Ultimate Smart Light Switch Comparison
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- Опубліковано 2 чер 2024
- Smart light switches galore! I tested 16 light switches to find the best. This video compares the features and what you need to know, whether you’re adding your 1st or 50th smart light switch.
LINKS (affiliate):
Treatlife On/Off: amzn.to/3gBT2N2
Treatlife Dimmer: amzn.to/3gEFNeB
Gosund On/Off: amzn.to/35j6tj5
Gosund Dimmer: amzn.to/3580ddU
TP-Link Kasa On/Off: amzn.to/3bboeS5
🏆 Best Budget WiFi Dimmer - TP-Link Kasa Dimmer: amzn.to/2DduFaJ
Meross: amzn.to/2EQ5RpC
GE Z-Wave Dimmer: amzn.to/2EvYa8z
🏅 Zooz On/Off: amzn.to/3hQrVPv
🏅 Zooz Double Switch: amzn.to/2Z2cigL
🏅 Inovelli Red On/Off: out of stock, but here’s the Amazon link (just make sure to get Red for scene control, NOT Black!): amzn.to/3gIAwTc here’s on Inovelli’s website: inovelli.com/red-series-on-of...
🏅 Inovelli Red Dimmer: inovelli.com/red-series-dimme...
🏆 Best Switch with a Hub - Lutron Caseta Dimmer: amzn.to/2ERFVdy
Ecobee Switch+: amzn.to/2DdTCD5
Orro: amzn.to/3gUniTq
🏆 Best High End - Brilliant: amzn.to/3gIB0Zw
Article with more details: smarthomesolver.com/reviews/u...
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0:00 Intro
0:36 Treatlife
1:31 Gosund
2:10 Kasa
3:05 Favorite Inexpensive WiFi Dimmer
3:15 Meross
3:50 GE Z-Wave
4:24 Zooz
5:21 Inovelli
6:20 Lutron
7:21 Favorite with a Hub
8:00 Ecobee Switch+
8:31 Orro
9:37 Brilliant
10:56 Favorite High End Switch
11:33 Unicorn Lights
DISCOVER MORE
Article with more details: smarthomesolver.com/reviews/u...
Treatlife switch for pull chain fans: • Make a Pull Chain Fan ...
Best switches and buttons for smart bulbs: • Best Switches and Butt...
Best Smart Bulbs: smarthomesolver.com/reviews/b...
Brilliant review: • Brilliant Review: 7 Wa...
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Song titled Once Was by Kwon
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Song titled The End by EVA
open.spotify.com/artist/6UIs5...
Disclaimer: Smart Home Solver was sent Inovelli, Ecobee Switch+, Brilliant, Zooz, Gosund, Lutron Caseta, Meross, and Orro switches for this comparison or a previous unbiased review. As always, our opinions are 100% our own and not influenced. We have never been paid for any reviews. - Наука та технологія
Thanks for watching! I think I walked out to my electrical panel probably 100 times installing and uninstalling all of these switches… and it’s been 115° outside 🥵 But it was interesting to compare these and here’s the link to the article smarthomesolver.com/reviews/ultimate-smart-light-switch-comparison/
Nice work. Having installed dozens of smart switches I can only imagine how long it took to make this comparison.
I agree with your criticism of the GE z-wave switch in that it’s not intuitive. I used to have some of these, and the non-configurable fade on/off combined with no separate dimmer control caused no end of frustration with guests and even my wife - people would tap it, but because the fade causes a perceived delay they would sometimes hold it a little too long, which would activate the dimming mode. really irritated people. That’s why I switched to the Leviton z-wave dimmers, which have a separate dimmer control alongside the main paddle. Have you ever tried the Leviton switches?
