Light timer switches are a convenient way to save energy if you have a habit of forgetting to turn off the lights when you leave your home or room.
The best light switches are easy to program and install, allow you to control multiple devices, and are compatible with different light bulbs (LED, CFL, incandescent, etc.).
On the other hand, a poorly designed light switch timer is a complete waste of money – impossible to program or install.
To help you separate the good from the useless – we’ve reviewed the Top 5 Light Switch Timers of 2024.
Buy with the confidence that you’re buying one of the best light switch timers on the market. Let’s dive right into the reviews.
Contents
Top 5 Best Light Switch Timers
| Preview | Product | Key Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  | Intermatic ST01K Astronomic Digital In-Wall Timer |
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Premium Choice  | Honeywell Home RPLS740B ECONOswitch 7-Day Solar Programmable Switch, Lights... |
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Excellent Value  | Leviton Decora Programmable Timer Switch for lights and motor loads,... |
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 | Defiant 20-amp 7-day 7-event In-wall Digital Timer |
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 | ENERLITES - HET01-C-W Programmable Digital Timer Switch for Lights, Fans,... |
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Intermatic ST01K Astronomic Digital In-Wall Timer
- Controls LED and CFL lights
- 24-hour or 7-day digital timer with up to 20 ON/OFF events
- Astronomic feature, random feature, auto daylight saving time adjustment
Experience seamless control over your CFL and LED lights with the Intermatic digital in-wall timer. This versatile device, operational 24/7, can manage up to 20 on/off events, enhancing your home’s efficiency and convenience. It boasts an astronomic feature and automatic daylight saving adjustments, eliminating the need for neutral wiring. Its adaptability makes it an ideal choice for both remodeling and retrofit projects, ensuring your lighting is always on cue without any manual intervention.
The compact ST01K in-wall timer, suitable for single and 3-way applications, is a lightweight champion at just 5 ounces. Its efficient design, powered by a long-lasting CR2 battery with an 8000-hour lifespan, ensures your lights sync perfectly with the natural sunrise and sunset, offering you peace of mind and hands-free operation. With CSA certification and robust 15A resistance, this device isn’t just about smart lighting; it’s about smart living.
Pros
- It can control all LED and CFL lights with ease.
- Programmable timer switch for LED lights (as well as CFL, incandescent, halogen and fluorescent lighting).
- The timer can be used 24-7, and you can automate 20 on/off events with it.
- Astronomic feature, random feature, auto daylight saving time adjustment.
- ST01K can automatically adjust itself by the daylight savings.
- It runs on a CSA certified CR2 battery.
Cons
- The timer slightly larger than some alternatives
- Does not include a cover-plate (if you were looking for one)
Verdict
The Intermatic ST01K stands out as the market’s premier astronomical timer, brimming with features that streamline your lighting automation. Once installed, it liberates you from the mundane task of manually controlling your lights, offering both outstanding functionality and exceptional value.
Honeywell Econoswitch Programmable Switch (Lights and Motors)
- CUSTOMIZE YOUR LIGHTS - Add convenience and customization to your home with the Honeywell Home ECONOSwitch 7-Day Solar Programmable Light Switch
- HELPS SAVE ON YOUR ENERGY BILL - Scheduled programming allows the Econoswitch to turn your home lights and motors on and off automatically, helping you save both time and energy
- CONTROL MULTIPLE DEVICES - Schedule your motor-operated appliances such as ceiling fans, bathroom fans, pond pumps, and pool pumps in addition to all your home lighting (one switch per home installation). 1800W, ¾ HP on 120v
Honeywell’s Econoswitch comes in two different modes, an automatic switch, and a manual one. You can program up to 7 on/off events 7 times a week. You can apply for one program on any given day or set it to work on 7 days a week. The light switch timer can operate with all varieties of motors and lights of 120V capacity. It is compatible with different kinds of CFL and LED bulbs.
With its sleek design, the Honeywell Econoswitch is designed to complement your home’s aesthetic, fitting seamlessly with standard decorative plates available for separate purchase. It includes a long-lasting built-in battery and a random mode for enhanced security, automating lights in unpredictable patterns. Its DIY-friendly setup, supported by detailed instructions, ensures a hassle-free installation, backed by a reassuring one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Pros
- Schedule your motor-operated appliances such as ceiling fans, bathroom fans, pond pumps, and pool pumps in addition to all your home lighting
- The Random Setting turns timed light on and off for extra home security while you’re away.
