Smart homes are becoming increasingly popular, and one of the most popular devices to add to a smart home is a smart light switch. These switches allow you to control your lights from your phone or voice assistant, and can even be set on a schedule. However, with so many options on the market, it can be challenging to find the right one for your home.
If you’re looking for a smart light switch that uses the Z-Wave protocol, there are several things you should keep in mind. First, make sure the switch is compatible with your existing smart home ecosystem, as not all switches work with all systems. Additionally, you’ll want to consider the type of switch you need, whether it’s a single-pole or three-way switch, and the features you want, such as dimming or motion sensing.
After researching and testing several Z-Wave smart light switches, we’ve narrowed down the options to the top five. These switches offer a range of features and compatibility with popular smart home systems, making them a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home’s lighting.
Best Z-Wave Smart Light Switches
Looking to upgrade your home with the latest and greatest in smart home technology? Look no further than Z-Wave smart light switches. These innovative devices allow you to control your home’s lighting with just a few taps on your smartphone, and can even be integrated with other smart home devices for a truly seamless experience. In this article, we’ve rounded up the best Z-Wave smart light switches on the market today, so you can find the perfect one for your home.
Enbrighten Z-Wave Smart Rocker Light Switch
If you’re looking for a smart light switch that’s easy to install and works with a variety of home automation systems, the Enbrighten Z-Wave Smart Rocker Light Switch is a great option.
Pros
- QuickFit and SimpleWire technologies make installation easy and reliable
- Voice control with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa
- Range extender can extend wireless range up to 150ft
Cons
- Not compatible with all Z-Wave hubs
- Not a dimmer switch
- Price may be higher than other smart switches
We recently installed the Enbrighten Z-Wave Smart Rocker Light Switch in our home and were impressed with how easy it was to install. The QuickFit and SimpleWire technologies reduced the housing depth by up to 20% compared to previous Z-Wave models, which made it the ideal smart solution for older-style switch boxes, multi-gang configurations or any other application with limited space. The patented auto-detecting line/load terminals also supported fast installation by identifying line and load wires and configuring the switch accordingly.
Once installed, we were able to control our lights wirelessly through our Z-Wave hub and schedule them for effortless management of our home. We also enjoyed the convenience of voice control with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa when connected through our compatible Z-Wave hub.
One thing to note is that the Enbrighten Z-Wave Smart Rocker Light Switch is not compatible with all Z-Wave hubs, so be sure to check compatibility before purchasing. It is also important to note that this switch is not a dimmer switch, so if you’re looking for that functionality, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Overall, we were impressed with the Enbrighten Z-Wave Smart Rocker Light Switch and would recommend it to anyone looking for an easy-to-install smart switch that works with a variety of home automation systems.
UltraPro Smart Toggle Light Switch
If you’re looking for a reliable smart light switch, the UltraPro In-Wall Smart Switch is a great choice.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Works with a variety of smart home systems
- Can be controlled from anywhere using your smartphone or tablet
Cons
- Neutral wire required for installation
- Wall plate not included
- Alexa voice control requires a hub
We recently installed the UltraPro Smart Toggle Light Switch in our home and were impressed with how easy it was to set up. The switch is compatible with a variety of Z-Wave certified gateways, including Honeywell, Ring, SmartThings, Wink, HomeSeer, Fibaro, Trane, Nexia, ADT, Vera, and more. Once we connected it to our smart home system, we were able to control the switch from anywhere using our smartphones.
We also appreciated the ability to schedule timed events for the connected devices and customize scenes for day or night, home or away. The switch can be operated manually as well, making it easy to turn lights on and off even if we’re not using our phones.
The UltraPro Smart Toggle Light Switch is compatible with all LED, CFL, halogen, incandescent bulbs, and other devices, which makes it very versatile. However, it’s important to note that a neutral wire is required for installation, so make sure your home’s wiring is compatible before purchasing. Also, the wall plate is not included, so you’ll need to purchase that separately.
Overall, we’re very happy with the UltraPro Smart Toggle Light Switch. It’s a reliable, easy-to-use smart switch that’s perfect for anyone looking to upgrade their home’s lighting system.
UltraPro Z-Wave Smart Light Dimmer
We highly recommend the UltraPro Z-Wave Smart Light Dimmer for anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-install smart dimmer switch.
Pros
- The QuickFit and SimpleWire technologies make installation a breeze, even in older-style switch boxes or multi-gang configurations.
- The Direct Lighting Bypass (ASIN: B08ZJQV7W2) can be used to prevent light flickering with this smart dimmer.
- Voice control with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa is a convenient feature for hands-free operation.
Cons
- The switch can induce a high pitch frequency when multiple switches are installed in the same location.
- Some users have reported flickering issues when using LED bulbs with low wattage.
- The switch may not be compatible with all Z-Wave or Zigbee dimmers.
The UltraPro Z-Wave Smart Light Dimmer is a game-changer for home automation. The QuickFit and SimpleWire technologies offer groundbreaking features that make installation a breeze. The switch is compatible with a wide range of Z-Wave hubs, including Ring, Wink, SmartThings, HomeSeer, Vera, Nexia, and more.