So I am new to the inovelli red dimmer. I bought a few for it’s smart home capability. My setup currently is for down press I used a bond bridge to turn off the fan, one press up low, 2 presses for medium, 3 for high. I’m wondering if there would be a way with a piston to make it function similar to a normal fan switch. For example it’s off, a press up makes it go to low, then another one press up to be medium and so on, then one press down to lower the speed, and another press to lower further till it’s off. It would ease the family’s learning curve I think. If not I’ll just stick with the multi presses for scenes.
@Matt Rogers thanks! Yeah I'm looking forward to not installing a smart light switch for a little while. I haven't tried the Leviton switches but I've seen a few other people comment about it and I'll make sure to include it in the next one. The little rocker being more intuitive for dimming is a good point. Thanks!
@Andrew Pevny I haven't tried to set something like that up in webCoRE yet but I might give that a try this weekend. I think it would be possible using a variable that cycles through the different speeds. I'll look into that for sure. Thanks!
Smart Home Solver Sounds good, can’t wait to hear what you might come up with. We are in Sacramento, CA but our temp Sunday may reach your type of high: 111 degrees 🥵
The frustration of trying to get the wires back in the box and lining up those faceplates is worth sooo many likes in itself
Thanks you so much for recognizing how long that part of the process is! That probably took the most time for this review.
Thank you for covering such a wide selection of switches. I replaced a few just last week and appreciate what a hassle it can be to install them safely. I spent weeks before searching for a video just like this, but finding none with this breadth. I was a little surprised not to see the 'C by GE' or Leviton switches included, as they are sold in most major US retailers and are two of the few mass-market hubless options. I ended up going with the 'C by GE' ones myself. So far, so good, but I am still trying to get used to the style.
You are out there doing the grunt work for the people! Thank you for this and everything else that you do!
Haha thanks, I appreciate that! I love making these videos.
Amazing as usual. I never feel you are selling me something like some other channels. Just clear concise info. What more could you ask for?
Great job Reed. Well done. I know how much went into this and I'm impressed. Keep up the amazing work!
Thanks Eric! I appreciate that.
Reed is my go-to when researching smart home stuff. Professional, clear, and very un-biased.
Here it is! Been waiting for this one. Awesome stuff as always! 👍✌️
Thanks Mike!
I love all your endings! I don't know how you come up with such clever endings for every video!
Thanks Ryan!
Been searching for well over an hour for a resource like this -- GREAT review. Thank you!
I started out with the GE switches/dimmers partly on a whim but I have since replaced all of my switches with them. Some people may be looking for the bells and whistles but I just wanted hub controlled switches that felt normal so they definitely fit the bill. I do have the Zooz double switch for my bathroom light/fan but it feels cheap next to the more solid GE vanity switch.
The real reason I went hub controlled was for security. Reliability is one thing but I mostly want to keep a barrier between the internet and my smart devices. There are too many sketch Chinese generic devices out there so knowing that it is z-wave and not wifi is comforting.
Been watching your videos for years now, finally subscribed! Thanks for all the great content, my friend! Wishing you continued success
Would love to see you review 3-way smart switches! Nice review as always!! Thank you!
Excited for this video! Needed to see these compared!
Good review! I would note that while you mentioned some dimmers stand alone operation not being that intuitive to use - that is so much more true for guests (or even family members!) using switches that require multiple presses to control light scenes.
Whilst the functionality is impressively squeezed in - I would never do that (because my wife would give me grief about it forever!). I always add scene controllers with dedicated labelled buttons so you don't need a smart home manual for everyday use.
I also feel the look of a house is compromised by having many different types of light switches sprinkled around and of course that also compromises usability some for guests too. I don't automate everything so I also appreciate dimmers & switches that don't look jarringly physically different from regular decora switches - because they will all be living together. Keep up the good work (and humor!).
Excellent Work Reed!!! Thank you so much for the time you put into this. This will definitely help me a lot.
If not mentioned before, wanted to let you know you can program the center (dome) button on the pico remote for the brightness level. I have in wall switch and pico remotes by the lamps in the bedrooms. It fixed turning the switch on only to find someone had turned the lamp off. With the switch / pico arrangement you can turn the light on from either side of the room regardless of where it was turned off. If you tap the center button on the pico it turns on at the programmed brightness.
