GE Cync 3-Wire Smart Switch Review (2024)

Most smart switches require a neutral (white) wire to maintain a Wi-Fi connection, but if your home was built before 1985 (or thereabouts), this might not be an option. If you fall into the latter category, the Cync 3-Wire Smart Switch ($44.99) is worth a look because it ditches that precondition. Instead, it uses internal circuitry and your existing load, line, and ground wires to ensure consistent Wi-Fi access. We like that the switch responds to both Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands, but we're disappointed that you can't use it with ceiling fans or other third-party devices via IFTTT. The Wyze Switch is a better choice if you need support for other smart home platforms, but the Cync Smart Switch is worth checking out if you own an older home because it circumvents the need to rewire your junction box.

It Works Only With Light Fixtures

With a white finish and a simple toggle, the Cync Smart Switch closely resembles a traditional light switch. Under the cover plate are a reset button and a small LED that flashes blue during setup and glows red in the event of a connectivity issue. Around back are two black wires that connect to your home’s load and line wires, along with a green wire that connects to your home’s ground wire.

In the box, you get wire nuts, mounting screws, a mounting plate, a cover plate, an installation guide, and a bulb adapter. Use the adapter if you plan to control Cync bulbs or non-dimmable LED lights, as well as if the circuit in question draws less than 15W of power. Also note that GE recommends this switch only for lights, not for ceiling fans or anything else.

It has a built-in 2.4GHz Wi-Fi radio that allows it to connect to your home network and a companion app, as well as enables support for Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands. It doesn't support Apple's HomeKit platform or IFTTT applets, however. And unlike with the Cync Smart Plug, you can't configure the switch to work in a chain of events that involves other first-party devices, such as Cync Indoor Smart Camera.

Cync 3-Wire Smart Switch App Experience

The switch uses the same mobile app (available for Android and iOS) as other Cync devices. It appears in a dedicated panel on the home screen along with any other devices from the company that you use. From the panel, you can turn the switch on or off as well as access the settings section. There, you can edit the device name, assign it to a room, add it to a group, specify a bulb type, and configure Wi-Fi settings.

(Credit: PCMag)

The main page has a Routines button in the top right corner and an Add Devices option at the bottom. Tap the Routines option to set up a Scene. Essentially, you can specify a group of devices to turn on or off at specific times of the day or on particular days of the week. Any Scenes you set up appear as active buttons on the Scene screen.

No Neutral Wire or Hub Required

The Cync switch didn't cause me any issues during setup, but if you aren't comfortable working with high-voltage electricity, you should hire a professional. You can use the written guide to complete the installation or follow the video instructions in the app (which you need to download anyway).

First, I turned off the breaker that supplies power to the switch I wanted to replace and removed the old hardware. In addition to labeling the wires, I also recommend taking a picture of the wiring for future reference before continuing.

Next, I connected the house load and line wires to the black wires on the Cync switch and then connected the house copper ground wire to the green wire. I secured all three using the included wire nuts. I tucked the wires into the junction box, secured the switch to the box, attached the mounting plate and cover, and restored power to the circuit. The LED began to flash blue at this point.

(Credit: John Delaney)

I opened the Cync mobile app, tapped Add Device on the home screen, and selected Wired Switches from the list. I confirmed I had already installed the switch, verified that the LED was flashing blue, and waited a few seconds for the app to recognize it. The pairing process took just a few seconds after I gave the switch a name, specified a room location, and entered my Wi-Fi credentials; it showed up on my Alexa device list shortly thereafter. To complete the installation, I installed a quick firmware update.

The Cync switch worked as intended during testing. It responded instantly to on and off commands from the mobile app, and it carried out Alexa voice instructions quickly. An Alexa routine I created for the switch to turn on when a Ring Floodlight camera detected motion also worked flawlessly. It adhered to the usage schedules I set up without a problem, as well.

A Simple Smart Light Toggle

If your older home’s wiring has kept you from outfitting it with smart light switches, the GE Cync 3-Wire Smart Switch offers a solution. It's perfect for houses that were built before the mid-80s because it doesn't require neutral wiring or a hub. Rather, the switch relies on a Wi-Fi radio to connect directly to your network, as well as enable voice and app controls. That said, if your domicile does have neutral wiring, you can save some money with the Wyze Switch, which supports far more third-party integrations.