Give the gift of a smarter home with speakers, displays, and cameras from brands like Google, Apple, and Sonos
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An underrated holiday gift is the gift of a smarter home. From automatic lights to smart speakers, the right smart home tech can improve your everyday life. Of course, a smart home that’s actually smart starts with knowing what tech you actually need — and what will actually work together.
Fortunately, the smart home got a little smarter thanks to Matter, a relatively new standard that allows different smart home devices to talk to each other. Google, Apple, Samsung, Amazon, and others coordinated on developing Matter, making it easier to buy different devices and have them work within your preferred ecosystem.
When setting up a smart home, it helps to know what you’re looking to automate. Whether you want a smart camera to keep an eye on your porch or pets, a thermostat that keeps the temperature just right, or a robot vacuum to keep your floors tidy, building a smart home starts with knowing your needs. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up the best smart home devices to gift this holiday season.
Google Nest Video Doorbell
Google’s Nest video doorbell is battery-powered, making it easy to set up without dealing with hardwiring. It can be controlled via the Google Home app and is also compatible with Alexa for added convenience. You can set activity zones so you’re only notified when there’s relevant activity.
Blink Mini 2K+ Compact Security Camera
Blink makes affordable cameras for indoor or outdoor use. While some features require a subscription, you can get the necessary features without paying extra. The cameras are available in black or white, and come in wired or wireless options depending on the model.
Apple HomePod Mini
If you’re all in on Apple’s ecosystem, the HomePod Mini is a solid option for smart home use. The speaker lives up to Apple’s reputation for stylish design, and the 360‑degree audio creates room-filling sound in a small package.
Amazon Echo Show 5
Amazon’s Echo Show has a built-in display that can be used as a calendar or display for your smart cameras, making it a convenient central hub for your smart home. During Black Friday, it’s 39% off.
TP-Link Tapo Matter Supported Smart Plug
If you have a non-smart device that still works, but you want to integrate it into your smart home system, a smart plug is one of the easiest options. You can plug lamps, fans, and other devices in and set them to turn on and off at a set time. TP-Link’s Tapo smart plug is Matter-supported and designed to be easy to set up.
Govee Smart Light Bulbs
Govee’s smart light bulbs are an affordable option, and they’re on sale ahead of Black Friday. They can be set to turn on and off automatically, and there are plenty of color options to choose from. The bulbs are compatible with Google and Alexa, and while they’re not natively compatible with Apple HomeKit, you can set up a shortcut in the Govee app to work with Siri.
Sonos Era 100
If you’re a smart home enthusiast who also takes sound quality seriously, then Sonos’ speakers are a great option. Because they’re compatible with Alexa, you can set them up to run as smart speakers. They can be set up as part of a multi-room audio setup or as stereo speakers.
Eufy Robot Vacuum Omni C20
Eufy’s robot vacuum can mop and vacuum, and it automatically empties and dries in its dock. The slim design means it can maneuver under low furniture, and it boasts powerful suction with rolling and side brushes. Plus, it can be set up to run with smart home devices, including Alexa, Google, and Siri.
Google Nest Audio
Google’s Nest Audio is pricier than its mini speaker, but it offers rich sound, making it a great option for listening to music at home. It can be used for basic tasks like checking the weather or setting timers, and you can integrate it into a smart home setup to control devices like TVs, lights, and more.
