How do you pick the best smart home devices with so many options? You should start by considering your needs, obviously. Are you interested in home security? Do you want to be able to play music or turn off lights conveniently using only your voice?
Whatever you’re looking for, a smart device probably already exists. Look at smart video doorbells, security cameras, and locks for home protection. Read this article to find the best smart home devices . Consider smart plugs, sprinklers, and thermostats to save money. Before purchasing a device, always review its features.
Best Smart Home Devices
If you choose the best smart devices for your needs, you can have the smart home of your dreams, whether you own a home or rent an apartment. A smart plug packed with capabilities and compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant is one of the best smart devices for apartments. (Those seeking products tailored to the Amazon ecosystem should definitely look at the Best Alexa-compatible smart home products.)
We have picked the best smart home devices you can easily buy on Amazon. These smart home items were chosen by keeping homeowners in mind, who value small size and simple installation. Read this article to learn more about the best smart devices that you can buy to make your home a smart home.
Let’s dive deeper into the reviews of smart home products:
The Amazon Echo Show 8
Key Features
- Connectivity: 2.4GHz and 5GHz Dual-Band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Camera: 13 Megapixels
- Smart Assistants: Amazon Alexa
- Resolution: 1280 x 800 Pixels
Overview
A smart display will be a huge asset to your room if you’re trying to find a solution to simplify your life at home. Alexa is now the go-to AI helper, replacing Katey Sagal’s Pat from Smart House. Because of its security camera, which can be turned on and off if you don’t want to feel like your device is watching you, its ability to make video calls, and the countless entertainment options it provides, including streaming services and more features than you can count, the Amazon Echo Show 8 emerged as the overall winner when we tested the best smart displays .
Users of the Amazon Echo Show 8 may set alarms and routines in addition to reading notes, taking notes, displaying calendars, and playing music. I really enjoy being able to create alerts and follow-up answers for when my dog, Cash, barks as an avid Echo Show user. My Echo Show immediately starts playing Disney songs for Little Man when it hears a bark, notifies me, and offers me the opportunity to drop in to comfort him right away.
To that end, you might want to look at the more recent Amazon Echo Show 15, the company’s largest display device to date, if you’re particularly drawn to the calendar feature of a smart display. The large screen is made specifically for family organization and may be fixed on a wall or placed on a pedestal.
The Google Nest Indoor/Outdoor Cam
Key Features
- Recommended Use: Outdoor
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Special Features: Night Vision
- Brand: Google
Overview
The sense of being safe and at home is really satisfying. Installing a security camera (or several) in your area might enhance your feeling of security. You should pick a weather-proof camera that may be put on your house or in a tree for outdoor monitoring. We love the battery-operated Google Nest Indoor/Outdoor Cam because it has various installation options, excellent video and audio quality, and free smart notifications (many other cameras make you pay for those).
The Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor
Key Features
- Smart Air Quality Monitor
- Track and Monitor
- Get Notifications
- Enable Routines
Overview
People everywhere are more aware of their air quality than ever before. But did you realize that you can actually keep an eye on it? With a smart air quality monitor, you can test your air for particle matter, volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, and more. Even though there are numerous other air quality monitors available, we are obsessed with the Amazon Smart Air Quality Monitor.
The reason? The Amazon Alexa app, where you’ll set up and operate the monitor, offers a dashboard with information about the indoor air quality in your house, divided down into the five key areas the gadget is checking for. Hourly, daily, and weekly insights are offered, enabling you to dig deeper into the data for a better understanding (and advice on how to make your home’s air cleaner),” according to our reviewer.
The Ring Video Wired Doorbell
Key Features
- 1080p HD Wired Video Doorbell
- 4GHz Connectivity
- Get Real-time Notifications
- Night Vision with Sharp Contrast
Overview
Installing a smart video doorbell on your front entrance is another option to make your house more secure. The battery-operated Ring Video Doorbell, which can be put in various ways, has a great picture, and includes free smart alerts, is our favorite smart doorbell on the market.
The doorbell can’t be integrated with the Nest app, and being used with Siri or Alexa are its sole drawback. Nevertheless, we considered it to be the top smart video doorbell overall for 2022.
The Google Nest Protect
Key Features
- Battery Powered
- Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Detector
- Phone Alerts
- 1 Pounds Weight
Overview
Adding a smart smoke detector to your home is a terrific idea if you don’t feel like getting an air quality monitor but want to monitor smoke readouts to improve your safety. In our study and testing of the top smart home detectors for 2022, we discovered that the Google Nest Protect was the clear winner because of its variety of variants (which enable you to hardwire the device or use batteries), compatibility with both Android and iOS smartphones, and quick, easy setup. We were unable to find any drawbacks.
The Wyze Plug Outdoor
Key Features
- Consumes Less Energy
- Long-Range Wi-Fi
- Made for Outdoors
- App & Voice Outdoor
Overview
It helps to have weatherproof plugs suitable for the job, whether you want to install twinkle lights in your garden or spotlights in your front yard. But why stop there? You can turn your lights on and off from your phone if you choose outdoor smart plugs rather than standard outlets. Cool and practical, no?
The Wyze Plug Outdoor is our overall top pick for the best outdoor smart plugs , so think twice before purchasing the first smart plug you come across. The Wyze Plug Outdoor is significantly less expensive than other smart plugs, works with Google and Alexa, and has full app functionality. Additionally, it allows users to control the two outlets inside it separately, so you are not forced to switch everything on and off at once.
