Building a Smart Home? The Essentials You Need to Get Started

1. Start with a Smart Speaker or Voice Assistant

A smart speaker or voice assistant acts as the control center of your smart home. Devices like the Amazon Echo, Google Nest Hub, or Apple HomePod Mini enable you to control various smart devices, set timers, play music, and even check the weather, all by using simple voice commands. These devices are also compatible with most smart home gadgets, making them an ideal starting point.

Why You Need It:

• It serves as the “brain” of your smart home, connecting and controlling other devices.
• You can use voice commands to manage lights, locks, and more.
• It provides hands-free assistance for daily tasks, like setting reminders or checking traffic.

2. Smart Lighting: Set the Mood with a Tap

Smart lighting is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to start building your smart home. Smart bulbs can be controlled remotely, letting you adjust brightness, color, and schedules from your phone or with your voice. Many people start with Philips Hue or Wyze Bulbs, which offer excellent app integration and are easy to install.

Why You Need It:

• Customize your lighting to create the perfect ambiance for any occasion.
• Save energy by controlling lights remotely or setting them to turn off when you leave the house.
• Automate lighting to simulate presence while you’re away for added security.

3. Smart Plugs: Make Any Appliance Smarter

Smart plugs allow you to control appliances remotely, turning any standard device into a “smart” one. By plugging a lamp, fan, or coffee maker into a smart plug, you can schedule it to turn on and off, control it from your phone, and even integrate it with voice assistants.

Why You Need It:

• Control small appliances remotely for convenience and energy savings.
• Automate daily tasks, like turning on a coffee maker in the morning or a lamp in the evening.
• Great for beginners—easy to install and inexpensive.

Popular Options: TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug, Wemo Smart Plug, Amazon Smart Plug

4. Smart Thermostat: Save Energy and Stay Comfortable

A smart thermostat is one of the best investments you can make in your smart home setup. Devices like the Nest Learning Thermostat and ecobee SmartThermostat help you save on heating and cooling costs by learning your preferences and adjusting automatically. You can control your thermostat remotely, ensuring your home is at the perfect temperature when you arrive.

Why You Need It:

• Reduces energy usage by adjusting to your schedule and preferences.
• Allows for remote control, so you can set the temperature before you get home.
• Some models even adjust based on the weather, creating a comfortable environment year-round.

5. Smart Security Cameras: Keep an Eye on Your Home

Security cameras are essential for any smart home, providing peace of mind whether you’re at home or away. Smart cameras let you monitor live feeds, receive motion alerts, and even communicate with visitors through two-way audio. Options like Ring Stick Up Cam and Arlo Pro offer reliable performance and excellent video quality.

Why You Need It:

• Monitor your home from anywhere, using real-time video feeds.
• Receive notifications for any unexpected activity, giving you peace of mind.
• Most cameras have night vision, providing 24/7 security coverage.

6. Smart Doorbell: See Who’s at Your Door

A smart doorbell, like the Ring Video Doorbell or Nest Doorbell, gives you the ability to see, hear, and speak to anyone at your door, no matter where you are. These doorbells are especially helpful for monitoring package deliveries and communicating with visitors when you’re not home.

Why You Need It:

• Adds an extra layer of security, letting you monitor your front door.
• Allows for remote communication with visitors, whether you’re home or not.
• Records video footage, which can be helpful in case of suspicious activity.

7. Smart Lock: Control Access from Anywhere

Smart locks are a secure and convenient addition to any smart home. With a smart lock, you can lock or unlock your door from anywhere, grant temporary access to guests, and even receive notifications when someone enters your home. August Smart Lock and Schlage Encode are popular choices for their reliability and ease of use.

Why You Need It:

• Control access to your home remotely, no need for physical keys.
• Provide temporary codes for guests, contractors, or dog walkers.
• Lock or unlock the door with voice commands, adding convenience when you’re busy.

8. Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Stay Safe

Safety is key in any home, and smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors add an extra layer of protection. Devices like the Nest Protect send alerts directly to your phone if smoke or carbon monoxide is detected, even if you’re away. Some models can also integrate with smart lights, illuminating your path in case of an emergency.

Why You Need It:

• Get real-time alerts to your phone for potential safety hazards.
• Integrate with other devices, like lights or locks, to increase safety.
• Regularly runs self-tests and provides battery status, so you always know it’s working.

9. Smart Vacuum: Keep Your Floors Clean Automatically

Smart vacuums are great for keeping your floors clean without any effort. Models like the iRobot Roomba and Eufy RoboVac can be scheduled to clean while you’re out, and many have advanced mapping features that ensure they cover your entire home.

Why You Need It:

• Schedule cleanings for hands-free convenience, even when you’re not home.
• Some models are compatible with voice assistants, so you can start cleaning with a command.
• Ideal for pet owners or anyone who wants to keep their floors spotless with minimal effort.