The Best Smart Devices for 2021
This year’s home stretch provides us with a cue to highlight the latest and best smart home devices. So, whether you’re shopping for a smart thermostat or a new camera, there’s something on our list that should meet the need and fit the bill.
Sonos One Alexa Speaker
Voice commands are vital if you want to have ultimate control of your smart home, and there’s no better smart speaker than Sonos One. And if you use Google Assistant in your household, the speaker has settings to configure. In addition, the speaker has an onboard speaker array that responds magically no matter how loud you blast the speakers. Sonos supports virtually every music-streaming service, and the company’s radio is pretty great. Also, no speaker sound system would offer multi-room audio better than Sonos One.
Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance A19 Lightbulb
Signify’s Phillips Hue brand has been a long-time leader in the smart lighting space, and it continues to innovate with new light strips and gradient lamps. Its recent Hue Play HDMI Sync Box has been exceptional for TV, but the humble color Ambiance A19 bulb is your favorite single, smart lighting product. The lightbulb is perhaps the perfect gateway into the Hue ecosystem with Bluetooth control and a gamut of colors and white color temperatures. Adding a Zigbee-based Hue Bridge comes in handy for more features such as automation geofencing support, out-of-home-control, and multiple bulbs control.
Ecobee Smart Thermostat
The Alexa-powered fifth-generation smart thermostat is extremely innovative as it uses remote sensors to monitor and control temperature. The onboard motion sensors help the thermostat determine occupied rooms and instruct the HVAC system to maintain a comfortable temperature. Ecobee’s thermostat is compatible with various HVAC systems, not to mention the adapter kit for quick and easy installation where there’s no C wire.
Roborock S7/S7+ Vaccum
The S7 vacuum is the best hybrid mop you can get this year. The vacuum is equipped with a sonic vibration techy that scrubs hard floors for up to 3,000 times a minute, loosening stains that other mops can’t. Besides, Roborock’s LiDAR scanner improves its navigation across the smart home. The S7+ configuration comes with a bundled Auto-Empty Dock accessory that not only sucks the detritus from the dustbin but also charges the battery. So, none of the garbage will escape meaning that you won’t have to get your hands dirty.
Arlo Pro 4 Camera
If you take your smart home security seriously, it’s easy to tell why Arlo is the best choice. Although the Arlo Pro 4 doesn’t boast of 4K resolution like Arlo Ultra, it has a pretty impressive 2K quality. Besides, it is the first Arlo camera that doesn’t need the bundled base station as you can connect it directly to Wi-Fi, making it more affordable. However, you may need the base station if you want HomeKit support. What’s more, Arlo Pro 4 incorporates Google Assistant and Alexa integration that enhance zooming and tracking to detect and follow any motion.
August Smart Lock Pro
The August Smart Lock Pro’s easy fitting and features make it the best lock you can buy right now. This smart lock will fit into an existing deadbolt and still allow you to use an old key without compromising the smart benefits. Besides, the lock is highly responsive and strong, and there’s no way anyone can bypass it. Google Kit, Alexa, and Google Assistant additions reinforce the suitability of August Smart Lock Pro in your smart home. Yes, the lock is relatively expensive and bulky, but it’s worth investing in if you’re looking to beef up your smart home security.
The smart home appliances discussed here allow you to automate your smart home, so you never have to leave the sofa to adjust the temperature or dim the lights. These appliances not only make your life easier, but they also offer a great alternative that saves time, energy, and money.