It doesn’t take much to smarten up a home these days. Right now, you can snag this 4-pack of Tapo Smart Light Switches for $35.99. That’s 28% off its $49.99 street price. It ain’t the lowest price it’s ever been, but that’s to be expected—smart light switches have embedded flash memory, which means they’re affected by the global memory shortage going on right now. (Thanks, AI data centers!)
Unlike smart light bulbs, which 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 regular (cheaper) LEDs. The downside, of course, is that light switches aren’t as easy to switch out than light bulbs. (Anyone can do it, but you need to know the electrical risks. It’s dangerous if you don’t. When in doubt, hire a professional.)
Why use smart light switches? First, these are remotely controllable. Use your phone to toggle them from afar, or hook them up with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to control with voice commands. Second, you can schedule them with timers and routines—automatically shut off when you’ve gone to bed, or periodically turn on and off while you’re away on vacation so it looks like your home is still inhabited and active.
Some things to note before you dive in and buy one. These Tapo Smart Light Switches require a neutral wire, which not all houses have, especially older pre-1980s homes. Some users report unreliable Wi-Fi connections, so maybe think twice if your home network is spotty. And if your smart home is primarily Apple HomeKit or Matter, these light switches may not be the right fit for you.
If none of those downsides apply, then this 4-pack is a smart value. You’re effectively paying $9 per switch, which is more than worth it for all the utility they offer. This Amazon deal ends tonight, so get your order in quick if you’re interested.