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10 Best Light Timers 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Leviton Countdown Timer Switch for household lights and exhaust fans, 15-30 min, 1-2 hour, No Neutral Wire Required, Single Pole, 15A, 1/2HP/9.8A Fan/Motor, DT102-1LW, White

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,170
Ease of Use
Power Source
Additional Features

Most important from
1675 reviews

Ease of Use
Easy to install, functions perfectly, and a cheap upgrade considering it can help prevent a fire in your house.
Power Source
Perfect for older homes without a neutral wire, just make sure to connect the ground and neutral wires correctly.
Additional Features
Silent operation with no annoying noises when switching off.

The Leviton Countdown Timer Switch is a versatile and convenient solution for automating household lights and exhaust fans. As a push-button timer switch, it offers four preset time options ranging from 15-30 minutes up to 1-2 hours, making it simple to manage energy usage and ensure devices are not left on unintentionally. This model does not require a neutral wire, adding to its ease of installation, especially in older homes where neutral wires might not be present.

The innovative green flex sleeve can adapt to different wiring setups, and the device's shallow design fits easily into standard wallboxes, making it DIY-friendly. It supports a variety of loads, with a capacity of 600W for LED/CFL lights, 1800W for incandescent/halogen lights, and up to 15A for resistive loads, which is suitable for many household applications including bathroom fans and lighting.

Additionally, the switch's stylish design allows for color customization with optional faceplates, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Some users might find the timer settings limited to the preset options without the flexibility to customize durations. The Leviton Countdown Timer Switch is a reliable and user-friendly tool for those looking to automate their lighting and exhaust fans, with robust load capacities and a straightforward installation process.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,170
Ease of Use
Power Source
Additional Features

Most important from
1675 reviews

Ease of Use
Easy to install, functions perfectly, and a cheap upgrade considering it can help prevent a fire in your house.
Power Source
Perfect for older homes without a neutral wire, just make sure to connect the ground and neutral wires correctly.
Additional Features
Silent operation with no annoying noises when switching off.
#2

BN-LINK BND-60/U47 Indoor Mini 24-Hour Mechanical Outlet Timer, 3-Prong, 2-Pack

Rating
9.4
Type of Timer
Ease of Use
Power Source

Most important from
70062 reviews

Type of Timer
It consistently keeps time well and offers reliable performance for everyday home automation needs.
Ease of Use
The timer is simple and easy to use, with straightforward adjustments that don't require precise timing beyond 30-minute intervals.
Power Source
The inclusion of a 3-prong plug adds convenience, especially when using grounded extension cords.
Additional Features
The compact design doesn't block other outlets and works quietly with most devices.

The BN-LINK BND-60/U47 is a simple mechanical light timer designed for indoor use, ideal for controlling lamps, holiday lights, and small appliances. It offers up to 24 on/off settings per day, allowing you to schedule devices in 30-minute intervals, which provides decent flexibility for daily automation. The timer uses a straightforward push-pin system where pins pushed down mean ON, and pins up mean OFF, making it very easy to program even if you're not tech-savvy.

It runs on a standard 125-volt outlet and supports up to 15 amps of resistive load or 1875 watts, which is enough for most household lighting and small appliances but not suitable for larger or heavy-duty devices. The physical size is compact, so it won’t block other outlets much, and it comes in a convenient two-pack, which is handy if you want to control multiple devices. It’s compatible with a wide range of bulbs including LED and compact fluorescent lights, which is useful since many homes use energy-saving bulbs now.

As a mechanical timer, it lacks advanced digital features like custom day scheduling or battery backup during power outages. Nevertheless, it remains a reliable, easy-to-use choice for anyone wanting a no-frills timer to automate everyday home lighting or small electronics without fuss.

Rating
9.4
Type of Timer
Ease of Use
Power Source

Most important from
70062 reviews

Type of Timer
It consistently keeps time well and offers reliable performance for everyday home automation needs.
Ease of Use
The timer is simple and easy to use, with straightforward adjustments that don't require precise timing beyond 30-minute intervals.
Power Source
The inclusion of a 3-prong plug adds convenience, especially when using grounded extension cords.
Additional Features
The compact design doesn't block other outlets and works quietly with most devices.
#3

BN-LINK Heavy Duty Mechanical 24 Hour Timer Dual Outlet 3-Prong Accurate Indoor for Lamps Fans Christmas Lights White AC 1875W 1/2 HP, ETL Listed

Rating
8.5
Ease of Use
Power Source
Load Capacity

Most important from
70062 reviews

Ease of Use
The timer operates reliably with simple 30-minute increments, making it easy to use without needing precise minute-by-minute accuracy.
Power Source
The inclusion of a grounded 3-prong plug adds safety and compatibility with grounded extension cords.
Load Capacity
This timer handles power demands well, supporting heavier household devices without issue.
Additional Features
The mechanical design produces a noticeable grinding noise during operation, which can be distracting in quiet environments.

