Illuminate Your Life: The Best Smart Light Bulbs of 2023

October 25, 2024

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Our Opinion

Illuminate Your Life: The Best Smart Light Bulbs of 2023

Greetings, hive mind of bright ideas! Here at the Parent Game staff, we’ve been living our best illuminated lives, and we want to share our findings with you. Are you ready to upgrade your home lighting and take it to the next level? Buckle up, because we’re diving into the world of smart light bulbs in 2023, where the only thing more dazzling than their brightness is our wit.

Why Go Smart?

It’s 2023, and if your light bulbs aren’t smarter than a fifth grader, what are you even doing? Smart light bulbs do everything from adjusting colors with your thoughts (well, almost) to dimming down so you can binge-watch your favorite series without feeling like a deer in headlights. Plus, they integrate with home automation systems, which means they can even be part of your “let’s impress the neighbors” setup.

Top Benefits of Smart Light Bulbs

  1. Energy Efficiency: Light the way to lower electricity bills. These bulbs use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs.

  2. Customization: Adjust brightness and color on demand! You can set the mood for a cozy night in or shoot for a disco party without the hassle of moving furniture.

  3. Convenience: Control everything from your phone or voice. Just remember, don’t ask them to run your errands—technology isn’t that advanced yet!

The Best Smart Light Bulbs of 2023

1. Philips Hue A19 Starter Kit

Why We Love It: If you’re serious about smart lighting, you can’t go wrong with this classic. Philips Hue is like the OG of smart light bulbs. With 16 million color options, you can create a tropical oasis or a serene Zen garden right in your living room.

Key Features:

  • Voice control via Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri

  • Schedule your lights to wake you gently (or not so gently, if you’ve had too much coffee)

  • Full-color spectrum for mood lighting galore

2. LIFX Mini Color

Why We Love It: The LIFX Mini Color is the perfect blend of compact size and colossal impact. If you’ve got limited space but an expansive vision, this little gem packs a punch.

Key Features:

  • No hub required, just Wi-Fi magic

  • Brightness akin to a thousand suns (not literally, but you get it)

  • Integrates beautifully with most smart home systems

3. Wyze Bulbs

Why We Love It: For budget-conscious parents (read: all parents), Wyze bulbs are the shining superhero of smart lighting. You get plenty of bang for your buck without sacrificing features.

Key Features:

  • Affordable price without cheapening the experience

  • Multiple color temperatures to suit your mood

  • Seamless integration with the Wyze ecosystem—perfect for smart home beginners

4. Nanoleaf Shapes

Why We Love It: Want to create an art installation right on your wall? Enter the Nanoleaf Shapes. These geometric masterpieces will have your guests swooning while you casually sip your beverage of choice.

Key Features:

  • Customizable shapes and designs mean the only limit is your imagination

  • Sync to music for a personalized light show—prepare for spontaneous dance parties!

  • Smart home integration for all your smart needs

5. GE Cync Smart Bulbs

Why We Love It: Family-friendly and tech-savvy? Yes, please! GE Cync smart bulbs are perfect for busy households that still want to make their space feel cozy and inviting.

Key Features:

  • Simple app control and voice command features make it user-friendly

  • Gorgeous, warm light that makes you feel right at home

  • Compatibility with most smart assistants

Conclusion

So there you have it, luminous lifestyles at your fingertips! 2023 is the year to shine brighter, live smarter, and illuminate your life with some of the best smart light bulbs available. From the classic Philips Hue to the budget-friendly Wyze, there’s a bulb for every kind of home, taste, and budget.

No more fumbling for the light switch in the dark or feeling embarrassed about that dimly lit corner of your house. It’s time to kick your lighting game up a notch and bask in the glow of smart technology!

Happy illuminating, and may the light be with you (even in the late-night snack hunt)!

Now go ahead and share this article with your fellow parents and friends—because who doesn’t want to upgrade their life with the best smart light bulbs of 2023? Let’s light up this universe together!

Products We Currently Love on Amazon

  • 16 Million DIY Colors: Govee smart light bulbs own millions of color and 54 preset scene modes, you can explore your favored one or pick one suits your moods most, bringing yourself a real fantastic lighting experience(Working Voltage: AC 120V).

