The Best HomeKit Light Switches in Australia

Are you looking to add a HomeKit-compatible light switch to your house or apartment? I originally wrote this post in 2023, but a lot has changed in the smart home ecosystem since then. The good news is that it's now easier than ever to install a light switch that works with the Apple ecosystem.

Remember that all hardwired wall switches need to be installed by a licensed electrician. I don't recommend installing cheap switches from places like Temu. I've included a non-hardwired option at the bottom.

Here are the best HomeKit light switches available in Australia:

Aqara Smart Wall Switch

The Aqara Wall Switch is available in a number of different configurations and is compatible with Australian homes.

Features

  • HomeKit/Matter compatible: The switch supports Matter over Thread. You'll need a Thread-enabled Apple home hub, such as a HomePod mini, HomePod (2nd generation) or Apple TV 4K. It can also run over Zigbee with an Aqara hub.
  • Different configurations: One thing I like about the Aqara ecosystem is the number of options. The horizontal version is designed for the Australian-style form factor and is available in 2-button/1-channel, 2-button/2-channel and 4-button/3-channel configurations.
  • Power monitoring: The switch can monitor the power consumption of connected wired devices, with reporting available in the Aqara Home app.
  • Works with or without a neutral: This is particularly useful in Australia, as many older homes don't have a neutral wire at the wall switch. Power monitoring requires a neutral wire.

Check pricing.

LIFX Smart Switch

The LIFX Smart Switch has been on the market for several years. It connects directly over 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, so you don't need a separate bridge for the switch itself. This makes it a good option if you want a relatively simple setup.

Features

  • HomeKit support: Works with Apple HomeKit and connects directly to your Wi-Fi network.
  • Multiple configurations: LIFX has offered both 2- and 4-button versions, although availability of the 2-button model can vary.

Good to Know

  • Requires a neutral wire: This won't work in homes where there isn't a neutral wire at the switch.
  • Wi-Fi can be less reliable: For hardwired smart home products, I generally prefer devices that use a dedicated mesh network such as Thread or Zigbee. In my experience, I've had fewer dropouts with these systems. Wi-Fi smart devices can also be more sensitive to router configuration, particularly during setup on mixed 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks.

Legrand Arteor

HPM Legrand Arteor Homekit Smart Switch

The Legrand Arteor range was one of my original picks in 2023, and it's still one of my top picks. I'd choose this system if you're looking to add smart switches throughout an entire house, particularly as part of a new build or major renovation.

Arteor with Netatmo combines Legrand's electrical hardware with Netatmo's smart home platform. This is my premium pick.

Features

  • Hub-based system: The system uses a gateway and Zigbee 3.0 to create a local mesh network. In my experience, this has been a very reliable setup with none of the connection issues or dropouts I've experienced with some Wi-Fi devices.
  • Premium design: These switches definitely look the best. There are a number of different finishes available, including magnesium grey and champagne.

Good to Know

  • Harder to buy: Depending on the configuration you want, you may need to purchase the system through an electrician or electrical wholesaler.

Check Price

Philips Hue Switch

If you already have Philips Hue lights, I recommend looking at a Philips Hue Switch. These are wireless and are compatible with Apple HomeKit.

With a Hue Bridge, you can also configure the buttons through Apple Home to control other HomeKit-compatible accessories and scenes, so they don't have to be used exclusively with Hue lights.

Features

  • Wireless: You don't need an electrician to install one because it's completely battery powered. I honestly can't remember the last time I replaced the battery in mine - I use it every day and it's been years.
  • Programmable: You can configure the buttons to trigger scenes and automations. These can be Hue scenes or scenes and accessories in Apple Home, giving you plenty of options for what each button does.
  • Can be wall mounted: The switch comes with a small mounting plate that can be attached to the wall. The switch itself is removable, so you can also pick it up and use it as a remote.

Check Price