Before diving into the details of the PureEdge Pure Smart Wi-Fi Smart Remote Room Controller, it’s important to understand the platform on which it operates: WiZ, a brand owned by Signify, the same company behind Philips Hue. WiZ offers a range of smart lighting products, including bulbs and fixtures, and its underlying technology is licensed to other manufacturers, allowing for a broad ecosystem of compatible devices. PureEdge, which offers its own WiZ-compatible bulbs, does not produce its own smart app but instead relies on the WiZ app for control, ensuring compatibility with other WiZ devices, regardless of the brand.
The PureEdge Pure Smart Wi-Fi Smart Remote Room Controller appears like a traditional in-wall light switch but has a few surprises. Firstly, it is not wired, instead relying on four AAA batteries (not included), making it entirely battery-powered. You can mount it on a wall using screws, adhesives, or an electrical box without any need for complicated wiring. This wireless nature provides greater flexibility in its placement around your home.
Simple Control with Rockers and Modes, but Setup Can Be Confusing and Limited
The controller features three main rockers: a primary one in the center for turning lights on and off, as well as dimming; a vertical rocker to adjust the color temperature of white bulbs; and a horizontal rocker for switching between four pre-set lighting modes or scenes. These modes, which can be configured in the WiZ app, are customizable for a variety of lighting preferences. Importantly, the controller’s functions cannot be reassigned, which keeps things straightforward but limits flexibility for those seeking more control.
PureEdge Smart Controller Offers Flexible Lighting Control but Locks You Into the WiZ EcosystemSetting up the controller with the WiZ app is relatively easy, with the app quickly discovering devices and connecting them to your 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network. However, while basic functions like changing a bulb’s color can be easily adjusted, more advanced features can be buried within the app, making it tricky for users to configure everything correctly. The provided manual is sometimes inaccurate, which can further complicate setup, particularly when trying to set up the battery-powered version without wiring.
Highly Responsive Controller with Smart Multi-Device Management, Limited to WiZ Ecosystem Only
Despite some initial setup hurdles, the controller proves to be highly responsive in regular use. Commands, whether for toggling power, adjusting brightness, or changing color temperatures, are executed almost instantaneously. One of the standout features is how the controller manages multiple devices simultaneously—whether they are located in the same room or not. For example, it can independently control a white-only bulb’s color temperature while adjusting a color bulb to a set color like green, demonstrating its smart handling of mixed bulb types.
The WiZ ecosystem is compatible with major smart home systems, including Alexa and Google Home. However, the PureEdge controller itself is limited to controlling only WiZ-compatible devices. It cannot interact with non-WiZ devices, meaning that its use is confined to the WiZ app ecosystem, which could be a drawback for users looking for broader integration with other smart home systems or devices outside of the WiZ brand.
At $79, the PureEdge Pure Smart Wi-Fi Smart Remote Room Controller is relatively expensive compared to alternatives like the Lutron Caséta dimmer, which offers similar functions at a lower price. However, when compared to other smart dimmers, the PureEdge controller stands out for its ability to control both the color and color temperature of bulbs, something that competing devices don’t offer without additional equipment like a hub. If your home already utilizes WiZ or PureEdge products, this controller is an excellent choice, providing easy and flexible control over your lighting setup.
