This is the one smart home product everyone should have, and it's on sale
ZDNET's top pick for smart home beginners is 10% off, using a simple remote instead of an app.
ZDNET's expert staff has identified the GE Cync Color-Changing Smart Bulbs as a standout deal during Amazon's Big Spring Sale, pricing them at $10 for a 10% discount. Senior Editor Allison Murray, a self-professed skeptic of advanced smart home tech, champions these bulbs as the one essential upgrade for creating home ambiance. Unlike typical smart bulbs, these operate without Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, using a simple included remote for control from up to 20 feet away. This makes them an ideal, low-commitment entry point into smart lighting.
The bulbs feature five preset light modes—gentle, energetic, wave, smooth, and standard—allowing users to tailor lighting for parties, movie nights, or relaxation. From an efficiency standpoint, they consume just 9.5 watts compared to a traditional 60-watt bulb and are rated to last over 13 years. Murray notes that GE Cync products rarely go on sale, elevating this deal's value. The recommendation is framed for those seeking to combat the harsh, clinical feel of standard LEDs and enhance coziness without navigating complex smart ecosystems or voice assistants.
- Priced at $10 (save $2) during Amazon's Big Spring Sale, a rare discount for GE Cync products.
- Operates without Wi-Fi or Bluetooth using a simple remote with 20-foot range and five color/brightness modes.
- Energy efficient at 9.5 watts with a lifespan exceeding 13 years, offering ambiance without smart home complexity.
Why It Matters
Provides an easy, affordable entry into smart lighting to improve home ambiance, without requiring a full smart home setup.