Our Top 5 Budget Smart Bulbs Picks
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Here are five of the best smart bulb picks for the savvy tech shopper looking to brighten their home on a budget.
Smart lighting used to be a premium upgrade, but now you can transform your home’s ambiance without breaking the bank. Choosing the best budget smart bulbs is key. Forget expensive hubs and complicated setups—the best budget smart bulbs offer millions of colors, voice control, and scheduling, all for under a $20 bill per bulb.
| Smart Bulb Model | Key Feature | Smart Home Ecosystems | Approximate Price |
| 1. AiDot Linkind | Matter Compatible (Future-Proof) | Alexa, Google, HomeKit, SmartThings | $14.99 |
| 2. WiZ Smart Light Bulb | Affordable Hub-Free Operation | Matter, Alexa, Google, Siri Shortcuts | ~$10 – $13 |
| 3. TP-Link Kasa KL135 | High Brightness (1,100 Lumens) | Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings | ~$15 – $16 |
| 4. ILC RGB LED | Reliable Remote Control Included | None (Remote Only) | ~$17.99 (4-pack price often lowers single-bulb cost) |
| 5. Roku Smart Bulb SE | Best for Roku Device Users | Roku, Alexa, Google Assistant | $14.99 |
1. AiDot Linkind Matter Smart Light Bulb: Best Overall
The AiDot Linkind stands out as the best overall choice because it supports the new Matter smart home standard. This means it connects seamlessly with virtually all major platforms without needing a separate hub, making it a future-proof pick.
- Key Features: Matter-enabled, 16 million colors, works with Alexa, Google, and Apple HomeKit.
- Pros: Universal compatibility makes setup simple; excellent color rendition for the price.
- Cons: Can be slightly less bright than some competitors.
- Verdict: For anyone building a multi-platform smart home, the $14.99 AiDot Linkind Matter Smart Light Bulb offers unparalleled value and flexibility.
2. WiZ Smart Light Bulb: Best for Simple Setup
Made by Signify (the same company behind the premium Philips Hue), the WiZ smart bulbs offer a high-end experience at a budget price. They are a top contender in the budget smart bulbs market. Their simple Wi-Fi setup means you don’t need a bridge, and they are known for their reliable performance and rich color options.
- Key Features: Hub-free Wi-Fi, Matter support, Rhythms feature (changes light based on time of day).
- Pros: Very affordable (often around $10), part of a reputable brand ecosystem, wide range of lighting options.
- Cons: The app can be a little less intuitive than competitors.
- Verdict: The WiZ LED Smart Light Bulb is the perfect plug-and-play solution for first-time smart light buyers who want reliability and color options for about $13.
3. TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Light Bulb (KL135): Best Brightness
With a plethora of affordable options, choosing the right budget smart bulbs can dramatically transform your living space.
Kasa is a consistent leader in the budget smart home category, and their KL135 bulb is frequently praised for its high brightness and reliable Wi-Fi connection. At up to 1,100 lumens, this bulb can genuinely light up a room.
- Key Features: High 1,100-lumen brightness, hub-free Wi-Fi, excellent smart home integration with Alexa and Google.
- Pros: Exceptionally bright; reliable connection; fantastic for spaces that need a lot of light.
- Cons: Can be slightly physically larger than standard A19 bulbs.
- Verdict: If you prioritize power and don’t want to sacrifice brightness for smart features, the Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Light Bulb is a great value at around $15.
In recent years, the market for budget smart bulbs has seen tremendous growth, making it easier than ever to find options that fit your style and needs.
4. ILC RGB LED Color Changing Light Bulb: Best Hub-Free Simplicity
The ILC bulb takes a different approach by removing the Wi-Fi and app hassle entirely. It relies on a simple Infrared remote control for power, color, and mode changes.
In conclusion, budget smart bulbs are not just an economical choice; they represent an accessible upgrade that powerfully enhances the overall aesthetics of your home.
Upgrading to budget smart bulbs can significantly elevate your home lighting experience without breaking the bank.
- Key Features: Included remote control, 12 color choices, memory function for last-used settings.
- Pros: Extremely easy setup (just screw it in); reliable physical remote control; good for lamps or fixtures where Wi-Fi isn’t needed.
- Cons: Lacks integration with Alexa or Google; lower brightness (450 lumens).
- Verdict: The ILC RGB LED Color Changing Light Bulb is ideal for a basement, closet, or accent lighting where you just want a quick color change with a remote.
5. Roku Smart Bulb SE Color: Best for Media Lovers
Roku is known for streaming, but their smart bulbs are a surprise budget hit. They are an excellent, low-cost solution, especially for those who already use Roku devices, allowing for easy group control and pairing.
- Key Features: 16 million colors, wide dimming range (30 to 1,100 lumens), Bluetooth for easy setup.
- Pros: Very easy to set up with existing Roku accounts; excellent color selection for the price.
- Cons: Best suited for homes already invested in the Roku ecosystem.
- Verdict: At only $14.99, the Roku Smart Bulb SE Color offers great color and brightness—it’s a no-brainer for Roku fans.
Conclusion: Value Wins
These budget smart bulbs are the ideal choice for anyone looking to effortlessly upgrade their home lighting setup without the hefty price tag. Countless users have shared that their choice of budget smart bulbs has made a significant, positive difference in their daily routines.
You don’t need to spend a fortune to upgrade your lighting. Whether you prioritize universal smart home compatibility (the AiDot Linkind), sheer brightness (the Kasa), or effortless simplicity (the WiZ), there is a great smart bulb under $20 ready to transform your space.
Our Overall Value Pick: The AiDot Linkind Matter Smart Light Bulb takes the crown by offering modern, multi-platform compatibility for a low price, ensuring your investment will last as your smart home evolves.
Budget smart bulbs provide an affordable and effective way to modernize your home, making them a fantastic starting point for anyone considering an upgrade to their current lighting setup. Choosing from the wide array of available options can lead to a more customizable and enjoyable lighting experience, proving that budget smart bulbs can fit seamlessly into any lifestyle.
