Over the years, Lutron has managed to become a dominant player in the smart home automation market. Both the Lutron Smart Bridge and the Lutron Smart Bridge have won the affection of many products due to the reliability of the devices, the wide compatibility with other smart home devices which enhances the automation in your home as well as the wide number of Lutron devices that can be connected which means that you just need one hub for a typical house. The Lutron Smart Bridge comes with Geofencing support which allows your lights to light up as you get home, time clock scheduling of daily events as well as Alexa compatibility which allows you to control it with just your voice while the Lutron Smart Bridge Pro allows you to integrate select A/V systems, use the stylish Sivoia devices with it and connect to your WiFi router using Ethernet. Wondering which smart bridge is better than the other? We will compare the two smart bridges head to head and help you to make a judgment as to which smart bridge is best for your home.
Alternatively, just skip to either the Lutron Smart Bridge or the Lutron Smart Bridge Pro on Amazon.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison Table Lutron Smart Bridge vs Pro
| Lutron Smart Bridge | Lutron Smart Bridge Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |  |
| Integration with select A/V & security system | No | Yes |
| Sivoia QS Triathlon | No | Yes |
| Select Sivoia QS wireless shades | No | Yes |
| Scene control via the Lutron App | Yes | Yes |
| Timeclock scheduling of daily events via the Lutron App | Yes | Yes |
| Supports Geofencing from the Lutron App | Yes | Yes |
| Connects to Wi-Fi router via Ethernet | Yes | Yes |
| Local device operation will continue to function if internet connection is lost or the bridge is powered down | Yes | Yes |
| System access from anywhere in the world using the Lutron App | Yes | Yes |
| Number of devices that can be connected | 50 devices | 50 devices |
| Amazon Alexa, Google Assitant, | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Home Kit, Apple watch control, scheduling feature | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Technology | Lutron Clear Connect | Lutron Clear Connect |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Key Similarities between the Lutron Smart Bridge and the Lutron Smart Bridge Pro:
- Ethernet ports
- Lutron Clear Connect
- Remote control
- Voice assistants
- Mobile application included
Key Differences between the Lutron Smart Bridge and the Lutron Smart Bridge Pro:
- Integration with Select A/V and Security systems
- Cost
- Shades Control
A Comprehensive Comparison between the Lutron Smart Bridge and the Lutron Smart Bridge Pro
1. Ethernet
In computer networking, wired connections are often preferred over wireless connections. This also applies to networking devices. It is best to have networking devices that have wireless capabilities but can be connected to the main network through a wired connection. This allows the entire network to have a low latency and this increases throughput and boosts performance. As a result, you will see the devices in the network performing in a quick, reliable and efficient manner. Both the the Lutron Smart Bridge and the Lutron Smart Bridge Pro come with an Ethernet port. This allows for the Lutron devices such as dimmers, light switches, etc. to communicate with the bridge and this allows your mobile device to control the settings of your Lutron Bridge.
2. Wireless Technology
The wireless technologies available are almost endless. There is Z-Wave, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Infra-Red, Zigbee, and more. Each of these wireless technologies come with their advantages and disadvantages. Some wireless technologies are proprietary such as the Lutron Clear Connect technology used by the Lutron wireless home devices. Such proprietary protocols usually work quite well and have much less interference than that present in unlicensed radio frequency bands such as the one that is used by Bluetooth, Zigbee and Wi-Fi. Both the Lutron Smart Bridge and the Lutron Smart Bridge Pro use this proprietary wireless protocol.
3. Remote Control
The invention of remote controls have allowed for you to control devices from a distance. Gone are the days in which you would need to press the physical buttons of the electronic equipment to change the settings. The Lutron devices allow for you to use a Pico remote control system. This allows you to remotely control the devices from anywhere you want in the home. You can also control your devices from your car using the Pico car clip accessory. Both the Lutron Smart Bridge and the Lutron Smart Bridge Pro support the Pico remote control system.
