Philips Hue almost did a great job, but it had some serious flaws. The bulbs were too expensive, it became useless when the switch powering them was turned off, and no hardwired switch option was available. Larger brands like Lutron, Control4, and Crestron sell addressable switches but they require proprietary hardware and programming, and are very expensive when purchased piecemeal. I think the TP-Link Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch may have just solved all these problems in one clean sweep.
Network
Standards & Protocols
IEEE 802.11b/g/n
Wireless Frequency:
2.4GHz, 1T1R
System Requirements:
Android 4.1 or higher, iOS 9.0 or higher
General
Certifications:
RoHS, FCC, IC, UL
Package Contents:
Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch HS200, Face Plate, 4 x Wire Nuts, Quick Start Guide
Dimensions:
5.0” x 3.3” x 1.5” (HxWxD)
Buttons:
Power, Restart, Reset
Working Status
Input Voltage:
100-120VAC, 50/60Hz, 15.0A
Output Voltage:
100-120VAC
Maximum Load:
15A, 600W Incandescent
Maximum Power:
3.68KW
SECRETS Tags:
Smart Switch, TP-Link, Home Automation, Lighting, Smart Switch Reviews – 2017
First off, the price is right at just $35, and installation is simple, very simple. I highly encourage you to get an electrician to professionally install yours, but if you feel comfortable installing them yourself, it only requires four wires, (green) ground, (white) neutral, (black) load, and (black) hot, making the install a no-brainer.
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I also like its capability to be voice-controlled by Amazon Alexa, and setup only takes seconds. It’s very easy, much easier than other options I have tried with Control4 and Crestron. The ability to control your lights from anywhere via remote access is also invaluable, for example – Just left your home and think you left a light on? Pop open the app and see if that switch is still on and turn it off, it’s that easy.
I’ve used Philips Hue for years, I actually bought the system soon after it was released. I really liked the options it had and how simple it was to install. But its weaknesses were clear. Unless the wall switch was turned on, you couldn’t control it remotely. Also, bulbs were expensive, depending on how many were required in a room. Philips Hue was a great solution at a decent price, but newer and better options are hitting the market almost weekly. The smart switch is now affordable and effective thanks to TP-Link.
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The new app features from TP-Link are a nice surprise to say the least. You can set on/off schedules, see how long it has been, and track energy usage. Programming the switch to turn on and off at specific times of the day can help save energy all around your home. I’m hoping more features will be added soon, like the ability to group switches into rooms, and an all-off button would be nice.
- Low price, high value at just $35
- Easy install and setup
- Free app
- Free remote access
- Works out of the box with Alexa and Google Assistant, easy programming
- Excellent features in app
- No hub required (Wi-Fi is required)
- Screw-less single gang wall plate and 4 wire nuts (orange) included
- For single pole switches only
- No dimmer
- No way to group switches
- No all-off button
Value and features are key for any DIY home automation product hitting the market today and TP-Link has a real game-changer here. I would recommend the Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch to anyone wanting an affordable, easy-to-install and easy-to-use option. It gets the thumbs up from me. If you decide to pick one or a few up for yourself, let me know in the comments section below how you like them!