Our picks at a glance
Paid link: buttons go to the retailer. Prices change often, so we link to the current price instead of listing one.
Comparison table
| Feature | Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Starter KitBest smart lighting | Yale Assure Lock 2Best smart lock | August Wi-Fi Smart LockBest retrofit lock |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verdict | Buy | Buy | Buy |
| Best for | Whole-home lighting | Keyless entry | Renters |
| Key feature | Reliable, huge ecosystem | Keypad plus app control | Fits over your existing deadbolt |
| Typical price | $180–$230 | $230–$300 | $200–$250 |
| Where to buy | Check price Paid link | Check price Paid link | Check price Paid link |
Smart Lighting
8.8/10 research score
1Best smart lightingBuy
Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Starter Kit
Reliable, huge ecosystem. Our pick for whole-home lighting.
- Buy it if
- You want reliable smart lighting that scales to the whole home.
- Skip it if
- You only need one or two cheap bulbs.
Pros
- Very reliable
- Huge range of fixtures
- Works with every assistant
Cons
- Expensive per bulb
Check current price Paid linkTypically $180–$230
Smart Lighting
8.5/10 research score
2Best smart lockBuy
Yale Assure Lock 2
Keypad plus app control. Our pick for keyless entry.
- Buy it if
- You want keyless entry with a keypad backup.
- Skip it if
- You rent and cannot replace your lock.
Pros
- Sleek keypad
- Works with major assistants
- Auto-lock
Cons
- Pricey with Wi-Fi module
Check current price Paid linkTypically $230–$300
Smart Lighting
8.3/10 research score
3Best retrofit lockBuy
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
Fits over your existing deadbolt. Our pick for renters.
- Buy it if
- You want a smart lock that keeps your existing keys working.
- Skip it if
- You want a keypad on the outside (sold separately).
Pros
- Keeps your existing key
- Auto-unlock
- Compact
Cons
- Keypad costs extra
Check current price Paid linkTypically $200–$250
Compare more smart lighting on Amazon Paid link
How we chose
Smart bulbs and smart locks compared on reliability, ecosystem support and ease of setup. We compared specifications, manufacturer documentation, warranty terms and typical prices, then gave every product a clear verdict with the people who should skip it.
What to look for in smart lighting & locks
- Choose devices that support Matter for the widest compatibility.
- Smart locks should keep a physical key or keypad backup.
Frequently asked questions
Do smart bulbs need a hub?
Many work over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth; a hub makes large setups more reliable.