4. Voice Assistants
The introduction of voice assistants has completely changed the home. These voice assistants are able to use our voice commands to control our home automation devices. This is an advantage as this method of inputting commands into an electronic system is much easier and faster than using physical buttons or a touch screen. The Lutron Smart Bridge and the Lutron Smart Bridge Pro both support the popular voice assistants which include the Google Voice Assistant, and Amazon’s Alexa.
5. Mobile application
Nowadays it is almost impossible to find manufacturers who do not ship their products with mobile applications. The mobile applications help you to install and setup the products with great ease. In addition, they allow for customization and control. The Lutron application allows for you to connect your smart lighting devices to your smartphones or tablets easily. It allows you to set your lighting device the ways you want and also allows you to automatically turn the lights on and off when you are away from home travelling. Both the Lutron Smart Bridge and the Lutron Smart Bridge Pro support this feature.
6. Multiple Device Support
Both the Lutron Smart Bridge and the Lutron Smart Bridge Pro support multiple devices. You can connect a wide host of features to them. This allows you to connect up to 50 wireless devices. This is more than adequate for the average home. Such devices include light dimmer switches, etc. The Lutron Smart Bridge and the Lutron Smart Bridge Pro also allow for you to connect them with the Apple HomeKit. This means that you can control the Lutron Smart Bridge or the Lutron Smart Bridge Pro directly from your Apple Watch. This is a very huge advantage if you are an Apple user.
7. Local Device Operation
This is a feature that is present in both the Lutron Smart Bridge and the Lutron Smart Bridge Pro. The local device operation will continue if the internet connection is lost, if the Smart Bridge stops responding or if it is powered down. This means that your entire network of Lutron devices will not go down when the device goes down.
8. Shades Control
The Lutron Smart Bridge Pro is able to offer more shades control than the Lutron Smart Bridge. You can get more shade control options. Such shades include Sivoia QS Triathlon or Sivoia QS Wireless Shade. These are not available on the Lutron Smart Bridge. These shades will definitely light up your home and make it look like a palace.
9. Integration with Select A/V and Security systems
The Lutron Smart Bridge Pro can be integrated with select A/V and security systems. Such systems include, but are not restricted to the following: ELK, Alarm.com, Control4, RTI, PRO Control, BitWise Controls, iRule, Key Digital, Bang & Olufsen, Savant, URC, and Creston Electronics. The Lutron Smart Bridge does not support such systems. This means that the Lutron Smart Bridge Pro is more advanced than the Lutron Smart Bridge.
10. Cost
The Lurton Smart Bridge Pro is more expensive than the Lutron Smart Bridge. This is because the Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge is the older version and it comes with much less features than the Lutron Smart Bridge Pro.
Our Pick
We fell in love with the Lutron Smart Bridge Pro. This is because it comes with two main distinct features. It allows for you to control more shades such as the Sivoia QS Triathlon or the Sivoia QS wireless Shade. In addition, it allows for integration with select A/V and security systems.
Why Do You Need a Smart Bridge?
1. Convenience
The Lutron Smart Bridge and the Lutron Smart Bridge Pro come with the Geofencing capability. This technology allows for the mobile application to track your geographical location. When you are just about to get home, actions can be performed e.g. all of the lights could be automatically turned on.
2. Voice Control
The Lutron Smart Bridge and the Lutron Smart Bridge Pro are examples of smart bridges that come with support for voice assistants. You can use the Google Assistant or Amazon’s Alexa. This method of command input is much easier than using physical buttons or even using touchscreens.
3. Remote Control
Imagine being able to control the lights in your home using a remote. No need to stand up and go to the light switch. That is possible through the use of a remote control which is supported by these smart bridges.
Factors to Consider When Choosing between the Lutron Smart Bridge and the Lutron Smart Bridge Pro
1. Cost
At the end of the day, it is all about the money. Money is the reason that we spend days, hours and years in careers we do not necessarily like. It may be a good idea to try and save a few bucks and go for the cheaper Lutron Smart Bridge. If you have unrestricted funds or if you really value the many extra advantages that are provided by the Lutron Smart Bridge then go for it. You definitely will not regret your decision at all.