AWESOME! Thanks Reed. Switches are my No1 topic at the moment and trying to work out where to start and how to narrow down the selection. Cheers from Australia ;)
DAMN !!!.... Where was THIS video 6 months ago🤦♂️ ..... This is "HANDS👍DOWN" the BEST👏 UA-cam comparison video that gives great in-depth useful information, I didn't even know there was so many option beside what they never have in stock at Lowes or Home Depot ..I'm so tired of the crappy computer generated top 10 videos on {insert search item here}
(You Just picked up a subscriber for life bro😎)
I'm so glad u did this video. I plan 2 buy can lights and switches during Labor day sale.
every time you put a new thing up that shows up in my feed, it's exactly what I've been talking about with my girlfriend for like the last couple weeks. I don't know how you do it but you make me want to spend money.
Haha that's awesome. Hopefully your girlfriend doesn't hate me too much.
Thanks for including comparisons of the click sound between different units. I prefer a totally silent switch.
Great comparisons! I'm partial to press and hold for dimming myself. Really handy for elbows or just using what's in your hand when your hands are full or wet.
Great video as always! Keep up the good work.
Excellent work, sir. It's been my pleasure being a longtime subscriber.
Thank you for all the work you put into this video.
The GE on/off dimming ramp can be changed. It can even be set differently based on whether it was turned on by z-wave or by a physical press. You can even set it to 0 for instant on/off. Guess it depends if your hub allows your to change that configuration parameter. I'm using Home Assistant.
Thank you very much for taking the time & doing the research, I being doing maintenance for 15 yr went 3yr of full time student in college, you surprise me with your information, and no one has surprise in years me, I know I can do all the electrical but you have done the most important technology end of it, thank you very much
The smart home manual is back 😂
Was a great video, thank you for changing your kitchen switch soooo many-times for the testing.
All that work paid off. Excellent vid!
Great job! Great reference for comparisons!
Thanks for all the work that went into this
I was an early adopter and developer for Insteon back in 2005/06. Early devices had heat issues and periodic failure. Jump forward 12 years, and their newer devices are rock solid. I built a custom home in 2018 and have over 80 Insteon devices with a Universal-Devices ISY-994 automation controller. This allows complex programming and configuration of my system. You definitely need to dip you toes into the system.
It's too bad insteon went out of business. I was planning on using them on my remodel because that's what I've been using for several years. My home automation guy wants to use Zooz with Home Assistant. What do you think ?
Great comparisons! I started out with Kasa switches, and have moved on to Inovelli and Zooz Z-Wave dimmers. Kasa definitely feels like the highest quality hardware, but I'm a sucker for Z-Wave and both Inovelli and Zooz have put a good amount of work into their firmware and device handlers to makes these devices customizable and feature-packed. You didn't mention it, but it may be worth discussing little touches that may differentiate some of these Z-Wave switches/dimmers. For instance, Zooz has been moving to tab-less switches that are much less hassle to install in multi-gang boxes, and they claim the ZEN27 has greater compatibility with dimmable lights (less lightly to flicker/buzz). I'm not sure if your audience would be interested in leading edge vs trailing edge dimmer differences, but it can make a big difference as far as compatibility with "dumb" light bulbs. I think this may have been the cause of your issue with the Inovelli dimmer. Your lights probably prefer trailing edge dimmers instead.
Thanks! Yes I still have more to learn about some of the more advanced things you mentioned about leading edge vs trailing edge. That makes sense about my issue with the Inovelli dimmer. There were some other things too with 3 way switches and how Zooz handles them. It gets pretty overwhelming but I'll definitely check out the ZEN27 and some of those more finite details. I appreciate the comment!
Thank you for the breakdown! Well done and informative
this is the best review of smart switches on the entire UA-cam!
