Best Smart Lights to Use With Google Home

Bring the lights to life with Google Home!

Looking for the best smart lights to use with Google Home can be challenging, as there are many great options on the market. You probably want something that offers both exceptional quality as well as additional features, such as voice control, geofencing, and scheduling. All without too much fuss when it comes to the installation process. In this article, we’ll cover both best smart light bulbs and best smart light switches for Google Home.

Let’s start with the light bulbs, but feel free to use our navigation system to jump straight to any other section.

Philips Hue Color Smart Bulb Starter Kit

Philips Hue Color Smart Bulb Starter Kit

Time and time again, Philips Hue provides exceptional quality products, to make our homes smarter and more efficient. These may just be the best smart lights for Google Home today. Philips Hue Color Smart bulbs offer limitless possibilities, with over 16 million different colors to choose from. As well as voice control and Google Home compatibility.

Pros:

  • 16 Million color options – You’ll never be bored with Philips Hue Color Smart Bulbs. As they offer up to 16 million different color choices for your home. You can create the perfect ambiance for a relaxing evening or a fun gathering. With the state of the art picture to light algorithm, you can set the lights to extract the relevant colors from any picture you wish. Giving you your very own light show.

  • Talk to your lights – Philips Hue bulbs are connected to Philips Hue Smart Bridge, allowing you to communicate with your lights by using your voice! With this type of control, you’ll be able to do useful things like, have your lights all turn off at the same time when you’re leaving, or set the color tone you wish while having a movie night, all without having to move. Besides Google assistant support, Philips Hue lights also work with Alexa and Apple HomeKit.

  • Get in the mood – With over 50,000 different shades of warm to cool white lights, you’ll be spoilt for choice in picking the perfect tone. You can start off your morning with a cool, bright and energizing light, and kick back in the evening with warmer and more relaxing tones.

  • Sync your lights – Through Hue Sync app and Hue Bridge, you’ll have the power to sync your media together with your lights. Meaning, you can enjoy movies and games in a whole new and immersive way. You can do the same with your music, and enjoy the most fun parties.

  • Cons:

    • Expensive – It’s true that Philips Hue Light Bulbs are more expensive than most competitors. But for a good reason! As they offer great features such as media sync and great color tones to complement your home.

    • Requires a Philips Hue Bridge – If you buy the whole kit, you’ll have the bridge included. Together with 4 A19 Bulbs. Otherwise, you’ll need to purchase a bridge separately which will add up to the total cost.


    LIFX Smart LED Bulbs

    LIFX Smart LED Light Bulb

    LIFX Smart LED Bulbs allow you to create your own unique experiences at home, with their excellent dimming features and scheduling abilities. They are simple to use, as they don’t require a hub. Simply plug them in, and enjoy the effects via LIFX app.

    Pros:

    • Scheduling – Set your lights to turn on and off to whatever time you wish, with the scheduling feature. You can have your lights set to gently wake you in the morning, or have them all turn off when you leave for work. The scheduling feature is useful for many different occasions. LIFX bulbs work well in Google Home, allowing you to take advantage of great features such as voice control and scheduling.

    • Vivid Colors – Similarly to Philips Hue, LIFX LED bulbs also offer up to 16 million different color choices. You’ll be able to set the perfect tone to any part of your day, have them turn a warm orange at sunset, or a cool blue to get you up and going in the early morning. You can also play with themes and settings, so you can have your favorite color theme for special occasions, such as Halloween and Christmas. LIFX bulbs are also dimmable, meaning that you can set the perfect brightness as needed. You can use voice control to set dim your lights when watching a movie or brighten them while working.

    • Less waste – LIFX bulbs pride themselves in using less energy and waste, therefore helping the environment as well as your energy costs. With a lifetime of up to 22.8 years (usage of 3 hours per day) you’ll get good use out of their bulbs.

    Cons:

    • Not compatible with most dimmer switches – While you can do most of the dimming through the LIFX app, it’s important to note that LIFX bulbs aren’t compatible with most standard dimmer switches.

    • Pricey – Similarly to Philips Hue light bulbs, LIFX smart bulbs are also on the more expensive range.


    Sengled WiFi Smart LED Multicolor Bulb

    Sengled WiFi Smart LED Multicolor Bulb

    Match any mood or activity with Sengled WiFi Smart Bulbs. With these Google Home compatible light bulbs you can customize the lights in every room. These budget-friendly bulbs are also easy to install, and control from absolutely anywhere via Sengled Home app.

    Pros:

    • Create your perfect scene – With Sengled LED bulbs fantastic color range and dimmability features, you’ll be able to set the perfect tone for your day. With up to 16 million different color choices available, you can have the perfect light needed when cooking, or having a casual dinner with friends. You can adjust the brightness levels however you like with the dimmability feature, never worrying about the bright being too low or too bright.

    • Talk to your lights – Using Google Assistant, you can tell your lights exactly what you want them to do. You can have them all turn on as you’re returning home from work, or turn off when you’re tucked in and ready for bed.

    • Expand your lighting – The Sengled Smart hub supports up to 64 Smart LED bulbs. You can have your lights set up all over your home, with different options to choose from, such as Multicolor bulbs or White A19 light bulbs.

    Cons:

    • Brightness – With 800 lumens, Sengled WiFi bulbs don’t offer as much brightness as LIFX 1100 lumens. So, these light bulbs might be best suited for more ambient settings that don’t require bright lighting.


