Smart Switches & Dimmers

Discover the Best Switches & Dimmers for your Smart Home.

If you are a smart home enthusiast, you are already aware that there are several ways to automate your home lighting. You can use switch modules, wall switches, wireless scene switches and buttons or opt for the easy way, and simply replace your light bulbs. There are pros and cons to each approach, all outlined in our individual Best Buy Guides.

Unlike switch modules, which are simple relay control boards that can be installed anywhere and control almost anything, wall switches are smart devices that replace your current light switch or dimmer entirely. Choosing a wall switch can have a direct impact on the aesthetics and looks of your living space. 

In this Best Buy Guide, we are sharing the best wired wall switches and dimmers compatible with Homey, focusing on reliability, looks, installation requirements and additional features. 

Choosing a light switch

Since smart wall switches aim to achieve the same thing, which is to automate your lights, there is usually very little technical variation between models. Still, there are differences that separate brands and models from each other. Even though subtle, these extra features can prove to be quite valuable and make you lean more towards one model more than the other. Here are 5 things to consider when choosing a light switch:

• Connectivity: Choose a switch with a reliable mesh networking protocol like Zigbee, Z-Wave, or Thread. Light switches that need a neutral wire usually double as network repeaters, boosting and extending your network.
• Neutral wire requirement: Confirm if the switch needs a neutral wire for installation, as this can affect compatibility with your existing wiring. If possible, always choose switches that use the neutral wire as they are more reliable than those that do not.
• Design and aesthetics: Since you are replacing your existing wall switches, consider the design and finish of the smart switch to ensure it complements your home decor and adds to the overall ambiance of the room.
• Extra Features: Consider the added value of additional features such as multi-switch compatibility, dimming, energy metering or motion sensing that enhance the functionality of the light switch.
• Price: Consider the light switch's cost and make sure it aligns with your budget while providing the features you want. Remember, if you're automating multiple lights or devices, expenses can add up fast, especially with pricier devices.

Brand	Model	Protocol	Dimmer	Works without Neutral	Price
Aqara	H1 Wall Switch	Zigbee			€34.95
EcoDim	LED Dimmer Switch	Z-Wave			€69.95
Eve	Light Switch	Thread			€99.95
Fibaro	Walli Dimmer	Z-Wave			€59.95
Niko	Double Switch	Zigbee			€89.00
Qubino	Luxy Smart Switch	Z-Wave			€98.80
Shelly	Wall Switch	Wi-Fi			€7.20
Sonoff	SwitchMan M5	Matter			€17.99
Sunricher	Wall Dimmer Switch	Z-Wave			€65.00
ZemiSmart	Touch Switch	Matter			€20.95

The Aqara H1 is a sleek and minimalist smart switch available in 1 or 2 gang variants, winning the 2020 RedDot design award for its clean design, durable zinc-alloy frame, and satisfying acoustic feedback of its buttons.

The H1 is compatible with both square and round European switch boxes, supporting single or two-way wiring setups. The button of the switch can also be remapped, providing an additional "wireless switch" functionality while still controlling the light through Flows.

This popular model by Aqara is equipped with an energy meter, so you can monitor the power consumption of the connected light(s). It integrates very well over Zigbee with Homey Bridge and Homey Pro, allowing you to toggle the device and use the meter in Flows to save energy.

The Aqara H1 can be wired with or without a neutral wire, which makes it suitable for all wiring setups. The downside of using the no-neutral versions is that the device will not operate as a network router. Further, the overload protection mechanism the H1 is equipped with, works only on the with-neutral version.

If you're in the market for a reliable dimmer switch, EcoDim should be on your shortlist. This Netherlands-based company produces one of the most dependable, durable, and versatile dimmer switches using Zigbee, Z-Wave, and now, Matter as communication protocols.

EcoDim dimmers come without a faceplate, allowing you to reuse your existing switch cover plates and maintain aesthetic consistency throughout your home's rooms. The company also offers compatible dimmer faceplates should you choose to replace them.

EcoDim offers various models, primarily distinguished by their maximum load capacity and communication protocol. Regardless of the model you choose, each one is optimized for precise dimming control and stable lighting performance, effectively eliminating LED light flickering and dimmer buzzing.

You can monitor the power draw of your connected light in Homey Energy, providing you with a comprehensive overview of its energy consumption. Should you exceed the rated load capacity, EcoDim dimmer switches will be kept in check by their overload and overheat protection mechanisms.

