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2025-06-01 17:56:14 -

How (and Why) I Use Smart Cameras to Monitor My Garden

We may earn a commission from links on this page.While most people think of smart cameras as just a part of their security system, they’re also a good way to monitor the things growing in your yard. In most cases, the cameras you already have set up for security can be doing double duty as a tool to keep track of what's happening in your garden.I believe we’re on the cusp of smart cameras becoming a much bigger part of the gardening experience. For the last few years, smart bird houses have exploded in popularity. One of those companies, Bird Buddy, has launched an entirely new line of cameras specifically for micro-viewing experiences in the garden. Their Petal cameras, expected to be available next year, should be positioned closer to the ground than most security cameras, and are meant to capture bees, insects, and butterflies, as well as the growth of your plants. Using AI, the camera will allow you to assign names to your plants and even communicate with them. Still, there is a lot you can do with security cameras already on the market. Remote monitoring

Credit: Amanda Blum

In an ideal world, you could pack up for vacation and your yard would take care of itself—but a smart camera can allow you to remotely keep an eye on what’s happening and monitor for any damage. What’s impressive to me is how well my solar-powered cameras maintain their connection, even during low temperatures and freezing rain.

I've been impressed at how much detail I can get from small plants through my cameras.
Credit: Amanda Blum

Cameras allow you to keep an active watch on your yard. Not only will your security camera let you know if your trusted waterer drops by while you're gone as promised, but you can actually see how your plants are doing and if additional help is needed. I’m always impressed at how good the zoom is on the cameras I use around my yard; I can actually tell if a tomato is ripe or if broccoli is ready to be picked. Last year, when I couldn’t get outside because of a sprained ankle and had someone helping in the garden, being able to see what they were doing and communicate with them via my security camera was invaluable. It’s much more effective than trying to describe what you need or want. Catch pestsGarden pests are frustrating for a wealth of reasons. To start with, you often don’t know what kind of pest you’re dealing with, and it’s nearly impossible to catch them in the act. Smart cameras are perfect for this, because they give you fly-on-the-wall ability to passively watch. Motion detection does most of the work for you. My security camera let me know I had raccoons in my yard last winter. They weren’t doing any damage, but it helped influence how I design my garden and chicken coops. The cameras identified the cat that had chosen my garden to use as a litter box, checking in each night around 1 a.m. I’ve been chasing down a rat for the last two weeks, and the cameras do a spectacular job of catching his activity, which tells me where to add traps and what I may be doing that is enabling him. Other uses for smart cameras in your yard

Credit: Amanda Blum

The most invaluable service I’ve gotten from my cameras are how I use them to monitor backyard pets. I could not figure out how my newly adopted doberman was escaping from the yard, so I installed security cameras, and discovered she was climbing a five-foot tall chain link fence. I’ve got three cameras installed in my chicken coop, and they tell me when there are eggs to be grabbed, if a chicken is becoming broody, if everyone got into the coop at night, and if that pesky rat has cracked into the chicken food. When I first got my chickens, I couldn’t figure out which bird was laying which color egg, but the cameras helped. And now that I have a beehive, being able to see the activity going in and out of the hive is a helpful to monitor the health of the hive, and if a rodent of any kind tries to get in, I’ll know immediately. How to choose a camera for your yardI’ve tried smart cameras from almost every major brand, and I’ve figured out some things. First, in almost all cases, I want a PTZcamera. These allow you to use your phone as a remote control and move the camera around, often almost 360 degrees, to zoom in on what you want. This is far superior to a fixed range camera. It’s simply annoying to have something going on just outside of the range of your camera and not be able to do anything to adjust it remotely. Additionally, I look for an app that makes it easy to watch clips. While I think Reolink cameras are affordable and functional, their app forces you to watch a horizontal clip on a vertical screen, so details are incredibly small. The Ring app has a lot of bloat, bringing neighborhood alert notifications to your phone. I enjoy the Aqara, Switchbot, and Eufy apps for getting to the video quickly and easily. Lastly, as you add cameras to your collection, being able to remain free from subscription costs is a real bonus. For that reason, I have largely switched over to Eufy cameras, which—if connected to a Home Base—don’t need a subscription. What I use in my yard:

I replaced all my floodlights with this camera for overhead views

Eufy Wired Floodlight Cam

Shop Now

Shop Now

I place these wireless cams anyplace I want a 360 view of what's happening in my yard.

Eufy Solar Powered Wireless Camera

Shop Now

Shop Now

I have this epoxied into three spots in my chicken coop.

Eufy Indoor PTZ Camera

Shop Now

Shop Now

Just added this to monitor my beehive.

Eufycam S3 Pro

All my cameras sync to the homebase so I don't need a subscription.

Eufy HomeBase

SEE 2 MORE

Where to place your camera

Credit: Amanda Blum

All security cameras are either hardwired or wireless. You might already have exterior floodlights on your home, and wired security cameras can use those connections, replacing the lights. In this case, your connection is likely high up, and can’t be moved easily. So long as it’s high up, you likely have a good field of vision of your yard, but make sure to consider plants that grow in the summer, and if they’ll block your view. If you don’t have these connections available and don’t want to pay an electrician to create them, you need wireless cameras. But I actually prefer my wireless cameras. First, the solar power on most of them is astounding. I live in the Pacific Northwest, a place with seven months of gloom, and my cameras always stay powered. Second, being wireless means you can move your camera around to find the perfect spot. Usually all you need is to screw the base into the spot you want the camera. Don’t be afraid to try different spots, when I was chasing down how my dog escaped, I had to keep moving the camera. I attached the camera to a 2x4, and moved the wood around the yard, leaning it against whatever was near until I found the right range of vision.
#how #why #use #smart #cameras

