In 2023, it feels like everything in your home has the opportunity to upgrade its IQ. The rise of smart devices (everyday objects with internet connectivity) has brought forward a whole new way of living — and it's far more integrated (and automated) than days gone by.
Whether it's adjusting your home's temperature on the go with your smart thermostat or taking inventory of your groceries without ever opening the door (thanks to your smart fridge's internal camera), smart devices provide the opportunity to simplify your daily routines while saving money *and* energy at every turn.
And one of the simplest (and smartest) switches you can make? Smart LED light bulbs! They're easy to install, energy-efficient and beginner-friendly for any smart tech newcomers. Here’s everything you need to know to make the change, including which smart LED light bulbs are the best to buy in 2023.
Okay, first things first. What even is a smart LED light bulb anyways?
Well, a smart LED light bulb is a light bulb that is capable of connecting to the internet, enabling you to schedule, customize and control your lighting wirelessly, directly through your voice or an app on your smartphone.
The last decade has seen smart LED light bulbs rise to success, becoming one of the most popular smart tech products on the market — and it's not hard to see why.
Smart LED light bulbs offer benefits beyond traditional incandescent lights, from energy savings to fun additional features. For starters, LED light bulbs have an average lifespan of 25,000 hours. That would be three whole years if you left your lights on 24/7 and over 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs! And beyond a longer lifespan, LED light bulbs are also more efficient, using 75% less energy when in use than their incandescent counterparts!
And then you have the smart features. Smart LED light bulbs allow you to control your lighting via voice commands or through a smartphone app, which means not only can you dim the lights for movie night without ever leaving the couch, but you can also make sure all your lights are off when you're away from home with the simple tap of a button—goodbye accidentally running up your electricity bill!
In addition, smart LED light bulbs often come with a slew of additional capabilities like changing colors and group control, allowing you to adjust multiple bulbs in your home together instead of setting each individually.
But which smart LED light bulbs are the best to buy in 2023? The choice can be overwhelming with so many options on the market, but don't worry! We've sat down and rounded up the best of the best to help you decide. Here are our top picks for smart LED light bulbs in 2023…
If you're looking for a smart LED light bulb that will deliver top-quality results, look no further than the Wyze Bulb Color. Our top pick for smart LED light bulbs, the Wyze Bulb Color, provides everything you need for an excellent home lighting experience. Plus, they fit in the lamps and fixtures you already own!
Dimmable and color-changing with over 16 million ultra-accurate hues, the Wyze Bulb Color is reliable, user-friendly, and outshines its competitors in affordability at just $14 per bulb.
Features Highlights:
A close runner-up to the Wyze Bulb Color, the Philips Hue White + Color Ambiance is another excellent option to level up your home lighting experience. High-quality and energy efficient, the Phillips Hue White + Color Ambiance bulb features a similar range of 16 million color options plus shades of white light that can instantly transform your room.
Feature Highlights:
Our outdoor spaces are becoming an increasingly important part of the modern-day home lifestyle, and the proper patio lighting can go a long way in creating a functional and enjoyable space. Luckily, smart LED light bulbs aren't just for inside your home; there are some great outdoor options too! And our pick is the Cree Lighting Connected Max PAR38 Flood Bulb.
Energy Star certified, weatherproof and able to be controlled using Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant devices, these simple-to-use bulbs offer a top-quality outdoor lighting experience, controlled from anywhere with the touch of a button.
Feature Highlights:
And finally, we've got accent lighting. Create a full-room entertainment experience like no other with the Philips Hue Gradient Smart Lightstrip, our choice for a smart LED lighting solution that is guaranteed to elevate your home's ambience.
Available in 100-inch strips, these smart LED lights are easy to install and ideal for wrapping behind televisions or computer monitors to see your favorite movies and video games in a whole new light.
Feature Highlights:
Okay, so you've upgraded your lights to the best smart LED light bulbs 2023 has to offer, you've set the mood with fully customized lighting options, and your smartphone's got everything you need to control your lights on the go. Now, why not make the most of your more efficient lighting system with OhmConnect?
OhmConnect is a free program that empowers its members to unplug and power down when electricity is most expensive in their area. They'll send you a text or email during hours when electricity costs spike so that you can minimize your impact and save on your energy bill!
As you save, you'll earn reward points that enter you into weekly draws for cash and prizes. Plus, they'll even sell the energy you save back to the grid, sharing those profits with YOU! Now that's a win. Ready to become a member? Click here to learn more.
In the mood to save even more money? Meet the $11 smart plug that can save you $27 every year without you lifting a finger!
We may receive a commission when you use our affiliate links. However, this does not impact our recommendations.
How exactly does eco-mode on smart thermostats work? What’s happening to save you energy and money and what do you need to do?
Smart power strips revolutionize home energy use, automatically cutting power to unused devices and curbing unnecessary expenses.
Despite over a million new electric vehicles hitting the roads in 2023, the U.S. saw a surprising 1.1% decrease in overall electricity consumption
