The concept of a smart home sounds amazing to me. Living in a home that is automated and at your service anytime just by a click, it can’t get better than this. Smart home automation devices interlinked with one another can transform your home into an ecosystem.
Don’t just be smart yourself, make your home smart by increasing its IQ. Starting from voice assistants to smart locks transform your home into a smart home. Some still think that smart home devices cost a fortune, but as the concept is becoming more generalized the cost is also getting affordable.
In this article, I am going to introduce you to the concept of smart homes. If you are already familiar with the idea of smart homes, get to know about the amazing devices that made it to the list of amazing smart home devices in 2024.
What is a Smart Home?
One of the most buzzing words around in 2024 is the word smart home, but what is it? A smart home is a home where all the devices you use are IoT. They are connected to the internet and can take commands even if you aren’t at home.
Why are they called smart home automation devices? The reason behind this is you get automatic control of the electronic devices at your home. You can connect multiple devices at once, you can give voice commands and set timed instructions for your devices.
Home automation is a fairly new concept for many people, nevertheless, it’s fun and innovative. Smart home automation devices can make your life convenient and secure your IoT devices.
Your smart home automation journey can begin with a smart light bulb and lead to many innovative devices you can control through your smartphone. Automation works like magic and makes day-to-day tasks easier and more fun.
How Does Home Automation Work?
Home automation works when IoT (Internet of Things) devices are connected in a network via different communication protocols, i.e. voice control, app control, wireless control, and many more. IoT devices are always connected to the internet and are operated through different commands. In that sense, all IoT devices are home automation devices.
You can control all the devices in your smart house despite being away from home. Through an internet connection and electronic interface, the smart devices operate inside your home. Think of Google Assistant or Alexa, they are some of the well-known prime examples of home automation devices. Automation simply means making your daily chores automatic through the deployment of advanced smart home devices.
Smart Home Automation Connectivity
By smart home automation connectivity, I mean that there are various ways an intelligent home device connects to the home ecosystem. A smart home device can connect via remote control, voice control, and cloud computing.
The concept of a Smart Home is here to stay, it’s not a mere buzzword. The idea of transforming our daily life into an efficient and easy one is hard to avoid. Smart home devices will not only make things easier but also promise to save you time and energy.
Smart home automation devices don’t have to be wireless conventionally, a smart home device can be wired as well. Imagine you went out of your home for a long-awaited holiday, but midway you realize you haven’t turned off the lights. Isn’t it the worst feeling on the planet Earth? Not only will it be heavy on your pocket but also it will save you from all the tensions that come with it.
Smart home devices aren’t always energy efficient but with the correct technique, they can be utilized in the best way possible. You will have more control over the appliances of your household.
Smart home automation devices can be controlled through remote controls. The remote control doesn’t mean it has to be a conventional remote, it can be a mobile app-controlled smart device or through the voice assistant. You can operate the automation devices remotely.
9 Best Smart Home Devices in 2024
- Amazon Echo Studio: Best Smart Speaker
- Leviton D215P-2RW Decora Smart Wi-Fi Mini Plug- Best Smart Plug
- Tp-Link Kasa Smart Dimmer Switch HS220- Best Smart Switch and Dimmer
- Arlo Pro 4 – Best Smart Security Camera
- Eufy Security Doorbell: Best Smart Video Doorbell
- Nest Learning Thermostat: Best Smart Thermostat
- August Wi-Fi Smart Lock- Best Smart Lock
- Eufy by Anker RoboVac G30: Best Smart Vacuum
- Aeotec Smart Home Hub- Best Smart Home Hub
Amazon Echo Studio
Best Smart Speaker
Amazon has launched several impressive smart home appliances to make our lives easier. You can build your ecosystem by incorporating all the Amazon smart devices in your house. Amazon echo studio has impressed me as it’s smart and it sounds good as well. It’s a deadly combination to find and after a lot of research, I have picked this to be one of the best smart speakers out there.