The Direct Lighting Bypass is a great add-on for this smart dimmer, as it can prevent light flickering issues. The voice control feature is also a convenient feature that allows for hands-free operation with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.
However, some users have reported flickering issues when using LED bulbs with low wattage. Additionally, the switch can induce a high pitch frequency when multiple switches are installed in the same location. Finally, the switch may not be compatible with all Z-Wave or Zigbee dimmers.
Overall, the UltraPro Z-Wave Smart Light Dimmer is a reliable and easy-to-install smart dimmer switch that is perfect for anyone looking to automate their home lighting.
Leviton Smart 600W Dimmer
If you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use smart light switch, then the Leviton Smart 600W Dimmer might be the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- The Z-Wave Plus certification ensures the latest technology, increased communication range, network-wide inclusion, and over-the-air updates.
- The true rocker allows users to push the top of the paddle to turn on or the bottom to turn off, making it convenient to use.
- The dim/brighten bar is conveniently located along the right-hand side of the paddle, ensuring ease of use with the state-of-the-art device.
Cons
- Requires a neutral wire, which may not be available in some homes.
- The screwless wallplate is not included and must be purchased separately.
- The price point may be higher than some other smart light switches on the market.
We were impressed with the Leviton Smart 600W Dimmer’s ease of use and sleek design. The true rocker and dim/brighten bar make it simple to adjust the lighting to your desired level, and the Z-Wave Plus certification ensures that it will work with a variety of smart home systems.
One potential downside is that it requires a neutral wire, which may not be available in older homes. Additionally, the screwless wallplate is not included, which may be an added expense for some users.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use smart light switch, the Leviton Smart 600W Dimmer is definitely worth considering.
GE Enbrighten Z-Wave In-Wall Smart Motion Switch
If you want to automate your home lighting, we recommend the GE Enbrighten Z-Wave In-Wall Smart Motion Switch.
Pros
- The switch is compatible with multiple hubs, including SmartThings, Wink, Vera, and more.
- The motion sensor can be personalized with three motion-detection options: occupancy, vacancy, and manual.
- The switch accommodates any room with varying amounts of activity with 5 time-out duration options ranging from 5 seconds to 30 minutes and 3 motion-sensitivity levels.
Cons
- The switch requires a neutral wire, so it might not be compatible with older homes.
- The switch is a bit expensive compared to other smart switches.
- The switch is only available in two colors: white and light almond.
We installed the GE Enbrighten Z-Wave In-Wall Smart Motion Switch in our home and were impressed with its performance. The switch works with multiple hubs, including SmartThings, Wink, and Vera. We paired it with our SmartThings hub, and it was a breeze to set up and use.
The motion sensor can be personalized with three motion-detection options: occupancy, vacancy, and manual. We chose the occupancy mode, which turns lights on and off automatically when motion is detected. We also appreciated the light-sensing option, which allows the switch to activate only in low-light situations.
The switch accommodates any room with varying amounts of activity with 5 time-out duration options ranging from 5 seconds to 30 minutes and 3 motion-sensitivity levels. We found the switch to be very customizable, and it worked well in our home office and living room.
The GE Enbrighten Z-Wave In-Wall Smart Motion Switch is a bit expensive compared to other smart switches, but we think it’s worth the investment. The switch is only available in two colors: white and light almond, which might not match every home’s decor. Additionally, the switch requires a neutral wire, so it might not be compatible with older homes.
Overall, we were impressed with the GE Enbrighten Z-Wave In-Wall Smart Motion Switch. If you’re looking for a reliable and customizable smart switch, we recommend giving this one a try.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying the best Z-Wave smart light switch, there are a few things that you should consider. In this buying guide, we will go over the key features that you should look for.
One of the most important things to consider is compatibility. Not all Z-Wave smart light switches are compatible with all Z-Wave hubs, so it’s important to check the compatibility before making a purchase. Make sure that the switch you choose is compatible with your Z-Wave hub.
Another important factor to consider is the type of switch. There are three main types of Z-Wave smart switches: on/off switches, dimmer switches, and fan control switches. Make sure to choose the type of switch that best fits your needs.
The number of switches is also important to consider. Some Z-Wave smart light switches come with multiple switches, which can be useful if you have multiple lights or fans that you want to control from the same switch.
When it comes to features, there are several things to look for. One important feature is voice control. Many smart switches are compatible with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, which can make controlling your lights even easier.
Another feature to consider is scheduling. Some Z-Wave smart light switches allow you to schedule your lights to turn on and off at specific times, which can be useful for saving energy and keeping your home secure.
Finally, consider the design and style of the switch. Like anything, they come in a variety of styles and colors, so choose the one that best fits your home’s decor.
In summary, when choosing a Z-Wave smart light switch, consider compatibility, type of switch, number of switches, features like voice control and scheduling, and design and style. By taking these factors into account, you can choose the best Z-Wave smart light switch for your home.