Smart light bulbs: WiZ 60W A19 Color Smart Bulb is our No-Brainer pick

Start with your smart home app

Pick a bulb that works with the app or voice assistant you already use. Wi-Fi bulbs need no hub but connect on 2.4 GHz. Keep smart bulbs on switches that stay on, since a wall switch cuts their power.

WiZ 60W A19 Color Smart Bulb

The WiZ 60W A19 Color bulb is the smart bulb most homes should start with. It is bright, sets up over Wi-Fi with no hub, and handles both warm and cool whites and full color. WiZ lists 800 lumens and works with Alexa, Google Home and SmartThings. It does not work directly with Apple Home.

Meross Smart Wi-Fi LED Bulb MSL120

The Meross MSL120 is the pick for Apple Home users. It joins Apple Home directly over Wi-Fi with no hub, and also works with Alexa, Google Home and SmartThings. Meross lists 810 lumens with full color and tunable white.

Tapo L535E Matter Smart Bulb

The Tapo L535E is the budget pick, and it is brighter than most smart bulbs. TP-Link lists 1,055 lumens, full color, tunable white and Matter support, so it can work with Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home and SmartThings through Matter.

Choose by app and brightness

Pick WiZ for easy, bright bulbs with Alexa or Google. Pick the Meross MSL120 if you use Apple Home. Pick the Tapo L535E for a bright Matter bulb at a low cost.

What stands out

• All three connect over Wi-Fi with no hub
• The Tapo L535E lists 1,055 lumens
• Meross and Tapo can join Apple Home

Watch out for

• Wall switches cut power to smart bulbs
• Most connect on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only
• Do not use smart bulbs in fixtures on a dimmer switch

Before you buy

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Choose the bulb that works with your app, and keep the wall switch on.

Think about the fit: Choose the bulb that works with your app.

Check before buying: Base size, brightness, app support and fixture type

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