Add Your First Smart Home Devices

If you have been considering adding some smart home tech ot your home, it can feel overwhelming to get started. There are hundreds of great options to automate your life, add security, save on electricity, or upgrade the tech throughout your home. Where should you start?

These ten items are the perfect place to begin. Consider trying a few of them to make your home a bit smarter in the new year. 

(Please note, the links in this post are affiliate links. Our marketing partner may receive compensation if you purchase any of these items from a link used in this post.)

1. Amazon Echo Show- This version of the popular Amazon Echo features a screen. The voice assistant capabilities are taken to new levels on this tablet-style smart assistant. Use the echo to control all the following pieces of tech around the house. 

2. Ring Doorbell- This popular doorbell upgrades your home security by monitoring your entry points. Take a look at who’s at your door before answering, communicate via voice, or capture any criminal activity that might happen. Some insurance companies will even offer a small discount on your home insurance for adding this sort of surveillance. 

3. Smart Lightbulbs- Smart bulbs have come a long way! Many of the new bulbs on the market can be controlled and scheduled via an app. They can also change colors depending on the mood you hope to set in a room. These are a wonderful piece to add to your home if you’re hoping to start using smart tech. 

4. Smart Plugs- This is a great intro piece of tech. These plugs can be used with any outlet. Never worry that your iron was left on or that you didn’t turn off the coffee pot. Control your plugs around the house with an app on your phone or with your home assistant device. 

5. Hatch Baby Rest- If you have an infant, this device could change your life. This device combines a nightlight, white noise machine, and a safe-to-wake alarm for your little one. All of these functions can be controlled through an app on your phone, making it a game changer for parents. 

6. Nest Programmable Thermostat- Save money by programming your home’s thermostat to lower or raise your home’s temperature based on your work schedule or travel. Keep an eye on your home’s energy usage by using this device in coordination with your smartphone. 

7. Smart Door Lock- Never worry about keeping up with your keys again! This lock can be programmed with up to 30 different codes for everyone in the family or visiting friends or family. The lock can even be controlled with the help of your home assistant like Alexa. 

8. Amazon Echo for Kids- Did you know you can set up Echo Dot devices in every room of your home to act as an intercom system? Place this kid-friendly Dot with parental control capabilities in bedrooms and playrooms to make everyone’s life easier. 

9. iRobot Roomba- No smart home roundup would be complete without the robot vacuum that changed the game. This one has the ability to empty the canister several times. Save time cleaning each day by using this device to help clean up on a daily basis. Use your smart phone to schedule regular clean ups or run the vacuum before company comes to visit. 

10. iRobot Braava- If you already have a robot vacuum, make mopping easier with the help of this piece of tech. It features all of the same tech as the Roomba, but handles sticky messes and grime effortlessly. 

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