Great info! With my new house just 25 days from being done I am definitely looking to start it out on the right foot.
Awesome that's exciting!
I've been pretty happy with Meross. Have too many to go back now! Interesting to see the other options!
I'm currently using various TP-LINK and a 4 way brilliant light switch in my home and I absolutely love them. I too had issues with switches not fitting into the older switch covers and ended up buying slightly larger versions at home depot that actually do the trick and you barely notice the difference.
That's good to know about larger versions. I'll have to look for those next time I'm at home depot.
Great video! Always looking forward to your videos!
Thanks Seth!
Great video, that must of taken forever to do. I have a few dimmer and switches from Leviton. Very reliable over the past 2 years and the app gives you some options if you get the dimmer version. Mine were $50 each
I use the Kass switches and it's always a relief when Reed gives something a thumbs up! I use the dimmer and notice a bit of buzzing, but that seems to be because of the lightbulbs and not the switch itself.
Yeah I didn't notice any buzzing with the bulbs I was using. I wish I had more time and resources to try them all out with different kind of lights. Kasa switches are great though!
Thank you bro. I was looking for the same.
Nice comparison. However, next time could you include the Insteon devices? Thanks.
I am using Leviton smart switches. They have many different versions available. Currently have the regular wifi smart switch and a dimmer as well their 3 way remote switch. App and features are updated pretty frequently and have a decent amount of features included. they have been decently reliable over 2 years, though have had 2 out of 15 burn out randomly but was replaced by Leviton
Keep posting interesting contents like this!
You have great videos and look forward to watching more in the future. However, I'm curious why you didn't consider any Insteon switches in this review. I've found a lot of success in mixing both z-wave and Insteon.
Thanks for the awesome video and all the hard work testing them all! I was hoping you would cover the Merkury wifi simmer switches. They're available at Walmart and pretty inexpensive (also their smart bulbs, etc). I've got one in my master bedroom and it's okay, but flickers at under about 40% brightness (tried several different types of LED bulbs).
When we move into the next house I'll be putting in z-wave or zigbee switches, not sure which ones yet. I suppose it will depend on budget and if anything new comes out between now and then, but I'll definitely be referring back to this video 👍
Considering you produced this video in sept 2020 . You guys in the USA are leaps and bounds way ahead of us in the uk. I haven’t seen anything lately that remotely looks or does any of the things they do. Other than my Alexa and all the LIFX that’s voice activated and controlled. Thanks for sharing.
Awesome Video! One you missed was the Lesim Smart Switch I got from Amazon. It’s a touch only WiFi switch that comes in 1,2 and 3 gang configurations and also has a 3 way switch option. It’s basic but has a small WiFi icon on the switches so you can always see where they are even when they are off and in the dark. They are also very inexpensive, I replaces all of the switches in my house, about 20 total for less than $450. Worth checking out. Thanks!
Thanks for the info! I'll have to look into those if we do a follow up video!
Great video! I put in a bunch of treatlife switches that get the job done and im happy with them. I ordered the older version of the treatlife dimmer switch has buttons on top similar to kasa which i knew i would prefer over the slider thing. My only complaint and something that i think would be good to cover is size and ease of installation, specifically if any were more shallow than others. I have a smart fan switch and a smart switch together in one panel and it swear i had to almost break the switches to get them in there.
Thanks Bryce! Yes I noticed that the Treatlife switches were large in the light switch box. I thought about mentioning that but I didn't think it was a big enough factor because it still fit so I left it out of the video. I'll try and mention that with light switches in the future though.
Great content and very helpful! Thanks.
I always love your videos, seen your hard work, thank you !!!
Thanks Kevin!
Another great video Reed! Huge support from the UK 🇬🇧 I love seeing all the products you guys have....that we can’t get 😂
Thanks! Hopefully more of this stuff can be available in the UK soon!
Wemo has some nice switches. Initially, I had issues with my wemos since my house has wifi repeaters/extenders, but it seems that wemo has corrected that issue and now they work flawlessly.
