Written by Level Home Staff
The family of smart home products continues to expand at a dizzying rate. With approximately 175 million residences already equipped with smart devices, it is truly a global phenomenon. About half of U.S. homes already have one or more such products. According to Statista, that percentage will increase to 57% by 2025. Furthermore, smart home penetration will increase in every category through 2027.
Perhaps you are exploring the smart home concept for the first time. Or, maybe you already embrace smart home technology and all it offers. This article will help you cut through the noise and home in on some of the best smart home products in the expanding smart home ecosystem.
Below are some of the top “must haves” in smart home tech. With the best new smart home products, you can raise the IQ of your home. Some will save you time, while others will reduce your energy usage — either way, they'll simplify your daily life.
Smart thermostats can have a significant impact on your energy costs., multiplying your savings month after month, year after year.
The ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is one of the best smart home products available. It's Apple Home compatible, and Siri is built in. You can control your home’s temperature from your smartphone, tablet, or Apple Watch. This ecobee model also works with Alexa and Google Home.
Features include:
Indoor air quality monitor
Radar occupancy detection
Hands-free calling and intercom
Ecobee's advanced occupancy sensing technology prevents wasteful heating or cooling of an empty home, saving users up to 26% annually. The company also offers two other models: the ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced and the ecobee3 Lite.
Level Lock+ Connect is the latest in a series of Level security devices that includes a Level Connect Wi-Fi Bridge. It is one of the best smart home products compatible with multiple smart home platforms including Apple Home, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa. Not to mention it’s the world’s smallest smart lock on the market. With this always-connected lock, you’ll have access to your home from anywhere in the world, anytime.
Level Bolt Connect uses your existing lock and turns it into a smart lock. The mechanism is discreetly hidden inside the door, so you don't even have to change your existing lock hardware. It's compatible with both iOS and Android mobile devices, it works with your favorite smart home ecosystem, and you can still use your same house keys.
With both connected locks, you can pair it with Level Keypad to discreetly grant selective guest access, providing a unique key code to dog walkers, cleaners, delivery services, contractors, and out-of-town visitors. Users can quickly lock the door with a simple touch of the checkmark button. And since the lock and keypad are connected to Wi-Fi, you’ll be able to manage those key codes from anywhere - perfect for short-term rental properties.
SIMPLEconnect® smart ceiling fans from Hunter Fan Company achieve an important distinction as the first fans certified for use with Apple Home. There are now more than 20 products in the Hunter family of smart fans, including the new Techne, a 52-inch, four-light version.
Hunter smart fans can help you get the most from your smart thermostat. Hunter's SureSpeed air movement is the perfect complement to ambient temperature control. After you heat and cool your home with the precision of a smart thermostat, you can circulate that air for greater comfort and efficiency.
Apple Home integration makes it easy to control your Hunter smart fan and your Level Lock+ Connect from your iPhone.
The Circle View Camera features Logitech’s “best-in-class” TrueView video system. TrueView delivers superior clarity due to glass optics and a sensor with a wide dynamic range, providing a clear view in both bright and dark environments. The camera’s IP 64 rating makes it appropriate for indoor or outdoor use (under an eave).
Key features of the Logitech Circle View Camera include:
180-degree diagonal field-of-view
Two-way video
Night vision for up to 15 feet
In-home video analysis
Secure end-to-end encryption
Apple Home integration
The Philips Hue Starter Kit with instant-on capability allows you to take control of your lighting. Philips smart lighting delivers 16 million colors, with 50,000 shades of white alone. Preview the myriad looks via a quick demonstration on the Philips website.
The possibilities are endless with these smart lights. Whether you want to instantly transform your living room into a home theater or create the perfect ambiance for the next party, Philips lights make it possible.
It‘s easy to control Philips smart lighting using the Philips Hue app on your smartphone or tablet. Or, simply use your voice via Apple Home, Google Assistant, or Amazon Alexa. The system is also compatible with SmartThings and Nest.
Chamberlain’s myQ Garage Door Opener is durable and quiet, offering a host of features:
Integrated 1080p HD video
Two-way audio communication
DC LED battery backup
Wi-Fi belt drive
You can control the myQ device from a well-designed mobile app for iOS and Android. Clear, concise directions make setup quick and simple. It works with Amazon Key, but not Alexa.
With Chamberlain’s optional cloud storage, you can record and view videos for seven or 30 days. These plans include people detection and rich notifications. The latter generates a thumbnail alert any time an event gets recorded in your garage, and you can simply press and hold to get the details of the event.
Even with no subscription, you still get live streaming, two-way audio, and custom motion alerts.
Today’s smart home ecosystems are more comprehensive than ever. With these products, you can enjoy a simplified, enhanced lifestyle. And many smart devices, like Level Lock+ Connect, do not require subscription fees.
These devices need not set you back an arm and a leg, either. Apple Home, for example, requires a paid iCloud+ subscription. For $0.99/mo, you get iCloud+ with 50 GB of storage and secure video support for one camera. For $2.99/mo, you get 200 GB of storage and five-camera support.
Level up your home today with an always-connected smart lock from Level, and use it with the rest of your smart devices for the ultimate smart lifestyle.
To learn more about Level’s suite of smart security devices and other smart home tips, follow us on social media: Instagram @levelhome, Twitter @levelhomeinc, or Facebook @levelhome.
