My home is a smart home. When I walk through its doors, it welcomes me with warm lighting and a pleasant temperature.
Its walls are covered in art that’s powered by an app on my phone. I can control all of these things from anywhere with the help of voice assistants like Amazon Echo and Google Home—and even Apple’s Siri and Microsoft’s Cortana.
My fridge knows what food I have in it and tells me when anything is about to expire, enabling me to make better grocery shopping decisions. My oven alerts me when it’s ready so I don’t burn dinner every night anymore (and my rice never sticks now!).
These are just some examples of how connected devices can improve your quality of life at home
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Smart home devices can improve your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and security. |
| Keeping up-to-date on the latest gadgets can help upgrade your living spaces and provide peace of mind. |
| Smart home devices are available for every room in your home, from the kitchen to the home theater. |
| Setting up and configuring smart home devices usually involves connecting them to your home’s Wi-Fi network and configuring the device using a companion smartphone app. |
| Smart home devices vary in price depending on the type of device and brand, but as the technology becomes more popular, prices are generally becoming more affordable. |
Amazon Echo
Amazon Echo is a smart speaker that can play music, answer questions, read the news and more. It uses Alexa as its voice assistant–a technology that allows you to control Amazon Echo with just your voice.
Amazon Echo can also be used to control other smart home devices such as lights and thermostats. For example: “Alexa turn off my living room light.”
Home security should be a top priority for homeowners, and staying up-to-date on the latest gadgets can help provide peace of mind. Check out our article on the latest home security gadgets to learn more about the innovative tools available to keep your home safe.
Nest Thermostat
The Nest Learning Thermostat is the ultimate smart home device. You can control it from anywhere and set a schedule to automatically adjust the temperature, so you never have to worry about getting cold or hot.
It has an intuitive display that shows you what’s happening with your home’s temperature at all times, plus it comes with built-in sensors that track humidity levels in addition to ambient temperatures.
The best part? You can control this thermostat using Alexa or Google Home voice commands! If that wasn’t enough, there are also IFTTT recipes available for those who prefer using their phone over talking into thin air (or barking orders at their digital assistant).
The Nest Learning Thermostat works with Apple HomeKit too–so if you’re looking for something more than just an automatic smart thermostat but also want some extra functionality like humidity tracking (or maybe even motion detection), this might be just what you need! And lastly: did we mention how beautiful it looks?
| Model | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Gen) | 2.1-inch LCD display, Wi-Fi connectivity, compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, auto-schedule feature |
| Nest Thermostat E | Frosted display, Wi-Fi connectivity, compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, energy-saving features |
| Nest Temperature Sensor | Wireless sensor that connects to compatible Nest thermostats, set preferred temperature in specific rooms |
Note: The table above provides information on the Nest Thermostat, a smart home device that allows you to control the temperature of your home using your smartphone or compatible device. The Nest Learning Thermostat features a 2.1-inch LCD display, Wi-Fi connectivity, and compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, with an auto-schedule feature that learns your preferences and adjusts the temperature accordingly.
The Nest Thermostat E offers similar features in a more budget-friendly design, with energy-saving options to help lower your utility bills. Additionally, the Nest Temperature Sensor is a wireless accessory that connects to compatible Nest thermostats, allowing you to set temperature preferences in specific rooms.
Lutron Smart Bridge Pro
The Lutron Smart Bridge Pro is a wireless lighting system that allows you to control your lights from anywhere in the world. It’s compatible with most light bulbs and switches, so you can easily upgrade your home’s lighting system.
The Smart Bridge Pro is simple to set up and use. Once you’ve installed the device in your home, all you have to do is download the free Lutron app on your smartphone or tablet (iOS or Android).
You’ll then be able to control any lights connected through the bridge using voice commands or preset scenes–for example, “Good Morning” will turn on all of the lights throughout different rooms of your house at once so that everything looks bright and cheerful when you wake up from bed!