The BN-LINK Heavy Duty Mechanical 24 Hour Timer is a reliable choice for anyone looking to automate small appliances like lamps, fans, or holiday lights. It uses a mechanical dial with built-in pins, making it straightforward to set up without worrying about losing parts. You can program up to 48 on/off settings within a 24-hour cycle, which is great for daily routines.

The timer supports a high load capacity of 1875 watts and 15 amps, meaning it can handle heavier devices like fans or coffee machines without issues. It plugs into a grounded 3-prong outlet, adding an extra layer of safety and stability. Using this timer can help save energy by turning devices on and off automatically. Being a mechanical timer, it lacks digital precision and the convenience of more advanced features like multiple programs for different days or remote control.

The design is simple and might feel a bit basic if you want a more modern look or app connectivity. The timer is indoor use only and works well for typical household needs. If you want a no-fuss, durable timer with good power capacity and easy setup, this BN-LINK model fits well. For more flexible scheduling or smart features, digital options may be preferable.

Rating
8.5
Ease of Use
Power Source
Load Capacity

Most important from
70062 reviews

Ease of Use
The timer operates reliably with simple 30-minute increments, making it easy to use without needing precise minute-by-minute accuracy.
Power Source
The inclusion of a grounded 3-prong plug adds safety and compatibility with grounded extension cords.
Load Capacity
This timer handles power demands well, supporting heavier household devices without issue.
Additional Features
The mechanical design produces a noticeable grinding noise during operation, which can be distracting in quiet environments.

Buying Guide for the Best Light Timers

When choosing a light timer, it's important to consider your specific needs and the environment in which you'll be using it. Light timers can help you save energy, enhance security, and automate your lighting schedule. To find the best light timer for you, you'll need to understand the key specifications and how they align with your requirements. Here are some important factors to consider when selecting a light timer.
Type of TimerLight timers come in different types, such as mechanical, digital, and smart timers. Mechanical timers are simple and easy to use, with a dial that you turn to set the on/off times. Digital timers offer more precision and additional features like multiple on/off settings and random mode. Smart timers can be controlled via smartphone apps and often integrate with home automation systems. Choose a mechanical timer for basic needs, a digital timer for more control, and a smart timer if you want remote access and advanced features.
Number of ProgramsThe number of programs a light timer can handle refers to how many different on/off cycles you can set. Basic timers may have just one program, while more advanced models can have multiple programs, allowing you to set different schedules for different days or times. If you need a simple on/off schedule, a single program timer will suffice. For more complex scheduling, such as different settings for weekdays and weekends, look for a timer with multiple programs.
Load CapacityLoad capacity indicates the maximum wattage the timer can handle. This is important to ensure the timer can safely control the lights or devices you plan to use with it. Light timers typically have a load capacity ranging from a few hundred watts to over a thousand watts. To choose the right load capacity, add up the wattage of all the lights or devices you plan to connect to the timer and ensure it does not exceed the timer's maximum load capacity.
Ease of UseEase of use refers to how simple it is to set up and operate the timer. Mechanical timers are generally straightforward, with a simple dial to set the time. Digital and smart timers may have more complex interfaces but often come with user-friendly instructions and displays. Consider your comfort level with technology and choose a timer that you feel confident setting up and using. If you prefer a no-fuss option, a mechanical timer might be best, while tech-savvy users might enjoy the features of a digital or smart timer.
Power SourceLight timers can be powered by batteries, plugged into an outlet, or hardwired into your electrical system. Battery-powered timers offer portability and can be used in areas without an electrical outlet. Plug-in timers are easy to install and use, making them a popular choice for indoor use. Hardwired timers are more permanent and often used for outdoor lighting or integrated home systems. Choose a power source based on where and how you plan to use the timer. For temporary or portable use, battery-powered is ideal, while plug-in or hardwired options are better for fixed installations.
Additional FeaturesSome light timers come with additional features like random mode, which turns lights on and off at random intervals to simulate occupancy, or countdown mode, which turns lights off after a set period. Other features may include backup batteries to retain settings during power outages, or compatibility with voice assistants for hands-free control. Consider which additional features might be useful for your specific needs. For example, if security is a concern, a timer with random mode can help deter intruders by making it appear as though someone is home.

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