Two of the most popular smart switch manufacturers on the market today are Honeywell and GE. Both make good products, but at the end, which is better: the Honeywell Smart Switch or the GE version?
Both the Honeywell and GE smart switches are very close in quality and functionality; however, we find that the Honeywell switch is slightly higher in quality and usability compared to the GE smart switch. Still, the final decision for you will come down to personal preference.
Obviously, there will be dissent, so I’ll give a better idea of the competition by outlining two advanced products from both companies. To see how they stack up against each other just read on!
Honeywell VS GE Smart Switches: An Overview of my method
For this review, I selected a top-of-the-line model from each company to see how their very best stacks up: the Honeywell UltraPro Z-Wave Plus and the GE Enbrighten Z-Wave Plus.
We compared the two devices using the following criterion:
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
- Alexa Use
- Google Assistant Use
- Light Control and Scheduling
- Lighting Versatility
- Neutral Wire
- Repeater or Range Extender
So, without further ado, let’s pit these two great switches head to head!
Smart Switch Design: Honeywell Has Better Design?
In this instance, the GE Enbrighten Z-Wave Plus Smart Light Switch is a standard toggle switch that only comes in the color white.
On the other hand, Honeywell’s UltraPro Z-Wave Plus Smart Light Switch is a paddle switch with two color options of white and almond—not an extensive variety, but enough to edge out the GE switch in this category.
Hence, Honeywell wins the Design criterion.
Smart Switch Functionality: Honeywell Supports More Connections
Here, functionality refers to the number of connections the particular smart switch in question can support.
For example, a four-way smart switch could be used to activate a single light controlled by three analog switches simply by replacing one of those three switches with a single four-way smart switch. There is no need to replace the other two switches; the one will suffice to allow the user to access all three lights and control them.
The functionality of the GE switch supports up to a four-way connection. The Honeywell switch, however, supports up to a five-way connection.
As a result, Honeywell again has the edge, at least, as far as functionality is concerned.
Smart Switch Price: About Equal
Since the GE smart switch and the Honeywell smart switch are similar products and not identical ones, we should expect that somewhat different functionality and design may account for a difference in cost (toggle switch vs. paddle switch, etc.).
Regardless, the prices of the two smart switches were both in reasonable range of each other.
Depending upon the site you go to, you can find either product for around $30 or so. More specifically, we found the GE smart switch for around $35, and the Honeywell smart switch we found for around $28 (Actually, it was two for $55 or so).
Honeywell barely gets the edge since its smart switch is slightly less expensive than the GE version. Of course, as we said, prices do vary from to site to site and also change over time, so this is a somewhat less decisive edge than any of the others.
The Smart Switch and Alexa: Draw
Alexa is an Amazon product that most people have heard of by now. It is basically a command center for automated control of devices in your home. In this case, we are concerned with how well Alexa can control smart switches.
According to the information present on-line, both the Honeywell UltraPro Z-Wave Plus and the GE Enbrighten Z-Wave Plus are compatible with Amazon’s Alexa. As a result, this criterion is a tie.
The Smart Switch and Google Assistant: Draw
Google Assistant is obviously a product developed by Google, duh. It performs a function similar to that performed by Amazon’s Alexa. That is, it is a smart technology command system activated and controlled by the sound of one’s voice.
Like Alexa before it, the information on-line indicates that the Honeywell UltraPro Z-Wave Plus and the GE Enbrighten Z-Wave Plus are compatible with the Google Assistant. As a result, this criterion is also a tie.
Smart Switch Light Control and Scheduling: Draw
One of the pluses of any smart switch system is the control it gives you over the lighting of your house. This is one of the main features of the smart switch and the reason many people opt for one.
You can schedule your lights to adhere to a particular schedule.
This is great for keeping an eye on energy efficiency or even to use as a deterrent for intruders if you are away on vacation.
You can even program it to have the lights come on at different times of day and night as if someone were there!
The communication is made through an App that can be downloaded to your Smartphone, Tablet, or similar device.
The Honeywell UltraPro Z-Wave Plus and the GE Enbrighten Z-Wave Plus both have advanced systems implementing this feature, so this is a draw as well. It’s getting harder and harder to pick a winner!
Smart Switch Lighting Versatility: Draw
There are a number of different types of light bulbs that are potential candidates for use with a smart switch. The most common ones to consider are LED, CFL, halogen, and incandescent bulbs.
Fortunately, both the Honeywell UltraPro Z-Wave Plus and the GE Enbrighten Z-Wave Plus work with all the above listed light bulbs. One thing less to worry about.
Smart Switch and the Neutral Wire: Draw
Both the Honeywell smart switch and the GE smart switch require a neutral wire. A neutral wire is a wire that is installed to complete the circuit the switch is on. It does this by carrying electrical current from the load back to the power source. It is necessary because the smart switch must have power at its disposal at all times.
Since both switches require a neutral wire, neither has advantage here.
Smart Switch Repeater or Range Extenders: Another Draw
Another feature of a smart switch is its ability to act as a repeater or range extender for the Z-wave hub your system will use. This, basically, increases the range and reliability of the device in your home. As a result, the smart switch helps lessen and limit dead zones or low coverage areas, so you have a cleaner, stronger signal throughout your house.
Once again, we have a tie, because both the Honeywell smart switch we are looking at and the GE smart switch we are looking at can function as a repeater or range extender.
The Final Word: Honeywell or GE Smart Switch?
I’ve looked at nine different features of these two of the top smart switches from both Honeywell and GE: the Honeywell UltraPro Z-Wave and the GE Enbrighten Z-Wave Plus. From the above analysis, it’s clear that the Honeywell device won the contest.
The Honeywell smart switch is lower in price, has greater color versatility, and slightly better functionality (5-way connection versus 4).
However, that does not mean that you won’t prefer GE for some reason not listed here. Honeywell has a slight edge, but since they are so close in functionality, aesthetics, and smart technology, you won’t be disappointed if you pick up either one.