Best devices for getting started with HomeKit 2021

Apple’s HomePod mini is the best place to start with your smart home journey as it works as a smart speaker and a HomeKit hub. As a HomeKit hub, the HomePod mini unlocks HomeKit power features like automation, and with a Thread radio inside, you can add compatible smart home devices in seconds.

The Eve Energy smart plug turns almost anything instantly smart. With a simple plug-and-play design, you can add smart app and voice control to fans, heaters, lamps, and so much more. This smart plug also features energy monitoring capabilities, and it supports the latest connectivity standard — Thread.

One of the best upgrades you can make to your home is adding a smart thermostat — and ecobee’s SmartThermostat is the best HomeKit option around. This thermostat sports all of the essentials like schedules and remote control, and it also functions as a hands-free Siri device if you have a HomePod mini in your home.

Nanoleaf’s Essentials A19 light bulb adds millions of fun colors and HomeKit convenience to your smart home. Nanoleaf’s bulb takes advantage of Thread networking which enables fast response times, excellent reliability, and instant pairing with a HomePod mini. This bulb also supports the latest HomeKit features like Adaptive Lighting so that you can try the future, today.

If you plan to upgrade all of your home’s lighting, then replacing your existing light switches with Lutron’s Caseta Wireless line is the best way to go. This starter kit includes an in-wall dimmer switch that is compatible with the wiring in most homes, a handy remote, and a Smart Bridge, which offers incredibly reliable performance for up to 50 devices.

Unlike most smart door locks, the Level Bolt Smart Lock hides all of the connected goodies neatly inside of your door. The invisible design allows for convenient key-free locking with your iPhone while keeping everything discreet since it lacks a bulky keypad. Also, since it uses your existing door hardware, you can install it in less than an hour.

Logitech’s Circle View Doorbell keeps an eye on your precious packages and provides timely notifications whenever a visitor arrives. Since it works with HomeKit, you can use your HomePods as additional doorbell chimes, and you can watch all of the action on the big screen if you have an Apple TV.

This smart home bundle from Aqara brings affordable DIY security to all. This set includes a motion sensor that monitors rooms indoors, while a contact sensor lets you know when a window or door opens. This kit also includes a bonus temperature sensor — perfect for automating your home’s heating and air.

The meross Smart Garage Door Opener gives you a little extra peace of mind while out and about with the ability to open and close your garage door from anywhere in the world. This device works with over 200 garage door opener brands and only takes a few minutes to install, so you will never have to worry about whether you left the door open again.

Perfect for monitoring your home indoors, the eufy Indoor Cam Pan allows for remote check-ins while still providing privacy while chilling at home. This camera sports gorgeous 2K image quality, and the motorized pan and tilt controls offer an expanded view over fixed wireless cameras.

Sometimes having a physical control, like the Eve Button, on the wall is just plain quicker and easier to use. This smart button supports three actions — a single press, double press, and a long press, so you can assign controls for turning on and off the lights, as well as setting a favorite scene, all without having to dig out your phone.

The Onelink Safe & Sound from First Alert combines smoke and Carbon Monoxide detection with a powerful, AirPlay 2 compatible speaker. Smoke detection and CO capabilities mean you will always know the status of your home, even when afar, and the onboard speaker works as part of a whole-home audio setup.