Best GE Smart Switches: 4 Models Compared

Quick picks

Our 4 picks

1 Best overall

GE Single Pole Rotary Dimmer Switch

Best for: manual dimming in single-pole setups

Circuit Type

Single Pole

Switch Function

Rotary Dimmer

Maximum Load

150W LED/CFL, 600W Incandescent

Dimensions

5.5 × 2.75 × 2.5 inches

Weight

4 ounces

View on Amazon: GE Single Pole Rotary Dimmer Switch Affiliate link

This GE single-pole rotary dimmer lets you adjust light intensity for LED, CFL, and incandescent bulbs. It handles up to 150 watts for LEDs and CFLs, or 600 watts for incandescent bulbs. The white knob fits standard wall plates. You get simple manual control without an app. It suits spaces where you want to set a mood with a twist. It is a basic, reliable option for traditional wiring setups.

Pros

• Handles up to 150W for LED and CFL bulbs
• Supports up to 600W for incandescent bulbs
• Single-pole circuit type for standard installation
• Rotary knob for intuitive brightness adjustment

Cons

• No smart home integration or app control
• Lacks voice assistant compatibility
• Manual operation only

Good fit if

• You want simple, manual dimming without a smartphone
• You need to control a single light source
• You prefer a traditional rotary knob design

Skip if

• You want to control lights from your phone
• You need voice control with Alexa or Google Home
• You want to automate lighting schedules

Verdict: GE 18021 Single Pole Rotary Dimmer is a straightforward choice for users who prefer manual control over smart features. It fits perfectly in rooms where you just want to twist a knob to change the light level.

2 Best premium

GE Enbrighten Dual-Outlet Z-Wave Plug-In Switch

Best for: controlling two devices with an existing Z-Wave hub

Smart Home Compatibility

Alexa, Google Assistant

Hub Requirement

Hub Required

Connectivity

Z-Wave Plus

Wiring Requirement

No wiring required

Switch Function

On/Off Switch

Dimensions

1.4 × 2.3 × 3.95 inches

View on Amazon: GE Enbrighten Dual-Outlet Z-Wave Plug-In Switch Affiliate link

This GE Enbrighten unit is a plug-in smart switch that gives you two simultaneously controlled Z-Wave outlets. You need a compatible hub like SmartThings or Ring Alarm to use it. It works with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control. The device is white, measures 2.3 by 3.95 inches, and weighs 11.2 ounces. It saves wall space by leaving the second outlet free. You can schedule or control two lamps or small appliances together from anywhere.

Pros

• Z-Wave Plus connectivity for whole-home network expansion
• Dual outlets allow simultaneous control of two devices
• No wiring required; simply plug into existing wall socket
• Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant via hub
• Space-saving design leaves one outlet free for use

Cons

• Requires a Z-Wave certified hub for operation
• Outlets cannot be controlled individually, only together
• Manual on/off operation only; no dimming capability

Good fit if

• You want to smarten up two lamps or small appliances at once
• You already have a Z-Wave hub like SmartThings or Ring Alarm
• You prefer plug-in solutions over hardwired wall switches

Skip if

• You need to control each outlet separately
• You want to dim lights or control brightness
• You do not have a Z-Wave compatible hub

Verdict: GE Enbrighten Z-Wave Plus Dual Outlet is a practical plug-in solution for users who already have a Z-Wave hub and want to control two devices simultaneously without wiring.

3 Also great

GE Enbrighten Add-On Switch

Best for: expanding smart switch control in tight boxes

Smart Home Compatibility

Alexa, Google Assistant

Wiring Requirement

Neutral Required

Circuit Type

3-Way, Multi-Location

Switch Function

Add-On Switch

Connectivity

Zigbee

Application

Lights

View on Amazon: GE Enbrighten Add-On Switch Affiliate link

This GE Enbrighten add-on switch mirrors functions of a primary smart control in multi-switch setups. It uses Z-Wave or Zigbee connectivity and requires a neutral wire. The housing depth is reduced by 20% compared to previous models, fitting older-style boxes. It supports 120VAC and 277VAC systems. You can control lights from multiple locations. It works with Alexa and Google Assistant when paired with a compatible primary device.

Pros

• Housing depth reduced by 20% for tight spaces
• Compatible with 120VAC and 277VAC systems
• Mirrors primary smart device functions
• Works with Alexa and Google Assistant

Cons

• Cannot operate as a standalone switch
• Requires neutral wire for installation
• Wall plate not included

Good fit if

• You need to add control to an existing smart switch setup
• You have limited space in the electrical box
• You use 277VAC commercial lighting systems

Skip if

• You want a single switch without a primary smart device
• Your electrical box lacks a neutral wire
• You prefer a complete kit with a wall plate

Verdict: GE Enbrighten Add-On Switch with QuickFit is ideal for expanding control in multi-gang smart lighting installations. It fits users who need flexible placement and commercial voltage support.

