3 HOMEKIT SMART LIGHT SWITCHES - Review and compare best of Lutron Caseta vs Belkin Wemo & Meross

💡NEW VIDEO 🎬 COMPARING 3 HOMEKIT SMART SWITCHES - Lutron Caseta, Belkin Wemo and Meross Smart Switch! I have always used Lutron Caseta but they are expensive and require a bridge. In this video I try out the budget friendly Meross smart light switch, and the mid range Belkin Wemo smart switch and compare it to higher end Lutron Caseta. Find out which is the best!
In this video, I’ll compare these three brands by looking at the setup process, how easy these smart switches are to use, the manufacturer's app, the responsiveness and reliability.
🔗 SMART LIGHT vs SMART SWITCH click here: • SMART SWITCH VS SMART ... ​
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If you are planning on purchasing recommended products in this video through Amazon, use my affiliate links - I'd be forever grateful and this would help support my channel. I may get a small commission at zero cost to you:
Lights I use to avoid “ghosting” without “hum” and minimal flickering (some flickering when dimmed below 10%):
Luxrite 4000K A19 Dimmable:
geni.us/HHrBTo1
Feit Electric 5000K A19 Dimmable:
geni.us/hmEFD
Amazon Links:
Meross on/off (single pack): geni.us/ptzI
Meross on/off switch (2 pack): amzn.to/3csXXjt
Meross Dimmable (2 pack): amzn.to/3t65tYb
Wemo Smart Plug: geni.us/oHsidJ
Wemo Smart Plug (dimmable): geni.us/GRO9pBm
Lutron Caseta Dimmable: geni.us/ltApAth
Lutron Caseta On/Off: geni.us/K7lIE
Lutron Caseta Starter Pack (with Hub): amzn.to/3rGAGk4
Music courtesy of: www.epidemicsound.com/​
Lutron Caseta: nanoleaf.me/en​
Meross: www.meross.com
Belkin Wemo: www.belkin.com/
#HomeKit​​ #Smartlighting​ #Smarthome​ #homeapp #Smarthomeideas2021 #techproductcomparison #HomeAutomation​​ #Apple​​​ #Siri​​ #heysiri​ ​#LutronCaseta​ #Lutron​ #Meross #Wemo #Belkin #Smartswitch​ #SmallKZbinr​​ #Subscribe​​ #Trending​​ #techlife​ #thebradlloyd #homekitfamily #Waitingforthreadsmartswitches​ #smartswitchinstall #bridge #smartaway #smartlightresponsiveness #ghosting #flickering #humming #smarthomebasics #smarthome101 #homekit101 #homekitbasics #smartswitchcloset #smarthub #apple #smartthings #bestsmartswitch #isLutronthebest #BestTech #KZbin #nanoleaf #threadprotocol #thread

[@AdamsTechLife]

Great video Brad! I was curious about the Meross switch and you answered my questions. I have 2 Lutron switches and they work great.

[@TheBradLloyd]

Thanks Adam!

[@atlasmenswear7938]

First - 1:16 thank you for aligning the screw heads vertically on that cover plate! Second - great review. I built a home office in my basement and I wanted to add a smart switch to my lights. I don't have any so I had no idea which ones to buy. Now at least I know these three are capable of doing what I need them to.

[@ModernDayTech]

Good stuff Brad! I love all these switches especially both 3-way of Meross and wemo, cause they both only require one switch per circuit.

[@TheBradLloyd]

Thanks Eric!

[@carlosarbelaez2007]

Thank you for the review. This is just what I was looking for.

[@TheBradLloyd]

So glad it helped!

[@camerontait9132]

Just found your channel and getting started with HomeKit, thank you.

[@TheBradLloyd]

Welcome!! 😁

[@sgeraldop]

Great video! 14 min of really useful content. Thanks.

[@TheBradLloyd]

Thank you Geraldo! Glad it was helpful!

