Best smart home devices to thoroughly optimize your home

0
Best smart home devices to thoroughly optimize your home

Smart home technology ranges from simple plugs that ensure the lights turn on when you get home to professionally installed, whole-home control systems. Even if a professionally integrated smart home system isn’t in your budget, you can gain the benefits of an interconnected home for less than you might think. Even if you add components gradually, setting up a smart home is easy with today’s technology, which allows you to turn appliances on and off through an app or via voice control like Alexa.

While consumers seeking a comprehensive solution may choose an integration firm to design and install whole-home automation systems, many of the best smart home devices on the market today make it easy to incorporate smart devices in your home without professional help.

Table of Contents

Our top picks for the best smart home devices

Best smart speaker: Sonos Era 100

Sonos Era 100

While it’s tempting to rate the Amazon Echo as the best smart speaker based on its ubiquity and low price, it’s almost impossible to beat the Sonos Era 100 wireless smart speaker when it comes to sound quality and brand reputation. I’ve tested dozens of Bluetooth speakers in recent months and the Sonos clearly stands out.

Specifications

  • Best for: Audio in the home.
  • Size: 7.19 inches high x 4.72 inches wide x 5.14 inches deep.
  • Wireless: Yes.
  • Smart assistants: Alexa.
  • Price on publish: $199.

The AP Buyline takeaway

Sonos is a renowned brand in high-end home audio. This stylish bookshelf speaker looks as good as it sounds in any room of your home.

Get it here: Sonos Era 100

Best smart plug: Linkind Matter Smart Plug

Linkind Matter Smart Plug

Linkind Matter Smart Plug

Matter is a smart home protocol that allows devices from different manufacturers to operate seamlessly together on your home network. Many companies now produce smart plugs that use the Matter standard. I like this two-plug kit from Linkind for its low price, clean design and 4.5-star Amazon rating.

Specifications

  • Best for: Turning any device into a smart device.
  • Size: 4.65 inches long x 3.23 inches wide x 2.48 inches high.
  • Wireless: Yes.
  • Smart assistants: Google Home, Apple Home, Siri, Amazon Alexa, SmartThings, others.
  • Price on publish: $19.99.

The AP Buyline takeaway

Matter could very well be the lasting standard in smart home connectivity. Even if another standard emerges, this smart plug will ensure you can use voice control for all compatible devices on the Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or SmartThings hub.

Get it here: Linkind Matter Smart Plug

Best smart thermostat: Sensi Touch 2 Smart Thermostat

Sensi Touch 2 Smart Thermostat

There are many options for smart home thermostats. While the ecobee3 Lite Smart Home Thermostat was a pioneer in the space, Google Nest stepped up to become a household name. Both are high-quality choices, but with more options on the market, I have to give the title of best new smart home thermostat to the Sensi Touch 2. Backed by Emerson’s 100-year reputation in the HVAC industry, the thermostat features a large, easy-to-read touchscreen and works with Sensi room sensors to customize temperatures across rooms. Sensi promises user privacy, along with cost and energy savings, and is rated an Amazon top pick.

Specifications

  • Best for: Whole-home temperature control across individual rooms.
  • Size: ‎5.6 inches long x 0.77 inches wide x 3.25 inches high.
  • Wireless: Yes.
  • Smart assistants: Google, Alexa, SmartThings.
  • Price on publish: $150.99.

The AP Buyline takeaway

With high Amazon ratings, compatibility with most voice assistants and easy DIY installation, the Sensi Touch 2 smart thermostat is worth the added cost compared to competitors.

Get it here: Sensi Touch 2 Smart Thermostat

Best Wi-Fi router: Netgear Orbi Whole Home Tri-band Mesh WiFi 6 System Router

Netgear Orbi Whole Home Tri-band Mesh WiFi 6 System Router

Many people rely on whichever router their internet service provider offers with their home Wi-Fi service. But if you’re outfitting a smart home with multiple devices, you may want the speed, reliability and security of a third-party Wi-Fi router. Pros swear by the Netgear Orbi router, which covers up to 5,000 square feet and 40 devices. “I am an IT guy by profession, so I’m pretty picky,” says Cache Merrill, founder at Zibtek. “I really like the Orbi router. It was easy to set up, came with parental controls and drastically increased coverage inside the ‘mesh’ network.”

Specifications

  • Best for: Homes up to 5,000 square feet.
  • Size: 9.1 inches high x 7.2 inches wide.
  • Wireless: Yes.
  • Smart assistants: Any.
  • Price on publish: $299.99.

Best video doorbell: Ring Video Doorbell

I evaluated several brands of video doorbells but, for the price, the Ring remains an industry standard. I’ve been using a Ring video doorbell for several years and it’s stood the test of time. The brushed nickel finish on mine may show the effects of teens and their friends coming and going, but the video quality remains solid. Plus, with the latest version selling for under $100, you can’t beat the value for money.

