A smart switch replaces the ordinary switch in the wall box: the light still turns on from the button, but also from the app and by voice, with Alexa, Google Home and, on Matter models, Apple Home. Here you'll find WiFi, Zigbee and Matter smart light switches from Sonoff and Tuya, touch or push-button, for lights, shutters and dimming, including models that need no neutral wire. Below is a quick guide to choosing the right one.
Smart switch or relay behind the switch?
If you want a new switch plate as well, pick a smart switch from this page. If you'd rather keep the switches you already have, fit an in-wall smart relay in the box behind the existing switch: the wall switch works as before and the light can also be controlled from the app.
Which smart switch should you choose?
It depends on what you want to control and how your wiring is done:
Lights, with push buttons
Recommended: Sonoff SwitchMan M5 Matter, 80 mm or the 86 mm version
Why: Mechanical buttons like a normal switch, 1 to 3 channels, Matter and WiFi: works with Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home and SmartThings. Neutral required
Lights, touch
Recommended: Sonoff TX Ultimate T5-86
Why: Touch panel with an LED light frame, up to 4 channels, for round or 86x86 boxes. Neutral required
No neutral wire
Recommended: Sonoff SwitchMan ZBM5 Zigbee or the Sonoff Orb-ZBW1L (double version)
Why: The ZBM5 works with or without neutral, the Orb models are made for wiring without neutral: both fit where only live reaches the box. Without neutral a minimum load of 3 W applies. They need a Zigbee hub
Two lights from one switch
Recommended: Sonoff Orb-MW2 Matter
Why: Two independent channels in one wall switch, 10 A per channel and 16 A in total, with Matter over WiFi. Neutral required
Shutters and curtains
Recommended: Sonoff Orb-RBS Matter or the Tuya curtain switch, EU version
Why: Open, stop and close from the wall, the app or by voice; the Orb-RBS also sets the exact position. More controls and motors in blind and curtain automation
Smart dimmer switch
Recommended: Sonoff Orb-DIM Matter or the Orb-ZBDIM Zigbee
Why: They adjust the brightness of dimmable bulbs and also measure energy use; check the maximum LED load in the product sheet
Scenes and wireless buttons
Recommended: Sonoff Orb 4-in-1 SNZB-01M or the Tuya battery-powered wireless scene switch
Why: They don't switch a light directly but trigger scenes: «Good night» turns everything off, «Movie» dims the lights and lowers the shutters. They are Zigbee, so a hub is required
Smart switches: WiFi, Zigbee or Matter?
WiFi
Hub: Not needed: the switch connects to your home router
App: Tuya Smart / Smart Life or eWeLink
Best for: A few switches and quick installation
Zigbee
Hub: Required: a gateway such as the Tuya Multimode for Tuya models, a hub such as the Zigbee Bridge Pro for Sonoff models; all models are in hubs and gateways
Advantages: Several models work without neutral, and every switch strengthens the network of your other Zigbee devices
Best for: Homes with many Zigbee devices
Matter over WiFi
Hub: Matter needs the ecosystem's controller: an Echo for Alexa, a Google Nest speaker or display for Google Home, a HomePod or Apple TV for Apple Home
App: It also works with the manufacturer's app
Best for: Using the same switch with Apple Home, Alexa, Google Home and SmartThings
Before you buy: what to check
- Neutral wire: with the power off, look inside the box or ask an electrician. If a neutral (usually the blue wire) reaches the box, any model will do; if not, choose a model that works «with or without neutral».
- Wall box: models with «80» or «86» in the name fit European round boxes or 86x86 boxes; models with «120» are made for the Italian 503 box. Check the mounting type in the product sheet.
- Load: check the maximum LED load in the product sheet; it is usually much lower than the load for traditional bulbs.
- Number of buttons: you need one button for each lighting circuit; many models come with 1 to 3 or 4 channels.
- 2.4 GHz WiFi: WiFi switches can't see a 5 GHz network; keep your smartphone on the 2.4 GHz network during setup.
Smart switch FAQ
Does the light still work if the internet is down?
Yes: the wall button switches the light directly. Without internet, remote control and voice assistants stop working; with a Zigbee hub that runs scenes locally, automations between Zigbee devices keep working.
Do they work with Alexa, Google Home and Apple Home?
Alexa and Google Home, yes, by linking the Tuya Smart / Smart Life or eWeLink app. For Apple Home, choose a Matter model such as the SwitchMan M5 Matter or the Orb-MW2.
Can I control the same light from two places?
Yes: instead of a two-way switch you can use a second smart switch or a wireless scene button, linked with an automation in the app.
Do I need an electrician?
Yes: the switch is wired to 230 V inside the wall box. Have the work done by an electrician, with the power off.
Can I use them with Home Assistant?
Yes: Zigbee switches with a USB dongle such as the Sonoff Dongle Plus MG24 and the ZHA or Zigbee2MQTT integrations, Matter models with the Matter integration, and Tuya and Sonoff WiFi switches with their own integrations. The product sheet shows how each model works with Home Assistant.
Not sure whether your box has a neutral or which model fits? Write to us: we'll help you choose.
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