Lutron Smart Bridge Vs. Smart Bridge Pro : Difference Explained

Both Lutron Smart Bridge and Smart Bridge Pro has almost the same features but indeed, Smart Bridge Pro offers more features that make it a bit more expensive than Smart Bridge. After doing thorough research about both the lighting products and testing each product for a week we have given a comparative framework of the two. It is for you to analyze which between the two would be the most suitable for your home. The information given below would clear your confusion related to both the products.

Our Verdict

Lutron devices offer a lot of smart features. It is a very reliable brand. Both Lutron Smart Bridge and Smart Bridge Pro belong to the same ecosystem but Smart Bridge Pro has got some more additional features that are not offered by Smart Bridge. Smart Bridge Pro is a superior product in this sense but, it is costlier too. If you are comfortable paying extra dollars for getting a more superior product then you should go for Smart Bridge Pro and if you want almost all the standard features except a few at a lower price then you should go for Smart Bridge. It depends on the budget you have set for your lighting device and whether your priority is some extra features or money.

Comparison Chart: Lutron Smart Bridge Vs. Smart Bridge Pro

Differences

1. Shades Control

In terms of shade control, both devices support the Serena shade control but the Smart Bridge pro offers more shade control options. If you want to get more advanced shades like the Sivoia QS Triathlon or Sivoia QS Wireless Shade then you should buy Pro because Smart Bridge doesn’t support it. That is the reason why Smart Bridge Pro is considered a more superior product.

2. Integration With Select AVV & Security Systems

Smart Bridge Pro integrates with Select AVV& Security systems. It supports a wide range of products such as Control4, RTI, Alarm.com, Bang& Olufsen, Bitwise Controls, EIK, iRule, PRO Control, Crestron Electronics, and URC, while Smart Bridge model does not support these devices. This puts the Pro model above Smart Bridge. So if you want to integrate these products with your smart lighting device then you should go for the Pro.

Similarities 

1. Apple HomeKit & Other Voice Control System

Both products support the Apple HomeKit and other voice control systems like Google’s assistant and Amazon Alexa. However, if you want to control the Lutron shades and Caseta wireless lighting from Siri, you need an iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch running iOS 8.1.

2. Expandability

The main purpose of the Smart Bridge is to work with the Caseta wireless lighting. The expandability of both devices is the same. They can be connected to at least 50 wireless devices which are pretty sufficient. This feature lets you easily use them with shades control and lighting and it provides more smart features to your lighting system.

3. Energy-saving

Both Lutron Smart Bridge and Smart Bridge Pro provide you energy-saving smart features that can lower your utility bills. The smart features such as automatic on and off of light depending on whether you are at home or not, dimming the lights when required, putting down the shades during day time to avoid warming of the room lowers down the energy consumption drastically which is a very beneficial feature that these devices offer us.

4. Remote Control

These devices support the Pico remote control system that lets you remotely control them from anywhere you want even from your car with the help of the Pico car clip accessory. Pico remote control is a wireless remote and you can easily install it in your home and its usage is quite easy. This feature enables you to automatically control your smart lighting system in your home without putting much effort.

5. Lutron App

Apart from the remote control, these devices also have their apps through which you can control them. The Lutron App helps you to connect your smart lighting devices to your smartphones or tablets easily. The app also offers a lot of interesting features and settings option that enables  you to set your lighting device the way you want. The Smart Away feature automatically turns the lights on and off when you are away from home traveling. It makes the burglars believe that someone is in the home and keep them away. Just like this feature, there are more interesting features that Lutron app offers.

6. Ethernet Port

In order to make any smart device work, internet connection is very important. Both Lutron Smart Bridge and Smart Bridge Pro are compatible with the Ethernet port that is connected to the wireless router to get the internet connection. This internet connection helps these devices to communicate with Caseta Wireless lighting via. Lutron Clear Connect.

7. Smart Lighting Solution

Both of these Lutron devices are very easy to install. These devices can easily be installed in any home which is up to 2,500 sq. ft.  it does not matter whether your home is old or new. They do not need any extra wiring and work well with around 1000 different kinds of bulbs. It works with incandescent, halogen bulbs and dimmable Led’s. You do not need to spend your extra money on getting any extra bulbs or wires to make any of these devices work.

8. Lutron Clear Connect

Both Lutron Smart Bridge and Pro use the same technology that is Lutron Clear Connect radiofrequency. This technology ensures that there is clear communication among the lighting components so that you do not face any problems while controlling these smart lighting devices. Both the devices are smart and quickly respond to your commands and that’s why they are superior to other smart lighting devices.

Features and Specifications of Lutron Smart Bridge and Smart Bridge Pro

• Both devices are FCC approved, IC Certified and COFETEL Certified
• Power Consumption of both devices is 1.3 Watt.
• The devices are preferable for indoor use only. The suitable temperature would be 0 degrees to 40 degrees.
• Both the device tested to face electrostatic discharge and surge voltages without getting damaged and memory loss.
• Supports Ethernet cable for internet connection.
• USB can be connected (power only).
• Other electronic devices must be kept at a distance of 30 ft or 9 m.
• Needs an internet connection for its initial set up that includes setting up the date and time and other important data. The updating feature also requires an internet connection.
• These devices operate on frequencies between 431.0 MHz to 430 MHz.

How Does Lutron Smart Bridge and Smart Bridge Pro Work In A Smart Home

Apart from integrating with Apple HomeKit and voice controllers like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, both these products can also connect with other types of smart automation such as thermostats, smart speakers, security cameras, alarms, etc. The different brands of thermostats that can be integrated with both these devices are- Nest, Ecobee, Lutron Wireless, Honeywell and Carrier.

All these features lets you do different activities like controlling your home temperature, check your cameras, set alarm and listen to music along with controlling the lighting of your home. It creates a smart hub where different tasks can be performed at the same time. Both these devices have all these qualities that can make your life comfortable and convenient.

It is a good thing that both Smart Bridge and Pro have so many common features and if you do not want to spend extra money on the Pro model you can easily buy the Smart Bridge to get so many features as Smart Bridge Pro at a reasonable price.

FAQ’s

Bottom Line

Before buying any smart device for your home it is very important to research well about the products you have in mind because your home is the most crucial place in our life. After going through all the features carefully, you should analyze which product would be the best for your home that suits all your needs. If you want to see more about Lutron, you should check out the comparison between Lutron smart bridge and wink. We hope that you find the above data relevant and has definitely helped you buy the right smart lighting system for your home.