We hear more and more about IoT devices (Internet of Things). While devices such as laptops, and mobile phones have enjoyed the internet connection for years, products such as speakers, doorbells, light bulbs, dimmer, lock, thermostat, and much more are getting connected too to create smart homes.
Smart homes are filled with IoT devices and are loaded with possibilities to make our lives easier, convenient, and much more comfortable. IoT is a key component of home automation and smart homes.
Today we’re reviewing the collect IoT devices that make your home smarter.
Here the 10 Most Popular IoT Devices That Makes Your Home Smarter
The best basic Alexa speaker: Amazon Echo (4th Generation)
Amazon Echo is a smart IoT devices voice controller from Amazon, which allows the user to enjoy features like music, information, news, weather, wake you up, getting homework help, add things to to-do lists, and, of course, its compatible smart automated home system
Again, Amazon Echo (4th Generation) is an amazing Amazon IoT device that easily, quickly, and … helps you achieve control over your home. It is Alexa compatible devices, Amazon’s handy voice assistant. Alexa works with several smart home devices directly. You can use Alexa to control most of the gadgets in your home with the sound of your voice.
The Amazon Echo Plus voice controller offers the impressive sound quality, little more power than the full-size Echo, and other speaker and with a catching design; but for £79.99, it is still the best basic gateway to Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Eye-ca tching spherical design
- New controls are easier to reach
- Alexa Guard protection
- Come with great audio quality for its size
- 3.5mm output
Cons:
- Only a cosmetic change from the previous model
- Somewhat bigger than its predecessor
- Weak bass compare to Google’s Nest
Read our full review of The Best Amazon Echo Devices with Alexa!
Best camera doorbell: All-new Ring Video Doorbell
All-new Ring Video Doorbell is an effective IoT devices. The Ring Video Doorbell allows you to answer your door from anywhere or a remote location. It has a DIY installation and comes with self-monitoring through a mobile app. The Doorbell integrates with a bunch of different smart home devices, including Amazon Alexa, smart locks, smart lights, and, much more.
The Ring Video Doorbell rings in at £89.00, which makes it the most affordable Ring doorbell on Amazon. Even at such a low price, it is chock-full of practical features including two-way communication, night vision, 1080p resolution, a 155-degree field of view, and also captures motion changes on your doorstep.
The Ring Video Doorbell is one of our best IoT security smart home devices for less—plus it just makes your life a little easier.
Pros:
- Improved motion sensors
- Works both wired and on battery power
- 1080p video—good quality video
- Easier WiFi setup—once you have Chime Pro connected
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Doesn’t show the base of the door
- The new removable battery is inscrutable and difficult to remove
Read our full Ring Video Doorbell 2 Review!
The best smart light bulbs: Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance
Arguably no company comes to mind for us on pushing forward the world of smart home tech than Philips. Its latest bulb, the Philips Hue Bluetooth White and Color Ambience comes in different sizes and shapes for just about any smart home lighting need.
It is hub-free and can be controlled with your phone and voice and It’s also Google and Alexa compatible devices. However, you can pair it with a Hue Bridge if you want to control it from a remote location and make it work with other smart devices.
Compare to other smart bulbs on the market—it’s one of the best and most complete smart lighting systems in terms of their robustness and completeness. With Philips Lighting White Starter Kit E27 the possibilities are endless.
Pros:
- Easy to set up
- Works without a hub.
- Streamlined app experience
- Supports Alexa and Google voice commands.
- Decent automation options
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Reliance on the phone can be annoying without switched
Read our full smart light bulbs review!
The best affordable Wi-Fi dimmer: TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch Dimmer HS220
I’ll cut to the chase: TP-Link’s Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch Dimmer (model HS220) is the best smart light dimmer. It does not only cost less but has more features. It’s extremely easy to set up, integrate, and use. The app is one of the friendliest, and when connecting to your router it stays connected.
The switch itself is well designed and it can control just one circuit from one location. Meaning there is no wondering what the buttons do. It is also a good option if you do not want to add an additional hub to your system. Although you can adjust dimming by going into the app or by calling Google Assistant or Alexa (“Alexa, dim the mudroom to 50%”).
Overall, TP-Link’s Light Switch is a top-notch Wi-Fi dimmer that works as well as it looks. It is also a reliable, affordable dimmer switch that uses Wi-Fi, so it does not need a hub—provided you do not care about Apple Home Kit, it is the best Wi-Fi dimmer currently.
Pros:
- Works on Wi-Fi, no additional hub required
- The switch design is sophisticated and stylish
- Vacation Mode to randomize lights
- Kasa app is easy, streamlined, and intuitive
Cons:
- Can only support up to 300 watts of power
- Requires a neutral wire
Note: If you do not have a neutral wire, consider our best wireless in-wall dimmer upgrade pick, the Lutron Caséta Wireless In-Wall Smart Dimmer.
The best smart lock for the google home: Yale Assure Lock SL, Wi-Fi Smart Lock
Yale Assure SL Connected is an excellent IoT Device and allows the user to check that the doors are locked even when you are ur your covers and ready for sleep and do not want to get up. The lock performs well in-Home Kit integration, direct interaction with the lock, and app management.
If you always forgetting your keys, Yale Assure Lock SL is a reliable key-free smart lock, especially if you use Alexa, Google Assistant devices, Apple smart home devices, or Smartwatch. It is reliable with solid battery life and a 9V battery backup system that completely removes the need for keys. If you don’t forget the code, you’ll never get locked out, which is why this is one of the best smart locks you can get that does not require a key.