[@imramugh]

Lovely review with a good spread. I actually ended up getting the Meross switches at 50% off for Boxing Day at $13 Canadian - which is a real steal in my mind for a HomeKit enabled switch.

[@bagrubmeister4973]

Hi Brad, love your videos. I have been using Brilliant switches and control. Brilliant switches and control integrate into home kit like they were made for each other. There smart switches are dimers or not, fan control and have motion built in and with a double tap can control any scene you as sight to the switch. This system is really a good and solid system. They cost a little more but you a lot of functionality out of the system.

[@titopr64]

Like your style...and honesty. Excellent video.

[@TheBradLloyd]

Thanks! You’ll always get my honest opinion. I appreciate you watching and taking a moment to leave a comment!

[@aeonjoey3d]

I went almost all Meross and then added Hue to get the dimmer remotes, all my meross devices (outlets, bulbs) run from a single TPLINK wifi extender (my ridiculously expensive ASUS router just wouldn't keep any IOT device alive no matter how many guides i followed) and an apple tv 4k, it's 100% rock solid now. Really interested in trying Meross switches, they're only $12/ea on Amazon right now!

[@pat5170]

Great video Brad now that it is 2022 do you think we will see switches that use Thread or do you think they will remain wifi?

[@cheapme1850]

I’ve had Meross products - switches, bulbs and outlets - for about a year and a half now with no major issues. I really like the ability to turn off the LED and the price is great.

[@_Bogdan_]

Thank you for a nice video. I just bought my first Meross switch and it works very good no problems what so ever but I haven’t had it fo a long time yet. I like the Lutron switches but they don’t do any EU versions 🙁

[@TheBradLloyd]

Oh, that's too bad that Lutron doesn't have any EU versions... Maybe in future! Now I've been using Meross for a couple of extra weeks and happy to report still no issues as well. Thanks so much for your feedback and for watching!

[@xarm2]

I’ve been using Wemo dimmer for 3 years and I’ll say what I really like: the shape of the switch is great, the scene when I can press and hold and it will turn on/off every light in the main floor such as kitchen, living room, dining room and hallway. What I don’t like: there was a few occasions when I couldn’t turn off the light ( WiFi interrupting issues ) the app was trying to turn off the light but I couldn’t until I did it manually. From what I know lutron is on top of the game and doesn’t have any issues with WiFi network. But I’m not a big fan of lutron two separate buttons on/off and the dimming triangles in the middle.

[@alanmoore2197]

Lutron now has the Diva Caseta line also, same ~features - different paddle/dimmer slider

[@myHomeKithome]

What a comparison! I’ve heard mixed experiences with WeMo. Lurton is a standard for a reason. Meross seems like a solid up-and-comer. Great showdown! id like to see Lurton pitted against Aqara in a long-term review scenario.

[@TheBradLloyd]

I'm a Lutron guy as well, but have been impressed the Meross for less than half the cost of Caseta. I'm interested to see how the Meross and Wemo hold up over the months ahead. Lutron vs Aquara would be a good comparison!

[@Rich-hm9ux]

@@TheBradLloyd What is the reach of a Lutron hub? Will it cover an entire house or is it likely you will need more than one?

[@TheBradLloyd]

@@Rich-hm9ux Hello - it's 30 feet, though you can get a repeater if you need further range. I have over 3000 sq ft of living space and 1 has been enough. For larger homes, the repeater should help.

[@Rich-hm9ux]

@@TheBradLloyd Interesting. The area of a circle with a radius of 30 feet is 2827 sq ft. That sounds about right. You have a two story home?

[@TheBradLloyd]

@@Rich-hm9ux 2 stories with a basement.

[@electricsuperal]

Like the comparison! Personally I will wait to see what Nanoleaf puts out with their thread-enabled switches before buying any others.

[@TheBradLloyd]

Great idea, I definitely look forward to a Nanoleaf Thread switch too. More thread devices cannot come soon enough! Thanks for watching!

