Smart bulbs offer a degree of control and interactivity you just can't get with traditional bulbs, including scheduled timers and remote control options. They're also more convenient; it's easier to tap on a smartphone screen than to get up and trudge over to a wall switch.

Beyond keeping you out of the dark, you can schedule or remotely control most of the bulbs we've reviewed, which is great if you want to save on energy costs or often forget to turn off the lights before leaving the house. Some bulbs use geofencing, which means they work with the GPS in your smartphone to automatically turn on or off when you get home or leave the house. Color-changing bulbs are also great for mood lighting, and some can even sync with movies and TV shows.

Some bulbs are compatible with Amazon's Alexa, Apple's HomeKit, or Google Assistant, which means you can control your home lighting with just your voice. You can also integrate some of the bulbs on this list with security cameras, thermostats, and other smart home devices. IFTTT compatibility further lets you create recipes that automatically cause your lights to react to certain triggers, like phone notifications or weather changes.

Smart bulbs use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and a variety of technologies to work, so they are typically more expensive than traditional bulbs. That's important to remember, especially if you want to upgrade your entire house. But smart bulbs also use less energy and last a lot longer, meaning you can save money in the long run. As you can see, most of the options on this list fall well below $50, so the price of entry isn't as steep as it used to be. You can now even find sub-$10 options.

Some of the bulbs on this list are just white, while others can take on any color of the rainbow. Color is a fun way to add atmosphere to your home, but it often results in a pricier bulb.

Most of the smart bulbs we review are marketed as equivalent to 60-watt incandescent models, which sounds self-explanatory, but some bulbs are brighter than others. To see just how bright a light is, you need to look at the lumens it puts out (listed in the table above): The more lumens, the brighter the light.

Another factor to consider is color temperature. Higher temperatures, such as 8,500K, look like harsh office lighting, which is fine for staying awake or working. Lower temperatures, such as 2,500K, translate to a cozy, warm glow that's perfect for relaxing.