Smart home devices continue to revolutionize our lives, enhancing convenience, security, and energy efficiency. Below are the top-rated smart home gadgets of 2024, across various categories from lighting and security to entertainment and household management.
1. Best Smart Speaker: Amazon Echo (6th Generation)
Overview: The Amazon Echo remains popular for those looking to integrate voice control into their homes. The 6th generation Echo offers superior sound quality, an upgraded design, and advanced smart home integration features.
- Pros: Superior sound quality, Alexa integration, sleek design
- Cons: Still requires Amazon services for optimal use
Why We Love It: With enhanced AI capabilities, the Echo now acts as a full smart home hub, effortlessly connecting with other devices and offering improved sound quality for music and streaming.
2. Top Smart Display: Google Nest Hub Max 2024 Edition
Overview: The Google Nest Hub Max offers a versatile platform for streaming, video calls, and displaying important information.
- Pros: Large screen, great video calling, integrates well with Google services
- Cons: Limited third-party app support
Why We Love It: With its intuitive voice control, the Nest Hub Max is perfect for those invested in Google’s ecosystem and looking for seamless integration with other devices.
3. Best Smart Thermostat: Ecobee SmartThermostat Premium
Overview: The Ecobee SmartThermostat Premium boasts superior energy-saving capabilities and features like voice control, remote sensors, and intuitive scheduling.
- Pros: Energy efficient, Alexa and Siri integration, remote temperature sensors
- Cons: Slightly pricey
Why We Love It: Ecobee’s focus on user control and energy efficiency makes it ideal for lowering heating and cooling costs and saving money in the long run.
4. Top Smart Lighting: Philips Hue Bluetooth Smart Lightstrip Plus
Overview: Philips Hue continues to lead in smart lighting with customizable light strips that adjust for ambience, mood lighting, and high-brightness tasks.
- Pros: Customizable, easy to install, works with major smart home hubs
- Cons: Requires Philips Hue Bridge for advanced features
Why We Love It: The Hue Lightstrip Plus offers dynamic lighting options, adding a touch of colour or dimming effect to any room with just a voice command.
5. Best Smart Lock: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock 4th Generation
Overview: August’s 4th Gen Wi-Fi Smart Lock offers seamless locking/unlocking features and works well with most existing deadbolts.
- Pros: Easy to install, remote access, integrates with multiple platforms
- Cons: Shorter battery life compared to previous models
Why We Love It: Perfect for renters and homeowners alike, August’s smart lock provides excellent security and convenience, allowing for remote access and monitoring.
6. Top Smart Security Camera: Arlo Pro 5S 2K
Overview: Arlo’s Pro 5S 2K security camera provides crisp image quality, smart alerts, and night vision capabilities.
- Pros: 2K resolution, colour night vision, great mobile app
- Cons: Requires a subscription for cloud storage
Why We Love It: Its weather-resistant design and advanced motion detection make it an ideal security solution for both indoor and outdoor monitoring.
7. Best Video Doorbell: Ring Video Doorbell 5
Overview: The Ring Video Doorbell 5 offers high-definition video streaming and recording, customizable motion zones, and works seamlessly with Alexa.
- Pros: Reliable motion detection, two-way audio, Alexa integration
- Cons: Subscription required for video storage
Why We Love It: A household name in security, Ring’s latest doorbell improves motion detection accuracy and offers clear video, making it easier to monitor visitors and deliveries.
8. Best Robot Vacuum: iRobot Roomba j9+ with Self-Empty Base
Overview: The iRobot Roomba j9+ is packed with smart cleaning features, from advanced mapping to self-emptying functionality.
- Pros: Self-emptying, smart navigation, voice command support
- Cons: High price point
Why We Love It: If you’re looking for a low-maintenance cleaning solution, the Roomba j9+ is perfect, especially with its hands-off waste disposal system.
9. Top Smart Plug: TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug HS105
Overview: The TP-Link Kasa HS105 lets you control appliances remotely, even scheduling them to turn on/off automatically.
- Pros: Compact design, voice command ready, easy setup
- Cons: Doesn’t support Apple HomeKit
Why We Love It: A cost-effective way to smarten up any device, this plug integrates smoothly with Google Assistant and Alexa for remote control.
10. Best Smart Kitchen Appliance: Tovala Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
Overview: This smart oven offers various cooking modes, including air frying, steaming, and convection baking, all manageable through an app.
- Pros: Versatile cooking functions, meal kit compatibility, app integration
- Cons: Limited capacity for large meals
Why We Love It: Tovala’s smart oven takes meal prep to the next level, allowing you to enjoy fresh meals with minimal effort or guesswork.
11. Top Smart Light Bulb: Lifx Color E26 LED Smart Bulb
Overview: The Lifx Color LED smart bulb provides vibrant, customizable lighting and doesn’t require a hub.
- Pros: Hub-free, vivid colours, schedules and timers
- Cons: More expensive than standard bulbs
Why We Love It: With voice and app control, the Lifx Color bulb is an excellent choice for mood lighting and hands-free light management.
12. Best Smart Home Hub: Samsung SmartThings Hub v4
Overview: Samsung SmartThings Hub v4 remains one of the most versatile smart home hubs, supporting a wide range of devices and brands.
- Pros: Broad compatibility, integrates with Alexa and Google Assistant, user-friendly app
- Cons: Lacks Apple HomeKit support
Why We Love It: It’s a must-have for those with diverse brands and types of smart home devices, offering seamless inter-device communication.
13. Top Smart Air Purifier: Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Formaldehyde
Overview: This device combines air purification with heating and cooling functionalities, making it versatile for year-round use.
- Pros: Purifies air effectively, multifunctional, easy to control via app
- Cons: Expensive
Why We Love It: Ideal for those concerned with air quality, it removes allergens and pollutants while keeping your space comfortable.
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14. Best Smart Door Lock for Apple Users: Level Lock+ with Apple Home Key
Overview: This sleek lock works seamlessly with Apple’s Home Key, letting users unlock it simply by tapping their iPhone or Apple Watch.
- Pros: Apple Home integration, easy installation, minimalist design
- Cons: Apple device required for full functionality
Why We Love It: A must-have for Apple enthusiasts, this lock is both secure and incredibly user-friendly.
15. Top Smart Garage Door Opener: Chamberlain MyQ-G0401
Overview: Chamberlain’s MyQ Smart Garage Opener allows you to control your garage door from anywhere, giving you peace of mind.
- Pros: Affordable, easy to install, works with most garage doors
- Cons: Subscription required for remote access via Amazon
Why We Love It: The MyQ is a simple, reliable way to secure your garage, especially if you have packages delivered.
16. Best Pet Camera: Furbo 360-Degree Dog Camera
Overview: The Furbo 360-Degree Dog Camera offers a unique way to keep an eye on pets, featuring two-way audio, treat-tossing, and 360-degree views.
- Pros: Interactive features, high-quality camera, two-way audio
- Cons: Requires a subscription for advanced features
Why We Love It: It’s perfect for pet owners who want to stay connected with their furry friends, offering an enjoyable way to interact even when away.
In 2024, smart home devices continue to make homes safer, more convenient, and energy-efficient. Whether you’re interested in security, convenience, or energy efficiency, there’s a smart home device here to meet your needs. Integrating any of these top-rated products will bring a new level of comfort and control to your living space, helping you create a more connected home.