How (and Why) I Use Smart Cameras to Monitor My Garden
We may earn a commission from links on this page.While most people think of smart cameras as just a part of their security system, they’re also a good way to monitor the things growing in your yard. In most cases, the cameras you already have set up for security can be doing double duty as a tool to keep track of what's happening in your garden.I believe we’re on the cusp of smart cameras becoming a much bigger part of the gardening experience. For the last few years, smart bird houses have exploded in popularity. One of those companies, Bird Buddy, has launched an entirely new line of cameras specifically for micro-viewing experiences in the garden. Their Petal cameras, expected to be available next year, should be positioned closer to the ground than most security cameras, and are meant to capture bees, insects, and butterflies, as well as the growth of your plants. Using AI, the camera will allow you to assign names to your plants and even communicate with them. Still, there is a lot you can do with security cameras already on the market. Remote monitoring Credit: Amanda Blum In an ideal world, you could pack up for vacation and your yard would take care of itself—but a smart camera can allow you to remotely keep an eye on what’s happening and monitor for any damage. What’s impressive to me is how well my solar-powered cameras maintain their connection, even during low temperatures and freezing rain. I've been impressed at how much detail I can get from small plants through my cameras. Credit: Amanda Blum Cameras allow you to keep an active watch on your yard. Not only will your security camera let you know if your trusted waterer drops by while you're gone as promised, but you can actually see how your plants are doing and if additional help is needed. I’m always impressed at how good the zoom is on the cameras I use around my yard; I can actually tell if a tomato is ripe or if broccoli is ready to be picked. Last year, when I couldn’t get outside because of a sprained ankle and had someone helping in the garden, being able to see what they were doing and communicate with them via my security camera was invaluable. It’s much more effective than trying to describe what you need or want. Catch pestsGarden pests are frustrating for a wealth of reasons. To start with, you often don’t know what kind of pest you’re dealing with, and it’s nearly impossible to catch them in the act. Smart cameras are perfect for this, because they give you fly-on-the-wall ability to passively watch. Motion detection does most of the work for you. My security camera let me know I had raccoons in my yard last winter. They weren’t doing any damage, but it helped influence how I design my garden and chicken coops. The cameras identified the cat that had chosen my garden to use as a litter box, checking in each night around 1 a.m. I’ve been chasing down a rat for the last two weeks, and the cameras do a spectacular job of catching his activity, which tells me where to add traps and what I may be doing that is enabling him. Other uses for smart cameras in your yard Credit: Amanda Blum The most invaluable service I’ve gotten from my cameras are how I use them to monitor backyard pets. I could not figure out how my newly adopted doberman was escaping from the yard, so I installed security cameras, and discovered she was climbing a five-foot tall chain link fence. I’ve got three cameras installed in my chicken coop, and they tell me when there are eggs to be grabbed, if a chicken is becoming broody, if everyone got into the coop at night, and if that pesky rat has cracked into the chicken food. When I first got my chickens, I couldn’t figure out which bird was laying which color egg, but the cameras helped. And now that I have a beehive, being able to see the activity going in and out of the hive is a helpful to monitor the health of the hive, and if a rodent of any kind tries to get in, I’ll know immediately. How to choose a camera for your yardI’ve tried smart cameras from almost every major brand, and I’ve figured out some things. First, in almost all cases, I want a PTZcamera. These allow you to use your phone as a remote control and move the camera around, often almost 360 degrees, to zoom in on what you want. This is far superior to a fixed range camera. It’s simply annoying to have something going on just outside of the range of your camera and not be able to do anything to adjust it remotely. Additionally, I look for an app that makes it easy to watch clips. While I think Reolink cameras are affordable and functional, their app forces you to watch a horizontal clip on a vertical screen, so details are incredibly small. The Ring app has a lot of bloat, bringing neighborhood alert notifications to your phone. I enjoy the Aqara, Switchbot, and Eufy apps for getting to the video quickly and easily. Lastly, as you add cameras to your collection, being able to remain free from subscription costs is a real bonus. For that reason, I have largely switched over to Eufy cameras, which—if connected to a Home Base—don’t need a subscription. What I use in my yard: I replaced all my floodlights with this camera for overhead views Eufy Wired Floodlight Cam Shop Now Shop Now I place these wireless cams anyplace I want a 360 view of what's happening in my yard. Eufy Solar Powered Wireless Camera Shop Now Shop Now I have this epoxied into three spots in my chicken coop. Eufy Indoor PTZ Camera Shop Now Shop Now Just added this to monitor my beehive. Eufycam S3 Pro All my cameras sync to the homebase so I don't need a subscription. Eufy HomeBase SEE 2 MORE Where to place your camera Credit: Amanda Blum All security cameras are either hardwired or wireless. You might already have exterior floodlights on your home, and wired security cameras can use those connections, replacing the lights. In this case, your connection is likely high up, and can’t be moved easily. So long as it’s high up, you likely have a good field of vision of your yard, but make sure to consider plants that grow in the summer, and if they’ll block your view. If you don’t have these connections available and don’t want to pay an electrician to create them, you need wireless cameras. But I actually prefer my wireless cameras. First, the solar power on most of them is astounding. I live in the Pacific Northwest, a place with seven months of gloom, and my cameras always stay powered. Second, being wireless means you can move your camera around to find the perfect spot. Usually all you need is to screw the base into the spot you want the camera. Don’t be afraid to try different spots, when I was chasing down how my dog escaped, I had to keep moving the camera. I attached the camera to a 2x4, and moved the wood around the yard, leaning it against whatever was near until I found the right range of vision. #how #why #use #smart #cameras

LIFEHACKER.COM

How (and Why) I Use Smart Cameras to Monitor My Garden
We may earn a commission from links on this page.While most people think of smart cameras as just a part of their security system, they’re also a good way to monitor the things growing in your yard. In most cases, the cameras you already have set up for security can be doing double duty as a tool to keep track of what's happening in your garden.I believe we’re on the cusp of smart cameras becoming a much bigger part of the gardening experience. For the last few years, smart bird houses have exploded in popularity. One of those companies, Bird Buddy, has launched an entirely new line of cameras specifically for micro-viewing experiences in the garden. Their Petal cameras, expected to be available next year, should be positioned closer to the ground than most security cameras, and are meant to capture bees, insects, and butterflies, as well as the growth of your plants. Using AI (as a subscription service), the camera will allow you to assign names to your plants and even communicate with them. Still, there is a lot you can do with security cameras already on the market. Remote monitoring Credit: Amanda Blum In an ideal world, you could pack up for vacation and your yard would take care of itself—but a smart camera can allow you to remotely keep an eye on what’s happening and monitor for any damage. What’s impressive to me is how well my solar-powered cameras maintain their connection, even during low temperatures and freezing rain. I've been impressed at how much detail I can get from small plants through my cameras. Credit: Amanda Blum Cameras allow you to keep an active watch on your yard. Not only will your security camera let you know if your trusted waterer drops by while you're gone as promised, but you can actually see how your plants are doing and if additional help is needed. I’m always impressed at how good the zoom is on the cameras I use around my yard; I can actually tell if a tomato is ripe or if broccoli is ready to be picked. Last year, when I couldn’t get outside because of a sprained ankle and had someone helping in the garden, being able to see what they were doing and communicate with them via my security camera was invaluable. It’s much more effective than trying to describe what you need or want. Catch pestsGarden pests are frustrating for a wealth of reasons. To start with, you often don’t know what kind of pest you’re dealing with, and it’s nearly impossible to catch them in the act. Smart cameras are perfect for this, because they give you fly-on-the-wall ability to passively watch. Motion detection does most of the work for you. My security camera let me know I had raccoons in my yard last winter. They weren’t doing any damage (yet), but it helped influence how I design my garden and chicken coops. The cameras identified the cat that had chosen my garden to use as a litter box, checking in each night around 1 a.m. I’ve been chasing down a rat for the last two weeks, and the cameras do a spectacular job of catching his activity, which tells me where to add traps and what I may be doing that is enabling him. Other uses for smart cameras in your yard Credit: Amanda Blum The most invaluable service I’ve gotten from my cameras are how I use them to monitor backyard pets. I could not figure out how my newly adopted doberman was escaping from the yard, so I installed security cameras, and discovered she was climbing a five-foot tall chain link fence. I’ve got three cameras installed in my chicken coop, and they tell me when there are eggs to be grabbed, if a chicken is becoming broody, if everyone got into the coop at night, and if that pesky rat has cracked into the chicken food. When I first got my chickens, I couldn’t figure out which bird was laying which color egg, but the cameras helped. And now that I have a beehive, being able to see the activity going in and out of the hive is a helpful to monitor the health of the hive, and if a rodent of any kind tries to get in, I’ll know immediately. How to choose a camera for your yardI’ve tried smart cameras from almost every major brand, and I’ve figured out some things. First, in almost all cases, I want a PTZ (point, tilt, zoom) camera. These allow you to use your phone as a remote control and move the camera around, often almost 360 degrees, to zoom in on what you want. This is far superior to a fixed range camera. It’s simply annoying to have something going on just outside of the range of your camera and not be able to do anything to adjust it remotely. Additionally, I look for an app that makes it easy to watch clips. While I think Reolink cameras are affordable and functional, their app forces you to watch a horizontal clip on a vertical screen, so details are incredibly small. The Ring app has a lot of bloat, bringing neighborhood alert notifications to your phone. I enjoy the Aqara, Switchbot, and Eufy apps for getting to the video quickly and easily. Lastly, as you add cameras to your collection, being able to remain free from subscription costs is a real bonus. For that reason, I have largely switched over to Eufy cameras, which—if connected to a Home Base—don’t need a subscription. What I use in my yard: I replaced all my floodlights with this camera for overhead views Eufy Wired Floodlight Cam $199.99 at Amazon $219.99 Save $20.00 Shop Now Shop Now $199.99 at Amazon $219.99 Save $20.00 I place these wireless cams anyplace I want a 360 view of what's happening in my yard. Eufy Solar Powered Wireless Camera $259.99 at Amazon $349.99 Save $90.00 Shop Now Shop Now $259.99 at Amazon $349.99 Save $90.00 I have this epoxied into three spots in my chicken coop. Eufy Indoor PTZ Camera $34.88 at Amazon Shop Now Shop Now $34.88 at Amazon Just added this to monitor my beehive. Eufycam S3 Pro $439.99 at Amazon $549.99 Save $110.00 Get Deal Get Deal $439.99 at Amazon $549.99 Save $110.00 All my cameras sync to the homebase so I don't need a subscription. Eufy HomeBase $149.99 at Amazon Get Deal Get Deal $149.99 at Amazon SEE 2 MORE Where to place your camera Credit: Amanda Blum All security cameras are either hardwired or wireless. You might already have exterior floodlights on your home, and wired security cameras can use those connections, replacing the lights (many units come with floodlights). In this case, your connection is likely high up, and can’t be moved easily. So long as it’s high up, you likely have a good field of vision of your yard, but make sure to consider plants that grow in the summer, and if they’ll block your view. If you don’t have these connections available and don’t want to pay an electrician to create them, you need wireless cameras. But I actually prefer my wireless cameras. First, the solar power on most of them is astounding. I live in the Pacific Northwest, a place with seven months of gloom, and my cameras always stay powered. Second, being wireless means you can move your camera around to find the perfect spot. Usually all you need is to screw the base into the spot you want the camera. Don’t be afraid to try different spots, when I was chasing down how my dog escaped, I had to keep moving the camera. I attached the camera to a 2x4, and moved the wood around the yard, leaning it against whatever was near until I found the right range of vision.

