While the tech industry has been buzzing with all the new gadgets and gizmos that have come about in recent years, the smart home devices category is still a bit behind.
That’s because smart homes are more than just a collection of small appliances that you can control from your phone they’re about making your life easier.
Smart home technology allows you to make sure everything is working properly at any given moment in time and also helps save you money by saving energy or water usage.
You may not think about it often, but there are plenty of things in your house that could use some smartening up! Here are 10 smart home devices we love:
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| – Smart home devices can increase convenience, security, and energy savings in your home. |
| – Consider compatibility, costs, installation, and security concerns when buying smart home devices. |
| – Popular smart home devices include smart speakers, cameras, locks, and lighting systems. |
| – Resources such as Esquire, PCMag, and CNET offer additional guidance on selecting the best smart home devices. |
| – With the right setup and knowledge, smart home devices can transform your living space into a more efficient and modern home. |
Robot Vacuum
What is a Robot Vacuum?
A robot vacuum is a device that automatically vacuums your home, cleaning up dirt and debris while you relax.
These handy devices are designed to clean floors in an efficient manner that reduces the need for you to push around heavy vacuums or sweep the floors yourself.
How do they work?
Robot vacuums use sensors to detect obstacles in their path, like furniture or walls. Once they’ve cleaned up all of the dirt on their floor plan, they will return home base to recharge so they can start again later (or another day).
Looking to add some convenience and luxury to your home? Check out our guide on how to choose the Top Smart Home Devices for Enhancing Your Home’s Comfort! From voice assistant to smart thermostats, we’ve got your optimal comfort needs covered.
Video Doorbell
Video doorbells are a great way to keep an eye on your home while you’re away. They can be used in two ways: as a replacement for your existing doorbell, or as a standalone device that’s installed next to the front door.
If you choose the former option, most of these devices come with motion sensors so they’ll know when someone is at the door and automatically connect with an app on your phone. Then you can see who’s ringing from wherever you are (or if it just happens to be me again).
If you choose the latter option—which we recommend—you’ll get even more functionality out of it. Some video doorbells have intercom capabilities so that people can talk through them as well as cameras so they can see who’s at their doorstep before they open up.
For example, Ring offers video chatting via Facebook Messenger or Skype along with night vision capabilities and motion sensors so users know when someone is approaching their home without having to go outside or check any other device first
Video Doorbell Comparison
| Brand | Model | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ring | Video Doorbell Pro 2 | $249.99 | 1536p HD video, Alexa enabled, Pre-roll video capture |
| Nest | Hello | $229.99 | 1600 x 1200 HD video, facial recognition, Person alerts |
| Arlo | Essential Video Doorbell | $199.99 | 180-degree viewing, Alexa enabled, motion detection with alerts |
Video doorbells come with features such as two-way communication, live-streaming, and motion detection, which make your home more secure. Here are few models to consider with prices and other features, including video quality, compatibility with voice assistants, and motion detection alerts.
Note:
Prices mentioned in the table may change based on local availability, promotions, and currency exchange rates.
Water Leak Detector
Water leak detectors are fantastic for detecting leaks in your home. They can be used to detect leaks in the bathroom, kitchen, and other areas of your home. They can also be used to detect leaks in the basement, crawlspace, and attic.
The best part about these devices is that they come with an audible alarm that sounds when there’s a leak or flood so you know where it is immediately.
If there’s an issue with one of your pipes or faucets you’ll know about it before it becomes too serious!
Want to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on utility bills? Our guide on The Best Smart Home Devices for Energy Savings can definitely help! Explore our energy-saving options, including smart plugs, lighting controls, and energy monitors, to make your home efficient than ever before.
Smart Lock
You can use your phone or a smart card to unlock the door, so you don’t have to fumble around with keys. If you don’t have those things handy or if your hands are full, the lock will let you in using facial recognition technology!
If someone else tries to open it without permission, an alarm will go off letting everyone know something is wrong.
You can grant access for certain people as well for example, you might give your housekeeper access during certain hours but not your roommate and revoke that permission whenever needed.
This means no more worrying about sharing keys with family members and roommates (or worse: losing them).
