homeLAB showdown:

Smart dimmer switches

Old dimmer switches are great for mood lighting, but they have control limitations. Smart models improve on the old, giving you more control. Several have hit the market, but which one is currently the best? Here’s what we found and what you need to know about smart dimmer switches.

Dim the lights by voice

Hands-free control for your lights is an awesome convenience. With smart dimmer switches, you can connect them to Wi-Fi and control them using your smart assistant and smartphone. With our Amazon Echo in the homeLAB, all we have to say is, “Hey Alexa, turn on the lights,” and the room lights up. You can also dim the lights to a certain percentage. This is a great feature when you’re away from the switch and the room is too dark or you want mood lighting.

Program for night and day

With smart dimmer switches, you can program your lights for any time of day. If you want your living room lights to dim at night, smart switches can adjust based on the time of sunset. This is also a perfect way to program “away” lighting.

Not a smart bulb replacement

Smart dimmer switches don’t replace smart bulbs; dimmers can’t adjust warmth and color, for instance. But you won’t have to replace a dimmer switch as you would a smart lightbulb, and they’re useful for rooms lit by recessed lights, and for light fixtures that require unique lightbulbs.

Check for a neutral wire

Some dimmer switches require a neutral wire. Before you buy a smart dimmer switch, check your junction box for an available neutral wire.