  • Music Sync: Our smart light bulbs change color and brightness simultaneously when sounds are detected by the microphone on your phone. Note: only works when the microphone is not occupied. Download Govee Home App and enable microphone permissions.

  • Smart Control: Govee color changing light bulbs make it possible to control your bulbs with simple voice commands. And you'd also feel free to turn your smart light bulbs on/off, adjust brightness, or change the colors, set scenes via Govee Home App. (Note: Doesn't support 5G)

  • Multicolor & Auto White: Dimmable 16 million colors and warm to cool whites(2500K-6500K). Set your bulb to automatically adjust its color temperature to match natural light patterns from dawn to dusk. Explore endless lighting possibilities to create your favorite light effects for everything from a dinner party to a late-night study session. Great for holiday decorations.Voice Control: Get hands-free control of your lights with your voice via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Perfect for times when your hands are full or entering a dark room.

  • Drive down energy consumption without losing quality (60 W equivalent). Use timer or schedules to set your lights to automatically turn on and off whenever you want, such as waking up with a soft glow in the morning with sunrise offset.Trusted & Reliable: Kasa is trusted by over 6 Million users. UL certified for safety use. 2-year warranty. Require 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network connection. Operating Humidity 10%~90%RH, Non-condensing

  • Remote Control: Control your smart light bulb from anywhere with your smartphone using the free Kasa smart app (iOS, Android); Dim, turn on or off or change the colors of your light bulb remotely at your fingertips.Energy Monitoring & Scheduling: Monitor real-time energy usage. Wifi Protocol IEEE 802.11b/g/n. Operating Temperature -15 ºC~ 40 ºC (5°F ~ 104°F )

  • SMART UPGRADE FOR CONVENIENCE AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY : Control your Amazon Basics smart light bulbs using your voice or via the Alexa app, no more turning on/off each individual light switch. Create custom routines to schedule your lights automatically at sunset and sunrise and save energy. You can change colors of your lights for a movie night with family or friends. Works Exclusively with Alexa. Not compatible with Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Smart Things.

  • SIMPLE TO SET UP WITH ALEXA: Screw in the light bulb, open the Alexa app, and get started in minutes as you get notified “ First light bulb found”. Otherwise, you can add the smart bulb directly from Alexa app. No hubs or 3rd party apps or skills required. For zero touch set up experience, check “Link device to your Amazon account to simplify setup” during checkout and get started with your smart bulb in no time. Note: Amazon Basics smart light bulbs work exclusively with Alexa to be set up with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only.

  • TRANSFORM YOUR SPACE WITH BRILLIANT COLORS: Create your perfect mood by choosing from 16 preset color selections and brightness levels from 5% to 100%. Have best moments during holiday festivities or gaming with friends or movie nights with family with different colors. Just say “Alexa, set the hall lights to purple”. Note: bulbs are dimmable via Alexa app or voice control only (not compatible with a physical dimmer.)

  • Multicolor & Auto White: Dimmable 16 million colors and warm to cool whites(2500K-6500K). Set your bulb to automatically adjust its color temperature to match natural light patterns from dawn to dusk. Explore endless lighting possibilities to create your favorite light effects for everything from a dinner party to a late-night study session. Great for holiday decorations.

  • Voice Control: Get hands-free control of your lights with your voice via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Perfect for times when your hands are full or entering a dark room.

  • Remote Control: Control your smart light bulb from anywhere with your smartphone using the free Kasa smart app (iOS, Android). Dim, turn on or off or change the colors of your light bulb remotely at your fingertips.

  • [Smart Bulb that Work with Alexa] Directly connect these smart LED light bulbs to your Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa for voice control. You can also use free AiDot APP to control smart led light bulb on/off, dim/brighten, set the color temperature and customize Schedules from anywhere at any time.

  • [WiFi Bluetooth Easy Control ] Linkind smart light bulbs provide fast WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, 2 times faster than others. Control lights locally via the AiDot App without WiFi. (Note: WiFi-Bluetooth Dual Smart Bulb requires both WiFi (2.4GHz) and Bluetooth for initial connection.)