    GE Smart Dimmer Switch

    GE Enbrighten Z-Wave Plus Neutral required

    Control your home from anywhere with GE smart dimmer switch, using your smartphone or tablet. Compatible with Google Home, this budget-friendly option offers a full range of dimming abilities, creates amazing lighting scenes, and more. As well as having Z-Wave Plus technology which boasts a 250% faster processor and 50% more wireless range.

    Pros:

    • Scheduling – You have the ability to wirelessly schedule your lighting of any dimmable light at any time, with a range of up to 150 feet from the closest device or hub. This way, you can have all your lights on and waiting for you as you unload groceries from your car late at night, or have them all turn off when you’re rushing out the door.

    • Save energy – With its full range of dimmability, you are able to save money on your energy costs. You can adjust the light from 0% to 100%, creating your desired ambiance. Whether it’s for relaxing or hosting.

    • Compatible with most dimmable bulbs – This feature may end up saving you some money in the long term, as you won’t have to purchase new bulbs. GE Smart dimmer switch is compatible with CFL, LED and incandescent and halogen bulbs.

    Cons:

    • Requires in-wall installation – With GE smart dimmer switches, in-wall installation with hard-wired connections is required. You’ll also need to have a neutral wire, so make sure to check prior to see if you have it.


    Lutron Caseta Wireless Smart Dimmer Switch

    Lutron Caseta Wireless

    Make your home into a smart one, with the Lutron Caseta Wireless smart dimmer switch. Compatible with Google Home, this switch will give you the freedom to control your light switches, lamps and more, all from your smartphone. Lutron Caseta smart switch also offers you convenience by allowing you to easily schedule your day. You can set your lights to turn on at specific times, such as in the morning as you wake up, or in the evening when you’re arriving home. You can also use your phone’s GPS location to turn the lights on/off automatically. Or even make your home look “lived in” while on vacation, by having the lights turn on and off at random times.

    Pros:

    • No neutral wire required – Saving you both money and time, there is no neutral wire needed for Lutron Caseta smart dimmer switch.

    • Voice control – Have fun talking to your lights using Google Assistant! You can tell all your light to simultaneously turn off or on, from wherever you are. I love this feature when having a movie night, and just as about the movie is going to start, I simply ask Google to hit the lights for me. Hear a bump in the night? Just ask Google to turn on all the lights instantly.

    • Add control anywhere – You can add up to 50 dimmers/Pico remotes, in almost any spot in your home. All you have to do is pair a Pico remote with a dimmer. You can install the Pico remote to any wall surface, no additional wiring is necessary.

    • Pick your favorite scene – Set whichever scene suits your mood using the Lutron app. This wireless dimmer gives you the ability to set the perfect tone needed for almost any activity. So you can be curled up reading a book with just the right ambiance.

    Cons:

    • The Lutron Smart bridge is only suited for Lutron devices – The bridge features Lutron Clear Connect technology and isn’t compatible with other protocols such as Zigbee or Z-Wave.

    • No memory button on the wall switch – You can set your preferred light setting on the Pico remote, but unfortunately not on the wall switch.


    TP-LINK HS200P3 Kasa Smart WiFi Switch

    TP-LINK HS200P3 Kasa Smart WiFi Switch

    Through the Kasa app, you can set your favorite scenes from absolutely anywhere with the press of a button. As well as having the ability to control your lights and other fixtures too. Both with your voice through Google Assistant and remotely via app.

    Pros:

    • Create custom scenes – You can group together your WiFi switches with other Kasa devices to create your own unique scenes. You can set your light to dim during sunset and end your day in a relaxing way.

    • Easy to install – We all love products that are easy to install and set up, saving both time and energy. The Kasa app provides the user with instructions, so you can quickly get your new light switch up and running.

    • Great quality and design – You can rest assured that your new Kasa Smart light switches are both safe and reliable. They have been UL certified, so you know you’re getting the best choice for your home.

    • Voice control – Communicate with your lights effectively through your Google Assistant. Being able to turn on/off and dim your lights using your voice is a fantastic feature. It allows you to control your lights when your hands are full and dim the brightness level to suit whatever activity you’re doing. There really is perfect lighting for any occasion.

    Cons:

    • Requires a neutral wire – It’s worth to note that the Kasa smart switch does require a neutral wire, so be sure to keep in mind when buying your new switch.


    Best Smart Lights to Use With Google Home — Our Thoughts

    LIFX Z

    When it comes down to choosing the best smart light switch for Google Home, it’s important that you already know what kind of features you’re looking for. If you’re willing to spend a little more, then Lutron Caseta Smart Dimmer Switch might be the best choice. As it offers some useful tools, such as voice control, geofencing, and scene setting.

    While the more budget-friendly option would be the GE Smart Dimmer Switch, which also offers great compatibility when it comes to light bulbs, while also getting a reliable smart light switch, though it won’t be the same quality as Lutron Caseta Smart Dimmer Switch.

    When choosing the best smart light bulbs for Google Home, Philips Hue and LIFX will always be the favorites. With their exceptional quality and a wide range of color tones they’ll bright bright light to any home. While Sengled WiFi Smart LED Multicolor bulbs come at a slightly cheaper rate, and some handy features such as voice control and dimming control. They come short in terms of brightness, so if you’re looking for smart light bulbs that offer increased brightness and vivid colors, Philips Hue or LIFX are great options for your home.

    Last update on 2024-03-29 at 11:15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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