Popular Smart Home Devices Worth Investing In

If you’re considering jumping into the world of home automation, the sheer list of things you can do could be overwhelming. Do you really need a Wi-Fi-enabled toothbrush (yes, that exists)? In this article, I’ll try to separate the smart home devices you may need from those items that are better left dumb.

What Smart Devices Upgrade Your Home?

Smart devices that upgrade your home are going to be those that bring you the most utility. So, what’s considered an upgrade might be different for everyone. However, before we go much further, it’s probably a good idea to define smart home. While there is no dictionary definition (I looked), I’ll give it a shot.

A smart home has devices, appliances and systems that, by virtue of their connectedness, become easier to use remotely or automate your life in some way. While not a prerequisite, they often interoperate with the major AI voice assistants – think Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri.

While these are often associated with lighting and entertainment options, there are uses that can make your home more eco-friendly, such as smart sprinkler systems or lights that programmed to turn off when you leave the room or your home.

The Best Smart Home Devices

The best smart home devices are the ones that make your life easier, more enjoyable or sustainable. As you read through this article, you’ll read about different devices and their use cases, including some specific brands. However, I’m avoiding making judgments on which one is best or doing anything in terms of ratings, for several reasons, which I’ll detail in a second.

Before I get there, it’s probably important to explain my perspective in the area of smart home devices and what matters to me. Anything I say positively or negatively is colored by my own experience.

I have a disability that confines me to a power wheelchair and severely limits my motor function as well as manual dexterity. Many of these smart devices that I’ll talk about I use on a daily basis. The 95% of the time that many of them work, it greatly enhances my independence and I think we might as well be living in the year 3000. When they don’t work, it can be frustrating.

I give these brief biographical details both to help you understand where I’m coming from and to note that how you approach your choice of smart home devices is going to depend on what your needs are. If you can just go hit the light switch, just buy one hub and version of the lightbulb. If you’re going to rely on these things, have redundancies as a backup. For instance, I use both Alexa and Google Assistant to cover my bases.

The reason I use both and the reason I’m not going to do rankings is that I view all of these systems as largely similar in functionality. Everything I’ve used would have astounded the past version of me 5 years ago as being capable of great feats of magic. Technology can also be flawed in ways that I will discuss.

The vast majority of the time, I can turn on the lights or open and close my blinds with my voice. However, occasionally, the hubs get sassy and tell you there’s a problem. When this happens, you need to determine if the issue stems from your connection, the hub itself or the end device being controlled. With that in mind, I’ve got some recommendations to make troubleshooting easier down the line.

First, before any of these are connected to a hub system like Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri, they’re typically set up through a phone app, so if it’s controlled fine through the phone, then you can isolate the problem to a connection with your smart hub. If that’s not working, try to troubleshoot through the app. It could also be your Wi-Fi on the fritz.

Most devices have compatibility with multiple or even all of the major hub systems put out by Amazon, Google and Apple, but that’s not always the case. Be sure to check which systems are supported by devices you currently own or that you’re considering. One more word of caution and then I swear we will get to the good stuff.

Each time you set up a new internet-connected device, there’s the potential that a bad actor could exploit a vulnerability in that device to get onto your network and from there jump to more data sensitive devices like your computer or phone. Even if it seems trivial, run the software update on that color-changing bulb to reduce the chances of someone taking advantage of a potential vulnerability in your system.

Some less expensive devices may not have the highest level of software support, so some people choose to put their smart devices on a separate network with a different password from the one used for household computers. You may be able to accomplish this with a dual-band router or even two separate routers.

Finally, any prices referenced in this article are only current as of writing and I’ve tried to give a relative range.

Smart Hubs

While you don’t need one to get started, a smart hub really centralizes all of your smart home functions in one location. They offer voice and single-app control of all of your smart devices. Let’s take a look at the major platforms.

Amazon Echo^®

The Amazon Echo line of devices contains a variety of shapes, sizes and features, depending on your preference. When it comes to any of these hubs, they’re going to come with some combination of speaker and/or video capabilities so you can make calls and stream your media, but what sets these apart from run-of-the-mill speakers is the ability to control your smart home.