- Programs protected during power outages.
- Compatible with LED, CFL, incandescent, halogen and fluorescent lighting for outdoor or indoor operation.
- It also comes with a built-in battery that is very durable.
- Automatically adjusts to daylight savings to ensure that your programs run correctly and on time.
- It has an embedded plug profile that fits well within the electric box, and it doesn’t take up much room.
Cons
- It only offers 7 ON/OFF events (although this is plenty for most people)
Verdict
The Honeywell Econoswitch Programmable Switch is an excellent premium light switch timer. It’s easy to program and install, and is compatible with LED, CFL, incandescent, halogen and fluorescent lighting for indoor or outdoor operation. Highly recommended for those who want a highly customisable programmable light switch timer.
Leviton Indoor Timer with Astronomical Clock
- CONVENIENT – replace your current wall switch with a programmable timer to automate exterior, interior lights and more
- EASY TO INSTALL – shallow design easily fits in the wallbox. 600W LED/CFL, 1800W Incandescent/Halogen, 1200VA MLV/ELV/Fluorescent, ½ HP/9.8 Amp Fan/Motor, 15A Resistive
- INNOVATIVE GREEN FLEX SLEEVE – wires to ground when no neutral wire is available or remove green sleeve and connect to a neutral wire if present in wallbox. A ground wire is required for installation
This indoor timer from Leviton also incorporates an astronomical clock and is very easily programmable. You can operate it with complete flexibility to automate your lightings in any combination of days throughout the month. It has a massive timer display where you can have a glance at your settings, and it also comes with a backlit display. Its astronomical clock can tune itself with the local sunrise and sunset timings too.
Your purchase will include three different face plates that you can change as per your décor. The colors include light almond, white and ivory. It does require a neutral wire for installation. The product only weighs approximately six and a half ounces and its dimensions are 1.6-inch x 0.6-inch x 0.7-inch. It does not come with any battery, but the product is covered under five years warranty as well. It can control all types LED and CFL lights.
Pros
- The programmable indoor timer is CSA, UL and FCC
- The astronomical timer has uncompetitive accuracy.
- It has a resistance of 15A.
- Includes three changeable face plates white, ivory, and light almond
- It offers up to 50 OF/OFF events.
Cons
- Requires a neutral wire for installation.
Verdict
Leviton has made this product very easy to install, and offers a HUGE 50 ON/OFF events, allowing you to program a variety of different schedules. The astronomical timer automatically adjusts to local sunrise/sunset times, and the product comes at a great price.
Leviton is a reputable company, and has made a serious effort to keep this programmable timer simple and easy to use. They have a solid reputation for making high-quality products (making some of the best washing machine surge protectors and whole house surge protectors).
The Leviton indoor timer with an astronomical clock is an excellent buy for those looking for an easy-to-use light switch timer at a great price.
Defiant 20-Amp In-Wall Digital Timer
- Programmable to the minute
- Single-pole or 3-way
- 125 Volt, 60Hz, 20 Amps resistive, 15 Amps tungsten, 16 Amps
The 20-Amp in-wall digital timer from Defiant is programmable with accuracy to the minute. It applies to the single pole as well as 3-way connections. It offers resistance of 20-amp, and you can automatically program the device according to your local sunset and sunrise timings. Your purchase is secure under one year warranty from Defiant, and you can claim it in case of any issues within this period.
The product weighs approximately two and a half ounces and its dimensions 5.8-inch x 3-inch x 2.2-inch. It is powered by alternative current and does not require any batteries for this purpose. In case of any electricity interruptions, the settings of this device remain unaltered. There is a random mode as well with which you can automatically program the on/off events of all your indoor lights for additional security measure during vacations. The size of the unit is huge, and you need to empty the electric box to install it.
Pros
- You can program 7 on/off events with this device separately for each day of the week.
- It does not have any battery.
- It also houses a random mode for extra security purposes.
- The product is covered under one year warranty from Defiant.