[@StefRenaud]

Many years ago I went all in with Insteon. I liked the 8 buttons dimmer. But I had to replace too many. Now when they dies, I replace them with Lutron Caseta. They respond better from the home app too.

[@TheBradLloyd]

You can’t go wrong with Lutron!

[@Ransomed77]

Thanks for the video. I'm just starting my investigation into smart switches. My reasoning is because we just got an iRobot vacuum and it doesn't work in total darkness. We want our robot to vacuum early in the morning while we're getting ready for the day, and thus far that means I have to go downstairs and turn lights on prior to vacuuming. Since the robot is on a timer it seems counter productive to have to manually turn on lights. Hence, a smart switch. But, they seem intimidating - and knowing which works best for our iPhone environment is confusing. Your video gives me confidence to move forward. I think I'll go with the Lutron upon your recommendation - and I already have a place in mind for a pico remote. What do you use for a hub?

[@ChrisWilliams-vm1do]

I use Meross. Cheap, easy to use and they work reliably.

[@dannybroddy]

This was a cool video, I use the Belkin and Lutron in my house, I would say to me the Lutron are the winners! I also purchased the multi speed fan switch, it is great especially when tying in automations using my thermostat and Netatmo weather station to control my ceiling fan and dumb fans!

[@TheBradLloyd]

Awesome! Love Lutron and totally agree they are tried and true! I haven't personally used the Lutron fan switch yet but believe me, it's on my long list of projects. Sounds like you have a great set up with Automations!

[@dannybroddy]

@@TheBradLloyd thanks Brad, I still take all the tips I can get on automatons. I have also noticed Shane Watley and a couple others suggesting creating automations using Scenes. I do have a large number of scene automations created through Eve but am 50/50. I find the most exciting part of HomeKit is having it on autopilot. Automations, scenes and sensors!

[@walterfahmy4907]

Very nice video for comparisons. I have a major issue with Wemo I had installed in 2 homes. When a power failure happens and power comes back on, the light switch shows "Not Detected" ; so I need to be present onsite to reset the switch manually. Totally worthless when you rely on a switch that supposed to work when you are away from the location. Besides Wemo customer service has not been helpful in this issue, despite the fact that there are lots of people complaining about this shortcoming. Now my question is: are some people complaining about the same issue with Lutron Caseta? I would really appreciate your feedback or other subscribers comments. Thanks a lot.

[@mattsynth]

I really hope "Thread" becomes a standard. Every company today has their own platform, app or hub, what a pain. We need a standard in home automation to make things much more simpler. 2021 should be a big year for new "Thread" products. The Thread platform sounds great so I hope they don't screw it up.

[@TheBradLloyd]

I could not agree with you more! TY for watching!

[@jackwong64]

This is why we have HomeKit, but it is not that many HomeKit supported devices.

[@rogerf3622]

Thread is likely DOA as Matter will become the industry standard.

[@toddbod94]

Zigbee is a standard and that didn’t stop every manufacturer having their own zigbee hub. Thread will change nothing

[@rogerf3622]

I would encourage everyone to read point number 5 on the Apple HomePod specs: “Not compatible with non-HomeKit Thread devices.” This means that just because it says Thread, does not mean it will not offer a guarantee of interoperability. That is why Matter is critically important as its main purpose is to offer total interoperability of all devices. Thread’s importance is the ability to form an IOT mesh network within an eco-system.

[@andrewj.2061]

Hey Brad thanks for the great review! Quick question: is there an impact to your wifi when using the Meross or Wemo? I am trying to figure out if the Lutron technology alleviates stressing your wifi network. I am also curious. Do you use homekit or the native apps for these 3 options? And when using homekit, do the meross and wemo lack interesting features that the Lutron has?

[@TheBradLloyd]

Hi Andrew, sorry for the late reply. The wifi impact would be minimal, but could add up depending on how many switches you install, as well as other Wifi based accessories in your home. Luton operates on their own frequency. Great range and really reliable (without congesting wifi network). For apps - I use the Home app mostly, but I also use the Eve app and the Home+ 5 app which can be helpful for more advanced automations. Features wise, they are all similar. Thanks for watching!

