Lutron vs Control4: Which Smart Lighting System is Right for You?

The development of smart home lighting technology has helped add value to countless residential and commercial spaces. The growth of this industry has been fueled by many high-quality providers, including both Lutron and Control4.

There are seemingly countless reasons why a person might install smart lighting and shading systems into their home. These systems make it easy to control your lights and create the perfect setting. Additionally, smart lighting can help make your home more energy-efficient and generally increase your quality of life.

Within the next decade, more than half of all homes in the United States will have at least one smart home system installed. In addition to lighting, homeowners are also adding better security, climate, and sound systems that can all easily be coordinated and controlled from a centralized location.

Once you have decided that you are ready to “get smart” and upgrade to a new lighting system, the next thing you will need to determine is which brand is right for you home. Factors such as features, cost, and user interfaces will all need to be carefully considered. In this article, we will compare Lutron and Control4 smart lighting systems. By taking the time to recognize the differences between these leading brands, you will be able to determine which system makes the most sense for you.

What to Look for in a Smart Home Lighting System

Smart lighting solutions—such as those provided by Lutron, Control4, and countless other companies—make it very easy to control every light, dimmer, switch, and shade within a single home. Due to the development of new apps and other technologies, you don't even need to be home to turn the porch light on or off—this can be done from anywhere in the world.

When comparing different systems, there are quite a few things you will want to keep in mind. First, you will need to decide whether you want smart lights in a single room, a single floor, or throughout your entire home. Then, you will also need to decide whether you want the lighting system to be integrated with the other systems in your home (such as security and temperature).

It will also be important to think about whether you want a simple system (on/off) or a system that has more complex features (preset moods, automatic shades, timed lights,etc.). Many of the advanced features will come standard, but it will still be a good idea to recognize exactly what you’re looking for. Once you understand both the quality and quantity of smart lights that you’ll need, you can then set a budget and begin comparing your available options.

By working with a lighting partner such as APEX, you’ll be able to learn about the pros and cons of each available system.

Getting to Know Lutron Lighting Solutions

Lutron is an innovative lighting company that has not only revolutionized the smart lighting industry but also has decades of experience. Lutron has been described by some users as the “Cadillac” of lighting solutions and when you look at the features and systems that Lutron currently offers, it appears that this title is one that is clearly well-earned.

One of the reasons Lutron has become a leader in the lighting business is that the company’s wireless technology removes the need for any retrofitting or rewiring. While Lutron does cost more than many alternatives, the reduced installation expenses can help offset these costs. Lutron systems can be easily synced to an iPhone, Android, and various other devices, giving you simple and complete control of all the lights in your designated space.

Lutron also offers advanced customization options, making it easy to create go-to scenes such as “dinner”, “party”, “morning”, “evening”, or anything else you desire. Lutron also offers plenty of shades, dimmers, and rollers, allowing your smart lighting system to become truly comprehensive. In addition to decreased energy usage and enhanced Geo-fencing capabilities, Lutron’s user-oriented focus has allowed it to remain a dominant force in the lighting industry.

Getting to Know Control4 Lighting Solutions

When compared to Lutron, Control4 is a company that is newer and a bit more affordable—however, the products Control4 offers are still considered to be state-of-the-art. Control4 offers what is known as a “flexible” install, making it easy to either start from scratch or integrate with your already existing technology.

Control4’s unique keypad makes it easy to control every smart system from a single location. Dim the lights, put on your favorite music, and turn the heat up with just a few simple touches. Control4 makes it very easy to match your home to your mood, whatever that may be. Like Lutron, Control4 is compatible with almost every wireless device you can imagine.

In addition to retrofitting, Control4 can be used along with seemingly every type of light, including incandescent and LED lights. Furthermore, Control4 is compatible with many other third-party technologies, which can help reduce costs and make installation much easier.

The Bottom Line: Should I go with Lutron or Control4 Lighting Solutions?

Both Lutron and Control4 are high-quality lighting brands that can help immediately add value to your home and increase your overall quality of life. Really, in an industry driven by such intense innovation, it is difficult to make a “bad” decision.

Choose Lutron if you are willing to spend a little bit more, hope to incorporate shades into your broader lighting system, and want to create a system from scratch. If you are moving into a new home, Lutron is likely your best available option. The company offers very focused solutions that can be easily adapted to satisfy your personal needs.

Choose Control4 if you are looking for a user-friendly solution that is more affordable and adaptable with already existing systems. Control4’s app and it’s retrofitting both cause it to be incredibly popular, even if Lutron is considered by some to be the more sophisticated brand.

If you are still unsure which lighting system is right for your home, visit your local Lutron and Control4 retailer and ask to see the systems in action. Regardless of what you end up choosing, these are both incredible brands that will maintain their value over time.