If you’re considering getting into smart homes, it can be a little overwhelming. There’s so much technology to choose from, and each device serves a different purpose.
This guide will walk you through the most popular smart home devices for beginners and provide examples of how to use each one in your home!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| – Smart home devices can make your life more convenient and efficient. |
| – Home security is a crucial aspect of smart homes to keep loved ones and valuables safe. |
| – Energy consumption can be cut down by using energy-efficient smart home products. |
| – An excellent home theater setup can significantly enhance your movie-watching experience. |
| – As a new homeowner, it’s essential to consider home security measures to protect your new home. |
Smart Display
A smart display is a type of device that can be used to control and interact with other connected home devices.
Smart displays are usually placed on an entertainment center or coffee table, allowing you to see what’s going on in your house while you’re not there.
Some smart displays have built-in cameras allowing them to act as security cameras as well, though this is not true for all models.
Smart displays are also a great way to learn more about home automation technology without having to spend much money or time getting started; they’re relatively affordable and easy-to-use compared with some other smart home devices like hubs and hubs systems (which we’ll discuss later).
Home security is crucial to keeping your loved ones and valuables safe. Check out our guide on the top smart home devices for security and safety to learn about innovative ways to secure your home.
Smart Bulbs
Smart bulbs are great for anyone who wants to control their lights from a smartphone or voice-command enabled device. These systems can also be connected with other smart home devices for added functionality.
Smart bulbs are especially useful for monitoring energy usage and security cameras, but they’re not limited to these uses.
Many smart light bulb companies make it easy for you to customize your lights, so if you don’t want to use them as standard light sources then there are plenty of options available that let you do things like change the color and brightness of your lights depending on the time of day or even react based on what’s happening in your home (e.g., turning off when no one is there).
Energy consumption is a concern for many homeowners. To cut back on your energy expenses, check out our guide on the best smart home devices for energy savings to learn about energy-efficient smart home products.
Smart Plugs
Smart plugs are devices that allow you to control your electronic devices remotely. They come in many shapes and sizes, but they all work the same way: when you plug one into an outlet, it connects to your Wi-Fi network and allows you to control whatever device is plugged into it.
They’re great for controlling lights, appliances or anything else that uses electricity. One of the best things about smart plugs is how easy they are to set up.
You simply plug them into any wall outlet, connect them with an app on your phone or computer and then use this connection to control the device from anywhere in the world!
Here are some of the top-rated smart plugs based on online reviews and ratings:
| Brand | Model | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Smart Plug | Outlet |
| TP-Link | Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug | Outlet |
| Wemo | Mini Smart Plug | Outlet |
| Gosund | Smart Plug | Outlet |
| Teckin | Smart Plug | Outlet |
Note: These are just a few examples and do not represent an exhaustive list of all the excellent smart plugs available.
Smart Speakers
Smart speakers are some of the simplest, most useful smart home devices. They can do everything from playing music to setting timers, reading recipes, and even controlling your lights.
One of the best things about smart speakers is they’re very easy to use and understand—even if you’re not tech-savvy. The setup process typically involves downloading an app on your phone (or tablet) and following instructions on the screen until you have a working speaker in your home.
Once set up, you’ll be able to use voice commands with your smart speaker just like other devices in this guide!
So instead of using buttons or typing out text messages on remote controls for entertainment systems or computers, use natural language requests instead: “Alexa play ‘Dark Side Of The Moon’ by Pink Floyd” or “Hey Siri set a timer for 3 minutes.”
Your home theater experience is only as good as your setup. Check out our comprehensive guide on setting up a home theater like a pro to learn how to enhance your movie nights.
Video Doorbells
Video doorbells are a great way to keep an eye on your front door. They allow you to see and speak to visitors from anywhere, making it easy to tell who’s at your door without leaving the comfort of your couch or office chair.
They’re also great for keeping an eye on your home while you’re away. If someone rings the bell and no one is there to answer, video doorbells will send alerts with a live stream so you can check it out from wherever you are.