[@ruyanali220]

@@TheBradLloyd heyy how are you i was just wondering can i control them from anywhere or do i have to be connected to the same wifi the switch is connected to

[@mr.martin2857]

Hi, will Meross smart dimmer dim smart ceiling recessed lights? I would love to combine with Globe lights.

[@coletc]

Meross has been good for me. Great Black Friday buys

[@TheBradLloyd]

That's great to hear Thomas! Black Friday is a great time to stock up on smart home accessories!

[@brucedelacruz9973]

Great video! Question, can you use the switches in the home app to control other lights as well? Or is it only whatever is connected to the switch? Could they control scenes or automations or anything like that?

[@TheBradLloyd]

Thanks for watching, Bruce! Great question, the switches do not act as buttons that control other accessories/scenes/automations. However, you can use the action of the lights turning on/off to trigger scenes or automations in the home app. For example, when the lights controlling the switch turn on then play music on my HomePod mini. Small exception, if using a Lutron pico remote you can set homekit scenes. Shane Whatley has a great video on this if you do want to learn more about this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/baPHl2uPe8mKiqc

[@brucedelacruz9973]

That’s a great idea. Thank you!

[@ericsaunders3824]

Great video! I have had Lutron for a couple of years as well, and they are rock solid. I definitely would recommend the Lutron Caséta switches to those who want great reliability. I have installed Meross in a couple of spots to try them out. The Meross devices have been reliable so far. Their HomeKit support is nice for the price. We will have to see if they continue to work well. ES

[@TheBradLloyd]

Thanks for watching, Eric. Price is definitely a factor and the Meross switch has delivered good reliability so far. I really enjoyed testing these all out!

[@ruyanali220]

He hows it going i was just wondering do i have to be connected to the same wifi the switch is on or can i control it from anywhere?

[@michaelesquivel9810]

Hey Brad what bulbs do you use with lutron caseta switch dimmer I’m struggling my light is flickering

[@Chromedome-ss6mg]

Phillips hue for me. I love my wireless switches

[@TheNameOfJesus]

Ghosting (and flickering and humming.) Thanks for explaining this; I understand now. I didn't understand it before. And it scares me. I think I'll just stick with smart bulbs because of this and because they are easier to install (and I can uninstall them more easily if I move to a new home.)

[@mathrocks7591]

The best thing about lutron is that you only need hub where the other two, each switch need to be connect to the router and in turn they could slow the speed of your router. This reason is enough for me to use lutron .

[@TheBradLloyd]

Absolutely, great point especially if you have multiple wifi accessories. I’m a big fan of Lutron. Thank you for watching.

[@entertainment72]

If the hub goes down you’re SOL.

[@roberthiday3342]

nice, helpful video. It has been about eight months now since you made this video. Have you seen anything new that would change your perception? I am in the process of building a new home and I'm about to make decisions regarding light switches, ceiling fan switches, occupancy sensors, etc. and would like your thoughts.

[@TheBradLloyd]

Congrats on the new house Robert! I would avoid too many wifi devices. For light switches Lutron is still the way to go. It's a bit of an investment but it's worth it in my option. For motion sensors (occupancy sensors are pretty rare and expensive in HomeKit) I would suggest Aqara or Hue. Eve has some great products as well, but I would stick to those that are thread enabled (their motion sensor is not - yet!), but their Door and Window is, as well as Eve Energy (smart plug). Hue has the best bulbs and light strips, but they are expensive so Nanoleaf is an admirable alternative depending on your budget. As far as these light switches since I published - Wemo has been the worst, Meross has done well and Lutron has been perfect. If you are thinking of Aqara, their light switches work pretty well (use zigbee). Hope that helps.

[@roberthiday3342]

@@TheBradLloyd thanks. this is very helpful and much appreciated.

