Adding a smart light switch to your UK home can really boost how well your lights work. You might find the perks of smart switches even better than smart bulbs. They bring all the good stuff of new lighting tech.
Before I begin, here’s a quick run through of important things to know …
- Generally speaking, you have the choice between smart on/off and dimmer switches, if you are replacing your existing switch.
- Some switches work off Wi-Fi and don’t need a smart hub, while others are Z-Wave or Zigbee compatible.
- Some switches require a neutral wire to provide constant power while others don’t, so best to check that first and foremost. Be careful as products that advertise that they don't need a neutral wire, may actually need one somewhere in the lighting circuit.
- If you would like to keep your existing light switches, you can install a mini-relay behind the switch or above the light fixture, which you can then control via a smart hub.
- If you already have Philips Hue smart bulbs, there are also light switches available for them, to give the more traditional experience
Smart Light Switch UK Comparison
Below is a brief comparison I created of the top 5 switches and dimmers.
| Compare | Lightwave Switch | SONOFF Switch | TCP Switch | Philips Hue Dimmer Switch v2 | MoesGo ZigBee Switch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Function | Dimmer | On-Off | On-Off | Dimmer | On-Off |
| Wireless type | WiFi | WiFi | WiFi | Zigbee | ZigBee 3.0 |
| Neutral Wire Required? | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Works With | Alexa, HomeKit, Google | Alexa and Google Home | Alexa, Google Home and Siri | Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri | Alexa, Google, Yandex |
| Hub | Lightwave Link Plus | Hub not required | Hub not required | Hue v2 Hub | Tuya Zigbee Hub |
| Power source | AC 220-240 V | Mains | Mains | Battery powered | AC100-250V, 50/60Hz |
| App support | iOS, Android | iOS, Android | iOS, Android | iOS, Android | iOS, Android |
| Timer functions | Timers, scenes and triggers | Single / Repeat / Countdown / Loop | Set timers, schedules | Timers | Yes (timing setting, countdown) |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 30 x 88 x 88 mm | 8.6 x 8.6 x 3.5 cm | 8.6 x 8.6 x 4 cm | 9.2 x 3.5 x 1.1 cm | 11 x 10.3 x 5.2 cm |
| Material | Plastic, Metal | Tempered glass panel | Glass | Plastic | Plastic |
Best UK Smart Dimmer Switch
The Lightwave Smart Series Dimmer allows you to control the lighting in your home via the Lightwave app or voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. It features energy monitoring, easy installation with no extra wiring, and multiple control options.
- Compatible with dimmable LED bulbs
- Multiple Lightwave device triggers
- Amazon Alexa/Google Assistant/Apple Homekit compatibility
The Lightwave LP21WHMK2 is a smart dimmer switch that allows you to control the lighting in your home through your smartphone or voice-controlled assistants such as Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit. The dimmer switch is simple to install and requires no extra wiring – it can work without a neutral or earth wire.
It replaces your existing light switch and can be paired with the Lightwave Link Plus to control your lights from anywhere. You can set schedules, create timers, and adjust the mood of your home room by room. The dimmer switch is compatible with dimmable LED bulbs and requires a Wi-Fi router with broadband internet connection.
The biggest problem I have with the Lightwave smart dimmer switch is you really need to buy the Lightwave hub to get the switches full functionality. Unfortunately the Lightwave hub is quite expensive (more than £100) so suddenly this smart dimmer becomes a more significant investment.
Scenes / Routines
With the Lightwave app, you can also create what they call “Magic Buttons” to trigger multiple Lightwave devices with a single press. You can also set up a gentle wake-up call in the morning by automating your lights. The device is available in white metal and is compatible with iOS and Android devices.
It has a maximum dimmable load of 280W (non-LED) and a current rating of 1 Amp. It comes with a 2-year manufacturer's warranty.
Its worth noting that not all LED bulbs are compatible, and the switch can reset itself if the resistance in the circuit is too low.
It supports 2-way switching via the grouping feature in the app.
- Nice looking product with a modern design
- Works well with Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Homekit
- Technical support are quite helpful when needed
- Expensive when you take the additional hub into account
- Compatibility issues with some LED bulbs
Best UK Smart Light Switch
With the SONOFF Smart Light Switch, you can take full advantage of the smart scene feature. The smart scene integrates multiple triggers in a single set up. You can set up one SONOFF device to trigger the other one on/off. Alternatively, you can choose to run all devices at once with a single command.