The best part about this product is its ability to work with other smart devices within range: if there’s another light switch nearby with built-in WiFi capability (like those made by Philips), then those bulbs will also respond when activated by voice commands spoken into a microphone built into each unit’s casing; this means fewer cables lying around which clutter up surfaces like desks/countertops etc., making things easier for everyone involved!
Keeping your home secure is crucial for protecting your family and valuables, and security cameras can provide an extra layer of protection. Check out our list of the top 13 home security cameras to find the best device for your home security needs.
Sonos One
Sonos One is a smart speaker with Alexa built in, so you can use it to control any other smart devices in your home. It has the same sound quality as the Sonos Play:1 and can be connected to other Sonos speakers for multi-room audio playback.
The Sonos One also comes with six months of free Spotify Premium service, which means you’ll have access to millions of songs from all genres at no extra cost for six months after purchase!
You can connect up to two Sonos Ones in stereo pairs for better sound quality than any other smart speaker on this list – plus they look pretty cool too! You could also connect them with another device such as an Apple TV or Fire TV Stick if that’s what you prefer using instead (there are many options available).
Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller
The Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller is a smart device that can be used to control your sprinklers. It can be controlled via the mobile app or voice commands, and it can be linked to other smart devices in your home.
The device also works with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit so you can control it from anywhere in the house–or even outside of it!
While many people focus on smart home devices that improve comfort, smart gadgets can also enhance the functionality of your kitchen. Check out our guide on the 18 smart home devices for the ultimate kitchen upgrade to see how technology can make cooking and entertaining easier and more efficient.
SimpliSafe Home Security Systems
A security system is a must for any home, but it can be hard for some people to get the right one. That’s where SimpliSafe comes in. The company offers a wide range of DIY security solutions that are easy to install and can be monitored remotely from any smartphone or computer with internet access.
You can also use their devices with other smart-home devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, which makes them even more useful because you don’t have to remember that particular command every time you want your lights turned on or off; just say the word!
You can expand your system by adding additional sensors if needed–or just start small if you’re on a budget (which we all know isn’t an issue when it comes down between eating ramen noodles every day versus paying off debt).
| Packages | Specifications |
|---|---|
| The Foundation | Base Station, Wireless Keypad, Entry Sensor, Motion Sensor |
| The Essentials | Base Station, Wireless Keypad, Entry Sensor, Motion Sensor, Keyfob |
| The Hearth | Base Station, Wireless Keypad, Entry Sensor, Motion Sensor, Keyfob, Smoke Detector |
| The Knox | Base Station, Wireless Keypad, 6 Entry Sensors, 2 Motion Sensors |
| The Haven | Base Station, Wireless Keypad, Entry Sensor, Motion Sensor, Keyfob, 105dB Siren, Freeze Sensor, Water Sensor |
Note: The table above provides information on the SimpliSafe Home Security Systems, a range of packages that offer customizable security solutions for your home. Each package includes a base station, wireless keypad, entry sensors, and motion sensors, with additional features included in some higher-tier packages, such as smoke detectors, siren alarms, and water sensors.
SimpliSafe’s security systems use wireless connectivity and a 24/7 monitoring service to help protect your home from burglars and other potential threats.
Nest Hello Video Doorbell
Nest Hello is a smart doorbell that can be connected to your home’s Wi-Fi network. It has a wide-angle camera that lets you see who’s at the door from anywhere, and two-way audio so you can talk to people at the door from wherever you are.
The Nest app also has an Activity History feature that lets you see when people have visited your house in real time or on demand, so it’s easy to keep track of who was there when they weren’t expected–which could be useful if someone is trying to sell something door-to-door without an appointment or if someone seems suspiciously friendly and keeps dropping by unannounced (and uninvited).
Smart home devices aren’t just convenient – they can also help reduce energy consumption and lower your utility bills. Check out our guide to the best smart home devices for energy savings to see how technology can help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint.
Philips Hue Lighting System
The Philips Hue Lighting System is a smart lighting system that allows you to control and schedule your lights from your smartphone.
It works with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant. You can also use voice commands to turn on or off the lights in your home by saying “Alexa” or “Hey Siri.”
