Smart home gadgets and devices are an excellent way to upgrade your life, allowing you to work smarter, not harder. Not only can they make things easier, but they can also make you safer, more secure, and healthier. Smart home devices can come in all forms, from baby monitors and coffee machines to security cameras and door openers. We’ve collected some of the best gadgets to add to your home and improve your life. Most are connected through wi-fi for ease of use and intuitive operations. Meanwhile, many are also compatible with AI virtual assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant so that you can voice activate your home automation and integration.
1. eufy Security, Wireless Video Doorbell
Get a peek of who’s visiting before you open the door. Eufy Security’s Wireless Video Doorbell has a 2K resolution and a 4:3 aspect ratio to give you a clear shot in high definition. It’s easy to install and set up, with inbuilt Alexa and Google Assistant. You can set an activity area if you live in a high traffic zone, so you only get relevant notifications. Plus, AI human detection means you don’t get informed every time the neighbor’s cat wanders by. Interact with visitors using two-way audio or preset instant responses. Best of all, you’ll be safe in the knowledge that your data and videos are kept private, thanks to the local storage with AES-256 data encryption.
2. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
Make your family’s safety and home security a priority. This smart lock from August is a perfect way to secure your house. It attaches simply and quickly to existing deadbolts, so you can continue using your keys and don’t need to uninstall anything. Then, it connects via the wi-fi and can lock or unlock the door remotely using voice activation or smart devices such as phones and watches. You can also provide secure digital keys to family, friends, or even the dog walker through the August app. You’ll enjoy the extra peace of mind with DoorSense, which notes opening and closing on the activity feed. There’s also the option for increased verification using your phone or smart watch’s biometrics. Connect easily with home automation systems such as Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings.
3. Google Nest Learning Thermostat
Simple and stylish, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat is the perfect addition to any connected household. It pays attention to the adjustments you make and your regular schedule to program itself to save time and energy. It will switch to eco temperature when you leave the house, so it’s not cooling an empty room. Plus, you can check your energy use history on the app, while a Nest Leaf indicator shows when you choose a temperature that conserves energy. Add extra features by investing in a Nest Temperature Sensor to check that areas are the exact temperature you want them to be. If you have an Alexa device, such as an Echo Dot, you can also enjoy voice-activated controls. Finally, the sleek design comes in different colors of brushed metal. Select from black, brass, copper, polished steel, white, or stainless steel to best suit your household decor.
4. Samsung SmartThings V3 Hub
Manage your smart home easily with the Samsung SmartThings V3 Hub. This small, discreet device lets you connect an array of compatible smart home gadgets and control them from one central location. Light up your life with connected lights, stay safe with smart locks, or keep it chill with thermostat control. You can also connect security cameras, powerboards, and motion sensors. Best of all, you can program different scenes and routines to automatically come on at certain times of the day. For example, set a program to have the lights on, chill-out music playing, and thermostat nice and cool, ready for when you get home from work each day. It’s iOS and Android compatible and has voice-control through both Alexa and Google Assistant.
5. Sonos Arc
Enjoy a cinematic sound experience from the comfort of your own couch. The Sonos Arc is a soundbar that brings your entertainment to life featuring Dolby Atmos. Not only does it provide you with realistic 3D audio, but it also optimizes the projection to the room using Trueplay. Plus, if you have trouble hearing the dialogue in movies, you can turn on speech-enhancement, which was tuned with Oscar-winning sound engineers’ help to enhance the human voice. In addition to movies, listen to music, podcasts, and the radio, even when the television is off. Of course, like many smart home gadgets, it has Amazon’s Alexa built-in so that you can operate everything with just your voice. Finally, the sleek design is very discreet, and you can select from black or white to best suit your household aesthetic.
6. Sensibo Air
Create your own personalized climate ecosystem at home with the Sensibo Air. It’s a smart air-conditioner controller that saves energy, money and automates your comfort. You’ll receive both the Air as well as the Sensibo Room Sensor, which, combined, produces the perfect indoor climate experience. The Air measures the temperature and humidity of the room and senses where you are. This means it can turn the thermostat on, off, up, or down so that it’s at the ideal temperature and you’re never cooling an empty room. Meanwhile, the wireless Room Sensor connects via Bluetooth and can be set up as either an additional sensor or the main sensor. It then measures the humidity and temperature from its position and works with Climate React mode to adjust it to the ideal conditions for that location.
