by DANIEL MODLIN

A Complete Guide to the Best Smart Home Devices for 2023

 Amazon Echo Dot

A great smart speaker option for an Amazon-centric smart home, the Echo is in its fourth generation. Now with even better voice detection and even clearer audio, it’s a great choice for someone new to smart homes. You can also try an Echo Show, which has a built-in touchscreen if you prefer something a bit more tactile. Alexa also has the benefit of being one of the best voice assistants available.

Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) Smart Display

The Google Nest is of course a Google-centric hub. It has a touchscreen monitor that allows you to control everything in your smart with the touch of a button, and it also works as a sunrise alarm clock, calendar and functional entertainment system. Google also offers a top-of-the-line smart assistant that works relatively well with most devices — unlike some other smart home systems, which tend to want to lock you into a specific service or brand.

Apple HomePod mini

The Apple version of the Echo, the Homepod, comes in five bold colors and with the best sound quality of the bunch. This is a great option if everything in your home is connected to the Apple ecosystem. Apple uses a system called Homekit, which you can easily access on your phone or other Apple devices. However, you’ll end up dealing with Siri, and she’s sadly not the sharpest smart assistant of the bunch.

Ring Outdoor Smart Plug

It’s not the best idea to use the above options outdoors, but this outdoor smart plug option is an excellent way to help transform old outdoor lights or accessories into smart devices. It’s IP66 weather resistant and can handle temperature from -4°F to 122°F.

Wyze Programmable Smart WiFi Thermostat

The Wyze thermostat is a great alternative, with a simple DIY installation and a robust daily temperature scheduling platform that allows you to set temperatures easily for each day. It also has a separate app for tracking insights like energy usage and will even provide tips on how to save energy throughout the year.

WYZE-Cam-v3

If you’re looking for a simple, inexpensive smart camera (maybe for your dog), then look no further. This smart camera has night vision and works indoors and out, and it’s a fraction of the price of the Ring Alarm Pro.

To help you wade through all of the devices out there, we put together this sort of choose-your-own-adventure guide.  Almost all of these devices are compatible with one another, so based on your own needs and preferences you can find the right pieces to make your home ten times smarter.

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