- You can conveniently program the device as per the sunset/sunrise timings.
Cons
- It only offers 7 on/off events.
- It also requires neutral wiring for installation purposes.
Verdict
The device from Defiant is handy for you indoor light automation. It is compatible with both CFLs and LEDs, and it does not take much time for installation as well.
Enerlites Digital Programmable Timer Switch
- Programming Convenience: Set schedules to control your indoor and outdoor lights, fans, sprinklers, and motors to turn on and off automatically at the present time.
- 18 Timer Options - Create 18 different on/off timer settings and let HET01-C wall timer do the rest. Timer cover can be pressed to manually turn lights on and off.
- Backup Battery: In case of power outage, the built in Ni-MH battery secures preprogrammed timer settings. RCL feature can be used to recall your last setting.
Enerlites’ digital programmable timer switch elevates your home’s automation with 18 customizable on/off events, perfect for managing lights, fans, and even sprinklers. This device not only enhances your home’s security by simulating occupancy but also seamlessly integrates with your existing wiring, replacing conventional switches effortlessly. The reliable Ni-MH battery maintains
You can easily program your timer switch because it is a very user-friendly plus, you can also set it to schedule separate timings for weekdays, weekends or all days. It does require a neutral wiring for installation and it only offers single pole use and is not designed for 3-way use. Your purchase will include a wall plate as well.
Pros
- It is equipped with a dual mode where you can use automated or manual operation.
- You can use the central button to switch it on/off at any time.
- It is equipped with a large display, and you can program it very conveniently.
- The timer switch comes with a wall plate as well, and you don’t need to buy it separately.
Cons
- The display is quite dim despite the large screen.
- It does not offer daylight saving feature for the time.
Verdict
It is a fantastic product that does not cost much and still is very convenient to use. It offers numerous features and has long lasting durability as well.
Buying Guide
How many types of the light switch timer are there?
There are different types of light switch timer. You can buy outdoor light timer switch, or you can go for indoor ones. There are standard light switches as well as lighting dimmer switches. You can also buy motion sensing or occupancy switches, or you can opt for central lighting control systems as well. The primary purpose of all these devices is to conserve energy.
How can choose the right light timer switch for my home?
Because there are different types of programmable light switches, you need to be sure what kind of timer switch would be ideal for you. First of all, before buying anything you must look for the wattage ratings. Add the wattage of all the bulbs or motors you want to control with your device and then find the right option. Then you must also examine the lighting configuration some switches work with a single pole, and one switch controls all lights.
Timer switches can also enhance the safety of your home as they give an appearance that someone is at home, turning the lights on and off automatically. There are both indoor and outdoor light timer switches available.
Should I look for a timer switch that runs on battery or alternating current?
It ultimately depends upon which type you prefer. The timer switches that come with built-in battery work well, but if the battery falters then, the whole device becomes useless. In case of timer switches that run on alternating current, frequent power failures or interruptions can cause the problem to the switch. The timer switches that come with removable batteries are excellent because in case if the battery stops working then you can replace it with a new one.
How to set a timer switch for lights?
It is not that difficult at all. Just turn off the main power from the circuit breaker or unscrew the fuse which controls the fixture and the wall switch. Then remove the cover plate of the switch and use a tester to confirm that the power is off. After that unscrew the existing switch and pull it out but let the wires attached. Now compare the wires with your new switch using the manual that comes with it and then connect them to the old wires and then fix the timer switch and turn on the power. Now you are all set to program your timer switch as per your requirement.
How does a timer switch work?
Timing mechanism controls the timer switch, and the switch is connected to an electric circuit that is operating from the central power. You can select a setting on the timer and find the button that enables you to toggle between the automatic settings and the timer. Locate the outlet that you want your timer switch to work on and plug it in. After that just set the timer and you are ready to go. Note that the timer is specifically for your lights, and other electronic devices such as your USB wall outlets and GFCI outlets will work as usual.
Conclusion
The Astronomic Digital In-Wall Timer from Intermatic is the best choice for you because it comes with a replaceable CR2 battery and it also offers 20 on/off events for you to set. The product is CSA certified, and it also comes with an Intermatic warranty for one year. It is the best light switch timer that you can find in the price range.