7. Denon AVR-S650H Audio Video Receiver
Create the ultimate home theatre experience with the Denon AVR-S650H Audio Video Receiver. Not only does it connect to the speakers in your living, entertainment, or movie room for watching television, it can connect to speakers throughout the whole house for wireless music streaming. Plus, this 5.2 channel stereo receiver features eARC for immersive, 3D sound. When it comes to gaming and movies, there are five HDMI inputs for all your favorite devices and consoles. Visually, you can make the most of exceptional color, clarity, and contrast with 4K UHD video and HDR support. Not to mention, it’s exceptionally easy to set up with the on-screen set-up assistant, and you can use voice control through Alexa for convenient hands-free control.
8.ecobee SmartThermostat
Ensure your home is at the perfect temperature all the time with the ecobee SmartThermostat. This device is compatible with all leading smart home systems, including Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant, and SmartThings. Consequently, no matter what you’re already running, it will integrate easily. You’ll enjoy the benefits of stylish design, quad-core processor, far-field voice control, and dual-band wi-fi. Plus, it’s easy to install, taking less than an hour as you follow along with the step-by-step guide on the ecobee app. When it comes to function, the SmartSensor can detect occupancy and temperature in the room and adjust accordingly. Alternatively, you can manually change it with voice control or from the app on your phone, tablet, laptop, or even smartwatch. It’s an ideal investment for the ultimate home comfort year-round.
9. SwitchBot Thermometer Hygrometer
If you’re ever curious about the temperature or humidity in your home, then the SwitchBot Thermometer Hygrometer is for you. It’s easy to use, simple to install and connects effortlessly with the SwitchBot app. You can mount it on a wall or metal surface or let it free-stand on a desk or bench. It will send a notification if the temperature or humidity exceeds your specified levels so that you can adjust the controls in that room. The Swiss-made sensor is exceptionally accurate with a monitoring range from minus four degrees Fahrenheit to 176-degrees. Pop it in your baby’s room, wine cellar, or anywhere where you store art, musical instruments, cigars, or any other item that can be adversely affected by too much or too little humidity and heat.
10. Hubitat Elevation C7
Elevate your environment with Hubitat. It’s a home automation management system that allows you to connect different smart devices to be managed from a single location. Download the Hubitat Mobile app, which works on both iOS and Android, for remote access and intuitive control. You can even build custom dashboards to access each gadget. The most significant difference between the Hubitat Elevation® and other hubs is that it doesn’t use the Cloud – everything is stored locally. This means that your data is private, as it’s not sitting on the Cloud, and the response time is much faster and more reliable. Plus, it’s compatible with Google Assistant, Alexa, Zigbee, Z-Wave, and Lutron.
11. ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000
Take your gaming to another level with the ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 gaming router. It’s an impressive looking beast of a router that lets you channel gameplay for better performance. There’s a 1.8 GigaHertz Quad-Core SPU and 2.5G gaming port as well as 12 streams for better speed and reliability. Plus, the tri-band wi-fi lets you separate gaming from other uses for better play and reduced latency. There’s also a triple-level game acceleration in the form of the ROG-exclusive GameFirst V, which optimizes network traffic; Game Boost which prioritizes game packets; and finally, Gamers Private Network, powered by WTFast for uninterrupted access to gaming servers. There’s also in-built security, an intuitive Asus router app, and is ASUS AiMesh compatible for full-house wi-fi mapping. If you’re serious about boosting your wins, this router is an excellent investment.
