The fundamental tradeoff
Smart bulbs: easy install (screw in like a regular bulb), no wiring work, but if anyone flips the wall switch off, the bulb is offline and your app can't control it. Smart switches: replace the wall switch itself, requires basic wiring work, and the wall switch still works normally — so anyone in the house can use the room without an app.
Pick smart bulbs if...
- You're renting and can't modify wiring.
- Only certain lamps or fixtures need smart control (a bedside lamp, an accent light).
- You want color-changing bulbs (smart switches still need a regular bulb).
- The fixture has 4+ bulbs you actually want to control individually.
Pick smart switches if...
- You own the home.
- You want everyone in the house to be able to use the lights normally (guests, kids, partners).
- The fixture has multiple bulbs and you want one switch controlling all of them.
- You want consistent control whether you're using the app or the wall.
Common smart switch brands
Lutron Caséta is the most reliable for residential. Leviton Decora Smart is a close second. Both work with Alexa, Google, and Apple Home. Avoid no-name brands — they break or stop receiving updates within 2–3 years.
What about dimmers?
Smart dimmer switches need dimmable LED bulbs (most modern bulbs are; some cheap ones aren't). If you have older recessed lights with non-dimmable LEDs, you'll need to swap them when installing a smart dimmer.
