Smart devices guide

Choosing the right smart home devices can feel overwhelming with hundreds of options available. This guide breaks down each device category, explains what to look for, and helps you make informed decisions based on your specific needs and budget.

Before you start

Start with sensors: Sensors are the foundation of any smart home. They detect what's happening and trigger automations. Without sensors, you're just controlling devices manually through an app.

Buy compatible devices: Check that devices work with your chosen platform before purchasing. Most manufacturers list compatibility on their packaging.

Prefer local control: Devices that work locally continue functioning when your internet goes down. Cloud-only devices become useless without connectivity.

Device categories

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Lighting

The most popular entry point for smart homes. Smart lighting provides instant gratification and enables powerful automations.

  • Smart Bulbs - Easy install, no wiring. Best for renters or single fixtures.
  • Smart Switches - Controls existing bulbs. Works with any bulb type.
  • Smart Dimmers - Adjustable brightness. Perfect for mood lighting.
  • Light Strips - Accent and under-cabinet lighting. Great for ambiance.
📡

Sensors

The eyes and ears of your smart home. Sensors detect changes and trigger automations automatically.

  • Motion Sensors - Detect movement for lighting and security.
  • Door/Window Sensors - Know when doors open or close.
  • Water Leak Sensors - Protect against flooding damage.
  • Temperature/Humidity - Monitor climate in each room.
🌡️

Climate control

Save energy and improve comfort by automating heating, cooling, and air quality management.

  • Smart Thermostats - Learn your schedule and save energy.
  • Smart Fans - Ceiling fan control with scheduling.
  • Air Purifiers - Automatic air quality management.
  • Smart Vents - Room-by-room temperature control.
🔒

Security

Protect your home with smart locks, cameras, and monitoring. Get alerts when something unusual happens.

  • Smart Locks - Keyless entry with auto-lock features.
  • Video Doorbells - See who's at the door from anywhere.
  • Security Cameras - Indoor and outdoor monitoring.
  • Alarm Systems - Complete home security solutions.
🔌

Smart plugs

The easiest way to make any device smart. Plug in lamps, fans, or appliances and control them remotely.

  • WiFi Plugs - Simple setup, no hub required.
  • Zigbee Plugs - More reliable, needs hub.
  • Power Monitoring - Track energy usage per device.
  • Outdoor Plugs - Weather-resistant for exterior use.
📺

Entertainment

Control your media with voice commands and automation. Integrate TV, music, and streaming into your smart home.

  • Smart Speakers - Voice control and music playback.
  • Smart Displays - Visual dashboards and video calls.
  • Streaming Devices - App control for TV and media.
  • IR Blasters - Control legacy AV equipment.

Lighting

  • Premium: Philips Hue, Lutron Caseta
  • Mid-range: LIFX, Inovelli, GE
  • Budget: Wyze, Govee, Ikea Tradfri

Sensors

  • Premium: Philips Hue, Fibaro
  • Mid-range: Aqara, SmartThings
  • Budget: Sonoff, Third Reality

Climate

  • Premium: Ecobee, Nest
  • Mid-range: Honeywell, Sensi
  • Budget: Amazon Smart Thermostat

Security

  • Premium: Yale, Schlage, Arlo Pro
  • Mid-range: August, Eufy, Ring
  • Budget: Wyze, Blink

Connectivity standards

Understanding how devices communicate is crucial for building a reliable smart home. Each protocol has trade-offs between ease of setup, reliability, and power consumption.

WiFi (2.4GHz)

Best for: Simple setups, renters, small homes

Connects directly to your router with no hub needed. Easy to set up but can overwhelm networks with many devices. Higher power consumption means smart bulbs need constant power.

Examples: TP-Link Kasa, Wyze, LIFX

Zigbee

Best for: Larger homes, battery devices, reliability

Low-power mesh network where devices relay signals to each other. Excellent for sensors and switches. Requires a Zigbee hub or coordinator. Very reliable once set up.

Examples: Philips Hue, Aqara, Ikea Tradfri

Z-Wave

Best for: Maximum reliability, no interference

Operates on a dedicated frequency with no WiFi interference. Mesh network with excellent range. More expensive devices but very reliable. Popular for security and locks.

Examples: Schlage, Inovelli, Zooz

Thread / Matter

Best for: Future-proofing, cross-platform homes

Thread is a low-power mesh protocol. Matter is an application layer for device interoperability. Both are promising but still maturing. Wait for broader adoption before investing heavily.

Examples: Eve, Nanoleaf, newer Apple/Google devices

A note on Matter and Thread
  • Thread is a networking protocol (like WiFi or Zigbee)
  • Matter is an application layer that runs over Thread, WiFi, or Ethernet
  • Both show promise but ecosystems are still evolving
  • We recommend waiting before fully committing to Matter-only devices

What to check before buying

Before purchasing any smart device, run through this checklist to avoid compatibility issues and buyer’s remorse.

1. Platform compatibility

Does it work with your hub or ecosystem? Check the manufacturer's compatibility list. Look for native integration rather than workarounds.

2. Local vs. cloud control

Can the device work without internet? Local control means reliability during outages. Cloud-only devices are vulnerable to service shutdowns.

3. Power requirements

Does it need a neutral wire? Battery or hardwired? Check your home's wiring before buying smart switches. Older homes often lack neutral wires.

4. Physical fit

Will it fit your existing fixtures? Measure junction box depth for switches. Check bulb size and base type for smart bulbs.

5. Reviews and reliability

What do real users say? Look for reviews mentioning long-term reliability, not just initial setup. Check for firmware update history.

Budget recommendations

How much you spend depends on your goals. Start small and expand as you learn what works for your household.

🌱

Starter ($200-300)

Perfect for testing the waters and learning the basics.

  • Smart speaker or hub - Central control point
  • 2-3 smart bulbs - Start with one room
  • 1-2 smart plugs - Make lamps smart
  • Motion sensor - Enable basic automation
🏠

Mid-range ($500-1000)

A solid foundation covering most rooms and use cases.

  • Smart thermostat - Biggest energy saver
  • Smart lock - Keyless convenience
  • Door/window sensors - Security basics
  • Smart switches - Replace key light switches
  • Video doorbell - See who's visiting
🚀

Advanced ($2000+)

Whole-home automation with comprehensive coverage.

  • Security cameras - Full property monitoring
  • All-room coverage - Sensors and lights everywhere
  • In-wall switches - Replace all switches
  • Dedicated hub - Home Assistant or Hubitat

Next steps

Now that you understand smart home devices, you’re ready to choose your platform and start building automations.

← Choose your platform Create automations →