Specifications

  • Best for: Home privacy and security.
  • Size: 3.9 inches high x 1.8 inches wide x 0.8 inches deep.
  • Wireless: Yes, or connects to existing doorbell wire for continuous power.
  • Smart assistants: Alexa.
  • Price on publish: $59.99.

The AP Buyline takeaway

Sometimes, you can’t beat a classic product. The latest version of the Ring Video doorbell boasts several enhancements, including better night vision and improved motion detection.

Get it here: Ring Video Doorbell

Best smart light bulb: Philips 60-Watt Equivalent A19 LED, Two-pack

Philips 60-Watt Equivalent A19 LED, Two-pack

Since the introduction of Hue, Philips has been an industry pioneer in smart lighting products for the DIY consumer. The 60-watt equivalent A19 LED Smart Wi-Fi Color Changing Smart Lightbulb works with the Philips WiZ app and can be controlled via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri. With your purchase of one of the best smart light bulbs out there, you’ll gain access to millions of colors to set a calming mood in any room or create a party atmosphere.

Specifications

  • Best for: Affordable LED upgrades across your home.
  • Size: 7.28 inches high x 4.6 inches long x 3.23 inches wide.
  • Wireless: Yes.
  • Smart assistants: Alexa, Google, Siri.
  • Price on publish: $11.52.

Best smart lock: Lockly Secure Pro

A lesser-known name in the world of smart locks, this versatile option delivers incredible value and options for voice control, biometric fingerprint entry or PIN access. This stylish door lock comes in matte black, satin nickel or Venetian bronze to match your home’s exterior decor and other hardware. It’s easy to install and meets the needs of homeowners, landlords and vacation home hosts, with remote access, autolocking capabilities and the ability to grant one-time use lock codes to guests, contractors, family or friends.

Specifications

  • Best for: Homeowners, landlords and vacation rental hosts.
  • Size: 7.8 inches long x 2.9 inches wide x 7.2 inches high.
  • Wireless: Yes.
  • Smart assistants: Alexa.
  • Price on publish: $287.99.

The AP Buyline takeaway

Rated an Amazon top pick in the category of smart home locks, the Lockly Secure Pro secures its place as a top-selling, reliable, stylish and easy-to-install lock.

Get it here: Lockly Secure Pro

Best smart home hub: Aeotec Smart Home Hub

Consumers have many choices when it comes to smart home hubs, including Google Home, Samsung SmartThings and Amazon Echo products. But if you’re looking for a brand-agnostic hub, experts recommend the Aeotec Smart Home Hub, which is compatible with SmartThings, Z-Wave, Zigbee, Matter Gateway, Alexa and Google Assistant. For an affordable price, this hub allows you to connect a vast array of products from disparate manufacturers to create a truly connected home of the future.

Specifications

  • Best for: Connecting multiple devices from different manufacturers.
  • Size: 5 inches long x 5 inches wide x 1 inch deep.
  • Wireless: Yes, but Ethernet connection recommended.
  • Smart assistants: Google, Alexa.
  • Price on publish: $129.99.

The AP Buyline takeaway

This affordable smart home hub connects disparate smart devices to create the home of the future without hiring a professional.

Get it here: Aeotec Smart Home Hub

Best smart light: Home Decorators Collection Denning 13-inch Brushed Nickel LED Flush Mount Light

Home Decorators Collection Denning 13-inch Brushed Nickel LED Flush Mount Light

If you’re looking for an affordable, stylish flush-mount LED to hang in your dining room, living room, kitchen, entryway or bedroom, the Home Decorators Collection Denning smart light fits the bill. The light is compatible with The Home Depot’s proprietary Hubspace App and Google and Alexa voice assistants. Choose from a palette of over 16 million colors, perfect for setting any mood in any space with a simple touch or voice command.

Specifications

  • Best for: Living room, dining room.
  • Size: 13 inches.
  • Wireless: Yes.
  • Smart assistants: Google, Alexa.
  • Price on publish: $114.

Best smart water leak detector: Honeywell Resideo Wi-Fi Water Leak Detector

Honeywell Resideo Wi-Fi Water Leak Detector

When you’re choosing a leak detector, you want to find a product from a trusted brand that’s easy to install. The Resideo water leak detector from Honeywell fits the bill at less than $100. “The Honeywell model is easy to install near hot water heaters,” says John Bodrozic, co-founder of the at-home management app HomeZada. He points out that models with water shut-off capabilities still require an experienced plumber for installation, while this Resideo model does not. The Wi-Fi-enabled device detects leaks, but you’ll need to turn off the water manually to avoid flooding problems.

