3-way smart switches are the next-generation switches that come with a variety of features.
In addition to being 3 way, which essentially means they’re capable of controlling a circuit from two different locations, they come packed with a lot of interesting features as well, such as voice control, automatic sensors, and so on.
All these features make your interaction with switches a whole lot better.
However, when you go out to buy a 3-way smart switch out there, you get confused a lot since there are many models available, and for a beginner, it’s not easy to compare them and pick the best one out.
So, in this article, I’m going to sort the top 9 picks for the best 3-way smart switch for you, so you don’t have to waste your time going through hundreds of useless models.
Moreover, I’ll lay out a buyer’s guide if you’re a beginner and have no idea how to choose the most suitable switch for yourself.
So, let’s get going without any further ado.
9 Best 3-Way Smart Switch
I’ve surfed through various models available in the market, ranging from the most famous ones to the top-rated ones.
After critically comparing each other and finding the good value for money products, here are the top 9 picks according to me, along with their pros and cons.
1. KASA Smart HS210 3 Way Smart Switch
Making its place on the top spot after beating so many contenders, we have this KASA HS210 3 way smart switch.
If you ask me, this is probably the highest value for money device I’ve come across during my review.
Unlike the other smart switches with similar features like the support Alexa and seamless voice control, this is priced a lot less and still delivers the same quality.
The design is simple; it’s a wall-mounted push-button-styled switch. The features include scheduling, control through WiFi, Google Assistant compatibility, and so on.
More photos & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Great value for money
- Seamless compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Scheduling features
- The remote control is very reliable
Cons
- Not that sheer
2. Lutron Caseta Smart Home Switch
Lutron Caseta is another top-notch smart switch that is known for its high-quality hardware.
It provides you similar features as we saw with the KASA switch, such as WiFi control, compatibility with Alexa, and so forth.
One of the best things about this is the ecosystem it provides. Once you install the app available on Android and iOS, you can control everything from a single place.
You can even control multiple bulbs from a single switch. Lastly, the setup is quite easy, and it doesn’t even need a neutral wire.
More photos & price on amazon.com
Pros
- No neutral wire is needed
- Very convenient to setup
- The app is very easy to use
Cons
- Requires to set up a separate hub once
3. Wemo WLS0403-BDL Wi-Fi Light Switch
Wemo is an elegant brand and goes as close to perfection with its products as it’s possible.
This wall-mounted push-button 3-way smart switch by Wemo is amongst the most elite product you’d find on the brand.
Even though the price is higher than the competitors, it justifies it completely, and once you get addicted to the luxury it provides, you don’t care that much about the price.
In addition to being compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, it provides control using Apple HomeKit. The Wemo app is easy to use and set up, and I couldn’t be more satisfied.
More photos & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Can automatically detect if the light is on or off
- Provides support for Apple HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Assistant
- Easy to install and setup
- Very reliable
Cons
- Fitting the wires inside the box is hard
- Some claims it resets automatically
4. GE Enbrighten Z-Wave Plus
Coming with a toggle switch control, this smart switch by GE is a greatly designed smart switch.
The re-designing has made the depth of components much lesser, and the heat tabs are also eliminated in this model, unlike the previous ones.
You can use this switch for a wide range of applications, and it can be easily controlled with a device having WiFi or simply voice control if you have Alexa.
The installation process doesn’t take long. However, you need to have a neutral wire to install this.
More photos & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Best integration with Alexa; no issues at all
- No resetting or connection issues
- Good build quality
- Easy installation
Cons
- It won’t work in circuits where the neutral wire isn’t available.
- Pricey
5. Meross 3 way Smart Light Switch
Meross 3 way light switch is more on the affordable side of the 3-way smart switches. While being affordable, it doesn’t compromise upon the quality or the performance.
There are both remote control and voice control features available, and personally, they were second to none.
There is scheduling also available, and you can set timers for your lights or when do they turn on every day.
Lastly, the switch provides a fire retardant body as it’s made from PC and ABS, so it’s great on the safe side as well in case there’s a fire in circuits.
More photos & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Fire retardant material
- Automatic lights off to save energy
- Top-notch meross app
- Affordable
Cons
- It doesn’t support 5G band of WiFi
6. myTouchSmart Wifi Switch
Yet another affordable pick with a great performance, just like the previous meross switch we saw.
This one also lacks support for the 5G band of WiFi but for the 2.4G, which is mostly available, it works perfectly fine.
It does, however, require a neutral wire for installation, which could be a problem for some, but everything else is great. It’s available in white and almond color which suit most decors of rooms.
Lastly, the app is very user-friendly, and even a non-technical person won’t run into any issues using it.
