Do you want a monitored security system to go with your smart devices?
Compare Smart Home Systems
Our take
The Amazon Echo is an all-in-one smart home hub. It has the power to play music, act on voice commands with Amazon Alexa and connect you to other rooms like an intercom using the Drop-In feature. The Amazon Echo Plus’ smart home hub has the power to connect and control your home’s devices including light bulbs, smart locks and security cameras for your convenience.
Stand-out features include
- Includes a low-power Zigbee smart home hub to connect each product to one another for a better connection
- Built-in Amazon Alexa manages all smart home devices using voice commands
- Use the Alexa mobile app and your smartphone to quickly connect smart home gadgets
Our take
Designed with Farsight so you can easily view the temperature, the Nest Learning Thermostat is a smart device that will learn your schedule and automatically adjust the temperature for you. You can also save on your monthly energy bills with this ENERGY-STAR certified device.
Stand-out features include
- Simple installation in as little as half an hour
- Customizable ring colors to fit the style of your home
- Generates monthly energy reports for you
Our take
The Ring Video Doorbell 2 uses a crystal clear 1080 high-definition (HD) video camera to see who’s at your door day or night. With this doorbell camera, you’ll receive any doorbell alerts using the mobile Ring app and an iOS or Android mobile device.
Stand-out features include
- Powered by an easy-to-remove battery pack to charge the battery without detaching the doorbell
- Weather-resistant to continue working through weather conditions from -5 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit without worry
- Uses the Ring app to control customized motion sensors that best fit your outdoor home activity
Our take
Amazon’s Echo Dot serves as a smart home hub for countless home automation devices ranging from thermostats to security systems conveniently. Use this smart hub to connect devices and make voice commands to control your home.
Stand-out features include
- Connect other Bluetooth speakers for true home surround sound
- Use voice commands to control music from streaming services
- Conveniently ask Amazon’s smart assistant for help with over 50,000 skills
Our take
Save money on your electric bill by remotely controlling your outlet’s power using the Kasa smart plug. Control the smart plugs in each room by assigning each a name during set-up using the Kasa mobile app or smart assistant commands.
Stand-out features include
- Sleek, condensed design to plug-in 2 smart plugs in the same power outlet
- Pairs with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa’s voice commands to switch plugs on and off
- Automatically schedule the Kasa Smart Plug to turn on and off using voice commands or the Kasa mobile app
The Best Smart Home Device Features to Look For
The best smart home devices allow you to easily control your home hands-free. With voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa or Siri, you’ll be able to cook dinner while checking the weather without lifting a finger. When you’re away from home, you should also be able to control your smart home devices with ease. Most smart home devices allow users to control the home gadgets such as the thermostat or door lock using a mobile app. For example, with a Nest thermostat, you’ll be able to set your home’s temperature while away using the Nest mobile app.
Interconnectivity is another plus. Smart electronics should connect to other home automation devices with ease. Look for devices that are compatible with others to make the most of your smart home gadgets. For example, many smart locks pair with doorbells and security cameras for your ease and convenience.
Remember, the best smart home devices won’t send your electric bill spiking. Instead, they’ll save money while you’re away. Look for smart home gadgets that enter power-saving mode when you’re away from home or the device isn’t being used.
Smart Home Device FAQs
Simply put, smart electronics connect to a wifi network, Bluetooth, or a hub using radio-activated Z-wave systems. Once synced, the smart home gadget can be conveniently controlled using the product’s mobile app, voice commands, or other handy features. With a hub like the Amazon Echo, you’re able to connect multiple devices under one smart home gadget with many options for quick and easy control.
While it may be tempting to purchase a home automation system that comes with many bells and whistles, it’s better instead to look for simple solutions. When you want to automate a simple process, it’s better to start small. Consider starting with a smart speaker or a smart assistant. Also, find out if the device will need to be updated in order to have the latest technology to use years from now.
A smart home device hub connects all of your home automation devices for easy use from one system. To use a smart device hub, you’ll connect it to your wifi network or Bluetooth, and use the same connection to pair to your smart home gadgets. With a smart hub, you’ll achieve a true smart home without the need to control multiple mobile apps – unless you want to. But, before you buy into a smart hub, double check to make sure you don’t already have one. Some devices, like the Amazon Echo, serve as a smart hub and home gadget all in one to save you time and money.