Smart Home Essentials Guide: What to Buy First and Why
Creating a smart home can seem overwhelming, especially with the ever-expanding range of gadgets and technologies. However, building a smart home doesn’t need to happen all at once; starting with essential devices can make your transition smoother and more impactful. In this guide, we’ll cover the smart home essentials that are perfect for beginners, exploring what to buy first, why each device is valuable, and how these devices can work together to create a cohesive smart home experience.
Table of Contents
Smart Speakers and Voice Assistants, why start here?
A smart speaker or voice assistant is the central hub for most smart homes, enabling you to control other devices with simple voice commands. Popular options include Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri, each of which offers various compatibility options with other devices.
Key Benefits
- Hands-Free Control: Adjust settings, ask questions, or activate routines with your voice.
- Automation Routines: Set up routines like “Good Morning” to automate lights, thermostat, and even coffee makers.
- Affordability: Entry-level smart speakers are affordable, making them an easy starting point.
Recommended Options
- Amazon Echo Dot: Budget-friendly and compatible with numerous devices.
- Google Nest Mini: Great for homes already using Google’s ecosystem.
- Apple HomePod Mini: Ideal for Apple users, though with fewer third-party compatibility options.
Smart Lighting, why It’s Essential
Smart lighting is one of the easiest and most impactful upgrades you can make in your home. It offers customizable brightness and color, schedule options, and voice control, creating an ideal atmosphere for any situation. Smart lighting is also highly energy-efficient, saving you on utility bills over time.
Key Benefits
- Convenience and Customization: Control lights from your phone, create lighting schedules, and set brightness and color based on activities.
- Energy Efficiency: LEDs consume less power and last longer, making them a wise investment.
- Enhanced Security: Schedule lights to turn on and off when you’re away, deterring potential intruders.
Recommended Options
- Philips Hue: Versatile, high-quality lighting system with various options for bulbs, light strips, and more.
- LIFX: Hub-free option with excellent color variety and integration with popular smart home ecosystems.
- Wyze Bulb: Affordable smart bulb option with adjustable brightness and color.
Smart Plugs, Why They’re Essential
Smart plugs are small, affordable devices that turn almost any appliance into a smart device. They’re a perfect starting point because they’re easy to install and highly versatile, allowing you to control and schedule traditional devices like lamps, fans, and coffee makers.
Key Benefits
- Easy Control: Turn devices on or off from your smartphone or through a voice assistant.
- Energy Monitoring: Some models provide energy usage data, helping you manage electricity consumption.
- Versatility: Smart plugs are inexpensive and can be used in any room, offering an instant upgrade to existing appliances.
Recommended Options
- TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug: Reliable, compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, and includes an energy monitoring feature.
- Amazon Smart Plug: Simple and seamless integration with Alexa devices.
- Gosund Smart Plug: Affordable option with Wi-Fi connectivity and remote control.
Smart Thermostats, Why It’s Essential
A smart thermostat adds convenience and energy savings by learning your schedule, adjusting temperatures automatically, and allowing you to control settings remotely. This device is especially useful if you live in areas with varying climates, where temperature control impacts comfort and utility bills.
Key Benefits
- Energy Efficiency: Reduces heating and cooling costs by optimizing temperature settings.
- Comfort: Maintains the perfect temperature automatically, whether you’re home or away.
- Remote Access: Adjust settings from your smartphone, useful for sudden temperature changes or when returning from a trip.
Recommended Options
- Nest Learning Thermostat: Learns your preferences over time and adjusts automatically for energy savings.
- ecobee SmartThermostat: Includes a room sensor for better temperature control across multiple areas.
- Honeywell Home T9: Features geofencing and optional room sensors for more precise control.
Smart Security Cameras and Doorbells
Home security is a top priority for many smart home adopters, and smart security cameras and video doorbells offer peace of mind with real-time alerts, video storage, and remote monitoring. These devices provide visibility into your home’s surroundings, whether you’re inside or away.
Key Benefits
- Enhanced Security: Get notifications when someone is at your door or if unusual motion is detected.
- Remote Monitoring: Check live footage from your smartphone anytime, anywhere.
- Intercom Features: Many doorbell cameras allow you to speak with visitors remotely.
Recommended Options
- Ring Video Doorbell: Easy to install, compatible with Alexa, and offers live view and two-way talk.
- Arlo Pro 3: Wireless, weather-resistant camera system with excellent image quality and wide compatibility.
- Google Nest Cam: Provides high-quality video, integrates with Google Assistant, and has a sleek design.
Smart Locks Why They’re Essential
Smart locks offer enhanced security, convenience, and remote access, allowing you to control and monitor door locks from anywhere. Many smart locks allow for temporary access codes for visitors, making them ideal for homes with frequent guests or deliveries.
Key Benefits
- Keyless Entry: Use a code or app instead of traditional keys.
- Remote Access: Lock or unlock doors from your smartphone, perfect for letting in guests or family members when you’re away.
- Integration: Works with other smart devices for enhanced automation.
Recommended Options
- August Smart Lock Pro: Retains your existing lock hardware, compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.
- Yale Assure Lock SL: Sleek design with touchscreen keypad and support for various voice assistants.
- Schlage Encode: Wi-Fi-enabled and works well with Alexa, offering built-in alarm sensors.
Smart Sensors (Motion, Door, Window)
Smart sensors enhance the functionality of your other smart devices by detecting motion or door/window activity. They’re perfect for improving security, managing energy efficiency, and integrating with routines to control lights and alarms.
Key Benefits
- Home Security: Get alerts for unusual motion or if a door/window is opened.
- Automation: Use sensors to trigger lighting, heating, or other devices when someone enters or exits a room.
- Energy Savings: Set lights or HVAC systems to turn off automatically when a room is empty.
Recommended Options
- Samsung SmartThings Motion Sensor: Integrates well with the SmartThings hub and triggers lights or alarms as needed.
- Ring Alarm Contact Sensors: Easy-to-install sensors compatible with Ring’s security ecosystem.
- Ecolink Z-Wave Plus: Works with various Z-Wave compatible systems and is battery-efficient.
Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Safety is a critical aspect of any home, and smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors offer enhanced protection through instant alerts and smart home integration. They notify you on your smartphone when issues are detected, even when you’re away, adding a layer of protection beyond traditional alarms.
Key Benefits
- Real-Time Alerts: Receive smartphone notifications for smoke or carbon monoxide issues.
- Integration with Other Devices: Trigger other smart devices, like turning on lights or unlocking doors in emergencies.
- Self-Testing: Many models perform self-checks and send alerts when batteries need replacing.
Recommended Options
- Google Nest Protect: Offers both smoke and carbon monoxide detection with smartphone notifications.
- First Alert Onelink: Compatible with Alexa, provides voice alerts, and connects to other smart home devices.
- Kidde Smoke & CO Alarm: Affordable option with Wi-Fi connectivity and app alerts.
Final Tips for Building Your Smart Home
- Start Small: Begin with a few essential devices, then expand as you get more comfortable.
- Consider Compatibility: Choose devices compatible with your preferred voice assistant or smart home hub.
- Plan for Security: Use secure passwords and regularly update software to protect your devices from security risks.
- Focus on Convenience: Smart homes are about enhancing daily life, so prioritize devices that add real value to your routines.