Most people understand that smart home devices have significantly changed the way households operate. One of the most popular smart home devices is Alexa. This is a voice-activated virtual assistant that lives within the Amazon Echo. While most people associate Alexa with performing a bunch of cool tricks, like adjusting the temperature or reciting your personal schedule, this device is also particularly good at controlling smart home light bulbs. For those wondering, “how do smart light bulbs work with Alexa?” the answer is simple. You just need to connect your Alexa-compatible bulbs with a virtual assistant.
After purchasing your Alexa-compatible bulbs, you can likely find additional information regarding how do smart light bulbs work with Alexa within your smart bulb’s user manual.
Not sure where to find smart bulbs that work with Alexa? Don’t worry, there are plenty of smart light bulbs that are going to work well with the device. Keep reading to learn more.
Factors to Consider When Looking for Smart Home Light Bulbs that Work with Alexa
Homeowners looking for smart home light bulbs that are both compatible with Alexa and their needs should consider a few factors:
- Your budget
- Your home’s layout
- Any extra features you may want for the bulbs
With these factors in mind, it’s time to take a closer look at some various scenarios that could help homeowners find the right Alexa-friendly, smart home light bulbs for their needs.
The Least Expensive Option When You Only Need a Few Bulbs
Some homeowners are simply looking for the least expensive option on the market. For example, maybe you only need a few light bulbs at home. One option to consider is the TP-LINK LB100, an Alexa-friendly bulb.
This light bulb is easy on your wallet, with an average cost of around $20. As a Wi-Fi bulb, it will connect directly with the internet router in your home. Therefore, it doesn’t even require a hub! This light bulb is popular not only for its cost but also because it has the simplicity of a plug-and-play device. Even though it might not be as bright as some of its competitors, it’s going to get the job done. Those who are looking for a slightly brighter light bulb, the TP-LINK LB110 only costs an extra $5 for an upgrade.
Light Bulbs That Change Color
One of the most exciting features of smart home light bulbs is that they can change color. Those who really care about the color of their light bulbs should consider the Lifx Color 1000 LED. While Philips Hue is also an option, the colors of the former usually look a lot sharper. In particular, two of the most popular colors, green and blue, are particularly sharp with the Lifx Color 1000 LED. Furthermore, users can even take advantage of Alexa’s commands to change the color of Lifx bulbs automatically using the sound of their voice.
Light Bulbs That Work Well With Siri
While it’s fun to change the color of light bulbs with Alexa, some homeowners might also look for smart home light bulbs that work well with Siri.
One of the few choices that works with both Siri and Alexa is the Philips Hue. Any bulb from this product line can communicate with the virtual assistants as long as you plug the most current generation Hue Bridge into the router.
Those who really want the complete array of features should look at the Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance LEDs. This gives you the ability to communicate with Siri and ask her to change the color of these light bulbs.
Connecting Smart Home Light Bulbs to Alexa
How do smart light bulbs work with Alexa? As mentioned before, you most likely just need to integrate your bulbs with the smart speaker. When it comes time to connect smart home light bulbs to Alexa, there are a few steps to follow up. These include:
- Start by opening the Alexa app on the iPhone or Android device and tap the menu option that is located at the top left portion of the screen
- Click on the words “add devices”
- Locate the word “light” and click on this option
- Find the brand of the smart light that you purchased and select it
- You may be prompted to open the app that comes with your lights and enable the Alexa skill
This should complete the connection process. You can even use these smart home light bulbs to increase the security of your home by connecting them to a schedule, which can create the illusion that someone is home at certain hours of the day.
Trust the Trained Professionals from ONIT Smart Home
These are just a few of the most important points that everyone should keep in mind if they are looking for smart bulbs that are going to work well with Alexa. To discover more answers about how do smart light bulbs work with Alexa or how to create a smart system in your home, call on the experts at ONIT.
For over a decade, we’ve been helping customers create secure and comfortable environments that protect their loved ones and valuables. We’re here to guide you in finding the right product and solutions for your unique set of needs. And because every customer is different, we offer Smart Choice Financing that makes building a robust and reliable, smart home system a possibility for every budget.
As a company, our goal is to provide products, services, and technological devices that can help you create the home of your dreams. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with all of your smart home needs!