Smart Home

Smart Home Essentials: 25 Products to Make Your Life Easier and Safer

Smart home technology is not just a trend, it’s a necessity. With smart home devices, you can control your lights, temperature, security, entertainment, and more with your voice, app, or schedule. You can also monitor your home remotely, get alerts for potential hazards, and save energy and money. Whether you are new to smart home or want to upgrade your existing setup, here are 25 products that will make your home smarter and better.

1. Smart Light Switches (Kasa)

Smart light switches let you turn your lights on and off from anywhere, set schedules, and create scenes. You can also use voice commands with Alexa or Google Assistant to control your lights hands-free. Kasa smart light switches are easy to install, reliable, and compatible with most standard wall plates. They also work with other Kasa smart devices like plugs and cameras.

Smart Dimmer Light Switches (Kasa)

2. Smart Thermostat and Sensors (Ecobee or Google Nest)

Ecobee Smart Thermostat

Google Nest Smart Thermostat

 

 

Smart thermostats help you save energy and money by adjusting the temperature based on your preferences, habits, and weather. You can also control them remotely with your phone or voice, and get reports on your energy usage and savings. Ecobee and Google Nest are two of the most popular smart thermostats on the market. They both come with sensors that detect occupancy and temperature in different rooms, and adjust accordingly. They also integrate with other smart home platforms like Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings.

3. Smart Smoke and CO Detector (Google Nest Protect)

Smart smoke and CO detectors are essential for your safety and peace of mind. They can alert you of any smoke or carbon monoxide in your home, and tell you where the problem is. You can also silence them from your phone if it’s a false alarm, and get reminders to test them regularly. Google Nest Protect is one of the best smart smoke and CO detectors available. It has a sleek design, a long battery life, a night light feature, and a voice that speaks to you in case of an emergency.

4. Smart Indoor Plugs (TP-Link Tapo Smart Plug Mini)

Smart plugs let you turn any appliance or device into a smart one. You can control them from your phone or voice, set schedules, timers, and scenes, and monitor their energy consumption. TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug Mini is a compact and affordable smart plug that works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings. You can use it to control lamps, fans, coffee makers, humidifiers, and more.

5. Smart Outdoor Plugs (Kasa)

 

 

Smart outdoor plugs are similar to smart indoor plugs, but they are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. You can use them to control outdoor lights, fountains, sprinklers, heaters, and more. Kasa smart outdoor plugs are durable, weather-resistant, and easy to set up. They also have two outlets that can be controlled independently or together.

6. Smart Speakers such as Alexa and Google Assistants

Echo Dot 

Amazon Echo Dot with clock


Google Nest Mini

Smart speakers are the hub of your smart home. They let you use voice commands to control your smart devices, play music, get news, weather, traffic, sports, trivia, jokes, and more. You can also make calls, send messages, set reminders, alarms, timers, lists, and calendars. Alexa and Google Assistant are the two most popular smart speakers on the market. They both have a range of models with different features and prices to suit your needs.

7. Smart Displays such as Echo Show or Google Nest Hub

Echo Show 5

Google Nest Hub

Smart displays are like smart speakers with screens. They let you do everything that smart speakers can do, plus watch videos, make video calls, see live feeds from your security cameras, browse recipes, check your calendar, and more. Echo Show and Google Nest Hub are the two most popular smart displays on the market. They both have a range of models with different screen sizes and features to suit your needs.

8. Smart AI Outdoor Security 4K Cameras (Reolink)

 

Smart security cameras let you monitor your home from anywhere, day or night. You can see live or recorded footage from your phone or smart display, get alerts for motion or sound detection, and communicate with visitors or intruders through two-way audio. To ensure the highest level of safety, a 4K camera in your front yard is advisable, as well as a 2K camera or higher on your doorbell and backyard. You can choose PoE (power over ethernet) cameras if your outdoor walls have an ethernet connection. Alternatively, you can use wireless rechargeable cameras, as long as you have a good WiFi connection where you will place them.

