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Professional Guide

Best Smart Light Switches: 2025 Expert Review

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Oli at OR Electrics

18th Edition Fully Qualified Electrician

Published 17 December 2025

Smart lighting is often the first step homeowners take towards modernising their property. However, in the UK, it’s rarely as simple as swapping a faceplate. Unlike American homes, most British properties (especially the older terraces here in Leeds) rarely have a 'neutral' wire at the switch, which renders many imported smart switches useless without major rewiring.

I frequently get called out to fix DIY smart switch installations where homeowners have borrowed neutrals dangerously or crammed modules into shallow 16mm backboxes, causing heat buildup and fire risks. It is essential to choose the right product for your specific wiring setup.

In this review, I’ll compare three distinct options: a budget Wi-Fi module for those comfortable with electrics, a premium battery-powered solution that solves the 'no neutral' headache, and a cutting-edge Matter switch perfect for modern builds or full rewires.

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Specs vs. The Real World

The Spec: "Compatible with standard wall boxes"

The Theory

"Marketing suggests these switches fit into any existing backbox."

The Reality

Most UK backboxes, especially in Leeds terraces, are 16mm or 25mm deep. Smart switches often require 35mm-47mm deep boxes. You may need to chase out the brickwork to make them fit safely.

The Spec: "No Hub Required (Wi-Fi)"

The Theory

"Connects directly to your router for easy setup."

The Reality

While convenient, having 20+ Wi-Fi switches can clog your network. Systems using a dedicated hub (like Tapo or Zigbee) often prove more stable and responsive than pure Wi-Fi devices.

My Top 3 Recommendations

Three options to cover different needs and budgets

10A Smart WiFi Wireless Light Switch, Wi-Fi Light Switch Compatible with Alexa & Google Home

Budget Pick
10A Smart WiFi Wireless Light Switch, Wi-Fi Light Switch Compatible with Alexa & Google Home

HuaaxtLang

This compact module is designed to sit behind your existing light switch, making it a great budget choice if you want to keep your current faceplates. It's cost-effective, but requires decent electrical knowledge to install safely.

Price£5.99 (at time of writing)
ConnectionWi-Fi 2.4GHz (No Hub)
TypeIn-wall Module
The Good
  • Extremely affordable entry point
  • Allows you to keep matching heritage or chrome switches
  • Works with SmartThings and eWeLink
The Bad
  • Requires deep backboxes (35mm+) to fit behind switch
  • Wiring can be fiddle-some in cramped spaces
  • Requires a neutral wire (often missing in older homes)

Installer Tip:

This module needs space. If you're in a Victorian back-to-back with shallow 16mm metal boxes, don't force it. You're better off fitting this in the ceiling rose (if there's room) where the neutral is usually present, or installing a deeper backbox.

Priced at £5.99 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Tapo S210 Smart Light Switch 1 Gang 1 Way, No Neutral Needed

Quality Pick
Tapo S210 Smart Light Switch 1 Gang 1 Way, No Neutral Needed

Tapo

Tapo is a brand I trust for reliability. The S210 is specifically designed to solve the 'no neutral' problem common in UK homes by using a battery system. It's safe, compliant, and doesn't require ripping your walls apart.

Price£14.99 (at time of writing)
WiringNo Neutral Required
PowerBattery Included
The Good
  • No neutral wire needed - fits 99% of UK homes
  • Tool-free battery replacement is a brilliant design
  • Reliable connection via Tapo Hub (less Wi-Fi congestion)
The Bad
  • Requires a separate Tapo Hub
  • Maintenance required (batteries need changing periodically)

Installer Tip:

This is my go-to recommendation for clients who don't want a full rewire. The 'Away Mode' is excellent for security. Just ensure you pair it with the correct Hub (H100/H200) or it won't function.

Priced at £14.99 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

MOES Smart Glass Panel Light Switch, Matter over WiFi

Problem-solving
MOES Smart Glass Panel Light Switch, Matter over WiFi

MOES

If you are undertaking a full house rewire or have a modern property with neutrals at the switch, this MOES glass switch is stunning. It supports 'Matter', making it future-proof, and solves complex 2-way switching issues via software rather than extra cabling.

Price£14.87 (at time of writing)
ConnectivityMatter over Wi-Fi
MaterialTempered Glass
The Good
  • Premium tempered glass prevents the yellowing seen in plastic
  • Matter support means it works with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, and Google seamlessly
  • Software 2-way sync allows multi-point control without complex wiring
The Bad
  • Requires a neutral wire (unsuitable for many older Leeds homes)
  • Glass panels show fingerprints more than matt plastic

Installer Tip:

This is a 'Problem solver' because of the 2-way sync. If you have a long hallway where rewiring the 'strappers' (connecting wires) is impossible, you can install two of these (if you have power at both ends) and link them via the app to act as a 2-way switch without the physical connecting wire.

Priced at £14.87 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'No Neutral' mean and why does it matter?
In most older UK lighting circuits, the neutral wire stays in the ceiling rose, and only the live wire goes down to the switch. Most smart switches need a neutral to power their Wi-Fi chip. If you buy a 'neutral required' switch for an older home, it likely won't work without rewiring.
Can I install smart switches myself?
Simple replacements like the Tapo S210 are often DIY-friendly if you are competent and safely isolate the circuit. However, modules or switches requiring neutral wires usually involve deeper knowledge of circuit testing. If in doubt, call a professional. Electricity is dangerous in inexperienced hands.
Do I need deep backboxes for smart switches?
Generally, yes. Standard mechanical switches fit in 16mm or 25mm boxes. Smart switches contain electronics that often require 35mm or 47mm depth. In Leeds' solid brick walls, this often means chopping out bricks to sink a deeper box—a messy job best done before decorating.
Will smart switches work if my internet goes down?
Most quality smart switches (like the Tapo and MOES listed) function as normal physical switches even without Wi-Fi. However, voice control and app schedules will stop working until the connection is restored.
Is it worth upgrading to smart switches during a rewire?
Absolutely. If we are performing a Full House Rewire, we can run a neutral wire to every switch point, giving you the freedom to choose any smart switch on the market, such as the premium MOES glass panel options, without connectivity issues.

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