Dimmer switches provide adjustable control over lighting brightness in the home. These handy devices replace standard on/off switches to allow customizable light levels for any mood or activity. Dimmer switches work by reducing the electrical voltage flowing to a light fixture, enabling smooth transitions from full brightness down to a subtle glow.
There are several types of dimmer switches available. Standard dimmers use resistive load technology to control incandescent and halogen bulbs. Low-voltage dimmers adjust 12V halogen systems. ELV dimmers are made for electronic low voltage lighting. And LED dimmers are specifically calibrated for brightness control of energy-efficient LED bulbs. Each style matches the lighting technology in use.
Installing a dimmer switch begins by identifying the existing switch type and wires present in the junction box. The basic process involves disconnecting the old switch, capping the wires, connecting the dimmer lead wires, securing the dimmer in the box, then testing the installed dimmer for proper operation. Always exercise caution and follow local electrical codes when replacing switches. With a bit of care, homeowners can install dimmer switches to enjoy customizable lighting in any room.
Our Top Picks For 2025
ELEGRP Digital Dimmer Light Switch
ELEGRP’s digital dimmer light switch provides smooth, flicker-free dimming for LED, CFL, halogen and incandescent bulbs up to 600W. Its slide control offers adjustable brightness settings.
The ELEGRP Digital Dimmer Light Switch delivers high performance dimming for both LED/CFL and incandescent/halogen bulbs. This single pole/3-way switch requires no neutral wire, making it an easy upgrade for any home. Key features include:
- Compatibility with 300W dimmable LED/CFL bulbs and 600W incandescent/halogen bulbs
- Smooth, flicker-free dimming across the full brightness range
- Fade on/off feature prevents harsh on/off transitions
- Slide dimmer for easy brightness adjustments
- No neutral wire required for simple installation
- Optional locator light helps find switch in the dark
- Works for single-pole or 3-way applications
With its sleek profile and intuitive controls, the ELEGRP dimmer switch modernizes any lighting setup while providing excellent performance. The universal bulb compatibility and no neutral wiring deliver an easy upgrade that works in any home.
Lutron Diva LED+ Dimmer Switch
Lutron’s Diva LED+ dimmer switch provides smooth, flicker-free dimming for LED and CFL bulbs up to 150W. Its paddle switch offers easy on/off control to your preferred light level.
The Lutron Diva LED+ Dimmer Switch delivers optimized dimming performance for LED and CFL bulbs while maintaining full compatibility with halogens and incandescents. This single pole/3-way switch requires no neutral wire for simple installation. Key features include:
- Compatibility with 150W dimmable LED/CFL bulbs and 600W incandescent/halogen bulbs
- Smooth, continuous dimming across the entire brightness range
- Fade to on/off transitions for a gentle light change
- Paddle switch for easy on/off control to favorite light level
- No neutral wire required for retrofit installations
- Adjustable low-end trim to eliminate LED flickering
- Works for single-pole or 3-way wiring
With its clean aesthetic and intuitive controls, the Lutron Diva LED+ dimmer delivers high performance dimming and easy installation for any home. Its broad compatibility ensures excellent operation with today’s bulb options.
BESTTEN Dimmer Light Switch
BESTTEN’s dimmer light switch delivers smooth, flicker-free dimming for LED and CFL bulbs up to 150W. Its slider control provides adjustable brightness settings.
The BESTTEN Dimmer Light Switch offers optimized dimming performance for LED and CFL bulbs while maintaining compatibility with halogens and incandescents. This single pole/3-way switch requires no neutral wire for easy installation. Key features include:
- Compatibility with 150W dimmable LED/CFL bulbs and 600W incandescent/halogen bulbs
- Precise slider control for adjustable brightness
- Flicker-free dimming across the full brightness range
- Fade on/off transitions prevent harsh light changes
- No neutral wire required for simple retrofit installs
- Adjustment dial eliminates LED flickering
- Works for single-pole or 3-way wiring
With its modern profile and intuitive controls, the BESTTEN dimmer delivers high-performance dimming in a streamlined design. The broad compatibility ensures excellent operation with different bulb types for an easy upgrade in any home.
Kasa Smart Dimmer Switch
Kasa’s smart dimmer switch allows easy brightness control through the Kasa app, Alexa, Google Assistant or manually at the switch. It features smooth fade transitions and no hub required.
The Kasa Smart Dimmer Switch delivers app, voice and manual control of your lights with smooth dimming performance. Connecting directly to Wi-Fi, this single pole switch simplifies smart home installation. Key features include:
- Control lights via Kasa app, Alexa, Google Assistant or manually
- Adjustable dimming from 1% to 100% brightness
- Soft fade on/off for gentle light transitions
- Create schedules and lighting scenes
- No hub required for direct Wi-Fi connection
- Compact design fits existing switch boxes
With its intuitive controls and voice integration, the Kasa Smart Dimmer Switch makes it easy to set the perfect light level for any activity. The fade feature provides a smooth transition that’s pleasing to the eye.
Leviton SureSlide LED Dimmer Switch
The Leviton SureSlide is an easy-to-install dimmer switch that provides smooth, slide-action dimming for LED, halogen, and incandescent bulbs. Made by Leviton.
