Over the years, I’ve evaluated countless smart devices, yet the few that have found a permanent spot in my home were not my initial selections. They often provide convoluted solutions for issues that barely existed initially. Ensure you’re not just acquiring a novelty that will end up in storage shortly after purchase.
While numerous smart home gadgets may not be the best investment, some can significantly enhance your home. From robot vacuums and smart bulbs to smart locks and video doorbells, I’ll spotlight five smart home devices that have genuinely simplified my life.
Smart Home Devices Overview
-
For automated floor cleaning:
Roborock Saros 10
$1,599.99 on Amazon -
To imitate a natural sunrise:
Wide Smart Bulb
$26.26 on Amazon -
To avoid misplacing your keys:
Yale Assure Lock 2
$259.99 from Yale -
For enhanced front door security:
Ring Video Doorbell
$49.99 at Ring -
For a consistently fresh-smelling home:
Aera Smart Diffuser
$199 on Amazon
All prices are accurate as of publication.
Roborock Saros 10 Robot Vacuum Cleaner
$1,599.99 from Robo Rock
$1,599.99 on Amazon
The Roborock Saros 10 takes care of all your floor cleaning needs. It’s not merely a vacuum and mop; it empties its own dust bin and cleans its mop, allowing for weeks of hassle-free operation. With a tangle-free brush, vibrating warm water mop, and unmatched suction power, your floors will be sparkling clean.
Setting it up goes beyond just plugging it in and connecting it to your phone. Initially, you’ll take it around your home to map the floor plan, and when it transitions onto carpet, you can keep the mopping pad docked or store it automatically.
The only manual tasks required are filling the clean water tank, emptying the dirty water tank, and replacing the large dock dust bin when necessary. Depending on your home’s size and dirtiness, you’ll typically need to address the aquarium weekly, while the dust bin can go months before needing a change.
Though it’s the priciest item on this list, for those with a busy lifestyle, it’s worth every cent.
Smart Color Light Bulbs
Home Depot $26.26
$26.26 on Amazon
Smart bulbs are a cost-effective (and fun) introduction to the world of automation. Wyze bulbs stand out due to their competitive pricing, dependable performance, and extensive color options.
They simulate a sunrise effect every morning, gently illuminating your space until it’s bright enough to wake you.
At night, you can turn off the lights via your phone—no need to navigate a dark bedroom or step on a wayward dog toy. I even use Wyze bulbs in my home theater to create the perfect ambiance for movie nights, whether cozy or creepy.
Yale Assure Smart Lock
$203 at Home Depot
$239 on Amazon
You may perceive smart locks as just a fad, but my experience over the years has turned me into a loyal enthusiast. The Yale Assure Lock 2 allows me to enter without a physical key. Simply enter a passcode on the keypad when stepping out for a jog. You can also generate temporary codes for guests that expire after their visit (just remember to keep the main code private).
If you ever forget whether you’ve locked the door, you can quickly check your phone for the door’s status. The app not only shows whether the door is open or closed, but it also indicates its lock status. There’s also a door history feature, letting you see when the door is locked or unlocked.
Various models of the Yale Assure Lock 2 are available (including key-free options and those compatible with Apple Wallet), making it straightforward to find one that fits your lifestyle. If remote access is essential, make sure to choose one with WiFi.
Ring Video Doorbell
$49.99 at Ring
$49.99 at Home Depot
It seems like everyone in the neighborhood has a Ring Video Doorbell— and with good reason. They offer utilities that you might not realize until you own one. Do you need to monitor package deliveries when away? Want to communicate with your pets while you’re out? Looking to capture amusing videos for social media? The Ring doorbell is versatile.
I personally have an older model (the Wired Doorbell Plus) that has treated me well for four years, and the newest models, like the Wired Doorbell Pro, appear even better. All of them provide motion alerts to your smartphone whenever movement is detected, notifying you of doorbell rings and allowing you to converse with guests via two-way audio without opening the door.
If you have existing doorbell wiring, the entry-level Video Doorbell Wired meets most needs; Battery Doorbell Pro and Wired Doorbell Pro offer additional wireless convenience and enhanced video quality.
If you’re hesitant about subscribing for video storage, consider Eufy C210, which stores video locally, eliminating subscription requirements.
Be cautious of becoming overly reliant on the video doorbell’s features.
Aera Smart Diffuser
The Aera Smart Diffuser addresses a common issue: unpleasant odors. If you live in a compact area like I do, with the kitchen, gym, bathroom, and main living area all close together, it becomes essential.
Unlike candles that require constant oversight and often compromise air quality, the Aera operates discreetly and hypo-allergenically. After inserting a fragrance capsule, you can set a schedule for the diffuser, ensuring a delightful scent permeates your home throughout the day. It can also be controlled remotely so that when you come home from travel, a pleasing aroma welcomes you.
While the initial investment is steep (the diffuser retails for $199), the $60 fragrance capsules tend to last around three months, making it more economical than continually purchasing premium candles. This makes it one of my favorite smart home devices, solving a frustrating problem with minimal maintenance.
-
Jon Bitner is a writer covering travel, outdoor activities, and technology for publications like GameSpot, Digital Trends, and Islands. An avid hiker, he relishes exploring the Rocky Mountains from his home in Boulder, Colorado.
Source: www.theguardian.com