Wi-Fi Routers
A wi-fi router is a device that connects your household to the internet.
How does it work? A wifi router uses radio waves to transmit information between your devices and the network, or in this case, the internet. The signal can be picked up by any device with an antenna (laptop, smartphone, etc.).
What are the main features of a good wifi router? If you’re new to routers and aren’t sure which one will best suit your needs, there are some things to keep in mind before making a purchase:
Speed: The maximum speed of a wifi router is measured in megabits per second (Mbps). This means how fast data can be transferred from one point on the network/internet connection and back again – not unlike how fast roads determine how quickly we get from point A to point B. Your laptop may only have 1 Mbps but if you have multiple devices connected simultaneously then it would be beneficial for them all to have high speeds so as not to slow down each other’s connections.
Range: How far away from the source (your internet provider) can you go before losing connection? Again this depends on what sort of equipment you own and how many walls/floors etc., stand between you and where they live! We recommend at least 300ft but 1000ft or more would be better if possible.
Security: Make sure that whichever brand has been chosen supports WPA2 security protocols as these provide greater protection against intruders trying their hand at hacking into your private home network.
Monthly Payments vs One Time Purchase These days most people choose monthly payment plans because they see no reason why they should pay upfront when there’s no guarantee any given product will work well with our Internet Service Provider (ISP), let alone suit our needs over time!
Smart home devices can make your life more convenient and productive. To learn about the latest technological advancements, check out our guide on 15 smart home devices that will change your life.
Smart Locks
Smart locks are another great smart home device. They allow you to grant access to your home and control who can enter when they want.
This is especially useful if you want to give someone access for a short period of time, or if you need help with a project or other situation that requires an extra set of hands.
Smart locks work by connecting with one of the many apps that support them, such as Google Assistant and Alexa.
Most smart locks have their own app too, which lets you customize the settings for each user account so they can unlock the door only when needed and not at all hours (if you don’t want them coming in unannounced).
For example: You may allow your family members access 24/7 but only during certain periods like evening hours or weekend days; meanwhile guests should have limited access that expires after an hour. And anyone else needs special permission because–let’s face it–they’re probably going to be overstaying their welcome!
You could also use this feature for more practical reasons like letting yourself in when your hands are full (or just because).
If there’s something important happening at home right now but don’t want anyone walking in on it while trying out new recipes then simply unlock your door remotely using any mobile app! The possibilities here are endless…
Here are some of the top-rated smart locks based on online reviews and ratings:
| Brand | Model | Type |
|---|---|---|
| August | Wi-Fi Smart Lock | Deadbolt |
| Schlage | Encode Smart Lock | Deadbolt |
| Yale | Assure Lock SL | Deadbolt |
| Kwikset | SmartCode 915 Touchscreen Electronic Deadbolt | Deadbolt |
| Ultraloq | UL3 BT Bluetooth Enabled Fingerprint and Touchscreen Smart Lock | Lever Lock |
Note: These are just a few examples and do not represent an exhaustive list of all the excellent smart locks available.
Security Cameras
If you want to keep an eye on your home while you’re away, security cameras are a great way to do so. There are many types of security cameras on the market with different features and specifications.
They range from simple designs that offer basic functionality to more complex systems that have a variety of features like motion detection, night vision, two-way audio and more. The best part is that they’re easy enough for beginners!
Whether you’re checking up on your pets or keeping tabs on your kids while they’re home alone during summer vacation (or both), these handy gadgets can make all the difference between peace of mind and sleepless nights spent worrying about intruders or fire hazards. For most people who haven’t used them before though: what’s the best way to get started?
The first step is choosing which kind of device suits your needs best—and there’s no shortage available thanks to how much technology has advanced over time (and continues doing so).
Once this decision has been made though there are still several other things worth considering before making any purchase decisions: location placement; motion detection capabilities; storage capacity options; etcetera…
New homeowners have a lot to consider, including home security. Check out our guide on the ultimate guide to home security for first-time homebuyers to learn how to secure your new home and keep your loved ones safe.