The difference in cost, however, does come down to the features of the physical device. You’ll pay more for better speakers, screen and camera for video calls.

Google Nest (Formerly Google Home)

The Google Nest line of products has much of the same functionality as Alexa, but they use Google Assistant. Ultimately, there are certain things all of these do better than the others. In the case of the Google line, the voice recognition is top-notch. On the downside, I’ve never been able to get myself to show up correctly on caller ID.

Apple HomeKit^®

I will say I don’t have a HomePod^®. However, I do have an iPhone^®, and HomeKit^® sets up in a similar way. In the case of HomeKit^®, the setup is probably best of any I’ve worked with. You take a picture of the marked code on the device or type in the short number code and it connects pretty seamlessly.

The downside here is that If you’re not an Apple user, this isn’t the one for you. Also, I find Siri^® doesn’t handle my speech impediment well.

Smart Lighting

This is often one of the first things people think of when it comes to automating their home because you can ask it to set up a lighting scene based on your voice command or your location.

Philips Hue

If you’re looking to take advantage of any lighting trend, the Hue system is a good way to go because the number of options available gives you a lot of flexibility. You can connect to lights via Bluetooth and then connect them with your smart hub for remote control.

The downside is to really take advantage of everything, you’ll need a Bridge which comes with an extra cost as does the media sync box if you want to do the fancy stuff they show in their commercials like matching the scene on your TV. Color bulbs are more expensive than white ones, although that goes for all of these options.

The last thing I’ll say is that because the system is coming from an established company who’s been around a long time, they have the resources to focus on the software and the security of the system.

GE Cync

The biggest thing going for the GE brand is that it’s somewhat less expensive than Hue with like 90% of the functionality. It’s also established such that the software used in the device is likely to be tested for security.

Other Brands

There are so many brands offering smart lights now that they are too numerous to list. I use some of them because with GE and Philips, you’re at least partially paying for branding.

There is nothing inherently wrong with these other bulbs. Just be aware that they may not have the same level of quality control oversight, which may be helped by operating your devices on a separate router. At minimum, make sure you’re always running the software updates by checking monthly for any patches that may be available.

Also, in terms of general features, you’re going to want bulbs that allow you to set the power state for when the electricity comes back on after an outage. I’ve been woken up at 4:00 a.m. with the lights on after the power kicks back on. Then you have to wait for the Wi-Fi to get back on before you can tell your chosen assistant to shut the lights off.

Finally, this goes for all of these smart devices that you turn on or off in an automated way or with your voice, but it’s particularly important for lights because it’s so easy to just hit the switch. You want to make sure that you leave the switch in the on position. Because when you turn them off, it loses connection to the Wi-Fi and you may have to do a full reset.

Smart Home Security System

You can get security and safety systems on your own now that we used to rely on companies with professional installers and full-time monitoring services to handle. This includes things like cameras, alarms and smart locks, but also water sensors and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

You can choose a piecemeal approach where you slowly gather cameras and sensors or you can get a bundle. Companies like SimpliSafe and ADT offer subscription monitoring services and camera companies offer subscriptions should you want to save more than a base amount of video.

One thing to note about using smart home security systems is that you have to be comfortable with a lot more of your life being on the cloud. Don’t just think about the possibility of hacking, but also closely read that privacy and legal policy. Know what you’re getting into.

Home Entertainment

The ability to say “Hey (hub name,) play (program/movie/music) on (service)” can be positively life-changing the first time you do it. There’s no fumbling – in my case sometimes literally – with different remotes and getting it to the right input.

Set Top Boxes/Sticks

The wide price range here has to do with the features you’re getting. There are a couple of big things to look at. First is the form factor. There are streaming sticks and small set-top boxes. Second, you’ll want to take a look at supported resolution. Do you need 4K or is 1080p going to be fine for your TV?

Finally, there’s the question of storage. Every app you install is going to take up some space and you can play games with some of these, which tend to take up storage quickly.

Smart TVs

There’s no doubt that this is the most expensive way to get in the smart entertainment game. However, you can justify by telling yourself that TV had to upgrade anyway. If you get the right Smart TV, it will have an Amazon or Android interface built in so you can use Alexa or Google Assistant.