Specifications

  • Best for: DIY applications.
  • Size: 3.06 inches long x 1.25 inches wide x 3.06 inches high.
  • Wireless: Yes.
  • Smart assistants: No.
  • Price on publish: $76.48.

The AP Buyline takeaway

In addition to detecting leaks, the Resideo water leak detector senses temperatures from minus 30 degrees F up to 150 degrees F, alerting you to temperature fluctuations that could cause burst pipes.

Get it here: Honeywell Resideo Wi-Fi Water Leak Detector

Best outdoor security camera: Lorex 4K Security Camera System

Lorex 4K Security Camera System

The future of home security is in 4K. The Lorex Fusion 4K security camera system isn’t cheap, but it’s worth the crystal clear image quality, color night vision and weatherproof metal casings that add durability. There’s no subscription required and you can establish your own video storage over Wi-Fi. This kit comes with four outdoor cameras. If the price tag scares you, consider the Lorex HD security camera system, an Amazon top pick, for a few hundred less.

Specifications

  • Best for: High-visibility home protection in any environment.
  • Size: Not listed.
  • Wireless: No.
  • Smart assistants: No.
  • Price on publish: $599.99.

The AP Buyline takeaway

With 4.3 stars on Amazon, this camera system delivers best-in-class visibility to keep your home safe and can withstand storms, too.

Get it here: Lorex 4K Security Camera System

Best indoor security camera: Blink Mini

You won’t find a better value for your money than the Blink Mini indoor plug-in smart security camera with 1080p HD, night vision, motion detection and two-way audio. While a newer version provides color night vision and a weather-resistant adapter, the original Blink Mini is ideal for most in-home applications at an affordable price so you can outfit your entire home.

Specifications

  • Best for: Indoor residential use.
  • Size: 2 inches long x 1.9 inches wide x 1.4 inches high.
  • Wireless: No.
  • Smart assistants: Alexa.
  • Price on publish: $19.99.

The AP Buyline takeaway

If you’re looking for an affordable, unobtrusive and easy-to-use indoor security camera, the Blink Mini is an Amazon bestseller.

Get it here: Blink Mini

Best robotic vacuum: Proscenic 850T Wi-Fi Robot Vacuum and Mop

Proscenic 850T Wi-Fi Robot Vacuum and Mop

I was tempted to select the bestselling Roomba, an Amazon Prime Day favorite, in this slot. But I’ve had personal experience with a Proscenic robot vacuum and it is thorough, effective and reliable. For an easier cleanup than with cordless vacuum cleaners and for less than the price of a Roomba that only vacuums, you can get the Proscenic 850T, which also sweeps and mops.

Specifications

  • Best for: Hard floors and carpeting.
  • Size: 12 inches long x 12 inches wide x 2.9 inches high.
  • Wireless: Yes.
  • Smart assistants: Siri, Alexa, Google Home.
  • Price on publish: $189.99.

The AP Buyline takeaway

A robot vacuum can shave hours off your home cleaning routine. The Proscenic 850T delivers tremendous value and advanced features at an affordable price.

Get it here: Proscenic 850T Wi-Fi Robot Vacuum and Mop

How we selected the best smart home devices

To choose the best smart home devices to fit a myriad of budgets, I drew on my decades of industry experience working in the consumer electronics industry as a journalist, discussions with custom integrators, expert feedback and my personal experience with many of these products. In general, I was looking for well-made products that represented a good value for the money, integrated with multiple smart home assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Home and enhanced the user’s life or made household management easier or more efficient in some way.

What to consider when buying a smart home device

“The prevalence, reliability and affordability of high-speed internet, along with the proliferation of the cloud for content distribution, has enabled almost every home to be its own smart home network,” says Gordon van Zuiden of cyberManor, a smart home integration company. “Smart devices, from TVs and audio systems to security systems and thermostats, connect to that home Wi-Fi network and are controlled by a user’s phone, voice or, at the high end, a single unified operating system or app.”

When buying a smart home device, you should evaluate it like you would any technology or appliance. Consider the following before you buy:

Features

Does a device do what you want it to? For lighting, this could include offering a range of colors and dimming capabilities. For a video doorbell or security camera, you might consider capabilities like night vision, 4K viewing and storage and whether the product requires a subscription service. For smart speakers, first and foremost, evaluate the sound. The style of a smart lock might matter more to some than others. “Ensure that the features meet your needs,” Van Zuiden says.

Cost

It doesn’t matter if a device does everything you want if you can’t afford it. Budget can be a factor when you’re building your ideal smart home. Fortunately, you can find most devices at a wide range of price points, such as Blink in-home security cameras starting at less than $30.

Compatibility

Smart home hubs allow you to control most of your smart home devices through one ecosystem, but you can integrate smart home devices without a hub as long as they communicate with your smartphone’s operating system. Before making a purchase, though, make sure there’s an app available for your platform.

