Tuesday, July 27, 2021

These HomeKit accessories are the best of the best

HomeKit — Apple's home automation platform lets you control compatible cameras, light bulbs, thermostats, and more with a tap of your iPhone or with your voice. Better still, it does so in a way that ensures privacy and security for your network and your home. HomeKit accessories are hitting the market all of the time, so here are our picks for the best HomeKit accessories that you can buy today.

Control center

HomePod mini - Black

Staff Favorite

Apple's HomePod mini acts as the command center for your smart home with HomeKit hub capabilities and voice controls. As a HomeKit hub, the HomePod mini connects directly to accessories over Thread, and it enables out-of-home remote controls and advanced features like automation. Siri integration allows you to shout commands to turn off the lights or cool down the house — all without lifting a finger.

$99 at Apple$100 at Best Buy$99 at Walmart

Switch things up

Lutron P-BDG-PKG1W Caseta Wireless Dimmer Kit with Smart Bridge

The Caséta starter kit includes everything you need to get started with fast and reliable HomeKit lighting. Inside the box is the Caséta hub, an in-wall dimmer switch, and a Pico Remote. The wireless dimmer is incredibly easy to install, and it doesn't require a neutral wire making it compatible with most homes.

$67 at Amazon$100 at Best Buy$100 at Apple

Lights on

Nanoleaf Essentials A19 Bulb

If you just want smart, colorful lighting without having to replace a light switch or needing a hub, then the Nanoleaf Essentials A19 Light Bulb is your best bet. Nanoleaf's bulb supports millions of colors, HomeKit Adaptive Lighting, and the latest and greatest networking technology, Thread — if you have a HomePod mini in your home.

$20 at Apple

Get smart

Wemo Smart Plug - One Pack

Belkin's Wemo WiFi Smart Plug is the quickest way to start your HomeKit journey. This tiny device plugs into any electrical outlet and instantly turns anything attached smart. You can control devices such as coffee makers, lamps, air purifiers, fans, and more with your voice or through a simple tap.

$18 at Amazon$18 at Best Buy$18 at B&H Photo

Total control

Homekit Compatible - meross Outdoor Wi-Fi Outlet

The meross Outdoor Smart Plug gives you total control over your lights, holiday decorations, and other outdoor devices. Featuring three weather-resistant outlets, you can set schedules and control devices independently from anywhere using the app or your voice with Apple HomeKit and Siri.

$30 at Amazon$35 at Walmart

Keep an eye on things

Logitech Circle View Weatherproof Wired Home Security Camera

The Logitech Circle View is one of the most flexible cameras around with its ability to work indoors and out. The Circle View includes staples like 1080p video, two-way audio, notifications, and night vision. Plus, Logitech's camera also supports Apple's HomeKit Secure Video feature, which utilizes iCloud for storage.

$160 at Amazon$160 at Apple$160 at Logitech

Get physical

Eve Button - Apple HomeKit Smart Home Remote

The Eve Button can control a HomeKit scene or turn on a single device with a simple press. Up to four different actions are assignable, such as single press, double press, or a press and hold. A truly wireless design allows for placement in the spots most convenient to you.

$40 at Amazon$50 at Best Buy$50 at Apple

Keep your cool

ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control

The ecobee SmartThermostat one-ups the popular Nest thermostat line by including a handy remote sensor in the box. This sensor enables the thermostat to adjust according to the room you care about the most, not where it resides. The SmartThermostat also has Alexa inside, great for controlling non-HomeKit accessories.

$249 at Amazon$250 at Best Buy$250 at Walmart

Stick-on security

Eve Door & Window - Apple HomeKit Smart Home Wireless Contact Sensor

As the name suggests, this sensor monitors the doors and windows in your home and notifies you when one opens or closes. The Eve Door & Window connects to HomeKit using Bluetooth or Thread, making it quick to pair, and with a peel and stick design, you can secure your home in seconds.

$39 at Amazon$39 at Apple$40 at Walmart

Completely invisible

Level Bolt - The Invisible Smart Lock

Level's lock is an entirely invisible solution that hides everything inside of your door. This design allows you to keep your existing hardware and original keys, making it perfect for renters. The Level Bolt is also effortless to install, and since it uses Bluetooth, you can be up and running in a matter of minutes.

$199 at Amazon

Automate it

Eve Motion - Apple HomeKit Smart Home Motion Sensor

When combined with HomeKit, the Eve Motion Sensor can automate every accessory category, including fans, plugs, and even speakers. This completely wireless sensor sports an IPX3 water resistance rating, so it works indoors and out, creating many automation possibilities.

$46 at Amazon$50 at Best Buy$50 at Walmart

Stay hydrated

Eve Aqua Smart Water Controller - Black

The Eve Aqua attaches to a hose spigot and delivers water anywhere you desire. The Aqua works with sprinklers, drip irrigation systems, and more, as long as it has a hose fitting. A built-in Bluetooth radio allows the Aqua to connect directly to your HomeKit hub or iOS device without a separate app.

$100 at Apple

Essential lighting

Homepod mini compatible - Nanoleaf Essentials Lightstrip

This kit features an 80-inch LED light strip that includes a controller and power supply. Through the Nanoleaf or Home app, or by using your voice, customize the lights to match your mood, or take advantage of the adaptive lighting feature. With the Nanoleaf Schedules option, wake up natural to sunrise colors. Pair with a HomePod mini with Thread connectivity for faster response times and greater range than Bluetooth alone.

$50 at Apple$50 at Nanoleaf

Nice breeze

Hunter Symphony Indoor Wi-Fi Ceiling Fan - 54-inch

Available in three finishes, this stunning 54-inch, three-blade fan with Whisper Wind motor technology is quiet even at the highest speeds. In addition to turning it on via voice, you can control the lights, fan speeds, and even reverse rotation within the Home app or Siri.

$302 at Amazon$330 at Walmart$300 at Home Depot

Flood insurance

Fibaro FGBHFS-101 Flood, Water & Temperature Sensor HomeKit - White

This wireless sensor alerts you if it detects water, which could mean the difference between a minor repair and a massive cleanup job. The Fibaro Flood Sensor also monitors an area's temperature and is viewable in the Home app and accessible through Siri.

$50 at Amazon$50 at Walmart$50 at Home Depot

Open up

HomeKit compatible - Hubless meross Smart Garage Door Opener Remote

The Meross Garage Door Opener puts an end to the days where you are left wondering if you closed the garage door before heading out. Using Siri or the Home app, you can check your door's status and operate it remotely with a tap. HomeKit also provides notifications each time it opens or closes for extra security.

$50 at Amazon$45 at Walmart$45 at Newegg

Make your home truly smart with the best HomeKit accessories

Having the best HomeKit accessories in your home enables the ultimate in smart home convenience. Since HomeKit accessories reside under one roof — the Home app, you can do a lot more than control your home with your phone. You can create scenes that can dim your lights, turn on the TV, and close the blinds with one tap on movie night, or your door can unlock when you arrive home through automation.

If you intend to go all-in with HomeKit for your smart home needs, then Apple's HomePod mini is the best place to start. This smart speaker not only gives you the ability to turn off the lights using just your voice, but it also acts as a HomeKit hub that unlocks power features like automation.

Want to take your lighting to the next level? Then check out the Lutron P-BDG-PKG1W Caseta Wireless Dimmer Kit. This kit keeps things simple with replacing your existing light switches, removing the need to train others to operate the lights in your home.


0 comments:

Post a Comment