More photos & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Great app
- Very affordable
- One-touch setup
- Quick installation
Cons
- Needs neutral wire
- No 5G Wifi support
7. Z-Wave Smart Light Switch 46201
This is pretty similar to the previous GE 46201 model we saw earlier but is more of a downgrade to it.
The design is great and doesn’t include heat tabs, while the switch works with every appliance you want it to.
The installation is easy and beginner-friendly, while Alexa integration is as good as it could be. Once you get used to this, it won’t be easy switching to other switches.
More photos & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Seamless voice control – very smooth
- Very responsive
- Very easy to install
Cons
- Not the most reliable and long-lasting
8. C by GE Smart Dimmer Switch
Do you want to replace your conventional light bulbs with smart bulbs without even needing to replace them? Well, this GE smart switch is all you want.
It’s a one-for-all home solution that makes your life very convenient. The switch is very convenient and provides seamless integration with Alexa as well as Google assistant.
Moreover, there is a dedicated app to control the switches through your mobile phone even when you’re miles away.
So, why get out of your comfort zone and go to the circuit board to turn the lights on when you can do it from anywhere?
Moreover, the company provides excellent support, and even though you’d rarely need it since using it is simple, it’s still available for you.
There are no disconnecting issues as faced in other brands, and the experience is simply amazing.
More photos & price on amazon.com
Pros
- It doesn’t require a neutral wire
- Great quality hardware
- Voice control is above par
Cons
- Some claims it starts often disconnecting after some months of usage
9. Gosund 3 Way Smart Switch
Last but certainly not least, we have the Gosund 3 way smart switch. This is another high-value-for-money device that possesses all the features provided by switches with much higher price tags.
The customers using it are pretty happy with the performance and other than a bit tricky installation process, there are no problems whatsoever.
The voice control using Alexa and Google Assistant is top-notch; the switch doesn’t reset or disconnect, so you don’t have to keep getting bothered again and again.
However, it’s not the fanciest switch out there but provides you a pretty decent outlook, if that’s what you’re looking for.
In a nutshell, it’s a great pick for people looking for a decent smart switch with exquisite smart features.
More photos & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Great build quality
- Very reliable connection
- No-delay voice control
Cons
- Not the easiest installation for beginners
Buyer’s Guide
In this section, I’ll be going through the buyer’s guide, which is essentially made to help you choose the most suitable switch for yourself.
Even though all the top picks were carefully analyzed and will provide you excellent performance, there are some switches which might be others but not for you, as everybody has different requirements.
So, let’s look at what things to look for when buying a 3-way smart switch.
Design & Color
When it comes to replacing old switches, the design and color of the new switch are some of the most important things to look at.
You have to make sure the new switch matches well with your existing wall plates and overall décor.
If you manage to buy a great switch, but it fails to sit well with your overall theme, it won’t be a great deal for you.
So, whenever you’re buying a new smart switch, keep in mind the design and color it comes in.
Build Quality
Build quality is another important feature. Always make sure what you’re buying has construction from high-quality material, or else it wouldn’t be long till you need to replace it.
Switches are something that is touched a lot, even if they’re smart switches. So, never ignore quality while looking for features.
Voice Control
Voice control is an essential feature when it comes to a smart switch and pretty much the goal of why you’re buying it.
Some switches offer compatibility with Google Assistant, some for Alexa, while some for Apple HomeKit.
So, make sure whichever system you use at home is compatible with the switch you’re buying.
Mobile App
Almost all the smart switches provide a dedicated mobile app to control them remotely.
However, it’s important to check this app beforehand and see how easy to use it is. The more user-friendly the app is, the better it is for you.
Having a lot of features, but a very complex app would do nothing but waste your time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a single-pole switch to 3 way?
No, you cannot. But you can go the other way around.
Can I use a 3-way dimmer on a 4-way circuit?
Yes, you can easily use a 3-way dimmer on a 4-way circuit.
Can you use a 3-way switch as a normal switch?
Yes, you can. You only have to pick the right two terminals, and you’re good to go.
How is a 3-way switch different than a regular switch?
A simple switch has only two terminals, one for power and the other one for the appliance, but a 3-way switch has three terminals so that you can control it from two different locations.
What color is a common wire on a 3-way switch?
A dark-colored screw is called the common wire.
What are 3-way switches used for?
They are used for controlling switches from two different locations.
Conclusions
So, that’s it. We have gone through some of the best 3 way smart switches you could get your hands onto.
We also went through the pros and cons associated with each product so you can get an idea of what you want.
However, if you’re a beginner and still cannot decide what switch to pick, make sure you read the buyer’s guide so you can have an idea of what you’re requirements are.
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