We updated this roundup in January 2024 to guarantee that our best smart light bulb picks are in stock and reflect up-to-date prices.
If you’ve ever been around a friend’s house and left in awe of how they could just say "Alexa, turn on the lights” to brighten up the room, you may also think a smart home is quite complex. But making things a little more connected isn’t difficult, especially when it comes to lighting. The best smart lights are fun, convenient, and the ideal place to start when making your home smarter.
While you can smarten ceiling fittings, you’ll probably want to start with a smart bulb or two for bedside lamps or that floor lamp in your living room. From there, you’ll be able to create schedules to turn them on when you get home or to wake you up in the morning, and you’ll be able to control them while you’re out via an app.
Here are our top recommendations for the best smart lights in 2024:
Best smart light bulbs
Best smart bulb for adjustable lighting
Nanoleaf Essentials smart lights
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Best smart lighting system
Philips Hue White & Color Ambiance Starter Set
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How the GH Tech Team tests smart lights
We test the best smart light systems the same way you would use them at home – checking how easy they are to set up, how quickly you can change the colour and brightness, and how simple it is to save your preferred settings.
We check whether you can set daily schedules, if it lets you set favourite colours, control a group simultaneously, and if there are options for different ceiling fixtures. We also look at how the lights integrate with smart home platforms such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit.
This list contains top-performing models based on a combination of hands-on testing and rigorous research by the GH Tech Team.
Best smart bulb for adjustable lighting
Nanoleaf Essentials smart lights
Best smart bulb for adjustable lighting
Nanoleaf Essentials smart lights
Pros
- Connects without a hub
- Works with all smart systems
Cons
- A little more expensive
Why we like them: If you like the idea of Nanoleaf’s shaped wall art but want a few bulbs to go with them, the brand has a second range of smart lights, which you can set to automatically mimic natural light throughout the day. Alternatively, you can set a schedule so you can wake up and go to bed with the same tones.
We were impressed by the unique geometric design of the bulb, which looks stylish even if used without a light shade. On test, we found the lights were easy to set up, and took less than a second to brighten, dim or change colour using the app or voice assistant. They’re compatible with Siri or Google Assistant, too. The Essentials range consists of one bulb with either screw or bayonet fittings and a light strip.
How they connect: The smart lights use wifi and don’t need a central hub. However, if your home wifi is poor, they may struggle to connect.
Key specifications
Light types | Bulbs (B22, E27, GU10, Downlight), light strips |
---|---|
Colour or white | Colour |
Voice assistant | Siri and Google Assistant |
Connectivity | Wifi |
Best budget white smart lights
TP-Link Tapo smart light bulbs
Best budget white smart lights
TP-Link Tapo smart light bulbs
Now 38% Off
Pros
- Basic and affordable
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
Cons
- Doesn't work with HomeKit
Why we like them: If all you need are white lights without colour changing, these budget bulbs are worth considering. On test, it took less than a second to turn the bulb on/off or dim or brighten it using the app. You can choose from pre-selected brightness levels or manually adjust it by dragging your finger on the image of the bulb in the app.
We found the bulb, which is only available in either standard screw or bayonet fittings, simple to set up. And we liked that you can set a schedule for the bulbs to turn on or off, and get the lights to come on automatically at sunset. They’re compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, too.
How they connect: They connect via wifi without the need for a central hub. Once the bulb is in a light or ceiling rose, follow the instructions in the app.
Key specifications
Light types | Bulbs (B22, E27) |
---|---|
Colour or white | White |
Voice assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant |
Connectivity | Wifi |
Best budget colour smart lights
TCP Smart Wifi Bulbs
Best budget colour smart lights
TCP Smart Wifi Bulbs
Pros
- Affordable
- Simple to use
Cons
- No connection to Apple HomeKit
Why we like them: If you just need a handful of wifi-controlled bulbs for the living room and aren’t looking for the fuss of a hub or starting up a whole smart home, try these budget lights.
For £12 bulbs, we were impressed with how fast they turned on and off during testing - it took less than a second when using the app, both when connected to the home wifi network and when on a mobile data connection.
They’re only available as bulbs or strip lighting, but they’re simple to set up and it’s easy to select your favourite colour or brightness combination in the app, too.
We like that you can create automatic actions, such as the lights turning off when you leave the house or coming on when you arrive home (although you’ll need your phone with you, as the lights use its GPS to identify where you are). One downside is that there’s no “away mode” to switch them on and off at random times, which is handy to get any would-be burglars to think twice.
How they connect: They connect via wifi without the need for a central hub. It’s just a case of inserting the bulb into a light or ceiling rose and following the instructions in the app. But if your home wifi is poor, you may struggle with connection. While they integrate with Alexa and Google, these ones don’t connect to Siri via Apple HomeKit.
