Just per the name, a light switch timer essentially combines a timer and a light switch. In other words, you can add a timer to the various lights in your home for automated usage on a daily basis.
But before getting one, check out these factors below:
- Number of Switches: Even though you can simply buy multiple light switch timers for different lights in your home, many of them come together as a pack of 2 switches. Such packs of 2 switch timers generally offer a better value for money to the user while allowing you to power multiple lights at once.
- Wattage: While buying any type of switch, you have to ensure that it can handle the power consumption of your light bulbs. Thankfully, even if you wish to power home appliances with these light switch timers, it should not be an issue since most of them are rated around 1800 watts of maximum wattage.
- Warranty: Apart from being able to handle heavy power loads, your light switch timers should also be reliable so that they stay functional for a long time and do not cause any issues with your light bulbs. Fortunately, almost all of them include a 1-year warranty with a few of them even offering a 5-year warranty.
While these features and factors are some of the most important ones, there is still more that you should know.
Thus, not only we have presented various switch timers with their specifications and features, but we have also offered a “Buying Guide” for the best light switch timers.
Best Light Switch Timers Table
| Light Switch Timers | Number Of Switches | Programmability | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| BN-LINK Digital Timer Outlet | - | 2 ON/OFF programs | Check On Amazon |
| Honeywell Home ECONOswitch RPLS740B Light Switch | 1 switch | 7 on-and-off schedules | Check On Amazon |
| Lutron Caseta Smart Lighting Dimmer Switch | 1 switch | Smart control via app | Check On Amazon |
| Enerlites HET01 7-Day Programmable Timer Switch | 1 switch | 18 settings, 7-day | Check On Amazon |
| DEWENWILS 24-Hour Timer Outlet | 2 switches | Daily repeat setting | Check On Amazon |
| Leviton Decora Programmable Timer Switch | 1 switch | 49 settings, Green Flex technology | Check On Amazon |
| my TouchSmart In-Wall Digital Timer | 1 switch | 24-hour cycle, customizable buttons | Check On Amazon |
Best Light Switch Timers Reviews
1. BN-LINK Digital Timer Outlet
BN-LINK digital timer outlet is designed for indoor use and features a user-friendly interface with a clear display that simplifies programming. This compact device can manage up to two on/off settings per day in one-minute increments, making it suitable for a variety of electrical appliances. Additionally, it includes a daylight savings time adjustment and a backup battery to maintain settings during power outages. Rated for 125V, 60 Hz, 15A/1875W, the BN-LINK timer serves as an efficient tool for automating home devices.
This device effortlessly handles tasks like triggering your coffee maker in the morning or turning off lights at night. Its thoughtful design means it won’t interfere with neighboring plugs—a common drawback of bulkier models. Additionally, the daylight savings mode and backup battery ensure your settings are preserved and dependable, making it a wise choice for any indoor environment.
While this timer presents a range of benefits, it does come with certain drawbacks. It cannot be used outdoors and lacks water resistance, restricting its utility to indoor settings. Additionally, the multiple buttons required for programming might intimidate users who prefer more straightforward devices. Nevertheless, for those seeking to enhance their home automation with a balance of functionality and ease, the digital timer outlet offers an excellent solution.
Specifications:
- Two programmable on/off settings daily
- Minimum Setting: one-minute increments
- Includes daylight savings adjustment feature
- Equipped with backup battery for memory
- Rated for 125V, 60 Hz, 15A/1875W
- Supports a variety of electrical devices
- White color blends with home decor
- Compact design, non-obstructive
- Digital interface with clear display
- Indoor use only
Pros:
- Easy to program interface
- Compact and non-obstructive design
- Backup battery maintains settings
- Energy efficient operation
- Supports multiple appliance types
Cons:
- Limited to indoor applications
- Initially complex button layout
- Not water-resistant
- No remote control feature
2. Honeywell Home ECONOswitch RPLS740B Light Switch
Honeywell Home’s ECONOswitch is designed to enhance home lighting control, offering a sophisticated, energy-efficient solution. This programmable switch enables up to seven customizable on/off schedules per week, with flexibility for daily or weekly repetition. Compatible with diverse lighting and motor-operated appliances, it is ideal for both indoor and outdoor settings. With a 120-volt rating and a capacity of 15 amps, this device is both powerful and reliable.
