Best Devices for A Smart Home in 2023-Expert Choices

With the commencement of the new year 2023, you may want to upgrade your smart home. I believe modern devices add a lot of convenience to our life. So, you should buy a few more best devices.

But, you might be feeling confused about choosing the essential products. Therefore, I am here to help you. Recently, I have done a lot of research and picked up the top 8 devices.

I have personally used many of these products. I tested their performance and then arrange a list. Hence, you can rely on my guide for selecting the best ones for your home. Let us review them.

How Did I Decide on The Essential Devices for Your Smart Home?

While upgrading your 2023 home, you may have a tough time deciding on the essential devices. Therefore, I have made a list of the most important devices.

These products are specially designed to add convenience to your life. Whenever you go on a picnic, you feel worried about your home and its systems. But, my chosen products do wonders for you.

Because you can control all of your home devices remotely just through your smartphone. Let us know how these devices work. They fall into different categories.

Cateogry#1. Security

As you know, security is the first priority of your living place. Whether you are at home or not, security is very important. So, to make your home secure, you need the following devices;

An outdoor surveillance camera that features night vision, 2-way audio, and a spotlight, and is compatible with Wifi,

Video doorbell to recognize the visitors at your front door and to alert you beforehand. It is also needed to avoid unwanted visitors.

A smart Wifi lock to protect your entrance door. There are a touch panel, keyless entry, and keypad locks. The best one is the mini deadbolt smart lock.

Likewise, a good display monitor is also required for a security camera or doorbell. I have also added some options.

A thermostat helps maintain the temperature of your living place. Thus, it protects you from cold and heat waves.

Category#2. Internet and Connectivity

Wifi router device is the most essential device. I added a smart router with super fast speed and wide range. It also works as a speaker to listen to music, calls, and voice commands.

A hub for all smart devices at your home. It keeps your devices connected and also offers flexible control options. So, all the devices can be operated by the hub. It works with Wifi and voice assistants. Here you can check more reviews of such devices.

Category#3. Electronics

Our homes have a lot of electronic devices. The most needed is a smart light. An advanced light bulb works with Wifi, Bluetooth, and Alexa. So, its brightness and other features can be adjusted.

Moreover, you can illuminate your house remotely via your mobile phone. When you are on a long vacation, schedule the lights to turn ON/OFF automatically.

Another must item is a smart outlet plug. It connects and controls all electronic devices in your smart home. So, you can operate every device remotely through your smartphone.

1. Google Nest-The Best Wifi Router

You know well that none can live without the internet. However, a stable connection is all you need. Therefore, I chose Google Nest Wifi router for your smart home.

If you want super-fast speed and excellent performance, buy Google Nest. Its range is 2200 square feet. You can buy either a single router or a pair.

Especially, it is useful if you already have Google smart device. It makes the interconnection of all devices easy. Indeed it is a two-in-one device. Nest is not only a Wifi router but also a smart speaker.

Amazingly, it produces decent bass and sound. Built-in microphone picks up your voice commands through Google Assistant. The Google Home app on your smartphone makes controlling this router very easy.

Parental controls are also offered by the app. Plug it into your internet provider modem and start using it. You can add more Nests or Points to extend the range further.

The most amazing feature is that Nest can connect up to 200 devices simultaneously. Moreover, it can smoothly support multiple 4K videos at a time.

PROS

1. Super-fast speed and stable connection
2. Affordable price
3. The capability of connecting to 200 devices
4. Supported by the Google Home app and Assistant
5. Built-in microphone and powerful speaker

CONS

• Only one spare Ethernet jack
• Available only in white color

Alternate Options for Wifi Router

Google Nest Wifi Pro-3 units for full home coverage

Amazon Eero Mesh-3 pack Wifi system

2. Arlo Pro 4– Best Spotlight Security Camera

A security camera is the most important item of a smart home. Therefore, I chose the best Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight camera. Clear and bright vision is its finest feature.

Its 160-degree field view and high resolution ensure the best security. 4-megapixel sensor and HDR technology are other added advantages. Moreover, 12x digital zoom lets you view the faces clearly.

It is a 2-way camera with a speaker and noise-canceling microphone. An 80dB siren is installed to scare away unwanted visitors. The camera works with Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, SmartThings, and IFTTT.