- Tempered glass panel and a PC fire-retardant housing
- Voice and App Control with Amazon Alexa or Google Home
- Timing and Scene Functionality
The SONOFF Wi-Fi Touch Wall Light Switch is a smart switch is compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use voice commands to turn your lights on and off. If you prefer, you can also control your lights via the Alexa or Google Home app, or via the eWeLink app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices.
The switch doesn't require a hub, and it works with any 2.4GHz Wi-Fi router. There can be issues initially pairing if you also have a 5GHz band configured on your router.
A neutral wire is required for this switch to work, so best to check your wiring beforehand.
With the timing function, you can set your switch to turn your lights on and off automatically according to your schedule. You can create smart scenes, so one SONOFF device can turn another one on or off. This allows you to control multiple devices with just one tap.
Build Quality and Materials
The SONOFF switch is CE, RoHS, and FCC certified and features a tempered glass panel and a PC fire-retardant housing. The build quality has received mixed reviews, with some people impressed with its sleekness while others not happy with the quality.
From an installation point of view, you can use it to replace your old, traditional wall light switch as it fits in the same 86-type box, so you don't have to worry about making any major changes to your home's electrical system.
It also supports 2-way switching via the grouping feature in the app.
- Integration with Google Home and Alexa works well
- No additional hub required
- Product is generally easy to set up (if you know what you're doing!)
- As mentioned, a neutral wire is required
- Can be issues pairing to Wi-Fi if you have 5GHz enabled on your router
- Screws may not be entirely suitable for UK boxes
- Some users had issues where the product stopped working after a number of months
The TCP Smart Wi-Fi Wall Light Switch allows you to automate an on/off schedule for lighting in your home. It can connect to your existing home Wi-Fi network and use integrates with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
- Dark blue LED light
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi operation
- Tempered glass touch screen
With its tempered glass finish the TCP Smart Light Switch can be used to controlling multiple light fixtures. It can be controlled by voice through Amazon Alexa or Google Home, through an iOS or Android app, or through touch. While it says its compatible with Siri, some users had problems connecting it to Apple HomeKit and Siri Shortcuts.
Similar to the SONOFF, the TCP switch also requires a neutral wire so I recommend checking out what wires you have in the box.
Its worth noting this switch requires a deeper back box than usual. It can work with mains voltage lighting and offers a variety of features including timers and schedules, so you can control your lights even when you're not home. The switch is rated at 13 A and comes with a 1-year manufacturer guarantee.
As its a Wi-Fi switch a smart hub is not needed.
- No additional hub required
- Easy to install, as long as the back box is deep enough
- Works well controlling lights and setting schedules
- Needs a neutral wire
- Siri support isn't 100%
- Deep backbox required
The Yagusmart Smart Wall Light Switch is built with a timer control which allows you to set it up to 30 times a day. You can also configure settings to repeat daily or weekly.
- An anti-RF remote control function
- Voice-controlled
- 30-interval timer control
Furthermore, the timer control functions allow you a myriad of different settings – even if you want to tailor your settings around the time you wake up or go to bed.
Additionally, the smart light switch is compatible with multiple voice control tools such as Amazon Alexa, IFTTT, and Google Home to make your life a whole lot easier.
Best UK Philips Hue Switches & Controls
The Philips Hue Dimmer Switch is a battery-powered wireless switch that allows you to adjust the brightness of your Philips Hue lights, use it as a remote control, and toggle between four different light scenes.
- Wireless control without the need for a bridge.
- Magnetic design for easy installation
- Toggle between four different light scenes
The dimmer is compatible with all Phillips Hue lights – however, it needs a Hue Bridge for the full smart lighting experience. Nevertheless, the dimmable switch works wirelessly and remotely without the need for any extra installation.
Furthermore, the battery-powered light switch comes with all the necessary accessories to allow mounting anywhere you want. For a fully integrated smart home, the Dimmer Switch is also compatible with Samsung SmartThings.
The Phillips Hue Button features an installation-free control that allows for easy use – simply mount it or stick it through its magnetic design anywhere in your home and begin to enjoy its functions.
- Magnetic button
- Multi-room control
- Installation free control
What makes the light switch special is its portable and magnetic build – allowing you to move around the house with it.
When done using it for the day, simply stick it to its wall-mounted plate for storage. The single smart button design on the other end allows for smooth lighting control in your home. The customized light settings on the other end allow you to set the lighting preferences in your home based on the times you want.
Best UK Smart Zigbee Switch
This MoesGo switch is multi-gang and can be controlled by app, touch, voice (with Alexa and Google Home), and remotely through the Smart Life/Tuya app. Note the Tuya Zigbee hub is required.
