Top 15 Smart Home Automation

15 Home Automation Devices To Make Your Home Smarter Than You Are

We've scoured the web and found the 15 Smart Home Automation providers we think are worth your time. These are the companies who provided our readers with useful, compelling content.

Broadlink RM4 pro Smart IR/RF Remote Control Hub with Sensor Cable-WiFi IR/RF Blaster for Smart Home Automation, TV, Curtain, Shades Remote, Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT (RM4 pro S)

The RM4 pro Hub will connect wirelessly to your home Wi-Fi network and it supports multi-brand and multi-language. It works with RF, IR, Bluetooth & mobile app (Android & iOS) simultaneously. With strong IR learning capability, it can learn 50,000+ IR remotes and control various brands of smart home products (such as Sony TV remotes, Philips aircon remotes). Download it from Apple App Store/Google Play now to experience the voice control, IFTTT functions and more!

Features

Today's smart home technology can be intimidating and complicated—I know there was a period of time where I was convinced I was the only person who didn't understand how it all worked. The only thing that made sense to me were the remotes for devices I already owned. So why not take advantage of that? The BroadLink RM4 Pro smart home hub is an affordable solution to your home automation needs. It connects directly to your WiFi network and learns the buttons on your TV, air conditioner, and more, so you can control them through your smartphone or voice assistant with ease.
This is a review for the Broadlink RM4 pro Smart IR/RF Remote Control Hub with Sensor Cable-WiFi IR/RF Blaster for Smart Home Automation, TV, Curtain, Shades Remote, Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT (RM4 pro S).  It's a compact smart home universal remote. It has many features that other hubs in the same price range don't have. The initial setup was easy and required no special tools. You insert two AAA batteries and plug in the sensor cable to your router. The RM4 Pro app found it right away on my Samsung Galaxy S7 phone and I added my devices to include my television and air conditioner. I went ahead and created some routines so that when I came home in the evening it would turn on my tv and set the temp to 74 F. It can learn most brands of devices as long as they use infrared or RF signals. It has a great feature called "Sensor" which uses your phone's GPS locator to do a quick scan of your house and find where your devices are located. This is great if you have a large home like me or if you want to move things around after you have everything setup so you don't waste time reprogramming everything again.

What I Like

I just got it today, but this is perfect so far! I have a ton of different remotes for my theater room, with the drop down screen being RF and most of the devices hidden which makes IR a challenge. I was going to make an arduino control everything with ir and rf blaster, custom code, cloud integration to work with Alexa, etc. Would have taken forever. Instead, I found this little.

SONOFF Basic R2 10A Smart WiFi Wireless Light Switch, DIY Module for Smart Home Automation Solution, Works with Amazon Alexa & Google Home Assistant, Works with IFTTT, No Hub Required(4-Pack)

Hey there! I'm SONOFF Basic — your home's new super smart WiFi light switch. So you may ask, why should I use a super smart WiFi light switch in the first place? And the answer is simple:  I can control any of my other smart devices anywhere. If I have set a timer to my smart bulb, you don't have to worry about missing it because we can connect through IFTTT or smart life app. Or maybe turn on your fan from your office so you can come home to a nice cool apartment. You get the point.

Features

 Smart homes have become a reality with the advent of Wi-Fi and smart devices that we control with our smartphones. The SONOFF Basic WiFi light switch is a cheap way to get started on your smart journey. Using it is as easy as using a physical light switch, but you can turn your lights on or off from anywhere with your phone.
"Smart Scene" allows you to create scenes in which you can control multiple devices at once, so that one action can trigger many devices. "Hands-free Voice Control" means you can use Amazon Alexa or Google Home Assistant to control your home devices. You don't have to worry about being near your smartphone—you can use your voice to control the devices in your home. 
Since this switch works with Amazon Alexa and Google Home Assistant, it's compatible with just about every smart home device out there! It's not just for lighting; it also works for any device that requires a physical button, including garage door openers and garage door controllers.