Solid construction, dependable hardware, and low-profile design make this Yale Assure SL the best choice for smart IoT home security.
Pros:
- Offers wide compatibility with other smart-home devices and security systems
- Slim, key-free touchscreen
- Small, attractive, and simple design
- Out of the box Integrations
Cons:
- Doesn’t really have a strong stand-alone app
- Expensive
Read our full review of The Best Smart Lock!
The best affordable smart thermostat: Google Nest Learning Thermostat
Google Nest Learning Thermostat (third-generation) is probably one of the most useful pieces of a smart home device you can buy right now. The Nest learns your schedule and adjusts automatically based on your routine, so you do not have to program it yourself.
It installs easily (as long as your system is compatible), it’s compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Echo voice controls. It also comes with a built-in motion sensor which can detect if anyone is home or not. This feature helps to minimize energy consumption by never heating an empty home.
Everything you need to know before you buy (Check this page for system compatibility with the Nest Learning Thermostat, this page for help with wiring and what systems are best suited for Nest thermostats on this page)
Pros:
- Energy-saving system
- Beautiful design
- Powerful integrations
- Good sensing abilities
- Adjust base on who is home
- Incorporates weather data
Cons:
- Small problems with sensors
- Doesn’t support home Kit
- Expensive
- C-wire maybe needed
Read our full NETATMO Thermostat review!
The best indoor security camera with 2-way audio: Eufy 2K Indoor Cam
The Eufy 2K Indoor Cam is an inexpensive camera that offers loads of premium features. The best part about the Eufy Security Indoor Cam is its stellar 2K-resolution video day and night, which turns out to be a resolution of 2304 x 1296 pixels and with a 125-degree field of view.
It stores footage locally on a MicroSD or NAS as well as cloud storage via paid subscriptions to Eufy Cloud Service or Apple HomeKit Secure Video. However, a lack of a required subscription makes it the best value. Plus, it’s compatible with Amazon Alexa, HomeKit, and Google Assistant.
The Eufy 2K Indoor Cam is the best indoor security camera for daily use for those who want to install and monitor their security cameras themselves and are looking for easy-to-use equipment that costs less than many other cams with similar features.
Pros:
- Eufy app is easy to navigate and offers a ton of functionality.
- Excellent 2K video footage
- Affordably priced
- Local storage option
- Simple setup
- Can detect motion, people, pets, and even crying
Cons:
- Boring design
- SD card not included
Read our full Google Nest Camera Indoor review and Blink review!
The best budget-friendly smart sprinkler controller: Orbit B-hyve Smart Indoor Irrigation Controller
If you want a small, effective, and inexpensive Sprinkler system to complement your smart home, then the Orbit B-hyve Smart Indoor Irrigation Controller is your best bet. It is simple to set up and works exactly as it should, including a nice app, slim design, and smart scheduling (to create a smart watering schedule for you).
The IoT devices works on a Wi-Fi connection and Bluetooth as well and works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant to control your sprinklers with voice. It is also a “WaterSense-certified device, you may also, qualify for an EPA rebate”
Once the sprinkler is set up you can see each of your 8-Zone and you can adjust any of the settings on the fly to make sure you get the best watering experience. Overall, it’s simple to set up and works exactly as it should for less
Pros:
- Easy setup and great app
- Small, attractive design
- Smart watering-lots of scheduling options
- Excellent price point
- Water Sense Certified
- Dual-band Wi-Fi support
- Can be mounted outdoors without an accessory
Cons:
- Does not track the actual water used in the app
- Difficult if you have multiple kinds of plants in one zone
Best indoor air quality monitor UK: Temtop M10 Air Quality Monitor
The Temtop M10 is a simple and solid device that helps measure particulate and gaseous pollutants to gives accurate results. With no Wi-Fi or App, you can place the monitor anywhere without it getting in the way, and lets you monitor your air quality readings.
It’s just a different approach to air quality monitoring. While it does not connect to smart devices, it still works perfectly for anyone who does not need this function. whereas the rechargeable battery allows you to charge and use it when you need it. And the monitor costs less too.
Pros:
- Easy to set up
- The app offers plenty of data
- TFT color LCD screen
- The battery provides up to 6 hours of runtime
- Sound alert
- Requires no calibration
Cons:
- App only works well with one phone at a time
- Some complaints about its battery
Read our full AirMega Air Purifier review!
Best smart garage door opener: Chamberlain MyQ Smart Garage Hub
The Chamberlain MyQ Smart Garage Hub supports several garage openers from a multitude of brands. For starters, It’s an inexpensive way to control your garage door from your smartphone. The MyQ is pretty easy to set up — just attach a few wires to your garage door opener, download an app to your smartphone, and you’re ready to go.
It is compatible with most garage openers; however, you’ll need to check MyQ fine print to determine whether your opener is compatible. It also works with several smart platforms including Google Assistant, and IFTTT, but there is currently no support for Alexa.
The outstanding qualities and low price make the monitor a top selection within the smart garage door opener. If your system is compatible, MyQ Garage should be the first on your top list
Pros:
- Attractive price
- Easy installation and operation
- Simple app interface
- Works with Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit-to use Home Kit you must buy a bridge device
Cons:
- Does not support Alexa
Read our full Garageio Homekit Smart Garage Door Opener Controller review!
Interested in discovering other smart devices? Check out The Best Outdoor Smart Home Devices for Making the Most of Your Backyard and Garden, Best Smart Light Bulbs Review, Best Smart Door Lock Reviews.