“When selecting devices today, consumers should research and ensure that it runs smoothly with their phone operating system, whether iOS or Android,” says Van Zuiden. Likewise, if you rely on a smart home hub, make sure the devices you choose are compatible with your hub.

Durability

Smart home devices like lighting, smart locks and thermostats get daily use and become a part of your home’s decor. You want products that are stylish and will stand the test of time. “I would also advise consumers to look at reviews and user feedback,” Van Zuiden says.

Ease of use

If you’re installing products yourself, make sure they are both easy to install and simple to use. “The right smart home device should be simple to set up and fit into the existing ecosystem you may have,” says Matt Rosenberg of Plume Design, a company specializing in managed Wi-Fi services and network security.

Company reputation

There are many great companies in the smart home space, from Blink to Sonos. Some brands are new, while others are well-known names. I made sure to include cutting edge devices on this list, but it’s often best to go with a tried-and-true solution. “It’s helpful to find out if the DIY smart home device is a first-generation product or one that has been refined and updated over many years — obviously the latter is preferable,” Van Zuiden says.

Trusted brands may have fewer glitches and proven durability and reliability. However, if a product has good reviews and fits your needs and budget, don’t let that deter you from adopting newer technology.

Benefits of using smart home devices

“Smart devices provide three fundamentals: efficiency, convenience and awareness,” says Matt Walin of the smart home integration firm Brilliant AV, powered by Daisy.

When it comes to convenience, voice control, app-based control or timed events can ensure that your home is clean and comfortable when you return, whether that’s from a long vacation or a day at work. “An integrated smart home can create an environmental scene for you, where the lights turn on to a certain level, the thermostat goes to a certain temperature relative to how hot or cold it is inside or outside and the radio goes on throughout the house for ambient music,” says Walin.

Smart home devices also use technology to save you money in the long run. Ryan Barone, co-founder and CEO at RentRedi, adds that, “In addition to offering convenience, smart home devices can also reduce utility bills and benefit the environment by lowering a property’s carbon footprint by cutting down on unnecessary usage.”

How do smart home devices work?

“Smart home devices connect to the internet to enhance the device’s value,” says Rosenberg. “By making everyday items intelligent, consumers are able to optimize and increase their usefulness. For example, a washing machine could be programmed remotely and send notifications when a cycle is finished.”

“At a basic level, smart home devices are designed to perform tasks autonomously,” says Lei Zhang, president and CEO at RevSquared, a manufacturer of smart hand dryers for residential use. “This can be done in a physical way, like devices that work off scheduled timers or those with sensors that go off during a designated movement. Or they can be further digitized and automated through the use of Wi-Fi or Bluetooth controls.”

A smart home hub enables devices from different manufacturers to communicate with each other, adding a layer of convenience and ease of use. “It takes one simple step to create a scene for a disparate amount of systems tied together,” Walin says.

Tips for setting up and using smart home devices

Most of the smart home devices listed in this round-up are fairly easy to install by following the manufacturer’s instructions, downloading the app and connecting the device to your smart home hub or your home’s Wi-Fi network.

Bodrozic recommends choosing a unified AI platform like HomeZada or a smart home hub to cover as many smart home categories and devices as you need. “Break down which aspect of a smart home is most important to you,” he says. “Prioritize your home activity into security/safety, energy and resource use, climate control, lighting, lifestyle and financial categories.”

Bodrozic further advises creating a smart home system that allows you to maintain constant control of your home’s ecosystem while allowing for upgrades, growth and expansion as technology evolves.

Rosenberg suggests spending time with the product once you’ve connected it to learn all the tricks you might have skimmed over in the manual. “Many devices have bells and whistles that are hidden from plain view but could be immensely useful,” he says.

That said, you may need some help with installation. “If you’re planning to DIY the setup, be sure you’re equipped to handle it,” Van Zuiden says. “There are often installation videos on YouTube that consumers can follow.”

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Which smart home devices are worth it?

“Devices that meet more than one big-picture home need, such as security, safety, convenience, energy-efficiency and cost savings, are absolutely worth it,” Bodrozic says. “One-off devices that are purely lifestyle-focused, like automating your coffee in the morning, are a fun novelty but fail if the goal is to maximize your home as a financial and physical asset.”

Which modern devices make a smart house?

Smart home devices fall into multiple categories, including security and safety, energy and resource use, lighting and lifestyle enhancements. A smart home ecosystem that allows you to maintain control of your home’s resources in an integrated fashion may be considered truly “smart.”

As a general rule, “the more integrated your hardware and software devices are on a single program, the easier they are to control and the more ‘modern’ and ‘smart’ your home is — at least according to the most current definitions,” Bodrozic says. “The Jetsons showed us a future where everything can be controlled from a single interface or screen.”

Related articles:

link

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *