Kasa Smart Dimmer Switch HS220: A Simple, Affordable Way to Smarten Up Your Lights
We earn a commission from links on this page — it doesn't affect what we score, or how. How this works
ScoredMost smart lighting products ask you to buy new bulbs, install a hub, or both. The Kasa Smart Dimmer Switch HS220 skips all of that — it replaces the switch already on your wall, works with whatever bulbs are already in the fixture, and costs about as much as lunch. No hub, no new bulbs, no subscription. Just a wired-in dimmer that talks to your phone and your voice assistant.
What It Is
The HS220 is a physical in-wall dimmer switch that swaps in for your existing light switch and connects directly to your home Wi-Fi. Once installed, it lets you dim and control your lights from the Kasa app, on a schedule, or through Alexa or Google Assistant. Because it controls the wiring itself rather than the bulb, it works with whatever's already screwed in — dimmable LEDs, halogens, or incandescents.
That puts it in a smaller category than smart plugs or smart bulbs: wall-switch replacements. It's the right call if you want to control an entire fixture — a ceiling light, recessed cans, a multi-bulb chandelier — without buying a smart bulb for every socket.
Who It's For
This switch makes the most sense for:
- Someone dipping a toe into smart home tech for the first time and wanting an easy, low-commitment entry point
- Renters or homeowners who want smart control over ceiling fixtures, recessed lighting, or multi-bulb fixtures without buying a smart bulb for every socket
- Anyone comfortable doing basic electrical work (killing a breaker, connecting a few wires) or willing to have an electrician handle a quick job
- People already in the Kasa or TP-Link ecosystem who want everything in one app
It's a poor fit if you can't modify wiring, or if you want something you can install and return in five minutes with zero tools — that's smart-plug or smart-bulb territory instead.
Key Features and Specs
- In-wall dimmer switch, single-pole installation (no neutral wire required for most setups, but check your wiring)
- Controls dimmable LED, CFL, halogen, and incandescent bulbs
- Works over 2.4GHz Wi-Fi — no separate hub needed
- App control via the Kasa Smart app (iOS/Android)
- Voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Scheduling and away mode (lights turn on/off at set times to simulate occupancy)
- Physical switch still works normally for manual on/off/dim
- Price: right around $15, making it one of the more accessible entries in smart lighting
Pros
- Very low price of entry for whole-fixture smart dimming
- No hub required — connects straight to Wi-Fi
- Works with bulbs you already own, so there's no need to replace multiple bulbs
- Manual switch operation is preserved, which matters for shared households or guests unfamiliar with the app
- Fits into the broader Kasa/TP-Link ecosystem alongside plugs, cameras, and other switches
Cons
- Requires basic electrical installation — not plug-and-play
- May require a neutral wire depending on your home's wiring, which isn't universal in older houses
- Single-pole design only; three-way switch setups need a different, compatible variant
- Wi-Fi-only control means it depends on your router being solid — no Zigbee/Z-Wave mesh fallback
The HS220 does one job — smart dimming for a hardwired fixture — and does it without asking you to spend much or learn a new ecosystem. At around $15, hub-free Wi-Fi control, scheduling, and voice integration on a fixture you already own is a straightforward win, provided your wiring cooperates.
If you're willing to handle (or hire out) a basic wiring job, this is the easiest, cheapest way to get real smart lighting control without replacing a single bulb. Check current pricing and availability here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079775ZZQ?tag=thebenchtest-20&tag=thebenchtest-20
