Professional Guide

Best B22 Smart Bulbs for UK Homes: 2025 Expert Review

OR Electrics

18th Edition Qualified Electrician

Published 17 December 2025

The B22 'Bayonet Cap' is the standard British light fitting, but finding decent smart bulbs for it can be surprisingly tricky. Most of the global market caters to the Screw (E27) fitment, leaving us in the UK with fewer quality options. I've been to plenty of jobs where homeowners have used dodgy adapters or cheap imports that trip the RCD.

Smart lighting isn't just about changing colours for a party; it's a brilliant security tool. Being able to schedule lights to come on whilst you're away can deter burglars—something I always recommend to my clients in areas like Headingley and Harehills.

In this review, I've selected three B22 smart bulbs that are electrically safe, reliable, and actually fit our British fixtures. I've categorised them into a budget option, a high-brightness option for main rooms, and a candle shape for decorative fittings.

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Specs vs. The Real World

The Spec: "Works with Dimmer Switches"

The Theory

"You can dim the smart bulb using your existing wall dimmer."

The Reality

Absolutely not. Smart bulbs have their own internal dimming drivers. If you put one on a traditional wall dimmer, the varying voltage will damage the bulb's electronics or cause it to flicker. You must use a standard on/off switch (or a specific smart switch) and dim it via the app.

The Spec: "16 Million Colours"

The Theory

"You need millions of colours for the perfect ambience."

The Reality

In reality, you'll use 'Warm White' (2700K) 95% of the time, and maybe 'Cool White' for cleaning. Focus on the quality of the white light and brightness (Lumens) rather than the novelty colours.

My Top 3 Recommendations

Three options to cover different needs and budgets

Tapo L530B Smart Bulb, B22 Multicolour

Budget Pick

Tapo

Tapo (by TP-Link) is one of the few budget brands I actually trust. The app is stable, and the connection doesn't drop out constantly like cheaper unbranded units. It's a solid 60W equivalent that does exactly what it says on the tin.

Price£6.99 (at time of writing)

Energy RatingF (Standard for smart LEDs)

ConnectivityWi-Fi (No Hub Required)

The Good

Excellent 'Away Mode' for home security
No hub required - connects directly to Wi-Fi
Very reliable app ecosystem (TP-Link)

The Bad

806 lumens is standard, but might feel dim in large rooms with high ceilings
Setup requires 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (common issue with modern mesh routers)

Installer Tip:

If you struggle to connect this during setup, it's usually because your phone is on 5GHz Wi-Fi. Walk to the bottom of the garden (where 5GHz drops off but 2.4GHz remains) to do the initial pairing, then screw it back in indoors.

Priced at £6.99 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Lepro B22 AI Smart Bulb, 1521LM (100W Equivalent)

Quality Pick

Lepro

The biggest complaint I hear about smart bulbs is that they are 'too dim' for the main light. This Lepro bulb solves that with a massive 1521 lumens output (roughly 100W incandescent equivalent). Perfect for the high ceilings we see in Leeds' Victorian terraces.

Price£14.99 (at time of writing)

Brightness1521 Lumens (Very Bright)

Wattage12W

The Good

Significantly brighter than most smart bulbs (1521lm vs standard 806lm)
AI lighting designer feature creates custom scenes
Wide colour temperature range (Warm to Cool white)

The Bad

Physically larger than standard bulbs - check your shade clearance
More expensive per unit

Installer Tip:

Because these are 12W LED (quite powerful), ensure your light fitting allows for adequate airflow. Don't trap this bulb in a fully enclosed flush glass fitting, or the heat will shorten the life of the Wi-Fi chip inside.

Priced at £14.99 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

LVWIT B22 Smart Candle Bulb Bayonet (Pack of 2)

Problem Solver

LVWIT

Standard round bulbs look ridiculous in chandeliers or wall sconces. These LVWIT candle bulbs maintain the correct aesthetic whilst adding smart functionality. At roughly £6.60 per bulb, they are excellent value for multi-bulb fittings.

Price£13.27 for 2 (at time of writing)

ShapeC37 Candle

Brightness470 Lumens

The Good

Slim 'Candle' shape fits chandeliers and narrow wall lights
Great value multipack
Tuya/Smart Life compatible (works with many other generic apps)

The Bad

Lower light output (470lm) - meant to be used in groups
Not suitable for enclosed lampshades due to heat dissipation

Installer Tip:

These use the 'Smart Life' or 'Tuya' platform. If you have other generic smart devices, you can likely group them all in one app rather than downloading a new one specifically for LVWIT. This saves cluttering your phone with apps.

Priced at £13.27 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use B22 smart bulbs if I have old wiring?

Generally, yes. Smart bulbs draw very little current (usually under 0.1 Amps), so they put less strain on old wiring than traditional tungsten bulbs. However, if your wiring in Leeds is pre-1970s and lacks an earth, or has deteriorating rubber insulation, a smart bulb won't fix the underlying danger. I'd recommend an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) if you're unsure.

Do smart bulbs work if the internet goes down?

Yes, they function as normal light bulbs. If the Wi-Fi cuts out, you can still turn them on and off at the wall switch. You just won't be able to change the colour or dim them via the app until the connection is restored.

Why do my smart bulbs flicker?

99% of the time, this is because they are installed on a circuit with a dimmer switch. Smart bulbs require a constant voltage. You must replace the dimmer switch with a standard rocker switch. If you haven't got a dimmer and they still flicker, it could be a loose neutral connection in the ceiling rose—that's a job for a professional.

Are smart bulbs worth it for security?

Definitely. In my opinion, the 'Away Mode' or schedule function is their best feature. Setting your lights to turn on and off randomly between 7pm and 10pm makes the house look occupied. It's much more convincing to a potential intruder than leaving a single hall light on 24/7.

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