The Leviton SureSlide LED Dimmer Switch offers an easy way to customize the lighting in your home. This dimmer switch replaces your regular light switch to provide full-range dimming for LED, halogen, and incandescent bulbs up to 150W. It has a slim profile that fits most wall boxes for simple DIY installation.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Smooth slide-action dimming control for customized lighting
- Works with dimmable LED, halogen, and incandescent bulbs up to 150W
- Separate on/off switch preserves your light setting
- Fits existing wall boxes for easy installation
- Available in multiple colors to match your decor
- Can be used in single-pole or 3-way setups
- Minimum and maximum light level adjustment to optimize LED performance
The Leviton SureSlide Dimmer Switch makes it easy to control the lighting and ambiance in any room. Its slide dimmer and slim design allow for simple installation and seamless integration into your home’s style.
GE Rotary Dimmer Switch
The GE Rotary Dimmer Switch provides smooth, rotating dimming control for LED, CFL, halogen and incandescent bulbs. Made by GE.
The GE Rotary Dimmer Switch offers an easy way to add dimming capability to any room. This single pole dimmer replaces your regular light switch to give you rotating dimming control for various bulb types. It has a slim profile that fits most switch boxes for simple installation.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Rotating dimming knob for customized lighting
- Works with LED, CFL, halogen and incandescent bulbs
- Included white and light almond knobs to match decor
- Rated for bulbs up to 150W LED/CFL, 600W incandescent
- Fits existing switch boxes for easy installation
- UL listed for safety and reliability
With its rotating dimmer knob, the GE Rotary Dimmer Switch makes it easy to set the perfect light level for any activity or mood. Its compatibility across bulb types and slim design allow for simple integration into your home.
Lutron Ariadni LED+ Dimmer Switch
The Lutron Ariadni LED+ Dimmer Switch provides smooth dimming performance for LED and halogen bulbs. Made by Lutron.
The Lutron Ariadni LED+ Dimmer Switch offers an easy way to add dimming capability to any room. This single pole/3-way dimmer replaces your regular switch to provide optimized dimming for LED and halogen bulbs up to 150W. It has a slim toggle switch design that fits most switch plates for simple installation.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Toggle on/off returns lights to favorite brightness level
- Smooth sliding dimmer for customized lighting
- Works with LED and halogen bulbs up to 150W
- Optimized dimming performance for flicker-free dimming
- Fits existing switch boxes and decorator wall plates
- Available in multiple color options to match your decor
- Can be used in single-pole or 3-way setups
With its simple toggle on/off and sliding dimmer, the Lutron Ariadni LED+ Dimmer Switch makes it easy to control the lighting and ambiance in any room. Its optimized LED performance and decorator styling allow for seamless integration into your home’s style.
Cloudy Bay In-Wall Dimmer Switch
The Cloudy Bay in-wall dimmer switch allows you to easily control and dim compatible LED, CFL, halogen, and incandescent lights. Its slide control provides smooth, flicker-free dimming.
The Cloudy Bay in-wall dimmer switch is an easy way to add dimming capability for compatible bulbs. With its sleek and modern design, this dimmer switch will blend seamlessly into any home décor.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Smooth slide control for flicker-free dimming
- Adjustment dial helps fine-tune dimming performance
- Wide dimming range from full brightness down to low light
- Screw-free wall plate for quick and easy installation
- Decorative wall plate included to match any décor
- Works with most dimmable LED, CFL, halogen, and incandescent bulbs
- 600 watt maximum load for lighting flexibility
- Single pole and 3-way installation compatible
With its quality construction and reliable performance, the Cloudy Bay dimmer switch makes it easy to control the lighting in your home. Its flicker-free dimming capabilities ensure lights dim smoothly across the entire range.
Maxxima LED Dimmer Switch
The Maxxima LED dimmer switch allows smooth, flicker-free dimming for compatible LED, CFL, halogen, and incandescent bulbs. Its vertical slide control provides a wide dimming range.
The Maxxima LED dimmer switch offers sleek styling and reliable performance. With its easy slide dimming and wide brightness range, this dimmer switch makes it simple to set the perfect light level in your home.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Vertical slide dimmer for smooth, flicker-free operation
- Adjustment dial helps fine-tune dimming with LEDs
- 600 watt maximum load capacity
- Single pole and 3-way installation compatible
- Decorative screwless wall plate included
- Works with most dimmable LED, CFL, halogen and incandescent bulbs
- UL listed for safety and reliability
With its modern design and versatile compatibility, the Maxxima LED dimmer switch delivers maximum performance. Its robust dimming capabilities provide the flexibility to create the ideal lighting scene.
Smart Dimmer Switch by Generic
This smart dimmer switch allows you to control and dim compatible lights via voice commands, smartphone app, and on the switch. It works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri for hands-free voice control.
The Smart Dimmer Switch makes it easy to dim and control your lights with the convenience of voice assistants and smartphone control. This smart switch simplifies home lighting automation.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Voice control through Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri
- Adjust brightness through dimmer slide or smartphone app
- Set schedules and timers for automatic on/off control
- Easy guided installation with existing wiring
- No hub required for direct WiFi setup
- Works with most dimmable LED, CFL, halogen and incandescent bulbs
- UL certified for safety and reliability
With the Smart Dimmer Switch you can easily dim and automate the lights in your home. Its smart features and voice control provide a new level of convenience and flexibility.