The smart home market is booming, and with so many devices on the market, it can be hard to figure out where to start.
Luckily, we’ve got you covered. This list includes our top picks for smart home devices that have proven themselves time and time again in our office (and by extension, your house).
We’ve tested many other smart devices in these categories over the years but these are some of our favorites.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Smart home devices are gadgets designed to automate various tasks around the home and make life easier and more comfortable. |
| 2. There are several popular categories of smart home devices, including smart speakers, thermostats, lighting solutions, security cameras, and voice-controlled assistants. |
| 3. When choosing smart home devices, it’s important to consider your needs, budget, and compatibility with existing systems. |
| 4. Before purchasing smart home devices, research their features and read reviews from other users to ensure you’re making the best choice for your home. |
| 5. It’s important to take steps to protect your smart home devices, such as choosing strong passwords and keeping your software updated, to prevent potential security risks. |
Amazon Echo with Alexa
Amazon Echo is a voice-controlled speaker you control with your voice. It’s incredibly easy to set up, and it can do all sorts of neat things.
Alexa is the cloud-based voice service that powers Echo. Alexa can play music, answer questions, set alarms and timers, manage lists and reminders — even order pizza!
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Philips Hue White Starter Kit
The Philips Hue White Starter Kit comes with four white bulbs and a Hue Bridge. The current model has a 4-star rating on Amazon, and there are plenty of glowing reviews from users who love the ability to control their lights from almost anywhere.
If you’re just getting into smart home devices and want something to start with, this starter kit is a great choice.
TP-Link Smart Plug
The TP-Link Smart Plug is a smart home device that allows you to control any electrical outlet in your house.
You can use it to turn lights on and off, or even set timers for your oven. It’s compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can talk to the smart plug using voice commands on Echo devices or Google Home speakers.
For a low price, the TP-Link Smart Plug is a great way to get started with home automation without spending too much money upfront.
The plug itself is easy to install: just follow the instructions provided by TP-Link’s website or app, then plug it into an outlet in the wall where you want it located!
Make your life easier with these smart home devices. Our guide to the 15 smart home devices that will simplify your life covers all the different types of gadgets available on the market, including smart speakers, thermostats, and lighting solutions.
Ecobee4 Thermostat
The Ecobee4 is a smart thermostat that’s compatible with Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings and Wink. The Ecobee4 also works with Google Assistant on Google Home devices.
The device can be controlled using the app or by voice commands. It is also compatible with a number of other smart home devices such as lights, speakers and even vacuums.
Comparison of Ecobee4 Thermostats
| Features | Ecobee4 Model |
|---|---|
| Temperature sensing | Room sensors |
| Voice control | Amazon Alexa Voice Service |
| Compatibility | Works with Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, IFTTT, and more |
| Power Source | Wired |
| Other Features | Smart Recovery, Vacation Mode |
This table provides a comparison of the features available in the Ecobee4 Thermostat. The Ecobee4 Model includes room sensors for temperature sensing, Amazon Alexa Voice Service for voice control, works with Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, IFTTT, and more for compatibility, and Smart Recovery and Vacation Mode for additional features. The power source is wired.
Nest Cam Indoor Security Camera
Nest Cam is a security camera for your home. It has night vision and two-way audio, so you can chat with someone or listen in on what’s happening outside your house.
It also has a microphone and speaker, which means it can be used as an intercom system if you need to call someone.
This camera is battery operated and mobile so you can take it with you when traveling or just move it around the house when needed.
Logitech Circle 2
The Logitech Circle 2 is a 1080p HD camera with two-way audio and night vision. It comes with a microphone for two-way audio, motion detection, free cloud storage and built in battery. The camera can also be used to listen to music from your phone or Alexa which means you can yell at it to play your favorite song!
Ring Video Doorbell 2
We’re about to drop some knowledge on you. The Ring Video Doorbell 2 is the most popular smart home device in the US, according to a 2018 report from Parks Associates, and it’s not hard to see why: It has all of the features that make it easy for you to stay connected with your home while you’re away.
Motion detection: When someone comes within range of your doorbell, it begins recording automatically and sends an alert to your phone.
Night vision: You don’t have to worry about whether or not they’ll be able to see who’s at the door—the Ring Video Doorbell 2 has infrared LEDs so no one will ever sneak up on you again!
Two-way audio: Talk through this little guy as if he were an old friend (he’ll never judge).
Live streaming video: Watch him live stream 24/7 for free (or pay for more storage space). He’ll let everyone know what’s going on at home whenever possible, even when nobody else is around!
Want to make your home safer and more secure? Look no further than our guide to the top smart home devices for security and safety. From smart locks and cameras to sensors and alarms, we’ve got you covered.
Philips Hue LightStrip Plus Dimmable LED Smart Light Extension
The Philips Hue LightStrip Plus Dimmable LED Smart Light Extension is a dimmable LED light strip that can be used as a nightlight or mood light. It’s flexible and easy to install, and it works with the Philips Hue Bridge (sold separately).
You can control it from your phone or voice assistant, so if you have an Amazon Echo, Google Home, Apple HomePod or other compatible device in your home you’ll be able to turn on the lights before walking into the room.
Canary All-In-One Home Security Device
The Canary All-In-One Home Security Device is one of the most popular smart home devices on the market today.
It has a camera, siren, and air quality sensor. The device includes night vision, a microphone and speaker for two-way audio, cloud storage for up to 30 days of video history (up to 4 cameras), smart home integrations with IFTTT and Amazon Alexa supporting Google Assistant soon.
