If you're a renter, you've probably experienced a bit of smart home envy when you hear about the wonderful ways homeowners have made their lives better with HomeKit-supported doorbells, locks, garage door openers, ceiling fans, and the like. Just because you rent doesn't mean you can't join in on the reindeer games. Here are some of the best HomeKit devices to make your home smarter without making your landlord mad.
Add some smarts
Wemo Smart Plug V3
Staff pick
A smart plug is a budget-friendly accessory that adds tons of versatility. Not only can you plug your light into it, but also your coffeemaker, fan, stereo, TV, or anything else electrical. Belkin's Wemo Smart Plug V3 is a budget-friendly, top-quality, HomeKit-enabled smart plug that sets up in mere minutes. This compact plug is so small it won't swallow up both outlets.
$14 at Amazon$14 at Belkin$14 at Best Buy
Light all the things
Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Starter Kit for HomeKit
With Philips Hue, you set the mood. Choose from 16 million colors to watch a movie, play a game, or eat dinner. You set the scene and control it all from Apple HomeKit. This starter kit comes with three Hue bulbs that screw into any standard light fixture, plus the Hue Hub, and one smart button. It's the perfect starter kit for those getting their feet wet in the world of smart lighting.
Remote monitoring
First Alert Onelink smoke and carbon monoxide detector
In the U.S., the law requires that every rental has a smoke detector. The Onelink smoke and carbon monoxide detector from First Alert tracks carbon monoxide levels, alerts you when smoke is present, has customizable nightlights, and works with AirPlay and HomeKit. It even sends mobile notifications when something is amiss. We rate this model as one of the best HomeKit Smoke and CO detectors of the year.
Home security
eufyCam 2 Pro - Security Camera
With a 365-day battery life, HD 2K video, and IP67 weatherproofing, the eufyCam 2 Pro gives you an up-close view of everything that's happening inside and outside your apartment. Motion sensors trigger the camera, so you never miss a visitor or prowler. And best of all, there are no hidden fees.
$240 at Amazon$250 at Best Buy$300 at Walmart
Plug it all in
Meross Smart Power Strip
This Apple HomeKit-compatible power strip includes three AC outlets and four USB ports. The 6-foot cord gives you the reach you need to keep everything powered up and charged. The entire strip is controllable with the Meross app or by using your iPhone and HomeKit.
Lock it down
August Wi-Fi (4th Generation) Smart Lock
Lock your front door and unlock it from anywhere in the world. Connected from the get-go, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock fits your existing deadbolt, installs in minutes, and even works with your existing keys. HomeKit support is included right out of the box, allowing you to set up convenience features such as auto-unlocking when you arrive home.
$180 at Amazon$230 at Apple$180 at Best Buy
Set it off
Eve Motion for Apple HomeKit
This compact and completely wireless sensor from Eve is the key to creating truly hands-free automations, such as turning on the lights in the home the moment you enter. The Eve Motion uses Bluetooth, connecting directly to your Home hub or iOS device, which means it can be up and running within a matter of seconds with a quick scan of the pairing code in the Home app. The best part of this sensor, though, is that it works both indoors and out, making it one of the most flexible around. And it scored at the top of our list of the best HomeKit motion sensors this year.
$46 at Amazon$49 at Best Buy$46 at B&H
Keep tabs on anything
Apple AirTag - 1 Pack
Stop losing your belongings with Apple's AirTag, one of the best trackers we've ever reviewed. With a user-replaceable battery, the small AirTag fits in a purse, on a key ring, or anything else and tracks its location, pairing effortlessly with the Find My network.
$29 at Amazon$29 at Apple$30 at Target
Be prepared
Eton American Red Cross Blackout Buddy Connect
This all-in-one wall plug syncs with Apple HomeKit and alerts you to unexpected motion. There's also a built-in smart nightlight and two USB ports to charge your iPhone and other portables. The internal battery in the Blackout Buddy Connect charges your phone in an emergency and gives you an always-ready flashlight.
These won't make your landlord angry
HomeKit functionality opens the door to scenes, automations, and Siri — and renters can join in on the fun with a wide variety of devices that are landlord-friendly. Whether it's smart light bulbs, locks, or plugs, plenty of options are available that do not require an electrician or changing fixtures.
Want a simple way to add some smarts to a small appliance, fan, or lamp? Check out the Wemo Smart Plug V3, a cost-effective solution that is easy to set up and small enough to allow two devices to plug into the same outlet.
Looking for lighting that's compatible with HomeKit and doesn't require you to replace your existing light switches? The Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Starter Kit has our recommendation as it only requires you to install light bulbs into your existing fixtures. This Philips Hue line is notable for its reliability and responsiveness, and additional accessories such as a dimming remote can be added after you have the starter kit set up.
Whichever devices you choose, these HomeKit accessories are sure to be a hit in your home and do so without having to worry about whether or not your landlord approves.
Pro tip: You can make almost any smart device compatible with Apple HomeKit with a home bridge. Check out our review of the HOOBS Starter Kit that will make a video doorbell and thousands of other devices work with HomeKit.
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