The best thing is that this product is wireless. So, you do not require any hub or wires to install and operate it. Every moving object triggers the system.

Moreover, it brings any moving object to the spotlight. 2K video quality and color night vision make it an ideal choice. It has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 6 months.

The product is sturdy and waterproof. The magnetic mount lets you attach the camera to your desired place.

PROS

• 2-way audio and a built-in siren
• Wireless connectivity and magnetic mount
• 2K HDR video, 160 degrees view, and 4 megapixel
• Compatibility with Wifi, smart hubs, and all voice assistants

CONS

• Some features are not accessible without an Arlo Pro subscription

Alternate Options for Security Camera

WYZE Cam-Indoor security camera

Google Nest 2nd Gen-Indoor and outdoor security camera pair

Eufy Solo-Cheap Indoor security camera

3. Eufy Security-Best Video Doorbell

A video doorbell is another essential device to use in a 2023 home. This bell comes with an audio and video system. So, you can recognize the visitors. Talk to the visitor with the 2-way audio system.

It delivers a bright 2K high-resolution image. Moreover, the device is affordable and does not have any additional expenses. Eufy is clever enough to differentiate between humans and animals.

Hence, you get alerted only when a human arrives at your door. 8 different electronic chimes are installed. You can adjust the volume and choose your favorite ringtone. It also has 4GB of storage memory.

The videos can be stored for 30 days. Additionally, you can extend the memory by subscribing to Eufy Cloud storage.

It requires your existing doorbell and wires. Because it is a wired video bell. However, it is also compatible with Wifi.

PROS

• Complete package at an affordable cost
• Built-in and Cloud storage memory
• 2-way audio communication
• Multiple electronic chimes

CONS

• The viewing angle is narrow as compared to competitors

Alternate Options for Video Doorbell

Google Nest-Wired video doorbell

Arlo Essential-Wired Video Doorbell

Eco Show 5-Display for security camera and video doorbell

4. August 4th Generation-Smart Wi-Fi Lock

A smart lock is another important security item to purchase in 2023. August lock is a compact and advanced system. It comes with built-in Wifi. Hence, it works with all smart devices in your home.

For example, it supports HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings, and many more. It is easy to install and use. Moreover, this flexible lock can fit perfectly into your existing deadbolt.

So, you do not need to change the keys. It features 3 inches in diameter and 1.75 inches in depth. Other features include a small sensor, alerts, and auto locking.

Auto feature locks and unlocks the door when you leave or arrive home. Moreover, the app allows making temporary keys for guests or relatives.

You get notifications on your phone when the bolt is locked or unlocked. Another amazing feature is the automatic switching between Bluetooth and Wifi depending on the signal strength.

The replaceable CR123 battery pair lasts 3-6 months. Voice assistants inform you when the batteries have low power. You can also install an August video doorbell to enhance security.

PROS

• Very compact design that fits in deadbolts
• Automatic locking and unlocking feature
• Compatible with all popular voice assistants
• Built-in Wifi and app support
• Make temporary keys for the required period

CONS

• The keypad is sold separately
• Lacks a built-in Z-Wave

Alternate Options for Smart Lock

Wyze Lock-Fingerprint keyless entry lock

Level Lock-Touch deadbolt and keyless entry

5. Echo (4th Gen)-Smart Home Hub

Amazon Echo 4^th Gen is the number one speaker choice for a smart home. This device is basically a controlling hub for your 2023 home. It allows you Alexa voice control all the smart devices in your home.

For example, you can connect smart lights, sensors, locks, robots, sound systems, and many more. Moreover, Echo Dot is also a wireless speaker. It is compatible both with Wifi and Bluetooth.

So, you can listen to music, news, podcasts, etc. It is preferable over other hubs because of its impressive Dolby sound. In speaker mode, it produces crystal clear sound.

Furthermore, its rich bass response is very remarkable. Its compatibility with Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Multiroom, Alexa, and others makes it a perfect choice.

Amazon protects your privacy in multiple ways. So, the device is totally secure. The greatest advantage is the affordable cost.

Aesthetically, its orb-like design blends beautifully in your home. Choose your favorite color from the three.

