I’m currently building a house and have been researching smart switches for all 65+ switches in my home. My goal is to make the right decision once and avoid having to redo my switches in the future. Here’s what I’m considering:
Must-Haves:
- Wi-Fi Compatibility: I’ve had mixed luck with Z-Wave and Zigbee in the past, and since I’ll be using a UniFi Wi-Fi setup, Wi-Fi switches seem like the most reliable option.
- Variety of Switch Types: I need single-pole, 3-way, and dimmer switches, all from the same brand or at least with a similar look and feel.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Due to the WAF ( Wife Approval Factor), the switches need to be clean, modern, and visually appealing.
- Ease of Setup: I’m not into soldering, but I’m open to installing firmware if the switches have jumpers.
Current Favorites:
I’ve been leaning towards Kasa/TP-Link switches. They meet most of my requirements: good looks, local control without relying on the cloud, and a reasonable price point (~$15 per switch). However, I’ve heard concerns about their reliance on local polling for state updates, which can be slow. Plus, I’m a bit worried about future compatibility with Home Assistant updates since the integration doesn’t seem to be actively maintained.
Alternative Options:
A few people have recommended other brands, but I’m not sure if they fit my needs. I’d love to hear your thoughts on alternatives that offer similar functionality but might be more reliable in the long run.
Questions for the Community:
- Have you had good experiences with Wi-Fi switches beyond TP-Link?
- Are there any hidden gotchas with using Wi-Fi switches at scale (65+ devices)?
- Any tips for ensuring smooth integration with Home Assistant?
I’m really excited to get this project underway and would love to hear your recommendations and experiences! Let’s make my future home as smart as possible while keeping it sleek and user-friendly. 
