Best Smart Light Bulbs

Ditch the light switch and automate your lighting with smart light bulbs.

Best for Smart Homes
Philips Hue logo
Philips Hue
  • pro
    Multiple connection types
  • con
    Full features require hub
Best Hub-Free Option
Yeelight logo
Yeelight Smart LED
  • pro
    Does not require a hub
  • con
    Fewer integrations than Philips Hue
Best Budget Buy
WYZE
Wyze Bulb
  • pro
    Affordable
  • con
    No color option
Most Energy Efficient
Lifx logo
LIFX Mini White
  • pro
    Energy-efficient
  • con
    Duller than full-size bulbs
Mindy Woodall
Apr 27, 2023
Icon Time To Read9 min read

Smart light bulbs are like the gateway drug to a full-on smart stuff obsession. It starts with just a single bulb that you can control with your voice or through your phone, and then suddenly you’re putting in smart outlets, smart door locks, and home security cameras.

But don’t take our word for it. Try it out for yourself. Take your fingers off that outdated manual light switch and check out our top picks for the best smart light bulbs.



Best smart light bulb comparison
Model
Price
Protocols
Lifespan
Learn more
Philips Hue White & Color Ambiance Starter Kit*

$120.00

Zigbee, Bluetooth

25,000 hrs.

Yeelight Smart LED Color Bulb

$34.99

Wi-Fi

25,000 hrs.

Wyze Bulb

$22.98

Wi-Fi

20,000 hrs.

LIFX Mini White

$23.55

Wi-Fi

22.8 yrs.

Sengled Smart Wi-Fi Bulb

$9.40

Wi-Fi

20,000 hrs.

TP-Link Kasa Filament Bulb

$23.78

Wi-Fi

Unlisted

Nanoleaf Canvas Smart Light Panels

$179.99

Wi-Fi

25,000 hrs.

Philips Hue Outdoor Lightstrip

$99.99

Zigbee

25,000 hrs.

Amazon.com List Prices (as of 04/27/23 03:43 PST) Full Disclaimer
* Includes three Philips Hue bulbs and the Philips Hue bridge.

Philips Hue White & Color Ambiance Starter Kit: Best for smart homes

Philips Hue integrates with tons of other smart devices and brands.
Four Philips Hue lightbulbs and Philips Hue bridge

Image source: Philips Hue

Philips Hue is the standard when it comes to smart lighting. It integrates with many other smart devices, giving you a full range of colors and temperatures to choose from. If you don’t care about color-changing light bulbs, you can also get tunable white bulbs that just let you adjust the temperature (stark white, soft white, etc.).

Pros
  • Numerous smart home integrations
  • Easy control through either Bluetooth or Zigbee
Cons
  • Best features require a Philips Hue Bridge

What we like

You'll get two different connectivity options with Philips Hue: Bluetooth and Zigbee. If you opt for Bluetooth, then the installation is easy. You just screw in the light bulb and connect it to the Philips Hue Bluetooth app.

Philips Hue White & Color Ambiance Starter Kit features
ModelPhilips Hue White & Color Ambiance Starter Kit*
Price$120.00
ProtocolsZigbee, Bluetooth
Lifespan25,000 hrs.
ColorWhite and color
Color temperature2000K–6500K
Brightness800 lumens
Actual wattage9.5 W
Equivalent wattage60 W
Bulb typeA19
Socket typeE26
IntegrationsAmazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Microsoft Cortana, IFTTT
Learn more

Amazon.com List Prices (as of 04/27/23 03:43 PST) Full Disclaimer
* Includes three Philips Hue bulbs and the Philips Hue bridge.

But if you want all the smart features Philips Hue can offer, then you will want to opt for the Zigbee connection. Which means you’ll need a Philips Hue bridge. The bridge works as a Zigbee hub and gives you remote control over your lights. Plus, it has a much longer range than Bluetooth.

The Bluetooth option covers only one room, and you have to be within Bluetooth range to control the lights with your phone. The hub lets you control your lights from anywhere and covers your entire house.

What we don’t like

The main catch is that Philips Hue lights are expensive. And with so many smart light bulb options on the market these days, sometimes you have to wonder if it’s really worth the extra cash.

That said, the starter kit is a pretty good deal. You get four bulbs and a Hue hub all in one kit.

Yeelight Smart LED Color Bulb: Best hub-free option

The Yeelight has almost as many features as Philips Hue, and without the hub.

The Yeelight Smart LED Color Bulb is a real up-and-comer among smart light bulbs. This bulb connects via Wi-Fi, so it doesn’t require a hub. And you can still control your lights from anywhere and set schedules and routines through your smartphone.

Pros
  • Smart features with no hub required
  • Numerous smart home integrations
Cons
  • Not as many third-party integrations as Hue

What we like

The Yeelight has almost the same general protocols as Philips Hue, which is to say a lot of them. Yeelight bulbs work with Alexa, Google, and HomeKit, along with extras like IFTTT and SmartThings.

