For all their clever features, most smart lamps are relatively simple devices. The best smart lamp for you comes down to what smart home technology already exists in your own, how “smart” you need your new lamp to be, and, of course, how much you’re willing to spend. Here’s everything to look for when shopping for smart lamps this year.
Smart home hub compatibility
Most smart lamps get their “smarts” by integrating with a smart home hub. If you’re looking to connect yours to an existing setup, make sure that the technologies are compatible. Many of the smart lamps we featured are compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, while others add Apple HomeKit into the mix. Some smart lamps are even designed to work with or without a hub by controlling with physical buttons or directly through a dedicated smartphone app.
Light and color
The best smart lamps offer an almost infinite number of color possibilities, plus varying shades of white from warm to cool. Most allow you to dim the light as well, so you can dial in your exact level of ambiance.
Other features
Some smart lamps go beyond the typical “smart home automation” features. The Sharper Image option above, for example, offers a built-in Bluetooth speaker and wireless charging for your smartphone. Others, like the Hatch Restore, combine smart lamp functionality with sound machine features for the perfect bedside-friendly smart lamp. Some models also run on both corded and battery power for maximum portability and versatility.
Price
Smart lamps are among the most affordable additions to any smart home setup. The most budget-friendly models (like those from Wyze) can be had for less than $50, while mid-range options run closer to $100. The best smart lamps with all the bells and whistles—including the Philips Hue Iris Smart LED Table Lamp and those from Nanoleaf—typically run north of $125. But these provide almost unlimited color options, excellent hub compatibility, complex scheduling features, and a long list of other great features.
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