The newly released Matter version is compatible with the Homey Pro, while their Zigbee and Z-Wave line-up can work with both Homey Bridge and Homey Pro.

Their top-tier build quality and reliable performance come at a premium, as EcoDim dimmer switches are among the top three most expensive devices on our list.

Even though the new Eve Light Switch looks like a traditional wall switch, it’s nothing like one. This device relies on Thread – Matters’ mesh networking protocol, offering a robust and reliable connection to your Homey Pro.

The Eve Light Switch supports single and multi-way switching configurations, and can handle loads of up to 1150W. Any traditional or modern LED lights can be attached to the Eve Light Switch without issues.

The great thing of the Eve Light Switch is its compatibility with any 55mm frame of your choice. While it does come with its own frame, you have the flexibility to reuse existing frames or combine them with outlets or other light switches. This gives you much greater freedom in making the Eve Light Switch fit the décor and design of your home.

The neutral wire is a requirement for the correct operation of the Eve Light Switch, allowing the device to operate as a Thread Router, relaying traffic to your Homey Pro from adjacent Thread end devices.

The main drawback of the Eve Light Switch is definitely its price. Priced at almost 100 EUR, it stands as the most expensive smart switch on our list.

The Fibaro Walli Dimmer is a beautiful wall-mounted dimmer switch compatible with Homey Bridge and Homey Pro. Like most Fibaro devices, it's recognized for its quality build, sleek design, and Z-Wave communication protocol. 

Equipped with a dynamic LED indicator, the Walli Dimmer changes color based on the on/off state of the light. These colors can be adjusted to your preference or used as actions in Homey Flows. 

The indicator also provides users with a dynamic overview of energy consumption, cycling through colors from cool blue to warm red, allowing you to monitor power consumption from a distance. 

Despite resembling a dimming knob, the Walli Dimmer is actually controlled by pressing the top or bottom of the round switch, adjusting the brightness of the attached light bulb as long as you hold the switch. 

The Fibaro Walli dimmer is compatible with incandescent, halogen, fluorescent, and LED bulbs. It's important to note that while the Walli can handle most bulb types with ease, using low-power LED lights requires the Fibaro Bypass 2 – a special addon used to prevent flickering.

If you're looking to showcase your wall switches to your guests, the Niko Smart Switch line-up could be just what you need. Niko, a Belgian manufacturer of smart devices, offers a comprehensive range including switches, dimmers, sockets, sensors, and now doorbells and intercoms.

The Niko Double Switch, a two-gang smart switch, can handle loads of 10A per channel or a maximum of 16A for both. It connects via Zigbee to Homey or Homey Pro, allowing toggle control and the creation of schedules or Advanced Flows.

This switch can replace conventional switches or be used with multi-way or intermediate setups. Additionally, you can disconnect the terminals and utilize the button events as triggers in Homey, providing direct control over smart light bulbs.

Each switch features a small LED indicator for easy status checks from a distance. The sleek and minimalistic design is crafted to be showcased, seamlessly complementing modern rooms and interiors.

It's worth noting that Niko Wall Switches come at a higher price tag compared to similar devices, especially considering that you need to purchase the switch and faceplate separately.

The Qubino Luxy Smart Switch is a premium light switch with a touch glass panel and a very interesting feature set. It uses Z-Wave to connect to your Homey Bridge or Homey Pro, operating as a network repeater and extending your network.

The switch itself doubles as an ambient light, capable of illuminating your room without toggling your main ceiling light. Through its semi-transparent switch frame, Luxy can output 16 million colors in 4 different lighting effects – all controllable through Homey. For example, This LED backlight can change the atmosphere in your room with a single touch or illuminate your stairs during the night.

The Luxy front facing glass panel is divided into 5 separate touch zones, each controlling a separate aspect of the light switch. Touching the top zone toggles the Luxy light, while the center controls the attached ceiling light. It’s important to note that while the Luxy light can be dimmed either though Homey or manually, the connected light switch can only be toggled but not dimmed.

Qubino highlights that the Luxy Smart Switch can also manage water heaters, fans, or IR panels, further enhancing its utility. While this elegant light switch is durable, reliable, and crafted with quality, it does come with a very high price tag, nearly matching that of the Eve.

Unlike most wall switches on our list that directly control lights through wiring, the Shelly Wall Switch is essentially a button presser designed to hold different Shelly modules. Instead of manufacturing wall switches with similar features to their modules, Shelly opted to create a wall switch holder, allowing users to choose the right module from their product portfolio.