When starting my smart home, I felt like the industry was pushing smart bulbs (ie phillips hue). I didn't like the idea of spending $20 on a light bulb that would have to be replaced when it goes out three years later. Yes, I know that LEDs are supposed to last longer, but I've experienced less than advertised performance from my LED bulbs. Switches seemed like the best fit for me. Appreciate the review. However, I think you left out a major category of the market! The Sonoff Mini and Shelly products are excellent at a fraction of the cost of even the cheapest switches you listed. You can buy a 20 pack of Sonoff mini's on amazon for about $6-$7 a piece. You install behind your normal light switches and you are good to go. No, it doesn't have all the functionality and settings as these options (ie no dimming, multi press functions, etc) but it is an excellent option. And most importantly, wives and other family members don't have to have a learning curve to use it. It's the same light switch they are used to.
Thanks for the video. I’ve had a lot of problems with the GE Z-Way switches during power outages. getting the Peter Pan click clicking going to replace them with something better.
"me, ross?" classic!
Thank you so much for your help Reed!
Thanks Reed. Great comparison.
I appreciate it Ron!
Thanks for the video.
I found the kasa lights easiest to install. Its sturdy, with thick wires connected to the device and the app taking you step by step through the process. I wished they 3-way dimmers.
I have a lutron smart dimmer and its painful to operate in the dark.
Dang, lookin good Bro😎👊 Lookin healthy/ been workin out😅💪 Great video, no one else puts in the work you do Man, keep up the great videos!👋
I appreciate that!
I appreciate your inputs about the smart switch. I have a 2007 built-house and the switch is too shallow to have those smart switches due to their deep transformer. It is really difficult to reorganize the wire in the switch boxes unless you upgrade them with deeper boxes. I can't do it myself. It would cost thousands to hire a professional. I guess I have to give up the plan to automate my house.
Nice comparison. I'm wondering what your thoughts are on the HomeSeer dimmers (e.g., HS-WD200+ series).
Thanks for the vid! YT’s algorithm suggested it after I bought 2 2-pk sets of Lumary switches. 🤦♀️ Looking forward to trying them! Curious to see if they make it into your next smart switch comparison. 👀
My daughter would love a unicorn mode too. 😆
Nice review. One important thing missing is which units can be flashed with custom firmware like tasmota for those that don't want to be locked in to using cloud based app to control vs local based control.
Wow, you did a great job researching all of these manufacturers. I have had 20 Wemo light switches and outlets throughout my home for the past 3yrs. Was not a good choice. The app is terrible on iOS no Apple Watch app and although they are WiFi a hub is required for them them to work with HomeKit. I also have devices that randomly stop responding.
This video was very informative. I'm going through a home remodel and would like to use smart colored br30 bulbs for recessed lighting in the living room and kitchen. As you noted, most smart switches, when turned off, will also turn off the functionality of the smart bulb. It looks like the Innovelli product line resolves this, to a degree. I've looked into this issue more and it looks like there might be another solution you didn't mention in the video. C by GE Smart Switches seem to also work with smart bulbs (believe the bulbs need to also be C by GE), even when the smart switch is turned off. It also appears that you don't need a hub to use them. Have you used these switches and smart bulbs? I'm new the smart home game.
Great review! Have you tried the updated Wemo wifi light switch / dimmer switch? Would love a comparison of that against the Kasa, which are the two I'm considering.
Great video as always! I have learned so much from your videos since starting my smart home. When I have questions, I always search your content first. 😁
I would be interested in smart button switches that you can install (no wiring) at the light switch as opposed to the little smartthings buttons. (I need control for lamps by the door).
Thanks Terri! I bought a bunch of different IKEA Tradfri buttons that work directly with SmartThings. I'll be showing some examples in the next video. There's some useful things that can be done with them and they work well.
