If you already connect your light bulbs, speakers, video doorbells, security cameras, and more to the Internet – or maybe you’ve had your eye on smart home devices for a while, since many of us still work from home – you know the process can be complicated. Maybe you need a device that solves a specific problem, such as an intelligent outlet that controls a lamp on a particular schedule.
Or you may be thinking about how to build on what you already have, such as a smart speaker controlled by Alexa or Google Assistant, or even Siri and Apple’s HomeKit brilliant home service. We tend to think of voice assistants as the starting point for building a smart home. They offer family members or roommates a convenient way to interact with the various devices without managing direct access in each app. Many of our list of the best innovative home products work with multiple voice assistants.
Smart home devices have quickly become a must-have product category, especially for enthusiasts. The ability to control aspects of your home using only a phone app or voice commands will become increasingly important in the future. They also make great gifts for a friend interested in technology but doesn’t know what to get. With connected devices taking a big hit with most Indian tech brands, many more affordable options are now on the market. Here are our suggestions for the best smart home devices. We’ve tried to cover multiple price ranges and categories, so there’s something for everyone.
Top 10 Smart Home Gadgets
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Amazon Echo (4th Gen) – Speaker
The Amazon Echo was quite a hit when it was first launched, and the company continues to improve the Echo line with each iteration – but a full six years have passed since the Echo’s debut. The spherical design of the 4th generation Amazon Echo represents a serious visual redesign – the tall cylinder shape of previous models is long gone. Still, it’s what’s inside the Echo that makes it one of the best smart speakers you can buy today. Amazon has significantly improved the sound quality, and that’s just one of many other features that make this one of the best smart home devices of its kind.
Redkey F10 – Vacuum cleaner
Cleaning up around the house is a chore we all have to undergo. Vacuuming can be cumbersome because you have to plug in the vacuum cleaner and run the cord around the house. It would be better to get rid of the cable because it would be easier to clean everywhere in the home. This is where a vacuum cleaner like the Redkey F10 excels, allowing you to vacuum anywhere without having to worry about where the plug is plugged in or the cord getting caught in almost anything.
The still very young company “Redkey” wants a piece of the pie and has launched the affordable Redkey F10, which impresses with technical refinements. The Redkey F10 cordless foldable handheld vacuum cleaner also focuses on a more consumer-friendly design to provide customers with a convenient cleaning experience. Behind the brand is SUZHOU EUP ELECTRIC CO., LTD., established in the household appliance market in 1994.
Fire TV Stick 4K with Alexa – Entertainment
The Fire TV Stick 4K is the latest version of Amazon’s popular streaming device. The most significant difference between this stick and the previous models is that this stick has been updated to support a 4K playback. Still, this version of the Fire TV Stick is similar to the second-generation Fire TV Stick in many ways. It features an 802.11ac Wi-Fi chip and a 1.7GHz quad-core processor. The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K also features Amazon’s built-in Alexa voice assistant. There is a massive selection of content from the many apps offered, including Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and many more.
LEVOIT Smart WiFi Air Purifier – Air Purifier
If voice assistant is an integral part of your routine, then Levoit’s Alexa and Google Home compatible air purifier will fit seamlessly into your high-tech lifestyle. We consider it one of the best smart air purifiers for pet lovers, allergy sufferers, and anyone who is sensitive to odors and dirt particles and wants the flexibility of controlling their air purifier from their smartphone.
This WiFi air purifier uses a three-in-one filtration system (activated carbon filter, H13 True HEPA filter, and a pre-filter) to remove up to 99.97 percent of particles as small as 0.3 microns. The unit can clean an area of 900 square feet in one hour, 500 square feet in 33 minutes, or a room of 360 square feet in 24 minutes when set to the highest blower level.
Ring Video Doorbell (2nd gen) – Smart Doorbell
If you’re searching for the best doorbell under $100, the Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Generation) is the best bet. It has a 1080p camera (compared to 720p on the original), improved night vision, and better motion tracking features. It is still the best video doorbell for a small budget. As with the Ring Video Doorbell 3 and 4, we like that you can use this model both wired and battery-powered, that you can create custom motion zones, and that you can see what’s going on in your neighborhood. Plus, Ring offers very affordable video storage plans starting at $30 per year.
Townew T1S – Smart Trash Can
The Townew T1S Self-Sealing and Self-Replacing Smart trash can do it all for you with just one touch. With built-in thermoplastic sealing technology, the trash bag is sealed and automatically replaced with just the touch of a button. It uses refill rings, each containing 25 durable trash bags and lasting about a month. The refill ring is generic and fits the Townew T1 and T Air Lite. The TOWNEW T1S detects movement within 35cm above the sensor field and opens the lid immediately thanks to infrared technology. The 2000mAh battery lasts up to 50 days on a full charge.
Eve Energy – Smart plug
The Eve Energy Smart Plug is, in our eyes, the best one you can buy. It’s easy to use and records the energy consumption of connected devices – and, if you provide specific details from the energy provider, the total cost as well. However, it has one minor flaw: while it’s HomeKit-enabled, it doesn’t work with Alexa or Google Assistant. The Smart Plug connects via Bluetooth or Thread smart home technology – if you have a HomePod Mini or Apple TV in your home – so you’ll be able to control even when you’re not home.
Amazon Smart Thermostat – Smart thermostat
The Amazon Smart Thermostat is the most affordable smart thermostat I’ve tested. It works through the Alexa app and with Alexa voice commands. You’ll need a compatible Alexa-enabled smart speaker or display to use voice commands, but you don’t need to enable an Alexa skill since it’s an Amazon-branded product.
This thermostat is Energy Star certified and saves an average of $50 per year in energy costs. It has a simple design and an optional wall plate to cover up old paint or holes. The touchscreen operation is minimalist but makes it easy to set the thermostat and switch between heating, air conditioning, and other basic settings.
Arlo Pro 3 – Security camera
Although the Arlo Ultra technically has the same smart features and more detailed 4K resolution, the Arlo Pro 3 is one of the best Smart Security Solutions because its image quality is still excellent. It offers slightly better value – although its price is still its Achilles’ heel. Still, for the money, you get all the usual Arlo features in terms of solid build quality, excellent camera shots, a host of clever features, and a sophisticated app.
The Arlo Pro 3 builds on the Arlo Pro 2’s offerings with QHD HDR video, complete weather protection (so you can use it outdoors), a unique 160-degree viewing angle, and even color night vision. So your low-light footage is in color, not grainy black and white.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock – Smart lock
There wasn’t much to enhance on August’s smart lock, but the company has redesigned its original to make it smaller and more user-friendly. The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is 45% smaller than the original, so it looks less clunky on your door. Plus, the Wi-Fi is now integrated, so you don’t have to install the August Connect Bridge to connect the lock to your home network.
Everything we liked about the August Pro is here as well: A simple installation process, features like DoorSense (which notifies you when your door has been left ajar), and interoperability with a variety of other smart home systems from Alexa to Google Assistant to Xfinity. And with August Wi-Fi, you can use the keys from your existing door deadbolt.