9. Smart AI 2K Doorbell( Nooio)

Smart doorbells let you see who’s at your door from anywhere, and talk to them through your phone. You can also get alerts for motion or sound detection, and record or snap photos of visitors. Nooio is one of the best smart AI doorbells on the market. It has a sleek design, a high-definition video quality, a night vision, a local or cloud storage option, and an advanced AI feature that can recognize humans, animals, and vehicles. It is Wi-Fi compatible with both 2.4GHz and 5G support. It offers instant real-time alerts on your smartphone. No wiring is required, as it is battery operated.

10. Smart Instant Pot Pro Plus

Smart WiFi Instant Pot Pro Plus Multi-cooker is a smart appliance that can perform 11 functions in one, such as pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, sous vide, and yogurt. You can control it from your phone, and access thousands of recipes in the app. It has a stainless steel inner pot, a large LCD display, and 28 customizable programs. It is a smart and efficient device that can help you prepare delicious meals with ease.

11. Smart TVs such as Samsung or Amazon Fire TV with at least 4K

Samsung 65-inch 4K QLED Smart TV

Smart TVs let you watch your favorite shows, movies, sports, and more on a big screen with high-quality resolution. You can also access thousands of apps, games, and channels, and use voice commands to search, play, pause, rewind, and more. Samsung and Amazon Fire TV are two of the best smart TV brands on the market. They both have a range of models with different sizes and features to suit your budget and preferences.

12. Smart Light Bulbs, Dimmable, Color Changing RGBW (Tapo)

Smart light bulbs let you change the color and brightness of your lights from your phone or voice. You can also set schedules, timers, scenes, and routines to create different moods and atmospheres. Tap smart light bulbs are dimmable, color changing RGBW bulbs that work with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings. You can use them to create millions of colors and shades of white.

13. Smart Sensor for Flood Detection(YoLink)

Smart sensor for flood detection is a device that can alert you of any water leaks or floods in your home. You can place it near sinks, toilets, bathtubs, washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters, or any other potential sources of water damage. You can also connect it to your phone or smart speaker to get notifications or voice alerts when water is detected. Smart sensor for flood detection is easy to install, battery-powered, and water-resistant.

14. Smart Water Shutoff

 

Smart water shutoff is a device that can automatically turn off your main water supply in case of a leak or flood. You can also control it from your phone or voice, and monitor your water usage and pressure. Smart water shutoff can help you prevent costly water damage, save water, and lower your bills. Smart water shutoff is compatible with most standard pipes, and requires professional installation.

15. Smart Sensors for Doors and Windows(Aqara)

Smart sensors for doors and windows are devices that can detect when your doors or windows are opened or closed. You can use them to secure your home, get alerts for potential intruders, and automate your smart devices based on the status of your doors or windows. You can also connect them to your phone or smart speaker to check or change their status remotely. Smart sensors for doors and windows are easy to install, battery-powered, and wireless.

16. Smart Door Locks (August)

Smart door locks let you lock and unlock your door from anywhere, without using keys. You can also grant access to guests, family members, or service providers remotely, and track who comes and goes. August smart door locks are some of the best on the market. They have a sleek design, a high security level, and a wide compatibility with other smart home platforms like Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings. They also work with most standard deadbolts, and are easy to install.

17. Smart Garage Opener (Meross/Refoss)

Smart garage opener lets you open and close your garage door from anywhere, without using remotes. You can also get alerts for the status of your garage door, set schedules, and share access with others. Smart garage opener works with most existing garage door openers, and is easy to install. It also integrates with other smart home platforms like Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings.

18. Smart Robotic Vacuum Cleaner (Tapo)

Smart robotic vacuum cleaner is an appliance that can clean your floors automatically, without any human intervention. You can control it from your phone or voice, and set schedules, modes, and zones. You can also monitor its cleaning progress, battery level, and maintenance needs. Smart robotic vacuum cleaner has a powerful suction, a long battery life, and a smart navigation system. It can also avoid obstacles, detect stairs, and return to its charging base when needed.