12. Philips Hue White and Color LED Smart Button Starter Kit
Bring some color and light to your home with the Philips Hue smart globes. These globes can replace any existing bulbs to create smart lighting throughout your house. Each light connects through wi-fi to the Philips Hue Hub and can be controlled either through the Hub, the Smart Button, the app, or through Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, which let you use voice activation. You can schedule lighting events to wake you up energized in the morning, wind you down in the evening, or set the ambiance for an intimate date night. This kit includes both the Hub, the Smart Button, and three bulbs — one each of color, white, and white ambiance. Plus, it’s simple to expand beyond the starter pack, as the hub can support up to 50 individual light points.
13. Echo Show 10
The Echo Show 10 is the ideal personal assistant. It’s voice-activated, using Alexa, and can do everything from making phone calls, playing entertainment, displaying The Food Network recipes, and connecting to other Amazon or smart devices. Set it up in a central location, such as the kitchen, and let it do the hard work for you. The screen rotates around the base and uses auto-framing and motion sensing. As such, you’re always front and center of video calls, and no matter where you are in the room, you can see the screen. It’s also compatible with apps like Prime Video, Amazon Music, and Spotify, so you can queue shows and music on each of these platforms. Additionally, you can check connected video security cameras, and when you’re out of the house, you can use it to look around the house to confirm everything is as it should be.
14. NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro
If you’re looking for a smart streaming device, the NVIDIA SHIELD TV is the ideal choice. Not only does this sleek and stylish design let you stream in stunning 4K with Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos, but it’s also a smart home hub, game console, and media server. You can watch all your favorite shows on Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and YouTube. Then, when it comes to the hardware and software, it’s state of the art. There’s Chromecast, voice control through Google Assistant, the new NVIDIA Tegra X1+ chip, AI upscaling, and 16GB of storage. Finally, the state-of-the-art remote has both motion-activation and voice control, or you can go old school and use the buttons. Plus, it even has a lost remote locator when you can’t find it, or it’s lost among the couch cushions!
15. LG OLED77CXPUA Alexa Built-in CX 77″ 4K Smart
Watch your favorite movies and television shows in stunning, color-rich, high-definition with this 77-inch Smart TV from LG. The light-emitting OLED pixels mean that you see the darkest black, brightest colors, and incredible contrast. Its webOS operating system is easy to use and lets you stream from your favorite apps and services. Plus, it comes with both Alexa and Google Assistant built-in. The a9 Gen 3 AI processor 4K does all the hard work behind the screen to deliver clear, smooth images for both watching and gaming. Then, the Magic Remote has both voice and motion control, or go old-school and use the buttons. Finally, the Dolby Vision IQ adjusts the image settings to suit the genre and the ambient light, so you get the best viewing experience. This state-of-the-art TV is the ultimate upgrade in viewing entertainment.
16. Fire TV Cube
Netflix and chill with Alexa, using the Fire TV Cube from Amazon. Its voice activation means you can ask Alexa to turn the TV on and tune into your favorite channel or play your latest binge show. You can stream from dozens of apps with this device, include Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+, HBO Max, STARZ, SHOWTIME, and more. That means you have access to more than half a million television shows and movies. Plus, play music with Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, Pandora, and iHeartRadio. Having Alexa and speakers built-in means you can request other information, such as the weather, time, or set alarms, even when the TV is off. Of course, it’s also compatible with other smart home automation gadgets, so you can get Alexa to monitor live camera feeds, turn off the lights, play with the dog, or change the thermostat.
17. Google Nest Protect
In the event of a fire or gas leak, early detection is the key to getting your loved ones out of the house and harm’s way quickly. Replace your outdated fire alarms with the state-of-the-art Google Nest Protect. It monitors for both smoke and carbon monoxide and has added technology and connectivity. The Split Spectrum Sensor alerts you to the location of both quick-burning and smoldering fires, while the CO detector can tell you the location of the gas source. If the alarm does go off, rather than an ear-piercing ring, you get a friendly voice advising you of the issue and a smartphone notification. It also comes with a level of comfort and assurance, as the device tests its battery daily and informs you via a Nightly Promise that all is working as it should.
