Dusk to Dawn Lights Vs Smart Bulbs: Is One of Them Worth it?

Listen, I’ve been down this rabbit hole. You want outdoor lighting that doesn’t devour your wallet or need a PhD to install. So the burning question: do you spring for a dusk to dawn or go full smart bulb?

I tested both. Here’s what actually matters.

What You’re Really Getting

Dusk to dawn lights are straightforward. They’re equipped with a photocell sensor that turns the light on when it gets dark and switches if off when it’s light. No app, no WiFi fussing, no “why won’t this connect” at 11 PM.

Smart bulbs give you control. WiFi enabled, voice controlled via Alexa or Google Assistant and the ability to schedule using your smart phone. You’re kind of the boss of your outdoor lighting.

But here’s the trade-off you’re paying for that control.

The Cost Reality

I compared prices on a myriad of sites. Simple dusk to dawn LEDs start around $15, and also from about $30. Done. They have a life span of 25,000-50,000 hours (about 10-20 years if you’re not running them constantly).

Smart bulbs? You’re staring at between $25 and $60 per bulb, not to mention some require a hub depending on the brand. Oh, and if your WiFi goes out or you change routers, forget about trying to remember how to reconnect everything.

Energy Consumption: They’re Basically the Same

Both use LED technology. Contemporary LEDs can reduce energy consumption by up to 80 percent over older incandescents, so you win either way. It’s not your electric bill that differs. it’s how they work.

Dusk till dawn lights are on dusk to dawn every night, from sunset to sunrise. No exceptions. Smart bulbs are only on when you program them, or when you activate them by hand.

So if you’re lax about setting schedules, your smart bulb just lies there in the dark as someone trips over your garden hose.

Setup: One’s Brain-Dead Simple

I mounted a dusk to dawn light in less than 10 minutes. Just screw it in, let it sense ambient light and you’re finished. The photocell sensor automatically activates at dusk you will not notice it.

Smart bulbs took me 45 minutes.” Download the app, sign up for an account, connect to your WiFi network, name the bulb something easy to remember in case you ever saw yourself shouting commands at it, establish some routines and maybe fight with Alexa because she didn’t hear you correctly.

If you’re tech-savvy, cool. If all you’re looking for is a light that works, dusk to dawn prevails.

Control: This Is How Smart Bulbs Stand Out

Here’s what sold me on smart bulbs at some spots: I can switch them off from bed. I can dim them when I’m screening a movie on the patio. I can program them to come on vacation mode whenever I’m out of town for security.

Today’s smart versions come with such features as WiFi connectivity and programmable scheduling that can be great when your outdoor schedule varies daily.

Dusk to dawn lights? They’re on when it’s dark. That’s it. No remote control, no dimming, no “turn off at midnight and power down for energy savings.” They do one thing really well, and that’s the only thing they do.

When to Pick Each One

Go dusk to dawn if:

• You want zero maintenance lighting
• Your outdoor are requires even now light
• Who needs to be rassing with apps or schedules
• You want dependable security lights for your driveway or front.Enter: the best outdoor motion sensor lights.

Go smart bulb if:

• You like being able to control stuff from the phone
• Your lighting requirements depend on plans or seasons
• You’ve already invested in a smart home system
• You would like to adjust the brightness, and timing is important to you

FAQs

Can I use dusk to dawn and smart features at the same time?

Some newer fixtures marry these with WiFi and voice control, so you get automation with the convenience of manual overrides. They are also more expensive, but both options have a lot to offer.

Will smart bulbs work if my internet goes out?

Many smart bulbs fall back to simple on/off when they’re disconnected from WiFi, but you’ll also lose out on app control and automation. Dusk to dawn lights keep catching sunlight no matter what photo and infrared posters don’t require internet.

Which option saves more money in the long run?

Both employ similar LED technology, so energy costs are about the same. Your savings are through lifetime and not wasting runtime. Smart bulb schedules? They pull slightly ahead if you’re disciplined about them. Those dusk to dawn lights win if you forget to automate them, by simply turning on and off every night.

My Take

I use both now. I have dusk to dawn lights on my front walkway and garage spots where I want reliable lighting without having to think about it. Smart bulbs are on in my deck and backyard where I actually need control to entertain or watch a movie.

If I had to pick just one? Dusk to dawn lights. They’re dependable, stupid simple and they work. But if you already have a smart home up and running, and enjoy fiddling with stuff, smart bulbs are worth the extra hassle of setting them up.

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