By Rashmi Goel
It shouldn't be necessary to get up to dim the lights, turn the heating up, or even switch on the radio in an electrical socket thanks to smart home devices. With a tap on your smartphone, they automate your home so that you can create the perfect atmosphere in your home. Smart devices reduce your energy consumption. Use your smartphone to control the systems in your home even while you're away - no more wasting your energy (and money) by leaving the lights on when you leave, or by leaving the heating on full blast when you're at work.
As smart home devices can be controlled independently as well as integrated, so you don't need to use different apps to control them. By using one of the best smart displays or smart speakers, all of them will be activated simultaneously. Given the wide range of smart home gadgets on the market, it's understandable that you might not know which to invest in. It's ideal to buy a smart light or smart plug and switch, such as the best smart lights, if you are just getting started with smart home technology. Easy to install, these devices are also affordable and easy to use.
Focus on video doorbells and security cameras if you're looking at smart home devices to boost your home security. Your device will notify you if it detects motion in its field of view. Smart locks can also be set to turn on automatically if your camera or doorbell does detect any activity. Lastly, if money isn't an issue, you can automate the heating and cooling of your home with one of the best smart thermostats, though these often require professional installation.
There are tons of options available when it comes to smart home gadgets, so we've tested the most popular models, living with them in our home and discovering just how effective they are. Check out these smart home products right now.
Amazon Echo Dot with Clock
Best Smart Home Device Of All Time
https://www.amazon.com
A smart LED clock is built right into the face of this Echo Dot. Although seemingly simple, this feature adds a ton of functionality to the Echo Dot, making it an even better smart home companion. More smart home companies should follow Amazon's lead and make minor, yet effective, upgrades to already excellent products. The Echo Dot with Clock's display shows more than just the time; it also displays the current temperature and acts as a timer. A light sensor also adjusts the display brightness based on the surrounding environment's lighting. Although the Echo Dot with Clock costs $10 more than the Echo Dot, we think it's worth it for users who don't want to ask Alexa the time all the time.
Philips Hue White A19 Starter Kit
Smart Home Device To Brighten Up Every Room
https://www.philips-hue.com
With the Philips Hue White starter kit, you get two bulbs and a hub that you can use with other smart home devices. The colors of these bulbs cannot be changed, but the brightness may be adjusted (up to 800 lumens), and they may be connected to a single hub with up to 50 bulbs. The bulbs from Philips are also compatible with a wide range of smart home systems, including Alexa, Apple HomeKit, IFTTT, Google Home, and Nest. There is also an app for Philips Hue lights, called Philips Hue Sync, which allows users to synchronize their Smart Bulb with multimedia content on their Mac or Windows PC. For example, the lights can flash and change color as the music, video, or movie plays. The colors can also be customized according to the user's tastes.
Nest Cam (battery)
Smart Home Devices That Secure Your Home
https://store.google.com
Nest Cam alerts you of people, animals, and vehicles using its built-in intelligence. Pick an area around your home or in your parking space, and then customize the alerts you would like to receive. Battery-powered Nest Cams can be installed as easily as hanging a picture frame. Put one or more Nest Cams inside or outside, wherever you want to have access to them. It also lets you zoom in, looks at the live feed, and speak through the camera. In the event of a Wi-Fi or power outage, Nest Cam will automatically store up to one hour of recorded events in its local memory. Once everything is back up and running, you'll be able to see what happened.