The Yeelight also uses slightly less energy than most of the picks on our list.

Yeelight Smart LED bulb
Yeelight Smart LED Color Bulb features
ModelYeelight Smart LED Color Bulb
Price$34.99
ProtocolsWi-Fi
Lifespan25,000 hrs.
ColorWhite and color
Color temperature1700K–6500K
Brightness800 lumens
Actual wattage8.5W
Equivalent wattage60W
Bulb typeA19
Socket typeE26/E27
IntegrationsGoogle Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, IFTTT
Learn more

Amazon.com List Prices (as of 04/27/23 03:43 PST) Full Disclaimer

What we don’t like

The Yeelight has a lot of the same connections as Philips Hue, but Philips Hue has more direct partnerships with smart home brands. If you have a home security system and you want your lights to work with it, you might have to double-check the Yeelight is supported (whereas Philips Hue almost always is).

Wyze Bulb: Best budget buy

The Wyze Bulb is an affordable entry to smart lighting.

If you’re ready for some intro smart lighting but don’t want to shell out a ton of cash for the privilege, then the Wyze Bulb is a great deal. It gives you an affordable white smart light bulb that’s still dimmable and tunable (which means you can adjust the light temperature).

Pros
  • Adjustable color temperature
  • Affordable price
Cons
  • No multicolor option

What we like

All of Wyze’s products, including smart locks and security cameras, are known for their affordability. The Wyze Bulb is no different. At only around $12 per bulb, the Wyze Bulb is way cheaper than options like Philips Hue or LIFX.

Wyze Bulb
Wyze Bulb features
ModelWyze Bulb
Price$29.98
ProtocolsWi-Fi
Lifespan20,000 hrs.
ColorWhite
Color temperature2700K–6500K
Brightness800 lumens
Actual wattage9.5W
Equivalent wattage60W
Bulb typeA19
Socket typeE26
IntegrationsAmazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
Learn more

Amazon.com List Prices (as of 04/27/23 03:43 PST) Full Disclaimer

The Wyze Bulb also works with the major smart home platforms, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. Plus, you don’t have to buy a hub. The Wyze Bulb works via your Wi-Fi network.

What we don’t like

The Wyze Bulb is pretty basic, but it's also affordable. It doesn’t give you multiple colors (outside the white range), and it doesn’t work with Apple HomeKit.

LIFX Mini White: Most energy efficient

The LIFX Mini is small but smart, and it uses a bit less energy than other bulbs.
LIFX mini bulb

Source: LIFX

If you really want to save on energy costs, the LIFX Mini White bulb doesn’t take a lot of power. It only uses 8 Watts while still giving off 650 lumens in bright white light.

Pros
  • Smaller design may fit better in short lamps and fixtures.
  • White and multicolor options
Cons
  • Slightly duller than other bulbs

What we like

The LIFX Mini White bulb is unobtrusive. A lot of smart bulbs are tall enough that they stick out of lamps or fixtures. But the LIFX Mini bulb can keep a low profile while still fitting into the E26 sockets most of your light fixtures use.

LIFX Mini Warm White features
ModelLIFX Mini White
Price$23.55
ProtocolsWi-Fi
Lifespan22.8 yrs.
ColorWhite
Color temperature2700K
Brightness650 lumens
Actual wattage8W
Socket typeE26
IntegrationsAmazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Microsoft Cortana, IFTTT
Learn more

Amazon.com List Prices (as of 04/27/23 03:43 PST) Full Disclaimer

LIFX has an impressive array of smart home integrations. It works with Alexa and Google, as well as SmartThings, HomeKit, and even Microsoft Cortana (if you’re into that).

And while this version of the LIFX Mini bulb offers only one color (white), you can get a version that lets you choose from millions of colors.

What we don’t like

The LIFX Mini bulb is a little dimmer than most of the picks on this list. It may use less energy, but it also gives off less light for what you get.

Sengled Smart Wi-Fi Bulb Soft White: Best dimmable white bulb

The Sengled Smart Wi-Fi Bulb gives you simple, smart lighting with remote control.
Sengled Smart WiFi Bulb

Source: Sengled

The Sengled Smart Wi-Fi Bulb connects directly to your wireless network without a hub. You can control your lights from anywhere, as well as set schedules and routines that work automatically. You can also operate your lights through voice control.

Pros
  • Dimmable
  • No hub required
Cons
  • Only one color temperature

What we like

At less than $30 for a two-pack of bulbs, the Sengled Smart Wi-Fi Bulb is pretty affordable. The Soft White version comes in one single color and color temperature, but you can opt for a multicolor option if you want to spice things up. The white bulb is still dimmable through the app or through voice control.