Key specifications
Light types | Bulbs (B22, E27, GU10, E14), light strip |
---|---|
Colour or white | Both |
Voice assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant |
Connectivity | Wifi |
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Pros
- Expansive system of lights
- Works with smart assistants
Cons
- Needs a hub to connect
- Pricey
Why we like them: Philips Hue’s smart lighting is known as the best for good reason. It’s compatible with all voice assistants, the lights are quick to connect, and there’s a wide range of options, including bulbs, wall-mounted lights and outdoor lanterns.
Set schedules to have them turn on or off when the sun rises and sets, or have the lights come on automatically when you get home based on your smartphone's location.
We also love that you can easily set your favourite colour combinations and you can name them for easy access using voice control. The only downside is that they’re a bit expensive compared to rivals with prices starting from £69.99 for a two-bulb kit or table lamps, or from £40 for outdoor lights.
How they connect: You’ll need to attach the Hue bridge (the hub), which comes with the bulb and LED strip starter kits (but not with any of the lamps) to your router with an ethernet cable. Then it’s a case of downloading the smartphone app and setting it up using your home’s wifi.
Key specifications
Light types | Bulbs (E27, B22, GU10, E14), table lamps, pendant lights, outdoor wall lights, outdoor freestanding lights, light strips |
---|---|
Colour or white | Both |
Voice assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri |
Connectivity | Central hub via ethernet and wifi |
Pros
- Unique lighting setup
- Simple to connect
Cons
- It's not easy to hide the cable
Why we like them: After something a little more distinctive? These tiles come in three different shapes: squares (called ‘canvas’), hexagons (called ‘shapes’) and triangles (called ‘light panels’). Most of the shapes are plastic, but the brand makes wood-grain panels under its ‘Elements’ range. They’re all designed to attach to a wall using sticky pads and create a piece of interactive art that lights up. You can keep them lit in one solid colour or several complementary tones that cycle through.
The tile colours can also pulse in time to music, or you can tap them to temporarily change the colour. Simple to set up, we found the “layout assistant” function, which allowed us to virtually preview the formation we wanted before actually sticking the panels down, very handy. They can be used with all voice assistants, too.
These lights do lack the features traditional smart bulbs offer, such as controlling them when you’re not at home, and they’re mains powered, so you’ll need to be able to hide the cable.
How they connect: They connect via wifi without the need for a central hub.
Key specifications
Light types | Wall panels (square, hexagon, triangle) |
---|---|
Colour or white | Both |
Voice assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri |
Connectivity | Wifi |
Are smart lights worth it?
They’re a great way to transform how your home works and can make life more convenient. Whether you want them to turn on automatically when you get home in the evening, or to ask your voice assistant to set a certain mood for movie night, it’s possible once you’ve got everything connected and created scenes, schedules and automations. They can have an added home security benefit too, by making it look like you’re home when you’re not.
How do smart lights work?
Setting up your smart home might feel intimidating at first, but these bulbs can replace any of your traditional ones. They come in a lot of different sizes and types, including bayonet and screw fit, so they’ll fit into your existing ceiling fixtures or lamps.
Hub or no hub?
The way they work can differ from brand to brand. Some connect to a central hub that’s usually included as part of a starter kit. This hub connects to your wifi router and then wirelessly hooks up to everything linked to it (sometimes including other smart devices, depending on the hub). Other bulbs have built-in wifi, so they’ll “speak” directly with your router and you won’t need a hub.
The difference in connectivity can affect how easy they are to set up and how many lights you can control at once (some hubs can manage over 60), but whether they have a hub or not, you’ll still be able to manage your lights from your phone or tablet.
Colours
Before you buy, make sure you’ve checked whether the bulbs are just white or have colour-changing abilities. Many brands have a mix of colour and white bulbs. Double-check whether they’re dimmable too, as colour control and dimming can be ideal if you’re setting a mood for a date night or a party.
Voice control
It’s also worth checking if they connect to the likes of Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit for centralised control via the voice assistant or app. Not every bulb connects to every voice assistant, so we’ve listed their compatibility in our specifications.
Simon co*cks
Simon co*cks is our Technology Ecommerce Editor, overseeing tech shopping content and strategy across a range of titles including Good Housekeeping, Esquire, Digital Spy and more.
Simon specialises in testing the latest smart gadgets, home entertainment gear, headphones, speakers, charging kit and smartphones.
Previously, Simon was part of Good Housekeeping’s Consumer Affairs Team, conducting price comparison research, writing detailed advice guides and editing thousands of in-depth reviews for the Good Housekeeping Institute.
When not testing out the latest gizmos, you’ll find Simon either catching up with the newest releases at his local cinema or out shooting with his beloved compact camera.
You can follow Simon on Instagram at @simonrco*cks and on Twitter at @simonco*cks.
Tested byCarrie-Ann Skinner
Carrie-Ann Skinner is a technology and smart home reviewer with over 15 years of experience. She's tested everything from wi-fi security cameras and video doorbells to smartphones and laptops, making her best placed to offer advice on gadgets to buy, how to use them, and how to get better deals.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
I am an expert and enthusiast assistant. I have access to a vast amount of information and can provide insights on various topics. Let's dive into the concepts mentioned in this article.