What I Like

I installed this device in a regular wall switch, and tucked it into a standard 4" x 4" x 1-1/2" electrical box. I put the Sonoff device on one side of the box, and tucked the wires on the other side. My wall switch had a 2 gang mud ring, so this may not tuck inside a single gang mud ring, but I think it would.

Lutron Caseta Wireless Smart Lighting Dimmer Switch and Remote Kit for Wall & Ceiling Lights, P-PKG1W-WH, White

The Caseta Wireless Smart Lighting Dimmer Switch and Remote Kit from Lutron is the next generation in lighting control. Most dimmer switches work over load using a circuit with the standard dimming wire (aka the neutral wire). This means that you are forced to either install a new light switch if you don't have a neutral wire, or use an older-style light switch that doesn't provide feedback on the lights.

Features

If you've been keeping up with the home automation trends, you've probably heard of Lutron before. They're one of the biggest names in the industry and have been around for decades. That alone should be enough to convince you that their products are worth looking into if you're a first-time buyer. But don't just take my word for it—let's take a closer look at this dimmer switch in particular.
This Lutron dimmer switch is incredibly easy to install: all you need is an electrical outlet and a screwdriver (or drill). The instructions are simple and clear, and they walk you through every step along the way with diagrams. Even if you're not particularly handy or experienced in home repair, I'd say it's unlikely that you'll run into much difficulty. It's also completely wireless, so as long as it's connected to a power source and your smart hub (which is compatible with most of them), your switch will be able to work with Alexa voice commands to adjust the lights. And due to its compatibility with LED bulbs and other low-voltage lighting systems, there's no worry about shorting out or overloading anything—Lutron has thought of everything.

What I Like

I am not handy so I did not attempt to install the wall switch in our master bedroom on my own, but I hired an electrician who got it done in a matter of minutes. The dimmer switch is attractive looking and the on/off and dimmer features work well. I keep the remote, which has the same features, at my bedside and it too works well. The remote actually has an additional button.

Amazon Smart Plug, for home automation, Works with Alexa - A Certified for Humans Device

Amazon's got a new product called the Smart Plug. This little power device is one of the easiest ways to make your home smart. It lets you control lights, fans, and small appliances from anywhere using your Amazon Echo or the free Alexa app on compatible iOS, Android, or Fire tablets. It's easy to set up, simply plug it into the wall and in to the device you want to control. The Passive Infrared sensor will then listen for the command 'Alexa...turn on' and perform accordingly.

Features

If you're thinking of getting into home automation, you'll probably want to start with something small and simple to get the hang of it. The Amazon Smart Plug is the perfect place to start. It's easy enough for anyone to use, even if you've never set up a smart home device before. You don't need a hub or a subscription service, and it works with Alexa so it's voice-controlled, which really cuts down on the hassle factor.
But that doesn't mean it's not powerful—this little device can control lamps and other appliances plugged into it, setting them on timers and schedules so they can automate your lighting and help you save energy. You can plug in pretty much anything up to 1800 watts! You can also use Alexa to turn them on or off whenever you like—or just ask Alexa to turn off all your lights when you go to bed.
It comes with one outlet, but if you need more, you can get a 2-pack for $37.99 (though at only $24.99 each, these are already cheaper than many other smart plugs on the market). It's one of the easiest ways to get started with home automation!

What I Like

Hey, I really like the TP Link Ones, and still do. Non-hub, they sit on your wi-fi every now and again have issues, but nothing major. I just hooked up my new Amazon one. No skills, add-on's, 3rd party apps, accounts to make. It JUST WORKS. Plug in, add device, give it a name. DONE.

BroadLink RM4 Mini IR Universal Remote Control, Smart Home Automation Wi-Fi Infrared Blaster for TV Air Conditioner STB Audio, Works with Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT

Do you want to control your home devices using your phone, but have no idea how to start? Do you just have an instinct that voice commands or AI is the future? BroadLink RM4 Mini is a small device which connects to your home Wi-Fi and learns IR commands from your existing remotes (not included). Then it can be used with BroadLink App on your phone or voice assistants like Alexa and Google Home.

