The Best Gifts for a First-Time Smart Home Setup
If you’re setting up your first smart home, it can be overwhelming to decide which devices and systems will work best for your needs. There are so many options out there, from smart thermostats to smart lights to security cameras. So, where do you start? In this article, we’ll go over some of the top gifts for a first-time smart home setup that will help you get started on your journey towards a smarter, more connected home.
1. Smart Thermostat
One of the most important parts of any smart home is the thermostat. It’s responsible for regulating the temperature in your home and keeping it comfortable. There are many different types of smart thermostats available, but some of the best include:
- Nest Learning Thermostat
- Ecobee SmartThermostat
- Honeywell Home T9
These thermostats all have similar features, such as the ability to control temperature remotely through a mobile app, learn your schedule and adjust the temperature accordingly, and integrate with other smart home devices. However, they each have their own unique strengths and weaknesses.
For example, the Nest Learning Thermostat is known for its sleek design and easy-to-use interface. It also integrates well with other Nest products, like the Nest Protect smoke and carbon monoxide detector. The Ecobee SmartThermostat is a bit more affordable than the Nest, but it still has many of the same features and can be controlled through voice commands using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. The Honeywell Home T9 is a great option for those who want a more traditional look and feel, with a rotating dial and physical buttons.2. Smart Lighting
Smart lighting is another key component of a smart home setup. It allows you to control the lights in your home remotely through a mobile app or voice commands using virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Some of the best options for smart lighting include:
- Philips Hue
- LIFX
- Sengled Smart LED lights
These systems all have their own unique features and strengths, but they all allow you to control the color and brightness of your lights remotely. The Philips Hue system is known for its wide range of colors and the ability to create custom lighting scenes. LIFX has a similar feature set, but it also integrates well with other smart home devices like security cameras. Sengled Smart LED lights are a great option for those who want more affordable smart lighting options, as they are often less expensive than other systems.3. Smart Door Lock
A smart door lock is a must-have for any smart home setup. It allows you to control who has access to your home and when, and it also makes it easier to come and go without having to carry keys. Some of the best options for smart door locks include:
- August Smart Lock Pro
- Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt
- Yale Assure Lock SL
These locks all have similar features, such as the ability to control who has access to your home remotely through a mobile app, and the ability to generate unique access codes for guests. However, they each have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The August Smart Lock Pro is known for its ease of use and compatibility with other smart home devices like security cameras. The Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt is a bit more affordable than the August, but it still has many of the same features. The Yale Assure Lock SL is a great option for those who want a more traditional look and feel, with a keyed lock and physical buttons.4. Smart Security Camera
A smart security camera is an important part of any smart home setup, as it allows you to monitor your home remotely and receive notifications if anything unusual happens.