Apart from being an excellent smart speaker, it fits all the criteria for all audiophiles. Amazon’s top-tier smart speaker is the Echo Studio.
The Echo Studio’s fabric grille cover conceals five distinct drivers that are placed in various directions to create the Dolby Surround sound speaker’s positional audio.
It’s remarkable how amazing the audio quality is until the Echo Studio has been tuned. Because of how crisply the audio is presented, your living room will seem like a soundstage.
Key Features
- Amazon Echo Studio has built-in Alexa
- Compatible with smart tv sticks like- Fire TV stick and Apple Tv stick
- Versatile, capable of connecting 100s of smart home products if anyone wants to build an ecosystem
The Echo Studio not only retains intensity and clarity as you move around the room, but the spatial acoustic feature also gives the impression that you are using a pair of stereo speakers even when you are only using a single device. Because of its powerful performance, the cost it bears kind of neutralizes the ones who value quality sound production.
Pros
- Can be paired with another voice assistant or studio
- Compatible with Amazon Fire Tv stick
- Excellent Hi-res performance delivery
- Value for money because you will get thousands of features
Cons
- Too much for those who are looking for a simple and affordable smart speaker.
Leviton D215P-2RW Decora Smart Wi-Fi Mini Plug
Best Smart Plug
Smart plugs can easily transform any of your outlets at your home. You can plug in anything you plug into your normal electric outlet. Any device that you connect with a smart plug will transform into a smart device even if the device itself is not smart.
Leviton D215P-2RW is one of the best smart plugs you can buy. This is a great smart plug right out of the box, it gives a sleek outlook.
The design of Leviton D215-2RW 2nd gen smart plug has a great design, it conducts all its operations without blocking other outlets. At the corner, you’ll see a green light that works as an indicator as well as a button for manual use.
Leviton 2nd generation smart plug is very easy to set up and straightforward. All the connections are visible to the users. The Leviton app is also easy to navigate and pleasantly simple.
The home screen shows all the connected devices and gives all access to the devices. You can easily control all the devices and schedule any operations with a single tap.
Key features
- It plays along well with the 3 key smart home ecosystems, i.e. Amazon Alexa, Google Home Mini, and Apple Home Kit.
- No hub is required to control the smart plug, do it anywhere, anytime.
- Two small plug-ins can be inserted into the same outlet thanks to a compact installation with a mini design.
Pros
- Connected via Wi-Fi
- Easy to use
- Affordable
Cons
- Not suitable when paired with wired lighting.
Tp-Link Kasa Smart Dimmer Switch HS220
Best Smart Switch and Dimmer
Tp-link Kasa Smart Dimmer is an in-wall smart switch that works well. Smart switches bring some excitement to your boring home setup. People tend to ignore the normal switches but with a smart switch installed, you’ll never be able to ignore it. As tp-link Kasa HS220 is a smart switch, you will be able to control it remotely and with a voice assistant. You can turn your heater on even before reaching your home, this feature only makes life easier, doesn’t it?
TP-Link Kasa HS220 is an easy-to-use and affordable smart switch that also works as a dimmer. So, you can set up your lights according to mood. This smart switch can be used throughout the house and it’s compatible with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT.
The TP-Link Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch Dimmer HS22B has three buttons (for dimming and on/off) and fits elegantly on your wall. It connects straight to your home Wi-Fi network.
You can use “Gentle Off” to gradually dim the lights while you drift off to sleep. This feature will save you from going to the switch to turn the lights off with sleepy eyes.
Key Features
- Smartly detects sunrise and sunset
- No hub is required for its connection
- The Kasa app provides user-friendly straightforward instructions
- Multiple and group control Kasa devices are available with a single tap with iOS and Android device
- Requires no neutral wired connections
Pros
- Stylish switch design
- The Kasa app is easy and streamlined
Cons
- The oversized outlet is hard to align sometimes.
Arlo Pro 4
Best Smart Security Camera
Arlo Pro 4 is an outdoor smart security camera that can be set up within a few minutes. Arlo Pro 4 gives tough competition to its competitors like Nest.