Smart Lights:
Smart lights are a type of lighting system that can be controlled remotely using a smartphone, voice commands, or automation. They offer features such as adjusting brightness, changing colors, setting schedules, and integrating with other smart home devices and platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.
Smart Bulbs:
Smart bulbs are a popular type of smart light. They can replace traditional bulbs in existing fixtures and offer additional functionalities. Some key features of smart bulbs include:
- Adjustable Lighting: Smart bulbs allow you to adjust the brightness and color temperature to create the desired ambiance.
- Connectivity: Smart bulbs can connect to your home Wi-Fi network, eliminating the need for a central hub in some cases.
- Voice Control: Many smart bulbs are compatible with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri, allowing you to control them using voice commands.
- Scheduling: You can set schedules for your smart bulbs to turn on or off at specific times, creating automated lighting routines.
- Integration: Smart bulbs can integrate with other smart home devices and platforms, enabling seamless control and automation.
Smart Lighting Systems:
Smart lighting systems consist of multiple smart bulbs or fixtures that can be controlled collectively. These systems often require a central hub for connectivity and management. Some key features of smart lighting systems include:
- Expansive Options: Smart lighting systems offer a wide range of options, including bulbs, wall-mounted lights, outdoor lanterns, and more.
- Voice Assistant Integration: They can integrate with popular voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri for centralized control.
- Scheduling and Automation: Smart lighting systems allow you to set schedules, create scenes, and automate lighting based on specific triggers or events.
- Customization: You can easily set your favorite color combinations and name them for easy access using voice control.
- Hub Requirement: Some smart lighting systems require a central hub to connect and control the lights. The hub is usually connected to the Wi-Fi router.
Nanoleaf Essentials Smart Lights:
The Nanoleaf Essentials smart lights are recommended as the best smart bulbs for adjustable lighting. They offer the following features:
- Automatic Mimicking of Natural Light: The Nanoleaf Essentials smart lights can be set to automatically mimic natural light throughout the day.
- Stylish Design: The unique geometric design of the bulb looks stylish even without a light shade.
- Easy Setup: The lights are easy to set up and can be controlled using the Nanoleaf app or voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant.
- Compatibility: The Nanoleaf Essentials smart lights are compatible with various smart systems and do not require a central hub for connectivity.
TP-Link Tapo Smart Light Bulbs:
The TP-Link Tapo smart light bulbs are recommended as the best budget white smart lights. They offer the following features:
- Affordability: The TP-Link Tapo smart light bulbs are budget-friendly options for white smart lights.
- Simple Control: The bulbs can be easily controlled using the Tapo app, allowing you to turn them on/off, dim or brighten them, and set schedules.
- Compatibility: The TP-Link Tapo smart light bulbs work with popular voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
TCP Smart Wifi Bulbs:
The TCP Smart Wifi Bulbs are recommended as the best budget color smart lights. They offer the following features:
- Affordability: The TCP Smart Wifi Bulbs are budget-friendly options for color smart lights.
- Fast Response: The bulbs have a fast response time when turning on/off or changing colors using the app.
- Automatic Actions: You can create automatic actions, such as turning the lights off when you leave the house or coming on when you arrive home.
- Compatibility: The TCP Smart Wifi Bulbs integrate with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, but they do not connect to Siri via Apple HomeKit.
Philips Hue White & Color Ambiance Starter Set:
The Philips Hue White & Color Ambiance Starter Set is recommended as the best smart lighting system. It offers the following features:
- Expansive System: The Philips Hue smart lighting system offers a wide range of lights, including bulbs, wall-mounted lights, and outdoor lanterns.
- Voice Assistant Compatibility: The system works with popular voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri.
- Advanced Control: You can set schedules, have the lights turn on/off based on sunrise and sunset, and easily set your favorite color combinations.
- Hub Requirement: The Philips Hue system requires a central hub (Hue bridge) to connect and control the lights.
Nanoleaf Canvas Lights:
The Nanoleaf Canvas lights are recommended as the best smart light art. They offer the following features:
- Unique Lighting Setup: The Nanoleaf Canvas lights come in different shapes, including squares, hexagons, and triangles, allowing you to create interactive art that lights up.
- Easy Setup: The lights are simple to set up and can be controlled using the Nanoleaf app or voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri.
- Customization: You can keep the lights lit in one solid color or several complementary tones that cycle through. The colors can also pulse in time to music.
Are Smart Lights Worth It?
Smart lights can transform how your home works and offer convenience and customization. They can be set to turn on automatically, create specific moods, and even enhance home security. Whether they are worth it depends on your preferences and needs.
How Do Smart Lights Work?
Smart lights can replace traditional bulbs and connect to your home Wi-Fi network. Some smart bulbs require a central hub for connectivity, while others have built-in Wi-Fi. You can control smart lights using a smartphone app or voice commands through compatible voice assistants. They offer features like adjusting brightness, changing colors, setting schedules, and integrating with other smart devices.
I hope this information helps you understand the concepts mentioned in the article. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!