Among the many cool and exciting smart home gadgets, remote control light switches are one of the most popular options with homeowners today. They make lighting up rooms simple, easy, and convenient. Whether you want to turn on your patio lights or set the mood for a romantic evening, remote switches give you full control over brightness from wherever you happen to be.
They also come with some amazing features and sophisticated functionality. If you’re simply looking for a remote on-off function for added convenience or want to change the ambiance of a room with dimmable lights, you’ll be surprised by the countless options available to suit your every need.
In this article, we’ll discuss important questions about this super cool home gadget, and also share some of our favorites. Keep reading to discover the best remote light switch for you and your family.
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What Is A Remote Switch?
So, let’s first tackle the most obvious question. What exactly are remote switches?
These smart home gadgets allow you to turn your lights on or off without ever touching the switches permanently fixed on the wall. Using wireless technology, they let you control the lighting with a remote or even a smartphone.
But why is this important? Because it provides the convenience of controlling lights from wherever you are, and the one device you are guaranteed to have with you 24/7 is your mobile phone. At a time when your banking, shopping, and traveling are all done on a single device, why not integrate even smart home functions to it? This provides ease, convenience, as well as an improved user experience with a click of an on-screen button.
And remote switches are becoming more and more sophisticated each day as manufacturers work hard to integrate them into more smart devices. For instance, you can even connect your lighting to AI-powered voice assistants like Alexa. This allows you to control the lighting with a simple voice command.
Not only that, remote switches come with a range of built-in smart features. Dimmers, for instance, allow you to change the room’s ambiance to whatever mood you desire.
Smart switches are designed to make your life simpler and easier with great functionality and a touch of fun. They make a fantastic smart home upgrade to support your busy lifestyle, and they are also quite useful for anyone in a wheelchair or even for kids who find it hard to reach for the switches.
How Do They Work?
Unlike the traditional counterparts, remote switches have a functionality that is much simpler yet more advanced.
Simply put, they use wireless technology to transmit signals between a transmitter and a receiver, and the receiver is connected to the light fixture and a power supply. They can also replace your existing conventional light switch by connecting to the same wiring quite easily. Some receivers could be plugged into a power socket and used with fixtures that are not permanently connected to the power supply, such as floor lamps.
Once installed and programmed, you can then control the lights within a specified distance from the receiver by using a remote. You can also connect this system to your smartphone by downloading a dedicated app provided by the manufacturer. Some of them also work on voice command with the help of a smart assistant like Alexa or Google Home.
So, as you can see, remote control light switches are super easy to install. There is no requirement for rewiring or damaging the existing structure of your home.
But remotely turning your lights on and off is the most basic of functions these smart home devices perform. Nowadays, they come with various cool and useful features for your functional and aesthetic needs.
Let’s now look at some of the best ones you can buy today.
The Best Remote Control Light Switches With Dimmer
Lutron Caseta Wireless Smart Lighting Kit
If you’re thinking of setting up smart lighting with a dimmer without the hassle of rewiring, then this is the perfect choice for you.
You can install it in just fifteen minutes, making it a great choice for busy homeowners. The smart dimmer switch easily replaces the existing light switch on the wall, and you can program it with the Pico remote within seconds.
The best part is that it also supports voice control. You can pair it with leading smart assistant brands such as Alexa, Google Assistant, and the Apple Home Kit. In fact, according to Lutron, this device supports more smart home brands than similar products on the market. So, the next time you want to turn off your bedroom lights before dozing off, you can simply give a shout to your smart assistant.
And if you’re in the habit of misplacing remotes, you can also program it with your smartphone using Lutron’s free app for iOS and Android. However, pairing with all these devices requires a Smart Bridge that’s available for purchase separately. Although this is an additional cost, it’s worth the investment considering the super cool features and the added convenience it can provide.
All in all, the Caseta Wireless Smart Lighting Kit by Lutron makes a great choice to get you started with an easy-to-install, wireless lighting control with dimmer for your smart home.
Ready to buy? Click here.
Philips Hue Smart Dimmer Switch with Remote
This is a stylish smart dimmer by Philips for you to use with their Hue lighting. It can literally work with no installation and provides some awesome features such as dimming and changing colors of lights.
The dimmer switch is battery operated, so you can install it anywhere you like in the room. Even if you’re clueless about wiring, this makes a perfect choice as long as you can handle a drill. And while replacing the battery might seem like a hassle, according to user reviews, it can last up to 1 ½ years depending on the usage.