How To Determine The Best Smart Home Devices

Although we’ve generally avoided making any judgments here and just laid out pros and cons, there are several ways you can go about determining which smart home device might be right for you.

• User reviews: Looking at user reviews might seem obvious, but you should also be selective for your use case. If you’re looking to use this for automation of your lights based on the position of the sun, find out about the experience of others. This is kind of funny, but it makes sense. When I first got my lights, the Echo has a feature where it will turn your lights on and off based on whether you’re in the room by bouncing waves around like sonar. Being in the wheelchair, I wasn’t moving enough with my arms to keep the lights on. That’s a very specific story, but you’ll find all these little things like that by really doing your research.
• Cost: Once you’ve looked at the reviews, you’ll want to determine what you want to do and your budget. You may not be able to do it all at once, but you may add a couple of devices at a time. There are also subscription costs for some services, so that’s worth factoring in.
• Type: For instance, if you have an Amazon device, you’ll want to get other smart technology that’s compatible with that in order to get the most value. The same applies for Google and Apple or anything else you might try.

The Cost Of Adding Smart Home Technology

The cost of adding smart home technology is going to be highly variable depending on what you’re trying to do. There’s not only the cost of the devices to consider, but any subscription services that go along with them, most commonly those for security systems. You also need to consider how comfortable you are with being handy, which may factor into your setup costs. Let’s talk installation.

A lot of lights are basically screw in, then connect to power, then connect via Bluetooth, then put in your Wi-Fi and you’re good to go. On the other hand, I’ve also converted blinds with a motor, and that’s nontrivial. Only two of my three blind motors are working right now. And if you’re getting smart appliances or a garage door opener, you may be getting those installed anyway.

Source: HomeAdvisor (current as of September 15, 2023)

Best Smart Home Systems That Add Value

It’s possible for smart home features to add value to your home. Appraisers can make adjustments to their estimation of the value of your home to the extent that the technology you have in your home is better than comparable homes recently sold in your area.

The important thing to note is that for the smart home devices and systems to add value to your home, they have to be things you would leave in your home after a sale. The following is a nonexhaustive list of items that might be considered home fixtures, and therefore expected to be included along with the home, unless it is agreed upon in your Seller’s Disclosure that certain devices are not included in the sale transfer:

• Smart home security systems
• Smart locks
• Smart garage door openers
• Smart appliances
• Smart thermostats
• Smart sinks
• Sprinkler systems
• Blinds/shades
• Water and gas sensors
• Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Are Smart Home Devices Worth It?

There are a couple of ways to look at this. One would be how much value they can add to your home. That depends on what is left in the home after you leave and the adjustments of the individual appraiser based on your situation. That’s going to be highly variable.

The second consideration, perhaps more important, is the utility you get out of your smart home devices. If it’s important to you to be able to have your home set to 72 degrees every day when you pull into the driveway and 78 degrees when you’re not around, smart thermostats can make that happen. I like features like voice control for my lighting and to use to make calls.

I think whether they are worth it is an individual decision. I’m someone who is all in on this because it increases my independence. If you’re someone who gets frustrated by having to say just the right thing and it occasionally doesn’t work, even when you do, then deciding you’re just going to keep hitting the light switch or using a remote control may be your best bet.

The Bottom Line: Adding Smart Technology Can Make Your Home Worth More

There is not one “best” smart device or system of devices that will work for everybody. I highly recommend looking at what you want to do and the technology you’re already comfortable with before deciding on a hub that will connect all of your future devices, because compatibility is important. You’ll also want to consider whether you need redundancies.

When they work, which is most of the time, you’ll be able to do things that a short time ago we would’ve considered sci-fi. They also break occasionally, so you will need to be comfortable fixing connections. But for the right home buyer (or homeowner), the technology can add value.

Smart home technology can save you time, many of the stresses that come with homeownership, and, after initial costs, money as well. If you think upgrading to a smart home system is something you’re interested in, consider leveraging your home equity. Because it’s secured by your home, a cash-out refinance or home equity loan can allow you to finance these upgrades more affordably. Apply online today.