[@lo_fye]

I love my Caséta switches. Zero fails in over 8 years. BUT I do wish their aesthetics were less fiddly. On/Off + preset button would be fine by me. Dim with voice or phone or pico remote.

[@lo_fye]

By the way, I still haven’t replace a single pico remote battery in over 8 years!!

[@othercharr]

Have 56 Lutron dimmer and switches and I'm maxed out at 75 devices on the system with all the Picos as well. Won't be looking at anything else from Belkin, Meross, Eve, etc... until they move to Thread

[@TheBradLloyd]

Wow! That is hardcore! Agree, especially given how many switches you have that waiting for #thread is a smart move!

[@ojasray1]

@@TheBradLloyd Eve sensors I believe are now thread

[@forstermatt1]

Buying 72 smart switches this week want to do wifi. I was looking at Leviton or C by GE. Probably Leviton as they have been around. Don't want a hub, will have robust wifi 6.

[@mevlutunlu42]

hi. lutron is not sold in my country but I can buy meross. I have some questions. these switches work on 2.4ghz but my phone works on 5ghz wifi band. can they still communicate? Does meross have dimming function? cause I don’t have bulbs with dimming support. I’m gonna install them for my downlights.

[@brandonc272]

Your Amazon link for the Meross links to the version that is not compatible with HomeKit.

[@ashsworld4414]

Hey do you know of any smart switches that have dual controls over two lights?

[@TheBradLloyd]

Hello! I’ve seen one with light and fan control, but not one that controls 2 lights.

[@clemenssc3542]

Hello! I have a quick Question. When installing the Meross Switch, will i be able to dimm my led lights even if they are not smart lights?

[@TheBradLloyd]

As long as the lights are dimmable and you bought the dimmable Meross Switch, then yes. Smart switches are meant to work with "dumb" lights.

[@clemenssc3542]

@@TheBradLloyd Cool Thanks! That is a great answer :D

[@abdulaleemali128]

What brand led bulbs u use with lutron

[@mwahlert]

Have you come across a HomeKit switch that can keep power flowing to the downstream smart bulbs and instruct the bulbs to turn on or off themselves?

[@TheBradLloyd]

Just the Lutron Aurora for Philips Hue. It locks the switch to the on position and can be turned on/off and dimmed right from the switch.

[@mwahlert]

@@TheBradLloyd Yeah, that's what I thought. Not many options out there sadly.

[@emmgeevideo]

This comment is in May 2022. Your video said the Lutron Caseta switch does not support Thread. I just checked and it seems that it still doesn't, but it is Home Kit compatible. My understanding is that a big advantage of Thread is interoperability with devices that are not Home Kit compatible. If you have committed to Home Kit as your smart home platform, is there any downside or limitations for using something like a Lutron Caseta switch that doesn't support Thread if you are also using Thread within your home?

[@TheBradLloyd]

Hello - The interoperability that I think you are referring to is the new Matter standard that we're still waiting for, and Thread of one of the networking technologies that will work with Matter. In terms of limitations with Lutron Caseta's system vs Thread, the only real disadvantage is you need a Lutron hub. Matter should help to make more devices available to HomeKit users, however, if you have accessories that already work with HomeKit, then they should continue working with HomeKit for years to come. I'm a huge fan of Lutron Caseta. They work great and are worth the money.

[@forstermatt1]

Buying 72 smart switches this week want to do wifi. I was looking at Leviton or C by GE. Probably Leviton as they have been around. Don't want a hub, will have robust wifi 6.

[@forstermatt1]

Network is 10 gig ubiquity based inside house,, 1 gig from FIOS. So # of devices and bandwidth should not be an issue, it's new build so doing all at once

[@TheBradLloyd]

Wow - that is a lot of switches all at once!! Personally I would go with Lutron. I've heard some not so great feedback on Leviton, but never used them personally. Good luck either way!

[@AlexManMe]

One year update, do you still recommend the Meross?

