- Totally get the wallet pain—those smart bulbs add up fast, especially if you’ve got a bunch of fixtures. I did the math for my place and nearly choked.
- The “game show buzzer” thing made me laugh. My nephew’s the same way, and I swear half my switches are permanently in the “mystery” position.
- Battery remotes are a love-hate for me too. I tried to Velcro one to the back door, but somehow it still ends up in the laundry room every time it rains.
- Old-school switches just work. There’s something about that click that feels like you’re actually in control, not just hoping your WiFi is having a good day.
On the neutral wire thing—yeah, that’s a huge headache with older houses. I’ve been hunting for budget-friendly options too, since rewiring isn’t happening here either.
- There are a few brands (like Lutron Caseta) that don’t need a neutral, but they’re not exactly cheap. Sometimes you can find deals on open-box or used ones online, but it’s hit or miss.
- Some of the no-neutral “smart” switches use a little trickle current through the bulb to power themselves, but they can be picky about what kind of bulbs you use (incandescents usually work, LEDs sometimes flicker or don’t shut off all the way).
- I tried one of those super-budget no-neutral switches from Amazon and… let’s just say it was more “adventure” than “solution.” Ended up with ghost lights at 2am.
If you’re okay with sticking to regular bulbs outside and just want remote control, there are plug-in outdoor smart outlets that don’t care about your wiring at all. Not as slick as an in-wall switch, but way less hassle and usually cheaper.
Honestly, sometimes I wonder if all this “smart” stuff is worth it when a $2 timer does 90% of what I need. But then again, being able to turn off everything from bed is pretty sweet... when it works.
I hear you on the neutral wire mess—my house is 1960s and I’m not about to tear up walls just for a couple of switches. Honestly, for the yard, I’ve had better luck with those outdoor smart plugs. Not glamorous, but they’re dead simple and you can use whatever lights you want. Tried the no-neutral switches too and had the same “haunted house” effect. Sometimes the old-school timer really is the least stressful option, even if it’s not as cool.
Smart Plugs Are Great, But Don't Write Off Smart Bulbs Yet
Sometimes the old-school timer really is the least stressful option, even if it’s not as cool.
Timers definitely have their place—my porch light ran on one for years, and it survived three thunderstorms and a squirrel attack (don’t ask). But I’ve gotta throw in a word for smart bulbs in outdoor fixtures. I know, the idea of replacing bulbs feels like a step backwards compared to just plugging something in, but hear me out: you get all the scheduling and color control, no re-wiring or neutral wire drama required. As long as your fixture’s covered, they hold up surprisingly well.
I do get the appeal of one big plug to rule them all, but sometimes I want my patio lights to be purple for Halloween or dimmed for movie night. Hard to do that with a timer or a plug. Admittedly, if your fixtures are ancient (mine are 1940s specials), you might need an adapter or two...or three. Still, it beats patching drywall.
Just saying, smart bulbs aren’t as much of a pain as they used to be. And if they start acting haunted, at least you can blame the ghosts and not your wiring.
I hear you on the haunted smart bulbs—mine have a mind of their own every time the Wi-Fi hiccups. Still, I lean toward bulbs for the flexibility, especially outside. Being able to switch from “garden party” to “spooky purple” with a tap is just fun. I do worry about waste, though—feels weird tossing a whole bulb if just the smart part dies. At least with the plugs or switches, you’re not replacing the actual light source every time. But yeah, patching drywall is a dealbreaker for me too.
I totally get the appeal of smart bulbs for outdoor setups—nothing beats flipping the vibe from chill to party mode with a swipe. But honestly, after swapping out a handful of pricey bulbs that just quit on me (while the LEDs were still fine), I started leaning toward smart switches. Less waste, less guilt, and I don’t have to climb a ladder as often. Still, I do miss the color options sometimes... it’s a tradeoff. Patching drywall, though? Hard pass. I’ve done enough of that for a lifetime.
