The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming our homes and lives by connecting previously “dumb” devices and enabling them to send, receive, and analyze data. As an early tech adopter and smart home enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for the latest and greatest IoT products to enhance my connected home. Here are 10 must-have IoT devices I recommend for any other early adopter.
1. Amazon Echo
The Amazon Echo smart speaker was one of the first mainstream IoT devices to hit the market. It responds to voice commands and can be used to play music, get information from the web, control other smart devices, and much more. With excellent microphone technology, the Echo does a great job hearing commands even in noisy environments.
Some of the key features that make the Echo a must-have:
- Hands-free voice control using Alexa
- Streaming music from Amazon Music, Spotify, Pandora, SiriusXM, and more
- Smart home capabilities to control lights, switches, thermostats, and other compatible devices
- Weather and news updates on command
- Timers and alarms
- Thousands of skills that can be added to expand functionality
I use my Echo for everything from listening to podcasts while cooking to controlling my smart light bulbs. It’s proven to be an indispensable central hub for my connected home.
2. Philips Hue Starter Kit
Philips Hue smart LED light bulbs are some of the most popular and user-friendly smart lighting options around. The Hue starter kit comes with 3 color-changing A19 smart bulbs and a Hue Hub that connects them to your home WiFi network.
Here’s why the Hue system is a must-have for any smart home:
- Wide range of 16 million colors for limitless lighting effects
- Light scheduling for automation and security
- Sync lighting with music, movies, and games
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and more
- Easy control from smartphones and tablets
With my Hue starter kit, I have RGB lighting in my living room, bedroom, and kitchen that I can control with voice commands or the Hue app. It adds great ambient lighting to my home.
3. Nest Learning Thermostat
The Nest Learning Thermostat brings advanced automation to home heating and cooling systems. It learns your temperature preferences and programs itself for energy efficiency.
Key features that make this a smart home essential:
- Auto-Schedule uses learning algorithms to optimize heating and cooling over time
- Integrated sensors track occupancy and adjust temperature accordingly
- Works with 95% of heating/cooling systems
- Can be adjusted and monitored remotely via smartphone
- Sleek circular OLED display shows temperature, time, and Nest Leaf energy efficiency updates
I absolutely love my Nest thermostat. It has already paid for itself in energy savings, and I don’t have to worry about adjusting the temperature when I leave the house or go to bed. It’s the perfect hands-off home automation device.
4. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
Smart locks like the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock allow keyless entry to your home and give you complete control over virtual keys. It’s an incredibly convenient way to manage access.
Here are some of the key benefits of the August Smart Lock:
- Unlock and lock your door from anywhere with a smartphone
- Create virtual guest keys with set schedules and time limits
- Monitors activity and sends notifications when someone comes or goes
- Fits over most existing deadbolts for easy 25-minute installation
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit, and more
I have my August Smart Lock set to automatically unlock when I arrive home. It gives me peace of mind knowing I don’t have to fumble for keys, and I can check that my door is actually locked using my phone. It’s an essential smart security device.
5. ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control
For expansive whole home comfort and control, the ecobee SmartThermostat is an excellent option. It includes a detachable room sensor to optimize temperature in the rooms you actually use.
Key ecobee SmartThermostat features:
- Touchscreen with intuitive interface
- Built-in Alexa allows voice control
- Comes with one SmartSensor to detect room occupancy and temperature
- Fits all HVAC systems with included Power Extender Kit
- Integrates with smart home ecosystems and IFTTT
- Energy savings and cost monitoring
With its Alexa support and room sensor, the ecobee thermostat offers features unmatched by many competitors. It gives me granular control over my home’s temperature and integrates well with my other smart devices.
6. TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug Mini
For controlling lamps, fans, holiday lights, and other plug-in devices with your voice or smartphone, smart plugs like the TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug Mini are extremely handy.
Here’s what makes the Kasa Smart Plug Mini a must-have:
- Compact design fits second outlet on wall plate
- Remotely turn electronics on/off from anywhere
- Voice control through Alexa and Google Assistant
- Set schedules and timers
- Monitor real-time energy usage
- Works with lamps, fans, holiday lights, and more
I have Kasa Smart Plug Minis controlling my living room lamps, a fan, and string lights. They make it simple to turn devices on and off without getting up. The energy monitoring is also really useful.
7. Ring Video Doorbell
Home security is one smart home category that shouldn’t be overlooked. The Ring Video Doorbell lets you see and speak with visitors at your door using your smartphone. It’s a great way to boost home security.
Some of the key features that make Ring Video Doorbells a smart home essential:
- Motion-activated alerts when someone approaches
- Live HD video stream from your door
- Two-way talk lets you engage visitors remotely
- Works on any home thanks to battery power or hardwired options
- Customizable motion zones to reduce false alerts
- Syncs with Alexa devices for announcements
I love being able to check my Ring Doorbell cam from anywhere and talk to visitors even when I’m not home. It provides great peace of mind about home security for any smart homeowner.
8. Wyze Cam v3
For affordable smart home security, the Wyze Cam v3 is my top recommendation. These tiny cams pack features you’d expect in models 3x the price.
Here are some key highlights of the Wyze Cam v3:
- Super clear 1080p HD video day and night
- Motion tagging to easily find events in recordings
- Color night vision illuminates footage in full color
- Free 14-day rolling cloud storage and microSD support
- Alexa and Google Assistant integration
- IP65 weatherproof housing for indoor/outdoor use
I have Wyze Cams both inside and outside my home. The footage quality is amazing for the price, and the motion tagging makes reviewing recordings so much easier. They’ve helped me identify issues with deliveries and deter unwanted activity outside.
9. Chamberlain MyQ Smart Garage Door Opener
The Chamberlain MyQ Smart Garage Door Opener adds smart access and control to your existing garage door opener. You can open and close your garage from anywhere and get alerts when it opens or closes.
Key features that make MyQ a smart garage essential:
- Opens and closes garage door from anywhere
- Alerts to entry and exit activity
- scheduling options
- Works with most standard garage door openers
- Integrates with Google Assistant, IFTTT, and more
- Can control gates, lights, and other devices with additional sensors
With MyQ connected to my garage door opener, I no longer have to wonder if I left the garage open. I love the convenience of opening it remotely when I’m on my way home and the peace of mind from the alerts. It’s an easy upgrade if you have a standard opener.
10. Eve Energy Smart Plug
For Apple smart home enthusiasts, the Eve Energy Smart Plug is a must-have. It adds HomeKit-compatible smart outlet control to your setup.
Here are some of the key features of Eve Energy:
- Remote on/off control from iPhone/iPad
- Activity notifications if device turns on or off
- Power consumption monitoring
- Scheduling and timers
- Works with Siri voice commands
- No hub required; connects directly to WiFi
- Designed specifically for Apple HomeKit
As an iPhone user, I love the seamless integration Eve Energy provides with HomeKit and Siri. It makes controlling plugged-in devices with Apple smart home platform super simple. If you’re looking to extend your HomeKit setup, the Eve Energy Smart Plug is a great choice.
Conclusion
These 10 devices are just a sampling of the many amazing IoT products available to tech early adopters these days. Building your own smart home is easier than ever. With devices like these to automate lighting, climate, security, appliances, and more, you can put together an incredibly convenient connected home hub tailored to your unique needs and interests as a tech enthusiast.