18. eufy Security Floodlight Camera
A floodlight security camera from eufy will let you keep an eye on the things happening around your smart home, even at night. While traditional floodlights are fine, they’re limited in their functionality. These 2500 lumen floodlights will light up when motion is detected, deterring unwanted visitors. Plus, the wide-angle camera records all the action in 1080p HD, so you can see exactly what’s going on in full-color and remarkable detail. App connectivity sends alerts and lets you monitor the situation remotely. The unit also uses a secure ethernet connection and works with both Alexa and Google Assistant. Best of all, if the bright light doesn’t scare away intruders, there’s a harsh Smart Siren that can sound at 100db to give trespassers an extra fright.
19. myQ Smart Garage Door Opener
Upgrade your garage to a smart garage by installing a myQ Smart Garage Door Opener. It comes with a wi-fi hub, mounting plate, door sensor, power adaptor, and screws for installation, and it’s compatible with most garage door opener brands. With it, you can check if you left the door open and close it remotely with the myQ app, as well as set timers. You’ll also get notifications if it opens throughout the day. Plus, you can share access codes with three trusted friends or family members to allow them to control the device with myQ Guest. One of the biggest perks, however, is for Amazon shoppers. You can grant delivery access to your garage using Key by Amazon, meaning your packages will be safely and securely delivered into your garage, away from rain, snow, and package thieves.
20. Owlet Smart Sock 3 Baby Monitor
Smart gadgets aren’t just for adults; kids can get in on the action too. While your baby may be a bit young to understand the benefits of this monitor, parents certainly will. The sock straps securely yet comfortably to your child’s foot, and fits babies aged zero to 18-months. It then uses established technology to monitor your child’s oxygen levels and heart rate, sending an alert to your phone if the results move out of the safe zone. The Owlet app also lets you track your child’s sleeping history and patterns, giving valuable insight for sleep-deprived parents. Best of all, it’s easy to charge using drop-and-go wireless charging. It has 16 hours of battery, taking only 90-minutes to charge in full, and just 20-minutes for an eight-hour charge.
21. YoLink Smart Leak Sensors
Detect water leaks early before they become a costly mess. This pack from YoLink comes with four detectors and the YoLink Hub to set them up. Once you’re connected, they’re super simple to use. All you need to do is place one near the equipment you want to monitor, such as washing machines, sump pumps, dishwashers, or fish tanks. Then, if a leak is detected, you’ll get a notification on your phone, and you can fix the problem before it gets out of hand. The long-range wi-fi means there’s stable communication between the unit and phone, no matter the distance. It is also compatible with Alexa for voice control and IFTTT, a web service that helps automate your apps and smart gadgets. Finally, you can expect the Smart Leak sensors to last up to five years on just two AAA batteries, thanks to low power usage.
22. Sense Energy Monitor
Save energy and dollars by monitoring your household power usage with the Sense Energy Monitor. The unit sits in your power box and gives you real-time feedback and a more detailed breakdown than your bill ever will. Set yourself targets to lower your use, and get notifications of significant changes in consumption. It also uses machine learning to identify individual appliances and connects with Alexa, Google Assistant, Philips Hue, Kasa Smart, and Wemo. The device itself has exceptional accuracy and is ETL/Intertek certified for safe operation inside the electrical panel.
23. Brilliant Smart Home Control (2-Switch Panel)
Take your smart home to another level with the Brilliant Control system. It takes the complexity out of automation and lets you control all the smart gadgets in your house, from one simple in-wall touch-screen and switch panel. It replaces a regular light switch panel — just choose the right size for the number of gangs. The unit is compatible with most big brand devices, including Ring, Sonos, Kapa, SmartThings, Apple HomeKit, Hue, Google Assistant, and ecobee. Plus, it has Alexa built-in. The more gadgets you have, the more you can control your home from one location. That includes lighting, climate, music, intercom, and security cameras. In addition to the wall unit, there’s also an app that replaces the many programs needed for different brands and gadgets. Plus, it lets you check-in using the camera when you’re not home.
24. YoLink Smart Door Sensors
Add extra security and safety to your house with YoLink Smart Door Sensors. Each two-part sensor mounts to the door and frame to notify you when a door is opened or closed. They can also be used on windows. The devices use an independent long-range frequency to report back to the app for alerts. This means its operations don’t affect your regular wi-fi network. You can also use third-party integration through Alexa or IFTTT to use advanced features and other gadgets for whole-house security and automation. It will give you the ultimate peace of mind that you’ve closed every door and that there are no unwanted intruders.
