Recommendations for remote/wireless/smart switch platform

[kbuhagiar]

Hello folks,

I am ready to make a sizable investment in smart switches in our new home, and I need to choose a platform.

At our other house I have some WeMo wifi switches and a couple of Eaton Z-wave. The Eatons will stay with the other house when we sell, and frankly, I found the WeMo software a bit clunky and hard to work with, so I am open to the idea of starting fresh with a new platform, but I may be interested in removing them and bringing them with me if it is worth my while (pending recommendations and research).

I will need a combination of switches that I can control remotely (such as when away on vacation) and also schedule to come on and off at certain times of the day (sunrise/sunset capability is a must) plus a few other remote wireless switches (like the Eatons, so I can add a three-way-switch function to a couple of rooms). Oh, and a robust user-friendly software interface is a plus.

Is there one system/platform that can handle all of these requirements?
If so, which do you recommend?

I also have a Remootio remote gate/garage door control system, so compatibility with that would be a bonus.

Thanks in advance!

 

[mrVanagon]

I've bought a number of brands in the past and been let down by all but one- Lutron Caseta. They are on the expensive end and you will need a hub but they are rock solid in both the hardware and the software.

 

[kbuhagiar]

I've bought a number of brands in the past and been let down by all but one- Lutron Caseta. They are on the expensive end and you will need a hub but they are rock solid in both the hardware and the software.

Based on my preliminary research they appear to be highly regarded in the industry, and also receive high ratings from consumers. I don't mind paying a premium in exchange for dependability.

 

[cybrdyke]

+1 for Caseta

 

[Mooky]

Kasa smart. Switches, plugs, cameras. Compatible with Alexa, Google home etc.

 

[macdabs]

Lutron my vote also. I have a couple of Kasa smart plugs and they are always difficult when I make any network changes .
No problems with the Lutron software. I have multiple locations on different networks .Examole House 1 , 2nd house ,shop and office all with Lutron switches and hubs .The software allows me to select and control lighting at all. Usually during Black Friday the box stores run specials with two switches and a hub setup . Good way to get the Hub for basically nothing and slowly add switches .

 

[kbuhagiar]

Looks like Lutron has the lead...any other challengers?

 

[Outlander]

I have Kasa devices at home and the lake. They work pretty well (Google home, Alexa etc.), I'm slightly annoyed they removed accessibility to DIY platforms so I might reconsider options.

 

[mrVanagon]

I've had good experience with KASA smart plugs. If you have a spot where the light switch requirements won't allow for a Caseta switch (like the two switches in one single gang box for my kitchen fan and light) I suggest Hue bulbs from Philips. I also like their smart plugs and dimmer though Hue stuff will likely need another hub.

 

[justsam]

I too am a fan of Lutron products in general, including Caseta. As mentioned it does require a bridge or hub device since it uses it's own protocols, called Clear Connect, operating on an FCC part 15.231 band, at 434 Mhz. My issue with it in the past was more to do with requiring official dealer involvement, which I understand, but am not a fan of.

I like the Leviton smart devices in that you can get them either for WiFi, or Z-wave. My alarm system smart device interface requires Z Wave, while most of my lighting is WiFi. User Interface app is fair to good.

If I were thinking of making changes, I would wait for MATTER. It is the latest interface/protocol that several manufacturers have been engaged in developing and seeking approvals. A few products are now on the market but still too early to pass judgement.

Build With Matter | Smart Home Device Solution

Matter creates connections between devices, simplifies development for manufacturers, and increases compatibility for consumers.

csa-iot.org

 

[beemerphile]

Lutron Caseta. Next question please.

 

[Metal-Marc]

Leviton for sure.

SmartThings to control them all.