August 12th, 2019 | Updated on March 13th, 2020
What used to seem like a far-off high-tech future of creating “smart homes” is no longer a distant goal; in fact, it is something that just about everyone can achieve to some degree.
Smart homes are on the rise, and with that, people are starting to learn about all the incredible devices they can incorporate into their daily lives.
These devices can help with organizing and planning, the functionality of the home, and even keeping your home safe and secure.
If you’re on a quest to create a smart home yourself and are feeling a little overwhelmed at the options available, here are some great devices and items to start with.
1. The Smart Home Security System
One of the best ways to keep your home safe and secure is to install a home security system, and this is the perfect opportunity to choose a smart option.
These smart home security systems provide you with additional functionality that can be used remotely, meaning you can control your home alarm system from any location in the world and have that peace of mind.
As for choosing the best home security system, that’s when this in-depth comparison on Porch comes in very handy.
It takes a look at some of the biggest and most popular home alarm systems out there, including a few that are considered smart home monitoring.
Take, for example, Nest Secure which has the best Google integration, or even Scout Alarm which is ideal for those who consider themselves techies.
These smart security systems are on par with the others in terms of up-front costs, and because they are DIY systems, you don’t need a professional to come out and install them.
As for the monthly monitoring fee, Scout Alarm is among the cheapest systems out there at approximately $9.99 per month.
2. Smart Home Assistant
As for the most popular smart home device, the home assistants are probably top of the list.
With Amazon, Google, and Apple all selling their own versions of these devices, consumers have a wide range to choose from in different sizes, price points, and features.
These devices can help you with planning your day, you can set calendars and reminders, create lists, they can stream music, tell you the weather – the list goes on and on.
You can even take it a step further and connect the home assistant to other compatible smart devices in the home so that you can control them by voice command.
In terms of the most popular device, the Google Home Assistant and Amazon Alexa units are definitely in fierce competition.
Both offer mini versions of the main hub as well which come in at a very reasonable price tag. They can act as that starting off point for you.
3. Smart Plugs
Looking for a way to make “dumb” devices smart? That’s where smart plugs have burst onto the scene and created a real wave. These are plugs that you can put in an existing plug in your home.
Whatever device you plug into that smart plug can then become connected to your smart home and in fact, become smart itself.
It will then work with those home assistants mentioned above. Some of the items people are plugging into the smart plugs are lamps, televisions, and coffee makers.
4. Smart Thermostat
Here’s another device that can really change the functionality of your home, and even help with savings on your home heating and cooling costs. Smart thermostats work with a companion app that you can install on your smart device.
Once installed, the app will allow you to adjust the temperature, set the temperature, set timers, etc. all remotely.
This is ideal when you are away on holidays, or at work during the day and the weather changes, or even if you simply forgot to adjust the temperature before you left the house.
5. Smart Light Bulbs
Wouldn’t it be great to be able to control your lights even if you aren’t home so that you can come home to a brightly lit porch or front entry? That’s exactly what smart light bulbs allow.
These handy fixtures are becoming more and more popular, and with that, the pricing is also becoming more competitive.
6. The Road To A Smart Home
Each of these devices provides you with a way to create a smart home that is more functional and efficient than ever before. And as these devices continue to evolve, look for more options and even more competitive pricing in the near future.
