Lutron brings a lighting control experience to its rock-solid lineup of smart switches. The Caseta In-Wall Smart Dimmer Switch Starter Kit is just the solution if you want an integrated, professional-looking in-wall option. The kit includes the required Smart Bridge and a Pico remote switch (basically, a portable copy of the in-wall switch). It provides the smooth on/off and dimming control you'd expect, scheduling and timers with its mobile app and voice control via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit.

You can also purchase a kit that includes the Pico Adapter, which allows you to mount the remote switch on another wall. In other words, it allows you to install a second in-wall switch without the wiring.

The Philips Hue ecosystem is one of the most robust and well-developed of any smart home product collections. Its Smart Dimmer Switch upholds that reputation. Providing easy-to-stick-anywhere wall installation and a magnetic remote control, this switch makes an excellent addition, especially if you're already set up with Hue smart lights.

Control any or all of the lights in your house: turn them on and off, dim or brighten them and select custom lighting scenes. It's a powerful tool to add to your toolbox, and the portable remote control can be particularly useful for the elderly or those with mobility challenges.

The Aurora Smart Bulb Dimmer Switch from Lutron pulls off an innovative trick—it makes your old light switch disappear! It fits over the top of the existing manual toggle switch, which means that you don't have to worry about accidentally disabling the switch if someone turns off the manual switch.

If you want a quick stick-on smart switch upgrade, but also want to take the old switch out of service, this is a dependable pick. Once the small puck-shaped switch is in place, it locks the old one in the on position. Then, you can tap it to turn on and off, or rotate it to dim or brighten the lights. The switch is made to work exclusively with the Philips Hue ecosystem, but it definitely scores points for creativity.

Leviton is another company that delivers innovative, quality in-wall smart light switches. Its Decora line features multi-location three-way switching that allows up to 10 switches on the same circuit. Start by choosing a master switch—either the Decora Smart Coordinating Switch for WiFi connection and voice control compatibility, or a Decora Digital Switch for Bluetooth. Then add up to nine Decora Digital Matching Dimmer Remote Switches.

From there, control the switches remotely or set timers and schedules with the Leviton app. There's also the option to add voice control to the WiFi switch with Alexa or Google Assistant, or use a different version that only works with HomeKit. No hub is needed, but a neutral wire is required for installing all of these in-wall switches.

The WeMo Smart Light Switch is a solid performer and especially convenient if you're already using the WeMo system for smart plugs. Another plus? This display option doesn't require a hub. It connects directly to WiFi, which can be good for simplicity as long as you have reliable coverage.

With the brand's app, you can control the switches remotely, set light schedules and timers and set up groups. That means you can turn groups of lights on and off with a two-second press on the smart switch. This choice is compatible with voice control features via Alexa, Google Assistant and HomeKit, as well as Nest and IFTTT.

If you're looking for an affordable, streamlined option, check out the Wi-Fi Light Switch HS200, which is Kasa Smart's basic model (we tested other versions from the brand!). This in-wall switch provides simple on/off functionality, scheduling and timers with an app and voice control with Alexa, Google Assistant, Microsoft Cortana, IFTTT, Nest and others. No hub is required, but in-wall installation requires a neutral wire.

No smart home hub is needed to set up the Smart Dimmer Light Switch from Ge Cync. It does, however, require a neutral and ground wire to enable the controls, which are done with the brand's app or from the switch itself. It can also be controlled via Alexa and Google Home. While the switch works with any bulb, you can pair it with Cync or C by GE smart bulbs to keep them connected even when the switch is turned off.

If you have Alexa and want a smart light switch with virtual assistant functionality, the iDevices Instinct is just what you've been looking for. It works like any other smart speaker you'd use with Alexa. Plus, you'll be able to control your lights via voice control, along with getting your calendar, weather, music and whatever else you use your virtual assistant for each day. The system comes with additional sensors that track motion for a bit of extra home security lighting even when you're not home. It truly is about as smart as you can get with a light switch.

Since most smart light switches allow you to set timers and dim the lights, think about how you want to control those features. Would you prefer using a virtual assistant, such as Alexa or Google Voice? Or would you rather use an app or WiFi?

Next, consider what lights you want to control with the gadget. Will all your living room lights work with one switch? Do you want a switch for just one room or for your entire home? Will you use it to control your inside and outside lights?

Think about how comfortable you are with installing a smart light switch. Since different switches require different installation methods, one may be better suited for your skill level.

Finally, smart light switches are available at a number of price points and can get quite costly. Determine how much you are willing to spend to help narrow down the best options for your home.

Your new device will likely come with instructions for installation, but there are some basics to know before installing your smart light switch. First things first: Make sure the power is off before doing anything else. Most require a neutral wire, which is usually gray or white, to run the inside of the switch (and most will specify if one is needed).

You'll need to remove the old light switch first. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws holding the wires to the switch. Disconnect the wires. Check the instructions that come with the switch to determine how to attach the wiring. When that's done, make sure the wires are secure, then push the new switch into the electrical box and fasten it in. The new switch should come with screws to complete that last step. Finally, attach the wall plate, which may be sold separately.

When you're done, turn the power back on to test your new smart light switch.

Smart light switches may not be a necessity, but they sure do make things convenient. Not only can they make controlling the lights in your home simple, whether it's through an app or by voice control, but they can be installed with any indoor or outdoor lighting style or socket style.

Smart light switches can be used as dimmer switches. You can also program them to go on and off at certain times, customize their light levels and control them through a virtual assistant or your smartphone, even when you're not home.

While installation can initially be costly, you'll save money on energy bills in the long run. Forgot to turn off the lights when you left home? Just turn them off via your smartphone. Set the switches to a timer and you'll never leave the living room light on again when you go to bed for the night. Dim the lights during peak hours to save even more cash.