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Macworld paylaşılan bir bağlantı
2025-05-26 00:26:09 -

Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro review: security camera that works with Apple Home

Macworld

At a glance

Pros

High quality QHD camera

Good night vision

Adjustable spotlight

Supports HomeKit and Matter

Cons

Aqara app is over-complicated

You have to provide your own power adaptor

Cloud storage requires a subscription

Our Verdict
The sturdy design of the G5 Pro is well-suited for outdoor use, and provides a good, clear image with Quad-HD resolution by day or by night. Its support for HomeKit and Matter also makes it a good option for Apple users, with low-cost cloud storage available via an iCloud+ subscription.

Price When Reviewed
This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined

Best Pricing Today

Price When Reviewed179,99 Euro

Best Prices Today: Aqara Kamera Hub G5 Pro WLAN

Retailer

Price

159,68 €

View Deal

167,99 €

View Deal

167,99 €

View Deal

Aqara

179,99 €

View Deal

€197.18

View Deal

Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide

View more prices

Product

Price

Price comparison from Backmarket

In recent years, Aqara has been one of the few manufacturers of security cameras that still supports HomeKit for Apple devices – even when Apple itself seems to have dropped the term ‘HomeKit’ and now tends to just say that a camera ‘works with Apple Home’.

The G3 and E1 cameras that we’ve reviewed from Aqaraare very competitively priced, but they’re both designed for indoor use, so the company has extended its range with the new Camera Hub G5 Pro, which boasts a sturdy design that is very much intended for life outdoors.

There are actually two versions of the G5 Pro available, and they also give you a choice of colours, with either plain white or a dark-grey that looks very similar to Apple’s Space Grey. We tested the standard Wi-Fi version of the camera, which uses a USB-C cable for its power supply and costs /£179.99.

The USB-C cable included is 2m long, so that should allow you to place it on a window sill or on a wall without too much trouble. The camera stand is adjustable, allowing you to tilt and swivel the camera as required, and there’s a wall-mounting kit included in the box as well. However, Aqara only provides the USB-C cable for charging, with no mains power adaptor included, so you’ll have to provide that for yourself.

If you want to move the camera further away – or perhaps higher up on a wall so that it overlooks a car parking space – then you might want to opt for the more expensive PoE version. This costs /£199.99 and uses an Ethernet connection to provide both power supply and a wired network connection.

Both models are identical though, and are larger than previous Aqara cameras, as the G5 Pro houses the main camera sensor, along with a PIR sensorthat provides night vision, and an adjustable spotlight that you can activate to scare off intruders.

There’s also a built-in speaker and microphone that provide two-way audio as well. And, as it’s designed for outdoor use, the G5 Pro has a sturdy IP65 rating for resistance to water and dust, and Aqara states that it can cope with temperatures as low as -50f/-30C.

Getting started is very easy, thanks to the Aqara Home app for iOS/Android – although things do get a little more complicated later on. As soon as you connect the G5 Pro to a power supply, the camera’s speaker announces that it is ready to go into pairing mode, and the app uses Bluetooth to connect to the camera and set everything up.

The camera supports dual-band Wi-Fi using the 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz frequency bands, and the app prompts you to select your preferred network and enter the Wi-Fi password. If you hold your mobile device upright, the Aqara app displays a small preview of the live video from the camera at the top of the screen, with a rather daunting selection of additional controls and settings below. If you turn your device into landscapemode then the video image expands to full-screen size to give you a better view.

The camera has Quad-HDresolution, which provides a clear, sharp image with a viewing angle of 133-degrees. There’s a little fish-eye distortion around the edges of the image, but that doesn’t affect visibility very much at all, and it’s good to have such a wide field of view to keep an eye on things. The camera’s infra-red sensor works well too, providing good visibility even in darker conditions.

To be honest, we found the Aqara app rather complicated after the initial set-up process, as it spreads a wide range of camera controls and settings across a long series of menus and sub-menus. But, thankfully, Aqara’s HomeKit support provides a more straightforward way of controlling the camera, and it only took a few quick taps to connect the G5 Pro to the Apple Home app on my iPhone and other Apple devices.

The Apple Home app offers a simplified set of controls that let you record or stream live video whenever you leave or arrive home. It even offers to download firmware updates for the camera via Apple home too, so full marks to Aqara for making the HomeKit integration so smooth.

HomeKit integration comes in useful elsewhere too. Our review camera had 8GB of memory that allows it to store video directly on the camera, and the Aqara app also allows you to connect the G5 Pro to a NAS drive for storing your recordings on your home or office network.

Aqara also offers a subscription service called HomeGuardian that provides online storage and other features, costing per month or per year for a single camera, or per month or per year for an unlimited number of cameras.

But, of course, Apple’s own iCloud+ subscription service includes a feature called HomeKit Secure Video that allows you to store video from HomeKit-compatible security cameras, starting at just /£0.99 per month for a single camera.

Should you buy Aqara’s Camera Hub G5 Pro?

If you need a sturdy outdoor camera that works well with Apple devices then the Camera Hub G5 Pro is hard to beat. Its camera provides good image quality even in low light conditions, and the built-in memory allows you to record and store video straight out of the box.

Aqara’s app isn’t the most elegant piece of software we’ve ever seen, but the camera’s support for HomeKit and Matter allows you to easily control the camera using the Apple Home app, as well as providing a low-cost option for cloud storage too.
#aqara #camera #hub #pro #review

Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro review: security camera that works with Apple Home
Macworld At a glance Pros High quality QHD camera Good night vision Adjustable spotlight Supports HomeKit and Matter Cons Aqara app is over-complicated You have to provide your own power adaptor Cloud storage requires a subscription Our Verdict The sturdy design of the G5 Pro is well-suited for outdoor use, and provides a good, clear image with Quad-HD resolution by day or by night. Its support for HomeKit and Matter also makes it a good option for Apple users, with low-cost cloud storage available via an iCloud+ subscription. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed179,99 Euro Best Prices Today: Aqara Kamera Hub G5 Pro WLAN Retailer Price 159,68 € View Deal 167,99 € View Deal 167,99 € View Deal Aqara 179,99 € View Deal €197.18 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket In recent years, Aqara has been one of the few manufacturers of security cameras that still supports HomeKit for Apple devices – even when Apple itself seems to have dropped the term ‘HomeKit’ and now tends to just say that a camera ‘works with Apple Home’. The G3 and E1 cameras that we’ve reviewed from Aqaraare very competitively priced, but they’re both designed for indoor use, so the company has extended its range with the new Camera Hub G5 Pro, which boasts a sturdy design that is very much intended for life outdoors. There are actually two versions of the G5 Pro available, and they also give you a choice of colours, with either plain white or a dark-grey that looks very similar to Apple’s Space Grey. We tested the standard Wi-Fi version of the camera, which uses a USB-C cable for its power supply and costs /£179.99. The USB-C cable included is 2m long, so that should allow you to place it on a window sill or on a wall without too much trouble. The camera stand is adjustable, allowing you to tilt and swivel the camera as required, and there’s a wall-mounting kit included in the box as well. However, Aqara only provides the USB-C cable for charging, with no mains power adaptor included, so you’ll have to provide that for yourself. If you want to move the camera further away – or perhaps higher up on a wall so that it overlooks a car parking space – then you might want to opt for the more expensive PoE version. This costs /£199.99 and uses an Ethernet connection to provide both power supply and a wired network connection. Both models are identical though, and are larger than previous Aqara cameras, as the G5 Pro houses the main camera sensor, along with a PIR sensorthat provides night vision, and an adjustable spotlight that you can activate to scare off intruders. There’s also a built-in speaker and microphone that provide two-way audio as well. And, as it’s designed for outdoor use, the G5 Pro has a sturdy IP65 rating for resistance to water and dust, and Aqara states that it can cope with temperatures as low as -50f/-30C. Getting started is very easy, thanks to the Aqara Home app for iOS/Android – although things do get a little more complicated later on. As soon as you connect the G5 Pro to a power supply, the camera’s speaker announces that it is ready to go into pairing mode, and the app uses Bluetooth to connect to the camera and set everything up. The camera supports dual-band Wi-Fi using the 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz frequency bands, and the app prompts you to select your preferred network and enter the Wi-Fi password. If you hold your mobile device upright, the Aqara app displays a small preview of the live video from the camera at the top of the screen, with a rather daunting selection of additional controls and settings below. If you turn your device into landscapemode then the video image expands to full-screen size to give you a better view. The camera has Quad-HDresolution, which provides a clear, sharp image with a viewing angle of 133-degrees. There’s a little fish-eye distortion around the edges of the image, but that doesn’t affect visibility very much at all, and it’s good to have such a wide field of view to keep an eye on things. The camera’s infra-red sensor works well too, providing good visibility even in darker conditions. To be honest, we found the Aqara app rather complicated after the initial set-up process, as it spreads a wide range of camera controls and settings across a long series of menus and sub-menus. But, thankfully, Aqara’s HomeKit support provides a more straightforward way of controlling the camera, and it only took a few quick taps to connect the G5 Pro to the Apple Home app on my iPhone and other Apple devices. The Apple Home app offers a simplified set of controls that let you record or stream live video whenever you leave or arrive home. It even offers to download firmware updates for the camera via Apple home too, so full marks to Aqara for making the HomeKit integration so smooth. HomeKit integration comes in useful elsewhere too. Our review camera had 8GB of memory that allows it to store video directly on the camera, and the Aqara app also allows you to connect the G5 Pro to a NAS drive for storing your recordings on your home or office network. Aqara also offers a subscription service called HomeGuardian that provides online storage and other features, costing per month or per year for a single camera, or per month or per year for an unlimited number of cameras. But, of course, Apple’s own iCloud+ subscription service includes a feature called HomeKit Secure Video that allows you to store video from HomeKit-compatible security cameras, starting at just /£0.99 per month for a single camera. Should you buy Aqara’s Camera Hub G5 Pro? If you need a sturdy outdoor camera that works well with Apple devices then the Camera Hub G5 Pro is hard to beat. Its camera provides good image quality even in low light conditions, and the built-in memory allows you to record and store video straight out of the box. Aqara’s app isn’t the most elegant piece of software we’ve ever seen, but the camera’s support for HomeKit and Matter allows you to easily control the camera using the Apple Home app, as well as providing a low-cost option for cloud storage too. #aqara #camera #hub #pro #review

WWW.MACWORLD.COM

Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro review: security camera that works with Apple Home
Macworld At a glance Pros High quality QHD camera Good night vision Adjustable spotlight Supports HomeKit and Matter Cons Aqara app is over-complicated You have to provide your own power adaptor Cloud storage requires a subscription Our Verdict The sturdy design of the G5 Pro is well-suited for outdoor use, and provides a good, clear image with Quad-HD resolution by day or by night. Its support for HomeKit and Matter also makes it a good option for Apple users, with low-cost cloud storage available via an iCloud+ subscription. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed179,99 Euro Best Prices Today: Aqara Kamera Hub G5 Pro WLAN Retailer Price 159,68 € View Deal 167,99 € View Deal 167,99 € View Deal Aqara 179,99 € View Deal €197.18 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket In recent years, Aqara has been one of the few manufacturers of security cameras that still supports HomeKit for Apple devices – even when Apple itself seems to have dropped the term ‘HomeKit’ and now tends to just say that a camera ‘works with Apple Home’ (referring to the Home app on your Apple devices). The G3 and E1 cameras that we’ve reviewed from Aqara (in our round up of the Best Security Cameras) are very competitively priced, but they’re both designed for indoor use, so the company has extended its range with the new Camera Hub G5 Pro, which boasts a sturdy design that is very much intended for life outdoors. There are actually two versions of the G5 Pro available, and they also give you a choice of colours, with either plain white or a dark-grey that looks very similar to Apple’s Space Grey. We tested the standard Wi-Fi version of the camera, which uses a USB-C cable for its power supply and costs $179.99/£179.99. The USB-C cable included is 2m long, so that should allow you to place it on a window sill or on a wall without too much trouble. The camera stand is adjustable, allowing you to tilt and swivel the camera as required, and there’s a wall-mounting kit included in the box as well. However, Aqara only provides the USB-C cable for charging, with no mains power adaptor included, so you’ll have to provide that for yourself. If you want to move the camera further away – or perhaps higher up on a wall so that it overlooks a car parking space – then you might want to opt for the more expensive PoE version (power over Ethernet). This costs $199.99/£199.99 and uses an Ethernet connection to provide both power supply and a wired network connection. Both models are identical though, and are larger than previous Aqara cameras, as the G5 Pro houses the main camera sensor, along with a PIR sensor (passive infra-red) that provides night vision, and an adjustable spotlight that you can activate to scare off intruders. There’s also a built-in speaker and microphone that provide two-way audio as well. And, as it’s designed for outdoor use, the G5 Pro has a sturdy IP65 rating for resistance to water and dust, and Aqara states that it can cope with temperatures as low as -50f/-30C. Getting started is very easy, thanks to the Aqara Home app for iOS/Android – although things do get a little more complicated later on. As soon as you connect the G5 Pro to a power supply, the camera’s speaker announces that it is ready to go into pairing mode, and the app uses Bluetooth to connect to the camera and set everything up. The camera supports dual-band Wi-Fi using the 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz frequency bands, and the app prompts you to select your preferred network and enter the Wi-Fi password. If you hold your mobile device upright, the Aqara app displays a small preview of the live video from the camera at the top of the screen, with a rather daunting selection of additional controls and settings below. If you turn your device into landscape (wide) mode then the video image expands to full-screen size to give you a better view. The camera has Quad-HD (2688×1520) resolution, which provides a clear, sharp image with a viewing angle of 133-degrees. There’s a little fish-eye distortion around the edges of the image, but that doesn’t affect visibility very much at all, and it’s good to have such a wide field of view to keep an eye on things. The camera’s infra-red sensor works well too, providing good visibility even in darker conditions. To be honest, we found the Aqara app rather complicated after the initial set-up process, as it spreads a wide range of camera controls and settings across a long series of menus and sub-menus (and Aqara told us that they don’t provide a manual for the app either). But, thankfully, Aqara’s HomeKit support provides a more straightforward way of controlling the camera, and it only took a few quick taps to connect the G5 Pro to the Apple Home app on my iPhone and other Apple devices. The Apple Home app offers a simplified set of controls that let you record or stream live video whenever you leave or arrive home. It even offers to download firmware updates for the camera via Apple home too, so full marks to Aqara for making the HomeKit integration so smooth. HomeKit integration comes in useful elsewhere too. Our review camera had 8GB of memory that allows it to store video directly on the camera, and the Aqara app also allows you to connect the G5 Pro to a NAS drive for storing your recordings on your home or office network. Aqara also offers a subscription service called HomeGuardian that provides online storage and other features, costing $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year for a single camera, or $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year for an unlimited number of cameras. But, of course, Apple’s own iCloud+ subscription service includes a feature called HomeKit Secure Video that allows you to store video from HomeKit-compatible security cameras, starting at just $0.99/£0.99 per month for a single camera (see: iCloud+ pricing). Should you buy Aqara’s Camera Hub G5 Pro? If you need a sturdy outdoor camera that works well with Apple devices then the Camera Hub G5 Pro is hard to beat. Its camera provides good image quality even in low light conditions, and the built-in memory allows you to record and store video straight out of the box. Aqara’s app isn’t the most elegant piece of software we’ve ever seen, but the camera’s support for HomeKit and Matter allows you to easily control the camera using the Apple Home app, as well as providing a low-cost option for cloud storage too.

