For Canadians looking to dip a toe into smart home technology without the hassle of complex wiring or constant voice commands, a simple and affordable solution has surfaced on Amazon. The Amazon Basics Smart Dimmer Switch, typically priced at $19.99, is currently available at a 25% discount, bringing the cost down to just $14.99 for a limited-time lightning deal.
What Makes This Dimmer a Standout Upgrade?
This device is far more than a simple light dimmer. It serves as a versatile remote control for a wide array of smart home devices, including lamps, smart plugs, speakers, blinds, and even smart locks or thermostats. The core appeal for many, especially in Canadian households where retrofitting old wiring can be a challenge, is its complete lack of wiring requirements. You can mount it anywhere using the included plate and hardware.
The design features a removable, magnetic remote that snaps securely onto its wall plate. This means you can have a fixed switch on the wall for convenience or carry the remote with you as a portable controller. As one reviewer highlighted, this flexibility is a key selling point, allowing the switch to function as both a permanent fixture and a handheld device.
Effortless Setup and Powerful Customization
Pairing the dimmer with your smart home ecosystem is designed to be straightforward. The switch connects through the Amazon Alexa app, where users can assign specific smart devices or routines to each of the remote's four buttons.
Each button can be programmed for two distinct actions: one for a short press and another for a long press. This provides users with up to eight programmable routines from a single, compact device. Reviewers praise this functionality for creating silent routines—like turning on hallway lights or starting a music playlist—without disturbing other household members with voice commands.
Real User Reviews from Canadian Shoppers
The product has garnered positive feedback for its ease of use and value. One user, Alan, noted the setup took just minutes with no complicated wiring, and it synced flawlessly with his Echo hub. Another reviewer, Anon_RLS, emphasized its utility in a shared home, allowing for silent control of Alexa routines to avoid waking a partner.
Some users pointed out minor considerations, such as a brief 1-2 second lag for command execution and the lack of a "press-and-hold" function for continuous actions like volume adjustment. Commands must be executed sequentially, with a pause for the Echo to respond before the next button press is registered.
Despite these minor quirks, the consensus is that for under $20—and especially at the sale price of $14.99—the switch offers incredible functionality and flexibility, making it a no-brainer for those wanting to add physical control to their voice-activated smart homes.
The lightning deal is live now on Amazon Canada, but as with all flash sales, the discount could vanish at any moment. Shoppers interested in this simple smart home upgrade are advised to act quickly to secure the 25% savings.