Ecobee SmartThermostat
A Smart Home Device That Sets A Comfortable Temperature
https://www.ecobee.com
Smart Savings and Control for Better Savings. Featuring the essential features for you to save up to 23% per year on heating and cooling. Connect to SmartSensor (sold separately) for better comfort in the rooms that matter most. Compatible with leading smart home ecosystems, including Apple HomeKit. Several ecosystems like Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit work seamlessly with Ecobee thermostats. Meets the highest standard for home comfort and energy efficiency. The temperature can be adjusted anywhere and vacation mode can be enabled at any time. Notifies if a disruption occurs, such as a sudden drop in temperature that could cause frozen pipes. SmartSensor keeps you comfortable wherever you are, not just in front of your thermostat. Install SmartSensor in the bedroom, office, or child's room to enjoy total comfort and control. Reduce energy consumption by up to 60%. When a window or door is left open for 5 minutes, Ecobee will turn off your AC and notify you, saving energy and protecting the environment.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
Integrates Seamlessly With Alexa, Homekit, And Google Assistant, And Works With Security Systems
https://august.com
Introducing the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock. Get access to the door status, grant virtual guests keys and see who's coming and going. Control the door using your voice assistant. It attaches to your existing deadbolt on the inside of your door so you can keep your original keys, and it's easy to install. Moreover, our lock has built-in Wi-Fi, so there is no need for an additional bridge. No additional hardware is needed for your smart lock to connect to WiFi, so you can enjoy full remote access and voice functionality. The clean, simplistic design fits any style of home. It is extremely powerful. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock provides a lot of functionality with a minimum of features. Designed to work with the existing lock on the inside of your door - so you can keep using your existing keys. Those with iOS or Android devices can access their smart lock with the August app, while those with Apple watches can access it with the Apple Watch app. Using August is easy, and it takes just minutes to get up and running. Remotely unlock the door when Mom arrives early or lock it when the kids forget to lock it when they leave using the August app. Smart locks let you control access to your home wherever you are. Keeping track of your home is easy thanks to August's Activity Feed. Know when the teenagers will be home and when Lucy will be taken for a walk by the dog walker.
Eufy Video Doorbell 2K
Smartest Video Doorbell
https://us.eufylife.com
Free Wireless Electronic Chime (Uses existing doorbell wires), High Resolution, Real-Time Response, No Monthly Fees, Secure Local Storage, Ready for Any Weather. With a high-definition 2560 x 1920 resolution, combined with HDR and Distortion Correction, your video will be recorded two times as clearly. Designed to be one-time purchases, Eufy Security products will provide your home with security and protect your wallet at the same time. Using two-way audio, you can speak directly to anyone approaching your door. Please inform your friends that you just went out to get milk. AI technology and our sophisticated algorithm enable the camera to intelligently detect the body shape and face pattern. Assuring you are only notified when a human, not a stray cat, is at the door. Includes an electronic chime that plays 8 holiday-themed ringtones and can be adjusted in volume. The doorbell is to be installed with existing wires which are 16-24V AC, 30VA, or above. HomeKit and existing chimes are not compatible. Cannot record continuously.
Google Nest Hub Max
Best Smart Displays
https://store.google.com
With the Google Assistant, the Nest Hub Max helps your busy family stay in touch and organized. Use the Nest Hub Max to send and receive video messages. Nest Hub Max keeps everyone in touch whether they are across the house or across the country. With Duo, you can make and receive video calls. Google Photos automatically displays your latest and greatest shots, so the family is never far away. Google Photos is hands-free, so you can simply say, "Hey Google, call Grandma." Watch over your home with the built-in Nest Cam when you're away. Check in to see what's happening. If you detect motion, you'll receive an alert. With Nest Aware, you'll get continuous video recording and familiar face alerts. Smart home devices like lights, TVs, and locks can be controlled by Nest Hub Max. All of these devices can be controlled from one location. Nest Hub Max also lets you control compatible TVs, speakers, and game consoles with your voice. Play, pause and search them, as well as turn them on and off. Chromecast lets you stream from your apps. Stream music to your computer with YouTube Music, Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, and more. Nest Hub Max keeps your busy family organized. We all have access to our own reminders, calendars, commute, and more.