Great Video Reed. I install a lot of smart switches and I can only imagine the amount of time and effort it took to make this video and then all the editing on top of that. I have a few different switches you listed in your video, but I am a big fan of the inovelli red series products.
1st their company listens and gives feedback on issues from their community forum on their website. 2nd Their scene control is great, but you can also control smart zwave bulbs with their switch using zwave association. Set the switch to bypass the relay and your smart bulb gets constant power, but a touch of the switch turn the bulb on/off and you can even use the dimmer to dim the bulb just as if you were using the app or alexa to do it. I love this feature because it lets me put a RGB bulb in places that I really want one, but doesn't take switch control away from those in my home that are not interested in smart home tech. The scene control feature lets you control so many things, I programmed one to turn my TV on and off just to see if I could do it and it works very well.
3rd and actually my favorite thing is the configurable LED's. I have one setup to just tell me the state of my garage door, red for open and green for closed. Another one that I walk by on the way to bed: Green light means front and back door is locked and garage door is closed, if any one of those things are not true the light is red. They also have a new fan/light switch combo that lets you control a fan and light separately even though you only have a one gang switch box and one hot wire going to the fan/light.
I have had to do a couple of firmware upgrades with their stuff and there are more that will have to be done as they work out some bugs but I am really impressed with their switches and their zwave bulbs so far.
Thanks! Yeah the Inovelli Red Series are great. I'm still using one in my office for all the smart lights/fan and I've been very happy with it so far. I'm looking forward to finding new ways to use their RGB LED lights on them for notifications.
Awesome as always. FYI... You you can use Lutron Caseta Wireless Smart Lighting ELV Dimmer Switch for Electronic Low Voltage Light Bulbs, PD-5NE-WH, White. (Bought mine at Amazon)It looks like the Pico and the round button in the middle can be programmed as your favorite setting. Also you can control Lifx bulbs with any the Caseta switches. Just colors are limited to the type of switch and how you program it.
Interesting! Cool I'll have to check that out. Thanks for the tip!
Very nice, +1 for doing an update video!
I have the GE and the Kasa Dimmer light switch. The GE has never failed and never had any connection issues however the dimming isn't the best, you have to use the app in order to get the right dim. The Kasa brand as a whole ive had issues with them just disconnecting all of a sudden. But im starting to believe it might be my network getting crowded. When Kasa works however, it works great and the app is really good too! Great job Reed!
Thanks Mark!
Your reviews are excellent, thx
I've had a couple of Meross switches to control some outside lighting for a couple of years now and have had no issues. When I started using Alexa, I was able to integrate the Meross switches easily with a "skill". Since then, I've added some Meross smart plugs and a couple more smart switches and when I set them up in the Meross app, they were automatically added to Alexa's list of devices. The 2 new smart switches were purchased from Amazon for under $25 for the pair. Can't buy a single Leviton in a store for less that $35.
crushed it, loved this breakdown!
Thank you!
Hey Reed, great video! I was hoping you might review the Insteon switches since I recently purchased a lot of them for my home remodel. So far they serve me well as a hub-connected series.
My main need was to wire in some 3-way smart switches and wanted them to be the same brand as other smart switches in my home. I got almost all dimmers since they were the same cost as regular on/off switches, and only got a regular switch for a vent fan that couldn’t take varying power. I still haven’t tapped into all the options yet, but I hope that they’re as good as advertised and that they get a favorable review from you in the future. Thanks and looking forward to your next video!
Hi Ian I appreciate it. Yes there have been a lot of requests for Insteon and I'll make sure to include them in the next one. I wish I could have included more switches in this video but due to time I could only include so many.
