Voice assistants add considerable convenience to our daily lives, and none have paved the way quite like Amazon’s Alexa. The ever-increasing selection of excellent, easy-to-use smart home devices includes tens of thousands of smart home appliances, from security cameras to smart thermostats, robotic vacuums, and beyond.
While each of these categories has plenty of excellent options, some are head and shoulders above the rest. If you want to put together a competent and powerful smart home quickly, these premium products cover all the bases and then some. They’re all easy to install and configure, and each offers extensive customization and Alexa voice control options.
If you have multiple lamps or simple electronics near each other and want to make them all relatively smart, there’s no better option than the Kasa HS300 smart strip. Each of its six AC outlets offers individual control, and the entire thing boasts a cumulative 1,710 joules of surge protection. In addition to working with Alexa and Google Assistant, this also works with IFTTT applets, so you can configure your own contingency routines and further customize your smart home. In addition to voice and app control, each AC outlet sports a physical on/off switch. The only real drawback is that the USB ports don’t offer smart integration of any kind.
- Integrations: Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings
- Current Rating: 15A
- Hub Required: No
- Built-in surge protection: 1,710 joules
- Plenty of AC and USB outlets
- Supports IFTTT programming
- Dependable surge protection
When it comes to Alexa-controlled smart thermostats, they don’t get much better than the Ecobee Premium. It’s not just compatible with Alexa; it has a built-in microphone that ensures you’ll always have a direct line to the voice assistant whenever you’re in range of the thermostat. Its room sensors and radar motion detectors are among the most consistent in the smart thermostat category, and the metal body and glass touchscreen make it look great in nearly any home. If we had to pick out something negative, it would be that the app and device don’t respond 100% instantly when you issue a command, but even that’s a minor issue.
- Integrations: Alexa, Google, HomeKit, SmartThings
- Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi
- C-Wire or adapter required: Yes
- Integrated Alexa access
- Extensive programming and control options
- Top-of-the-line room sensors
Whether you’re home or away, the Eufy SoloCam P24 gives you better than a high-definition look at your stuff, pets, and even children at the touch of a button. It doesn’t have the widest native field of view, but extensive pan and tilt make up for it. In fact, motorized pan and tilt plus a 1440P resolution are relative rarities in this price range. Its motion detection implementation is good enough to tell the difference between pets and people, and it can even detect when a baby’s crying and send a tailored alert. To top it off, reliable two-way audio makes it easy to communicate with who or whatever is in the room with it.
- Resolution: 1440p
- Connectivity: 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
- App Compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit
- Night Vision: Yes, infrared
- Power Source: Wired
- Hub Required: No
- Above-average resolution
- Wide FOV due to pan and tilt
- Supports local and cloud storage
- Accepts microSD cards up to 128
With an IP67 rating against dust and water damage, the Eufy SoloCam L40 is the perfect midrange outdoor security camera. Its 1440p resolution is a step above most of its direct competitors, and it picks up clear, color images night and day using an infrared sensor and 600-lumen spotlight. Efficient operation and a decent-size battery mean you only have to charge it once every four months. Although it’s limited to 8 GB of internal storage, that’s enough for roughly two months of video storage, thanks to a highly effective compression algorithm. In addition, its convenient app control, responsive Alexa integration, and powerful detection zone settings make the Eufy SoloCam L40 one of the most useful and affordable outdoor cameras.
- Resolution: 1440p
- Connectivity: 2.4GHz Wi-Fi
- Night Vision: Color, infrared
- Power Source: Battery
- Hub Required: No
- Field of view: 130 degrees
- Integrated 600-lumen spotlight
- Reliable detection zone customization
- Great resolution for the price
- Storage can’t be upgraded
Eufy Security SoloCam L40 Wireless 2K Spotlight Camera
They don’t get any simpler than the Amazon Smart Plug. Pop it into a wall outlet, connect to it using the Alexa app, and you’re ready to turn a traditional “dumb” electronic device into a modern smart home appliance. There are some limitations, of course, such as its inability to press your coffee maker’s brew button on its own, but there’s a wide range of lamps, fans, and other appliances that it works great with. The only reason to consider a different smart plug is if you’re dead-set on using IFTTT programming, as Amazon’s doesn’t support it.
- Integrations: Alexa
- Hub Reqired: No
- Dedicated app required: No
- Built-in surge protection: None
- As straightforward as smart products get
- Not compatible with IFTTT
Amazon Certified for Humans
There are plenty of smart lights out there, but none offer the convenience and customization of the Philips Hue ecosystem. It offers scene control that can change individual rooms or your entire home to predetermined lighting setups at the touch of a button, and its proprietary wireless connectivity ensures it reacts quickly and never experiences dropouts. The highlighted kit comes with three LED bulbs equivalent in brightness to 75-watt incandescent bulbs, in addition to the required Hue hub and a Hue Smart Button that can turn on, turn off, and dim assigned lights. The only reason to hesitate is the high cost of Hue bulbs, but if you want the best smart bulbs, you can’t dismiss Philips.
