You use a smartphone, tablet, and computer. They’re all smart, connected and enhance your lives in various ways. Smart devices are moving beyond the pocket and desk and are making 100-year-old technology new again. There are smart devices that can make your lives a bit easier around your home: refrigerators, door locks, vacuums, lights, garage door, sprinkler systems and more. If you follow tech, you know how big the battle is growing over your home, with Google and Amazon fighting for your voice commands with the Google Assistant and Alexa. They’re integrating their services to smart devices around the home as it’s the next generation of technology that will affect us all.
If you’re tired of dumb appliances and want to automate and control more of your home from your smartphone, smart speaker or other various devices, check out these top devices below.
Mesh Network
Having smart devices throughout your home with poor WiFi signal will leave you frustrated and disconnected. The first thing you need to do is ensure you have WiFi in every corner of your home. If you suffer from lag, buffering, or dead spots in your home, you probably have a combination of things fighting your signal. Thick walls, large spaces and improper placement of your router are just some of the things that will kill your network. Luckily mesh networks are incredibly powerful – we’ve used several and here are our favorites.
Google WiFi – prices start at $278 at Amazon, Google Store, Best Buy
You know Google for its ability to keep things simple while enabling the most important features you need most. Its WiFi mesh network is incredibly reliable, fast and super easy to set up. I set up my 3-pack Google WiFi kit in under 10 minutes and have never reset my router a single time in the six months I’ve been using it.
Amplifi HD – $312 at Amazon and Amplifi
Of all of the mesh networks we’ve tested, none have proven more powerful than the Amplifi HD system. I installed mine at my parent’s house which is over 100 years old. The walls are thick and originally limited WiFi to two rooms in the middle of three floors. After I installed the Amplifi HD system and optimized the extenders, my parents got WiFi signal 100 outside of the home. It’s incredibly fast and creates a massive network. It’s rated to cover 20,000 sq. ft and I can attest to that spec.
Security
With the advancement of wireless cameras, there’s almost no reason to not get one for yourself. They can monitor your doorstep to inform you of who is at the door, they can monitor your entire home for burglars, and even watch the inside of your home when you’re not there. Safety comes first. All it takes is one incident which can change your life forever.
Arlo Pro Security Camera system – Prices start at $329.99 at Amazon, Arlo, Best Buy, Home Depot
The Arlo Pro security system is our favorite. It’s 100% wire-free, including power. It has an internal battery that keeps each camera going for an average of six months without a recharge. Ridiculous right? The secret – each camera is triggered by motion which allows for smart recording when you need it. The connected app will send you a notification as soon as motion is triggered so you can log on and see what might need your attention. If you want continuous recording, simply keep each camera connected to a standard USB source and you can have an always-on system if that’s what you need. Each camera can also be used indoors or outdoors so you don’t have to be confused with different camera requirements. Each camera comes with 130-degree viewing angles so you can see the whole picture, night vision which automatically switches on when it’s dark, a smart siren, HD quality video feed and free cloud storage. You can expand your base Arlo system with up to 15 cameras.
Ring Doorbell Video 2 – $199 at Amazon, Ring, Best Buy
You may not be willing to invest in an entire video camera system, and if that’s the case, just get the Ring Doorbell Video 2. This camera allows you to hear and speak to anyone at your door from your phone, tablet or PC, even when you’re not home. You get instant alerts the moment your doorbell is pushed or whenever the internal motion detectors are triggered. This is especially useful for those of you who order lots of products online that are delivered to your doorstep when you’re at work or school. It’s compatible with iOS, Android, MAC and Windows 10 devices.
August Smart Lock – Prices start at $172 at Amazon, August, Walmart
The August Smart Lock allows your smartphone to be smart key-and more. Lock and unlock your door, create virtual keys for guests, and keep track of who comes and goes, all from your IOS or Android smartphone. Connects via Bluetooth, battery operated and easy install using your existing hardware.
Environment
Temperature is one thing we think about more often than we realize. Don’t suffer from too much heat or cold when there are devices that can automatically keep you in the most comfortable setting.
ecobee4 Thermostat with Sensor – $247 at Amazon, Ecobee
Most thermostats only read the temperature in one place (usually the hallway) which can make other rooms uncomfortable. ecobee4 comes with a room sensor to help manage hot or cold spots. When you place sensors in your favorite rooms, ecobee4 can read the temperature and detect occupancy. That’s how it ensures comfort in the rooms that matter. Users of the ecobee have realized an average of 23% savings each year which means this device will pay for itself.