  • [Music Sync] Linkind WiFi light bulbs change colors with the music rhythm detected by your phone's microphone. Choose Party, Dynamic, Calm, or Auto Rhythm modes via the AiDot App. Create the perfect atmosphere with your LED bulbs dancing to the music. (Note: Microphone availability required. Download AiDot App, grant microphone permissions.)

  • Brightness Dimmable: With a dimming range from 1% up to 100%, the Kasa Smart Light Bulb, Dimmable helps you set the right brightness for any mood or activity such as kitchen light, reading light, living room light or bedroom lamp..Special Features:Dimmable,Energy Monitoring

  • Voice Control: Get hands-free control of your lights with your voice via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Perfect for times when your hands are full or entering a dark room.

  • Remote Control and Away Mode: Control your smart light bulb from anywhere with your smartphone using the free Kasa smart app (iOS, Android); Dim, turn on or off or change the colors of your light bulb remotely at your fingertips. Enable ‘away mode’ to randomly switch on and off to trick potential intruders.

  • Sengled S1 Auto Paring: (No registration required, No 3p account required) The Sengled Auto Pairing Kit offers a simple setup and stable links. Just twist in the smart bulbs and start using them with Alexa Devices in seconds.

  • Control From Anywhere: Enhance your smart home with sengled smart bulb color changing lights. Controlled remotely wherever you are and track energy usage through Alexa App.

  • Smart Voice Control: Use hands-free Voice Control to turn on, off, or adjust brightness of the smart light bulb. Our smart light bulbs have a dimmable range from 5% to 100%, allowing you to adjust the light settings for a morning-to-night ambience.

  • Higher Brightness: With over 1000 lumens (120V), these smart bulbs can brighten large space for your home. Get high brightness (75W Equivalent) and vibrant colors(CRI90+) while saving more on your energy bill.

  • Millions of Color Options: Select from 16 million colors and 1-100% dimmable brightness to make your space feel more vibrant with 1000 high lumens options for Halloween decorations. There are also tunable 2700k-6500k warm white to cool daylight options for reading or relaxing.

  • Light It Your Way: With Govee Home App, you can access up to 54 scene modes for your Wi-Fi light bulbs. Our smart light bulbs change color when your phone's microphone detects sound. You can also use the timer schedule of Sunrise & Sunset to fit in with your daily routine.

  • Voice and Group Control: Luckystyle smart bulbs that work with alexa/Google home or Surplife APP. Control your smart bulb via voice command or your phone to turn on/off or dim/brighten your smart LED light effortlessly. (e.g. ‘Hey Siri, set the bedroom light to green’). Just need to set scheme and and add them in, Up to 6 to 8 light bulbs can be controlled at a time. then they can be controlled together.

  • DIY Multicolor and Dimmable Lights: RGB bulbs offer 16 million dimmable colors and warm-to-cool whites (2700K-6500K) and multi-dynamic scenes, that change your mood. Create your favorite lighting effects and adjust the brightness as needed. Ideal for decorating your home during holidays like Halloween, Christmas, and Thanksgiving, etc.

  • Music Sync: Our wifi light bulbs change color and brightness simultaneously when sounds are detected by the microphone on your phone. Note: only works when the microphone is not occupied. Download Surplife App and enable microphone permissions.

  • Voice Control: Sengled WiFi Classic smart bulbs that work with Alexa and Google Assistant. Control your smart light bulbs via voice commands to turn your smart bulbs on/off, create suitable mood scenes, adjust brightness and more, e.g. Switch on the alexa light bulb before getting out of bed, dim the smart lights from the couch to watch a movie..Special Features:No Hub Required,Works with Alexa & Google Assistant,App & Remote Control,Voice Command Control,Set Scenes & Schedules

  • Remote Control: Enhance your smart home with WiFi light bulbs, controlled remotely wherever you are. Set timers and light schedules, automating your smart lights to make it seem like someone is home, even when you are away. You can also create a group for all of your alexa light bulbs, and easily group control your smart light bulbs with Alexa devices or Google Assistant players.

