It doesn’t take much to smarten up a home on a budget. Right now, you can grab this 4-pack of Tapo Smart Light Switches for $35.99. That’s 28% off its $49.99 retail price. It’s not the lowest price it’s ever been, but that’s to be expected — smart light switches contain embedded flash memory, which means they’re affected by the global memory shortage happening right now. (Thanks, AI data centers!)
Unlike smart light bulbs, which still need to be replaced every few years, smart light switches last much longer and are more versatile. You can control multiple outlets with a single switch, and for anything that uses light bulbs, you can keep using standard, more affordable LEDs. The downside, of course, is that light switches aren’t as easy to swap out as light bulbs. (Anyone can do it, but you need to understand the electrical risks. It’s dangerous if you don’t. When in doubt, hire a professional.)
Why consider smart light switches? First, these are remotely controllable. Use your phone to toggle them from afar, or connect them with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to control with voice commands. Second, you can schedule them with timers and routines — automatically turn them off when you’ve gone to bed, or periodically switch them on and off while you’re away on vacation so it looks like your home is still occupied.
There are a few things to consider before you buy. These Tapo Smart Light Switches require a neutral wire, which not all homes have, particularly older pre-1980s homes. Some users report unreliable Wi-Fi connections, so you may want to think twice if your home network is spotty. And if your smart home ecosystem is primarily Apple HomeKit or Matter, these light switches might not be the right fit for you.
If none of those downsides apply, then this 4-pack is a great deal. You’re effectively paying $9 per switch, which is more than worth it for all the convenience they provide. This Amazon deal ends tonight, so place your order quickly if you’re interested.
