What are the best smart lights for in and around your home?

A smart light is a lamp that can be controlled via a smartphone app, a smart speaker or another smart home assistant. It offers several advantages over traditional bulbs, including the ability to adjust brightness, colour and even colour temperature, and to program them to switch on automatically at certain times or in response to certain events. The smart light is connected to the internet and can be controlled remotely via a mobile app, voice commands or other smart devices. Smart lights offer several benefits, including convenience, energy savings, ambience, security and integration with other smart devices.

In this article you'll read everything about smart lights. How do they work, why should you buy smart lights, which are the best smart lights and where can you buy smart lights easily, reliably and at the best prices. And you'll find much more information about smart lights below so you're fully informed and know everything you need to make a well-considered choice.

What is a smart light?

A smart light is a lamp that is connected to the internet and can be controlled via a mobile app, voice commands or other smart devices. Unlike traditional bulbs, smart lights offer extra features such as adjusting brightness, changing the colour of the light and setting schedules and scenes. Some smart lights also have built-in sensors to detect motion or respond to environmental factors such as natural light levels or temperature. Smart lights can also be part of a smart home system, allowing you to control them together with other smart devices such as smart thermostats, smart speakers and smart security cameras.

How does a smart light work?

A smart light works via wireless communication, usually Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or a dedicated protocol such as Zigbee or Z-Wave. The lamp is connected to a hub, bridge or gateway that acts as an intermediary between the bulb and the mobile app or smart home system. The hub connects to the internet and lets users control the bulb remotely through a mobile app or voice commands.

The mobile app usually offers various options for controlling the smart light, such as adjusting brightness, changing the light colour, setting timers and schedules, and creating scenes. Some smart lights also have built-in sensors, such as motion or light sensors, that can automatically adjust the bulb based on changes in the environment.

If you want to control the light with voice commands, you can integrate it with a smart speaker such as Amazon Echo or Google Home. You can then give voice commands like "Alexa, turn on the living room light" or "Hey Google, change the bedroom light to blue".

In short, a smart light works by connecting to a hub or gateway via wireless communication and can be controlled via a mobile app or voice commands. Smart bulbs offer extra functionality such as adjusting brightness, changing light colour and setting schedules and scenes.

Is it hard to use a smart light?

Using a smart light is generally not difficult, especially if you're already familiar with mobile apps and smart devices. To control most smart lights, all you need is a smartphone or tablet on which you can install the manufacturer's app. This app lets you adjust the brightness, colour and schedules of your lights.

If you want to control your smart lights with voice commands, you can integrate them with a smart speaker such as Amazon Echo or Google Home. Once you've added the bulbs to your smart speaker, you can easily give voice commands to switch lights on or off, adjust brightness, change colour and much more.

Although using smart lights is generally not difficult, it's important to make sure you use the right app and/or smart speaker that is compatible with the bulbs you have. It can also help to read the manual to get familiar with all available features and settings.

Why should you buy smart lights?

There are several reasons why you might want to buy smart lights:

Convenience: With smart lighting you no longer have to get up to flip a switch. You can simply use your mobile app to control the lights wherever you are. You can also set them to turn on and off automatically at certain times, saving you time and effort.

Energy savings: Smart lights are energy efficient, because you can adjust the brightness and light level depending on your needs. You can set the lighting to switch off automatically when no motion is detected, saving energy and money in the long run.

Ambience: Smart bulbs offer a wide range of colours and brightness levels, allowing you to create the perfect atmosphere in any room. You can match the colour of the light to your mood or the time of day, creating a warm and inviting feel.

Security: Smart lights can also improve the security of your home. For example, you can set the lights to switch on automatically when you're not at home, making it look like someone is always in. You can also install sensors that switch on automatically when motion is detected, which can help deter potential intruders.

Integration with other smart devices: Smart lights can be integrated with other smart devices such as smart speakers and smart security cameras. This can create a seamless and integrated smart home experience, allowing you to manage your home in an intelligent and efficient way.

What are the best smart lights?

There are many different brands and models of smart lights available, each with its own unique features and benefits. Here are some of the best smart lights currently on the market:

Top 5 best smart lights

1. Philips Hue

Philips Hue is one of the most popular smart lighting brands and offers a wide range of bulbs, lightstrips and accessories. The smart lighting is easy to install and can be controlled via the Philips Hue app or with voice commands via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit.

2. LIFX

LIFX offers smart bulbs with a wide range of colours and brightness options that can be controlled via a mobile app or voice commands using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. LIFX bulbs have built-in Wi-Fi, so no hub is required.

3. Nanoleaf

Nanoleaf offers smart light panels that let you create light art on your walls. These panels can be controlled via the Nanoleaf app or with voice commands using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

4. Wyze Bulb

Wyze Bulb is an affordable option for smart lighting that can be controlled via the Wyze app or with voice commands using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. They also offer an automatic on/off function that can be set based on sunrise and sunset.

5. IKEA Trådfri

IKEA Trådfri is an affordable smart lighting option that can be controlled via a mobile app or with voice commands using Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit. They also offer a wide range of bulbs and accessories to choose from.

It's important to consider which features you need and how much you're willing to spend when choosing the best smart lights for your home.

Where can I buy smart lights?

