SwitchBot Permanent Outdoor Lights

How many individual fixtures (spotlights, path lights or bollards) ship in the base kit sold as this product.

A kit is one listing that lights several spots at once, which is different from a multipack of the same single fixture: compare the total price against how many spots the yard actually needs.

The total length of cable or string the lights are spread over, as it ships in the box.

Only string and globe lights state this; measure the run (a fence line, a patio perimeter, a pergola) before buying, since most strings cannot be cut and only some can be extended.

More fixtures or more string can be added with an extension kit or additional units sold by the same brand, on the same controller.

This is what lets a 3-spot Hue Lily kit grow into a full garden, or a 48 ft Govee string reach around a whole deck, without buying a second independent system.

Total light output of the fixture, or of the whole kit when it ships several, in lumens at full white.

A security floodlight wants 1,500 lumens or more to light a driveway; a path or accent light does its job at a few hundred, and anything brighter at ground level mostly glares into the eyes of people walking past.

The fixture can produce colours, not just shades of white.

Security and pathway fixtures are often white-only; colour mainly sells spotlights, floodlights and string lights bought for a look or a party rather than for coverage.

The fixture carries separate white diodes instead of mixing white from its red, green and blue channels.

Mixed white tends to look pink or greenish and dims poorly, which matters most on a fixture left on plain white every night for security.

The range of white tones the fixture can produce, in Kelvin, from warm amber to cold daylight.

Warm white around 2700K reads as ambience on a patio; a wider range that reaches 5000K or more is what a floodlight needs to read as a plain, neutral security light.

How many sections of the fixture, or of the kit, can show a different colour at the same time. A single-zone fixture is one colour end to end.

On a multi-head floodlight or a string of bulbs, more zones mean each lamp or segment can run its own colour instead of the whole fixture washing one flat tone.

How the fixture gets its power: plugged into a standard wall outlet, hardwired into household line voltage, run on a low-voltage transformer and buried cable (the way most garden spotlight and pathway kits work), on a battery, or on a built-in solar panel.

This decides where a fixture can go. A plug-in or hardwired light needs an outlet or a line nearby; a low-voltage kit needs a transformer and trenched cable but can light a whole garden from one source; battery and solar fixtures go anywhere, at the cost of swapping or recharging a battery and, for solar, weaker light on cloudy runs.

Maximum draw of the fixture, or of the whole kit, in watts, at full white and full brightness.

Real consumption is well below this for coloured or dimmed light, but it is the figure a transformer, an extension cord or any smart plug in front of the fixture has to handle.

A built-in battery that can be recharged, either over USB or from the fixture's own solar panel, instead of being replaced.

A rechargeable fixture never needs disposable batteries bought and swapped; a solar fixture with no rechargeable battery instead runs straight off the panel and goes dark at night or on a dim day.

Range: The 2.4 GHz band offers a longer range, meaning it can cover larger areas and penetrate solid objects like walls more effectively than 5 GHz.

Speed: Generally, 2.4 GHz provides slower speeds compared to 5 GHz due to a lower maximum data rate.

Interference: More prone to interference since many other devices (like cordless phones, microwaves, and Bluetooth devices) operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency, leading to potential congestion and slower network performance.

Range: Offers a shorter range compared to 2.4 GHz and may have difficulty penetrating walls and other obstacles.

Speed: Typically provides faster speeds and higher data rates due to more available bandwidth.

Interference: Less prone to interference as fewer devices operate on this frequency, leading to a more stable connection.

Bluetooth is a wireless communication technology used for exchanging data over short distances.

Bluetooth enables devices to communicate wirelessly within a short range, typically up to 10 meters (about 33 feet) for most consumer devices.

Zigbee is a wireless communication protocol designed for low-power, short-range applications, commonly used in smart home devices, industrial automation, and other areas requiring reliable, low-data rate communication. It features low power consumption, making it ideal for battery-operated devices, and supports short-range communication, typically up to 100 meters. Zigbee employs mesh networking, allowing devices to relay data through each other to extend range and improve reliability. It supports data rates up to 250 kbps, suitable for small data packets, and ensures interoperability among devices from different manufacturers if they conform to Zigbee standards. Security is robust, with AES-128 encryption for data protection.

Zigbee devices need a Zigbee-compatible hub to connect and communicate with other devices in your smart home setup.

Thread is a wireless communication protocol designed specifically for Internet of Things (IoT) devices, providing secure, reliable, and scalable networking. Unlike some other protocols, Thread is IP-based, which means it can seamlessly integrate with existing internet infrastructure. It operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency band and uses mesh networking to enhance reliability and extend range by allowing devices to relay data through each other.

Thread is optimized for low power consumption, making it suitable for battery-operated devices. It supports low-latency communication, which is crucial for real-time applications like home automation and security systems. The protocol ensures high security with AES-128 encryption and end-to-end security at the network layer. Thread also supports over-the-air updates, ensuring devices can stay up to date with the latest features and security patches.

Thread-enabled devices require a Thread Border Router (such as certain smart home hubs or routers) to connect to your home network and other Thread devices.

Additional connectivity options not covered by the standard protocols.

This may include proprietary wireless protocols, infrared, or other specialized communication methods.

Google Home serves as a central hub for a variety of smart devices, including lights, thermostats, cameras, and speakers. It leverages Google Assistant for voice control, enabling users to manage their smart home with simple commands.

Amazon Alexa is one of the most widely used smart home systems, known for its compatibility with a vast array of devices. Users can control everything from smart lights to appliances using voice commands through Echo devices.

Apple HomeKit is designed for users in the Apple ecosystem, providing a seamless way to control compatible smart devices through iOS devices using the Home app or Siri. It emphasizes security and user privacy.

SmartThings is a flexible platform that connects a wide range of devices from different brands, offering a unified interface for control. It supports various communication protocols, allowing for extensive device compatibility.

Home Assistant is an open-source platform that allows for extensive customization and integration of a wide variety of smart devices. It supports a multitude of protocols and brands, making it ideal for tech-savvy users.

Matter is a unified, open-source connectivity protocol designed to standardize and simplify communication between smart home devices from different manufacturers. Developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (formerly the Zigbee Alliance), Matter aims to improve interoperability, security, and reliability across various smart home ecosystems.

Matter operates over existing networking technologies, including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Thread, providing flexibility in device connectivity. Its IP-based nature allows seamless integration with existing internet infrastructure and cloud services. Matter uses a mesh networking topology, particularly when operating over Thread, to enhance range and reliability by allowing devices to relay data through each other.

Security is a cornerstone of Matter, with end-to-end encryption and secure device onboarding processes ensuring robust protection for data and privacy. Matter also supports over-the-air updates, allowing devices to stay current with the latest features and security enhancements.

A built-in sensor turns the light on, or brighter, when it detects movement nearby, instead of relying only on a schedule or a manual switch.

This is what separates a security floodlight or spotlight from a purely decorative one, and it is the single most reviewed feature on outdoor fixtures: check the sensor's range and field of view, not only that one exists.

Preset animated effects that move or change colour, such as sunrise, candle or a holiday pattern.

Common on colour spotlights, floodlights and string lights bought for a look; a plain security floodlight or pathway light usually has none.

The ability to create automated actions based on sensor readings or schedules.

Automations can trigger other smart devices, send notifications, or adjust settings without manual intervention.

A physical remote ships in the box, on top of app control.

It is what lets anyone else at home turn the lights on, change colour or run a scene without installing the app or being on the same network.