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A few years ago, I understood that I needed easier and more efficient ways to do things around the house. This was the start of the move toward a smarter home. It all started when I found dust under my bed, which led me to buy a robot cleaner that could clean those hard-to-reach places easily. As life brought me a furry friend, I looked for a smart air filter to help with my allergies and asthma, as well as a pet camera to make sure that both my home and my beloved pet were safe and sound. I was able to do all of this from my smartphone. With these first steps, a whole new world of options opened up.
Since then, my job as a PCMag reporter has turned my simple Florida beach bungalow into a center for cutting-edge smart home technology. Every week, I get new gadgets and tools that make my living place even smarter and more convenient. When I walk into my bedroom, all I have to do is tell Google Assistant to turn on the lights. With Alexa, I can easily reorder important things like protein powder and dog food, and they show up at my door a few days later. Using an app on my phone, I can change the temperature without getting out of bed.
The smart display in my kitchen not only tells me about the weather, but it also gives me ideas for tasty recipes. Even my reliable air fryer lets me know when it’s done heating up. Putting these smart home gadgets together has really changed the way I use my living space. It combines comfort, efficiency, and connectivity in a way that makes everyday jobs easier and improves my life as a whole. As technology keeps getting better, I’m excited to see what the future holds and how my home will continue to become smarter and easier to use.
Best Smart Home Devices Comparison Table
| Product | Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera | Ezviz DB1C Wi-Fi Video Doorbell | Amazon Echo Dot with Clock (5th Gen) | Ecobee SmartThermostat Premium | Wemo WiFi Smart Plug | Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Video Quality | 2K | 1080p | N/A | N/A | N/A | 7-inch touch screen |
| Field of View | 160 degrees | 180 degrees | N/A | N/A | N/A | 7-inch display |
| Power Source | Rechargeable battery | Hardwired | AC power | Hardwired | AC power | AC power |
| Motion Detection | Yes | Yes | N/A | N/A | N/A | Yes |
| Two-Way Audio | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Night Vision | Yes | Yes | N/A | N/A | N/A | Yes |
| Smart Home Integration | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Assistant Compatibility | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | N/A | Amazon Alexa | Amazon Alexa | N/A | Google Assistant |
| App Control | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 2K HDR video |
| Field of View | 160 degrees |
| Night Vision | Color night vision |
| Two-Way Audio | Built-in microphone and speaker |
| Motion Detection | Advanced motion detection with customizable activity zones |
| Weather-Resistant | IP65-rated weather resistance |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi and optional Ethernet connection |
| Storage | Cloud storage and local backup options |
The installation of smart outdoor security cameras can be challenging due to the fact that many models require a hub in addition to wire in order to function properly. However, these cameras offer a secure way to monitor activity outside your home without having to leave the convenience of your sofa. On the other hand, the $199.99 wireless Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera is a high-resolution, weather-resistant security camera that not only records video.
When motion is detected but also shines a bright light on whatever is moving about on your property. The fact that it can be installed in a matter of minutes, that it provides accurate and intelligent motion detection, and that it delivers detailed 2K video with color night vision, all of which contribute to its status as the new winner of the Compsmag award for outdoor security cameras.
The Good
- High-resolution video with HDR for improved clarity
- Wide field of view for better coverage
- Color night vision for enhanced visibility
- Customizable motion detection zones
- Weather-resistant design for outdoor use
- Flexible storage options
The Bad
- Requires a subscription for advanced features and cloud storage
- May require additional Arlo devices for a complete security system
Ezviz DB1C Wi-Fi Video Doorbell
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080p video |
| Field of View | 180 degrees horizontal, 105 degrees vertical |
| Night Vision | IR night vision |
| Two-Way Audio | Built-in microphone and speaker |
| Motion Detection | PIR motion detection |
| Weather-Resistant | IP65-rated weather resistance |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi and optional Ethernet connection |
| Storage | Local storage and cloud backup options |
The DB1C is almost the same size and shape as the RemoBell S. It is 5 inches tall, 1.8 inches wide, and 0.8 inches deep. It has a round white-and-silver doorbell button on the bottom and a black camera housing on the top. The cover is white and can be taken off. The button is ringed by an LED ring that glows solid blue when the doorbell is working properly and blinks red when there is a problem with the SD card or with the connection.
There are two places to connect wires on the back, and a microSD card slot is on the right side, hidden by a small waterproof panel that can be taken off. A built-in Wi-Fi radio with two bands lets you connect to the internet. With a built-in microphone and speaker, you can talk to and hear each other.
The Good
- High-definition video with a wide field of view
- Infrared night vision for clear video footage in low light
- Two-way audio for communication with visitors
- Motion detection with customizable sensitivity
- Weather-resistant design suitable for outdoor installation
- Local storage option for added privacy
The Bad
- Limited integration with other smart home devices
- May require professional installation for some users
Amazon Echo Dot with Clock (5th Gen)
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Design | Compact, round shape with LED clock display |
| Speaker | Built-in speaker for voice responses and audio playback |
| Voice Assistant | Alexa voice assistant |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth |
| Smart Home Control | Compatible with various smart home devices |
| Streaming | Music streaming from various platforms |
| Privacy Features | Microphone off button, privacy controls |
The name tells you everything you need to know: this is an Echo Dot with a smart LED clock built into its face. But this simple-looking addition gives the Echo Dot a lot more features, making it an even better smart home partner. In fact, we wish that more smart home companies would take a page from Amazon and make small but effective changes to already great products.
