If you’ve never tried a connected internet of things (IoT) device before – aka something that’s part of a ‘smart home’ setup – and are curious to try, then the easiest place to start would be with smart lights.
So, what makes a light smart? Simply put, it will connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network or to your phone via Bluetooth (in some cases, both) so you can control it via a companion app or voice commands using popular virtual assistants such as Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant. You can dim them, brighten them, get many of them to change color and add some ambience to your home. If you’ve got multiple smart lights set up from different brands, you can often use a hub to control them all from one place.
Smart lights come in all shapes and sizes – there are the basics like bulbs and light strips, or you can design your own setup with light panels too. You can even get table and floor lamps that are smart. Popular brands include Philips Hue, Nanoleaf, LIFX, TP-Link and Lenovo.
Latest about Smart Lights
Twinkly Strings review: striking smart string lights that aren't just for Christmas
These easy-to-use string lights can turn your tree or room into a canvas and paint it with light.
Nanoleaf's light-syncing Orchestrator feature is finally available alongside new Scenescapes software
With a new suite of tools coming to its desktop app, Nanoleaf is ready to level up your next house party... or yoga class.
Nanoleaf launches new Blocks smart lights to take your gaming setup to the next level
Mix and match different sized square LED panels, shelves, and pegboards to make a custom display.
Philips Hue's pricey HDMI Sync Box has finally received an 8K upgrade - and now it's even more expensive
How much are you willing to pay for a more immersive home theater and gaming experience?
The best smart lights 2024
Updated We've tested the best smart light bulbs and light panels from all the big brands including Philips Hue and Nanoleaf.
How to use smart lighting to create the ultimate home theater experience
Layered lighting is the key to setting the mood, whether you're creating a full home theater or adapting your living room.
Your Philips Hue lights are getting 4 new effects – including a dreamy underwater mode
Underwater, Cosmos, Enchant, and Sunbeam could be extra relaxing when paired with the recently released Twilight lamp.
Twinkly Line review: fun and affordable smart lights to jazz up small spaces
Adhesive LED strips that are bright, highly customizable, and can be set up in five minutes.
