The 10 Best Programmable Timer Switches
This wiki has been updated 25 times since it was first published in October of 2018. Automate your porch light, holiday decorations, or ceiling fan with one of these programmable timer switches, which will allow you to set a schedule for devices to turn on and off, and may even help you cut down on energy costs. Keep in mind that some of the models on our list require a neutral wire for installation, so be sure to check your electrical box before purchasing. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. MyTouchSmart 33861
2. Topgreener Astronomic
3. Honeywell 7-Day
Editor's Notes
December 02, 2020:
It was a relatively tame round of updates, with the majority of last round’s picks still being in good standing, but we did find a few places to brush up on things.
We removed the Century Neutral Wire, which was experiencing some availability issues, and eliminated the Woods 59020, noting that our list already included a virtually identical option that was being offered at a more affordable price. We also replaced the MyTouchSmart 26893 with the MyTouchSmart 33861, which shares a similar aesthetic with the 26893, but offers a maximum of eight programmable events, compared to just two, as well as a convenient countdown function.
The last option we decided on removing was the SWE AutoChron, purely because it was priced so expensively. We hated to see it go, because we felt that the AutoChron – a battery-powered model that installs over top of an existing switch – presented a nice option for users who aren’t comfortable with hardwired installations, but for the price it was offered, there’s a good chance you could hire a professional to install a permanent model and windup with a slicker installation at less cost. As a replacement, we added the Switchmate SnapOn to our list — a battery-powered Wi-Fi- switch that uses magnets to latch on to your existing switch. The SnapOn does require a smartphone to program it, which some users will see as a major drawback, but it still presents a budget-friendly means of programming a light without doing any electrical wiring.
Our other new additions this time around were the UltraPro 41092 — a simple, analog model that some users on a budget may find suitable; and the BN-Link BND-60/U110a-1 — a basic countdown timer that includes a handy daily-repeat function.
If you personally feel comfortable installing your new switch, there’s a good chance that your local bylaws permit it, but please: make sure that’s the case, and if it is, make sure that the appropriate circuit breaker is set to the off position before proceeding with the install. If you have any concerns or apprehensions, we strongly recommend consulting a reputable, licensed electrician.
December 11, 2018:
We considered quality, affordability, and ease of use when making our selections. The Topgreener Astronomic, Intermatic Self Adjusting, and Leviton Vizia have astronomical clocks that automatically adjust to your local sunrise and sunset times, so you can schedule your lights to turn on as soon as it gets dark, and several models on our list have a one-touch daylight savings time feature. We also included the SWE AutoChron as an option that doesn't require any wiring.
4. Leviton VPT24
5. Intermatic Self Adjusting
6. Honeywell Econoswitch
7. Enerlites Digital
8. BN-Link BND-60/U110a-1
9. Switchmate SnapOn
10. UltraPro 41092
After deciding that the pen was mightier than the pliers, Canadian electrical contractor William Rhoda abandoned his career and headed back to college, where he majored in marketing and advertising and won a scholarship along the way to earning a diploma in creative communications. His past career landed him a depth of knowledge in tools and hardware, while his current career schooled him in audio, video and camera equipment. During his leisure time, he’s learned lots about outdoor gear, and years of tiresome backyard maintenance have taught him all about pools and hot tubs. His recreational pursuits include rest, relaxation and revolutionary action, and his roommate’s a hairless cat.