When you’re trying to compare the Lutron Smart Bridge vs. Smart Bridge Pro, it may be tempting to opt for the Pro model due to the additional features. But is paying extra really necessary?
We’ll go into the specific situations where you’d need the Smart Bridge Pro by going into the similarities and differences below. Chances are, the regular Lutron Smart Bridge
may suit you just fine!
Navigate this Article:
- Lutron Smart Bridge vs. Smart Bridge Pro — TL;DR Comparison Chart
- Lutron Smart Bridge vs. Smart Bridge Pro — Let’s Get Into Details!
- What do Lutron Smart Bridge and Smart Bridge Pro Have in Common?
- Lutron Smart Bridge and Pro in a Smart Home Environment
- How to Make Lutron Smart Bridge Even Better?
- Which Would We Choose for Our Home?
Don’t feel like reading? We got you!
Lutron Smart Bridge vs. Smart Bridge Pro — Easy Comparison Chart
| Lutron Smart Bridge | Smart Bridge Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Control via Pico | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Control via Lutron App | Yes | Yes |
| Apple HomeKit Support | Yes | Yes |
| Control from Apple Watch | Yes | Yes |
| Amazon Alexa Support | Yes | Yes |
| Google Assistant Support | Yes | Yes |
| Technology | Lutron Clear Connect RF | Lutron Clear Connect RF |
| Ethernet Port | Yes | Yes |
| System Size | 50 | 50 |
| Scene control via the Lutron App | Yes | Yes |
| Timeclock scheduling of daily events | Yes | Yes |
| System access from anywhere in the world | Yes | Yes |
| Geofencing from the Lutron App | Yes | Yes |
| Supports Serena Shades | Yes | Yes |
| Supports Sivoia QS Triathlon | No | Yes |
| Supports Select Sivoia QS Wireless shades | No | Yes |
| Integration with select A/V and security systems | No | Yes |
Last update on 2023-04-01 at 10:00 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Lutron Smart Bridge vs. Smart Bridge Pro — What’s Different?
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Additional Shades Control – Both the Lutron Smart Bridge and Smart Bridge Pro can control Serena shades, but the Pro offers support for additional shade options. If you’re interested in the Sivoia QS Triathlon or any Sivoia QS Wireless shades outside of the Venetian and horizontal sheer blinds, you’ll have to opt for the Pro version. It’s easy to see from the extensive similarity section that these devices are very much similar, but shade control is definitely an area in which the Pro version has the advantage.
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Integration with Select A/V & Security Systems – Another area in which the Smart Bridge Pro has the advantage is with integration with A/V and Security systems. With support for a wide range of product families such as Alarm.com, Control4, PRO Control, RTI, Elk, iRule, Bang & Olufsen, Bitwise Controls, Savant, Crestron Electronics, and URC, it’s easy to see that the Pro model has the edge. If you already have any of these systems or were planning on purchasing one in the future, it may be worth shelling out for the Pro model.
What do Lutron Smart Bridge and Smart Bridge Pro Have in Common?
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Seamless Remote Control – Both the Lutron Smart Bridge and Smart Bridge Pro are easy to control remotely and offer multiple different options to adjust your lighting and other smart products at will. The main method is through Pico Wireless Remotes that can be installed in a variety of different methods in any way that is most convenient using optional mounting accessories. Lights can be controlled singularly or in groups from anywhere in the house, and you can even keep a remote in your car!
However, app control is also an option. You can easily schedule lighting settings for certain times of day via the app, and even automatically adjust the lighting based on changing seasons and Daylight Savings Time. The Smart Away feature also turns lights on and off randomly while you’re traveling, giving the appearance that you’re still at home and warding off would-be intruders.
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Apple HomeKit & Voice Control – Both hubs support Apple HomeKit and voice control. In order to control Caseta Wireless lighting and Lutron shades using Siri, you’ll need an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch running iOS 8.1 or later. To control Apple accessories from home, you’ll also need a third-generation or later Apple TV running at least tvOS 7.0. In addition to Apple HomeKit, Caseta Wireless devices also support Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
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Lutron Clear Connect Technology – Both Smart Bridge devices communicate with Lutron Caseta Wireless components through Lutron Clear Connect radio frequency technology. This frequency provides a clear connection that should ensure your lighting is responsive at all times, regardless of whether you choose the regular smart bridge or the Pro.
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Extend to up to 50 Wireless Devices – Since the Smart Bridge devices are intended for use with Caseta Wireless lighting, they’re built to support up to 50 wireless devices. This should be more than adequate for most smaller to medium-sized homes, but for bigger areas, we recommend checking out our Lutron RA2 Select.
Last update on 2023-03-20 at 07:35 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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Ethernet Port – While the Smart Bridge devices communicate with Caseta Wireless lighting via Lutron Clear Connect, they get their internet connection themselves through an Ethernet port hooked up to your wireless router. This hardwire connection ensures stable internet that is essential for operating your smart devices without a hitch.
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DIY Smart Lighting Solution – As the Smart Bridge and Smart Bridge Pro are intended for the Caseta system, as discussed above, they’re both very easy to install itself. They don’t require any additional wiring and can be used in newer and older homes up to 2500 square feet in size. The system works up over 1000 different bulbs and works with dimmable LEDs, incandescent, and halogen bulbs, so you shouldn’t have to purchase any special lighting to get your system up and running.
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Saves Energy – With smart lighting that is only on when it needs to be, and dimming functionalities that support the perfect light levels for any situation, you’ll actually be saving a decent amount of money on your energy bill. In addition to being green and seeing lower utility costs, you may actually get money back in your pocket through rebates and incentives offered for setting yourself up with Lutron lighting.
Lutron Smart Bridge and Pro in a Smart Home Environment
As mentioned above, both hubs integrate well with the major voice controllers like Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa.
You’ll also find support for Nest thermostats and security systems, allowing you to control the temperature and your cameras and alarms alongside your lighting. Other thermostats supported include smart models from Honeywell, ecobee, Lutron Wireless, and Carrier.
If you’ve invested in a Sonos speaker, you’ll be able to adjust the lighting to suit the music — and even do so automatically using IFTTT.
Overall, the integration on the Smart Bridge systems is pretty impressive. If you’re looking for even greater third-party support, however, you may be interested in taking a look at the Wink 2.
How to Make Lutron Smart Bridge Even Better?
If you have a Sonos speaker system or have decided to purchase one to go along with your brand new lighting system, you might want to invest in an Audio Pico Remote to be able to control your tunes right alongside the lighting through one combination remote.
For complete control over lighting, you’ll probably want a Pico Remote for Dimmer. The Pedestal for Pico and the car clip also make it easy to fit in a remote wherever there’s space — whether that’s on your bedside table or on the visor in your car.
Which Would We Choose for Our Home?
At the end of the day, the difference between the two systems actually isn’t that drastic. Unless you have specific shades or alarm systems that require the Pro model to function properly, there’s not really a reason to spend the extra money.
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