  • Schedule Feature: Easily setup via using Sengled Home App (iOS and Android), turn smart light bulb on/off, dim smart bulb to the desired brightness and set up schedules from anywhere. Program timers and routines to automate your entire smart home lighting setup. Control your smart light bulbs while away from home. Dimensions: 2.42 in (diameter), 4.41 in (height)

  • VOICE CONTROL: After pairing the smart bulbs with the free Smart Life App, these smart LED bulbs can be compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant. Enjoy the smart life with voice commands then.

  • AUTOMATED LIGHTING: Automate your smart bulb using a schedule, timer, plan, and biorhythm functions in the Smart Life App. Control these E26 bulbs separately or in a group for a customized experience that works for you and your family. Turn the lights on/off, change colors, or dim the lights using the Smart Life App anytime and anywhere.

  • NO HUB REQUIRED: These smart bulbs are easy to set up with no hub required. All you need is a 2.4 GHz WiFi connection and the Smart Life App. This standard A19 E26 LED bulb can be used in any E26 sockets for home or business light fixtures.

  • Control With Alexa : Smart bulbs that work with alexa & google assistant, turn the light bulbs on/off, set up schedules. 16 Million brilliant and soft colors plus tunable whites to create the good mood; Great for parties and everyday use(only 2.4GHz)

  • Tuya Smart Application : You can use the grouping feature to create groups for multiple bulbs, Can control the smart light bulbs anytime and anywhere through your mobile phone,create the atmosphere which you like, make your life more romantic and funnier

  • Timer & Schedule : Set the led light bulbs to turn on or off at a specific time. Color changing light bulb can help you energize any occasion or room with ease, brilliant colors to light up every moment

  • Sengled S1 Auto Paring: (No registration required, No 3p account required) The Sengled Auto Pairing Kit offers a simple setup and stable links. Just twist in the smart bulbs and start using them with Alexa Devices in seconds.

  • Smart Voice Control: Use hands-free Voice Control to turn on, off, or adjust brightness of the smart light bulb. Our smart light bulbs have a dimmable range from 5% to 100%, allowing you to adjust the light settings for a morning-to-night ambience.

  • Control From Anywhere: Enhance your smart home with sengled smart bulb color changing lights. Controlled remotely wherever you are and track energy usage through Alexa App.

  • Smart Control: Govee color-changing light bulbs make it possible to control your bulbs with simple voice commands. Feel free to turn your smart light bulbs on/off, adjust brightness, change the colors, and set scenes via Govee Home App.

  • 16 Million DIY Colors: Govee smart light bulbs provide millions of colors and 54 preset scene modes. Style up your home decor with color accents, or set up fun light colors for your next party. Hub not required (Working Voltage: AC 120V).

  • Music Sync: Our smart light bulbs change color and brightness when your phone's microphone detects sound. Note: This only works when the microphone is not occupied. Download Govee Home App and enable microphone permissions.

  • Voice Control: Color changing WiFi Classic smart bulbs that work with Alexa and Google Home. Control your smart light bulb via voice commands to turn your smart bulbs on/off, create colorful mood scenes, adjust brightness and more, e.g. Switch on the Alexa light bulbs before getting out of bed, dim the smart lights from the couch to watch a movie..Special Features:Color Changing, Color Temperature - 2000 - 6500K

  • Schedule Feature: Designed with 16 million colors and tunable white (Amber to Cool White, from 2000K to 6500K) with HIGH CRI>90. Easily setup via using Sengled Home App (iOS and Android), turn smart light bulb on/off, dim smart bulb to the desired level and set up schedules from anywhere. Program timers and routines to automate your entire smart home lighting setup. Control your smart light bulbs while away from home.

  • Remote Control: Enhance your smart home with smart WiFi bulb color changing lights, controlled remotely wherever you are. Set timers and light schedules, automating your smart lights to make it seem like someone is home, even when you are away. You can also create a group for all of your alexa light bulbs, and easily group control your smart light bulbs with Alexa devices or Google Assistant players. Wireless protocol - 2.4GHz Wireless Technology

  • MATTER-CERTIFIED, ENHANCED COMPATIBILITY: Easily controlled via voice command or mobile app with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings. Supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only. Note: This smart bulb is not compatible with Sengled app.