Sengled Smart Wi-Fi Bulb Soft White features
ModelSengled Smart Wi-Fi Bulb Soft White
Price$9.40
ProtocolsWi-Fi
Lifespan25,000 hrs.
ColorWhite
Color temperature2700K
Brightness800 lumens
Actual wattage9W
Equivalent wattage60W
Bulb typeA19
Socket typeE26
IntegrationsAmazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
Learn more

Amazon.com List Prices (as of 04/27/23 03:43 PST) Full Disclaimer

The Sengled also worked with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. There’s no HomeKit support for the Apple fans out there, but we think Alexa and Google cover it for most people.

What we don’t like

Sengled doesn’t support a ton of third-party integrations with brands. You can set up routines with third-party devices through your smart speaker or IFTTT, but direct integrations are often easier.

If you already use other Sengled products, like a Sengled outdoor security light then these smart bulbs fit right in with your existing stuff.

TP-Link Kasa Filament Smart Bulb: Most decorative bulb

The TP-Link Kasa filament-style bulb adds some pizazz to light fixtures.

If you have light fixtures that demand a good-looking light bulb, then the TP-Link Kasa Filament Smart Bulb will be just your cup of tea. This bulb ditches the futuristic (but sometimes a bit ugly) LED bulb look and instead gives you a classic exposed filament style.

Pros
  • Attractive filament style
  • Works with IFTTT
Cons
  • Less bright than other options
TP-Link Kasa Filament Smart Bulb

What we like

The Kasa filament bulb is more than just a pretty face—it’s also super energy efficient. This bulb uses only 7 watts of energy. You do sacrifice some brightness in the process, but these bulbs are best for mood-lighting anyway.

TP-Link Kasa Filament Smart Bulb features
ModelTP-Link Kasa Filament Smart Bulb
Price$23.78
ProtocolsWi-Fi
LifespanUnlisted
ColorWhite
Color temperature2700K
Brightness600 lumens
Actual wattage7W
Bulb typeA19
Socket typeE26
IntegrationsAmazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
Learn more

Amazon.com List Prices (as of 04/27/23 03:43 PST) Full Disclaimer

These bulbs will fit in a standard E26 light socket. Plus, the TP-Link Kasa Filament bulb works with the most popular smart home speakers: Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. (Sorry Apple peeps; there’s no HomeKit support.)

What we don’t like

It would be nice if the Kasa Filament Smart Bulb were tunable, meaning you could adjust the light temperature. As it is, the Kasa gives you only one color and temperature: warm white.

Again, not bad for mood lighting. And the bulb is still dimmable. But we like having options.

Nanoleaf Canvas Smart Light Panels: Best panel lights

The Nanoleaf Canvas Smart Light Panels let you create your own lighting designs.
Nanoleaf Canvas Smart Light Panels

Source: Nanoleaf

The Nanoleaf Canvas is for people who really want to add a unique look to their space. If you have a home office or an entertainment room that could use a little sprucing up, then the Nanoleaf Canvas Smart Light Panels give you a way to add some flair.

Pros
  • Customizable designs with add-on panels available
  • Can sync with music or movies for extra effect
Cons
  • Expensive

What we like

The Nanoleaf Canvas Smart Light Panels come in a 9-panel starter kit. If you want more panels than that, you can buy expansion packs. Just know that you’ll need an additional power source (a.k.a. a panel with a power cord) for every 25 squares.

Nanoleaf Canvas Smart Light Panels features
ModelNanoleaf Canvas Smart Light Panels
Price$179.99
ProtocolsWi-Fi
Lifespan25,000 hrs.
ColorWhite and color
Color temperature1200K–6500K
Brightness44 lumens per panel
Actual wattage1W per panel
Max power supply60W
IntegrationsAmazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, IFTTT, SmartThings, Homey, Razer Synapse
Learn more

Amazon.com List Prices (as of 04/27/23 03:43 PST) Full Disclaimer

We like that you don’t need a drill or any kind of special mounting hardware to put up these light panels. The Nanoleaf Canvas Smart Light Panels use an adhesive to stick to flat, non-porous surfaces. You don’t have to break out the drywall anchors this time.

What we don’t like

These lights are fun, but they’re also pretty pricey. There are definitely other things you could do to make a space unique that would give you more bang for your buck.

But if you love the concept of customizable smart lighting as an art piece you design yourself, then the Nanoleaf will let your artistic spirit roam free.

Philips Hue White & Color Ambiance Outdoor Lightstrip: Best smart lightstrip

The Philips Hue Lightstrip works indoors or out and is really bright.
Philips Hue White & Color Ambiance Outdoor Lightstrip

Source: Philips Hue

The Philips Hue Outdoor Lightstrip works both outdoors and indoors. It has an impressive IP67 weather rating, which means it can handle some nasty elements. And it’ll make any backyard gathering a bit more festive.

