7 Smart Home Essentials | Where to Get Started + More Advanced Devices You’ll Love

Smart Home Assitant

There’s no better way to control your new smart home than with a smart assistant. There are many options available from the best companies in the world, like Google and Apple. But if you’re starting out, a great and affordable option is the fourth generation Amazon Echo Dot.

What makes the Echo Dot and Alexa great is that they work basically with every smart device you have. From your light bulbs to your security cameras, you can control everything with your voice. And don’t worry, Alexa works if you have an iPhone or an Android phone.

If you don’t have any other smart devices, you can still use Alexa in your everyday life. You can ask Alexa to play music, read audiobooks, or even use the Echo Dot as an intercom. The possibilities are endless, and there are always new ways the Echo Dot can help you. Further in this list, we’ll describe some exciting devices you can control hands-free with your Echo Dot.

Colored Smart Light Bulbs

Color-changing smart light bulbs are a lot of people’s first steps into the smart home world. They’re affordable, easy to install, and even fun to use. And a great first option is the Phillips Hue Smart Bulbs. After you set your bulbs up, you’ll be able to control them with just one finger or with your voice.

By using the Phillips app on your iPhone, you’ll be able to turn them on and off, sync them to your movies or video games, and even create schedules to turn on your lights. You could even use them to help you wake up instead of annoying alarm sounds.

The best part is that these bulbs will live for up to 22 years, so you won’t have to worry about changing them for a long time.

Smart Plugs

Smart plugs are both great for you or as an affordable gift for someone else. And one of the best options you can get is the Amazon Smart Plug.

Much light smart bulbs, you can use smart plugs to turn on and off many electronics that you already own. This helps by reducing energy consumption, and it can also help you create schedules for when you want to turn on your lamps, fans, or your coffee maker in the morning.

Overall, they’re a great option to make many electronics around your house smarter (without replacing them altogether). 

Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A smart home isn’t complete if it can’t clean itself automatically. A smart vacuum cleaner is a perfect option, and the Roborock S6 Pure is one of the best options you can get. What’s great about the Roborock S6 is that it’s not just a vacuum cleaner. This little robot can both vacuum and mop your floors in a single job. It’s effective, and it’ll take the load off of you.

When it comes to power, this vacuum has the best of both worlds. Not only does it have the power to vacuum your floors and even your rugs, but it also works quietly so that it won’t bother any of your Zoom meetings or while your sleeping. And the best part is that it’s so easy to use; even people who aren’t necessarily tech-savvy will be able to handle this vacuum with ease. 

Smart Security Cameras

Keeping your home safe is a top priority, and we’re fortunate enough that technology can help us do that in a matter of seconds. These Arlo Pro 3 security cameras are a great way to keep your home safe and to know what’s going on even if you’re out and about. This camera system is super easy to set up and use.

The battery life on these cameras will last you up to six months, so you’ll only have to worry about charging them twice a year. And as soon as you set them up, you’ll be able to see everything in a crisp and colorful 2K resolution, whether it’s day or night.

The best part is that Arlo’s security system uses artificial intelligence to recognize objects and people, and it can even send you a notification if the cameras detect something. 

Smart Lock

Of course, it doesn’t matter how many cameras you have at home if you forget to lock the door before you go out. If you’re always wondering if you lock the door or not, the August Smart Lock is the best way to keep you and your home safe.

This smart lock is a perfect addition to every house. You can easily set it up and control it from your iPhone. You can control the lock from anywhere you are, whether it’s to lock up at night, or to let your friends and family get in before you get home.

Plus, you can forget your keys at home and not worry about them. The August Smart Lock can automatically unlock the door when you get back home.

Smart Air Fryer

Air fryers are on everyone’s mind right now, and there’s a reason for that – an air fryer is a great way to cook healthier, quick meals that still taste delicious. Now, there’s no excuse to keep eating instant ramen, and this Cosori Smart Air Fryer makes the process even easier.

This air fryer comes with 13 different cooking functions, all of which you can control right from your iPhone. You can roast, reheat, or keep your food warm – plus, if you’re like many of us who don’t know how to use an air fryer, you can also use any of the 11 default options that will cook your fries, stake, or your desserts with just the push of a button.

And if you have no idea how to cook, the app comes with up to 100 different recipes you can try, with many new recipes coming every week.