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2025-05-24 10:29:59 -

Aqara can help expand your Apple Home to other ecosystems with Matter

Don't limit yourself to one ecosystem of smart home devices by using Aqara products, which are compatible with the Matter protocol.Aqara can help bring more to your Matter-supported accessories - Image credit: AqaraChances are, if you have smart home devices, they belong to one ecosystem — Apple Home, Amazon, or Google Home. However, there are likely products in ecosystems outside of your own that you'd love to have in your home.That's where Matter comes in. It is an interoperability standard that lets devices built for Google Home also work in Apple Home, Amazon, or other ecosystems. Continue Reading on AppleInsider
#aqara #can #help #expand #your

Aqara can help expand your Apple Home to other ecosystems with Matter
Don't limit yourself to one ecosystem of smart home devices by using Aqara products, which are compatible with the Matter protocol.Aqara can help bring more to your Matter-supported accessories - Image credit: AqaraChances are, if you have smart home devices, they belong to one ecosystem — Apple Home, Amazon, or Google Home. However, there are likely products in ecosystems outside of your own that you'd love to have in your home.That's where Matter comes in. It is an interoperability standard that lets devices built for Google Home also work in Apple Home, Amazon, or other ecosystems. Continue Reading on AppleInsider #aqara #can #help #expand #your

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Aqara can help expand your Apple Home to other ecosystems with Matter
Don't limit yourself to one ecosystem of smart home devices by using Aqara products, which are compatible with the Matter protocol.Aqara can help bring more to your Matter-supported accessories - Image credit: AqaraChances are, if you have smart home devices, they belong to one ecosystem — Apple Home, Amazon, or Google Home. However, there are likely products in ecosystems outside of your own that you'd love to have in your home.That's where Matter comes in. It is an interoperability standard that lets devices built for Google Home also work in Apple Home, Amazon, or other ecosystems. Continue Reading on AppleInsider

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2025-05-18 19:46:49 -

The best smart home devices of 2025: Expert tested and reviewed

From effortlessly switching lights to locking doors to setting kitchen timers, smart home devices can make everyday tasks a lot easier. They can grant you peace of mind. Luckily, with smart home devices growing in popularity, prices are lower than ever, and the tech itself is way easier to install. However, while market popularity has driven prices down, it's also made it more difficult to determine which are the best smart home devices. ZDNET is here to help you choose the right one. What is the best smart home device right now?ZDNET's pick for the current best smart home device is the Echo Show 8, a smart display with Amazon Alexa that lets iOS and Android utilize the benefits of a smart home. It's a comprehensive device for experienced and entry-level smart home enthusiasts alike. Delivering the convenience of voice control via a virtual assistant, the Echo Show 8 features a powerful speaker and touch display while functioning as a smart home hub with Zigbee, Matter, and Thread support. Also: I used Amazon's Echo Show 21 as my smart home hub - and it's almost perfect
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The best smart home devices of 2025 Show less Our top pick for the best overall smart home device is the third-generation Amazon Echo Show 8. It has a great smart display and speaker combination for most beginner and experienced smart home users. Amazon's newest Echo Show 8 boasts a sleeker design with edge-to-edge glass, a centrally placed camera for video calls, and spatial audio from the smaller speaker enclosure.I've been using the Echo Show 8 daily for almost a year, and this generation's improved processor delivers far faster performance than older models. It's become my kitchen companion for running smart home routines, interacting with Alexa, and streaming music and video content on the 8-inch HD screen while cooking.Review: Amazon Echo Show 8This is the first Echo Show 8 to feature the camera in a central location rather than off to one side. This aids in better visual experiences during video calls. The camera also works for Visual ID personalization and Adaptive Content. Visual ID lets the Echo Show 8 recognize household members to personalize content, while Adaptive Content adjusts the screen's content based on a person's proximity.It's a highly rated smart speaker, with one buyer saying, "I purchased this a few months ago, and it has exceeded my expectations in every way. The Spatial Audio feature provides a rich and immersive sound experience, perfect for listening to music, podcasts, and even video calls. The smart home hub integration is seamless, allowing me to easily control all my smart devices. Alexa's responsiveness and sharp display make this device a pleasure to use daily. "Amazon Echo Show 8 features: Price: | Compatibility: Amazon Alexa | Connectivity: Wi-fi, Bluetooth, and is a hub for Matter, Thread, Zigbee | Specs: 8-inch HD touchscreen, 13MP video call camera, Alexa voice assistant Pros
Spatial audio

Tailors content to different people

Fast response time
Cons
Few customization options

Alexa is great, but could always improve
Our top pick for the best overall smart home device is the third-generation Amazon Echo Show 8. It has a great smart display and speaker combination for most beginner and experienced smart home users. Amazon's newest Echo Show 8 boasts a sleeker design with edge-to-edge glass, a centrally placed camera for video calls, and spatial audio from the smaller speaker enclosure.I've been using the Echo Show 8 daily for almost a year, and this generation's improved processor delivers far faster performance than older models. It's become my kitchen companion for running smart home routines, interacting with Alexa, and streaming music and video content on the 8-inch HD screen while cooking.Review: Amazon Echo Show 8This is the first Echo Show 8 to feature the camera in a central location rather than off to one side. This aids in better visual experiences during video calls. The camera also works for Visual ID personalization and Adaptive Content. Visual ID lets the Echo Show 8 recognize household members to personalize content, while Adaptive Content adjusts the screen's content based on a person's proximity.It's a highly rated smart speaker, with one buyer saying, "I purchased this a few months ago, and it has exceeded my expectations in every way. The Spatial Audio feature provides a rich and immersive sound experience, perfect for listening to music, podcasts, and even video calls. The smart home hub integration is seamless, allowing me to easily control all my smart devices. Alexa's responsiveness and sharp display make this device a pleasure to use daily. "Amazon Echo Show 8 features: Price: | Compatibility: Amazon Alexa | Connectivity: Wi-fi, Bluetooth, and is a hub for Matter, Thread, Zigbee | Specs: 8-inch HD touchscreen, 13MP video call camera, Alexa voice assistant
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Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now This starter kit has everything you need to transform your lights into smart devices with Philips Hue. The kit includes two white and color smart bulbs and one Hue Bridge, so you can begin switching out old light bulbs for new ones. There's also room for expansion as the Bridge can handle up to 50 Philips Hue lights. These Philips Hue smart lights are compatible with Alexa, HomeKit, and Google for voice control and integration. They're easy to set up using the Bridge, allowing users to control the lights wherever they use the app, set routines and automation, and expand their Philips Hue ecosystem. It's important to note that without a Hue Bridge, customers can only connect their lights to their mobile app via Bluetooth, so they can't change settings remotely.Though not cheap, Philips Hue lights are undoubtedly some of the best on the market. One buyer wrote that they "love these smart bulbs and the easeto set up. Love that we can change the colors of the room from an app on the phone. Like how I can turn on lights when I need to when I'm away. Although I got the Hue bridge and two bulbs at a good price, the color bulbs are expensive. "Philips Hue Starter Kit features: Price: | Wattage: 9.5 watts | Bulb size: A19 | Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit Pros
Millions of colors

Dimming lights

Instant-on option
Cons
Expensive

Users report some issues with scheduling
This starter kit has everything you need to transform your lights into smart devices with Philips Hue. The kit includes two white and color smart bulbs and one Hue Bridge, so you can begin switching out old light bulbs for new ones. There's also room for expansion as the Bridge can handle up to 50 Philips Hue lights. These Philips Hue smart lights are compatible with Alexa, HomeKit, and Google for voice control and integration. They're easy to set up using the Bridge, allowing users to control the lights wherever they use the app, set routines and automation, and expand their Philips Hue ecosystem. It's important to note that without a Hue Bridge, customers can only connect their lights to their mobile app via Bluetooth, so they can't change settings remotely.Though not cheap, Philips Hue lights are undoubtedly some of the best on the market. One buyer wrote that they "love these smart bulbs and the easeto set up. Love that we can change the colors of the room from an app on the phone. Like how I can turn on lights when I need to when I'm away. Although I got the Hue bridge and two bulbs at a good price, the color bulbs are expensive. "Philips Hue Starter Kit features: Price: | Wattage: 9.5 watts | Bulb size: A19 | Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit
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Show Expert Take Show less Show less The Nest Learning Thermostat has proven to be one of Google's best smart home products to ever hit the market. With reliable performance and smart home integrations through Matter, this device has remained relevant for years, and the newest generation is no exception.Switching to a smart thermostat greatly impacted our home's climate control and energy efficiency. You can control your home's temperature from your phone no matter where you are, and program it to enter Eco Mode when you leave the house. The new Nest Learning Thermostat looks gorgeous and fits right into any home decor. It can display the temperature, the outside weather, or a clock. It also learns your patterns and trends and suggests new settings to help keep your home comfortable while helping you save on utility bills."I'm upgrading from the learning thermostats that had the frosted glass look and had no trouble with installation, software setup just worked the first time," one buyer said. "The Matter support worked without a hitch on HomeKit and Home Assistant. And it seems that it's doing a better job than my old one at keeping the rooms I care about comfortable. The master bedroom is always perfect now after being in use for a week or so."Nest Thermostat features: Price:  | Installation: Works without C wire | Finish: Available in three colors with rounded display | Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit through Matter Pros
Turns HVAC system down while away from home