- Available in Gray or White
- Compatible with voice control via Alexa and Google Home
- The neutral wire is optional
The MoesGo ZigBee Smart Light Switch provides the option to install with both a neutral wire or a single live wire. It requires a Tuya Zigbee hub and the switch can then be controlled using the Smart Life/Tuya app, voice commands with Alexa or Google Home, or touch operation.
By pairing it with other smart switches, you can use it in a 2/3 way circuit. Additionally, the switch includes a timer function, allowing you to set schedules or countdowns for your lights.
The MoesGo ZigBee switch supports 2.4GHz networks and has a low power consumption. With the mesh function included in the Tuya Zigbee hub, each switch acts as a signal repeater to improve the stability of the network.
The Yagusmart Zigbee Smart Wall Light Switch gives you the freedom to operate your light switches using the manual button, voice control, or app remote control.
- Amazon Alexa/Google Home/IFTTT compatible
- Tuya Zigbee Hub Required
- Timing Function
Designed with an timer control schedule setting, the smart switch allows you to set up your preferred lighting schedules 30 times per day.
Additionally, you can further automate the settings for daily and weekly set up. The single gang light switch is also compatible with multiple voice apps such as Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT for hands-free operation.
Best UK Smart Mini Relay
Keep you current lights and switches and instead install a Wi-Fi mini-relay
- 3 latching positions – Lighting circuit only really needs 2
- Very useful for LED strip lighting control
- Voice-control compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant & Siri
The Lightwave Smart Mini Relay offers the ability to control volt-free circuits or mains electrical circuits with a maximum load of 500W from anywhere using your smartphone or voice commands via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri via Apple HomeKit.
This makes it ideal for controlling a electrical circuits such as lighting circuits or LED strip lighting.
You can group using the Magic Button feature in the Lightwave Link Plus app which then allows you to trigger your smart relays from any Lightwave Smart Dimmer in your home, without any extra wiring.
Best UK DIY Smart Switch
The SwitchBot Smart Switch Button Pusher is designed to work with any appliance button or rocker switch.
- 5-second installation
- 2.4GhZ Wifi supported
- Built-in timer scheduling
The button pusher requires the SwitchBot app that allows you to schedule built-in timers without requiring a hub or Smartphone. The battery-operated switch pusher is built with an extended battery life based on Bluetooth low energy (BLE) – allowing you to use it for up to 600 days.
Set up and installation for the switch button pusher is also pretty easy – take it to your light switch and attach it using the 3M sticker. The smart switch pusher is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, and IFTTT for easy voice control.
Features of Smart Light Switches
Voice Control
Some of the best UK smart light switch options are compatible with voice control tools. Some of the common ones include IFTTT, Amazon Alexa, Google Home/assistant, and Apple Home Kit/Siri.
This makes it easy for you to control the lighting hands–free. All you need to do is mutter out the voice commands. This function allows you to integrate your home lighting into your smart home system as well.
Remote Control
What makes smart light switches stand out is their remote control feature. Some smart light switches are Wifi controlled – allowing you to connect them to your home’s Wifi network. This means that you can then control them remotely using their proprietary app. Others work off Z-Wave or Zigbee protocols so you can integrate with a compatible smart hub.
Depending on the light switch design and capacity, this feature doesn’t only allow you to remotely switch your lighting on and off. You can also use this feature to set up timing schedules and tailor your home lighting habits based on your needs.
Technology
Most UK smart light switches use technology that you may already be using in your home. So, before investing in one, it is a good idea to cross check this information – so you can figure out how to take advantage of the technology and ensure effective functionality.
Generally, a smart light switch will be compatible with at least an iPad, android device, Nest, or Ecobee in your home. For example, Apple Homekit devices such as Ecobee or iPad are perfect for iDevices and in-wall outlets. SmartThings technology on the other end supports Z-Wave and Zigbee devices.
Switch or Plug
When shopping for smart light switches, you will come across switches and plugs. Switches come with the convenience of working as regular light switches with natural operation whilst boasting features such as app remote control and timing automations.
They work great for those who want to automate their regular light fixtures. Smart plugs on the other end tend to be more flexible as you can plug them with whatever device you want – great for lamps!
The Verdict
I hope this guide was useful in helping you choose a smart light switch for your UK or Irish home. Installing a smart light switch UK is an easy way to modernize your home and control lighting with just a tap.
If I’ve missed anything, let me know in the comments below!
The Lightwave Smart Series Dimmer allows you to control the lighting in your home via the Lightwave app or voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. It features energy monitoring, easy installation with no extra wiring, and multiple control options.
- Compatible with dimmable LED bulbs
- Multiple Lightwave device triggers
- Amazon Alexa/Google Assistant/Apple Homekit compatibility