Best Smart Home Devices For 2024: Upgrade Your Nest

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Forget flying cars and robotic maids – the future of smart homes is already here, nestled neatly in your smartphone and whispering convenience through voice assistants.

Interestingly, 2024 promises to be a game-changer in the home automation world, with devices that anticipate your needs, blend seamlessly with your life and add a touch of magic to your everyday routine.

Are you excited to upgrade your living space? Well, worry not because here are the 10 best smart home devices for 2024 that will transform your house into a tech-powered haven:

1. Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen)

Imagine a personal genie with a vibrant 10.1-inch screen and booming sound. That's the Amazon Echo Show 10. Control your smart home with a glance or a voice command, video call loved ones on its crystal-clear camera, catch up on shows, or blast your favorite tunes – all hands-free.

Facial recognition personalizes the experience, while gesture control adds a futuristic flair. It's the heart of your smart home, a portal to entertainment, and a communication powerhouse, all rolled into one sleek device.

2. Ecobee Smart Thermostat

Are you tired of constantly adjusting your thermostat to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home? Look no further than the Ecobee Smart Thermostat. This innovative device uses advanced technology to learn your schedule and preferences and automatically adjusts the temperature to meet your needs.

Whether you're at home or away, the Ecobee Smart Thermostat will keep you comfortable while saving energy and reducing your utility bills. Plus, its sleek and modern design will complement any decor.

3. Ring Video Doorbell Pro 3

Never miss a visitor, even when you're miles away. The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 3 is your virtual guard, offering crystal-clear HD video, two-way talk, and advanced motion detection. See who's at your door from your phone, greet friendly faces, or politely deter unwanted guests – all with a reassuring peace of mind.

The Pro 3 also boasts pre-roll recording, capturing those crucial moments before the doorbell even rings. Safety and convenience rolled into one doorbell – not bad, eh?

4. Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera

Darkness? Who needs it? The Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera pierces through the night with its super-bright LED spotlight, illuminating any potential intruders like a daytime disco. But it's not just about brawn – the camera boasts AI-powered person detection, color night vision, and two-way audio, letting you identify and communicate with anyone on your property, day or night.

You can use the Arlo Pro 3 to secure your home, monitor wildlife, or light up your path - it's a versatile nighttime guardian.

5. Amazon Echo Dot (5th Generation)

The Amazon Echo Dot is a versatile and highly popular smart speaker available in the market. It can play music, answer questions, control other smart devices, and perform many other functions. It has a sleek and compact design, improved sound quality, and a built-in LED clock.

Moreover, you can choose from different colors and fabrics to match your home decor. The Echo Dot works seamlessly with Alexa, Amazon's voice assistant, which can understand natural language and perform various tasks. Additionally, you can use it as an intercom, a night light, or an alarm clock.

6. Philips Hue

Forget boring beige! Philips Hue lets you paint your home with light. These smart bulbs change color and brightness on a whim, creating custom lighting scenes for every mood and occasion.

Dim the lights for a romantic dinner, bathe the room in a cool blue for movie night, or set the sun to rise in your bedroom – all with a tap or a voice command. Hue even syncs with music and movies, adding an extra layer of ambiance to your entertainment. You can light up your life, literally, with Philips Hue.

7. Lutron Caséta Weatherproof+ Outdoor Smart Plug On/Off Switch

The Lutron Caséta Weatherproof+ Outdoor Smart Plug On/Off Switch is a smart device that allows you to control your outdoor lighting and appliances from anywhere. You can use the Lutron app, voice assistants, or the Pico remote to turn your devices on or off, set schedules, and create scenes.

The smart plug is weatherproof and can withstand rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. It also has a built-in smart timer that automatically adjusts to seasonal changes and daylight saving time. The smart plug works with the Lutron Caséta Smart Bridge, which connects to your Wi-Fi router and enables integration with other smart home devices and platforms.

8. Instant Pot Duo Plus

Embrace culinary automation with the Instant Pot Duo Plus. This multi-cooker combines the functions of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, yogurt maker, and more, delivering gourmet results with minimal effort.

Additionally, smart features like voice control and pre-programmed settings make cooking faster and easier. This takes the guesswork out of cooking and ensures that your food is cooked to perfection every time (even if you're a beginner).

9. Rachio 3rd Gen Smart Irrigation System

Conserve water and maintain a lush lawn with a smart irrigation system. Wi-Fi-connected controllers like Rachio 3rd Gen analyze weather data and soil moisture to tailor watering schedules, ensuring your lawn receives the perfect amount of hydration. Save money on your water bill, protect the environment, and enjoy a stress-free lawn all season long.

10. SimpliSafe Home Security System

The SimpliSafe Home Security System is a comprehensive and award-winning home security solution. It offers a wide range of high-tech cameras and sensors that protect your home 24/7 from break-ins, fires, floods, and more. The system is wireless and easy to install, requiring no drilling or tools.

It features a Base Station – the brain of the system – which sounds the siren and notifies you immediately when a sensor or camera detects danger. The Base Station is built with a backup battery that lasts up to 24 hours, ensuring you're always protected even if it's unplugged or the power goes out.