Smart Lock Comparison
| Brand | Model | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| August | Wi-Fi Smart Lock | $249.00 | Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, and Z-Wave Plus |
| Schlage | Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt | $249.00 | Works with Key by Amazon, Alexa, and Google Assistant |
| Kwikset | Halo Touch Wi-Fi Smart Lock | $249.90 | Works with Alexa and Google Assistant, includes fingerprint reader |
Smart locks give homeowners flexibility, convenience, and peace of mind when it comes to securing their homes. They allow for remote access with smartphones and voice assistants and eliminate the need for keys. Here are few models to consider with prices and other features, including compatible voice assistants, smart home systems, and fingerprint reader.
Note:
Prices mentioned in the table may change based on local availability, promotions, and currency exchange rates.
Air Quality Monitor
Air quality monitors, also known as air quality sensors, are devices that measure the levels of chemicals and particles in the air.
They can be used to detect such things as carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or particulate matter with diameters smaller than 10 micrometers. Air quality monitors for home use can include both portable and stationary units.
Air quality test kits allow you to test for specific chemicals in your home’s environment without having to hire a professional service or purchase an expensive monitor device.
You’ll need one if you want to know whether there is mold growing in your bathroom or smoke from cooking on your stove leaking into other rooms of your house; however, these tests will not give accurate readings on larger particles like pollen dust mites that may contribute to allergies and other respiratory diseases when inhaled regularly over prolonged periods of time.
Safety is critical to every homeowner. Read more about The Top Smart Home Devices for Security and Safety in our guide to make sure you’re home is well-guarded. With our tips, ranging from video doorbells to smart locks, you can ensure the safety and security of your home.
Smart Coffee Maker
If you’re a coffee drinker, this is an appliance you need in your life. The smart coffee maker will brew up to 12 cups of coffee at once without heating up the entire kitchen.
It’s compatible with several K-Cup brands as well as Nespresso pods and Tassimo T Discs for those who prefer their java in a mug or travel mug instead of via Keurig machine.
The Nespresso VertuoPlus Coffee & Espresso Maker connects directly to Amazon Dash Replenishment service so that when your supply of capsules runs low, it’ll automatically order more through the Amazon Prime Now app on your phone or tablet.
Window Drapes Opener
Not only do window drapes offer privacy and block out light, but they can also act as room dividers.
With this smart home device, your drapes will open when the sun goes down to allow for natural ventilation and close before sunrise so that you can sleep in.
You can even set it up to open and close according to a schedule so that you don’t have to worry about remembering when to pull them closed at night or open them during the day.
If this sounds like something that would help you stay on top of your home’s temperature control needs while maintaining privacy at home, then a window drape opener might be right up your alley!
Smart homes are here to make every homeowner’s life easier! Check out our guide on 15 Smart Home Devices That Will Simplify Your Life to learn about the smart devices that can simplify activities, from effortless cooking to automated cleaning. Our team at UnifiedTechy ensures that our extensive guide will shed some light on your perfect work-and-life balance.
Laundry Moisture Sensor
An easy way to prevent mold from growing in your clothes is by using a moisture sensor. It works like this: you place it in the dryer or washing machine, and when it reaches a certain level of moisture, it alerts you that it’s time to take out the laundry.
The best part? No more guesswork!
A moisture sensor can help you save on energy costs as well, because if you wait too long after removing your clothes from the dryer or washing machine before folding them and putting them away, they’ll end up damp again.
That said, moisture sensors aren’t for everyone – some people prefer to manually check their laundry every few minutes instead of relying on technology!
| Brand | Model | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Multi-Steam Freshness | $1,299.00 | Wi-Fi and Alexa enabled, SmartThings compatible |
| LG | TurboSteam | $1,699.99 | SmartThinQ app enabled, compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa |
| Whirlpool | Load & Go XL Plus Dispenser | $1,499.00 | 4 sensor technology for precise drying, connected subscription service compatible |
Laundry with proper dryness helps in maintaining the quality of our garments. Moisture sensors are smart features on modern dryers that select the proper amount of dryness needed for every load of laundry. Here are few standout models to consider with prices and other features, including Wi-Fi compatibilities with smart home systems, smart home apps, and connected subscription services.
Robotic Lawnmower
You don’t need to get up early to start mowing the lawn. A robotic lawnmower can be programmed to mow your lawn on a regular schedule, so you don’t have to worry about it.
It can also be used with a smartphone app and voice commands that are both available for download from the app store.