Shelly Wall Switches are available in 1, 2, and 4 button variants, compatible with the following Shelly modules:

• Shelly Wall Switch 1: Shelly 1, Shelly 1PM, Shelly Plus 1, Shelly Plus 1PM, Shelly 1L, Shelly Dimmer 2
• Shelly Wall Switch 2: Shelly 2,5, Shelly Plus Series, Shelly 1L, Shelly Dimmer 2
• Shelly Wall Switch 4: Shelly Plus i4

If you've ever installed switch modules inside a switch box, you're familiar with the challenge of fitting each wire behind the switch plate. With the Shelly Wall Switch, the module is securely held in place, resulting in a cleaner and simpler installation process.

Their dated design might not appeal to everyone, but it’s worth noting that all Shelly Modules are compatible with Homey and Homey Pro through the official Shelly App.

The Sonoff SwitchMan M5 is the latest Matter-enabled smart switch from the company, available in US, UK, and EU variants. It uses Wi-Fi to connect to your network and seamlessly integrates over Matter with your Homey Pro.

The SwitchMan M5 can be bought in 1, 2, or 3 gang versions, suitable for covering most multi-gang light switch scenarios. It supports multi-way switches as well, further proving its utility as a smart light switch.

This light switch is equipped with a very clicky push button for each gang, offering audible feedback to the user. The status of each connected light is displayed by the small LED indicator installed near the bottom, also enabling visual confirmation when controlled remotely.

The Sonoff SwitchMan M5 requires a neutral wire for installation, allowing it to handle a maximum load of 10A or 2200W. It’s also equipped with an overload protection feature and a flame-retardant shell in case of potential issues.

The primary drawback of the Sonoff SwitchMan M5 lies in its reliance on their proprietary app for accessing certain advanced features such as restore state and inching mode.

Sunricher Wall Switches offer a versatile range of switches and dimmers designed for controlling lights, curtains, shutters, and various other devices. These products are white-labeled and sold by Vesternet, Namron, and ROBB Smarrt. Each vendor provides its own Homey App, enabling Sunricher devices to work seamlessly with Homey out of the box.

Their wall dimmer switch lineup consists of Zigbee and Z-Wave devices capable of handling loads of up to 600W per channel. Each mains-wired device acts as a network repeater, relaying packets from neighboring devices back to Homey Bridge or Homey Pro.

The Sunricher Rotary Dimmer is very handy and easy to use. You simply turn the knob, and the light follows your input, brightening or dimming the light level. It supports setting the minimum brightness level of LED lights, which solves the problem where some LEDs cannot be turned back on if they are dimmed too low.

The Rotary Dimmer has an implemented algorithm for intelligently detecting the light source, automatically adjusting the transition times and setting an appropriate control mode. It’s also equipped with an active energy meter, measuring the power draw of your connected light.

Its appearance resembles a standard wall dimmer; guests won’t be aware it’s a smart device unless you decide to showcase it through Homey. However, the faceplate of Sunricher devices is bulkier than most, which makes it stick out more from the wall.

The ZemiSmart Touch Switch is an excellent choice if you need to control 4 lights from the same switch box. Available in 1, 2, 3, or 4 gang versions, each capable of handling up to 600 watts per gang.

This smart switch is Matter-certified and connects to your home network via Wi-Fi, just like the SwithMan M5. It seamlessly integrates with Homey Pro, allowing you to create Flows for each gang and fully automate your connected lights.

Its square shaped faceplate is actually a glass touch panel which looks beautiful when mounted on a wall. It has a thickness of only 8mm which makes it seamlessly blend with your room décor. At the moment, only a black version is available while white is in development.

The ZemiSmart Touch Switch comes in both US and EU variants, fitting standard round and square switch boxes. Its affordability makes it an appealing choice, especially for wiring multiple lights from a single switch box. Note that it requires a neutral wire, which may necessitate professional installation for the multi-gang versions, as things can get easily tangled up inside the switch box.

Summary

Depending on your interior design and ambiance, you can either showcase your wall switches for all to admire, or opt for a more discreet approach with switches that seamlessly blend into your décor. Whether you prefer Zigbee, Z-Wave, or Matter-certified switches, Homey has you covered.

Being a top smart home hub is not an easy job, but Homey makes it easy.