If you’ve never tried a connected internet of things (IoT) device before – aka something that’s part of a ‘smart home’ setup – and are curious to try, then the easiest place to start would be with smart lights.
So, what makes a light smart? Simply put, it will connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network or to your phone via Bluetooth (in some cases, both) so you can control it via a companion app or voice commands using popular virtual assistants such as Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant. You can dim them, brighten them, get many of them to change color and add some ambience to your home. If you’ve got multiple smart lights set up from different brands, you can often use a hub to control them all from one place.
Smart lights come in all shapes and sizes – there are the basics like bulbs and light strips, or you can design your own setup with light panels too. You can even get table and floor lamps that are smart. Popular brands include Philips Hue, Nanoleaf, LIFX, TP-Link and Lenovo.
Latest about Smart Lights
The best smart light 2023
Buying Guide The best smart light bulbs and light panels we've tested from all the big names including Philips Hue, Nanoleaf, Govee and Lifx.
How to install a wired smart light switch
Discover how to install a wired smart switch to bring new connectivity to your existing lights
Govee Cylinder Smart Lamp review: a big kid’s lava lamp
It isn’t as futuristic and svelte as rival smart floor lamps, but this approachable and simple smart light is an excellent, unassuming piece to add to your living space.
Philips 2023 Ambilight TVs will drop a key immersive visual feature I loved
New 2023 Philips Ambilight TVs are dropping the ability to work with your Hue lighting, and I think it's a mistake.
WiZ LED strip smart light review: brilliant, bright and budget-friendly
The WiZ LED strip smart light is the more affordable sibling of the pricey Philips Hue alternative
Nanoleaf 4D gives your TV an Ambilight-style upgrade, but there’s a catch
Nanoleaf’s new TV smart lights will match the colors of the film you’re watching – as long as you don't mind the kit's camera.
Matter's first update won't light up your smart home, but the next one might
Currently rolling out, Matter 1.1 doesn't address much but may instead be a setup for the future.
Nanoleaf Essentials A19 E27 smart bulb review: affordable smart lighting
Updated After bringing us some beautiful light panels, Nanoleaf is going back to the essentials.