The Echo Dot with Clock’s screen can show you more than just the time, though. It can also show you the current temperature, the names of songs, and the solution to math problems. It also works as a timer. It has a light sensor that adjusts the brightness of the screen based on the lighting around it. It also has a temperature sensor built in that can start Alexa routines.
The Good
- Compact and stylish design with an LED clock display
- Alexa voice assistant for hands-free control and information
- Easy integration with other smart home devices
- Wide range of streaming options for music and audio content
- Privacy features for microphone control
The Bad
- Sound quality may not be as powerful as larger speakers
- Clock display may be too bright for some users in a dark room
Ecobee SmartThermostat Premium
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Display | Full-color touch display |
| Compatibility | Works with most HVAC systems |
| Temperature Sensor | Built-in smart sensor and support for additional sensors |
| Voice Control | Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant |
| Energy Savings | Smart features for energy optimization |
| Remote Access | Control from smartphone app and web portal |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi and optional Ethernet connection |
The name tells you everything you need to know: this is an Echo Dot with a smart LED clock built into its face. But this simple-looking addition gives the Echo Dot a lot more features, making it an even better smart home partner. In fact, we wish that more smart home companies would take a page from Amazon and make small but effective changes to already great products.
The Echo Dot with Clock’s screen can show you more than just the time, though. It can also show you the current temperature, the names of songs, and the solution to math problems. It also works as a timer. It has a light sensor that adjusts the brightness of the screen based on the lighting around it. It also has a temperature sensor built in that can start Alexa routines.
The Good
- Interactive touch display for easy control and settings adjustment
- Compatible with a wide range of heating and cooling systems
- Built-in and external sensors for accurate temperature readings
- Voice control integration with popular voice assistants
- Energy-saving features for efficient climate control
- Remote access for control from anywhere
The Bad
- Installation may require professional assistance for some users
- Premium price compared to basic thermostats
Wemo WiFi Smart Plug
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | Works with various devices and appliances |
| Voice Control | Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant |
| Scheduling | Set schedules and timers for connected devices |
| Energy Monitoring | Track energy consumption of connected devices |
| Remote Access | Control from smartphone app and web portal |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi |
The $25 Wemo WiFi Smart Plug is our favorite smart plug and one of the best smart home gadgets. It’s smaller than other options on the market, even the Wemo Mini, which came before it. Even though the Wemo WiFi Smart Plug doesn’t track energy use like some other smart plugs, it does work with all the major smart helpers.
This smart plug has a physical switch that you can use to turn your device on or off if you don’t want to use your voice or an app. It also has a smart mode called “Away.” which, if you turn a lamp on and off, can make it look like you’re home even when you’re not.
The Good
- Easy setup and compatibility with a wide range of devices
- Voice control for hands-free operation
- Scheduling and timers for automation and energy savings
- Energy monitoring to track power usage
- Remote access for control from anywhere
The Bad
- May block adjacent outlets when plugged into a wall socket
- Wi-Fi connectivity required for operation
Google Nest Hub (2nd gen)
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Display | 7-inch touchscreen display |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth |
| Smart Home Control | Compatible with various smart home devices |
| Media Streaming | Music and video streaming from various platforms |
| Photo Frame | Personalized photo slideshow |
| Privacy Features | Physical switch to disable microphones |
Amazon may have been the first to make a smart display with the Echo Show, but Google improved on the idea with the Nest Hub (formerly the Home Hub), both in how it looks and how it uses its voice helper. Now, there is a second-generation model that came out in 2021. It costs less and has more features. The Nest Hub has the same Google Assistant features as the Google Home line of speakers. It also has a screen that gives you just the right amount of visual input.
It will show you what you said so you know Google heard you right. It can also walk you through a recipe from a popular cooking website, and it works well with smart home cameras and video doorbells that Google supports so you can see their camera feeds online. Soli is also part of Sleep Sensing and Quick Gestures, which let you do things like pause media by tapping the air in front of the screen.
The Good
- Clear and responsive touchscreen display
- Google Assistant for voice control and information
- Wide compatibility with smart home devices
- Streaming options for music and video content
- Personalized photo frame feature
- Privacy switch to disable microphones when needed
The Bad
- Limited audio quality compared to dedicated speakers
- Limited support for certain third-party platforms
FAQs
Security is the most important thing for smart home devices, and they use encryption methods to keep your data and privacy safe. But it’s important to follow best practices for security, like using strong passwords, keeping firmware up to date, and checking device rights often.
Some smart home devices need a hub, but others can connect to your Wi-Fi network immediately. Hubs let you handle multiple devices from one place. They can also add extra features and work with different protocols. But many gadgets now have direct Wi-Fi connections, so you don’t have to use a hub.
Yes, integration platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit make it possible for many smart home products to work together. This lets you handle multiple devices from a single interface and set up automation routines that make different devices do the same thing.