25. Philips Hue Indoor Motion Sensor for Smart Lights
Expand your Philips lighting network with this Indoor Motion Sensor. You’ll need to have the Hue Hub, a Hue Bridge, and some Hue globes already installed; however, it’s the perfect addition to an existing set-up. The unit detects motion and turns the lights on or off as you enter or leave a room. It also detects optimum daylight levels during the day. This allows you to conserve energy and is incredibly convenient. At night, it switches on the smart night light setting, which is low and warm. This minimizes the effect that bright lights can have on your sleep yet still allows you to navigate your way around safely. Best of all, it’s battery-operated, easy to set up, and can be placed on a bench or shelf or wall-mounted.
26. iRobot Roomba i6+
If the robots eventually take over, at least they’re starting with vacuuming. The iRobot Roomba i6+ upgrades your life to a smarter clean. It uses ten times the air power to loosen, lift, and suck the dirt from your tiles, floorboards, and carpets. It also uses iAdapt technology and vSLAM navigation to see the environment, picking up over 230,000 data points per second. This means it’s better at mapping your home for a more effective and efficient clean. Plus, the vacuum empties itself into the home base bin, which can store up to 60 days’ worth of dirt and dust. Use Alexa or Google Assistant for voice activation, or download the app for cleaning suggestions and programming. Finally, if you’re worried about it jamming up with pet hair, the multi-surface rubber brushes ensure there are no furry tangles, and the filter traps all kinds of allergens.
27. Orbit 21004 B-hyve Smart Hose Faucet Timer
Be the envy of all your neighbors with the greenest grass and most luscious flowers thanks to the Orbit 21004 B-hyve Smart Hose Faucet Timer. This smart faucet controller is wi-fi enabled and compatible with iOS and Android phones through the B-hyve app. As such, you can program it to water your lawn and plants with ease. Plus, it utilizes smart watering and weather monitoring to adapt the scheduled program to soil, rain, slope, and sun conditions. This means you’ll get the best results while saving water. The unit also measures flow to track water usage so that you can stay on top of consumption. Finally, it’s simple to install and use. All you need is to download the app, install the unit at the tap, and set up your watering program.
28. LivingEZ Smart Formula Mixer Pro
This Smart Formula Mixer Pro from LivingEZ is a savior for many new parents, especially those doing bleary-eyed middle of the night baby feeds. The unit takes all the effort out of mixing formula. You load the powder into the top, fill the water reservoir, and program your preferred amounts and temperature into the app. Then, with the touch of a single button, it automatically mixes the perfect bottle for your wee darling in just 10 seconds. An adjustable tray means it works with most feeding bottles, and the powder hopper also works with most brands of formula. It makes a great baby shower gift for new parents.
29. SwitchBot Remote One Touch Button
Make life even easier with the SwitchBot Remote. It’s designed to work with other SwitchBot gadgets, including the SwitchBot Bot and Curtain. Program the buttons to each unit, and then do away with needing your phone or app to control everything. It works using Bluetooth 5 for an even better range, and you just need to keep it in a handy location such as a desk or bedside table. One of the greatest benefits of the SwitchBot devices is that they’re all designed for retro-fitting, so you don’t need to fork out tons of money to create a smart home.
30. LEVOIT Air Purifier
If you feel like the air you’re breathing at home isn’t as fresh as it could be, it’s time to invest in an air purifier. This model from Levoit uses an H13 HEPA filter to remove all sorts of irritants and contaminants from the air. The ability to get rid of pet dander, dust mites, pollen, dust, tobacco smoke, and volatile organic compounds makes it beneficial for people with allergies. Plus, the activated carbon filter can also get rid of odors. When it comes to connectivity, the LED touchscreen display is easy to use and set timers, while the auto-mode provides real-time air quality updates and adjusts the fan accordingly. As it reduces air pollution, it doesn’t add noise pollution thanks to the extra quiet engine with a shock-absorbent design. Finally, the stylish unit can purify the air in large spaces, up to 538 square feet.
31. Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Infrared Heater
Stay warm and safe with this wi-fi enabled, wall-mounted infrared heater from Heat Storm. Connect with the app, and control the temperature from your phone, even setting timers for extra convenience. It’s safe for kids and pets, as the grill is cool to touch, and the external casing doesn’t get hot. This also means the wall it’s mounted to won’t heat up and cause damage. The unit is simple to set up and install and saves precious floor space. Finally, the sleek, modern design fits most decor, looking elegant and sophisticated compared to bulkier, traditional models.
32. Atomi Smart Coffee Maker
There are few things lovelier than waking in the morning to the smell of freshly brewed coffee. This wi-fi enabled coffee maker is the perfect way to achieve that dream. You can use the Atomi Smart App to program a schedule to fit your lifestyle, or use the manual option and brew it from the comfort of your bed whenever you happen to rise. It’s also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can also ask either AI to brew a coffee for you. All you need to do the night before is to add the ground coffee and fill the reservoir. The filter is also reusable and dishwasher safe, so you don’t need to worry about adding paper filters to landfill.
33. Kasa Smart HS300 Plug Power Strip
Connect, protect, and control your electronics with a smart power strip. Kasa Smart’s option has six power outlets, plus three USB ports to connect anything from phones and laptops to fans and holiday lights. Turn the power on and off with either the Kasa Smart app or voice activation through Alexa, Google Assistant, or Microsoft Cortana. Meanwhile, the app gives you a more detailed insight into energy usage, so you can see what each connected appliance is using. Finally, feel safe knowing that the ELT certified surge protector would prevent damage that may be caused by power surges during storms.
34. Smart WiFi Oscillating Fan
During summer, have you ever just been so hot, you don’t want to move? If you have, then this wirelessly controlled oscillating pedestal fan is the perfect solution. Set it up like a regular fan, connect it to the wi-fi, and then control it using the app, Alexa, or Google Assistant. The five blades operate at three different speeds, and it also has a quiet sleep setting for when you hit the hay in the evening. Plus, you can set a timer to turn it on and off as you go about your day. It’s the perfect addition to your bedroom, dorm room, living area, kitchen, or office, to keep you cool in the hottest weather.
35. Automatic Pet Door with RFID Smart Pet Collar Sensor Tags
If your Felix or Fido is a regular adventurer, make letting them in or out a breeze with an automatic pet door opener. It’s operated with an RFID controller and waterproof tags that attach to your fur baby’s collar. Then, as your cat or dog approaches the door, it automatically swings open. Best of all, it can also be connected with smart locks and access control systems, so your home remains secure and closed when you want it to be. The unit itself is made from high-strength aluminum alloy with a German motor that can open more than a million times (which is often how many times a day it feels like your pets need to go in or out.)
FAQs
What are smart home devices?
Smart home gadgets are devices and units that are designed to make life easier, solving many of life's modern problems with the simple touch of a button. They connect to apps for ease of use and control, better interactivity with the user, and coordination with other smart home devices for a fully automated, interactive living experience. Many are also compatible with apps like Alexa or Google Assistant so that you can control the operations with just your voice.
What are the smart devices used at home?
Smart home devices consist of things like robot vacuums, security cameras, lighting systems, personal AI assistants, baby monitors, routers, coffee machines, energy monitors, door openers, and thermostat controls.
Are smart homes a good idea?
Smart home integration is a wonderful idea. It can make life easier, more intuitive, and help save you energy and money in the long run. It can also make your life more safe and secure, giving you peace of mind that your family and home are protected. You need to be open to new technology and a little tech-savvy to get things up and running; however, many gadgets are intuitive and come with easy-to-follow instructions for set-up and operation.
Do smart home devices slow down WiFi?
Smart home devices can slow your wi-fi down, especially if you're running many things at once. However, in general, the usage is very low, so you're likely only to notice a very minimal impact. By investing in a WIFI router that uses MU-MIMO technology will allow Wi-Fi devices to simultaneously receive multiple data streams reduce network lag.
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