Features

The RM4 Mini has an array of features that make it work with a wide range of devices and applications. It is compatible with thousands of devices, including most TV's and STB's. The RM4 Mini comes complete with an IR blaster that can be used to control devices like A/C units, fans, and other appliances.
The RM4 Mini is a universal remote designed to turn any TV into a smart TV. It is compatible with more than 50,000 models from Sony, Panasonic, Samsung, LG, Sharp, Toshiba and other brands. The RM4 Mini can also be controlled via voice commands or the IFTTT app by connecting it to your smart home network. You can install it on your PC or laptop via USB to program the button controls of your devices. It is also easy to use with a smartphone or tablet app if you don't want to use the USB setup.With the BroadLink app, you can create customized scenes for different activities. For example, you can set up a "Watch movie" scene that will automatically turn off all unnecessary lights in your house while switching on others near your sofa and activating the Blu-Ray player and surround sound system of your entertainment center.
You know you could use a universal remote to control all of your devices, but you're worried that the range is too short or the buttons aren't customizable enough. Well, you've come to the right place. This new model is both powerful and user-friendly in every way. It's designed with an intuitive user interface—no programming required. You can control up to eight devices simultaneously and even program it for voice-controlled operation with Alexa, Google Home, or IFTTT. We partnered with FastCon Technology, so it's even easier than ever to add new products to your system—just plug them in and the App will find them automatically!

What I Like

I have been shocked by how well this works. I am using it in a home theater setup and have had zero issues. Setting up the devices is a breeze and the ability to create scenes is fantastic. I programmed it to work with Siri and can give a single command to my phone that will startup my entire theater room, cutting out 3 remotes.

Kasa Smart Plug HS103P4, Smart Home Wi-Fi Outlet Works with Alexa, Echo, Google Home & IFTTT, No Hub Required, Remote Control, 15 Amp, UL Certified, 4-Pack, White

KASA WI-FI Smart Plug HS103P4, are designed to make your life easy and enjoyable. A wifi smart plug connects to your home router, replaces your current device and allows you to turn on and off any home electronic appliances such as lamps, fan, burglar alarms, Christmas lights etc. from anywhere using the Kasa app on your smartphone. The smart plug comes out of the box with a 30 days money back guarantee.  Grab one now or read more about the features below!

Features

Do you have a smart home? Do you want to add more of these devices to make your home smarter? Well, there are many options available in the market. But do you know that there is one type that doesn't require Wi-Fi, Ethernet or a hub of any kind? It's called the smart plug. And it is a convenient way to control your electrical devices whether at home or away. Having a house full of smart plugs like Kasa Smart Plug HS103P4 is easy with this affordable and feature-rich product.
The HS103P4 Power Strip is designed to be more than just a power strip. It features four smart plugs, a 3-foot extension cord and an integrated circuit breaker that monitors overall load and automatically shuts off if any individual outlet overloads.These small yet powerful devices work with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control capability. So, you can set them up with only two steps—plug them in and open the Kasa app. You don't need any additional hub or subscription for them to run. They will connect directly to the Wi-Fi router for voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Home Assistant.
With its built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and free Kasa app, you can schedule the device to turn.

What I Like

I finally broke down and decided to allow “smart” control in the house. The problem then was affording $25/plug for the Alexa brand. I’ve combed through options for over a year now, never settling on anything because the “difficult app” or “doesn’t integrate” reviews. I don’t need more hassle in my life,

I finally broke down and decided to allow “smart” control in the house. The problem then was affording $25/plug for the Alexa brand. I’ve combed through options for over a year now, never settling on anything because the “difficult app” or “doesn’t integrate” reviews. I don’t need more hassle in my life,

Aqara Smart Hub E1 (2.4 GHz Wi-Fi Required), Powered by USB-A, Small Size, Zigbee 3.0, Acts as a Wi-Fi Repeater (Hotspot) for up to 2 Devices, Supports HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT

The Aqara Smart Hub E1 acts as a Wi-Fi repeater. With the Smart Hub E1, you can connect up to 128 Aqara devices via its 3.0 Zigbee interface, which makes the connection with Aqara smart devices faster and more stable (repeaters such as the Aqara Smart Plug or Aqara Smart Wall Switch are required). This hub is small in size and appearance, but it has a powerful function to support the fast and stable connection of multiple smart products that are compatible with HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT; it also has extended compatibility with other platforms.