In addition to being able to turn off your lights with a simple command (and then having them turn back on when necessary), this device also has other handy features built into it as well:
August Smart Lock Pro
August Smart Lock Pro is a Wi-Fi enabled smart lock that works with Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa. It can be controlled with your smartphone, so you can unlock doors from anywhere in the world.
This device is best suited for homes with multiple doors, as it comes with two locking mechanisms: one for doors and another for gates. The latter works much like an automatic garage door opener, but instead of opening your garage door it will simply unlock an exterior gate (or vice versa).
If you want to add another layer of security to your home while still being able to control everything through an app on your phone–and who doesn’t?–this is one option worth considering!
Ring Video Doorbell Pro
With the Ring Video Doorbell Pro, you can see and speak to people at your door from anywhere.
This smart home device has a built-in 1080p HD camera and live streaming capabilities, so you can watch what’s going on at home even when you’re not there. The smart doorbell also comes with a motion detector that will send an alert to your phone when someone approaches the property.
| Features | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Camera | 1080p HD video with night vision |
| Audio | Two-way audio communication |
| Power | Hardwired installation |
| Connectivity | 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi |
| Compatibility | Ring app and Alexa-enabled devices |
| Additional Features | Customizable motion sensors, motion-activated alerts, interchangeable faceplates |
Note: The table above provides specifications for the Ring Video Doorbell Pro, a popular smart home device that allows you to see, hear, and speak to visitors at your front door from your smartphone or compatible device.
The Ring Video Doorbell Pro features 1080p HD video, two-way audio, and customizable motion sensors to help keep your home safe and secure.
Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt Lock
The Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt Lock works with Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit, so it can be controlled with a smartphone or remotely.
The lock also comes equipped with an alarm that will sound if someone tries to break into your home. Plus, the Schlage Sense has a low battery warning so you know when to change out the batteries or recharge them before they die on you.
Creating the ultimate home theater experience requires more than just a big screen and comfortable chairs – it also requires the right equipment and setup. Check out our ultimate guide to setting up a home theater like a pro for tips on creating the perfect home cinema ambiance and equipment to use.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I hope this article has given you some ideas for how to enhance your home’s comfort with the help of smart devices.
If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that having a comfortable living space is important! The devices listed here are just some of the many options available to consumers today–and they’re all designed with different goals in mind.
So whether you want something simple like an Alexa-enabled speaker or something more complex like security cameras that alert police when someone breaks into your house at night (and even follow them around as they move through town), there’s no shortage of options out there for anyone interested in enhancing their home life through technology.
Further Reading
If you’re interested in learning more about smart home devices, check out these resources:
The Best Smart Home Devices for 2021: This comprehensive list from PCMag covers a wide range of smart home devices, including security systems, speakers, thermostats, and more.
The 20 Best Smart Home Devices for 2021: Good Housekeeping’s roundup includes the latest top-performing smart home devices across categories like lighting, refrigeration, and entertainment systems.
10 Smart Home Devices to Add During a Home Renovation: If you’re planning a home renovation, be sure to consider these smart home devices that can help make your home smarter, safer, and more efficient.
FAQs
What are smart home devices?
Smart home devices are electronic devices that connect to your home’s wireless internet and provide various benefits, including enhanced automation, convenience, and energy savings.
What are some examples of popular smart home devices?
Some popular smart home devices include smart speakers like Amazon Echo and Google Nest, smart thermostats like Nest and ecobee, and smart security cameras like Ring and Arlo.
What are the benefits of using smart home devices?
Smart home devices offer numerous benefits, including increased convenience, energy savings, enhanced security, and improved home automation.
Are smart home devices expensive?
The cost of smart home devices varies widely depending on the type of device and brand. However, as the technology becomes more popular and widespread, prices are generally becoming more affordable.
How do I set up my smart home devices?
Setting up smart home devices typically involves connecting them to your home’s Wi-Fi network and configuring the device using a companion smartphone app. Most manufacturers provide step-by-step instructions for setting up their devices, or you can hire a professional installer to help.
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.
