue system, then what you need are these brand relay switches.
Philips Hue Relay Relay Switches they are fully compatible with the system, they connect to the Philips Hue Bridge and you can control the lighting of an entire room with your existing wall switch.