Learns from usage

Includes a temperature sensor
Cons
Is expensive
The Nest Learning Thermostat has proven to be one of Google's best smart home products to ever hit the market. With reliable performance and smart home integrations through Matter, this device has remained relevant for years, and the newest generation is no exception.Switching to a smart thermostat greatly impacted our home's climate control and energy efficiency. You can control your home's temperature from your phone no matter where you are, and program it to enter Eco Mode when you leave the house. The new Nest Learning Thermostat looks gorgeous and fits right into any home decor. It can display the temperature, the outside weather, or a clock. It also learns your patterns and trends and suggests new settings to help keep your home comfortable while helping you save on utility bills."I'm upgrading from the learning thermostats that had the frosted glass look and had no trouble with installation, software setup just worked the first time," one buyer said. "The Matter support worked without a hitch on HomeKit and Home Assistant. And it seems that it's doing a better job than my old one at keeping the rooms I care about comfortable. The master bedroom is always perfect now after being in use for a week or so."Nest Thermostat features: Price:  | Installation: Works without C wire | Finish: Available in three colors with rounded display | Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit through Matter
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Show Expert Take Show less Show less If you've ever wished you could unlock your front door with your iPhone as easily as you can check out with Apple Pay, you'll definitely want to check out the Aqara U100.The Aqara U100 is a smart lock that offers users the option to unlock a door either by entering a predetermined passcode on the keypad, using their fingerprint, a physical key, a mobile app, near field communicationtags, or through Apple Home Key by simply holding their iPhone or Apple Watch up to their lock.Review: Aqara U100 smart lockThese versatile options came in handy many times during our testing. No longer will you need to fumble for a fob while holding a dozen grocery bags or trade a million texts with a locked-out pet sitter while out of town. This lock is also highly compatible, and works with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT. Aqara U100 smart lock features: Price: | Unlock options: Fingerprint, passcodes, Apple Home Key mechanical key, and NFC | Compatibility: Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Pros
High interoperability

A lot of unlocking features

Inexpensive compared to others
Cons
App is slow to respond
If you've ever wished you could unlock your front door with your iPhone as easily as you can check out with Apple Pay, you'll definitely want to check out the Aqara U100.The Aqara U100 is a smart lock that offers users the option to unlock a door either by entering a predetermined passcode on the keypad, using their fingerprint, a physical key, a mobile app, near field communicationtags, or through Apple Home Key by simply holding their iPhone or Apple Watch up to their lock.Review: Aqara U100 smart lockThese versatile options came in handy many times during our testing. No longer will you need to fumble for a fob while holding a dozen grocery bags or trade a million texts with a locked-out pet sitter while out of town. This lock is also highly compatible, and works with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT. Aqara U100 smart lock features: Price: | Unlock options: Fingerprint, passcodes, Apple Home Key mechanical key, and NFC | Compatibility: Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
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Show Expert Take Show less Show less If you want to beef up your home security with a smart option, I recommend the EufyCam 3 and HomeBase 3 bundle. The three cameras are easy to install indoors or outdoors and have a solar panel along the top that recharges the battery. I've had the two camera systems set up outside my home for almost two years and have only had to recharge one of them, installed facing north, a handful of times -- that's how effective their solar panels are at keeping the batteries charged. Aside from the Eufy Security system being a great ecosystem for home security, expandable with many different camera types, it also offers users who have more than one camera in their homes the ability to see the same event captured in a single clip by stitching different camera feeds together. "I wanted to be sure I had coverage on each side of my house. The setup was relatively easy, probably 30 minutes or less," one buyer said. "I have them on 4k all the time and no issues with battery life, even on a string of cloudy or rainy days. The 4k is very clear -- even at night."The cameras are wireless, so they can be installed almost anywhere. The HomeBase 3 is the local storage hub inside your home, where all the recorded clips are saved.EufyCam 3 and HomeBase 3 Features: Price: | Power source: Solar-powered cameras, plug-in HomeBase | Resolution: 4K | Compatibility: Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa Pros
Packed with features