Designed to keep your home running efficiently, the ECONOswitch automates your lights and motors, adjusting for daylight saving time automatically. Its sleek design is complemented by a large, easy-to-read backlit screen, making it a practical addition to any household looking to reduce energy use and streamline daily routines.
A neutral wire is necessary for installing this device, a detail that might complicate matters in older homes without modern wiring; yet, for those who navigate the learning curve, Honeywell offers substantial functionality. While it provides considerable ease of use, mastering its programming interface may take some time for individuals unaccustomed to digital timers. Despite these hurdles, it remains a viable option for those seeking to effectively manage their home lighting and cut energy costs.
Specifications:
- Seven-day programming capability
- Supports lighting and motor appliances
- Requires neutral wire for installation
- Features a large backlit display
- Automatically adjusts for daylight savings
- Compatible with various bulb types
- Sleek wall mount design
- Manual and automatic operation modes
- 120 Volts, 15 Amps rating
- Indoor and outdoor use compatible
Pros:
- Versatile programming options
- Energy saving capabilities
- Large, easy-to-read display
- Sleek, modern design
- Daylight savings adjustment
Cons:
- Requires neutral wire
- Complex setup for beginners
- Not suitable for all home wiring
- Bulkier than standard switches
3. Lutron Caseta Smart Lighting Dimmer Switch
Lutron Caseta’s smart lighting dimmer switch is for residential lighting, offering superior functionality without the need for a neutral wire. This makes it perfectly suited for both vintage homes and new constructions. The switch allows for remote control and works with LED, incandescent, and halogen bulbs. It supports up to 600 watts for incandescent and halogen bulbs and 150 watts for dimmable LEDs, enhancing compatibility with a variety of lighting systems.
This light switch redefines home lighting with capabilities for app control, voice-activated adjustments via smart assistants, and manual operation, all while promoting energy efficiency and convenience. It’s perfect for scheduling your lights to adjust automatically, suiting your lifestyle while reducing unnecessary power consumption. The design is minimalist and modern, ensuring it fits invisibly with your existing decor.
While it delivers high-tech advantages, the initial setup of this timer can be a steep learning curve for smart home novices. Once integrated, however, it offers unparalleled versatility and reliability in lighting control. Note, though, that it does not suit high-load applications, including large motorized devices, and is best used with standard lighting types.
Specifications:
- No neutral wire required
- Works with up to 150W dimmable LEDs
- Supports 600W incandescent/halogen
- Compatible with various smart home systems
- Remote control via app and voice
- Schedules automatic light adjustments
- Sleek, minimalist design
- Easy to install on existing wiring
- Includes Pico remote for additional control
- Suitable for single-pole or multi-location wiring
Pros:
- Extensive smart home compatibility
- No neutral wire is needed for installation
- User-friendly remote access
- Energy-efficient light control
- Modern, unobtrusive design
Cons:
- Not suitable for high-load devices
- Setup can be complex
- Limited to compatible smart bulbs
4. Enerlites HET01 7-Day Programmable Timer Switch
Enerlites HET01 7-Day programmable timer switch, designed to manage various electrical loads. With 18 unique ON/OFF settings per week and a resistive rating of 1800W, it’s perfectly suited for motors up to 1/2HP. This device requires a neutral wire for installation and maintains its settings during power interruptions thanks to a Ni-MH battery backup. It’s an ideal choice for both residential and commercial environments, compatible with LED, CFL, and most types of lighting.
Equipped with both manual and automatic modes, the HET01 allows for immediate override or follows your programmed schedule, offering flexibility and convenience. Its design seamlessly integrates into your home’s existing decor, and the inclusion of a battery backup ensures continuous operation without interruption, even during power failures.
