Whatever you choose, make sure it does not need internet/cloud services to work. Many of the "consumer grade" automation devices require cloud servers to setup and work correctly. I never want my automation devices communicating on the internet.
Personally I have landed on using WiFi switches that are compatible with Tasmota. Most of the consumer grade WiFi switches do require a cloud server, but Tasmota is a third party firmware that strips away all the "crap" and adds a lot of usable features too. One of those added features allows you to program the switches to communicate with each other without requiring a "hub" or outside automation controller (although you can use those as well). For example, the ceiling lights in my great room are actually controlled by two different and independent switches. I have programmed the switches so they automatically turn on/off the "other" switch anytime one switch is used. To the end user, it appears that the entire ceiling is controlled by either switch which is exactly what I wanted. Similarly, my outside front porch light and the light over my garage door where are on different switches. I have programmed them now to that turning one on/off will turn on/off the other as well. This type of functionality is programmed into the switch's firmware, so even if my larger home automation system goes down for some reason, those switches continue to work as programmed.
You can buy switches with Tasmota already installed on it which is clearly the easier thing to do. Flashing/installing Tasmota yourself is certainly a "nerd" thing to do and while it is not difficult to do, I can see where a non-techie person might get frustrated with the process.
Here is the Tasmota site.
Open source firmware for ESP devices with easy configuration using webUI, OTA updates, automation using timers or rules, expandability and entirely local control over MQTT, HTTP, serial or KNX.
tasmota.github.io
Here is an example of a switch you can buy with Tasmota already installed (direct from the manufacturer - not some third party person trying to resell devices that they installed Tasmota on). These are actually the switches I use in my home, but I purchased them prior to the manufacturer selling them with Tasmota already installed which meant I had to flash Tasmota on it myself. Martin Jerry has lots of different switch options. Dimmer, non-dimmer, three wire, single pole, etc. I've used a mixture of all the devices in my home.
Single Pole Non-Dimming
Single Pole Dimming
PS - I thought I might add a little reasoning why I decided on WiFi switches. First, WiFi is the most widely accepted household wireless communication method. While there are other automation protocols like ZWave and Zigbee, those protocols tend to come and go regularly (spoiler alert). WiFi is not going anywhere, so I know the backbone of my communication system will always be available. Second, these switches are relatively inexpensive. The first switches I bought for my great room where $100-150 each (I needed three). While those switches were worth the cost to fix my great room situation, I wasn't about to convert the rest of my switches over to that technology. It's a good thing I didn't either because the manufacture of those switches has disappeared and no one is using that automation protocol anymore (going back to point #1). When one of the switched eventually died, I had to change to another system which is when I decided to go with Tasmota. It wasn't around (or at least not mature enough) the first time I was researching smart lighting options (which was probably 15 years ago). I've been very satisfied with my choice and I've had those switches installed at least 4 years now. Now it is true that I cannot guarantee that Tasmota won't eventually die out too. But at least there are a lot of devices currently compatible with Tasmota and even manufactures are offering devices with it already installed (making it more main stream than DIY flashing). Plus, at the price I am paying per switch it's not the end of the world. I've sent less to add smart lighting to about 1/2 of my house than I did for those 3 switches (and USB programming stick) initially.
telling people "Please do not ring the doorbell or knock on the door, instead leave a note". It works wonders to get rid of all the solicitations.
