The best smart home device will ensure your property offers the perfect environment without you having to lift a finger. Whether you want the light dimmed to a certain level, the heating boosted, or even just the radio to switch on to your favorite station in time for a specific program, the best smart home devices can do this automatically.
As well as making life easier, the best smart home device can also help save energy and money. No longer will forgetting to switch the lights off or turn the heating down before you leave for the day, resulting in energy being wasted. Instead, no matter where you are, you can use your smartphone to turn off these systems instead.
The best smart home devices can also be controlled by voice – just ask one of the best smart speakers or smart displays, rather than reaching for your smartphone. These can also be a handy tool when it comes to getting different devices from different manufacturers to work together to create the epitome of a modern home that requires just one command to ensure the smart home devices activate at the same time.
There’s a wide array of smart home devices on the market. Those on a tight budget, or starting their smart home journey should consider one of the best smart lights or smart plugs. Simple to install, these are the most affordable smart home devices you can buy right now.
The best video doorbells, home security cameras and smart locks are the best smart home gadgets to purchase if the security of your property is your main priority, while for those that want to truly automated abode, then consider one of the best smart thermostats, which will automate the heating and cooling of your home – although these often require professional installation
With such a wide choice of smart home devices on the market, across all of the different categories we’ve mentioned above, knowing which to choose may leave you feeling bemused. So we’ve put the biggest names to the test and rounded up those that can propel your home automation to the next level. Here’s our pick of the best smart home devices you can buy right now.
Best smart home devices of 2021
The best smart light bulbs are the easiest way to start your smart home journey, and there’s no better out there than the Philips Hue. Simple to install – just swap your existing bulbs with smart Hue bulbs – or opt for any of Hue’s array of LED table and floor lamps, wall lights both for inside and outdoors, ceiling pendants, light strips and even light bars, they’re responsive and plenty of choice in colors and effects.
On test, we found a range of customizable scheduling options too – for example, we were able to set outdoor lights to come on at sunset but go off at 2am, rather than waiting for sunrise.
You will need to get the Philips Bridge, which is kind of like a hub for your lights, if you want to control them when you’re away from home – they have Bluetooth built-in so you can control them when you’re close by. However, this also adds HomeKit support, to Alexa and Google Assistant integration. They’re also the most expensive smart bulb on the market, but we think they’re worth every penny.
Read the full review: Philips Hue
How we test smart home devices
To assess the best smart home devices we evaluate how simple they are to install and control. We rate how responsive they are to commands from smartphones and voice assistants, both when we’re at home and when we’re away from our property.
We also look at how well they integrate with other smart home devices when creating home automations, and the extra kit required to fulfill the smart functions we’d expect them to offer. We also evaluate the style and if they blend into your home, or stick out like a sore thumb.
What to consider when buying smart home devices
Before purchasing smart home devices, start by deciding which voice assistant you plan on using to control your smart home; Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple’s HomeKit. Not all smart devices integrate with all assistants, so if you have a preference or already have one of these voice assistants in your home, for example in the form of a smart display or smart speaker, make sure any smart home devices you look to buy work with this voice assistant.
If you already have other smart home gadgets already installed in your property, you’ll need to check whether any new devices can work with them if you want to create automations – for example do your devices support Apple HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, ZigBee, or Z-Wave.Our guide on what to consider when designing your smart home, should be able to help you identify the best smart home system for you.
Also think about installation, and if you can install them yourself, such as smart light bulbs or whether they need a professional to visit your home, such as smart thermostats, or if you’re considering smart electrical sockets for example.
Finally, check whether you need to invest in a smart home hub to make the devices work together, or whether any smart speakers or smart displays you already have in your home, can do this job for you. Alternatively, online services such as IFTTT, can make some compatible devices work together to perform certain automations, without the need for a hub at all.
Are smart homes worth it?
Creating a smart home takes plenty of times, patience and in some cases money, but when up and running they can make your life easier, which more than outweighs the effort it takes to create them.
If you’re concerned that a smart home might not be for you, consider dipping your toe in the water with affordable, simple to install smart home devices, such as smart plugs, which connect to your existing electrical outlets, or replace your existing light bulbs with smart versions. You can use your smartphone to control these devices – once you’ve turned the lights off without leaving the sofa, you’ll never go back to a dumb house again.
When you’re ready to take the next step, throw a smart speaker or smart display into the mix, to use your voice to control your smart home gadgets and create some basic home automations.
If you’re the forgetful type, being able to switch off the coffee maker, hair straightners or even the light that you accidentally left on, without having to return home, makes your life easier and ensures you’re not wasting energy, and money at the same time.
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