Lider 7-Day Programmable Digital Timer Switch Review

About the LIDER 7-Day Digital Timer Switch

• Model: LTS-7D-G-WWP
• Color: White
• Amperage: 15A/120V
• Application: In-wall
• Voltage: 60Hz; Tungsten 1200W; 1/2HP
• Weight: 5.59 ounces
• Dimensions: 1.7 x 1.47 x 2.75 inches
• Screwless: No (sold separately)
• Includes Wall Plate: Yes

The LIDER 7-Day Digital Timer Switch replaces a standard in-wall light switch with a programmable one, letting you schedule up to 18 daily or weekly on/off timers without needing Wi-Fi, an app, or a smart home hub. It works without a neutral wire, which makes installation compatible with a wider range of existing wiring setups, and includes a built-in battery backup that LIDER says preserves your settings for up to 14 days during a power outage.

How we tested

I chose the foyer in my home to replace the existing light switch with this unit. Since it requires wiring, it's recommended to hire a professional to do the work—or at least have sufficient experience to install it yourself.

After switching off the power to the room in our circuit box (a.k.a. electrical panel), the entire process took less than 10 minutes to unscrew the existing wall plate, remove the existing light switch, and attach the new one via the correct wires, without needing a neutral wire (which completes the normal electrical circuit by acting as the return path for power flowing back to the power source).

As for securing the new wall plate, the included plate looked exactly like the one we already had before, but LIDER also offers a "screwless" wall plate ($10.49), sold separately. Since it offers a cleaner and more minimalist look, I went with that option.

The foyer's power was turned on again to test the new switch.

Referencing the folded manual in the box, the first task is to set the correct time. Then, I set some "on" and "off" times with the included keypad, which was mostly a simple procedure (see below). The switch allows you to set up custom schedules—up to 18 daily or weekly timers. The optional screwless wall switch also has a large button to press for manually turning the lights on and off.

LIDER says the integrated battery backup saves your settings for up to 14 days during a power outage.

What we like

Simple installation

Perhaps because of my experience with lighting gear, swapping out the old switch for the new one couldn't have been easier.

It was straightforward to kill the power to the room, remove the old light switch with a screwdriver, connect the wires to the new switch, and put on the new faceplate.

Of course, it's easier still to replace a light bulb with a "smart light", but if you're intent on replacing the switch rather than the bulb, this is about as easy as I've seen.

It works as advertised

Once you set the time—with the help of a paper manual in the box—the LIDER 7-Day Digital Timer Switch was fairly simple to program with various on and off times, such as coming on every night at 8 p.m. and turning off at 11 p.m., as an example.

A small digital display shows the time and programmed on/off times, and lets you choose a day of the week individually, or opt for weekdays, weekends, or all days.

You can select Daylight Saving Time (DST), as well.

And in manual mode, you simply press a button in the middle of the switch to turn the lights on and off.

It's affordable

At just $23.69, you get the programmable light switch and a faceplate, both in white, as well as three wire nuts, should you need them (sometimes referred to as twist-on wire connectors), to securely join, insulate, and protect electrical wires when connected.

Smart lights cost more than that, of course, and the LIDER solution is ideal for those who don't want to deal with Wi-Fi, apps, or anything extra—or for those who want to keep their existing lights and only replace the switch with a programmable one.

What we don't like

Not "smart" (no app, voice support)

Because this is a light switch—and not a smart light—you need to manually turn the lights on and off with a button or set up schedules for the task to be handled automatically.

But that means you can't turn the lights on and off using your voice via a smart speaker, or use an app to do it. With an app, you can also make adjustments even outside of the home, like turning your foyer lights on as you're returning home from a nighttime walk around the neighborhood.

And with smart lights, you can also add an inexpensive motion sensor to automatically turn lights on when you walk into a room or hallway, and/or have them turn off when there's no occupancy detected. You can't do that here.

The LIDER switch is ideal for simply programming on and off times—but that's about it.

Buttons are exceptionally small

On a related note, those with poor eyesight—or dexterity challenges, such as shaky hands—may have an issue with the tiny buttons used to program the lights. The buttons are only a couple of millimeters apiece.

If you opt for the $10 LIDER Decorator Screwless Wall Plate, when the front flap is closed, the large button will turn the lights on and off manually—which is a lot more comfortable. You can then open the flap to access the small buttons for programming purposes.

The digital screen is also quite small, at about 1.2 inches wide and 0.5 inches tall—and the numbers (such as time) only fill up part of the screen. There's also no light behind the screen, so you can't see it in the dark without a smartphone or flashlight.

Some limitations

The LIDER 7-Day Digital Timer Switch essentially performs one task: automating on and off times for the light(s) the switch is connected to. If you need more, this isn't for you.

For example, I replaced a dimming switch with the LIDER program, only to later find out there's no dimming option with this product. So my lights are illuminated at full blast or nothing at all.

There's also no support for multi-way control, as this LIDER switch was designed for single-pole installations only and cannot work with 3-way or 4-way switch configurations.

As mentioned earlier, there's no smart/Wi-Fi connectivity for remote control via an app or smart speakers, no color changing, motion sensor support, and so on.

Requires some electrical experience

Unless you want to hire an electrician, you'll need to carefully install this product, which won't bode well for some people.

Compared to the simplicity of replacing a bulb with a smart light, the LIDER 7-Day Digital Timer Switch could be difficult for someone to install on their own.

It really was quick and easy, mind you, but I've got some experience and comfort with minor electrical work.

Warranty

The warranty for the LIDER 7-Day Digital Timer Switch is valid for one year from the original date of purchase.

Should you buy the LIDER 7-Day Digital Timer Switch?

Yes, if you're interested in setting lighting timers without smart features

Sometimes you want the convenience of a smart home without the complicated apps, compatibility issues, or data privacy concerns of the smart home platforms. The LIDER 7-Day Digital Timer Switch (available at Amazon for $23.69) sits in that sweet spot, doing one job—automating the on-and-off times of lights in the room—elegantly and competently.

Installation was fast and easy, and you can program up to 18 different times, including weekdays, weekends, or "all days" options. It worked as promised, and there's a backup battery in the event of a power outage.

And at under $24, it's a steal.

Just be aware the small buttons and display may be tough for some people to access, and it's missing some features like dimming and multi-way switch support.

Overall, however, this LIDER product is a great buy for those who want to automate one light or light fixture (i.e., a chandelier), with programmable "set-it-and-forget-it" ease.