Features

The Hub E1 (2.4 GHz Wi-Fi Required) is a wireless smart home hub that supports Zigbee 3.0 and can connect up to 128 Aqara devices*. It also can act as a Wi-Fi repeater (hotspot) for up to 2 devices. The most convenient thing about the Hub E1 is that it can be controlled by HomeKit or Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. You don't need to worry about the compatibility of your existing Aqara devices with other smart home platforms anymore!
Clicking the button on top of the Hub E1 will make it work as an automatic Wi-Fi repeater (hotspot) for your smart home devices, such as mobile phone and computer. You can use it to expand the range of your existing Wi-Fi network to cover other non-connected smart home devices in your house. The Hub E1 will automatically turn into a Wi-Fi repeater (hotspot) once it is powered on.
If you are using HomeKit, you need to set up Location Services on your iPhone or iPad before using this product.
A USB-A port is integrated into the body of this smart hub, so that it can be powered from almost any USB-equipped device such as a power bank, power strip, outlet, PC, or even a router. As you see, it's very convenient to use. In addition to providing power for the Hub E1 itself, this port also allows you to extend the Wi-Fi network coverage.
This smart hub is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so that you can set up your devices by voice commands and control them via voice commands. And there are many other applications that support this Hub to maximize its functions such as IFTTT and Apple HomeKit.

What I Like

This inexpensive smart home hub was easy to set up and connect to its companion product, a temperature sensor. I set this up in my Wisconsin second home with a low temperature alert in case my furnace failed. I also have a Google nest thermostat but have read online that they are not 100% reliable in sending low temp alerts. I installed this backup solution for a total cost of about $60. I was impressed.

Smart Home Energy Monitor with 16 50A Circuit Level Sensors | Vue - Real Time Electricity Monitor/Meter | Solar/Net Metering

Your Mobile24 Plug-n-Play Smart Home Energy Monitor gives you the power to monitor your home's real electricity usage while away. Installs quickly and easily in circuit panels of most homes with clamp-on sensors. Supports single-phase up to 240VAC line-neutral; single or split-phase 120/240VAC; and three-phase up to 415Y/240VAC (no Delta). Panels with access only to busbars will need flexible sensors available from Emporia Energy. Includes DIY instructions, though a professional electrician is recommended.

Features

If you've ever looked up an appliance's "Energy Guide" on the Energy Star website, you know that they can be pretty hard to understand: it's just a metal box with a bunch of numbers on the front. To get all the information you need, you have to look at the label and do some math. This is fine if you're a mathematician, but most people don't have time for that kind of thing.
Our Vue energy monitor kit combines everything into one device so that you can see everything about your power usage at a glance—from how much it costs, to how much solar energy (if any) you're using, to when certain appliances are running. It even has LED lights to show you which appliances are using power right now, so that you don't have to guess whether or not they're on.
How does it do this? With clamp-on sensors that fit right onto your outlets, it records electricity usage every 15 minutes and sends the data wirelessly to our cloud servers so that we can calculate your cost over time for a given appliance.
It also comes with sixteen 50A sensors that accurately monitor your air conditioner, furnace, water heater, washer, dryer, range (oven), and much more.

What I Like

I bought this so I can monitor the electricity used by my tenants. We rent out an in-law suite above our garage, and the electrical to the unit is connected to our home's main via a 100 amp service wire. Installing the power to the wireless transponder is incredibly easy if you know what you are doing, but I wouldn't recommend someone unfamiliar with circuit breakers or electrical panels try to do it.

Kasa Smart Light Switch HS200P3, Single Pole, Needs Neutral Wire, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Light Switch Works with Alexa and Google Home, UL Certified, No Hub Required, 3-Pack , White

Installation is simple and requires only that a neutral wire is run to the new switch. The Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch can also be installed without running a separate control wire so you can have an additional switch on any wall in your home. The Kasa App walks you through the process with clear step-by-step instructions, before you begin and during installation. Installations may vary between switches, so make sure you visit Kasa’s FAQ guide for more details.

