The Best Smart Home Gadgets for 2024: Enhance Your Space
Nearly every home appliance available now comes in a smart form. These devices typically have an internet connection, allowing you to operate them from your phone via an accompanying app. The majority also support a variety of voice control systems. The top smart devices we’ve evaluated for each room of the house are listed below. We’ve divided a lot of products by area to help keep things organized, but you can still use the majority of these devices almost anywhere. We’re always testing new goods and adding them to this guide, so be sure to check back soon.
Top 7 Smart Home Devices for 2024
1. Amazon Echo (4th Gen)
Amazon Echo (4th Gen)
A smart speaker is key to any smart home setup, and the Amazon Echo (4th Gen) is one of the best. It’s affordable, has great sound, and works with Matter. Plus, it includes a built-in Zigbee hub for controlling other smart gadgets. Thanks to the AZ1 neural processor, Alexa responds faster than ever.
Product SKU: Dimensions (W x H x D) 5.7 x 5.2 x 5.7" / 144 x 133 x 144 mm // Weight 2.1 lb / 970 g
Product Brand: Echo & Alexa Store
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 54.99
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.7
A smart speaker is key to any smart home setup, and the Amazon Echo (4th Gen) is one of the best. It’s affordable, has great sound, and works with Matter. Plus, it includes a built-in Zigbee hub for controlling other smart gadgets. Thanks to the AZ1 neural processor, Alexa responds faster than ever.
Premium Sound
Enjoy rich, detailed sound that adjusts automatically to any room. You can even listen to lossless HD audio with select streaming services like Amazon Music HD.
Voice-Controlled Music
Use your voice to stream music from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, SiriusXM, and more. If you want HD audio, you’ll need a compatible music service.
Built-in Smart Home Hub
With the built-in hub, you can easily control smart lights, locks, and sensors using your voice. It works with Zigbee and Matter devices, and you can also set up certain Ring Smart Lighting products, like solar lights and bulbs.
Alexa is Always Ready
Ask Alexa to set timers, reminders, and alarms, or answer simple questions like, “What time is it?”
Start Routines with Motion
When you walk into a room, you can have compatible lights turn on, play your Flash Briefing, or even start the coffee maker.
Fill Your Home with Sound
With multi-room music, you can play songs across all your Echo devices in different rooms. You can also pair your Echo with a Fire TV for a home theater experience, or extend your Wi-Fi coverage using a compatible eero network, so you don’t have to deal with buffering.
Hands-Free Communication
Call friends and family who have an Echo or the Alexa app. You can also “drop in” on other rooms in your home or make announcements, like letting everyone know that dinner’s ready.
Privacy Features
Amazon takes your privacy seriously. This device includes multiple layers of privacy protection, like a mic off button. And don’t worry—Amazon doesn’t sell your personal info to third parties.
Buy Amazon Echo (4th Gen) here
2. Philips Hue Color Ambiance
If you’re just getting started with smart lights, Philips Hue is a fantastic option. These bulbs are easy to install, replacing your existing lights with smart ones. You can also choose from other products in the Hue range, including light strips, floor lamps, and outdoor lights. The lights offer a wide range of colors and effects.
This set includes one Hue Bridge and four Hue White and Color Ambiance smart 75W A19 bulbs, which fit most light fixtures. These bulbs are great for both decorative and general lighting in any part of your home.
Unlock the Full Power of Hue with the Bridge
The included Hue Bridge lets you control your lights from anywhere in the world, and gives you a secure, reliable connection that won’t slow down your Wi-Fi. You can also use Matter to connect other smart home devices to your Hue lighting system.
Enjoy Preset Lighting Scenes
Customize your lighting to fit your daily routine. Set a 24-hour natural light scene that mimics the sun, or choose scenes that help you focus, relax, and more.
Voice Control
Easily control your lights with simple voice commands. Just set up Alexa or Google Assistant through the Hue app, and you’re good to go.
Personalize Your Light
Create the perfect atmosphere with dynamic light effects that gradually change brightness and color. You can easily customize everything in the app to fit your mood.
While some bulbs support Bluetooth, you’ll need a Philips Bridge for full features like remote control or integration with HomeKit and Google Assistant.
Buy Philips Hue Color Ambiance here
3. Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen)
For home security, the Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) is a great choice. It records in 1080p, offering clear footage, and includes a privacy shield for when you’re at home. You can not only hear what’s happening but also talk to people through the camera—ideal for greeting guests or communicating with delivery drivers.