No monthly fees

Excellent ecosystem
Cons
Expensive

No integrations with HomeKit
If you want to beef up your home security with a smart option, I recommend the EufyCam 3 and HomeBase 3 bundle. The three cameras are easy to install indoors or outdoors and have a solar panel along the top that recharges the battery. I've had the two camera systems set up outside my home for almost two years and have only had to recharge one of them, installed facing north, a handful of times -- that's how effective their solar panels are at keeping the batteries charged. Aside from the Eufy Security system being a great ecosystem for home security, expandable with many different camera types, it also offers users who have more than one camera in their homes the ability to see the same event captured in a single clip by stitching different camera feeds together. "I wanted to be sure I had coverage on each side of my house. The setup was relatively easy, probably 30 minutes or less," one buyer said. "I have them on 4k all the time and no issues with battery life, even on a string of cloudy or rainy days. The 4k is very clear -- even at night."The cameras are wireless, so they can be installed almost anywhere. The HomeBase 3 is the local storage hub inside your home, where all the recorded clips are saved.EufyCam 3 and HomeBase 3 Features: Price: | Power source: Solar-powered cameras, plug-in HomeBase | Resolution: 4K | Compatibility: Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa
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Show Expert Take Show less What are the tariffs in the U.S.?The recent U.S. tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to boost domestic manufacturing but are likely to drive up prices on consumer electronics. Products like smartphones, laptops, and TVs may become more expensive as companies rethink global supply chains and weigh the cost of shifting production.Consumers may also experience notable price increases on robot vacuums and smart home products. Manufacturers are exploring options such as relocating production to countries with lower tariffs, but such transitions are complex and may not provide immediate relief. In the short term, shoppers should anticipate higher costs for robot vacuums due to these trade policies.Right now, it looks like some tech may be exempt from the issued tariffs, but since it's always changing and developing, we are keeping an eye on it and will update you on the latest.What is the best smart home device? For most people interested in smart homes, the Echo Show 8 is the best smart home device you can buy. This smart hub can host multiple devices, has fantastic connectivity options, and provides reliable voice assistance through Alexa. To see how the smart display compares to other smart home devices, here is a look at our picks:Best smart home deviceZDNET's takePriceCompatibilityConnectivityAmazon Echo Show 8Best overallAlexaMatter, Thread, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, BluetoothPhilips Hue Starter KitBest smart lightAlexa, Google, HomeKitBluetooth, Wi-Fi through BridgeNest Learning ThermostatBest smart thermostatAlexa, Google, HomeKitWi-Fi, MatterAqara U100Best smart lockAlexa, Google, HomeKitWi-Fi, Aqara HubEufyCam 3 and HomeBase 3Best security cameraAlexa, GoogleWi-Fi, Local storage
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Which is the best smart home device for you? This list highlights the best smart home devices covering various areas of your home. From multi-device hubs to individual devices, there are many ways to make your home smart. Consider these recommendations if you are unsure which smart home device is best for you:Choose this smart home device...If you want...Amazon Echo Show 8A smart home display with Alexa built-in. Use it to keep an eye on your whole home and smart home devices.Philips Hue Starter KitTo bring the power of smart lighting to your home. Install mood lighting, uplighting, or simply save money in energy bills with these LED lights.Nest Learning ThermostatAn energy-efficient and smart way to control your home's HVAC system, no matter which home automation system you use, thanks to Matter.Aqara U100The most versatile smart lock available. Bring convenience to your front door with the touch of an app.EufyCam 3 and HomeBase 3An all-in-one smart home security system complete with expandable local storage, so you never have to worry about monthly fees.
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Factors to consider when choosing smart home devices Choosing the right smart home devices can feel overwhelming with such a plethora of available options.Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a smart home device:Compatibility: Whether you're choosing a smart light, a smart lock, or a video doorbell, compatibility is a key factor in determining how much convenience your new devices will give you. Ensure your chosen devices are compatible with your existing smart home system like Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings.Installation: Many smart home devices serve a purpose that requires installation of some kind. Make sure your new device fits your installation capabilities or that you have someone to install it if not.Ease of use: User-friendly interfaces are typically the ones that endure. If a device is too hard or cumbersome, you probably won't use it. Read up on other reviewers' experiences with user interfaces for managing the devices.Price: Always compare prices. Look for value for money, but don't focus on the lowest price. If you compromise on essential features and quality, you'll pay for it in the long run.Reliability: This is a big deal in the smart home community and is part of the ease of use of devices. If a device constantly gets disconnected or unresponsive, it's not worth your time or money.
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How we test smart home devices ZDNET reviews a wide range of devices to ensure we feature the ones that perform the best for our readers. As a smart home and robot vacuum reviewer, I evaluate each device's performance starting with the unboxing experience.To do this, I ensure the device meets all the manufacturer's claims for features and capabilities, verify it works smoothly with different smart home ecosystems -- I test with Google, Alexa, HomeKit, and SmartThings -- and monitor its performance over a period of time ranging from two weeks to months.
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The best smart home devices of 2025: Expert tested and reviewed
From effortlessly switching lights to locking doors to setting kitchen timers, smart home devices can make everyday tasks a lot easier. They can grant you peace of mind. Luckily, with smart home devices growing in popularity, prices are lower than ever, and the tech itself is way easier to install. However, while market popularity has driven prices down, it's also made it more difficult to determine which are the best smart home devices. ZDNET is here to help you choose the right one. What is the best smart home device right now?ZDNET's pick for the current best smart home device is the Echo Show 8, a smart display with Amazon Alexa that lets iOS and Android utilize the benefits of a smart home. It's a comprehensive device for experienced and entry-level smart home enthusiasts alike. Delivering the convenience of voice control via a virtual assistant, the Echo Show 8 features a powerful speaker and touch display while functioning as a smart home hub with Zigbee, Matter, and Thread support. Also: I used Amazon's Echo Show 21 as my smart home hub - and it's almost perfect Sort by All The best smart home devices of 2025 Show less Our top pick for the best overall smart home device is the third-generation Amazon Echo Show 8. It has a great smart display and speaker combination for most beginner and experienced smart home users. Amazon's newest Echo Show 8 boasts a sleeker design with edge-to-edge glass, a centrally placed camera for video calls, and spatial audio from the smaller speaker enclosure.I've been using the Echo Show 8 daily for almost a year, and this generation's improved processor delivers far faster performance than older models. It's become my kitchen companion for running smart home routines, interacting with Alexa, and streaming music and video content on the 8-inch HD screen while cooking.Review: Amazon Echo Show 8This is the first Echo Show 8 to feature the camera in a central location rather than off to one side. This aids in better visual experiences during video calls. The camera also works for Visual ID personalization and Adaptive Content. Visual ID lets the Echo Show 8 recognize household members to personalize content, while Adaptive Content adjusts the screen's content based on a person's proximity.It's a highly rated smart speaker, with one buyer saying, "I purchased this a few months ago, and it has exceeded my expectations in every way. The Spatial Audio feature provides a rich and immersive sound experience, perfect for listening to music, podcasts, and even video calls. The smart home hub integration is seamless, allowing me to easily control all my smart devices. Alexa's responsiveness and sharp display make this device a pleasure to use daily. "Amazon Echo Show 8 features: Price: | Compatibility: Amazon Alexa | Connectivity: Wi-fi, Bluetooth, and is a hub for Matter, Thread, Zigbee | Specs: 8-inch HD touchscreen, 13MP video call camera, Alexa voice assistant Pros Spatial audio Tailors content to different people Fast response time Cons Few customization options Alexa is great, but could always improve Our top pick for the best overall smart home device is the third-generation Amazon Echo Show 8. It has a great smart display and speaker combination for most beginner and experienced smart home users. Amazon's newest Echo Show 8 boasts a sleeker design with edge-to-edge glass, a centrally placed camera for video calls, and spatial audio from the smaller speaker enclosure.I've been using the Echo Show 8 daily for almost a year, and this generation's improved processor delivers far faster performance than older models. It's become my kitchen companion for running smart home routines, interacting with Alexa, and streaming music and video content on the 8-inch HD screen while cooking.Review: Amazon Echo Show 8This is the first Echo Show 8 to feature the camera in a central location rather than off to one side. This aids in better visual experiences during video calls. The camera also works for Visual ID personalization and Adaptive Content. Visual ID lets the Echo Show 8 recognize household members to personalize content, while Adaptive Content adjusts the screen's content based on a person's proximity.It's a highly rated smart speaker, with one buyer saying, "I purchased this a few months ago, and it has exceeded my expectations in every way. The Spatial Audio feature provides a rich and immersive sound experience, perfect for listening to music, podcasts, and even video calls. The smart home hub integration is seamless, allowing me to easily control all my smart devices. Alexa's responsiveness and sharp display make this device a pleasure to use daily. "Amazon Echo Show 8 features: Price: | Compatibility: Amazon Alexa | Connectivity: Wi-fi, Bluetooth, and is a hub for Matter, Thread, Zigbee | Specs: 8-inch HD touchscreen, 13MP video call camera, Alexa voice assistant Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now This starter kit has everything you need to transform your lights into smart devices with Philips Hue. The kit includes two white and color smart bulbs and one Hue Bridge, so you can begin switching out old light bulbs for new ones. There's also room for expansion as the Bridge can handle up to 50 Philips Hue lights. These Philips Hue smart lights are compatible with Alexa, HomeKit, and Google for voice control and integration. They're easy to set up using the Bridge, allowing users to control the lights wherever they use the app, set routines and automation, and expand their Philips Hue ecosystem. It's important to note that without a Hue Bridge, customers can only connect their lights to their mobile app via Bluetooth, so they can't change settings remotely.Though not cheap, Philips Hue lights are undoubtedly some of the best on the market. One buyer wrote that they "love these smart bulbs and the easeto set up. Love that we can change the colors of the room from an app on the phone. Like how I can turn on lights when I need to when I'm away. Although I got the Hue bridge and two bulbs at a good price, the color bulbs are expensive. "Philips Hue Starter Kit features: Price: | Wattage: 9.5 watts | Bulb size: A19 | Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit Pros Millions of colors Dimming lights Instant-on option Cons Expensive Users report some issues with scheduling This starter kit has everything you need to transform your