Features

It's a new year, and that means you have the chance to start fresh with your smart home. With the Kasa Smart Light Switch HS200P3, you can automate your light switches and make your home more convenient than ever before.
Tired of fumbling for the light switch in the dark? The Smart Light Switch will eliminate those nasty surprises and make it easier than ever to turn on your lights. The timer function even allows you to set up lighting schedules for when you're not home, so you can be sure that the lights in your house are only on when needed.
Never wonder whether or not you left any lights on again, or if you left the stove on! Just use your smartphone to turn off your appliances from anywhere, safe in the knowledge that you won't be burning dinner while away on holiday.
There's no need to worry about having to cut into expensive wall coverings or drill into walls—the Smart Light Switch is designed to be installed quickly and easily with no wiring required.
The app is intuitive and simple enough for anyone to use!

What I Like

I like these switches a lot. I had only one issue when it was time for Alexa to recognize the name I assigned to the switches and turn them on and off via voice command. The comment back to me was she couldn’t find any switch named xxxxxx. I found zero fixes on Kasa, online or anywhere else that solved my issue until I realized what the problem was.

Broadlink RM4 pro IR RF WiFi Universal Remote Smart Home Automation Compatible with Alexa and Google Home

The Broadlink RM4 Pro is a powerful universal remote control smart home kit that can control nearly all the devices for your house. You can control it via RF433, IR and WiFi signals. It supports thousands of brand-specific IR codes and can learn new ones from your old remotes. With a super fast WiFi connection, this RM4 Pro can directly connect to IFTTT (If This Then That) platform, which is an online service used to create chains of simple conditional statements “If this happens, turn that on; if this happens again, turn that off”.

Features

If you have a lot of older devices that aren't Bluetooth compatible, or if you love the idea of being able to control your lights simply by talking to them, the RM4 Pro is probably your best bet. This universal remote is compatible with a huge range of different smart home devices—think TVs, air conditioners, fans and even motorized curtains. It's easy to set up and can be controlled from an app on your phone, but the big draw here is that it works with Amazon Alexa and Google Home. That means you can tell Alexa to turn on the lights for you or adjust their brightness without having to get off the couch. If you're looking for a way to simplify your life by adding just one device that can control everything in your house, this is it.
What is Broadlink RM4 Pro?Broadlink RM4 Pro is an advanced version of the popular RM3 with more features: NEW FEATURES - Supports external Temperature and Humidity Sensor USB Cable (purchase separately), connect it to the RM4 pro, Broadlink App will show room?s temperature and humidity. Zero Configuration, powered by FastCon technology, add the first FastCon device to the App as usual, after that, when you power on other new FastCon devices, they will be automatically discovered and shown in App.TECH SUPPORT - One-Year Warranty, 24/7 Technical Support. Video Guide are available on our Amazon Brand Store page and YouTube. Find our Global Hotline on product manual. Now you can get help and make feedback directly through BroadLink Community in the App.

What I Like

I purchased this RF hub to allow my RF-controlled retractable awnings to integrate with my smart home devices. This hub did exactly what I bought it for and has been working great in the week that I have had it. My awnings and original remotes are Aleko brand.

YoLink Hub - Central Controller Only for YoLink Devices, 1/4 Mile World's Longest Range Smart Hub LoRa Enabled Smart Home Automation Hub Smart Home Security Monitoring Gateway

Introducing YoLink Hub, the central controller for all your devices. The Hub is the only device that connects to the Internet and requires a wired or WiFi connection. It’s designed for all users, from novices to early adopters and tech experts. Your YoLink system will deliver years of low-maintenance fun! If you are looking for an engaging way to interact with your home, office and workshop, then you should look no further than this product.