Smart Home Solver Of course, no way you could review every switch out there, and this gives a great overview for switches that most people are shopping for
Hi Ian, I've used Insteon for years with a Universal Devices ISY-994 hub. I've also had the Insteon Hub. They are nice smart switches but they don't last. The hub lasted 2 years. I had a 220 volt heavy duty switch go out this spring. This is in addition to other switches that I've replaced over the years. I'm glad I found Reed because I think there are better, cheaper ways to do things. That's my two cents. Cheers! 😉
Hi, Ian. I've had decent longevity with my Insteon installations. I've lost about 1 in 7 switches per decade, mostly in high humidity (bathrooms), high heat (multi-gang), or 2-wire situations. I lost 3 at once in August 2017 but lost most of the house that surrounded them, too, so I don't count that as a switch failure. That house has been rebuilt since and the switches replaced. Just watch your wattage, make sure everything's grounded properly, and you should be all right.
Great review. I’m currently upgrading to Kasa Single pole from the standard switches. Just buying a couple at a time so my wife doesn’t blow a gasket 😂
You might want to touch on something I had issues with. You did talk about switches being wide and hard to work in a two switch box. However, some of these switches get their "features" in by going deep. Deeper than some of the boxes you have had for so many years. I got halfway through a switch install in a wooden placement (my kitchen island) and ended up getting a crafty electrician to finish the install. Ugh! Its hard to fit the wiring in when the switch takes up all the space.
Oh, and I cannot finish my comment without saying "Lutron? Booo!". I hate extra hubs. Its like the hidden initial cost that ends up making you wonder if you should just buy their product because ... in for a penny, in for a pound. Keep them coming.
@5:42 Awesome description using Star Wars, lol
Great job, very informative. Is there a reason you didn't include Insteon switches in the hub section? I've been using them for years and love them.
Thanks Michael. I tried to pick some of the most popular smart switches and there were plenty I would have liked to include but time is a big factor. I'm glad to hear you like Insteon switches and I'll remember that for the next light switch comparison.
Thanks for the great info! My biggest issue when installing smart switches that work with my SmartThings hub is that my old home has very narrow and shallow electrical switch boxes. I have several areas where I have 3 switches in a row and I can't fit three GE switches in the electrical box. Which switches are smallest (in terms of what goes "behind" the wall)?
I'm having the same issue -- very tight electrical boxes. Did you find a product that worked for you?
You missed the Leviton Smart Switches. They too are outstanding and very easy to use.
I have a category for you: Smart switches with RF433 support. I have a few of these installed now, that have support for the RF433 remote controls. This is very handy because there are a ton of inexpensive wall or table mount RF433 remotes available for almost nothing, 1-2-3-4 gang, in lots of colors and styles. I have a couple of variations of the battery operated switches:
1) A Sonoff RF/WiFi switch that I've installed into the base of a table fan, with a little bit of hot glue and drilling, the control switch and the status light are accessible from the base. It's Alexa/Google compatible, uses the eWeLink app. So, Alexa "turn on/off fan works", and I have a tabletop button on the other side of the room to toggle on/off with a tap, very handy.
2) Another variety is a WiFi wall switch replacement available in 1-2-3-4 gang models, in a variety of colors and styles. One implementation: I have a 3 gang version installed, all have relays for switching actual line voltage, but I have only one wired up (neutral is required). The other two gangs I have configured via Tuya automation to toggle on/off smart light groups in the adjacent living room. Just about any scenario is possible with the automation, even changing channels on the TV if you have a smart IR box.
Also setup is Tuya automation that sets the wall switch gangs on/off when Alexa, the app, or other automation turns the smart lights on/off, so the indicator lights correspond with the on/off state. So, if I say Alexa turn on Smart Bulb 1, the automation turns on the corresponding indicator on the wall switch.
The RF433 support allowed me to add a wall mount battery operated RF433 toggle switch at the other room entrance, so just a tap toggles the corresponding wall switch gang, and controls both the virtual automation gangs, and the physical wired gang.
Also included is the support for up to six different remote buttons for each gang. So, the switch installed at the entrance I can use a car remote style RF433 remote to turn the lights on/off from outside the front door it seems to work about 100 feet away.
The only downside is it's a toggle, so if on, it will switch off and vice versa.
