UPDATE: 03/23/2024

We’ve updated our buying guide with a variety of new smart bulbs.

Fortunately, this means that they’ve not only gotten steadily more advanced but more affordable as well.

There are three primary considerations when shopping for smart bulbs.

A woman looking frustrated surround by smart home tech.

The first is whether the bulb produces colored or white light—or both.

The second consideration has to do with thereceptivity built into the bulb.

Finally, you’ll also want to consider platforms.

A person holding an S23 Ultra on the medical information entry screen, with some emergency sirens around it.

We only recommend the best products based on our research and expertise.

Despite their budget-friendly price, these bulbs are capable of a lot.

Or, set the bulb to automatically adjust the color temperature based on natural light patterns in your area.

Tuya Wi-Fi IR Blaster on a wooden desk.

These smart bulbs are compatible with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings.

Our top pick from the company is itswired outdoor motion-sensing floodlight.

It’s sturdy, bright, and relatively affordable.

Cync Full Color Direct Connect Smart Bulb and Indoor Smart Plug with Matter support on display at CES 2023

It’s better to pay a little extra for the reliability.

With a range of solar-powered outdoor lights, Ring leads the way in bringing smart lighting outdoors.

What’s unique about these bulbs is their 25,000-hour lifespan, much longer than most other smart bulbs.

philips hue smart white bulbs

Philips Hue

What’s more, Sengled makes a dizzying array of smart bulbs for any function you may need.

Sengled makes it easy to deck out your home in smart bulbs!

TheWiZ Connected Coloris one of the few reasonably-priced smart bulbs that will work equally well with all three.

kasa smart light bulb

you could also use voice to manage the bulb via aHomePodspeaker or Siri on your Apple gear.

The WiZ bulb is multi-color and dimmable, with 16 million colors available.

The 8.8W bulb, equivalent to a 60W traditional lightbulb, is energy efficient and long-lasting.

ring light floodlight

A long-lasting and feature-rich smart bulb that works perfectly with Apple HomeKit and Siri Shortcuts.

And all for a very reasonable price.

Plus, they can be controlled with Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant.

sengled smart wifi bulbs-1

Sengled

If you know you want Wi-Fi bulbs, these color-changingsmart bulbs from Merossare an excellent, affordable option.

The company’ssmart bulbsare no exception.

Plus, because these bulbs all work over Bluetooth, there is no hub needed.

sengled smart bulb

These bulbs also make a stronger runner-up in ourbest budgetcategory.

Govee smart bulbs work over Bluetooth, so you don’t have to worry about bridge or router compatibility.

From there, you set up routines and do all the other things smart bulbs are known for.

wiz light bulb

Meross

FAQ

Do smart light bulbs use electricity when off?

While they do use some electricity,the amount is very small.

There are otherenergy vampiresthat are eating up more electricity in your home to take care of first!

lifx bulb

How long do smart light bulbs last?

How long your smart light bulb lasts depends a lot on how often you’re using it.

Regardless, smart bulbs will last longer than regular incandescent bulbs.

meross wi-fi smart bulb

Meross

How do I install a smart light bulb?

Can smart light bulbs be used in ceiling fans?

Smart light bulbs can be used in any fixture without any issues.

govee bulb

Philips Hue smart light

Signify

Article image

Philips Hue smart bulbs are pricey, but they’re worth every penny for their reliable connectivity, customizable light options, and ease of use.

kasa smart bulbs in lamps next to bed

TP-Link

Ring Floodlight turned on

Ring

sengled smart bulb in lamp

Sengled

singled smart light bulb

Singled

WiZ Connected Color on pink background

WiZ

LIFX Color bulb in outlet

LIFX

Colorful ambient lighting from the Meross Wi-Fi Smart Bulb.

Meross

Govee light bulbs in living room

Govee