See Everything, Day or Night
Keep an eye on your home in 1080p HD video, whether it’s day or night. With Live View and Color Night Vision, you’ll always get a clear view.
Video Previews
With Advanced Pre-Roll, you’ll capture a few extra seconds before any motion is detected, so you’ll have a fuller picture of what happened.
Easy Privacy Control
When you want privacy, simply cover the camera and mic with the manual Privacy Cover. Reactivating is easy—just give it a quick swivel.
Get Alerts that Matter
Receive instant alerts when the camera detects movement. You can set specific zones so you only get notified about the areas that are important to you.
Flexible Mounting Options
Place it on a table or mount it high up using the flexible swivel mount. Since the Indoor Cam plugs in, it’s easy to move around as needed.
Match Your Style
Choose from a variety of colors to blend the camera with your home decor.
Extra Protection
With a Ring Protect Plan (sold separately), you can record all your videos, review them for up to 180 days, and store photos for up to 7 days. Sharing videos is simple, too.
Works with Alexa
Pair with Alexa to hear custom notifications from Echo Dot, view live video on Echo Show, and enjoy hands-free control with other Alexa-enabled devices.
Buy Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) here
4. Eve Energy Smart Plug
The Eve Energy Smart Plug lets you control any plugged-in device and monitor energy use. This feature helps track energy consumption and predict appliance running costs. It uses Bluetooth, but with a HomePod Mini or Apple TV, it also supports Thread for more reliable connections. It’s also Matter-compatible, making it work with different smart home platforms.
5. Arlo Video Doorbell
The Arlo Video Doorbell is one of the top-rated doorbells on the market. Its sleek design comes at a lower price than many competitors, but it still provides great features. It offers a 180-degree view, so you can see packages and people clearly. While the basic features work well for most, subscribing to Arlo Secure unlocks advanced options like visitor message recording.
Key Features
- Simple to use with advanced security.
- Built with Matter technology and UL-certified for quality.
- Quick and easy setup with just a few steps through your app or voice assistant.
- Works with your platform’s hub—iPhone, Android, Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant.
- No cloud, no registration, no tracking—everything is local and secure.
What’s Included:
- 2 Eve Energy Smart Plugs
- Quick Start Guide
Technical Specs:
- Other Features: HomeKit Compatible, Wireless
- Internet Access: Required
- Power Source: AC
System Requirements:
- Operating System: iOS/iPadOS 16.4 or later
- Other Requirements: Matter controller, Thread Border Router (find compatible devices at evehome.com/hub)
Buy Arlo Video Doorbell here
6. Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium not only controls the temperature but also monitors indoor air quality. It’s stylish, with a zinc casing and large touchscreen, and can show a weekly weather forecast. The Ecobee works with remote sensors, adjusting the temperature in different rooms. It also supports Alexa and Siri through HomePod integration.
Save on Energy Costs
With the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium, you can save up to 26% each year on heating and cooling costs. It’s ENERGY STAR certified and comes with a SmartSensor (a $50 value) that adjusts the temperature in the rooms where you need it most, helping reduce hot or cold spots.
Built-in Air Quality Monitor
This thermostat also monitors your air quality, sending alerts if the air isn’t clean and offering tips to improve it. It will even remind you when it’s time to change your furnace filter.
Sleek Design and Advanced Features
Made with high-quality materials, the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium has a large, bright display and a modern design. It also includes advanced occupancy sensing to make sure your home is always comfortable.
Home Monitoring Hub
The ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium doubles as a home monitoring system. It detects smoke alarms, alerts you to potential break-ins, and even warns you if temperatures suddenly drop and could cause damage. Note: an ecobee Smart Security plan is required for these features.
Smart Speaker Built-In
The thermostat has a built-in smart speaker with Siri or Alexa. You can control your home with voice commands and even listen to your favorite Spotify playlists or podcasts. If you want Siri integration, you’ll need an Apple Home Hub.
Wide Compatibility
This thermostat works with most 24VAC systems like furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, boilers, and fan coil units. It also comes with a Power Extender Kit for homes without a C-wire, making installation easier.
Automatic Energy Savings
If a door or window is left open for more than 5 minutes, the thermostat will alert you and pause your heating or cooling to save energy. For this feature, you’ll need a SmartSensor for doors and windows and an ecobee Smart Security subscription.
