What are the main ways smart light bulbs connect, and which should I look for?

Smart light bulbs primarily connect via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Zigbee/Z-Wave protocols. For ease of setup, look for Wi-Fi bulbs that connect directly to your home network or Bluetooth bulbs if you're starting small; Zigbee/Z-Wave bulbs require a compatible hub but offer more reliability and advanced features with systems like <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Lighting-Light-Bulbs/Samsung-SmartThings/N-5yc1vZbmbuZ1z19uqf?emt=plpfaq_2504_lightbulbs" style="text-decoration: underline;">Samsung SmartThings</a> or <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Lighting-Light-Bulbs/Homey/N-5yc1vZbmbuZ1z202rc?emt=plpfaq_2504_lightbulbs" style="text-decoration: underline;">Homey</a>.

What are bi-pin and 4-pin bases, and what are they used for?

<a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Lighting-Light-Bulbs/Bi-Pin/N-5yc1vZbmbuZ1z0tnc5?emt=plpfaq_2504_lightbulbs" style="text-decoration: underline;">Bi-pin bases</a>, including the <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Lighting-Light-Bulbs/Miniature-Bi-Pin/N-5yc1vZbmbuZ1z21ms6?emt=plpfaq_2504_lightbulbs" style="text-decoration: underline;">miniature</a> and <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Lighting-Light-Bulbs/Medium-Bi-Pin/N-5yc1vZbmbuZ1z21luf?emt=plpfaq_2504_lightbulbs" style="text-decoration: underline;">medium bi-pin</a>, have two small pins that push into a socket commonly used for halogen or some LED bulbs in undercabinet lighting or desk lamps. <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Lighting-Light-Bulbs/4-Pin/N-5yc1vZbmbuZ1z21lyb?emt=plpfaq_2504_lightbulbs" style="text-decoration: underline;">4-pin bases</a>, with their four pins, are often found in fluorescent and compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs; they are designed for fixtures requiring a more secure connection and may need specific ballast compatibility.

What's the difference between "Daylight" and "Soft White" bulbs?

"Daylight" bulbs offer a crisp, energizing, blue-toned light that's perfect for task lighting in areas like kitchens or offices, while "Soft White" provides a warm, cozy, yellow-toned light ideal for relaxing spaces like living rooms and bedrooms. To learn more about which is right for you, check out our <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/c/ab/daylight-bulbs-vs-soft-white-bulbs/9ba683603be9fa5395fab901b9389c60?emt=plpfaq_2504_lightbulbs" style="text-decoration: underline;">Daylight Bulbs vs Soft White Bulbs guide</a> to help you decide.

What are some popular brands of a-style light bulbs?

Some popular brands known for high-quality a-style light bulbs include <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Lighting-Light-Bulbs/Wyze/A-Style/N-5yc1vZbmbuZom0Z1z2348t?emt=plpfaq_2504_lightbulbs" style="text-decoration: underline;">Wyze</a>, <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Lighting-Light-Bulbs/YANSUN/A-Style/N-5yc1vZbmbuZqinZ1z2348t?emt=plpfaq_2504_lightbulbs" style="text-decoration: underline;">YANSUN</a>, and <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Lighting-Light-Bulbs/Sylvania/A-Style/N-5yc1vZbmbuZ2s8Z1z2348t?emt=plpfaq_2504_lightbulbs" style="text-decoration: underline;">Sylvania</a>.

I want to upgrade to LED bulbs, but I'm unsure if the base will fit. What common base types might I encounter, and what should I consider?

Common bases for LED upgrades include the screw-in <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Lighting-Light-Bulbs/E26/N-5yc1vZbmbuZ1z0tp3j?emt=plpfaq_2504_lightbulbs" style="text-decoration: underline;">E26</a> (standard medium base), smaller <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Lighting-Light-Bulbs/E12/N-5yc1vZbmbuZ1z0tp3i?emt=plpfaq_2504_lightbulbs" style="text-decoration: underline;">E12</a> (candelabra), and bi-pin bases like <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Lighting-Light-Bulbs/GU10/N-5yc1vZbmbuZ1z0x2dl?emt=plpfaq_2504_lightbulbs" style="text-decoration: underline;">GU10</a> or <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/b/Lighting-Light-Bulbs/G4/N-5yc1vZbmbuZ1z0tlpo?emt=plpfaq_2504_lightbulbs" style="text-decoration: underline;">G4</a>. When upgrading, always match your existing base code; however, some LEDs, such as the E26, are offered in other base types, such as the GU10, for use in many common fixtures. Be sure to double-check to ensure you select the correct base.