🗣Alexa, Make me a Smart House!
Sound
Sure there are bigger, more technologically savvy smart speakers, but for anyone just getting comfortable with the whole "Hey, Google" thing, I prefer Amazon's Echo Dot (which I give as closing gifts to my buyers) but recommend this little guy, because also, it's adorable and affordable.
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For outdoor spaces—think rooftops, fire escapes, the front stoop—you'd like to turn into fun zones, there are waterproof portable speakers galore. But this one has 360-degree sound and is Alexa compatible!
SHOP NOW: Megablast Portable Speaker Bundle by Ultimate Ears, $199.95
Lighting + Temperature
The Philips Hue system is one of our favorites for turning an ordinary room into one that can really fit any mood. The hub just needs to connect to Wi-Fi and then all the bulbs can be programmed to your heart's content via iPhone. These are a hit when I'm gaming or throwing my annual ugly sweater party.
SHOP NOW: Philips Hue LED Smart Bulb Starter Kit, $99.99
The great thing about TP-Link's Kasa Smart bulbs is that they don't require the use of a hub to operate. Twist one into a task light, a bedside lamp, or the only floor lamp in the whole room, link to WiFi, and set the color to change as you see fit. SHOP NOW: Kasa Smart Wi-Fi LED Light Bulb by TP-Link, $19 On sale for $13.99 Limited Time
Temperature
With its built-in Amazon Alexa speaker, this smart thermostat really is a cut above other popular touch-screen models. Just ask it to adjust the temperature—no fiddling with your smart home.
SHOP NOW: ecobee4 Smart Thermostat, $230
Security
Watch the driveway, the back gate, the front porch—any part of your property—while you're away. It's as good at easing your worries as it is at seeing what time the mailman actually comes. Lots of options in this category, but we love Nest's for its wide field of vision and adorable, not-too-technical-looking design.
SHOP NOW: Outdoor Security Camera by Nest, $297
As soon as motion is detected on your stoop (or when someone taps the doorbell), Ring sends an alert and a live-cam link right to your phone. Talk about a gut check! And you don't even need an existing doorbell to have it installed.
SHOP NOW: Ring Wi-Fi Enabled Video Doorbell, $100
Stop hiding keys! If you need to let someone in your home, send them an electronic key from the August app (programmed to work for any time period you choose) that'll unlock this smart dead bolt. Bonus: It stores clips for a full 24 hours. SHOP NOW: August Smart Lock 3rd Gen, $119
If, rather than buy all new smart products, you'd rather make your existing electronics voice- and app-activated, there's Wemo. Plug anything into it and suddenly you're in action.
SHOP NOW: Wemo Mini Smart Plug, $30
With all these smart home devices in play, you now also need an interface that unifies them (otherwise you'll be checking a zillion apps all the time). This one works with all the big brands and has a pleasing interface.
SHOP NOW: Wink Hub 2, $130