Smart Garage Door Openers
Another common smart home device, the garage door opener is a remote control that you can use to open and close your garage door.
Some models even allow you to see whether the door is open or closed remotely, as well as who’s coming and going.
If you have a connected home, there are a variety of options available for remote access—and unlike traditional garage doors that require manual operation by a physical keypad at home, these new models offer more flexibility in how they work.
For example, some can be controlled by smartphones while others connect with other smart devices inside the house so that they automatically open when someone arrives home (or close when people leave).
These systems also make it easier than ever before to check up on things from afar: If someone forgot something in their car after work but drove off before closing their garage door behind them? No problem just check in on your smartphone app instead!
Smart Switches And Outlets
Smart outlets and switches are the easiest to install.
They can be used with smart plugs, which allow you to control the power going into a device (such as a lamp) without affecting the state of that device’s light bulb.
You can then use your new smart lighting system to turn on and off, dim or brighten lights based on time of day or what’s happening around you using Alexa or Google Assistant.
Look for devices with physical switches these are easier than touch panels and they don’t require batteries. If possible, buy devices that come in pairs so you can automate two lights at once if necessary (such as when entering a room).
Here are some of the top-rated smart switches and outlets based on online reviews and ratings:
| Brand | Model | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Lutron | Caseta Smart Switch | In-Wall |
| TP-Link | Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug | Outlet |
| GE | Smart Toggle Switch | In-Wall |
| Philips Hue | Smart Plug | Outlet |
| Belkin | Wemo Mini Smart Plug | Outlet |
Note: These are just a few examples and do not represent an exhaustive list of all the excellent smart switches and outlets available.
Thermostats
Before we get into some of the more advanced devices, let’s take a look at what makes buying a smart thermostat a good idea.
First of all, they’re easy to install and set up (in most cases). You can do it yourself or have an electrician come in and do so for you. Once installed, you get features like:
- Remote access from anywhere
- Customized settings based on your location and usage patterns
- Compatibility with other smart home technologies like lighting systems and security cameras
Conclusion
You’ve now seen the most popular smart home devices, and we hope we’ve helped you get started on your journey.
Remember that different families have different needs: if you live in a large house or apartment, you might want more than one thermostat.
If you have a large family with lots of kids who need their own rooms, then maybe those security cameras will come in handy for peace of mind at night when everyone is asleep.
And if you like using Alexa as much as we do (and trust us, there’s plenty more where that came from), then look into getting some new speakers! We can’t wait to see what else comes out next year!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to learn more about smart home technology:
Smart home guide for beginners: How to make your home more convenient to live in: A guide by TechHive aimed at beginners providing a comprehensive overview of smart home technology and how it can make your life more convenient.
How to Set Up Smart Home Automation: Wired’s guide on how to set up your smart home automation from the very beginning, including device compatibility, network setup, and security.
How to Set Up Your Smart Home: A Beginner’s Guide: PCMag’s comprehensive beginner’s guide to setting up a smart home, including device compatibility, creating a smart home network, and automation basics.
FAQs
What is a smart home?
A smart home is a residence equipped with devices and systems that can be controlled remotely, or even by voice, such as smart speakers, smart lights, thermostats, and security cameras.
How do smart home devices work together?
Smart home devices can communicate with each other using a home network or a central hub, like a smart speaker. They can also be grouped together and automated to perform certain tasks simultaneously.
What are the benefits of a smart home?
Some of the benefits of a smart home include convenience, energy efficiency, improved home security, and increased control over your home environment.
How secure are smart home devices?
Smart home devices can be vulnerable to hacking or cyber attacks if not protected properly. Choosing reputable brands, using complex passwords, and keeping your devices up to date with software updates are some steps to ensure your smart home security.
Can I operate a smart home if I don’t have a smartphone?
Yes, you can use smart home devices and systems without a smartphone by using voice assistant devices or dedicated remote controls.
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.
