It’s never a bad time to make some new transformations around your home, especially without paying full renovation costs. Believe it or not, a simple gadget or appliance can transform any living space and help maximize your comfort level. But not just any item will do. You want electronic gadgets connected to your internet network, better known as “smart devices.” Here are some must-have smart devices any modern home should have.
Smart Speakers
This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning smart speakers. These smart devices are voice-activated and do more than just play your favorite songs: They can set alarms, tell you the weather, and create reminders upon request. They typically come with an AI “assistant” on board, such as Amazon’s famous Alexa.
Smart devices can also communicate with other compatible gadgets around your home. For example, you can ask your Alexa to turn the lights on or change the temperature on your thermostat at a specific time. A smart speaker is the perfect home assistant — and its simple design makes it blend seamlessly into any home decor.
Getting a smart speaker as one of your first smart home devices makes sense. Since your smart speaker can control other smart home devices, finding the right speaker can help you decide which “ecosystem” you want for your home. Many smart device brands work with multiple brands, of course, but you still might make different decisions depending on whether you’re controlling everything via Amazon’s Alexa, Google’s Google Assistant, or Apple’s Siri.
Smart TVs
There are two basic ways of making your TV “smart.” One is to buy an external device like a Roku or an Apple TV. The other is to simply get a smart TV, which will have an operating system built right into it. In fact, smart TVs are so common these days that it’s hard to find a new TV that isn’t “smart!”
A smart TV is essentially just a TV with an internet connection and a simple operating system that lets you access apps: You can stream your favorite Netflix shows, listen to Spotify, and watch YouTube videos all from your TV screen. Talk about a nice entertainment setup!
There’s a good chance that you already have a smart TV, but you may not be using it to its full potential. Many smart TVs will play nice with other smart devices, meaning that you can do things like control your TV with your voice via your smart speaker.
Once you bring a new smart TV home, don’t forget to complement it with a cable TV package that covers all your entertainment needs.
Smart Thermostats
Just about every home gadget and appliance comes in “smart” form these days — including your thermostat. You can control these new devices remotely using a mobile app or another smart device.
The ability to control your appliances remotely is more than just convenience. A smart thermostat can automatically adjust your home’s temperature after learning your preferences, which can help you save significantly on utilities, such as cooling and heating costs. Instead of having the AC running all day while you’re away, you can turn it on remotely before coming home and lower your energy consumption. In addition, smart thermostats can tell you when it’s time to change your air filters and provide other useful information.
Smart Lighting
Smart lighting is a great tool for making your home more modern and efficient. You can control these lights from your phone or even with voice commands if you have a smart speaker. You can set them to turn on and off at specific times, change their brightness, and some can even change colors to match your mood or what you're doing. This is not only convenient but also helps save on your electric bill by using light only when you need it.
Smart lights can even help keep your home safe. You can set them to turn on and off in a way that makes it look like someone is always home, which can scare off potential burglars while you’re on vacation. They can also work together with other devices, like cameras and motion sensors, to power on if there’s unexpected movement around your house. Smart lighting is a simple upgrade that offers a mix of comfort, savings, and security.
Some homes have built-in smart lighting, and some lighting fixtures are “smart,” too. But the simplest way to get smart lighting is to buy smart light bulbs — you can place them in any lighting fixtures to make them “smart!”
Smart Plugs
A smart plug is your simplest way to make any device “smart.” These Wi-Fi-enabled plugs and power strips go into a regular wall outlet and allow you to control any connected devices remotely. If you connect a regular lamp to a smart plug, you’ll be able to turn it on and off from a distance using the mobile app — or ask Alexa to do so.
Smart plugs can make your life many times easier. You won’t have to fumble in the dark to turn on the lights or get the coffee machine started. In addition, smart plugs are among the most affordable and accessible smart devices included on this list.
Smart Doorbells
Smart home devices can do more than make your life easier or help you save money — they can also keep your family safe. Smart doorbells can turn a familiar and mundane device into your next home security system. Doubling as a traditional doorbell as well as a camera, smart doorbells let you use your mobile device to see who’s knocking on your door — even when you’re not home.
There are various smart doorbells out there, and each type offers different features. Some models allow for two-way audio, perfect for when you’re not home to receive important packages and would like to relay instructions. Others have the option of recording video footage for up to several minutes. Who knew a doorbell could do so much?
Smart Alarms and Home Monitoring Devices
The smart doorbell isn’t the only smart way to protect your home. It’s also a bright idea to “smarten up” your home’s monitoring systems, including burglar alarms, smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors. Modern smart home hubs allow you to easily check on these devices from your phone, even if you’re not home. That beats the old low-tech “beep” of an old-fashioned smoke alarm any day.
It’s up to you how many monitoring devices you’ll link together, but your options are pretty extensive. Modern monitoring and detection devices include all of the classic environmental monitors you’re used to, plus all kinds of new monitoring, from air quality monitoring to digital security cameras. With the right setup, your home won’t just be smart — it’ll be safe, too!