Recently I installed the Philips Hue Dimmer Switch: throughout my condo. I decided on the Philips Hue Dimmer Switch because it was the easiest to install due to it not having to be hard wired to the light switch. It was also less expensive but I was curious how other light switches compare.
Today Elgato launched the Eve Light Switch which is the world’s first light switch designed for the Apple HomeKit and is a more permanent installation versus my Philips Hue Dimmer Switch which runs on batteries. While wondering if I should go out and purchase the new Eve Light Switch I decided to do a comparison of both products before I change out one switch for the other. Below are my findings and comparison of Eve Light Switch, Philips Hue Dimmer Switch, and the Philips Hue Tap Switch to help you make an educated decision on which light switch works for your home. Also below is the pricing and links to all three switches.
Elgato Eve Light Switch: $50.00
- Hardwired wall switch replacement – requires professional installation or a savvy DIYer who is comfortable replacing a wall switch, shutting off power at the breaker, etc.
- Single pole switches only – will not work with 3-pole switches
- Only compatible with Apple HomeKit and Apple devices (no android)
- Does not require a special Hub to make it work
- Uses Bluetooth low-energy technology to connect directly to iPad, iPhone and AppleTV – this makes it more secure than WiFi
- To control remotely from outside the house, an iPad, iPhone or AppleTV must be near the switch to make a Bluetooth connection
- Does not require smart bulbs – so you could use your existing bulbs
- You’ll save money on smart bulbs, which cost between $15-50 per bulb but the switch cost $50 and can only control the light the switch belongs to or can be programmed in the app to activate “scenes” if there are other Eve Light Switches in the house
- If you do have smart bulbs as well, the switch will always be in sync with the bulbs – this means if someone turns the lights off from the switch, you can still turn them back on/off from the app vs. our house that has the old switches too and if you turn those off, you cannot control the smart bulbs at all.
- Does not also serve as a remote – you cannot pull the switch off the wall and use it on the couch like we can do with Philips Hue Dimmer Switch and Philips Hue Tap Switch (the round one).
- Can be controlled by voice through Siri
- Requires Apple HomeKit (AppleTV + Apple Home app)
- It doesn’t look like you can dim the lights from the switch – you can dim lights from the app
- Aesthetically, it’s a nicer/cleaner looking switch
- Eve Light Switch is much more comparable to Lutron Caseta switches vs. Philips Hue Dimmer Switch (which I currently have)
Philips Hue Dimmer Switch: $25 (or $35 bundled with one smart bulb)
- Completely wireless – does not require professional installation or dealing with shutting off power, risking shocking yourself, etc.
- Switch can be installed anywhere, even where there is no existing light switch and can be screwed into the wall or simply pasted using the included double-sided tape so you make no holes and can easily move in the future
- Switch is removable from the wall plate (magnets hold it in place) to be used as a remote anywhere in the house
- Switch runs on batteries
- Works straight out of the box with no setup if purchased with a bundled smart bulb
- Doesn’t require the Philips Hue bridge if you just want to use it with the bulb it came with
- If purchased as a standalone switch, it will need to be set up in the Philips Hue app and requires the Philips Hue bridge to connect with other smart bulbs in the house
- Uses Zigbee wireless technology (the standard for smart home) making it compatible with many smart bulbs and hubs on the market, not just Philips Hue
- It can be programmed to control and dim any single smart bulb or group of bulbs in the house
- If you’re just getting into smart home lighting, this is the fastest, cheapest and easiest way to get started. Especially good for those who aren’t sure they want to invest in smart home or for those who rent vs. own and don’t want to make a permanent installation – when you move, you just take your smart bulbs and dimmer switches with you. No need to un-install and replace with the old switches.
- Requires Philips Hue bridge
- Controls “scenes” only – So like ours, we have it programmed for “Movie” “TV” and “Full Bright” scenes
- Completely wireless – does not require professional installation or dealing with shutting off power, risking shocking yourself, etc.
- Switch can be installed anywhere, even where there is no existing light switch and can be screwed into the wall or simply pasted using the included double-sided tape so you make no holes and can easily move in the future
- Switch is removable from the wall plate (it clicks into place, no magnets) to be used as a remote anywhere in the house
- Does not run on batteries. Uses a small burst of kinetic energy when you push the button. No batteries ever!
- Round design makes it look strange and not as obvious that it’s a light switch or what the buttons do.
After reading this what switch do you think you would purchase and why? Below is a contact form that will go directly to me where you can contact me and tell me what switch you decided for your home.
Good luck on your light switch search!