The robot mower is even waterproof, so you won’t have to worry about wet weather stopping operations!
Smart Trashcan
The smart trashcan is a must-have for any busy person who wants to spend less time cleaning and more time living. This smart gadget can be set up with your smartphone, so you can control it from anywhere.
You can also program the trashcan to open at a certain time every day so that you don’t have to worry about rushing out of bed at 6 AM every morning just to hide your dirty clothes away in the bathroom closet.
If you’re going on vacation, all it takes is one push of a button on your phone and voila! Your trashcan will open automatically once it senses someone’s hand moving toward its sensor (it has eyes).
Create your personal home theater and bring movie nights to the next level with our guide on The Ultimate Guide to Setting Up a Home Theater Like a Pro. Follow our tips and tricks to make your movie experience just as great as going to the cinema. From sound to lighting to seating, we’ve got you covered.
Electric Toothbrush with Bluetooth Handle
We all know that brushing your teeth is important, but it’s also easy to forget about it. That’s where this little device comes in handy. It helps you keep track of how long you spend brushing, and reminds you to do so at regular intervals.
The Bluetooth handles are compatible with any electric toothbrush (though we’ll get into specifics below), so there are no additional costs involved if you already own one of those—just download the app on your phone or computer and go from there!
The app gives feedback on your progress as well as tips for improvement, while also being able to connect with dentists through its linkup system so they can give feedback as well: “Your gums look healthy,” or “You may have some cavities.”
Best part? It tells everyone what song was playing when they did their last brush session a fun way for friends and family members who use the same type of brush (or even just ones who happen upon each other while brushing) to find out more about each other’s lives within seconds!
Electric Toothbrush with Bluetooth Handle Comparison
| Brand | Model | Price | Bluetooth Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral-B | Genius Pro 8000 | $179.94 | Real-Time Feedback |
| Philips Sonicare | DiamondClean Smart | $229.99 | Personalized Coaching |
| Colgate | E1 Smart Electric | $99.95 | Connects to Toothbrushing App |
In the world of toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes with Bluetooth handles add a touch of tech-savvy functionality to your oral health routine. There are many brands and models to choose from, but here are few standout ones to consider, with prices, and Bluetooth features, including real-time feedback, personalized coaching, and connection to toothbrushing apps.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the devices that will change your life and make it easier. If you’ve got any questions about choosing the right smart home device for you or want to learn more about what we do at ConnectedHome, feel free to reach out!
We’re here 24/7 ready to help with any questions.
Further Reading:
If you’re interested in learning more about the best smart home devices, check out these helpful resources:
Esquire’s top smart home gadgets for 2021 will help you upgrade your home automation game.
PCMag’s top picks for the best smart home devices include cameras, doorbells, thermostats, and more.
CNET’s extensive guide to the best smart home devices has everything you need to know about home automation, including smart home hubs and speakers.
FAQs
What are smart home devices?
Smart home devices are gadgets, appliances, and systems that can be controlled remotely or automatically by a centralized device using the internet. They use sensors, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other wireless connections to help devices communicate and automate household tasks.
What are some examples of smart home devices?
Examples of smart home devices include smart speakers (such as Amazon Echo and Google Home), thermostats (like the Nest or Ecobee), video doorbells (such as Ring or Nest Hello), smart locks (like August), and smart lighting systems (like Philips Hue or LIFX).
What are the benefits of owning smart home devices?
Smart home devices provide many benefits, including convenience, energy savings, peace of mind, and improved overall quality of life. They can also increase the value of your home, and given remote control, they make your house more secure.
What should I consider before buying a smart home device?
Before buying a smart home device, consider compatibility with your current devices, costs and installation fees, setup and technical abilities, and security concerns. Read reviews, check for compatibility, and choose a good balance between functionality and cost.
Is it easy to set up smart home devices?
Many smart home devices have easy-to-follow instructions. Some devices may require professional installation, but most devices only require a Wi-Fi connection and a smartphone app. The process will vary depending on the device and the instructions provided, so it is important to read and follow the manual carefully.
Hi there! I’m Hellen James and I’m a writer and editor with a passion for home technology. I’ve been working in this field for over 10 years, so I know what it’s like to be a part of the growing field of smart home technology. I’ve written about everything from how to choose the right smart thermostat to what the best smart doorbell is for your needs.
