Best smart home devices to simplify your routine, elevate your lifestyle and save energy: Top 8 picks

Discover the best smart home gadgets in our listicle! From smart speakers to security cameras and lighting, these top picks offer convenience, security, and energy efficiency. Upgrade your home with the latest tech innovations for a smarter living experience.

Amit Rahi
Published1 Aug 2024, 05:00 PM IST
Transform your home with the best smart home devices
Transform your home with the best smart home devices

Smart home devices are revolutionising the way we live, offering convenience, comfort, and energy efficiency. From controlling your home's environment to automating daily tasks, these innovative gadgets can significantly enhance your lifestyle. Imagine waking up to a perfectly brewed cup of coffee, adjusting your home's temperature with a simple voice command, or ensuring your home's security while you're away. It's all possible with the right smart home devices.

Discover the transformative power of smart home technology as we unveil our top 8 picks for essential devices. These cutting-edge solutions are designed to seamlessly integrate into your life, streamlining daily routines, optimizing energy efficiency, and creating a truly personalized living experience. Get ready to unlock the full potential of your home with our expert recommendations.

This combo includes the Echo Dot (5th Gen) and a Wipro Smart LED bulb. The Echo Dot offers voice control for smart lights, ACs, TVs, and more. It features in-built motion detection and temperature sensors, enabling automatic actions like turning on lights or adjusting the AC. The Wipro Smart Bulb offers 16 million colours, perfect for creating various ambiences. The setup is easy through the Alexa app, with no need for additional hubs or apps.

Specifications of Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen, Blue) Combo

Voice control for various devices

In-built motion detection

Temperature sensor

16 million colour options

Easy setup via Alexa app

2.4GHz Wi-Fi compatibility

Reasons to Buy

Reasons to Avoid

Voice control for smart devicesRequires separate purchase of smart plugs
16 million colour optionsLimited to Alexa ecosystem

What are buyers saying about this product on Amazon?

Buyers appreciate the appearance and features, but report connectivity issues and find the product's value low. Opinions vary on voice recognition, sound quality, and ease of use.

Why choose this product?

Choose this product for its stylish design and versatile features, despite some concerns about connectivity and value for money.

The Amazon Smart Plug adds voice control to your appliances using Alexa. It features an easy setup process—just plug it in and use the Alexa app. The plug can retain power state during outages, ensuring appliances return to their previous state. It's perfect for controlling various household items like lamps and chargers remotely, even when you're away.

Specifications of Amazon Smart Plug (works with Alexa)

6A capacity

Voice control via Alexa

Power state retention

Frustration-Free Setup

Control through Alexa app

No additional app required

Reasons to Buy

Reasons to Avoid

Easy to set upLimited to 6A capacity
Power state retention featureOnly works with Alexa

What are buyers saying on Amazon?

Buyers praise the device's performance, reliability, and sleek design, though opinions vary on connectivity and overall value.

Why choose this product?

Choose this product for its speed, reliability, and minimalist design, but be aware of mixed reviews on connectivity and value.

The SJCAM SJ4000 WiFi Action Camera offers 1080p full HD video capture with a 12MP camera. It features a wide 170 degree field of view and a waterproof casing up to 30 meters. The camera supports Wi-Fi for easy file sharing and control. It includes modes like Time Lapse and Burst, and supports up to 32GB Micro SD cards.

Specifications of SJCAM SJ4000 WiFi 12MP Optical Full HD Sports Action Camera

12MP camera

1080p video resolution

170 degree wide-angle lens

Waterproof up to 30 meters

Wi-Fi connectivity

Time Lapse and Burst modes

Reasons to Buy

Reasons to Avoid

Waterproof up to 30mLimited storage up to 32GB
Wide 170 degree field of viewAdapter not included

What are buyers saying on Amazon?

Buyers appreciate the camcorder’s value, excellent video quality, and suitability for moto vlogging, but some report issues with external mic support.

Why choose this product?

Choose this camcorder for its great value, high video quality, and versatile features, though note that it lacks external mic support.

Also Read: Best doorbell cameras for home security: Top 10 easy-to-install surveillance options that provide high-resolution video

The Foscam FI9803P is an outdoor wireless IP camera offering 720p HD video. It features motion detection with real-time alerts and night vision up to 65ft. The camera has a wide 75 degree viewing angle and can be accessed remotely via a smartphone app. It also supports optional cloud storage and includes external audio jacks for two-way audio.

