Professional Guide

Best Smart Bathroom Lights: 2025 Expert Review

Oli at OR Electrics

Fully Qualified 18th Edition Electrician

Published 17 December 2025

Integrating smart lighting into a bathroom isn't as simple as swapping a bulb in the lounge. Bathrooms are 'special locations' under BS 7671 wiring regulations, meaning water ingress and humidity are serious safety factors.

In Leeds, particularly in the older back-to-back terraces with solid brick walls, chasing in new wiring for fancy switches is a messy, expensive nightmare. Smart ceiling fittings offer a brilliant solution—giving you dimming and colour control without needing to rewire the switch drops.

However, not all smart lights are safe for bathroom use. In this review, I've selected three fittings that balance smart features with necessary safety standards, categorised by budget, quality, and specific problem-solving capabilities.

Live in Leeds?

Unsure about Bathroom Zones and IP ratings?

Let us install your lighting safely and legally.

Get a Quote

Specs vs. The Real World

The Spec: "WiFi Connectivity in Bathrooms"

The Theory

"Connects seamlessly to your router for instant app control."

The Reality

Bathrooms are often tiled floor-to-ceiling. Ceramics and plumbing pipework block WiFi signals. If your signal is weak, Bluetooth-enabled fittings are often more reliable than pure WiFi ones.

The Spec: "IP Ratings & Safety"

The Theory

"Manufacturer says 'suitable for bathroom'."

The Reality

Ignore the marketing text; look for the IP rating. For Zone 2 (near the shower/bath), you need at least IP44. If it doesn't say IP44 or higher on the box, keep it well away from water sources.

My Top 3 Recommendations

Three options to cover different needs and budgets

CANMEIJIA RGB Ceiling Light 24W Dimmable LED Bathroom Light

Budget Pick

CANMEIJIA

This is a solid, no-nonsense option for homeowners who want smart features without the headache of connectivity issues. Being Bluetooth-based, it communicates directly with your phone or the included remote, bypassing the need for a strong WiFi signal which is often blocked by bathroom tiles.

Price£22.09 (at time of writing)

IP RatingIP44 (Safe for Zone 2)

ControlBluetooth & Remote Control

The Good

IP44 rated ensures safety in Bathroom Zone 2
Bluetooth connectivity is reliable in tiled rooms where WiFi fails
Includes a physical remote (great for guests or when phone isn't handy)

The Bad

Bluetooth range is limited to about 10m
Cannot be controlled by Alexa/Google Home without a separate gateway

Installer Tip:

Since this uses Bluetooth, you don't need to worry about your router range. It's IP44 rated, making it perfectly safe for most bathroom ceilings, provided it's outside Zone 1 (directly above the bath/shower if the ceiling is low). Ideal for retrofitting in older Leeds properties.

Priced at £22.09 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Matane Smart Ceiling Light RGB with Remote Control 24W

Quality Choice

Matane

For those with a robust smart home setup (using Tuya or Smart Life), the Matane offers superior integration. It allows you to automate lighting schedules—brilliant for ensuring kids don't leave the bathroom light on. It offers a brighter, more refined white light suitable for shaving or makeup application.

Price£39.99 (at time of writing)

App SupportTuya / Smart Life

Voice ControlAlexa & Google Home

The Good

Full WiFi, Alexa, and Google Assistant support for voice control
Uses the Tuya ecosystem (industry standard for reliability)
Music rhythm mode for a relaxing bath atmosphere

The Bad

Requires 2.4GHz WiFi (may need a booster in tiled bathrooms)
More expensive than the budget options

Installer Tip:

Whilst the manufacturer lists this as suitable for the bathroom, always double-check the box for an official IP rating symbol before installation. Ideally, install this centrally in the room (Outside Zones) to avoid steam ingress. Ensure your phone has good WiFi signal in the bathroom before buying, otherwise setup will be frustrating.

Priced at £39.99 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Lepro AI Smart Ceiling Light 24W, Music Sync, Waterproof

Problem Solver

Lepro

If you struggle to decide on lighting moods, Lepro's AI features solve that paralysis by generating scenes based on your preferences. Crucially, it is explicitly advertised as a 'Waterproof Bathroom Light', providing peace of mind regarding moisture resistance in damp environments.

Price£25.49 (at time of writing)

TechnologyAI Lighting Designer

ProtectionWaterproof / Moisture Resistant

The Good

Explicitly designed as a waterproof bathroom light
AI algorithms help create custom scenes without manual fiddling
Excellent music sync for those who enjoy music in the bath

The Bad

AI features may feel gimmicky to traditional users
Requires app usage to unlock full potential

Installer Tip:

This is a great problem-solver for bathrooms that act as both functional spaces and relaxation zones. The waterproof rating is key here. When installing, ensure the foam gasket on the back is seated correctly against the ceiling to prevent steam from entering the electrical connections.

Priced at £25.49 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install these smart lights in recent bathroom zones?

You must be careful. Zone 0 is inside the bath/shower. Zone 1 is directly above it up to 2.25m. Zone 2 is 0.6m outside that. For Zone 1 and 2, the fitting MUST be at least IP44 rated. The CANMEIJIA and Lepro are good candidates, but always check the box. If in doubt, fit them centrally, away from the water.

Why do my smart lights keep disconnecting in the bathroom?

This is a common issue in Leeds' brick homes. Bathroom tiles and porcelain act like a shield against WiFi signals. If your router is far away, the signal won't penetrate. In these cases, Bluetooth lights (like the budget option above) or using a mesh WiFi booster is the best solution.

Do I need to change my light switch?

Generally, no. These fixtures are designed to replace your existing ceiling rose. However, to use the smart features, you must leave the wall switch 'ON' permanently and use the app or remote to control the light. If someone flicks the wall switch off, the smart features stop working.

Are these lights bright enough for shaving or applying makeup?

Yes, all three options are 24W LEDs, which is roughly equivalent to a 150-200W old-fashioned bulb. They are very bright. The key benefit is being able to change the 'colour temperature'. For makeup, switch it to 'Cool White' (6000K); for a relaxing bath, switch it to 'Warm White' (3000K).

Do I need an electrician to install these?

In a bathroom, I strongly recommend it. Under Part P of the Building Regulations, work in special locations (like bathrooms) often needs notification or certification. An electrician can also ensure the earth loop impedance is correct, which is critical for safety in wet areas.

Need Professional Smart Home Lighting?

Our team at OR Electrics specialises in Smart Home Lighting across Leeds.

Get a free quote for professional installation.

View Our Smart Home Lighting Service