Best Smart Dimmer for Old Homes (No Neutral Wire) — Lutron Caseta vs Brilliant
Lutron Caseta wins outright — the only major smart dimmer that doesn't need a neutral. Brilliant works with neutral but offers a control panel.
Lutron Caseta wins outright — the only major smart dimmer that doesn't need a neutral. Brilliant works with neutral but offers a control panel.
Quick Comparison
| Pick | Best For | Approx Price |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Pick | Lutron Caseta Smart Dimmer Kit (with Hub) | $90-$130 |
| Add-on | Lutron Pico Remote (Wireless Switch) | $25-$40 |
Our Picks
What to Look For
When comparing products in this category, focus on three things: warranty length (longer = manufacturer confidence), real-world reviews from the past 6 months (older reviews may not reflect current quality), and compatibility with what you already own (battery ecosystems, smart home hubs, mounting hardware). The cheapest option is rarely the right one once you account for replacement and frustration.
Our picks above are products we install on the job. They earn the spot through repeated reliability across hundreds of customer homes — not from sponsored partnerships or marketing budgets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't my home have a neutral wire?
Older homes wired the switch in series with the load and the hot. Code now requires a neutral but old wiring is still common.
Can I rewire to add a neutral?
Yes — pulling new wire from the panel runs $200-$500 per switch. Caseta is way cheaper.
Is Caseta truly hub-required?
Yes for smart features. The dimmer works as a regular dimmer without the hub but you lose smart control.
Tools & Products We Use on Every Job
Need a Pro in California?
Licensed, insured, background-checked handymen. 4.9☆ rated. Same-day available.
Book Online Now →