11. Google Nest Thermostat - Smart Thermostat for Home

The ENERGY STAR certified Google Nest Thermostat is a smart home device that helps save energy and maintain comfort levels. It connects via Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n 2.4 GHz, 802.11a/n 5 GHz) and Bluetooth Low Energy for wireless interconnectivity. It's important to review all applicable legal disclaimers in the product description. Before purchasing, use the online Nest Compatibility Checker on the Google Nest support page to ensure compatibility with your system. While the Nest Thermostat is designed to function without a C wire in most homes, systems such as heating only, cooling only, zone controlled, and heat pump systems may require a C wire or other compatible power accessory. The thermostat automatically adjusts when you leave to avoid wasting energy on an empty home. It is programmable through the Google Home app on Android or iPhone, allowing you to create an energy-efficient schedule. Additionally, remote control functionality allows family members to adjust the thermostat temperature from anywhere using a phone, laptop, or tablet.

12. Kasa Smart Plug HS103P4, Smart Home Wi-Fi Outlet

The Kasa smart plugs offer voice control compatibility with Alexa and Google Home Assistant, allowing you to conveniently control your home appliances with your voice. They are compatible with Android 5.0 or higher and iOS 10.0 or higher. With the Kasa app, you can also control your devices from anywhere using your smartphone, whether you're at home, in the office, or on vacation. The plugs support scheduling, allowing you to set timer or countdown schedules to automatically turn your appliances on and off. The setup is easy with a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection required; simply plug in, open the Kasa app, follow the instructions, and start using them.

13. WYZE Cam Pan

WYZE Cam Pan v3 Indoor/Outdoor IP65-Rated 1080p Pan/Tilt/Zoom Wi-Fi Smart — Amazon.com

The Wyze Cam Pan v3 is a wired pan-and-tilt video camera suitable for indoor and outdoor use, with an IP65 rating for weather resistance. Operating temperatures range from -20°C to 50°C (-4°F to 122°F). It supports 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi on the 2.4 GHz band (5 GHz Wi-Fi not supported). The camera provides full 1080p HD livestreaming with pan, tilt, and zoom functionality, allowing you to monitor any part of the room remotely using the Wyze app. It can also be set to automatically monitor a room with 4 predefined waypoints. The camera features rotating motion-tracking, following and recording moving objects, people, or pets for comprehensive surveillance. Engineered for smooth and quiet operation, the Wyze Cam Pan v3 ensures discreet monitoring without noisy gearworks. Note that outdoor use requires the separately sold Wyze Outdoor Power Adapter v2.

14. Brilliant Smart Home Control (3-Switch Panel)

The Brilliant touchscreen panel with built-in Alexa offers easy smart home control for everyone in your household. It replaces a standard 3-gang light switch panel and requires neutral and ground wires for installation. The panel features a 5" LCD touchscreen, a built-in camera with a privacy shutter, and a motion sensor. You can control popular smart devices, lighting, cameras, locks, thermostats, intercom, scenes, and more using touch, voice, or an app. It supports LED, CFL, halogen, and incandescent bulbs, including dimmable and multiway lights. Additionally, you can control Hue, LIFX, and Kasa TP-Link smart bulbs. The panel also allows for in-wall control of Sonos speakers, Ring Video Doorbells, and compatible smart locks, providing convenient access without needing a phone.

15. Smart WiFi Wireless Essential Oil Aromatherapy

Smart WiFi Wireless Essential Oil Aromatherapy 400ml — Amazon.com

Experience intelligent aromatherapy with the Sierra Modern Home smart diffuser, a perfect addition to your smart home. Powered intelligently and WiFi compatible, this diffuser can be controlled like a normal diffuser or through the companion app on your phone. Adjust LED colors, mist intensity, timer settings, and create schedules directly from your phone. The diffuser is also compatible with Alexa and Google Home, allowing you to control it with just your voice using devices like Echo, Tap, or Dot. With a large 400ml water tank, enjoy up to 12 hours of continuous mist. The diffuser works by creating 360° ultrasonic frequencies, instantly atomizing water and oil molecules into the air for a healthier alternative to heat diffusers. Create regular schedules in the app for your diffuser to work at specific times each day or on selected days. Connect easily to the app and then to your Alexa or Google Home accounts using the included quickstart guides, enabling convenient control of colors, mist settings, and other functions with just your voice.

Wrapping up

It was just a glimpse into the exciting world of smart home devices. Remember, the perfect smart home is built around your needs and preferences. So, explore, experiment, and discover the devices that make your life simpler, more convenient, and infinitely more comfortable.

Bonus tips:

1. Consider voice control compatibility and ecosystem integration (e.g., Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa) when choosing devices.
2. Prioritize security and privacy features to ensure your smart home is safe and protected.
3. Start small and build your smart home gradually, with one device or automation at a time.
4. Don't forget the fun! Smart home devices can also enhance entertainment, leisure, and overall enjoyment of your living space.