The concept of a smart home has gone from futuristic to mainstream, offering homeowners the convenience, security, and efficiency that traditional homes can’t match. Smart home devices are rapidly transforming the way we live, providing hands-free control, automation, and the ability to manage systems like lighting, heating, security, and entertainment from anywhere in the world. With an ever-growing market of options, it can be overwhelming to know where to start or what to invest in.
In this article, we’ll explore the best smart home devices you should try this year to help you elevate your home’s functionality and convenience. From smart speakers to security cameras, these devices will enhance your daily life and provide the peace of mind you deserve.
1. Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen)
Best For: Voice-Controlled Home Hub
The Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) combines the features of a smart speaker with a smart display, allowing you to manage your entire smart home ecosystem through voice commands or the touch screen. Its rotating screen follows you as you move around the room, making video calls, watching videos, or following cooking tutorials easier than ever.
Key Features:
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Alexa Voice Assistant: Use Alexa to control your smart home devices, set reminders, play music, and more.
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10.1-inch HD screen: View information and watch videos or video calls.
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Security features: The camera can also be used for video calls and has a built-in privacy shutter.
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Smart home hub: Connect and control various smart home devices like lights, thermostats, locks, and more.
The Echo Show 10 is perfect for those looking to centralize control of their home while integrating voice-controlled automation seamlessly into their living space.
2. Nest Learning Thermostat
Best For: Energy Savings and Smart Temperature Control
The Nest Learning Thermostat by Google is one of the most popular smart thermostats in the market. It intelligently adapts to your preferences and lifestyle, adjusting the temperature to your habits over time. This energy-efficient device can help reduce your heating and cooling costs by learning when you’re home and when you’re away, making your home more eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Key Features:
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Auto-Schedule: Learns your routine and automatically adjusts your home’s temperature for optimal comfort and energy savings.
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Remote Control: Control the thermostat from your phone or smart assistant device, even when you’re not at home.
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Energy History: Provides insights into your energy usage, helping you make informed decisions to reduce your energy bill.
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Works with Google Assistant: Use voice commands to adjust your home’s temperature without lifting a finger.
The Nest Learning Thermostat is an excellent choice for anyone looking to optimize their home’s heating and cooling while saving money and reducing their carbon footprint.
3. Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2
Best For: Home Security and Monitoring
The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 offers cutting-edge security with 1080p HD video, two-way audio, and motion detection, all available through your smartphone. You can see and speak to visitors at your door whether you’re at home or away, adding a layer of security and convenience to your entrance.
Key Features:
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High-Definition Video: 1080p video with HDR for a clear, crisp image.
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Two-Way Audio: Speak to visitors through the doorbell with the built-in speaker and microphone.
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Motion Detection: Receive notifications when motion is detected, and set up motion zones to customize the detection area.
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Integration with Alexa: Use Alexa to show your front door video on your Echo Show or other Alexa-enabled devices.
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Professional Monitoring: Optional subscription for enhanced security with 24/7 monitoring.
With the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2, you can answer the door from anywhere, improving your home security and providing peace of mind.
4. Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Starter Kit
Best For: Smart Lighting
Philips Hue is the go-to brand for smart lighting, offering a wide range of bulbs, lamps, and accessories that can be controlled remotely through your smartphone or voice assistant. The Hue White and Color Ambiance Starter Kit allows you to create custom lighting scenes, set schedules, and control the mood of your home with ease.
Key Features:
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16 million colors: Customize your home with any color in the spectrum.
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Voice Control: Works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit for hands-free control.
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Energy Efficient: LED bulbs provide long-lasting, energy-efficient lighting.
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Easy Setup: The starter kit comes with a bridge that connects to your Wi-Fi, enabling control of up to 50 bulbs.
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Sync with Entertainment: Sync the lights with your music, movies, and games for an immersive experience.
Philips Hue is perfect for those who want to add ambiance to their home or automate their lighting for efficiency and convenience.
5. iRobot Roomba i7+
Best For: Smart Vacuuming
If you want to keep your floors spotless without lifting a finger, the iRobot Roomba i7+ is a must-have. This robot vacuum can map your home, clean specific rooms, and empty its own dustbin when full. With its smart features and powerful suction, the Roomba i7+ takes care of the cleaning, so you don’t have to.
Key Features:
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Automatic Dirt Disposal: The Roomba i7+ empties its own dustbin into a Clean Base, making maintenance easy.
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Custom Cleaning: Use the iRobot app to schedule cleanings, define cleaning zones, and customize the robot’s cleaning path.
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Smart Mapping: The i7+ creates an interactive map of your home for efficient and systematic cleaning.
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Voice Control: Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free cleaning control.
With its self-emptying feature and intuitive design, the iRobot Roomba i7+ offers a high-tech solution to everyday cleaning tasks.
6. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
Best For: Smart Home Security and Keyless Entry
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock brings modern security to your front door, offering keyless entry, remote locking, and monitoring through the August app. This device allows you to keep your home secure without the hassle of physical keys, making it a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home security system.
Key Features:
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Easy Installation: Fits over your existing deadbolt, making it easy to install without replacing the entire lock.
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Remote Access: Lock or unlock your door from anywhere using your smartphone or the August app.
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Voice Control: Integrates with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit for hands-free control.
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Auto-Lock: The lock automatically locks when you leave and unlocks when you arrive, thanks to its built-in proximity sensors.
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is perfect for homeowners looking for a secure, convenient way to control access to their homes.
7. Wyze Cam v3
Best For: Affordable Home Security Camera
For homeowners looking for a budget-friendly yet feature-packed security camera, the Wyze Cam v3 is a great option. It offers 1080p HD video, night vision, motion detection, and more—all at a very affordable price.
Key Features:
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1080p HD Video: Capture clear footage in both day and night.
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Two-Way Audio: Talk to people or pets through the built-in speaker and microphone.
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Motion Detection: Receive alerts whenever motion is detected.
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Weather-Resistant: Can be used indoors or outdoors, thanks to its IP65 weather resistance rating.
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Free Cloud Storage: Offers 14-day free cloud storage for video clips.
The Wyze Cam v3 is a fantastic option for anyone seeking an affordable, reliable way to enhance home security without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
Smart home devices are more than just a trend; they are transforming how we live, offering convenience, energy savings, and enhanced security. Whether you’re looking to automate your lighting, enhance your home security, or make your cleaning routine more efficient, there is a smart home device that fits your needs. From voice-controlled hubs like the Amazon Echo Show to energy-efficient thermostats like the Nest Learning Thermostat, this year’s best smart home devices are designed to make your life easier, more comfortable, and more secure.
FAQs
1. What are the most popular smart home devices?
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Popular smart home devices include smart speakers, smart thermostats, security cameras, smart locks, and smart lights. Some well-known brands are Amazon, Google, Philips, and Ring.
2. Can I control my smart home devices when I’m not at home?
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Yes, most smart home devices can be controlled remotely through apps on your smartphone or tablet, allowing you to manage your home from anywhere.
3. Are smart home devices compatible with all smartphones?
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Most smart home devices are compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones. Be sure to check the product’s specifications to ensure compatibility.
4. How secure are smart home devices?
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While smart home devices offer convenience, they can be vulnerable to hacking if not properly secured. Always use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and keep software up to date to improve security.
5. Do smart home devices save energy?
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Many smart home devices, such as thermostats and lighting systems, can help reduce energy consumption by allowing you to automate and optimize their usage.