The Pro 4 is our preferred outdoor security camera in the $200 range thanks to its rich feature set, durable construction, and affordable subscription service.
It might sound expensive since outdoor security cams are getting affordable, but the performance Arlo Pro 4 delivers is extraordinary.
Unlike its predecessor, Arlo 4 pro is very easily connected with a Wi-Fi connection, so you won’t be needing any hub like before. Arlo Pro 4 is like an electric car that just needs a push of the button to get started.
The camera is nicely weighted and adheres firmly to the adhesive base. It has everything, including 2K resolution, a 160-degree viewpoint, full-color night vision, 2-way conversation, an integrated siren, and motion-activated lighting.
If you are new to smart security cams and you are interested to buy them, know that you need to get a subscription for the video records and access to all the previews.
Key Features
- Colored night vision
- 2k video resolution
- Easy wireless setup option
- Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Stylish design
- Works great despite having competition
- Reasonable subscription than competitors
Cons
- Fewer free features.
Eufy Security Doorbell
Best Smart Doorbell
If you want to buy a smart doorbell but don’t want to spend a fortune, Eufy smart security doorbell is the one for you.
The Eufy Video Doorbell is an attractive, rectangular black gadget. When the doorbell is ready, a big button on the base that looks like a smile lights up a dull yellow.
Since Eufy’s solution is a wired doorbell, it must be connected to a 19-volt AC power line. In most cases, all you’ll need to do is swap out the terminals on the back of your existing doorbell to power your Eufy.
Eufy Smart Video Doorbell doesn’t need any subscription, unlike expensive smart doorbells you don’t have to buy any subscription. Eufy doorbell isn’t battery charged, it needs to be charged via USB port.
The HomeBase serves as the system’s brain. All of the footage is carefully stored within, so even if your camera is ever robbed, it won’t affect any of the videotapes.
Key Features
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Crystal clear 2K video resolution
- Designed to protect your home and be light on your wallet
- Live view and record history
- Alerts with AI technology
Pros
- Affordable
- No false alerts
- The monthly subscription is not needed
Cons
- Night-time vision is a little cloudy but the pictures in night-time are clear.
Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Gen)
Best Smart Thermostat
Nest Learning Thermostat is the true getaway to the smart home you have been hearing about. Apart from controlling the temperature, it can gradually learn as you use the thermostat. With the data you gather from the regular inputs in Nest Learning Thermostat, it learns the patterns of your home temperature.
The Nest Learning Thermostat’s 3rd Gen has a larger display, more temperature sensors, and is compatible with different smart home devices. I admire the outlook Nest 3rd generation Learning Thermostat gives, it’s quite stylish.
The 3rd generation model isn’t different from the previous version of the Nest Learning Thermostat, rather it was launched with some extended features. Now, it can learn more efficiently and detect motion better than the previous model.
A press on the screen brings up the Nest’s setting options, a scheduling dashboard, and even the current weather. A spin of the dial around the screen changes the temperature. This thermostat has a lot of features and a lovely, straightforward design.
The main point that attracted me the most is that it sticks to its promise of being energy-efficient. But it is crucial to be mindful of how you use your smart thermostat because that’s the real key to your cost savings.
Key Features
- With the “Auto-programming” feature, Nest learning thermostat can learn all about you and your preferences
- Remote control through Home/Away assist
- Tweak your thermostat via the mobile app
- Nest Leaf indicates the energy-saving mode
- Check your energy history through your mobile app
- “Farsight” feature that notifies the thermostat when you are close to your house
Pros
- The 3rd Gen NEST features use 2.4ghz and 5ghz for greater wifi connectivity
- Compatible with 95% of the system
- Guides users to energy saving
- Easy to install
Cons
- Might be expensive for some users and doesn’t work with Apple HomeKit.
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
Best Smart Lock
Smart locks are the way to secure your house from burglaries and unwanted break-ins. August Smart lock comes in a smaller package than its predecessors and upgraded Wi-Fi connectivity.
