5 AWESOME Smart Home Gadgets I Can’t Live Without
As a tech enthusiast, my home is filled with smart gadgets that impress with their cool features and enhance my daily life in practical ways.
Many people don’t realise the amount of cool things you can do with the help of smart home gadgets. Whether it’s something basic like listening to music or asking questions, to things like answering the door when you’re away. The possibilities are endless!
I could have picked many smart home gadgets for this article, instead, I decided to choose six gadgets that improve my everyday life.
So without any further ado, here are 6 awesome smart home gadgets I can’t live without…
1. Ring Doorbell
At the top of my list is my Ring doorbell. Not only is having a Ring doorbell good for security due to the camera, but it also allows me to interact with visitors remotely using the microphone and speaker.
Whether it’s telling a courier on where to leave a package or simply checking who’s at the door, the Ring Doorbell has been a game-changer.
I’ve been using the 2nd generation Ring Doorbell which has a built-in battery that comfortably lasts a couple of months.
I’ve mounted the bracket to my door frame with the help of Gorilla Double Sided Mounting Tape, which works incredibly well. It’s been up for a few years, and it hasn’t fallen off.
2. Amazon Echo
Next on the list are my Amazon Echo smart speakers which I have placed throughout my home.
They enable me to set up routines, control other smart devices, and even make announcements to the household. Alexa’s integration with various smart home devices allows me to manage everything from lights to plugs effortlessly.
I can also use them to play music individually or throughout my home, which is great for when tidying up.
During the mornings, I like to use Alexa to get a Flash briefing to check the latest news and my calendar, which helps me start the day informed and organised.
3. Apple HomePod Mini
I only have one HomePod Mini in my house, and it’s the one I keep on my desk.
Its primary role in my smart home is to act as a hub for my Apple Home setup, which connects other smart home devices to Apple Home and enables me to set up some clever automations.
I’ve used many smart home apps over the years, but I find that the Apple Home app offers the best user interface in my opinion.
The HomePod Mini never fails to surprise me!
It has great sound quality for music and some cool features I didn’t even know existed. For example, a few weeks ago it notified me that an alarm was activated in my house when I was away. The alarm it heard was a fire alarm. Luckily, it was just burnt toast that caused it, but I think the feature is really useful.
4. Philips Hue
Philips Hue lights are a must-have for any smart home setup. These lights come packed with various lighting scenes which you can download from the Hue scene gallery.
They will set the colour and brightness of compatible lights to match the scene. From cosy scenes for the evening to scenes ideal for the sunrise, there are many great options to choose from.
The Philips Hue app also allows you to set automations to help you wake up and go to sleep. You can also set custom automations as well as an away mode which will randomise times when the lights go on and off to make it seem like you’re at home. Perfect for going away in the summer.
The only downside of Philips Hue is that you need a hub.
5. TP-Link Smart Plugs
I have a combination of TP-Link Tapo and TP-Link Kasa smart plugs around the house, including the TP-Link Kasa extension lead.
These plugs allow me to automate everyday tasks like turning devices on or brewing coffee. For example, I created an automation that when I disable my alarm in the morning, the kettle will boil by the time I go downstairs, allowing me to make a coffee. The only trouble with this routine is that I have to remember to fill the kettle with water before going to bed. To help with this, I’ve set a reminder on Alexa and my phone to help me remember.
Like with Philips Hue, you can set an away scene with your smart plugs. This allows devices like your TV and smaller lamps to automatically turn on when you’re away, creating the impression that you’re at home.
The possibilities with smart plugs are endless, you can use them for all sorts of things, from turning lights on to boiling the kettle or automating the fans in your house when it gets too warm.
Bonus Gadget: NFC Tags
I couldn’t write this article without mentioning NFC Tags. Not only are they incredibly cheap, but you can automate your smart home.
One way I use NFC tags is to activate my away routine. When I scan the NFC tag near my front door with my phone, it triggers a scene that turns off all non-essential lights and smart devices. I have a similar setup with an NFC tag on my bedside table.
I have another NFC tag near my desk that announces to the entire household via Alexa that I’m in a meeting and changes the light outside my office to red. I discovered this automation thanks to Smart Home Solver.
Final Thoughts
To summarise this article, you can do some incredibly cool things with the help of smart home devices. I use the devices mentioned in this article on a daily basis and I would honestly feel lost without them, especially the Ring Doorbell.
Whether you’re new to smart home technology or looking to expand your setup, integrating a smart speaker is a great starting point. Starting with an Amazon Echo Dot, I gradually expanded my smart home ecosystem and I’m still expanding!
What are your favourite smart home gadgets? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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