- Integrations: Google Assistant, Alexa, Apple HomeKit
- Hub Required: Yes, Included
- Environment: Indoor/Outdoor
- Wattage: 75W
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
- Versatile scene control
- Impressive levels of customization
- Wide variety of bulb options
If you own a fancy 4K TV and want to make it really shine when enjoying your favorite movies, TV shows, and music, you can’t go wrong with the Govee DreamView T1 Pro backlight kit. It consists of a light strip, two light bars, and a 1080p camera that detects activity on your TV and actively adjusts the lighting colors and brightness to accent the content you’re watching. This complete package is perfect for anyone looking to add a major “wow” factor to an otherwise bland living room. To top it off, this brilliant and colorful lighting kit isn’t even as expensive as you might think.
- Music Reactive: Yes
- Color Range: Over 16 million
- Number of Panels: One light strip, two light bars
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi
- Contains all the hardware needed
- Delivers pro-level active lighting
- Great for movies and music
- Requires you to set up a TV-facing camera
Govee DreamView T1 Pro Bundle
The original Ring was the first mainstream consumer video doorbell, so it makes sense that the fourth-generation model boasts refined performance and a wide feature set. One such interesting feature is called preroll recording, which continuously captures the last few seconds of color video so when something does trip the camera’s motion detector, you can store and watch the short period leading up to that event.
It’s also especially versatile thanks to a dual-band Wi-Fi radio that ensures a stable connection, plus the ability to run on a battery or your existing doorbell wiring. Its 1080p sensor captures crisp video, but it’s also one of the doorbell’s weaknesses. Since it’s in a traditional 16:9 aspect ratio with a relatively narrow vertical field of view, you can’t position it to pick up both the faces of visitors and packages delivered when you’re not at home.
- Video Resolution: 1080p
- Field of View: 160 degrees horizontal, 84 degrees vertical
- Power Source: Wired or battery
- Brand: Ring
- Hub Required: No
- Integrations: Alexa
- Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi
- Voice Compatibility: Alexa
- App Compatibility: Ring, Alexa
- Operating limits: -5°F to 120°F
- Measurements: 5.1 in. x 2.4 in x 1.1 in (128mm x 62mm x 28mm)
- Always-on “preroll” color recording
- Convenient quick reply visitor messages
- Adjustable motion detection zones
- Subpar vertical field of view
- Subscription required for full functionality
There’s a decent variety of smart garage door openers with varying feature sets and smart ecosystem support. The Meross MSG200, though, is the best for use with Alexa because Meross’ garage door openers are routinely the most straightforward. This is one of the few smart garage door openers that lets you tell Alexa, “Open the garage door,” and delivers nearly instant results. Most others require an app or other process to operate. And when you add the in-app activity records and overnight notifications, you end up with the most convenient smart garage door opener available.
- Connectivity: 2.4GHz Wi-Fi
- Number of doors supported: 3
Meross MSG200 Garage Door Opener
This 4-pack of Wyze Bulbs can produce over 16 million colors in your choice of preprogrammed scenes. Engineered to mimic 75-watt incandescent bulbs, they’ll appear much brighter than their 60-watt competitors. Like with most Wyze products, the app is a breeze to navigate. Plus, Wyze Smart Bulbs support IFTT programming for in-depth customization. These are some of the most dependable and longest-lasting color bulbs, but they may have trouble in spaces with congested wireless environments because they’re limited to the 2.4-GHz band.
- Protocol: 2.4GHz Wi-Fi
- Hub Required: No
- Multicolor Capable: Yes
- Voice Compatibility : Alexa, Google Assistant
- Hub-free operation
- Powerful automation and contingency support
- Great value
- No support for dynamic lighting effects
After extensive refinement, the August 4th-Generation smart lock is one of the most functional and aesthetically pleasing. The previous version was a favorite, and the most recent update sees a smaller design with a now-integrated Wi-Fi bridge and increased overall functionality. Its geofencing, guest key, remote access, and door sensors all work simply and consistently, and there are no hidden fees to worry about like expensive hubs or subscription costs. It even works with a wide variety of deadbolts, so there’s a decent chance you won’t have to replace your current lock. All told, it’s nearly impossible to find a downside to the August Smart Lock. The removable batteries don’t last forever, but you can use rechargeable CR123 cells to cut long-term costs and electronics waste.
- Connectivity: 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
- Integrations: Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, SmartThings
- Keypad: No
- Hub Required: No
- Integrated wireless connectivity
- Dependable geofencing feature
- Works with many existing deadbolts
- Looks great on most doors
- Battery life could be longer
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If you’re disappointed with the sound and responsiveness of Amazon’s own branded Alexa speakers, consider the popular Sonos One Gen 2 instead. Its dependable wireless connectivity makes it great for adding to an existing Sonos soundbar setup, plus it works especially well when paired with a second unit to overcome its mono sound limitation. In addition, the far-field microphone array inside consistently picks up Alexa commands even from across large rooms, and the room correction feature automatically adjusts the sound quality to match your space’s acoustics.