Specifications of Foscam FI9803P HD 720P Wireless Plug and Play IP Camera

720p HD video

Motion detection and alerts

Night vision up to 65ft

75 degree viewing angle

Wi-Fi and wired connectivity

External audio jacks for two-way audio

Reasons to Buy

Reasons to Avoid

Easy setup with smartphone appLimited to 720p resolution
Night vision capabilityExternal audio jacks require additional setup

What are buyers saying on Amazon?

Buyers praise the security camera for its quality, ease of installation, and fantastic image clarity, though some find the mobile UI lacking.

Why choose this product?

Choose this product for its high-quality image, easy setup, and reliable performance.

The HIKVISION Turbo HD camera provides 1080p video resolution with a 2MP CMOS sensor. It offers a full 360 degree viewing area with night vision capabilities. The camera is weatherproof (IP66) and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It includes features like IR cut filter for day/night functionality and supports wall mounting.

Specifications of HIKVISION Wired 1920x1080p Turbo HD 2MP 360 degree Security Camera

2MP CMOS sensor

1080p video resolution

360° viewing area

Night vision (up to 40m)

Weatherproof (IP66)

Wall mountable

Reasons to Buy

Reasons to Avoid

360° viewing areaRequires compatible DVR for recording
Weatherproof designWired setup

What are buyers saying on Amazon?

Buyers praise the camera's clarity, picture quality, and exceptional night vision but note the narrow angle.

Why choose this product?

Choose this product for its superior clarity, excellent picture quality, and outstanding night vision.

Also Read: Best door camera will ensure the safety of your loved ones and the security of your home: Top 5 picks for you

The Dahua DH-HAC-HFW1000RP is a 1MP bullet camera offering 720p HD video resolution. It is waterproof and equipped with IR night vision up to 20 meters. The camera features a 3.6mm lens and a 60 degree horizontal field of view. It supports HDCVI technology and has a durable build for outdoor use.

Specifications of Dahua DH-HAC-HFW1000RP 1MP 720P Water-Proof HDCVI IR Bullet Camera

1MP CMOS sensor

720p video resolution

IR night vision up to 20m

3.6mm lens

60 degree horizontal field of view

Waterproof (IP67)

Reasons to Buy

Reasons to Avoid

Waterproof designLimited to 720p resolution
IR night visionLimited field of view

What are buyers saying on Amazon?

Buyers praise the camera's picture quality in both day and night. Users praised the product for being value for the money.

Why choose this product?

Choose this product for its amazing video quality in both day and night situation.

The IFITech Wireless Smart Life Video Doorbell features a 720p HD camera with a 166° wide-angle lens. It includes motion detection, two-way audio, and night vision capabilities. The doorbell can operate wirelessly using built-in rechargeable batteries and is controlled via the IFI Smart Life app. It supports video storage on a 128GB memory card (not included).

Specifications of IFITech Wireless Smart Life 720P/1MP Video Doorbell

1MP camera, 720p resolution

166° wide-angle lens

PIR motion detection

Two-way audio

Night vision

Supports up to 128GB memory card

Reasons to Buy

Reasons to Avoid

Wide-angle view and motion detectionMemory card not included
Two-way audio and night visionLimited to 720p resolution

What are buyers saying on Amazon?

Buyers praise the build quality and ease of setup with proper instructions provided by the brand. Users also praised this for its video quality and ability to watch the footage on smartphone.

Why choose this product?

Choose this product for its ease of use, video quality and features.

Also Read: Improve home security with best video door phones: Top 6 picks for long term peace of mind

The Philips Hue Lightstrip Base offers a 2-meter strip of dimmable LED lights, capable of displaying both white and coloured light. It is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant, allowing voice control and automation. The light strip is ideal for indoor use and can be easily customized through the Hue app for various moods and occasions.

Specifications of Philips Hue Lightstrip

2-meter length

Dimmable LED lights

White and colour options

Voice control via Alexa, HomeKit, and Google Assistant

Indoor usage

Customizable through the Hue app

Reasons to Buy

Reasons to Avoid

Wide colour rangeRequires compatible hub for full features
Voice control compatibilityLimited to indoor use

What are buyers saying on Amazon?

Buyers appreciate the string light's quality, brightness, and easy installation with the Hue app, though some find it a bit pricey.

Why choose this product?

Choose this product for its high quality, excellent brightness, ease of installation, and seamless integration with the Hue app.

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Disclaimer: At Livemint, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Mint has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act of 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.

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Meet your Guide

I have immersed myself in the tech world for over five years, focusing my efforts on providing readers with in-depth reviews of gadgets. Exploring the ins and outs of the latest tech has been quite a journey. As a storyteller, my goal is to make tech both understandable and exciting for people like me who love gadgets....Read more