PROS

• Best smart home voice control hub
• Excellent sound and bass performance
• Compatibility with Bluetooth, Wifi, and music services
• Elegant design and affordable cost

CONS

• Lacks rechargeable battery
• Some users dislike the orb-like design

Alternate Options for Smart Hub

Echo Dot 5th Generation-Powerful sound and Alexa-compatible hub

Sonos One-Voice enabled smart speaker

Wink WNKHUB-Smart Home Hub

6. Kasa Mini Plug-Best for Smart Electronic Devices

Kasa Smart Plug is another wonderful device to add convenience to your life. Let us know why you need to buy this device. It is a very cheap but useful plug.

Because it is used to control the electronic appliances in your home. For example, Kasa lets you operate your coffee machine, lamps, air conditioner, fan, lights, humidifier, etc.

The appliances can be turned ON/OFF through your smartphone. So, you can fully control your home appliances remotely. Whether you are in your office or on vacation, Kasa helps you. It works with Wifi 2.4 GHz.

Moreover, the plug also responds to voice commands. Because it is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, Microsoft Cortana, Nest, and IFTTT. It is a compact mini plug with small measurements.

So, it plugs perfectly into a two-socket wall outlet and power strips. The setup and control are also easy. Download the Kasa app on your iPhone or Android. Add your desired electronic appliances.

Moreover, you can customize schedules to turn ON lights and other machines. The app also calculates the total run time and energy usage of a machine.

PROS

• Remotely controls all smart appliances
• Fast and responsive with Wifi connectivity
• Supports all voice assistants
• Does not require any hub to work
• Mini size and small cost

CONS

• Does not work with Apple HomeKit

Alternate Options for Smart Plug

Wemo Mini-Smart plug compatible with Alexa and Apple HomeKit

Kasa Smart Plug-Another mini Wifi outlet

7. Wyze Bulb-Best Smart Light

Wyze is the best smart light bulb. Its plenty of features add convenience to your life. You get a pair at a very cheap price. I believe it is a must device to purchase in 2023.

It offers 800 lumens and 2700K to 6000K tones. The good news is that it works with Echo Dot. Moreover, the bulb can be controlled via the Wyze mobile app.

You can connect dozens of Wyze bulbs together via Bluetooth. Let us explore its other features. This light works with Alexa, Google Assistant, Bluetooth, and Wifi. Control the bulb with your voice commands.

So, you can adjust brightness according to your requirements. Get candlelike or daylight illumination tones. Moreover, you can adjust scenes and vacation mode.

With a 9.5 Watts power, it can reach maximum brightness. Customize timers and schedules. So, get your home illuminated when you return at night.

PROS

• Smart light bulb with a lot of features
• Customizable brightness and scenes
• Supports Wifi, Bluetooth, Alexa, and Google Assistant
• Very reasonable cost

 CONS

• Not compatible with Siri
• The dimming feature needs improvement

Alternate Options for Smart Bulb

Wyze RGB-1100 lumens colored Wifi bulb pair

Philips Hue White-Smart LED Bluetooth and Zigbee Bulb

8. Google Nest-Best Programmable Thermostat

A thermostat is one of the most needed devices for your smart home. It maintains the temperature of your house and helps save energy. Google Nest is the number one thermostat to purchase in 2023.

It is a budget-friendly and Energy Star-certified device. By connecting to Wifi, it lets you customize cooling and heating schedules. Bluetooth compatibility is also installed in it.

The thermostat is programmable. You can control it remotely from your smartphone. Moreover, it also has an automatic mode. Hence, Nest adjusts the temperature through the motion sensor.

It can detect your departure and arrival at home. Controlling is made easier by the integration of voice assistants. Nest can carry out your voice commands by working with Alexa and Google Assistant.

By upgrading to Support Matter, it can work with further assistants such as Siri and Apple HomeKit. The device does not require a C-wire for installation. Overall, the installation process is convenient.

PROS

• Best budget-friendly thermostat
• Wifi, Bluetooth, and voice assistants supported
• Customizable and programmable
• Remote controlling via the Google Home app

CONS

• Unsatisfactory automation feature

Alternate Options for Thermostat

ecobee 2022-Smart Thermostat with Alexa and Siri

Amazon Smart Thermostat-Energy Star-certified

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Smart Homes

Being a smart homeowner, you may have some queries and confusion. Here, I will provide the answers to your most important questions.