2. Integration with Select A/V and Security systems
As mentioned earlier, the Lutron Smart Bridge Pro can be integrated with select A/V and security systems. Such systems include, but are not restricted to the following: ELK, Alarm.com, Control4, RTI, PRO Control, BitWise Controls, iRule, Key Digital, Bang & Olufsen, Savant, URC, and Creston Electronics. The Lutron Smart Bridge does not support such systems. This makes the Lutron Smart Bridge Pros very attractive if you are considering adding such security and A/V systems to your house. If you do not plan to add these systems to your house, then go for the cheaper Lutron Smart Bridge.
3. Shades Control
The Lutron Smart Bridge Pro is able to offer more shades control than the Lutron Smart Bridge. Such shades include Sivoia QS Triathlon or Sivoia QS Wireless Shade. These are not available on the Lutron Smart Bridge. These shades have the main advantage that they are fashionable, flexible and reliable automated shading systems. They will make your home look very modern and they are guaranteed to last between 3-5 years without any problems at all. If you do not mind having such shades, then go for the cheaper Lutron Smart Bridge.
4. Lighting Scenes
The Lutron Smart Bridge Pro offers more lighting scene picos than the Lutron Smart Bridge. If you are one who loves having as many customization features possible as possible, then try going for the Lutron Smart Brige Pro. If this is no problem to you, then go for the Lutron Smart Bridge.
5. Additional Features
As you probably know, the latest version of a hardware product ususally comes with the latest hardware. This makes the Lutron Smart Bridge Pro a better option. In addition, feedback from the customers will be used to make the next version better and this is another reason to go for the Lutron Smart Bridge Pro. It also comes with additional features that nerds may like. It has telnet access and this allows for custom software to make calls to the bridge. For example, you can write a plugin for music software to change your lights based on the album art.
Lutron Smart Bridge vs. Lutron Smart Bridge Pro FAQs
Do they Work With Echo?
Oh yes they do. They actually work great with amazon’s Echo devices. This allows you to use the Alexa voice assistant in order for you to use voice commands.
Can I Use My Smartphone to Control Them?
Yes you can. There is an application called the “Lutron App” that is manufactured by Lutron for Lutron devices. This allows for you to control your lights through the use of this application. It is available on both the Android and the iOS platforms so no need to worry about which mobile phone operated system your phone uses (unless if you still use Windows Phone).
Do They Come With Geofencing and Why Do I Need It?
Yes they do. The Geofencing technology allows for your location to be tracked. The mobile application tracks your geographic location. It then adjusts the parameters present based on your location. For example if you are just about to get home, the lights will automatically switch on as soon as you arrive. The light bridge would have automatically detected that you are about to enter your home through the use of this Geofencing technology.
What is Lutron Clear Connect?
As mentioned earlier, there are different Wireless communication protocols present. Each wireless communication protocol has its merits as well as its demerits. The Lutron clear Connect technology allows for you to connect the Lutron devices together through the use of the low frequency band which is in the 400 MHz spectrum. This band is relatively uncongested and since it is at a lower frequency, it means that you do not need to worry about interference.
Are They Programmable?
Of course! The smart bridges allow users to easily control lighting by creating scenes and schedules. They also allow for you to integrate them with several third party systems.
Conclusion
In this article, we explored the differences between the Lutron Smart Bridge and the Lutron Smart Bridge Pro systems. We declared the winner to be the Lutron Smart Bridge Pro. This is because of the wide host of features that it comes with. It supports the stylish Sivoia QS Triathlon and Sivoia QS Wireless Shades that will definitely add a modern feel to your home. It supports a wide variety of A/V and Security systems such as ELK, Alarm.com, Control4, RTI, PRO Control, BitWise Controls. In addition, it offers more lighting scene picos than the Lutron Smart Bridge.
We included a comprehensive list of features that you will need to consider when choosing between the two smart bridges. This will help you to choose which smart bridge system best suits your unique needs.
Check out the best smart bridge, the Lutron Smart Bridge Pro on Amazon.
