We are living in a world where everything in our homes is digital. Well, almost everything. Compared to other smart home systems, smart bulbs are the easiest to deal with. And, they can transform your home into a little heaven, thanks to the customisation options. 

Getting the best lighting systems for your home is not as easy as it sounds, though. Then you can add to the mix smart plugs, smart video doorbells and so much more! Thanks to the low cost and big players in the market like Amazon Alexa, Phillips, Google Assistant and Apple, settling for any option is more overwhelming. Each of these brands offers quality products, but do they meet your particular needs? From the brightness levels to prices and compatibility with other smart systems in your house. 

As you do with any purchase, a little research will go a long way in ensuring you procure the best smart lights for your home. And, we're here to guide you every step of the way with our hand-picked products and an extensive buying guide.

What Are Smart Bulbs?

Smart bulbs are the epitome of digitisation in lighting. It is a small step towards making your home a smart home. They have LED light bulbs that use a wireless connection, allowing you to control them remotely. You can also customise the lights to your liking. For instance, if you want your lights to be on at a particular time, you can do it even when you are not home. 

Depending on the smart bulb you are using, you can achieve the remote control through a Wi-Fi connection, WLAN or an app. Other smart bulbs use a home automation hub, allowing you to have specific control over each bulb in your home. 

Why Do You Need Smart Bulbs at Home?

A smart lighting system is a must-have, even if you are not big on smart house appliances and gadgets as they offer several advantages, including:

• They are affordable.

Yes, a smart bulb will be pricier than your average bulb, especially when you are budgeting for a whole home. In the long run, they are affordable in every way. These light bulbs are LEDs, meaning they will last longer, and you don't have to replace them every few months. They are also more energy-efficient, using less power, which ultimately lowers the power bill from your lighting.

• They offer remote control.

Unlike regular bulbs that you can only control from a switch, smart bulbs have more control options. Control systems for smart bulbs range from Bluetooth connectivity to control with voice, app control or remote control. Others will have customisable control systems where you can schedule the lighting of your home. More than anything, this range of control provides your home with extra security. Even when away from home for a prolonged period, you can schedule lighting in specific rooms at specific times. 

• They are dimmable.

With smart bulbs, fading the light when necessary is not such a task. You do not have to install any dimming switches to achieve the exact amount of dim light that suits your needs for the day. A simple command with the respective control system will do the trick. Just set the mood from partying to relaxing in no time with a simple voice command! 

• They have multicolour options. 

A lot of smart lighting bulbs are multi-coloured. Colour-changing bulbs offer more versatility as you can change the colour of the bulbs to whatever you need at any moment. Set a romantic mood, change the ambience when reading a book after a long day or change to theatre mode to catch up with the latest episode of your favourite TV show. See, the options are limitless! 

• You can even add some music.

A few models have an extra feature where they double like smart speakers. That means you no longer have to tangle and untangle wires from a speaker. And, you can hear your favourite tunes clearly from any room. Better still, those with this feature will even pulsate with colour-changing options to match the beats of the music. 

What to Look For When Buying Smart Bulbs?

Given the many brands and models flooding the market, knowing what to look for when buying smart bulbs will save you a lot of the shopping hassle. We recommend that you consider the below:

1. Brightness

While you are investing in smart bulbs, you also need to keep in mind the level of brightness you need for your home. Manufacturers list the brightness of the bulb in lumens. While this is an excellent start, it doesn't give you the exact level of brightness you will get from the smart bulb. Remember that smart bulbs are still LED in nature, and their light distribution differs. How far the bulb can distribute its light pretty much determines whether it is brighter than the rest. And, the more it can spread, like 360-degrees in a room, the brighter it will be for you even when you are not standing in direct contact with the bulb.  

2. Colour 

Smart bulbs come in different lights, where some are just plain white only, and others are tunable-white. But, some models come in a range of other colours. With these, you can customise the colour of the bulbs at any time to suit your current needs. These might be the best option, mainly because you can get different ambiences for various occasions and moods with one bulb. 

3. Compatibility 

Most smart bulbs are usually compatible with other smart house devices. If you already have smart connections in your home, like Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit, ensure the smart light bulbs you are compatible with your system. Why invest in smart bulbs and a smart house system that cannot work together to make your life easier and blissful? 

4. App Features

Some smart bulbs have an app that you can control the bulbs from afar. So, does the app provide just the basic features of switching the lights on and off? Or does it have extra features that offer more functionality, like connecting to third parties? Of course, the more features you can get, the better and the easier your life will be. 

5. Setup 

As much as smart light bulbs are easy to set up (as easy as your regular incandescent lights), ensure you follow the manufacturer's instructions when setting up. Smart bulbs that use a home hub or app connectivity might take longer, but you can always get an expert if you are unsure what to do. Also, if you need a hub set up, keep in mind that this is an extra cost. 

6. Extra Functions

Are you looking for more than smart lighting? There are smart light bulbs that have extra functionalities, like sensors, cameras and speakers. It does sound pretty exciting to have a smart bulb that doubles as a security camera or speaker. 

Imagine ordering your bulbs to change to romantic lighting and play your favourite song? Well, that's the dream. But, many models that double in serviceability rarely manage to deliver in either excellent. If lighting is your sole purpose, we recommend sticking to smart bulbs that offer just lighting. 

Do You Need a Hub to Make Your Smart Bulbs Work?

Luckily, no. You do not necessarily need a hub for your smart bulbs to work. Several smart light bulbs only require Wi-Fi and not a dedicated hub or gateway system. These save you the extra cost you have to incur to install a dedicated hub. 

Despite this, if your home already has a smart home hub, you can procure smart light bulbs compatible with your existing system. 

Can Smart Bulbs Work Without Wifi?

Yes, some smart bulbs can work without a Wi-Fi connection. These models allow you to control the lighting via Bluetooth. As long as you have a smartphone, tablet or a smart device with Bluetooth, you can connect to the app of the bulb, and you are good to go. 

But if your smart bulbs are connected using a hub, controlling the bulbs without Wi-Fi or any internet connection might be a challenge. The hub is usually connected to your Wi-Fi or LAN system and will require such a connection to work. 

How Much Should You Spend on Smart Bulbs?

Smart bulbs are pretty affordable, given the major brands available in the market. As you shop, you can have a budget of £20 to around £100. Well, the price is a little higher than that of regular bulbs, but considering that these are smart LED bulbs with a long lifespan, the extra pounds are worth it. 

• Affordable 

Affordable smart bulbs, ranging from £20 to about £50, will provide everything you need from a smart bulb. You will have a remote control, either via an app or voice controls. With some brands, you will even get two smart bulbs instead of one. 

• High-End

High-end models are more expensive, with prices running from £50 to £100. Others cost more than this (although not on our list), thanks to other accompanying accessories. You might also be paying for the brand name. 

Closure

Changing your home to a smart home is as easy as starting with smart bulbs. They are affordable, long-lasting, energy-efficient, and with some, you can change colour temperatures for the perfect ambience that suits your needs. Our buying guide offers everything you need to make an informed decision, whether you are looking for an affordable item or one that caters to your large household. 

So, which one do you love the most?