Advanced control over lighting systems is at your fingertips with the light switch, which offers extensive programmability and compatibility, even if the installation might challenge those new to electrical work. Although it requires a neutral wire, limiting its use in older homes, the switch remains a robust solution for those seeking to optimize their home’s lighting and security.
Specifications:
- 18 unique ON/OFF settings weekly
- Manual and automatic operation modes
- Requires neutral wire for installation
- Ni-MH battery for backup during outages
- Compatible with LED, CFL, and most lighting
- Resists up to 1800W and 1/2HP motor
- Slim design fits standard wall plate
- Blue backlight for clock display
- Programmable for individual or grouped days
- Wall timer switch replaces standard switch
Pros:
- Highly customizable programming
- Battery backup maintains settings
- Suits various types of lighting
- Easy to read backlit display
- Enhances home security
Cons:
- Complex installation process
- Neutral wire necessary
- May not fit in shallow boxes
5. DEWENWILS 24-Hour Timer Outlet
DEWENWILS timer outlet is designed for effortless control over your home electronics, providing practical solutions for daily use. This timer outlet simplifies scheduling with a single repeat daily setting and five programming buttons, making it ideal for managing lamps, small appliances, and other electronics. It includes one polarized outlet, a big and clear LCD for easy reading, and a backup battery to keep settings intact through any power interruptions. With a capacity of 125V, 60Hz, and 15A/1000W, it enhances both energy efficiency and home convenience.
This timer is particularly useful for individuals who benefit from routine visual reminders and those with visual impairments due to its large, easy-to-read display. The daily repeat function ensures that your settings automatically recur each day, making it perfect for morning routines or evening wind-down times. The compact design allows it to be used without obstructing other outlets, promoting a clutter-free environment.
Managing home electronics effectively can be simple with tools like the DEWENWILS, although it is important to consider the complexity involved in programming multiple settings. This timer allows only one schedule per 24-hour period and must remain plugged in to maintain the charge on the backup battery. These limitations aside, it remains a practical option for those who do not need frequent adjustments.
Specifications:
- Single daily repeat setting
- Five programming buttons
- One polarized outlet
- Large, clear LCD screen
- Backup battery included
- Rated for 125V, 60Hz, 15A/1000W
- Automatic on/off scheduling
- Compact and non-obstructive design
- Suitable for lamps, small appliances
- Always on and timer control options
Pros:
- Easy-to-read large display
- Simple daily repeat functionality
- Backup battery maintains settings
- Unobtrusive, compact design
- Energy saving potential
Cons:
- Only one schedule per day
- Continuous plug-in required
- Limited to indoor use
- Not suitable for high-power devices
6. Leviton Decora Programmable Timer Switch
The Leviton Decora timer switch offers sophisticated management of your lighting and appliances with the ability to program up to 49 on/off events per week. It supports various loads such as LED, CFL, incandescent, and halogen, and it has a substantial capacity for motor applications as well. The inclusion of the Green Flex Sleeve system allows for flexible grounding solutions, making it adaptable to different electrical setups.
Designed to replace standard wall switches, it enhances energy efficiency by automating interior and exterior lighting. Its shallow design ensures it fits easily into standard wall boxes, which simplifies installation. The innovative Green Flex Sleeve allows for flexibility in wiring, accommodating homes with older electrical systems by connecting to the ground or to a neutral wire when the sleeve is removed.
The flexible design of the Decora makes it an excellent choice, even though the absence of a neutral wire might complicate installation in older homes. Users might also find the abundance of settings to be overwhelming. Despite these challenges, the switch offers a robust array of features that require a thorough read of the manual to fully exploit, making it well-suited for contemporary homes.