  • EXCLUSIVE AMAZON ALEXA SIMPLE SETUP: Select “Link to your Alexa” at checkout for the easiest setup experience. Make sure you setup and update your Echo device to latest version, just say "Alexa, check for updates". Then, power on the light bulb, open the Alexa app, and get started in minutes as you get notified “ First light found". Otherwise, you can add the smart bulb directly from Alexa app, if you are prompted to scan a QR code, look for the code in manual within product packaging.

  • BRIGHT AND ENERGY EFFICIENT: 800 Lumens makes it brighter than many bulbs with the same wattage, but at only 9 watts, has a reduced environmental impact, saving up to 85% of energy usage without losing brightness or color quality.

  • ACTIVATE WITH MOTION - With a minimum of two WiZ lights in the same room at least 2m/6.56ft apart you can activate SpaceSense feature in the WiZ Connected app and lights will turn on and off automatically when they detect motion - no sensors needed!

  • HUMAN-CENTRIC LIGHTING - This bulb also allows you to choose from different shades of warm to cool light to create the best ambience for your activities. Not sure which is right? Simply select from preset modes like Focus or Relax.

  • EASY TO SET UP - Start enjoying the benefits of the smart features instantly. Just screw in your new bulb download the WiZ Connected app, and connect to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi! No need to install additional hardware such as a hub or gateway.

  • 【A Speaker is Required】The Matter-certified smart bulbs are compatible with Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings platforms, eliminating the hassle of downloading a third-party app. For initial setup, a hub such as Echo speaker, Homepod, Google device is required for setup. Once configured, effortlessly control your Matter smart light bulbs using voice commands. Alternatively, if you don't have a hub, you can easily set up and control these smart LED bulbs through the Smart Life or Tuya Smart App.

  • 【Easy to Set Up】These smart bulbs are easy to set up with 2.4 GHz WiFi. Just screw in your Matter bulb, download your preferred Matter-certified app, and scan the QR code on the bulb or user manual to finish the next instructions in an app. After that, you can sync the bulb to other apps using a new code from the first app if you prefer multi-admin interoperation. This standard A19 E26 LED bulb can be used in any E26 sockets for home or business light fixtures.

  • 【Smart Control】: Enjoy a hands-free life with voice commands at home or remotely control your smart light bulbs via apps while away. Even automate your smart bulb individually or in a group using the routine, schedule, timer, wake-up/sleep plan, biorhythm, tap-to-run, and other smart functions.

  • 【What is the MATTER?】Matter is an standardized protocol for smart home devices. Say goodbye to the hassle of downloading multiple apps for your new devices. A Matter compatible smart speaker and iOS/tvOS 16.5+/Android OS 8.1+ is required to connect this bulb to your smart home.

  • 【STABLE & SMOOTH CONNECTION】No more worries about control due to network drops. All Matter devices in your local area network (LAN) work smoothly even if the internet goes offline. Support WiFi connection.

  • 【FASTER & EASY SETUP】Scanning via Alexa App, Google Home App, Apple Home App, SmartThings App; Aidot App: Connect by nearby/ QR Code. The standard protocol makes implementing and using Matter devices easier.

  • 【16M Colors & True-White】Choose from 16 millions of colors or set the bulb from warm to cool whites(2500K-6500K) thanks to the RGBW true-white LED. Explore endless smart home lighting possibilities to create your favorite light effects for everything from a party to a late-night study session.

  • 【Superior Lighting Performance】Enjoy a truly superior lighting performance with these a 220° beam angle for wider coverage, a color rendering index (CRI) > 90 for truly vibrant colors, and a luminous 800LM brightness level. Fully dim the lights from 1%-100% to match the mood anytime of day.

  • 【Voice & App Control】These are smart bulbs that work with Alexa and Google Home, so you can simply use voice commands to set the lights. Or conveniently control from anywhere from your smart phone with Tapo app. Create scenes in the app, or activate Away Mode to simulate being home while on vacation.