Thanks for the video. Was curious why you didn’t include Insteon? I was hoping to see how they compared to newest options. I have used Insteon for many years and find them super easy to install and configure.
Great Information - Thanks
This is a great video, thanks!
I really appreciate the super thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video! Thank you so much Ghaith!
I live in a rental house, so I can change bulbs, but not fixtures. I switched all of my bulbs that I could change to Hue. But that left some fixtures with "dumb" bulbs (for example, my kitchen has a square light with SMD LED diodes in it) so for all of those, I installed Kasa switches. They work awesome. I use Google Home and they have zero issues for me.
I also have a bunch of Kasa outlets, for fans and my heat.
I totally love your channel. I'm in the middle of a home remodel and am adding smart items and you've been so helpful. I haven't purchased anything unless you've recommend it. Thank you especially for these video on smart switches.
I have a question - i haven't purchased my Echo Dot yet. Do you know or have you heard Amazon saying they are coming out with an Echo Dot 5th Generation? And if so, perhaps anytime soon? I would have to purchase one today and then in two weeks they announce the 5th Gen. Thank you!
I recently bought and installed a couple of Martin Jerry low cost dimmer switches. They use the 'Smart Life' app to get set up. I don't yet have an internet connection through my wifi router, so I haven't done that. But they work well locally.
Just in time for me to start thinking about switches! I just got going on Home Assistant and want to get the Inovelli ones, I’ll have to check the wiring to see if I need the Red series (house is real old but the electric looks new)
The Lutron Dimmer should turn on to a dim level if you press the increase dim level button (which also has a small braille type bump to help find the button in the dark). Great video.
Excellent video. I have a couple weemo dimmers and was curious if there was something better I should be using. Thanks.
Just a comment on the Inovelli switches, you can set (in settings) the min and max level setpoints that represent 1 and 100% on the switch. Basically you could set 35 as 1% and 75 as 100% and it would dim between 35 and 75 but the UI would show 1 to 100% hopefully that clears that up.
Fantastic job. I really enjoyed the overview.
I am currently mostly Kasa and lutron switches right now. I hate the interface on both. I have a Wemo dimmer waiting to go in and have plans to buy an inovelli red switch and a GE switch.
I am a little surprised you didn't include the Wemo switch, because it seems popular, but I think you included ever other switch I have heard of. Great work.
All this to try and find an interface I like.
Could I suggest a similar video on in wall plugs.
Thanks Jason! Yeah I've heard mixed reviews on WeMo and I've had a few bad experiences with WeMo. But yes they are popular and there has been enough comments wanting me to include it in the next one that I will for sure. That could be interesting about wall plugs.
@@SmartHomeSolver I have had four Wemo dimmers in the house for years now and have never had any issues with them. The Treatlife and Gosund are essentially worse knock-offs of them. Only reason I don't use them everywhere is that they (like most smart dimmers) don't support 3-way. I don't use any other dimmers, like Inovelli, as I don't want to have to hold to adjust dimming. This is especially true if you are controlling lights in double or triple gang and want set them all to the same brightness level (manually) quickly.
Wife and I intensely disliked the Casetta as it has to be the worst ergonomically designed wall switch of all time (and nearly completely unusable in the dark as you note) but we both love the Wemo. The only thing I liked about the Casetta was the remote that could be used from the bed so you didn't have to use your voice or phone to control brightness or turn off the main lights. But there are plenty of button options to at least control the on-off.
Curtis B, my girls room has a Casetta light switch and it is going to be one of my first moves. There is nothing like running into their room because they are crying and hitting the wrong button, turning the lights on full brightness, and waking both of them up. One day I will find the perfect switch.
Great stuff!
Great research, thank you!! PS get yourself a larger sized wall plate cover to hide that paint damage.
Great work on the video! Do you have any recommendations for a 3 way smart dimmer? I have quite a few Insteon switches but looking for a cheaper alternatives.