Comparing Our Favorite Smart Christmas Lights
Honorable Mentions
Here are some of the other smart string lights we’ve tested for this story that are still available this year.
Photograph: Nanoleaf
Nanoleaf Essentials Smart Holiday String Lights for $150: These lights work with Google Assistant, Alexa, and HomeKit, and they’re similar in look, style, and price to our top pick. The only major difference is that the cord splits in two—the idea is you start from the middle of the tree, not the bottom, and wrap one cord to the top and the other down to the bottom. It’s a little disorienting, and the cords might be more of an eyesore depending on your tree placement.
Ollny Christmas Cluster Lights for $50: If you want something a bit simpler, Ollny’s warm and welcoming Christmas lights are affordable. We tested this 49-foot light string, which has 1,000 LEDs in a lovely warm white color. They are IP44 rated and come with a handy wee remote control that makes them ideal for outside your home. You can choose from eight effects, four brightness levels, and set timers to switch them on or off automatically after several hours.
How to Use a Smart Plug With Regular Lights
Our favorite indoor smart plug is compact and Matter compatible.
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TP-Link
Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini (TP15)
This outdoor smart plug is great for controlling your outdoor lights, and has two outlets built into it with weather covers.
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Cync
Outdoor Smart Plug
This outdoor smart plug is great for controlling your outdoor lights, and has two outlets built into it with weather covers.