Features

We're excited to announce our newest addition to the YoLink family—the YoLink Hub! While the other YoLink devices are already available for pre-order on our website, the YoLink Hub will not be officially available until after the holidays. We can't wait for you to get your hands on it and we're excited to share more about it before then.
One of the most exciting things about this hub is its amazing range. LoRa Technology makes it possible for the YoLink Hub to reach over a 1/4 mile away, which is great for areas of your home that might have been difficult to connect with Wi-Fi systems. The long range and lower power consumption make it ideal for outbuildings, garages, and even sheds located outside. It's also perfect for basements and outdoor areas such as patios and decks, where a wireless connection may not have reached before.
Another big benefit of the YoLink Hub is its simplicity. Plug in, connect to your network, scan in all of your devices, and you're done! You don't have to worry about adding additional access points or setting up complicated networks like you might with other home automation systems; set-up is a breeze with the YoLink Hub.
 Whether you have a small smart home or a large one, the YoLink system is a great way to make your home even smarter. The YoLink Hub is extremely easy to set up and once it's connected to your router, all the devices are able to talk to each other wirelessly. That means that no matter where you put the sensors, lights, locks or thermostats around your house, they'll be able to communicate with each other through the hub and work as an integrated unit.
 No More WiFi Worries: If you've ever experienced issues with WiFi like spotty coverage or slow speeds because of too many devices connected, then you'll appreciate that the YoLink system doesn't need to connect over WiFi at all. Instead, it connects directly to your router. That means your connection won't be affected by how many devices are using your WiFi network and there's no risk of having a weak connection.

What I Like

I have tried three mailbox alarms in the past month. A self-contained motion sensor and a dedicated mailbox alarm (designed for a door that opens down). Neither worked at all. This Yo Link Hub along with the door sensor sold separately has done the charm. The door sensor was mounted in the mailbox and it doesn't care which way the door opens. The hub was set up without effort.

Wemo Smart Plug with Thread, Apple HomeKit Enabled for Smart Home Automation, NFC Set up, Compatible with Wemo Stage Scene Controller, Siri, iPhones, and More

If you love the smart home technologies, why not to upgrade your tech toys with the smart plug? Yep, you guessed it right, I am talking about the Belkin WeMo Smart Plug. It has been designed in such a way that it won't require much space at all. This smart plug has been created in such a way that two plugs can be stacked within one electrical outlet.

Features

Belkin is an established accessories market leader creating high quality, innovative tech solutions for over 35 years. They've created a number of smart home products, including the Wemo Smart Plug with Thread and Bluetooth, which lets you control your household electronics from anywhere using the Home app on your iPhone.
It's really easy to get started—as long as your device supports Thread or Bluetooth (most do), you can be up and running in just a few minutes. Simply unlock your iPhone, tap it on the smart plug, and follow the prompts to start controlling in seconds. Whether you're turning lights on or off before you get home, adjusting the temperature while you're at work, or setting everything up to run on a schedule while you're out of town, it's simple to get everything working just how you like it.
The space-saving design allows two plugs to stack in one electrical outlet. You can easily arrange them at right angles to each other if needed. While some smart plugs may require a larger socket size than standard outlets allow for, it's made to fit easily into even the most crowded sockets.

What I Like

The Wemo Dimmer Switch is reliable and easy to install. And it is easy to pair once you figure out that iPhones have their NFC antennas in the top bezel. Touching the top bezel to the Wemo Dimmer Switch has it pair almost instantly and it would have been nice to know that. Placing the back of the phone against the unit will probably get you nowhere.

Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat for Smart Home, DIY, Works With Alexa, Energy Star Certified, ST55

You have one remote for you TV and another remote for your sound system, yet it seems you are always asking your family to help you find the right buttons to push. With the Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat for Smart Home, DIY, Works With Alexa, Energy Star Certified, ST55 you can control the temperature of your home from anywhere that you have access to a smart phone or tablet. The Sensi is an easy solution to an age old problem which can lead to greater comfort and peace of mind throughout your home!

