Six Top Smart Light Bulbs

Six Top Smart Light Bulbs

- Alex Colon, Timothy Torres

Light bulbs have grown exponentially smarter in recent years. You can now replace your standard incandescent bulb with a variety of connected solutions you can control with just a few taps on your smartphone or tablet. But with so many options flooding the smart-home market, which one is right for you? We’ve rounded up our highest-rated smart bulbs, along with some points to consider while shopping.

PRICE

Smart bulbs use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and a variety of technologies to work, so they are more expensive than traditional bulbs. That’s important to keep in mind, especially if you want to upgrade your entire house. But smart bulbs also use less energy and last a lot longer, meaning you can save money in the long run. And as you can see, most of the options on this list fall well below $100, so the price of entry isn’t as steep as it used to be even a year ago.

COLOR AND LUMINANCE

Some of the bulbs on this list are just white, while others have the ability to take on any color of the rainbow. Color is a fun way to add atmosphere to your home but often results in a pricier bulb.

Most of the smart bulbs we review are marketed as equivalent to 60-watt incandescent models, which sounds self-explanatory—but some bulbs are brighter than others. To see just how bright a light is, you need to look at the lumens it puts out: the more lumens, the brighter the light. Even then, the light can disperse in a narrow beam or distribute brightness in a wide swath, so make sure to read the reviews to find out how each bulb works.

Another factor to keep in mind is color temperature. Higher temperatures, like 8,500K, look like harsh office lighting, which is fine for staying awake or working. Lower temperatures, like 2,500K, translate to a cozy, warm glow that’s perfect for relaxing.

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