4 Best budget

GE Enbrighten Add-On Switch QuickFit

Best for: adding controls to existing GE smart switches

Smart Home Compatibility

Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings

Wiring Requirement

Neutral Required

Circuit Type

3-Way, Multi-Location

Switch Function

Add-On Switch

Connectivity

Zigbee

Application

Lights

View on Amazon: GE Enbrighten Add-On Switch QuickFit Affiliate link

This GE Enbrighten add-on switch mirrors the functions of a primary smart control in multi-switch setups. It connects via Zigbee and works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and SmartThings. The unit requires a neutral wire and cannot operate standalone. Its compact housing reduces depth by 20 percent, fitting older or tight switch boxes. You get continued control from multiple locations without adding a new hub.

Pros

• Zigbee connectivity for smart home integration
• Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and SmartThings
• 20 percent reduced housing depth for tight spaces
• Mirrors primary switch functions from multiple locations
• Supports 120VAC and 277VAC systems

Cons

• Cannot be used as a standalone switch
• Requires a neutral wire for installation
• Wall plate not included

Good fit if

• You need a secondary control for an existing GE smart switch
• You have limited space in your electrical box
• You use SmartThings or Zigbee-based automation

Skip if

• You want a primary switch that works alone
• Your box lacks a neutral wire
• You prefer a switch with an included wall plate

Verdict: GE Enbrighten Add-On Switch Black is a compact companion for your existing smart lighting. It fits well if you need extra controls in tight spaces or older boxes.

Specifications side by side

GE Smart Switches Compared

The GE lineup splits into two distinct categories based on connectivity and installation. The GE Single Pole Rotary Dimmer Switch offers manual control without requiring a hub or smart home compatibility. It suits users who prefer simple, physical adjustments for lighting levels. This model connects via a standard single-pole circuit and features a compact white design. It is the top pick for straightforward dimming needs.

The remaining three models rely on wireless protocols for smart integration. The GE Enbrighten Dual-Outlet Z-Wave Plug-In Switch uses Z-Wave connectivity and requires a hub. It allows control of two devices simultaneously. The GE Enbrighten Add-On Switches use Zigbee for smart lighting expansion. One supports Alexa and SmartThings, while the other focuses on Alexa compatibility. These options fit shoppers with existing smart home ecosystems.

Who Should Buy GE Switches

GE’s current lineup targets users who want reliable, dedicated lighting control without complex setup. The range spans from compact plug-in outlets to standard wall dimmers. You can choose between Z-Wave and Zigbee connectivity depending on your existing hub. The products focus on single-pole installations and add-on controls for multi-gang boxes. Notably, none of these models offer voice control natively without a hub, nor do they include Wi-Fi connectivity. This makes GE suitable for those already invested in a Z-Wave or Zigbee ecosystem who prefer physical switches over app-based management.

How to Choose the Right GE Switch

1. Check Your Hub Compatibility

   Most GE smart switches require a specific hub to function. The GE Enbrighten Dual-Outlet Z-Wave Plug-In Switch needs a Z-Wave hub to operate. If you already use Z-Wave devices, this model integrates easily. The Enbrighten Add-On Switches use Zigbee, which requires a Zigbee-compatible hub like SmartThings. Verify your current hub supports the protocol before buying. Mismatched protocols mean the switch will not respond to commands. Always confirm your hub’s supported standards to avoid purchasing incompatible hardware for your existing setup.

2. Decide on Manual Control

   Not every user wants app-based lighting. The GE Single Pole Rotary Dimmer Switch offers manual rotary dimming without any digital connectivity. It is ideal for rooms where you prefer twisting a knob to adjust brightness. This model lacks smart home compatibility, so it cannot be controlled remotely. Choose this option if you want simplicity and reliability without network dependencies. It fits single-pole setups perfectly. You get precise manual control without the need for Wi-Fi or hub configuration. It is a straightforward choice for traditional lighting needs.

3. Verify Wiring Requirements

   Installation complexity varies by product type. The GE Single Pole Rotary Dimmer Switch is designed for single-pole circuits, meaning it controls the light from one location. The Enbrighten Add-On Switches are designed to work alongside a master switch. They do not control power independently. Ensure your electrical box can accommodate the device size. The Dual-Outlet Plug-In Switch requires no wiring changes, as it plugs into existing outlets. Check your home’s wiring configuration to select a switch that matches your circuit type and installation constraints.

4. Consider Physical Dimensions

   Switch size matters for tight electrical boxes. The GE Enbrighten Add-On Switch QuickFit has a compact width of 1.75 inches. This small footprint helps it fit into older or crowded junction boxes. The Single Pole Rotary Dimmer is larger, measuring 2.75 inches wide. Measure your existing box space before installation. Larger switches may not fit in shallow boxes without modification. The plug-in model is bulkier but does not affect wall box space. Accurate measurements ensure a clean fit and prevent installation headaches during the upgrade process.

5. Select Connectivity Protocol

   GE uses different wireless protocols for its smart devices. The Enbrighten Dual-Outlet uses Z-Wave, while the Add-On Switches use Zigbee. These protocols are not interchangeable. You must choose a device that matches your hub’s primary radio. Z-Wave devices form a mesh network with other Z-Wave products. Zigbee devices connect to Zigbee hubs. Do not mix protocols in a single control loop unless your hub supports both. Verify your hub’s supported bands to ensure reliable communication. The wrong protocol results in a non-functional smart switch for your system.

Frequently asked questions

See also

• ge single pole rotating dimmer vs enbrighten add on switch
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