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
Key Features
- Air Quality
- Voice and Sound
- Advanced Control
- Notifications and Reports
Overview
A smart thermostat is one of those uncommon gadgets that can help you save money. Utilizing scheduling choices and home/away modes optimizes your home’s heating and cooling while lowering your energy costs.
The Smart Thermostat Premium is primarily an improvement over earlier Ecobee devices. The Premium supports all three major smart home systems (Alexa, HomeKit, and Google Assistant), much like its predecessor did, and comes with an external temperature/occupancy sensor to increase accuracy. It is even simpler to operate than Nest thermostats because it can function as its own Alexa or Siri speaker. A HomePod is required to make Siri available.
A metallic frame, a display that is 50% bigger, a new user interface, and enhanced internal sensors are all improvements in the Premium. This features a CO2 and VOC air quality sensor and radar for improved occupancy detection.
The Smart Thermostat Enhanced is less expensive while maintaining all of the other capabilities of the Premium Thermostat if you don’t care about speaker or air quality functions or having an external sensor. Sensors can always be purchased separately.
Sonos One Home Speaker
Key Features
- Compact, Humidity-Resistant Design
- 5’AC Power Cord
- 2 Built-in Amplifiers and 2 Built-in Speakers
- Amazon Alexa App Control
Overview
Choose the Sonos One for excellent style and high-performance audio. Even though it is more expensive, you get a lot for your money, including built-in compatibility for Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
The Sonos One has extraordinarily clear audio quality, which is immediately apparent. When it comes to sound quality, this smart speaker is at the top of its game. The speaker can produce immersive sound in any space using the two Class-D amplifiers: a tweeter and a mid-woofer. Any note will be reproduced exactly as it was intended to be heard.
However, you may use the Sonos app to make changes if you wish to fiddle with the One’s performance. With the help of the software Trueplay, you can adjust your speakers to produce the best possible sound wherever you are. You can also change your Sonos One with Trueplay for even greater personalization.
The top of the speaker includes touch controls that make it simple to play, pause, and skip tunes. Of course, you can do it by using voice commands with Alexa or Google Assistant. It’s never been more enjoyable to watch a movie or listen to music.
The One has a remarkably streamlined and simple design. It is the ideal addition to your house and has the potential to take center stage. Additionally, because it’s wireless, you may create your own soundstage in any space.
Philips Hue Smart Light Bulb
Key Features
- Motion Sensor
- 10 Watts
- Normal Bulb Connectivity Technology
- Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant Controller
Overview
You want a smart light bulb that is simple to install that offers brilliant colors and bright white light for any environment. Because of this, we suggest the Philips Hue, a smart lamp that blends in with any setting.
Although it costs a lot for a smart bulb, it is a significant improvement over earlier Hue lamps. Before, a separate hub was required to use Philips Hues smart lamps, but now they operate independently. You can still install the hub if you want because it enables you to link up to 50 lights instead of just 10 on the app.
You can control the lights with extra capabilities provided by the hub. You can sync the lights by zones or rooms when watching movies, playing video games, or listening to music. Even the lights in your home might be randomly turned on and off as part of a security function to give the impression that someone is home. This comes in helpful to prevent break-ins when you’re away from home. Therefore, even though you might not require the hub, it might still be quite beneficial.
You have more options for adding lighting to your home automation thanks to its compatibility with Nest and Samsung SmartThings. The Philips Hue app can be used to operate Philips Hue bulbs because they are Bluetooth-enabled. The bulbs may be integrated into smart homes using Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. It’s nice that you can control them using voice commands since switching them on and off is no longer necessary.
The Ring Stick Up Cam
Key Features
- Live View
- Easy Setup
- Wi-Fi Connectivity
- Pair Up with Alexa
Overview
Do you love the idea of having a security camera you can use both at home and on the go? The Ring Stick Up Cam may be battery-operated indoors or outdoors. It also has solar and plug-in power options. It’s simple to install, works with Alexa, and offers excellent video and audio input. Best of all, we were unable to identify any flaws in it.
Final Words
To summarize, we have reviewed the best smart home devices you can buy to enhance your lifestyle. You can read these reviews to learn about the accessories that best suit your needs. These reviews will help you know about the features of different smart devices, and you can choose one according to your needs. Reading this article will help you shortlist the devices your home needs. Install the best home devices in your home to make it a smart home and control your home anywhere you go. Keep reading our articles to learn more about the best home improvement products and their reviews. If you have any questions or suggestions, let us know in the comments.
FAQ
What Can Smart Home Devices Do?
Smart homes automate tasks like regulating temperature, turning on and off lighting, opening and shutting window treatments, and adjusting irrigation according to the weather, giving you more control over how much energy you consume.
What Information Do Smart Devices Collect?
Smart gadgets gather a variety of user data. In the end, smart security cameras and smart assistants are simply cameras and microphones in your house that record video and audio of your movements and conversations.
How Does Smart Home Make Life Easier?
You can easily regulate the temperature that is ideal for your home with a smart thermostat. These incredibly smart devices are equipped with sensors that can pick up on any activity occurring in your home. The peak indoor temperature is then automatically normalized using the sensor data.