[@TheBradLloyd]

Yes, I really do! I recently reviewed another Meross switch here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eputhJh_r8t3l7c

[@AlexManMe]

@@TheBradLloyd Cheers for the reply,. Do these work with smart bulbs? If the wall switches are on their off state are power still being sent to the bulbs so we can control the bulbs?

[@ojasray1]

Lutron vs Eva smart switches?? any thoughts?

[@TheBradLloyd]

Hi Ojas, I haven’t used Eva so cannot comment on their switch, but Lutron is rock solid.

[@ojasray1]

@@TheBradLloyd Thank you for your reply - my only gripe with Lutron is the range (location) of the hub. If my network setup is in my basement hardwired - would it reach my 2nd floor?

[@entertainment72]

No hubs for me, I have 20 WEMO switches and have been rock solid.

[@TheBradLloyd]

Lutron switches will still work without the hub (just won’t be “smart”). My WeMo has been… ok. Fast to respond when it’s working, but often unresponsive. I personally don’t recommend WeMo. Their smart plugs are even worse. Glad you are having good luck with them though!

[@entertainment72]

@@TheBradLloyd I wasn’t clear enough, I meant the smart part, when the hub is down you cannot control any of the switches remotely, if one WEMO goes down my other 19 will still work remotely. That is unless Lutron changed something, this is why I despise Aqara.

[@FACTSWITHANTHONYJAMES]

Any updates?

[@aeonjoey3d]

I just don't want to have ANOTHER hub, if Lutron worked with Hue hub or vice versa would be amazing.

[@TheBradLloyd]

I totally get it, but it’s so worth it. The Lutron switches work unbelievably well!

[@VampireOnline]

Lutron switches are so hard to use. I hate the flush buttons.

[@TheBradLloyd]

That’s a great call out! I don’t mind the design, though I have heard others mention that as well. It’s definitely a personal preference and some thing to be aware of. Not your traditional rocker switch…

[@archy234]

WTH is a neutral wire? Where i live we have so called + and - (one is hot and on is note) then there is ground wire.

[@TheNameOfJesus]

You overlooked the #1 issue - privacy. You said some of these devices require firmware updates through the app when you install them. That bothers me because many apps require an email address before you can use them, but I refuse to give out my email address. It also bothers me for another reason - any product that requires a firmware upgrade to work is making me into a beta tester, and I find that insulting.

[@echodun]

Doesn't Lutron require a HUB? That would have been a good thing to mention. WEMO doesn't require one and I don't believe Meross does either.

[@TheBradLloyd]

Thanks for watching. Yes, it does require a hub. I did mention this around the 5 minute mark. I still appreciate your feedback and I could have explained this a little bit more.

[@peterxyz3541]

Other than doing product reviews, as a practical person, you must ask: what problems are they (these switches) solving? What dire problem will these switches fix? Garage door opener? ABSOLUTELY! Auto thermostat? YES! Video doorbell to phone? CANT LIVE WITH OUT IT! They solve a problem. Smart light switch? MAYBE

[@cheapme1850]

I know this is an old post but here goes. I have a hard to reach switch over a countertop. It’s much easier to give a voice command. For people with mobility issues it’s much easier, especially at night, to be able to turn an overhead light off with voice commands. When returning home at night, it’s nice to have the lights turn on inside at the same time you open the garage door. Yes, some smart devices are overrated, for example, smart bulbs which I never used and never worked correctly, but smart switches are great.

[@northlander4370]

Not everyone uses siri ..

[@TheBradLloyd]

Hey Northlander - absolutely right, and lots of great channels out there for the other ecosystems. My passion is Apple HomeKit, so this is what my channel focuses on. Cheers!

[@victorvek5227]

The Ghosting thing really fn sucks

[@TheBradLloyd]

Yeah, I know. Try changing to another brand of bulb and that usually fixes the issue.

[@MS-rs8le]

Rely on a hub and you are relying on the manufacturer to stay in business. The company Insteon just went out of business rescently and left thousands of customers in the dark??? DONT rely on a Hub period? Simple wifi is best