It is one of the main dilemmas when we find ourselves making the choice for our Smart Home.
Since we actually have 3 options:
- WiFi light bulbs
- WiFi smart switches or modules
- A mix between the two
1. WiFi light bulbs
Implementation:
Simply purchase your light bulbs and replace the old ones. Then, pair them with your Smartlife / Tuya application so that you can later control them through your Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
Cost:
In terms of costs, this option will be more expensive than switches since each bulb will have to be replaced by a color and dimmable white light bulb (RGB + CCT).
Benefits:
Remotely control your Smart Home lighting via application through your mobile phone from wherever you want.
Control by voice commands with your Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
There is no need to hire a technician for the installation.
Be able to control exactly the tone you want for your lighting (dimmer function). Choose the color depending on the environment you want to create.
Choose between one of the predefined modes (work, rest, party, among others).
Disadvantages:
WiFi light bulbs cannot be disconnected from the power or they go offline (they can no longer be controlled remotely until they are reconnected to the power). This means that the switch that controls them must always be "on". In other words, they cannot be controlled by touching the physical switch.
2. WiFi smart switches or relay modules
Implementation:
After purchasing the devices for your Smart Home, the installation should be carried out (we advise having your switches and relay modules installed by a professional, SMARTIFY offers this service) and then connect to the Smartlife or Tuya application to control through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
Cost:
The acquisition of WiFi smart switches / relay modules ends up being more economical than light bulbs, however, the cost of hiring a professional for the installation of the smart switches may increase the price.
Benefits:
Remotely control the switches or relay modules of your Smart Home via application through your mobile phone from wherever you want.
Control by voice commands with your Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
Maintain the functionality of controlling by the physical switch normally as you have always done.
Disadvantages:
Technical installation skills or hiring a professional are required.
3. A mix between the two
Implementation
Our suggestion for when you want to have the best of both worlds.
You should connect the switches and relay modules in a way that ensures only power and do not connect the switched live (load wire) that go to the WiFi light bulbs. Connect the light bulbs directly to the live wire.
This way, you will have your light bulbs directly connected to the power and they can only be controlled by the application.
Next, you should pair the WiFi light bulbs and WiFi smart switches to be connected with Smartlife / Tuya to be able to control via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
After that, the switches should be programmed through automations in the Smartlife / Tuya application so that they control the light bulbs when turning on / off.
Cost:
Naturally, this will be the most expensive option but the one that will bring more features to your Smart Home.
Benefits:
You will have the benefits of both solutions mentioned above.
Disadvantages:
High cost
Need for technical skills or hiring a professional.
In case of internet or cloud system failure, the smart lighting of your Smart Home will become totally uncontrollable (although this is very rare)