Specifications:
- Manages up to 49 on/off events weekly
- Compatible with LED/CFL/incandescent/halogen
- 1800W incandescent, 1200VA MLV/ELV
- ½ HP motor rating
- Innovative Green Flex Sleeve
- Fits standard wall boxes
- DIY friendly installation
- Energy saving automation
- Stylish Decora design
- Ground or neutral wire connectivity
Pros:
- Versatile load compatibility
- Flexible installation options
- Energy-efficient scheduling
- Sleek, modern appearance
- Extensive programmable events
Cons:
- Complex setup for non-technical users
- Neutral wire requirement may be a hurdle
- Overwhelming options for casual users
- Manual required for advanced features
7. my TouchSmart In-Wall Digital Timer
myTouchSmart makes managing your home’s lighting and appliance schedules effortless with its In-Wall digital timer. This user-friendly device allows you to set up to four programmable on/off times, ensuring that your lights and appliances operate exactly when needed. It also includes two override buttons for manual control outside the preset schedules and is compatible with LED, CFL, incandescent, and halogen bulbs. With a backup battery to preserve your settings during power outages, this timer is rated for 120VAC, 15A general/resistive, and 1200W tungsten.
Ideal for anyone seeking to automate their home’s lighting systems, the timer makes it easy to set daily or weekly schedules that enhance convenience while reducing energy consumption. The device is particularly effective for areas requiring frequent and predictable lighting changes, such as outdoor security lights or indoor common areas. Its blue LED indicators provide clear visibility of active programs, ensuring that users can easily check which settings are in operation.
This light switch is notable for its easy installation and the requirement of a neutral wire, enhancing its compatibility across various household wiring setups. The programming interface might require some acclimatization, and the timer’s size may not suit all electrical boxes, particularly those with limited space. Despite these considerations, the light switch provides a strong option for detailed and adaptable lighting control.
Specifications:
- Four programmable on/off settings
- Two manual override buttons
- Supports LED, CFL, and halogen bulbs
- 120VAC, 15A resistive load capacity
- Backup battery included
- Blue LED active program indicators
- Rated for 1200W tungsten
- Compatible with indoor and outdoor use
- Neutral wire required for installation
- Compact design for standard wall boxes
Pros:
- Simplifies routine lighting automation
- Versatile for various lighting types
- Clear LED indicators for active settings
- Backup battery secures settings
- Straightforward user interface
Cons:
- Initial setup may be complex
- Requires neutral wire for installation
- Limited to four programmable events
- Manual necessary for advanced programming
Buying Guide For The Best Light Switch Timers
There are a lot of cases where you want your home lights to turn automatically in a given area at a specific time. This can include lights for your aquarium, bedside lamps, front yard or backyard lights, planter box lights, and much more.
To make this listicle highly informative, all of these switch models have been stated along with their important and useful information like features and specifications. And now taking things a step further, we present you a detailed buying guide for the best light switch timers:
Number of Light Switch Timers
Starting with one of the most basic yet another highly important factor to keep in mind while buying light switch timers is the number of switches included in the box. Generally, you find that most of them come with only a single light switch timer.
Thankfully, you can simply buy multiple switches if you wish to power multiple lights in your home using a switch timer. However, a few of them also come bundled as a pack of 2 switch timers. With such packs of light switches, you generally get a better value for money which is always great to have.
Wattage
One of the most factors that tell you about the performance of a given light switch timer is their wattage rating. As you can guess by the name, this rating simply tells you about the maximum power load a switch can handle.
It is important to check if you wish to power multiple high power bulbs using a single switch or wish to add a timer to one of your home appliances. Generally, you will find most light switch timers to offer a wattage rating of around 1800 watts which is much higher than you will ever need for light bulbs.
Warranty
Even though this does not affect the performance of a light switch timer, it is still quite important to ensure that you are getting a reliable light switch timer. This is to ensure that whatever product you get can last for a long time without needing to get a new one.
Talking about the light switch timers discussed in this article, almost all of them include a 1-year warranty. That being said, you can also find up to 5-year warranty options.
Conclusion
Choosing the best light switch timer can improve your home’s lighting efficiency and convenience. The BN-LINK Digital Timer Outlet is versatile and works for many applications. The Lutron Caseta Smart Lighting Dimmer Switch easily connects with smart home systems for tech-savvy users. If you want strong scheduling options, the Enerlites HET01 7-Day Programmable Timer Switch is a great pick. By investing in any of these timers, you can save energy, enhance safety, and have better control over your home’s lighting.