Pros
  • High weather rating for outdoor use
  • Millions of color options
Cons
  • Expensive

What we like

The Philips Hue lightstrip is just plain fun, as well as being useful for safety and ambiance. You can put this thing just about anywhere, and you can adjust the color and color temperature from your phone.

Philips Hue White & Color Ambiance Outdoor Lightstrip features
ModelPhilips Hue White & Color Ambiance Outdoor Lightstrip
Price$99.99
ProtocolsZigbee
Lifespan25,000 hrs.
ColorWhite and color
Color temperature2000K–6500K
Brightness1600 lumens
Wattage37.5W
Outdoor weather ratingIP67
Temperature range-4ºF–113ºF (-20°C to 45°C)
IntegrationsAmazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Microsoft Cortana, IFTTT
Learn more

Amazon.com List Prices (as of 04/27/23 03:43 PST) Full Disclaimer

This lightstrip has all the same smart home integrations as Philips Hue’s other smart lights. It’ll work with your Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, as well as Apple HomeKit and IFTTT.

What we don’t like

Unlike Philips Hue’s smart light bulbs, the outdoor lightstrip doesn’t have a Bluetooth connection option. You’ll have to invest in the Hue hub for this one (if you don’t already have one).

Recap

Smart lighting is one of the simplest and easiest ways to make your home just a little bit smarter. With so many bulb options on the market, you can find ones that work with your other smart stuff and with your budget.

Philips Hue White & Color Ambiance Starter Kit: Best for smart homes—Philips Hue is the gold standard for smart lighting. It works with a ton of other brands and smart home platforms. Just know you’ll probably want to buy the optional Hue Bridge too.

Yeelight Smart LED Color Bulb: Best hub-free option—The Yeelight offers a lot of the same features as the Philips Hue system, but it has fewer direct third-party integrations. On the upside, you don’t need a hub.

Wyze Bulb: Best budget buy—The Wyze Bulb is an affordable way to break into smart lighting. Just know you can’t get a multicolor option.

LIFX Mini White: Most energy efficient—The LIFX Mini Warm White bulb is subtle and won’t stick out of the tops of lamps. Plus, it uses less energy than some other options.

Sengled Smart Wi-Fi Bulb Soft White: Best dimmable white bulb—The Sengled Smart Wi-Fi Bulb Soft White doesn’t let you adjust color temperature, but it does give you a dimmable smart bulb for a reasonable price.

TP-Link Kasa Filament Smart Bulb: Most decorative bulb—The TP-Link Kasa Filament Smart Bulb has a stylish filament look that will brighten up any room. Just know it’s not quite as bright as other options.

Nanoleaf Canvas Smart Light Panels: Best panel lights—Nanoleaf Canvas Smart Panels let you create your own designs and sync the lights to music and movies. They’re great for parties, but not so great for your budget.

Philips Hue White & Color Ambiance Outdoor Lightstrip: Best smart lightstrip—Lightstrips are bright and can light up outdoor spaces and add ambiance to your patio. The Philips Hue Outdoor Lightstrip works with tons of other smart stuff and has a high weather rating for outdoor use.

Smart light bulbs connect to Wi-Fi-enabled devices, allowing you to wirelessly control them. Sometimes they will require a dedicated smart hub to set up the connection with your internet router.

Smart bulbs will still use electricity, even when they are turned off. This is because your smart bulb must remain connected to Wi-Fi or bluetooth in order for you to turn it on with your mobile device. 

Smart bulbs present the same risks as any other device connected to your home Wi-Fi network, meaning it is possible for hackers to steal personal information from your network. 

If you want to know how to beef up your security against. hackers, we recommend choosing a strong, unique password that you've never used before, keep your device software up to date, and enable two-factor authentication. Some routers even let you set up "guest networks," which allows you an internet connection without access to other connected devices.

Despite smart light bulbs using energy while turned off in order to maintain their connection with your Wi-Fi network, smart bulbs can help shave a few dollars off your electric bill. 

LED smart bulbs also don't require the same amount of energy as traditional lights. And even with smart bulbs using energy 24/7, How-To-Geek's smart bulb testing proves that smart bulbs only cost a few cents a month (at most) from their extra energy use.

Smart light bulbs can be used anywhere a traditional bulb is used, but you'll get the best use of smart bulb features with fixtures like lamps or plug-in lights. Fixtures connected to wall switches becomes a bit more complicated, in which case a smart light switch or plug might be a better option.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon.com. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Reviews.org utilizes paid Amazon links.

Mindy Woodall
Written by
Mindy has been writing about technology for seven years. She covers all things smart home for Reviews.org, and keeps track of the latest robot gadgets. Mindy attended the University of Utah and her work has been featured on the likes of Parents.com, Digital Care, Hostfully, and more.

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