The Philips Hue smart lighting kit can be set up for voice-activation using your smart assistant and the Hue Hub sold separately. And if you’re planning on buying more Hue devices like their taps or motion sensors, then you’re in luck because this device can also be paired with them.
The only limitation with this device is that you need to have Philips Hue lights to go with it. So, if you don’t already have them, then this means an extra cost. Users have also complained about minor glitches with the lights failing to respond to the remote at times.
Having said that, you can’t ignore the fact that this smart lighting system comes from one of the leading lighting brands in the world. This assures you get superior quality, reliability, and the latest technology for a smart home upgrade.
If this sounds like the perfect remote switch for your needs, click here to buy.
Kasa Smart Dimmer Switch by TP-Link
The Kasa Smart Dimmer Switch is a great option for people who want extra features all in one place. In addition to the dimming and on-and-off functions, you can also schedule your lights to work automatically. It also has a gentle on and off functionality for a soft fading effect. And the Kasa app even allows you to monitor and control your lighting when you are away from home.
The best part is that it works without a hub. Therefore, it can save you money when it comes to pairing with other devices for added functionality. For instance, you can easily set it up for voice control without a hub, as long as you have an Alexa, Google Assistant, or a device supported by Microsoft Cortana.
Unlike Lutron, this Kasa kit requires a neutral wire and is designed for a single-pole setup. And according to some user reviews, the bulky switch could be tricky to install and might not fit easily when you’re replacing the existing light switch with it. This means you will likely need the help of your technician when it comes to installation.
Nevertheless, the functionality and features of this device more than make up for any minor installation issues.
To see the latest pricing, click here.
The Best Remote Light Switches for Outdoors
There are remote light switches that come specially designed for outdoor use; these are a great option for Christmas decorations or temporary lighting during an outdoor event. Here are our top picks in this category.
DEWENWILS Wireless Remote Control Outlet Kit
This wireless remote control device by DEWENWILS is a superb value pack. It comes with three plug-in switches so you can control three lighting devices all at once. It also has a durable finish for outdoor use with a weatherproof, watertight design so it can withstand cold, sunny, and moist conditions.
And best of all, it’s a simple plug-and-play device that requires zero installation or programming. The strong RF signals are equally impressive and can work up to a 100ft range so you can turn your outdoor lights on and off from inside the house. You can even use it with other plug-in appliances like fans and floor lamps.
The only downside we could find was the single remote, which could limit the use of the three switches. So, switching off one light means switching off all three, unless you unplug the light you want to turn off.
Overall, this is a highly economical outdoor system for hassle-free use with multiple lighting fixtures.
To learn more, click here.
Fosmon C-10683 Wireless Remote Control Switch
Another great economical option for outdoor use, the heavy-duty, durable, weatherproof, and compact design of the Fosmon wireless switch makes it a perfect choice whether you’re looking to plug in your Christmas lighting or the sprinkler system.
It’s also pretty easy to set up. Simply plug it into a wall socket and connect the lighting device. Then pair it with the remote and you’re ready to go.
The 98ft transmission range makes it convenient to operate from inside the house. It also comes with a limited lifetime warranty for added peace of mind.
Some users have pointed out issues with the battery, so make sure you keep a spare just in case.
But altogether, this option is an easy-to-use device that comes at a great price.
To read the latest reviews, click here.
BN-LINK Wireless Remote Control
The BN-LINK Wireless Remote Control Kit comes with a 3-prong outlet so you can plug in three different lighting fixtures or any other electrical appliance all at once. This makes it a convenient device to keep around the house.
Made for outdoor use, it was built with safety and durability in mind. It has a heavy-duty, weatherproof finish with grounded outlets, and in the event of a power outage, it will remain switched off even when power is restored. This ensures that plugged-in equipment is protected. And the 100ft transmission range is another convenient feature for remote use.
Like it? Click here to buy.
To Sum it Up…
If you’re planning on upgrading your home with smart automation systems, remote control light switches should be one of the first things you consider. Not only are they a convenient and energy-efficient solution, but they also make a great option for the elderly or those with limited mobility.
Whether you’re looking for a remote switch with dimmer or a remote light outlet for your yard, the choices available today are endless. But if you start with this list, you’ll be taking the best step forward on your quest for convenient, hassle-free lighting.
To learn more about whether investing in a smart home is right for you, check out Are Smart Homes Worth It?