The metal Wi-Fi Smart Lock fits the modern deadbolt design with its deluxe feel and polished design. August offers silver and black locks to match your hardware.
Now, this smart lock is easier to install and compatible with 3 major voice assistants i.e. Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.
Many high-tech smart door locks need you to completely replace your present deadbolt with a brand-new set of latches and exterior. August Wi-Fi door lock keeps matters simple by converting your already installed deadbolt into a smart lock.
You can remotely control the August smart lock with its app. You don’t have to worry about your unlocked door behind you because you can remotely lock and unlock it. It is important to note that this Wi-Fi smart lock doesn’t come with a keypad, so you’ll have to buy it separately.
Key Features
- Digital key guest access is possible
- Fits in your existing deadbolt
- Lock and unlock features through a biometric verification system
- Built-in Wi-Fi integration
Pros
- Compact and sleek design
- Blends in with your smart home ecosystem
Cons
- Keypad is sold separately despite being a tad bit expensive.
Eufy by Anker RoboVac G30 Verge
Best Smart Vacuum
Vacuum cleaners are maybe the first step towards a smart home for many of us. Eufy RoboVac G30 Verge is one of the best smart vacuum cleaners with an affordable price range and a compact size from a conventional vacuum cleaner. It’s a smart vacuum cleaner because it is app and voice-controlled.
Eufy has another RoboVac cleaner, the G30 Edge which costs $20 more than G30 Verge. The only difference is that G30 Edge can sense certain areas to clean or not, like cords under the desk.
Setting up Eufy RoboVac G30 Verge is very easy to set up. You just have to unpack the vacuum cleaner and connect it to your Wi-Fi network. Eufy G30 Verge can be operated with the EufyHome app remotely. It takes very little effort to get it set up to function with the app.
Key Features
- The suction power of 2000Pa using BoostIQ Technology with suction options
- Smart Dynamic Navigation 2.0
- Remote app control and cleaning history
- BoostIQ™ Technology that it increases suction power by sensing
Pros
- Great battery life
- Compact in size but the great suction power
- Easy well-designed app
- Compatible with voice commands like- Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa
- Utilises smart navigation properly
- Low noise level
Cons
- Doesn’t support virtual barriers
- Short battery life.
Aeotec Smart Home Hub
Best Smart Home Hub
If you are a fan of the Samsung SmartThings platform Aeotec Smart Home Hub is ideal for you. This smart home hub is compatible with Wi-Fi, Zigbee, and Z-Wave-based gadgets.
Aeotec Smart Hub gives a vibe like SmartThings Hub, so if you buy this you will get familiar while using it. The Aeotec hub’s inclusion of a Samsung AC adapter is illustrative of the company’s commitment to cutting-edge technology.
You may manage your Aeotec setup via the SmartThings mobile app, as the hub was built to be compatible with that platform.
The user interface is straightforward, and all of your home automation gadgets can be linked to the hub with no problem at all. A hub may not be required for all smart home gadgets, though.
The Aeotec may be of interest to you if you’re looking for a smart home hub that connects more than five thousand devices using different protocols and smart home assistants.
Key Features
- Wirelessly connect with a range of multiple devices
- Connected devices can be automated
- Hub control via app or voice
Pros
- Easy to use
- Great connectivity, connects via Wi-Fi or Ethernet
- Works well with ZBee, Z-Wave, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa
Cons
- Isn’t compatible with Apple HomeKit.
Final Verdict
Smart home automation devices are rapidly advancing in the coming years. If you invest in the right smart home automation appliances it can make your home more convenient, energy-efficient, and advanced.
In 9 amazing smart home automation devices to transform your home in 2024 article, I tried to review the best smart automation devices from each category to give you insights into my mind.
As technology is evolving we will be seeing more advanced devices in the future. It is important to do proper research before buying a smart home appliance because you must check its compatibility with the other devices at your home.
My advice would be to buy smart devices from the brands you’re familiar with and make the best out of them.
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