The 9 Best Smart Christmas Lights of 2024 for Holiday Decorating

Ready to switch up the same old decor you go with each year? The LED Smart Light String Cluster features 400 RGB LED lights spaced at various lengths to add depth and thickness. They make a big impact laying across a mantle or bordering the bottom of a Christmas tree. And, of course, you can customize the colors, create effects, set a timer, dim lights and switch between multiple strings with the high-tech Twinkly app.

Pros:

• Cluster design provides fuller look
• Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
• More customizable than other brands

Cons:

• Twinkly music accessory sold separately

Types of Smart Christmas Lights

• Icicle lights: This design gives your home a snow-covered look and often features color customizations. “If a consumer wants a more traditional look, strip lights might be a better option,” advises McCoy.
• Fairy string lights: “These are less bright than other options, which makes them ideal for indoor and smaller spaces,” says McCoy. String lights may offer less color customization than other options, he adds.
• Strip lights: This pick features a unique design of multiple strings connected to each other, so they appear to be a continuous strip of light, explains McCoy. They are favored for highlighting specific areas like walkways or paths, or to create a specific design.
• Flood lights: “Flood lights shine up on your house to give your entire exterior a colorful display,” says McCoy. “They are the easiest holiday light option to install since you don’t need to climb on your roof to set them up,” he adds. You can even make them shine brighter with these Christmas light hacks and Christmas tree light hacks.

What to Look for When Buying Smart Christmas Lights

• Compatibility: Ensure the lights are compatible with your existing smart home ecosystem, such as Amazon Alexa, Google Home or Apple HomeKit.
• Control options: “Some smart holiday lights can be connected to a phone or app for easy on-and-off capabilities,” says McCoy. Other options use remotes or even voice activation.
• Design: Decide what effects you want, like pre-set options or color-changing and dimming capabilities. “Also consider the lights’ size and look when turned off,” adds McCoy. “Smart lights are becoming sleeker and more discreet, so you may not have to take them down with the season.”
• Installation: Choose lights that are easy to set up and install. “You should also consider how much time you have to hang the lights,” notes McCoy. “For example, if you’re short on time, LED flood lights might be the way to go.”
• Energy efficiency: Opt for LED lights to save on electricity costs. All the options on our list feature light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs, which, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, use at least 75% less energy than incandescent lighting.
• Weather-resistance: If you plan to use the lights outside, ensure they are weather-resistant to withstand rain, snow and cold temperatures.

Why You Should Trust Us

I’m a freelance writer specializing in home trends and lifestyle topics. I regularly contribute to Family Handyman, giving advice on home decor, organization, cleaning, landscaping and DIY projects. I also consider myself a Christmas connoisseur, having written about colorful Christmas lights, front porch Christmas decor, decorating your fireplace, Christmas stockings and much more.

To ensure the most informed recommendations, we sought input from industry professionals, including Gary McCoy, a Lowe’s store manager and lighting expert in the Charlotte area. With decades of experience in the home improvement industry, McCoy possesses first-hand knowledge of sales trends and customer needs.

How We Found the Best Smart Christmas Lights

When selecting the best smart Christmas lights, we wanted to ensure a seamless festive experience that combined technology and tradition. We began by exploring various styles and designs available on the market, considering factors such as smart home compatibility, color options, price and ease of use. We also analyzed user reviews to assess reliability, functionality and overall customer satisfaction. Additionally, we consulted with lighting experts to gain insights into the latest trends and innovations in smart Christmas lights.

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