Top 5 best devices for home that will make your life easier

There are thousands of smart home devices on the market these days. In fact, from cell phones to refrigerators, it's hard to find a device that isn't connected to the internet. If you want to have a smart home, we've put together a few recommendations to help you get started.

1. Voice Assistant

The first thing you should purchase is a virtual assistant to help you control your smart devices with your voice. You can opt for a smart speaker that only works with sound, or a touchscreen smart display that also allows you to visually interact with the assistant.

Echo

A smart speaker with Alexa, Amazon's virtual assistant. The 4th generation Echo has great sound quality, you'll be able to listen to your playlist from music streaming services like Amazon Music, Apple Music or iHeart Radio. The updated Echo 4 is priced at $100 and comes in charcoal, dusky blue, glacier white or red (limited time offer). Amazon's latest smart speaker also works as a Zigbee hub, allowing you to control other smart home equipment like lights, locks, and cameras.

If you're looking for a more affordable speaker, the Echo Dot with a clock sells for just $60 and does pretty much everything the Echo does, except the speakers aren't as powerful (and it doesn't have a Zigbee hub). The Dot with a Clock has an LED display on the front that can show the time, weather, or timer. You can also buy the Echo Flex, which is a mini Echo that plugs into the wall and only costs about $25.

Nest Mini (2nd generation)

Has an eco-friendly design and comes in chalk, charcoal, bright coral or blue. Similar in size and shape to the Echo Dot (3rd generation), the Nest Mini 2 runs Google Assistant, which is smarter than Alexa in many ways. The multilingual assistant can control your smart devices, create a shopping list, answer questions, and more. It also connects to many smart home devices for voice control. However, Alexa is compatible with more smart devices.

Want bigger and louder? Nest Audio is the latest smart speaker from Google. The premium smart speaker with premium sound, adaptive audio and attractive design comes in colors like chalk, charcoal, sage, sand and sky. If you want a smart display with Google Assistant, consider the Nest Hub Max. It has a 10-inch display, gesture control, built-in security features, and even a built-in Nest Cam camera.

2. Smart lock

If you have a smart lock installed in your home, you won't have to search for your keys in the dark or leave them under your babysitting mat. Modern smart lock options install in minutes and offer convenience and peace of mind. We especially like the August Smart Lock 3rd generation lock because it adapts to your existing deadbolt, making it very easy and quick to install. This lock can usually be found for around $100, making it affordable for many users. As an alternative, consider the Schlage Encode. This deadbolt allows you to lock and unlock the door using a keypad or voice control via a compatible Amazon Alexa device, providing added convenience and security.

3. Security Camera and Video Call

By investing in a video call, you'll be able to see who's at your door without getting off the couch. A security camera can provide additional peace of mind, as most outdoor models allow you to see what's going on around your home from anywhere via an app on your cell phone. Many security cameras feature motion alerts, night vision, and two-way audio. Nest is one of the leading brands in the smart home market, offering both indoor and outdoor security cameras.

The Nest Cam Indoor, for example, comes with a magnetic mount and features hands-free calling, so you can talk to a person or pet even if you're not home. The Arlo Pro 3 is one of everyone's favorite security camera systems. It provides clear images both day and night, and offers natural two-way audio communication in a weatherproof dual camera system. And of course, the easy-to-use video doorbell is the Ring Video Doorbell 3. It runs on batteries, detects motion, has two-way audio and can be customized with the Ring app.

4. Thermostat

The heating and cooling system is the part of your home that you probably don't think about too often until the temperature gets really bad. A smart thermostat can make controlling your home's climate even more integrated into your life, providing comfort and energy savings. One such is the Ecobee SmartThermostat. It has Alexa functionality built into it, and it comes with a room sensor to help heat and cool your home more efficiently, keeping every room comfortable.

5. Light bulbs or switches

You may already be using energy-efficient light bulbs in your home, so installing smart bulbs is the next logical step. In addition to saving money, they allow you to personalize the look of your home and even turn lights on and off from another location if you have internet access and a companion app. Philips Hue bulbs respond to voice commands and setting changes from the mobile app, making controlling your lights even more convenient. Some, like the Sengled A19, don't require a hub, making it easier (and cheaper) to install smart lighting in your home.

You don't necessarily have to choose only smart bulbs to get smart features. Instead, you can combine regular light bulbs with smart switches. With these switches, you will be able to turn your lights on and off using voice commands, saving you from having to do it manually. It should be noted that smart switches may require additional work to install, but they make controlling your lights much easier.

We recommend the WeMo smart switch, which simplifies the installation and use process. If you install smart outlets in your home, you'll be able to control all connected devices with your voice. This feature is especially popular among users as it can be very useful in different circumstances. For example, it's handy for controlling Christmas decorations when it's difficult to reach the outlet from behind the tree. Using voice commands is much easier and safer than risking the ornaments falling down while you're crawling under the tree.

Conclusion

Modern technology is rapidly advancing, and smart home devices are becoming an integral part of our daily lives. Creating a smart home not only makes everyday tasks easier, but also creates a safer, more energy efficient and comfortable environment for you and your family. Integrating the technology of such a home opens up new opportunities to improve the quality of life, making it more convenient and modern. By starting with these simple steps, you can create a complete smart ecosystem that is tailored to your needs and preferences. Let your home become a smart and functional space that works for you.