Features

When it comes to saving energy, there’s no denying that having a smart thermostat can be more convenient than an old-fashioned one. For example, if you have your schedule set to heat or cool at different times, with a smart thermostat you can just change your settings for the day without having to keep coming home and adjusting. However, some are skeptical about how much of an impact on energy savings these smart thermostats really make. Is it really worth being able to control the temperature from your phone?
The Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat is one of the most affordable options out there, but it still has plenty of impressive features. It’s ENERGY STAR certified and can potentially save you up to 23% on HVAC costs over time. It also has flexible scheduling, remote access, and usage reports so you can see what your patterns are over time and adjust accordingly. And if one of its sensors' readings is off by more than four degrees, it will alert you—which could help prevent bigger problems down the line.
The Sensi Smart Thermostat installs in minutes with the help of a built-in level and step-by-step app instructions.

What I Like

 Alexa took over my house. It’s started on Black Friday 2019. Amazon offered a deal that couldn’t be beat. Once I had SkyNet I mean Alexa hooked up and running it began. I got lazy, really lazy and I loved it. I was hooked. I ordered six more echos. I ordered smart light bulbs and Smart light switches, smart thermostat and smart plugs and Ring.

Aqara Motion Sensor, REQUIRES AQARA HUB, Zigbee Connection, for Alarm System and Smart Home Automation, Broad Detection Range, Compatible with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Works With IFTTT

The Aqara Motion Sensor can add a whole new layer of security to your Aqara Hub and smart home system. This is an unauthorized entry detection device which is set up by the hub to detect any unnecessary movements in your home. If it does so, this motion sensor will instantly send a notification to your phone through the cloud and also trigger an alarm for you immediate attention. And as like most other motion detectors this one comes with a view area of 170 degrees and a 22 feet range

Features

The Aqara Motion Sensor can be used in all kinds of smart home applications, but most importantly is its use as an alarm sensor in a security system, and as a way to get your home automated. It can detect motion up to 22 feet away, with a 170-degree range of view. It's easy to use with the Aqara Hub, and it also works with Alexa and Siri, so you can control it through voice commands. The detector also has a pretty wide detection range, which means you'll be able to know if someone is coming down the hall or if somebody's coming into the far end of your garage without needing to mount it right next to the door.
The Aqara Motion Sensor uses Zigbee technology, which means that it will connect directly with the Aqara Hub and will not need your WiFi network. The hub comes with 128 devices maximum connected at any time, so this means you might have to buy an additional hub in order to connect more devices than those that come built into the hub. The hub itself is smaller than a soda and has a battery life of 3 years on standby or 6 months when transmitting data.

What I Like

The Aqara motion sensor is much smaller than I was expecting, which makes it lightweight and easy to find a mounting location without needing much clearance. Sensitivity seems about right, and the response time from when the sensor sees movement and when a device gets triggered seems to be lag-free. I like how the adjustable "pedestal" can be removed if you want to just use the main sensor body by itself.

ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control , Black

The ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control is the first Wi-Fi enabled, voice-controlled smart thermostat. This one-of-a-kind smart home device not only makes it easy to control your comfort and energy using your voice, but it also works with other Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit enabled devices within your home. With its slim design, the ecobee SmartThermostat fits perfectly in a standard electrical box and can be mounted on the wall or attached to the back of your existing furnace or air conditioner.

Features

For a long time, it seemed like smart home technology was an expensive novelty, with products that were either too expensive or didn't do enough to be worth the cost. But finally, there are smart home devices that are in the price range of regular people. If you're looking for one of these devices, the ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control is a great place to start. It's easy to set up and use, allows you to control your heating and cooling from anywhere (and even get status updates while on vacation), and can even save you some money if you live in an area where utility rates are high.
The main selling point of the ecobee SmartThermostat is that it saves you money by being more efficient than older models (up to 26% annually on heating and cooling costs). The device learns your behavior and can automatically adjust itself to save you money without sacrificing comfort. It also comes with a built-in speaker that lets you control your thermostat and even make calls using voice commands, which is just fun when it works—but it'll work much better with Apple's HomePod, so don't worry about buying two devices if you're looking for voice controls.

What I Like

I have an older home with a Goodman split AC unit. The old thermostat didn't have a C wire installed, but the provision was there in the wire harness. I ran the spare blue wire in the thermostat harness to the C terminal on the air handler, and the other end to the C terminal on the ecobee. Viola! It all works flawlessly. If you take your time.