There are various stores and online retailers where you can buy smart lights, including:

Electronics stores

Visit an electronics store such as MediaMarkt, Expert or BCC to buy smart lights.

DIY stores

Many DIY stores, such as Gamma, Praxis and Karwei, also offer a range of smart lights.

Online retailers

There are several online retailers, such as Bol.com, Amazon, Coolblue, etc., that sell smart lights. These websites often offer a wide range of brands and models to choose from.

Manufacturer websites

Many smart lighting manufacturers, such as Philips Hue and LIFX, sell their products directly through their own websites.

Before you buy smart lights, it's a good idea to compare what's on offer and see which options best fit your needs and budget. Also read customer reviews to get a better idea of the quality and performance of the smart lights you are considering.

Are smart lights energy efficient?

Smart lights are generally energy efficient and can help you save power. Here are some reasons why:

LED technology: Most smart lights use LED technology, which is known for its energy efficiency and long lifespan. LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and often last much longer.

Adjustable brightness: With smart lights you can adjust the brightness of the light to your needs. You can dim the light when you need less illumination, which consumes less energy and therefore cuts your energy bill.

Automation: Smart lights can be automated to switch on and off at specific times of the day, depending on your schedule. You can also set timers to turn the lights off automatically when you leave the house, preventing unnecessary energy consumption.

Smart features: Some smart lights have smart features such as motion sensors that automatically switch off the lighting when no motion is detected. This can help reduce unnecessary energy use.

Overall, smart lights are an energy-efficient lighting option for your home, which can result in lower energy costs and a smaller ecological footprint.

How often do you need to replace a smart light?

The lifespan of a smart light can vary depending on the brand, model and how it's used. In general, however, smart lights last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.

Most smart lights are LED bulbs, which are known for their long lifespan. LED bulbs often last up to 25,000 hours, whereas traditional incandescent bulbs usually last less than 1000 hours. This means that an LED-based smart light can last up to 25 times longer than a traditional incandescent bulb.

The lifespan of a smart light also depends on how often and how intensively you use it. If you use the bulb a lot, it will wear out faster than if you use it less often.

In general, you won't need to replace smart lights very often, especially if you opt for LED bulbs. This can save you money in the long run because you won't have to buy new bulbs as frequently.

Smart lights for indoor lighting

Choose the right location

It's important to choose the right location for your smart lights to get the best illumination. Consider factors such as the function of the room, natural light, room size and ceiling height.

Adjust the colour temperature

Smart lights can adjust colour temperature, which helps you create the right atmosphere in a room. Cooler temperatures (more blue) are suitable for workspaces, while warmer temperatures (more yellow) are better for relaxation areas.

Use dimming

Smart lights can be dimmed to reach the desired brightness and create the ambience you want. This can be done manually via an app or by voice commands with a smart speaker.

Program the lights

Smart lights can be programmed to switch on and off automatically at specific times, or in response to certain events, such as opening a door or detecting motion.

Integrate with other smart devices

Smart lights can be integrated with other smart devices, such as smart thermostats or smart security cameras. This can help create a seamless and automated smart home experience.

General tips for indoor lighting 

1. Combine different types of lighting: Use different types of lighting in a room, such as ceiling lights, floor lamps and table lamps to create a variety of light levels and moods.

2. Consider the function of the room: Think about what the room is used for and adjust the lighting accordingly. A kitchen or workspace, for example, requires bright lighting, while a bedroom benefits from softer, dimmed light.

3. Choose the right colour temperature: Choose the right colour temperature to create the desired mood in the room. Warmer temperatures (more yellow) are, for instance, suitable for relaxation areas.

Smart lights for outdoor lighting

Using a smart light as outdoor lighting offers several advantages over traditional lights, such as remote control, adjustable brightness and colour temperature, and improved energy efficiency. Here are some tips for placing a smart light as outdoor lighting:

Choose the right location

Consider factors such as the function of your garden lighting, incoming light, the size of the area and the height of the fixture when choosing the right location. For example, place lights intended to help you navigate a dark path closer to the ground, and position lights that highlight the facade of your home higher up.

Adjust the colour temperature

Smart lights can adjust colour temperature, which helps you create the right mood outdoors. Cooler temperatures (more blue) are suitable for security lighting, while warmer temperatures (more yellow) are ideal for relaxing or accent lighting.

Use motion sensors

Consider using motion sensors so the outdoor lighting only switches on when needed. This can help save energy and also act as a security feature.

Program the lights

Smart lights can be programmed to switch on and off automatically at specific times, or in response to certain events such as a door opening or motion being detected.

Weatherproof fixtures

Make sure the fixtures you choose are weatherproof and able to withstand the elements.

Tips for installing outdoor lighting

1. Use different types of lighting: Combine different types of lighting in an outdoor space, such as path lighting, accent lighting and security lighting, to create a variety of light levels and moods.

2. Think about security: Consider using lighting as a security feature, such as motion-activated lights, to deter unwanted visitors.

3. Avoid light pollution: Make sure the lighting isn't too bright and doesn't disturb neighbours or cause light pollution. Aim the light at the desired areas and use shielding to focus the light where it's needed.

4. Install safely: Make sure the lighting is installed safely according to the manufacturer's instructions and that all wiring and connections are done correctly.