Top smart home gadgets in 2023
Top smart home gadgets in 2023
The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Smart Home
Whether you’re a complete newbie or a seasoned pro in the world of smart home automation, there’s no shortage of IoT gadgets to choose from. But before you dive headfirst into creating your dream smart home, we have some advice for you.
Start Small and Choose Wisely
The first rule of building a smart home is to start small and not go overboard with buying all new products at once. Regardless of your level of experience, it’s best to begin with just one or two items to see if you like them and how they integrate with your existing setup. Plus, outfitting your entire home with smart devices can be quite expensive, so it’s better to take it one step at a time.
In addition, it’s important to choose the right voice assistant for your smart home. While many devices are platform agnostic, there are certain smart speakers and displays that require you to choose between Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Consider which voice assistant aligns with your preferences and the ecosystem you’re already using.
Alexa or Google Assistant: Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between Alexa and Google Assistant comes down to personal preference and the services you use most frequently. If you’re an avid Amazon user, prefer Audible and Prime Video, and frequently shop on Amazon, then Alexa-powered devices might be the best fit for you. On the other hand, if you rely heavily on Google services like YouTube and Google Podcasts, then a Google-powered smart home device would be a better choice.
In terms of functionality, Google Assistant is known for answering questions more accurately, while Alexa supports a wider range of smart home products. Amazon’s devices also offer Zigbee smart home protocol support and even have built-in smart home hubs. If you’re already an Android user, Google Assistant might feel more familiar to you.
As for Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, it has limited compatibility with smart home devices. While HomePod Mini and the now-discontinued HomePod are Siri-compatible speakers, the range of devices you can choose from is smaller compared to Google and Amazon.
The Best Smart Speakers for Your Home
When it comes to smart speakers, Sonos Era 100 takes the crown. Not only is it compact and fits well in any room, but it also delivers exceptional sound quality that surpasses many other smart speakers on the market. With the ability to tune the speakers to the acoustics of your room through the iOS app, you can enjoy punchy bass and clear highs. While the Android app currently lacks TruePlay tuning, the speakers still deliver great sound. Additionally, Sonos Era 100 is compatible with major streaming services like Spotify and Pandora.
If you prefer Alexa, the Amazon Echo Studio is an excellent choice. With improved spatial audio processing and an enhanced frequency range, this smart speaker offers clear mid-range and deep bass. It also doubles as a smart home hub, making it easy to connect and control other smart devices. For a killer home theater setup, you can pair the Echo Studio with a Fire TV device or a Fire TV set.
For those on a tighter budget, the Amazon Echo, Google Nest Audio, and HomePod mini are all great options. Each has its own strengths, so it ultimately depends on your preferred voice assistant and the audio qualities you value most.
Choosing the Perfect Smart Display
When it comes to smart displays, the Echo Show 8 reigns supreme among Alexa-powered devices. With its perfectly sized screen, it fits well in any room and supports a wide range of video streaming services. However, it’s worth noting that the Echo Show 8 doesn’t support YouTube natively, requiring a workaround to access it via built-in browsers.
On the Google side, the second-generation Nest Hub is our favorite choice. With its 7-inch screen, it fits nicely in most rooms and doubles as a digital photo frame, displaying your best shots from Google Photos. The absence of a camera provides greater privacy, making it perfect for bedrooms. However, if you prefer a smart display with a camera, the Nest Hub Max offers additional features like Google Duo, Google Meet, and Zoom for video calls.
Illuminate Your Home with Smart Lights
To introduce smart home technology into your home, smart lights are a great starting point. Philips Hue is our go-to choice due to its wide compatibility across different ecosystems, including Google, Amazon, and Apple HomeKit. Their versatility allows you to adjust brightness, color temperature, and even create custom light scenes. With Philips Hue, you can transform your space with any desired ambiance.
For those on a budget, TP-Link Kasa Smart WiFi Light Bulbs are an excellent option. Offering vibrant colors and different temperatures of white light, these affordable smart bulbs connect easily and remain reliable. Their scheduling feature adds automation to your lighting, making them perfect for creating the right atmosphere in your home.
Keep an Eye on Your Home with Security Cameras
Home security cameras are crucial for keeping your property safe. The Wyze Cam V3 stands out as our top pick due to its wide range of features and affordability. Its IP65 waterproof rating allows for both indoor and outdoor use, while color night vision ensures clear footage even in low-light conditions. The Wyze Cam V3 sends alerts to your phone whenever it detects sound or motion, and it offers free cloud storage for the last 14 days of recordings.
For a wireless security camera option, Blink cameras are the way to go. Running on AA batteries, these cameras can be placed anywhere and offer motion detection, two-way audio, and night vision. They provide flexible storage options, allowing you to save clips in the cloud or locally via a USB flash drive.
When it comes to doorbell cameras, the Arlo Essential Video Doorbell is our top choice. Compatible with multiple voice assistants, it offers high-quality HDR footage and a 180-degree view. With motion detection features and three months of Arlo’s Smart subscription service included, this doorbell camera keeps you well informed and secure.
Robot Vacuums for Effortless Cleaning
For hassle-free cleaning, robot vacuums are a must-have. The iRobot Roomba 694 is our favorite budget-friendly option, offering excellent cleaning performance on both hard and carpeted floors. With the convenience of manual controls and compatibility with voice assistants, it makes vacuuming a breeze for everyone.
For those willing to splurge, the iRobot Roomba s9+ is worth the investment. With the strongest suction power of any Roomba, it effortlessly tackles debris on any surface. Its mapping technology allows it to navigate your home efficiently, and the automatic dirt disposal feature ensures easy maintenance.
Smart Plugs for Easy Automation
Smart plugs are a simple and affordable way to add connectivity to your home. The Wyze Plug tops our list thanks to its easy-to-use app, seamless installation, and two-factor authentication for added security. With scheduling capabilities and compatibility with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT, it’s a versatile addition to any smart home.
A close runner-up is the TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini. While the app installation may be a bit more challenging, it offers scheduling based on sunrise or sunset times, providing an extra layer of automation. With compatibility across multiple platforms, this smart plug gives you greater control over your devices.
Build Your Dream Smart Home
Embarking on the journey of building a smart home is an exciting venture. By starting small, choosing the right devices, and considering the ecosystems you’re already familiar with, you can create an environment that seamlessly integrates into your daily life. Whether it’s enhancing your entertainment experience, increasing security, or automating tasks, the possibilities are endless. So, get ready to transform your home into a technological wonderland!
Disclaimer: The product recommendations mentioned in this article are based on expert opinions and extensive research. However, individual preferences may vary, so it’s important to consider your own needs and conduct further research before making any purchasing decisions.
