Best Z-Wave dimmer switch

Enhancing your home's lighting control is typically the first step on the journey into DIY smart automation. If you're using Z-Wave, then at the heart of your setup you want automation to depend upon top-notch Z-Wave light dimmers.

Selecting the right dimmer switch is pivotal, as it forms the core of your smart lighting experience. Just as with finding the best Z-Wave hubs, the options vary widely — offering diverse features, complexities, and price ranges. From budget-friendly options to premium selections, the decision can be daunting.

In the guide which follows, we'll delve into vital considerations: value proposition, functionalities, technical support, compatibility, scalability, and ease of use. Our aim is to distill these insights into clear recommendations, assisting you in pinpointing the ideal Z-Wave light dimmer for your home from those currently available to purchase.

Best Z-Wave dimmer switches

So important is lighting to a home's automation system that we've found people oft like to invest in known brands for their dimmer switches. For that reason, we're nominating two 'best dimmers' here - one from a known brand, and one from a brand known for making the best possible automation devices.

Inovelli Red Series 2-1 Smart Switch and Dimmer Best for: 2-in-1: can be configured a switch or as a dimmer Works with or without a neutral 800 series Z-Wave Plus v2 Offers Z-Wave Long Range Check Current Price

If you're seeing the GE switches below at a price close to (or even more expensive than) Inovelli's Red Series Z-Wave switch and dimmer, the choice is easy: buy Inovelli. This is a premium switch, at a premium quality, with a premium feature set, and (accordingly) sells at a premium price. Despite that, it's often cheaper than the GE equivalent. And it's almost unkind to call GE a competitor to Inovelli's switch here so good is it. Certified for quality, it masters both dimming and on/off functions (hence it's a 2 in 1 switch), and boasts Z-Wave 800 series prowess. With 21 scene options, LED customization, and 3-way adaptability, it reigns as the supreme choice among Z-Wave dimmer switches presently available.

Pros 3 way / multi way compatible Simple wiring terminals Works with or without a neutral

Cons Recently released and stock can be hard to buy

GE / Enbrighten Light Dimmer Good to know: Reputable brand name, huge volume of sales, well 'tried and tested' by users Core feature-set and good price point for Z-Wave smart dimmer Now available in a 700 series Z-Wave Plus v2 model Check Current Price

Installing smart switches can be a headache. They might not ft in your junction box, they might not be compatible with your existing wiring. With its QuickFit approach, the GE / Enbrighten Light Dimmer offers streamlined setup process, even in older switch boxes or multi-gang configurations. That largely comes down to a simple wiring approach and a space-saving design. The patent-pending SimpleWire technology ensures a hassle-free installation with its auto-detecting line/load terminals, perfect for multi-switch setups. Personalization is key, and the GE / Enbrighten Dimmer doesn't disappoint. It offers changeable paddles in various shades, allowing you to harmonize with your existing switches seamlessly.

Pros 3 way / multi way compatible No-neutral dimming compatible 15 amps lighting control Easy to install: simple wiring terminals Auto line-load sensing terminals makes installation of line and load wires simple Compatible with Ring, SmartThings, Home Assistant, and other Z-Wave hubs Can be controlled by voice UIs such as Alexa if Z-Wave offers compatible features Compact design fits well inti existing dimmer's junction boxes Can adjust minimum brightness for LEDs Works well with select dimmable LED bulbs Smooth dimming functionality Ability to disable indicator light Offers gradual on/off experience known as ramp rate brightening and dimming

Cons Issues with syncing to Amazon Alexa; Alexa may not always know the dimmer's on or off state Some issues with flickering or pulsing lights when used with incompatible bulbs; solve this with a bulb Bypass Lack of configurability via some Z-Wave gateways which may not expose all configuration settings

Best Z-Wave dimmer: runner up

Aeotec Light Dimmer Switch Good to know: Regarded as having the best compatibility with SmartThings and Aeotec Smart Home Hub Sometimes better priced than the competing GE / Enbrighten switch Built with 700 series Z-Wave Plus v2 Neutral wire required - don't buy this if your home doesn't have a neutral wire Check Current Price

Aeotec are best known these days for their rebranding of Samsung's SmartThings gateway. That makes their other products particularly relevant to users of that hub system: Aeotec products should, by right, integrate perfectly with the SmartThings. This light dimmer switch is one such product, hence it gets our tick as a runner up amongst our list of best Z-Wave light dimmers.

Pros 3 way / multi way dimming compatible Simple wiring terminals not too dissimilar from GE's approach Reliable performance and integration with Aeotec Hub and SmartThings Responsive on / off control from compatible Z-Wave gateways; cheaper switches tend to show delays Compatible with multiple light bulb types

Cons Neutral wire required. Check your home's wiring before purchasing Flickering issue with certain brands of LED bulbs; the Aeotec Bypass will solve some of theses issues and, to be fair, this issue is a problem with all smart dimmer switches Confusing setup instructions; this is a problem which plagues Aeotec products Limited support for troubleshooting; GE / Jasco are reported to perform better in this regards

Best Z-Wave dimmer: battery powered

Aeotec WallMote 7 Good to know: Works as a dimmer switch and automation controller Coin-cell, watch-battery powered 700 series Z-Wave Plus v2 Check Current Price

The beauty of automation systems like Z-Wave lies in their wireless setup, allowing for effortless installation of new light switches without intricate wiring. While battery-operated switches lower installation costs, you'll still need a Z-Wave-controlled lighting source. Whether it's another mains-powered Z-Wave switch, an in-wall module, or even a smart bulb or circuit, Aeotec's WallMote 7 battery-powered dimmer switch steps in as an economical solution for seamless, wire-free automation.

Pros Enables convenient 3-way dimming and light control without rewiring Simple inclusion process into Home Assistant, Hubitat, and other Z-Wave gateways Effectively serves in places where you'd otherwise have to wire a traditional dimmer switch

Cons Mounting plate design poor for some installations Documentation lacks clarity and helpfulness; if you've bought Aeotec products in the past you should expect this however Inconsistent factory reset and inclusion methods depending on the hub you're using