From smart doorbells to smart lighting, a range of incredible smart home devices out there.
Modern homes are no longer only about brick and mortar; the home has transformed into an intelligent environment that learn, adapts, and responds to your lifestyle.
Smart home devices are not key luxurious elements at all; they are the new standards of living.
In cities like London, where technological adaptation is at its peak, modern apartments are looking for intelligent solutions.
So, if you are asking “what smart home devices should I get?”, then we have got you covered.
Here, in this guide, we will reveal 7 powerful smart home devices that reshape your way of living, from convenience to security to energy saving.
What are Smart Home Devices?
Smart home devices are internet-connected devices that enable homeowners to control and manage various aspects remotely through their mobiles or voice commands.
These gadgets are often referred to as the Internet of Things. They include smart lights, thermostats, security cameras, and more.
These smart devices communicate with each other using technologies like wi-fi or Bluetooth.
A smart home is a hub for various smart home devices that work together to form a remotely manageable network.
Smart home devices can be programmed to follow specific commands or schedules for customized controls.
7 Powerful Smart Home Devices:
1. Smart Speakers & Voice Assistants: Amazon Echo (4th gen):
Smart speakers and voice assistants have now become the command centre for smart homes.
These smart devices act like a virtual assistant, respond to voice commands to control lights, fans, thermostats, and more.
Smart speakers like the Amazon Echo 4th generation are very impressive even after a year since their launch.
With advanced Natural Language Processing (NLP) and integration with hundreds of smart devices, Amazon Echo helps you manage your home hands-free.
It will be so amazing when you walk into your living room and say, “Alexa, play the folk music”, and your smart home responds instantly. Amazon Echo is the physical device that helps you interact with Alexa.
Pros:
- Hands-free voice control
- Smart home integration
- Communication tool
Cons:
- Internet dependence
- Privacy concern
- Voice recognition issues
Price: 107.99 pounds
2. Smart Lighting: Philips Hue:
Lights play an impactful role in your smart home to set the mood and enhance comfort. A smart light device enables you to adjust the brightness and colour tones of the light.
Smart light bulbs are a great choice if you are purchasing for the first time. Smart lights save energy while providing convenience and increasing your home security.
AI-based smart lights learn your habits and instantly turn on when you enter a room. Moreover, the light becomes dimmer when natural light enters the space.
Philips Hue is a popular name in the smart lighting industry. The quality of the hardware and software is superior.
Although you cannot find an extensive range of bulbs, if the budget is suitable for you, the money is worth the price.
Pros:
- Extensive features
- Customization
- User-friendly app
- Reliable performance
Cons:
- High price
- wi-fi dependency
- May not be reconcilable with all types of lighting fixtures
Price: 48 Pounds
3. Smart Thermostats & Climate Control: Amazon Smart Thermostat:
AI-powered thermostats and smart climate controls learn your routine and adapt automatically.
By learning your behaviour and preferences, they create personalized schedules, adjust the temperatures, and can even detect the proximity to anticipate heating and cooling needs.
They reduce energy waste by adjusting based on occupancy and outdoor conditions.
Smart Thermostats work with ceiling fans, air conditioners, and window blinds to adjust the temperatures accordingly.
Amazon Smart Thermostat is the least expensive smart thermostat among a vast number of options available.
You must have an Alexa-enabled smart speaker to use voice commands, but you do not have to enable the Alexa skill, because it is an Amazon-branded product.
If you don’t want to enable the voice command, even then, this smart Thermnostat is quite impressive.
This smart device helps you save an average of a lump sum amount on your yearly energy bill. Its design is chic and modern, and the touchscreen interface is effective.
Pros:
- Modern and simple design
- Simple interface
- The money is worth the value
Cons:
- It is not compatible with Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit
- C-Wire required
Price: 126 Pounds
4. Smart Plugs & Power Strips: TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug Mini:
If you are thinking like “Are smart home devices secure?”, then we have got you covered.
Smart plugs and power strips offer several benefits, such as enhanced energy efficiency, improved safety features, and cost-effectiveness.
They help reduce energy consumption as you can remotely turn off devices or schedule them to turn off when not in use.
With mobile apps and voice controls, you can ensure that no device is running unnecessarily in your home.
Smart power strips go a step forward by automatically turning off non-functional sockets. You can find plenty of smart plug options available in the market, but, TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug can be the best pick ever.
It includes a single outlet that connects to your network through Wi-fi. The program is well-designed, and you can create your own schedule to turn on or off your devices. It works with Google Assistant and Alexa, and it is simple to install.
Pros:
- Compatible with a range of smart home devices
- Flexible scheduling and timing features
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not HomeKit compatible
Price: 9.99 Pounds
5. Smart Outdoor Security Cameras and Doorbells: Arlo Pro 5S:
Nowadays, keeping an eye on your home from anywhere is possible due to the advancement of technology.
Smart cameras and doorbells offer enhanced security for your home. These devices can detect potential intruders, provide real-time warnings, and enable remote communication with visitors. Smart cameras come with :
- HD video streaming
- Motion detection
- Two-way audio
The Arlo Pro 5S outdoor security camera is one of the effective smart home devices with impressive performance.
With excellent 2K resolution and a wide 160-degree field view, you can see more than most of the competition.
The device comes with some special features, such as night vision, two-way talk, and more.
You will need to add a monthly subscription to access features like smart notifications that distinguish among people, vehicles, animals, and more.
Pros:
- Wide, 160-degree field view
- Built-in spotlight
- Perfect night vision and zoom
Cons:
- Expensive
- Subscription required for all features
Price: 203.73 Pounds
6. Smart Door Locks: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock:
Security and reliability come together with a smart door lock. A smart key eliminates the need for traditional keys.
You can access a smart door lock through fingerprint, mobile OTP, or face recognition.
Smart door locks are ideal for apartments, rental properties, etc. The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock fits perfectly over the internal thumb latch of maximum existing deadbolt designs.
Moreover, you can set the smart door locks within 10 minutes. The lock itself connects to your smartphone through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
You can control the lock remotely from anywhere, and you can also connect it to Google Assistant or Alexa for added convenience.
Pros:
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Smart and compatible design
- Well-crafted app
Cons:
- Battery life could be enhanced
Price: 155.21 Pounds
7. Smart Entertainment System: Amazon Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen):
A modern home deserves a smart display for several reasons. A smart display features voice-controlled TV and audio, sufficient light tied to movie or music scenes, and personalized content suggestions.
Amazon Echo Show 8 is the best one in its line. The Echo Show 8 has the best sound quality and a high-definition screen.
The show’s topper is the convincing nod with a physical shutter, through which you can slide over its camera.
Your entertainment will become more immersive with spatial audio and with 8an ” HD touchscreen.
The device is compatible with Matter, Zigbee, and Thread without a separate smart home hub. The adaptive content lets you glance at your calendar and reminders.
Pros:
- Vivid display
- Enhanced UI
- Vibrant sights and full sound
Cons:
- The price range is higher
- Limited bass response
Price: 129.99 Pounds
Conclusion:
Nowadays, people are showing more interest in building an interconnected ecosystem in their homes, which evolves with them.
Smart home devices offer homeowners much more convenience to control their lighting, thermostats, and some other home appliances. You can control all your smart devices through only one device.
Here, in this guide, we have wrapped together 7 powerful smart home devices, all of which will make your way of living comfortable and stress-free.
So, whether you are starting with a smart light or planning to automate your space, it’s crucial to pick the devices that align with your needs and expectations.