- Dimensions: 6.36″ x 4.69″ x 4.69″
- Integrations: Built-in Alexa
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Ethernet
- Colors: Black or White
- Great Alexa performance
- Good full-spectrum audio
- Can connect with Sonos soundbars
The frustrating part of most robot vacuums is that you still have to get your hands dirty when emptying them frequently. The Roomba i3+ Evo eliminates that worry thanks to a high-capacity base station that you shouldn’t have to empty for months. While it’s not cheap, it’s one of the most affordable models to offer a self-emptying function. Aside from that, it’s excellent at navigating obstacles, can clean the entire floor or specific areas with a simple command, and is easy to schedule. You can also implement IFTTT contingencies, for example, programming it to start cleaning the moment your smart home detects you leaving the house. It even boasts a Dirt Detect mode that picks up on especially filthy areas and sends the vacuum into overdrive to ensure thorough cleaning.
- Impressive room mapping
- Empties itself into a high-capacity base
- Automatically focuses on the dirtiest areas
- No mopping ability
- Gets loud sometimes
A quick web search can deliver instant weather reports and forecasts — for the nearest commercial weather station, which could be miles away from your house. That may be technically local, but it’s not always so helpful. Instead, the Netatmo Weather Station’s base station and sensor sit inside and outside your home, collecting temperature, humidity, air quality data, and other information to provide the most accurate and up-to-date weather reports possible. You can receive real-time notifications of air quality issues or weather events, and, in many cases, the Netatmo is more reliable than the meteorologist on local TV. There is one issue to be aware of, though. Set-up can be a little fickle, as the process isn’t perfectly documented, and you have to wade through multiple steps for each unit.
If you want complete Alexa functionality built around your TV, it’s hard to beat the Bose Smart Soundbar 600. Its center and stereo channels make standard movie audio and dialogue sound amazing, while a pair of up-firing drivers help it take advantage of true Dolby Atmos processing for a surprisingly lifelike sound in supported media.
Inside, it contains complete Alexa functionality, turning your entertainment center into a gigantic smart speaker, and making it easy to stream music and video directly from the web. Although it is somewhat expensive, the Smart Soundbar 600 offers the premium sound quality you’d expect from home audio giant Bose.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
- Speaker Arrangement: Two stereo, two up-firing, one center channel
- Dimensions: 27.5 x 4 x 2 inches
- Five separate drivers
- Full-featured Alexa built-in
- Supports external subwoofers
Cameras and doorbells
You might notice that we’ve selected a pair of Eufy security cameras, the SoloCam L40 outdoor and P24 indoor models, over any of the other high-end brands. Although it wasn’t always the case, Eufy smart home electronics now offer some of the best value you can find. We previously recommended the SoloCam L20 for outdoor use; however, the L40 is a slightly better value because the image quality is considerably better, and the price is only marginally higher.
The Ring Video Doorbell 4 is another excellent security-focused device worth considering, and it’s as easy to use and dependable as any of Ring’s other offerings.
Audio and bright lights
In terms of smart home audio, we especially like a couple of novel products. The Sonos One is a higher-quality replacement for the average Amazon-branded smart speaker. And the Bose Smart Soundbar 500 is a premium add-on to turn any smart TV into its own smart display.
We highly recommend Philips Hue as one of the top smart lighting products if you can afford the investment, as it’s widely praised as the most versatile smart bulb system. However, if you don’t want to spend nearly that much, the Wyze Bulb 4-pack is an affordable yet worthwhile choice. Make sure to get the Wi-Fi version, though, as Bluetooth smart bulbs tend to suffer from connectivity issues.
Lock it up and plug it up
If you’re just starting to assemble your favorite smart home products, a smart lock should be one of your first purchases. The 4th-generation August smart lock is far and away the best-looking, and you can barely tell that it’s an advanced piece of electronics if you’re not already aware. It offers just about the widest feature set and responds quickly and consistently to Alexa commands.
Another vital category for new smart home installations is smart plugs. The straightforward Amazon Smart Plug is the simplest and most affordable option and requires nothing more than plugging in and pairing with your Echo to get working. To enhance multiple dumb electronics, though, the Kasa HS300 smart strip is an easy choice. Each of its six AC outlets supports IFTTT programming and voice control, and they’re all wired to 1,710 joules of surge protection.
Other must-haves
One vital area you can save money and resources is with a smart thermostat. The Ecobee Premium is far and away the most advanced currently available, which is why it’s our current premium pick.
Finally, we included some new, nice-to-have electronics that can make life much easier and more pleasant. For example, the iRobot Roomba i3+ Evo is one of the best midrange robotic vacuums, with advanced mapping and a high-capacity base station. Then there’s the Netatmo Weather Station, which displays real-time environmental data inside and outside your home, including temperature, air quality, and humidity.
