With the smart home industry constantly expanding, finding the gadgets that are the right fit for your needs might seem difficult. However, there is no need to worry as this little guide will tell you all you need to know about the best devices for your smart home. Take a look.
Best smart speaker with a virtual assistant
When it comes to picking a smart speaker, you have to take your needs into consideration. Are you going to use it for setting various timers and getting information? Do you want it just for playing music? Do you plan on using it for controlling your other connected gadgets?
Depending on your needs, your current options include Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple’s Siri and Microsoft’s Cortana. Alexa and Assistant are probably your best options overall. Sonos One is an Alexa-powered smart speaker, which has superb audio quality, six microphones, and an easy setup process. If you opt for Google Assistant, the Google Home Max offers amazing audio but is a bit on the pricey side.
Best smart thermostat
We are all looking for ways to save some money and installing a smart thermostat can help you achieve just that. You do not need your heating or cooling system to work all day long, even when you are at work or away. A great thing about this gadget is that it can monitor when you are at home and when you are not, the humidity and the temperature both inside and outside your home; all of this allows these thermostats to tailor the cooling and heating cycles to your habits.
You can control these devices from your tablet or smartphone. However, Ecobee4, for example, already has Alexa built in, which means that you do not need to buy Echo as well. The Honeywell RTH8580WF as also a great option, for a much smaller price.
Best smart lighting solutions
You can also keep your energy consumption down by installing smart lighting solutions. Moreover, having proper lighting will prevent stubbed toes when you have to get up in the middle of the night while adding quality outdoor LED lighting to your front entrance and backyard will keep you safe from accidents as well as from burglars.
Decide whether you want smart bulbs or just smart switches. When it comes to smart bulbs, you can opt for anything from the more expensive options such as the Philips Hue or Lifx to the quite affordable Ikea Trådfri (which is still a work in progress as it can be buggy). You can also get the Ecobee Switch+ or a touchscreen switch from Brilliant.
Best smart locks
Deciding on the right smart lock requires you to choose whether you want a deadbolt or lever-style lock and whether you want a keypad, a key or both. Having a built-in alarm is also a great option.
August Smart Lock Pro is compatible with Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant and has its own app but it lacks an alarm. Schlage Connect Touchscreen Deadbolt is a smart lock that emits a piercing sound if anyone tries to force their way in.
Best video doorbell
Having a video doorbell in addition to a smart lock is a superb way to feel more secure in your home. These devices are great as you do not have to get up to see who is at your door. You don’t even have to be home.
Opting for Nest Hello is a great choice as it provides you with excellent audio and video quality. It has the ability to recognize people and announce them to you. Moreover, it records video non-stop which means that you will never miss anything that happens in front of your door. Another option is the Ring Video Doorbell Pro which has amazing motion detection customization options and records crisp, 1080p videos.
Have in mind that there are various other gadgets for your home, from smart fridges and cookware to smoke detectors and vacuums cleaners. Make sure you do your homework and read the reviews of a particular device before making a purchase. Enjoy your smart home.