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Nena Farrell Medea Giordano
Gear
An internet-connected light bulb is one of the easiest ways to start building a smarter home.
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First, a Word on Smart Light Bulbs
Lighting Tips
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Best Overall
Cync Full Color Direct Connect Smart Bulb
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Runner-Up
Nooie Aurora
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An Upgrade Kit
Philips Hue Starter Kits
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Remember the allure of the Clapper? No more getting out of bed to hit the light switch! It seemed cutting edge at the time (you can still buy it), but technology has come a long way since then. Now you can control the lights, set timers and schedules, and change colors with your smartphone or your voice if you have a voice assistant—no clapping required.
Smart bulbs are a great place to start when creating a smart home. Most options are relatively cheap, they’re easy to install, and they're something you use everyday already. Plus, there are no cameras or door locks for someone to hack into, and no wiring to mess with. Do you want to try voice controls? Consider getting a smart speaker or smart display, but you can always use the smart bulb's app. Of the dozens we've tested over the years, these are the best smart bulbs.
Updated February 2024: We've added new testing notes on bulbs from Nanoleaf, Philips Wiz, and Philips Hue.
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Medea Giordano turned her shopping problem into a career as a product writer for WIRED. She covers a little bit of everything but loves health, beauty, and pet tech. Prior to WIRED, she was an assistant editor at Wirecutter and an assistant in the newsroom of The New York Times.... Read more
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