Nest Protect
A Smart Home Alarm System That Works
https://www.amazon.com
Nest Protect has been rated the best smart smoke detector. An alarm sounds when it detects something in the air, notifying you which room in your home triggered the alert. A color-changing LED ring on the bottom of the alarm alerts you and the people you live with in case of an emergency. Its integration with some of the best smart home devices is what we like most about Nest Protect. Smart smoke alarms can auto-turn on your lights when a routine is activated, allowing you to escape more easily. These routines only work with Nest accounts that have been converted to Google Assistant accounts. Amazon Alexa is also not supported natively.
SmartThings
Smart Home Device That Connects All Your Devices
https://www.smartthings.com
To control and integrate your smart home gadgets, you'll need a centralized system. Although it has its flaws, we found the Samsung SmartThings hub to be the best of the bunch. You don't need to plug it into your router to use it, so you can place it in your house for the best connection to all your smart home devices. It works with a variety of devices and now has built-in WiFi, so you don't have to plug it into your router. With both Zigbee and Z-Wave antennas on the SmartThings hub, you can pair it with several of the best smart home devices. A companion app allows you to set up dozens of automations and scenes. Furthermore, it has a comprehensive home monitoring component that sends you an alarm, records video, turns on lights, plays sounds, and unlocks your doors in the event of an emergency.
Chamberlain MyQ
The Smartest Garage Device
https://www.chamberlain.com
From anywhere, you can monitor and control your garage door. Fits all major brands of garage door openers manufactured after 1993 that use photoelectric sensors without switching to a low power mode. Compact design with clean lines and a white finish to blend in with garage doors, ceilings, and walls. Simple installation with a new mounting plate. A new and improved setup process is now possible thanks to Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). Designed to work with Amazon Key: A convenient and secure means of in-home delivery. Access your garage with only those you trust. Receive notifications when your garage door opens, closes, or is left open. Your garage door can be set to close at a specific time every day or your myQ lights to turn on and off at a particular time every day. Monitor, open, and close a second garage door by adding a garage door sensor
Wemo WiFi Smart Plug
The Best Smart Home Device for Making Any Lamp Smart
https://www.belkin.com
Using your phone or tablet, you can control the Wemo WiFi Smart Plug. Smart Plugs are wireless devices that control lamps, fans, and more without the need for a subscription or hub. Just connect the Smart Plug to an electrical outlet, connect a device to the Smart Plug, and use the free Wemo app or voice control with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant to control the device. Its sleek, compact form- 45 percent smaller than the Mini- lets the Smart Plug fit into any electrical outlet without blocking other sockets. Stacking multiple Smart Plugs or other devices in the same outlet is possible. Plug any device into the Smart Plug, from lamps to fans to disco balls, and you will be able to set automatic schedules. Wemo allows you to program a fan to turn on at noon or a lamp to turn on at sunset so that you never come home to a dark house. Our Smart Plug provides better protection than a mechanical timer because it is able to randomize your lights. Set to "Away Mode," the Smart Plug will randomly turn on and off plugged-in lights to make it appear like you are at home, even when you aren't.
Roborock S4 Max
The Best Smart Home Device for Cleaning Your Floors
https://us.roborock.com
Keeping cleaning effective day or night, Precision Low Light Navigation-LiDAR navigation stays precise and effective in bright rooms as well as in dark ones. The program can map and recognize up to four levels of your home, including the locations of rooms, as well as up to 10 No-Go Zones, 10 No-Mop Zones, and 10 Invisible Walls on each level. S4 Max cleans an area of up to 3230 square feet, picks up finer dirt from hard floors, and reaches deeper into carpets with a powerful 2000 Pa suction. It boosts suction power to the MAX level once it detects carpet, so it can provide the most effective cleaning. The Roborock App puts control in your hands: you can easily see where carpets are, how far apart they are from each other, set cleaning schedules, adjust suction power, vibration strength, water flow, cleaning sequencing, set No-Go Zones, Invisible Walls, and more. Compatible with 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi only. Cleaning your floors and your air: Equipped with a powerful E11 air filter, S4 Max removes 95% of particles. This washable filter can be reused repeatedly, so you won't have to worry about it getting damaged.