Nest Protect Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm – $118 at Amazon, Best Buy, Nest
In the 1970s, it would take about 30 minutes for a fire to take over a room. Today, it can take less than 5.
Over 1,000,000 homes in the US experience high levels of carbon monoxide every year.
The new Nest Protect has been redesigned from the inside out. It has an industrial-grade smoke sensor, tests itself automatically, and lasts up to a decade. It’s also the first home alarm you can hush from your phone without any extra hardware required. And just like the original Nest Protect, it tells you what’s wrong and can even alert your phone. Don’t put yourself or your loved ones at risk. Be smart with the Nest Protect.
Appliances
Samsung Family Hub Refrigerator – prices start at $2399 at Samsung
The most used appliance in your kitchen just got a whole lot smarter. Samsung’s Family Hub series refrigerator is the smartest the household appliance has ever been. Not only does it keep your food cold and fresh, but it has three cameras with a massive display on the front where you can share your calendar, note, and photos. You can also watch videos and stream music to the display to keep you entertained while you cook and eat. For an appliance you never thought could get better, it just did and Samsung will help you keep a better inventory of your food so you don’t waste money on your next shopping trip.
Samsung POWERbot R7090 App-Controlled Robot Vacuum – $800 at Best Buy and Amazon
Vacuuming is a thing of the past. Well, the act of manually picking up dirt, dust, debris, and hair with an upright vacuum is a thing of the past. Robotic vacuums are here to make your life a whole lot easier. Time is precious and if a robot can do your work, let it. Powerful suction delivers optimal cleaning results. Maximize cleaning coverage as it navigates your home with ease and avoids obstacles, while the coverage map shows where it was cleaned. Wi-Fi connectivity lets you control your POWERbot™ from your smartphone and Amazon Echo. The Edge Clean Master technology features an innovative shutter that extends out to capture debris trapped in corners and edges of the wall. The self-clean brush reduces hair tangles, allowing the vacuum to maintain optimal performance.
Behmor Connected Coffee Maker – $140 at Amazon
Program the most important drink of your day with your Android or iOS smartphone with the Behmor Connected Coffee Maker. You can always have the perfect cup of Joe with this programmable coffee maker as it brews using your favorite settings for time and temperature.
B-hyve smart sprinkler controller – Prices start at $109 at Amazon, Lowes and Home Depot
Stop wasting water. If you have a yard with a sprinkler system, you need the B-hyve smart controller. It’s compatible with Android and iOS devices – it can optimize your watering needs. If it’s raining outside, it will automatically prevent your sprinklers from overwatering and wasting precious water. It can save up to 50% more water than conventional controllers which effectively pays for itself over time. The B-hyve can even be controlled with your voice using Alexa on Amazon smart speakers. Oh, and it’s made in the USA too.
Philips Hue starter kit – $138 at Amazon
Easily my favorite smart appliance of them all is the Philips Hue smart lights. They can be programmed through compatible apps on iOS and Android devices to automatically turn on as soon as your home WiFi network connects to your smartphone. Or they can be programmed to turn on at certain hours of the day or night to ensure your pets don’t sit in the dark while you’re away. This starter kit has the multicolor bulbs where you can basically choose to illuminate each light bulb in your favorite color, independent of each other. These lights are also voice controllable with Amazon’s Alexa or the Google Assistant.
QardioBase Smart scale – $149.99 at Amazon
QardioBase helps you meet fitness goals by automatically measuring your weight, calculating your BMI, and monitoring body composition changes in muscle, body fat, water, and bone.
Echo Spot – $129.99 at Amazon
Control almost all of these devices with your voice with the Amazon Echo Spot. Echo Spot connects to Alexa, a cloud-based voice service to play music, read the news, answer questions, control smart home, and more. Ask Alexa to turn on your lights, show baby monitors and front door cameras, and lock your doors. Plus, control your thermostats, garage doors, sprinklers, and more. Alexa is the most popular home assistant on the market and its lead isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Chamberlain MyQ-Garage – $120 at Amazon
Monitor, open and close your garage door from anywhere with your smartphone. Works with most brands of garage door openers made after 1993 that have standard safety sensors. Compatibility: MyQ smartphone App is available for Apple and Android devices including iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android smartphones and tablets.