Comparison Table of Canary All-In-One Home Security Devices
| Product Name | Brand | Features | Video Quality | Night Vision | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All-In-One Security Device | Canary | HD camera, Climate Monitor, Siren | 1080p | Yes | 1 year |
| All-In-One Security Device (2-Pack) | Canary | HD camera, Climate Monitor, Siren | 1080p | Yes | 2 year |
| Pro | Canary | HD camera, Climate Monitor, Siren, Two-Way Talk | 1080p | Yes | 2 year |
| Flex | Canary | HD camera, Weatherproof, Night Vision, Motion Detection | 720p | Yes | 1 year |
| View | Canary | HD camera, Climate Monitor, Siren, Two-Way Talk | 1080p | Yes | 1 year |
In this table, we’ve compared different models of Canary All-In-One Home Security Devices based on their brand, features, video quality, night vision, and warranty. This data-driven comparison can help you choose the best device for your home security needs based on your specific requirements.
August Smart Lock Pro + Connect
The August Smart Lock Pro + Connect is a high quality smart door lock that offers the ability to be controlled remotely, as well as being able to be programmed to automatically lock and unlock on its own.
You can also program it to lock/unlock when you leave or arrive home or work. This device works seamlessly with Alexa and Google Assistant.
The August works with both Android phones, iPhones (including the Apple Watch) and iPads that run iOS 11+.
It’s also compatible with Amazon Alexa-enabled devices such as the Echo Dot 2nd Generation and supports IFTTT commands for even more flexibility in how you use your door lock each day.
Want to create a more comfortable and convenient living environment? Our guide to the top smart home devices for enhancing your home’s comfort has got you covered. From smart thermostats to voice-controlled assistants, we’ve found the gadgets that can help you create the perfect living space.
Chamberlain MyQ Smart Garage Door Opener
The Chamberlain MyQ Smart Garage Door Opener is the perfect way to keep your garage door safe and secure from anywhere in your home. With this smart device, you can:
- Open and close your garage door from anywhere with your smartphone
- Control multiple garage doors from the same app
- Check the status of your garage door at all times, including how much battery life is left on its battery-powered motor
- Set up automatic notifications for door activity, so that you’ll know when someone opens it or closes it via text or email alerts
If you want to add a second MyQ Smart Garage Door Opener for another car in your driveway or house, simply use one of our easy-to-install expansion kits (sold separately). They work seamlessly with MyQ Garage Control devices, which are also available individually!
Comparison Table of Chamberslain MyQ Smart Garage Door Openers
| Product Name | Brand | Remote Access | Compatibility | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MyQ Smart Garage Door Opener | Chamberlain | Yes | Google Assistant, SmartThings, IFTTT | 1 year |
| MyQ-G0301 | Chamberlain | Yes | Google Assistant, Nest, Xfinity, HomeKit | 1 year |
| B970 | Chamberlain | Yes | Google Assistant, Nest, SmartThings, HomeLink | Lifetime |
| B1381 | Chamberlain | Yes | Google Assistant, SmartThings, Amazon Key | Lifetime |
| WD1000WF | Chamberlain | Yes | Google Assistant, HomeKit, SmartThings | Lifetime |
In this table, we’ve compared different models of Chamberlain MyQ Smart Garage Door Openers based on their brand, remote access capability, compatibility with other smart home devices, and warranty. This data-driven comparison can help you choose the best device for your garage based on your specific needs.
Lutron Caseta Wireless Dimmer Kit for Wall and Ceiling Lights
This smart dimmer works with Lutron Caseta Wireless Smart Bridge, which can control up to a total of 50 lights (and two outlets) at once.
The system comes with two remotes, one that controls the wall switch and one that controls the ceiling fan remote.
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Conclusion
We hope this article has given you a better idea of the smart home devices that are out there, and what they can do for you.
There’s no doubt that these products will continue to evolve in coming years as they become more popular, but one thing is certain: they will make our lives easier and more convenient than ever before!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources that can help you learn more about smart home devices:
The Best Smart Home Devices of 2021: Find out which smart home gadgets are the best of the best in 2021 with this comprehensive guide from ZDNet.
The Best Smart Home Devices for 2021: PCMag’s list of the best smart home devices includes everything from security cameras and thermostats to smart speakers and lighting solutions.
The Best Smart Home Devices for 2021: Check out Tom’s Guide’s list of the best smart home devices for 2021 to find out which gadgets can help make your home smarter and more convenient.
FAQs
What are smart home devices?
Smart home devices are gadgets that can be controlled and monitored remotely through a smartphone app, voice commands, or other smart home systems. These devices are designed to make life easier and more comfortable by automating various tasks around the home.
What are some popular categories of smart home devices?
There are several common categories of smart home devices, including smart speakers, thermostats, lighting solutions, security cameras, smart locks, and voice-controlled assistants.
What are the benefits of using smart home devices?
Smart home devices offer many benefits, such as increased convenience, improved security, energy savings, and better control over your home environment. These devices can help make your life easier and more comfortable while also saving you time and money.
How do I choose the right smart home devices for my home?
When choosing smart home devices, it’s important to consider your needs, budget, and the compatibility of the devices with your existing systems. You should also research the features of each device and read reviews from other users before making a purchase.
Are smart home devices secure?
While smart home devices offer many benefits, they can also present security risks if they are not properly secured. It’s important to take steps to protect your smart home devices, such as choosing strong passwords, keeping your software updated, and choosing devices with built-in security features.
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.
