Avatar Controls' smart Wi-Fi touch switches are genuinely good value if you want to add basic automation to your home without overspending. The range spans three products at accessible price points, each suited to different room setups. None will blow you away with features, but they're reliable, easy to install, and compatible with major platforms — which is what matters.
Why Avatar Controls?
Avatar Controls specialises in affordable smart home essentials, focusing on wifi-enabled switches that work across 110–240vac standard wiring. They prioritise simplicity over gimmickry: you get app control, touch-responsive switching, and voice integration without unnecessary complexity. The brand doesn't dominate headlines, but they're consistent on value — their products sit at the budget end of the smart switch market without feeling cheap.
Top Picks
Avatar Controls 110-240vac Smart Wi-Fi Touch Switch, 1 Gang — £16.99
Best for single light or appliance control in tight budgets. This is the entry point: one gang (one switch position), app-controlled, touch-responsive. Verdict: Best value for renters and first-time buyers — lowest price, minimal installation, works anywhere you need basic on/off switching.
Avatar Controls 110-240vac Smart Wi-Fi Touch Switch, 2 Gang — £19.79
Best for controlling two separate lights or circuits from one plate. Identical feature set to the 1-gang, but covers two switching points in the same footprint. Verdict: Best for bedrooms and hallways — lets you control two areas (ceiling light and wall lamp, for example) without needing a second switch plate.
Avatar Controls 110-240vac Smart Wi-Fi Dimmer Touch Switch — £20.69
Best for spaces where you want brightness control, not just on/off. Single gang, but adds dimming functionality—crucial for living rooms and bedrooms where mood lighting matters. Verdict: Best for living rooms — the only pick with dimming, making it worth the extra £4 if you already have a dimmer-compatible bulb setup.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |---------|-------|----------|------------------| | 1 Gang Touch Switch | £16.99 | Single light control, tight budgets | Cheapest entry point | | 2 Gang Touch Switch | £19.79 | Two-circuit rooms (bed + bath) | Dual switching, compact footprint | | Dimmer Touch Switch | £20.69 | Living rooms, flexible lighting | Brightness adjustment (50–100%) |
What to Look For
- Voltage compatibility: All three are 110–240vac, meaning they work globally and with standard UK wiring — no adapters needed. Check your wall box before ordering if you're outside the UK.
- Installation method: These require neutral wire access in your switch box. If your existing switch has only three wires (live, earth, switch), you'll need an electrician to run a neutral — plan £50–150 in labour.
- App responsiveness: Avatar Controls switches respond within 1–2 seconds via Wi-Fi. If you're on a weak 5GHz-only router, you may see slight delays — switch to 2.4GHz if your router supports it.
- Bulb compatibility: The dimmer works with dimmable LEDs (check packaging for 3W+ minimum) and incandescent/halogen. Standard non-dimmable LEDs won't dim — you'll just get on/off switching, wasting the dimmer's main feature.
The Bottom Line
If you need a single smart switch and want the cheapest option, buy the 1 Gang at £16.99. If you're automating a bedroom or hallway with two separate lights, the 2 Gang at £19.79 is better value than buying two 1-gang units. For living rooms where dimming adds real comfort, the Dimmer at £20.69 justifies the extra cost — but only if your bulbs support it. All three require neutral wire access; if you don't have it, call an electrician before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Avatar Controls smart switches compatible with Alexa and Google Home?
Yes, all three models integrate with Alexa and Google Home via Wi-Fi. Setup is straightforward: download the Avatar app, add the switch, then link it to your voice assistant in the app's settings. Compatibility is generally reliable, though connection depends on your router's 2.4GHz signal strength.
Do I need a neutral wire for these switches?
Yes. Avatar Controls switches require a neutral wire in your wall box to operate. Older homes sometimes lack one in light switches. Check your existing switch: if you see three wires (live, earth, switch), you'll need an electrician to run a neutral—usually £50–150. This is non-negotiable; the switches won't work without it.
Can I use the dimmer with standard LED bulbs?
Not effectively. The dimmer requires bulbs rated "dimmable"—check the packaging. Most standard cheap LEDs aren't dimmable and will either flicker or stay at full brightness even when you adjust the slider. Dimmable LEDs cost slightly more (roughly 50–100% premium) but work reliably. Incandescent and halogen bulbs work with no issues.
Is Avatar Controls good value compared to Philips Hue or LIFX?
Yes, for basic on/off switching. Avatar is £16–£21 per unit; Philips Hue smart switches start at £40+. However, Hue offers tighter integration with colour-changing bulbs and more advanced automations. Avatar is better if you want affordable automation for standard lights; Hue is better if you're building a complex smart home with scene control. For simple needs, Avatar wins on price.
