Once you have it connected to a hub, you can also get it working with all other Z-Wave devices on your network, from smart locks to security cameras to thermostats and more. This porch light switch is also compatible with Alexa, but you need a Z-Wave compatible hub (like SmartThings or Wink) to let it work with Alexa. This is the switch we selected, so scroll down for installation details and our impressions of it. Using the Z-Wave protocol, you can easily connect this switch to either hub and build it into your smart home setup, allowing you to control your porch light in the same app as all of your other smart home devices. The GE Z-Wave light switch is a great option for those with a SmartThings or Wink hub. A good competitor to Wemo is TP-Link you can check out our comparison of Wemo vs TP-Link for more information. Using Home/Away Assist with Nest, you can automate your lights with your thermostat, to have them automatically turn on or off when you come and go. Wemo integrates with several other smart home services, including IFTTT and Nest. The same app controls all of your Wemo outlets, switches, and dimmers, so if you have other Wemo devices around your home then it makes sense to get this light switch. You can turn on vacation mode to randomize the lights and make it look like you are home. In the Wemo app, you can also set timers and sync with the sunrise and sunset at your location. This is a perk over Econoswitch, which doesn’t offer remote controlling. Just connect the Wemo Light Switch to your WiFi and you can control the porch light switch anywhere you have internet access.

The nice thing about Wemo devices is that you don’t need a hub, bridge, or any extra hardware to control it from your phone. Besides using the Wemo app to schedule your lights, the switch also works with Alexa and Google Assistant to turn the lights on or off with your voice. The Wemo Light Switch might be the best-known smart light switch timer. Simply set it up and it takes care of your automatic porch light timer without any additional headaches. At the time of writing this article, it had the highest reviews on Amazon out of the three. Up to seven schedules can be programmed to have the lights turn on and off at different times everyday, or the same program repeat all week. Econoswitch can automatically adjust the light timers with the changing seasons when you specify your location, so you can have your porch lights turn on at sunset and off at sunrise daily. Its back-lit display looks really nice, with details like the date, time, current status of the light, and more available at a glance.įor its cheap price and basic functionality, it still has some impressive features. The design of the switch allows it to sit flush with standard wall plates, so it won’t be a distraction on your wall. You set it up from the three buttons and small screen on the device, which makes installation very straightforward. This first light switch will automate your porch lights, but isn’t technically “smart.” In other words, Honeywell Econoswitch won’t talk to other devices in your house, but that might not be a problem if you don’t care about using Alexa, SmartThings, or other smart home automation. In this article, we will start with the cheapest and simplest options for automating your front porch and end with the more advanced smart light switches. There are some basic, inexpensive options that can get the job done. Porch lights don’t have to be as fancy as some of the really awesome smart lights available. All you need an automatic porch light timer to do is turn on in the evening and turn off when you are in bed. Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which earn us commission from Amazon at no cost to you.

Smart timer switch