19. Smart LED RGBW Lights Behind TVs (Tapo)

Smart LED RGBW lights behind TVs are strips of lights that you can attach to the back of your TV to create a stunning backlight effect. You can change the color and brightness of the lights from your phone or voice, and sync them with your TV content, music, or mood. Smart LED RGBW lights behind TVs can enhance your viewing experience, reduce eye strain, and add ambiance to your room. Tape smart LED RGBW lights behind TVs are easy to install, reliable, and compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant.

20. Smart Curtains (Switch Bot)

Smart curtains are curtains that you can open and close from your phone or voice, without touching them. You can also set schedules, timers, and scenes to automate your curtains based on the time of day, weather, or your preferences. Smart curtains can help you save energy, improve your sleep quality, and protect your privacy. Switch Bot smart curtains are one of the best options on the market. They have a simple design, a long battery life, and a wide compatibility with most curtain rods and rails. They also work with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings.

21. Smart Walls Using Mount Genie Mounts – Mount All Smart Speakers on Walls and Ceilings

Echo Dot Mounts

Smart walls using Mount Genie mounts are walls that have smart speakers mounted on them using special brackets or holders. You can use them to create a surround sound system, save space, and improve the aesthetics of your room. Mount Genie mounts are designed to fit most smart speakers like Echo Dot, Google Home Mini, Nest Mini, Echo Show 5, Nest Hub, and more. They are easy to install, sturdy, and adjustable. Watch my youtube video on how to mount these. More…

22. EV Charger at Home (ChargePoint)

EV charger at home is a device that you can use to charge your electric vehicle or hybrid car at your own garage or driveway. You can also offer it to your guests who have electric vehicles as a courtesy. EV charger at home can help you save time, money, and gas by charging your car faster and cheaper than public stations. EV charger at home requires professional installation and may vary in price and features depending on the model and brand.

23. Smart Home Air Purifiers(Levoit)

24. In-wall USB-A and USB-C Receptacles(Leviton)

In wall USB-A and USB-C receptacles are outlets that have USB ports in addition to standard power sockets. You can use them to charge your devices without using adapters or power strips. In wall USB-A and USB-C receptacles can help you save space, reduce clutter, and avoid compatibility issues. In wall USB-A and USB-C receptacles are easy to install, safe, and convenient.

25. Indoor Security Camera (Wyze Cam Pan v2)

Indoor security camera Wyze Cam Pan v2 is a camera that you can use to monitor your home from anywhere, day or night. You can see live or recorded footage from your phone or smart display, get alerts for motion, sound, or person detection, and communicate with people or pets through two-way audio. Indoor security camera Wyze Cam Pan v2 has high-definition video quality, night vision, a local or cloud storage option, and a pan-tilt-zoom feature that lets you rotate the camera 360 degrees horizontally and 93 degrees vertically.

Home Fully Wired for Ethernet

Home fully wired for ethernet is a home that has ethernet cables running through the walls and connecting to outlets in every room. You can use them to connect your devices to the internet using wired connections instead of wireless ones. Home fully wired for ethernet can provide you with faster, more reliable, and more secure internet access than Wi-Fi. Home fully wired for ethernet may require professional installation and may involve drilling holes in the walls. You can add ethernet to older homes as a retrofit. Some homes have Cat 5 cables for their phone lines, which can be used for ethernet. New construction has ethernet wiring as a default.

These are some of the smart home essentials that you should consider getting for your home. They can make your life easier, safer, and more enjoyable. They can also increase the value of your home and impress your guests. What are you waiting for? Start building your smart home today!

Conclusion

Smart home technology is not a luxury anymore, but a necessity for modern living. With smart home devices, you can control and automate your home from anywhere, using your voice or phone. You can also save energy, improve security, and enhance comfort and convenience. There are many smart home devices available on the market, but some are more essential than others.

I hope you found this blog post helpful and informative. Thank you for reading and happy smart home shopping!

AboutThas

Thas is the author of Cooking with Thas, a popular food blog with recipes from Indian, American and Fusion Cuisines. She has been blogging since 2009 and been featured in several magazines. Read more...