Buy Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium here
7. August Smart Lock Pro
The August Smart Lock Pro is an easy-to-install smart lock that connects to your existing deadbolt, so you can still use your regular keys. It’s secure and responsive, and it works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit, making it one of the best smart locks available.
You can control and monitor your door from anywhere.
Note: Be sure to measure your door’s backset, cross bore, and thickness to make sure the lock fits properly.
- Control Method: Voice
- Always know who’s coming and going.
- Keep your existing lock and keys.
- Includes Auto-Lock and Auto-Unlock features for added convenience.
Buy August Smart Lock Pro here
Conclusion: A Smarter Home Awaits
Smart home devices offer convenience, safety, and energy savings. From smart lights that adjust to your mood to security cameras that give you peace of mind, these gadgets are designed to make life easier. The seven devices listed here are among the best you can buy in 2024, helping you build a home that works for you, not the other way around.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Smart Home Gadgets
What is the best smart home speaker for 2024?
The Amazon Echo (4th Gen) is the best smart home speaker for 2024. It offers excellent sound quality, built-in Zigbee hub functionality, and compatibility with the new Matter protocol, making it ideal for controlling various smart home devices.
What is the Matter protocol in smart home devices?
Matter is a new smart home protocol that allows devices from different brands to work together seamlessly. It simplifies smart home setup and ensures cross-compatibility among brands like Amazon, Google, Apple, and more.
How does the Amazon Echo (4th Gen) improve over previous models?
The Amazon Echo (4th Gen) features the AZ1 neural processor, making Alexa faster and more responsive. It also includes a built-in Zigbee hub and supports the Matter protocol, allowing easier integration with other smart devices.
What makes Philips Hue lights a top choice for smart lighting?
Philips Hue lights offer a wide range of colors, voice control via Alexa and Google Assistant, and dynamic lighting scenes. They’re easy to install and provide a premium smart lighting experience when paired with the Hue Bridge.
Do I need a Hue Bridge to use Philips Hue lights?
Yes, while some Philips Hue bulbs work with Bluetooth, the Hue Bridge is necessary to unlock the full range of features, including remote access and integration with HomeKit and Google Assistant.
What is the best smart home security camera in 2024?
The Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) is one of the best smart home security cameras. It offers 1080p HD video, two-way audio, and a privacy shield, making it a versatile option for indoor security.
How does the Ring Indoor Cam protect privacy?
The Ring Indoor Cam has a manual Privacy Cover that disables the camera and microphone when not in use. This feature ensures that you have full control over when the camera records.
What are the benefits of using the Eve Energy Smart Plug?
The Eve Energy Smart Plug allows you to control any plugged-in device remotely and monitor energy usage. It also supports the Matter protocol, ensuring compatibility with various smart home platforms.
Which smart doorbell should I buy in 2024?
The Arlo Video Doorbell is a top-rated choice for 2024, offering a 180-degree field of view, 1080p HD video, and advanced features such as visitor message recording through an Arlo Secure subscription.
Can the Ecobee Smart Thermostat save energy?
Yes, the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium can help save up to 26% annually on heating and cooling costs by using smart sensors to adjust the temperature based on room occupancy and other factors.
How does the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium improve air quality?
The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium monitors indoor air quality and sends alerts if air quality drops, offering suggestions on how to improve it. It also reminds users when it’s time to change furnace filters.
What smart lock is recommended for 2024?
The August Smart Lock Pro is a highly recommended smart lock. It installs easily on your existing deadbolt, allowing you to use your old keys while providing smart lock features like remote control and auto-lock.
What are the benefits of using smart home gadgets?
Smart home gadgets provide convenience, enhanced security, and energy savings. They allow users to automate daily tasks, monitor their homes remotely, and control devices via voice assistants or smartphone apps.
What devices are compatible with the Matter protocol?
Devices from brands like Amazon, Google, Apple, and Eve that support Matter will work seamlessly together. For example, the Amazon Echo (4th Gen), Eve Energy Smart Plug, and Philips Hue lights are Matter-compatible.
What are the privacy concerns with smart home gadgets?
Many smart home devices, like the Ring Indoor Cam and Amazon Echo, include privacy features such as physical privacy shields and mic-off buttons. These ensure that users have control over when devices are recording or listening.
How can smart home devices enhance convenience?
Smart home gadgets can automate tasks such as controlling lights, setting thermostats, and locking doors. Devices like smart speakers and plugs make it easy to manage your home with voice commands or smartphone apps.