lights into smart devices with Philips Hue. The kit includes two white and color smart bulbs and one Hue Bridge, so you can begin switching out old light bulbs for new ones. There's also room for expansion as the Bridge can handle up to 50 Philips Hue lights. These Philips Hue smart lights are compatible with Alexa, HomeKit, and Google for voice control and integration. They're easy to set up using the Bridge, allowing users to control the lights wherever they use the app, set routines and automation, and expand their Philips Hue ecosystem. It's important to note that without a Hue Bridge, customers can only connect their lights to their mobile app via Bluetooth, so they can't change settings remotely.Though not cheap, Philips Hue lights are undoubtedly some of the best on the market. One buyer wrote that they "love these smart bulbs and the easeto set up. Love that we can change the colors of the room from an app on the phone. Like how I can turn on lights when I need to when I'm away. Although I got the Hue bridge and two bulbs at a good price, the color bulbs are expensive. "Philips Hue Starter Kit features: Price: | Wattage: 9.5 watts | Bulb size: A19 | Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less The Nest Learning Thermostat has proven to be one of Google's best smart home products to ever hit the market. With reliable performance and smart home integrations through Matter, this device has remained relevant for years, and the newest generation is no exception.Switching to a smart thermostat greatly impacted our home's climate control and energy efficiency. You can control your home's temperature from your phone no matter where you are, and program it to enter Eco Mode when you leave the house. The new Nest Learning Thermostat looks gorgeous and fits right into any home decor. It can display the temperature, the outside weather, or a clock. It also learns your patterns and trends and suggests new settings to help keep your home comfortable while helping you save on utility bills."I'm upgrading from the learning thermostats that had the frosted glass look and had no trouble with installation, software setup just worked the first time," one buyer said. "The Matter support worked without a hitch on HomeKit and Home Assistant. And it seems that it's doing a better job than my old one at keeping the rooms I care about comfortable. The master bedroom is always perfect now after being in use for a week or so."Nest Thermostat features: Price:  | Installation: Works without C wire | Finish: Available in three colors with rounded display | Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit through Matter Pros Turns HVAC system down while away from home Learns from usage Includes a temperature sensor Cons Is expensive The Nest Learning Thermostat has proven to be one of Google's best smart home products to ever hit the market. With reliable performance and smart home integrations through Matter, this device has remained relevant for years, and the newest generation is no exception.Switching to a smart thermostat greatly impacted our home's climate control and energy efficiency. You can control your home's temperature from your phone no matter where you are, and program it to enter Eco Mode when you leave the house. The new Nest Learning Thermostat looks gorgeous and fits right into any home decor. It can display the temperature, the outside weather, or a clock. It also learns your patterns and trends and suggests new settings to help keep your home comfortable while helping you save on utility bills."I'm upgrading from the learning thermostats that had the frosted glass look and had no trouble with installation, software setup just worked the first time," one buyer said. "The Matter support worked without a hitch on HomeKit and Home Assistant. And it seems that it's doing a better job than my old one at keeping the rooms I care about comfortable. The master bedroom is always perfect now after being in use for a week or so."Nest Thermostat features: Price:  | Installation: Works without C wire | Finish: Available in three colors with rounded display | Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit through Matter Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less If you've ever wished you could unlock your front door with your iPhone as easily as you can check out with Apple Pay, you'll definitely want to check out the Aqara U100.The Aqara U100 is a smart lock that offers users the option to unlock a door either by entering a predetermined passcode on the keypad, using their fingerprint, a physical key, a mobile app, near field communicationtags, or through Apple Home Key by simply holding their iPhone or Apple Watch up to their lock.Review: Aqara U100 smart lockThese versatile options came in handy many times during our testing. No longer will you need to fumble for a fob while holding a dozen grocery bags or trade a million texts with a locked-out pet sitter while out of town. This lock is also highly compatible, and works with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT. Aqara U100 smart lock features: Price: | Unlock options: Fingerprint, passcodes, Apple Home Key mechanical key, and NFC | Compatibility: Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Pros High interoperability A lot of unlocking features Inexpensive compared to others Cons App is slow to respond If you've ever wished you could unlock your front door with your iPhone as easily as you can check out with Apple Pay, you'll definitely want to check out the Aqara U100.The Aqara U100 is a smart lock that offers users the option to unlock a door either by entering a predetermined passcode on the keypad, using their fingerprint, a physical key, a mobile app, near field communicationtags, or through Apple Home Key by simply holding their iPhone or Apple Watch up to their lock.Review: Aqara U100 smart lockThese versatile options came in handy many times during our testing. No longer will you need to fumble for a fob while holding a dozen grocery bags or trade a million texts with a locked-out pet sitter while out of town. This lock is also highly compatible, and works with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT. Aqara U100 smart lock features: Price: | Unlock options: Fingerprint, passcodes, Apple Home Key mechanical key, and NFC | Compatibility: Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less If you want to beef up your home security with a smart option, I recommend the EufyCam 3 and HomeBase 3 bundle. The three cameras are easy to install indoors or outdoors and have a solar panel along the top that recharges the battery. I've had the two camera systems set up outside my home for almost two years and have only had to recharge one of them, installed facing north, a handful of times -- that's how effective their solar panels are at keeping the batteries charged. Aside from the Eufy Security system being a great ecosystem for home security, expandable with many different camera types, it also offers users who have more than one camera in their homes the ability to see the same event captured in a single clip by stitching different camera feeds together. "I wanted to be sure I had coverage on each side of my house. The setup was relatively easy, probably 30 minutes or less," one buyer said. "I have them on 4k all the time and no issues with battery life, even on a string of cloudy or rainy days. The 4k is very clear -- even at night."The cameras are wireless, so they can be installed almost anywhere. The HomeBase 3 is the local storage hub inside your home, where all the recorded clips are saved.EufyCam 3 and HomeBase 3 Features: Price: | Power source: Solar-powered cameras, plug-in HomeBase | Resolution: 4K | Compatibility: Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa Pros Packed with features No monthly fees Excellent ecosystem Cons Expensive No integrations with HomeKit If you want to beef up your home security with a smart option, I recommend the EufyCam 3 and HomeBase 3 bundle. The three cameras are easy to install indoors or outdoors and have a solar panel along the top that recharges the battery. I've had the two camera systems set up outside my home for almost two years and have only had to recharge one of them, installed facing north, a handful of times -- that's how effective their solar panels are at keeping the batteries charged. Aside from the Eufy Security system being a great ecosystem for home security, expandable with many different camera types, it also offers users who have more than one camera in their homes the ability to see the same event captured in a single clip by stitching different camera feeds together. "I wanted to be sure I had coverage on each side of my house. The setup was relatively easy, probably 30 minutes or less," one buyer said. "I have them on 4k all the time and no issues with battery life, even on a string of cloudy or rainy days. The 4k is very clear -- even at night."The cameras are wireless, so they can be installed almost anywhere. The HomeBase 3 is the local storage hub inside your home, where all the recorded clips are saved.EufyCam 3 and HomeBase 3 Features: Price: | Power source: Solar-powered cameras, plug-in HomeBase | Resolution: 4K | Compatibility: Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa Read More Show Expert Take Show less What are the tariffs in the U.S.?The recent U.S. tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to boost domestic manufacturing but are likely to drive up prices on consumer electronics. Products like smartphones, laptops, and TVs may become more expensive as companies rethink global supply chains and weigh the cost of shifting production.Consumers may also experience notable price increases on robot vacuums and smart home products. Manufacturers are exploring options such as relocating production to countries with lower tariffs, but such transitions are complex and may not provide immediate relief. In the short term, shoppers should anticipate higher costs for robot vacuums due to these trade policies.Right now, it looks like some tech may be exempt from the issued tariffs, but since it's always changing and developing, we are keeping an eye on it and will update you on the latest.What is the best smart home device? For most people interested in smart homes, the Echo Show 8 is the best smart home device you can buy. This smart hub can host multiple devices, has fantastic connectivity options, and provides reliable voice assistance through Alexa. To see how the smart display compares to other smart home devices, here is a look at our picks:Best smart home deviceZDNET's takePriceCompatibilityConnectivityAmazon Echo Show 8Best overallAlexaMatter, Thread, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, BluetoothPhilips Hue Starter KitBest smart lightAlexa, Google, HomeKitBluetooth, Wi-Fi through BridgeNest Learning ThermostatBest smart thermostatAlexa, Google, HomeKitWi-Fi, MatterAqara U100Best smart lockAlexa, Google, HomeKitWi-Fi, Aqara HubEufyCam 3 and HomeBase 3Best security cameraAlexa, GoogleWi-Fi, Local storage Show more Which is the best smart home device for you? This list highlights the best smart home devices covering various areas of your home. From multi-device hubs to individual devices, there are many ways to make your home smart. Consider these recommendations if you are unsure which smart home device is best for you:Choose this smart home device...If you want...Amazon Echo Show 8A smart home display with Alexa built-in. Use it to keep an eye on your whole home and smart home devices.Philips Hue Starter KitTo bring the power of smart lighting to your home. Install mood lighting, uplighting, or simply save money in energy bills with these LED lights.Nest Learning ThermostatAn energy-efficient and smart way to control your home's HVAC system, no matter which home automation system you use, thanks to Matter.Aqara U100The most versatile smart lock available. Bring convenience to your front door with the touch of an app.EufyCam 3 and HomeBase 3An all-in-one smart home security system complete with expandable local storage, so you never have to worry about monthly fees. Show more Factors to consider when choosing smart home devices Choosing the right smart home devices can feel overwhelming with such a plethora of available options.Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a smart home device:Compatibility: Whether you're choosing a smart light, a smart lock, or a video doorbell, compatibility is a key factor in determining how much convenience your new devices will give you. Ensure your chosen devices are compatible with your existing smart home system like Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings.Installation: Many smart home devices serve a purpose that requires installation of some kind. Make sure your new device fits your installation capabilities or that you have someone to install it if not.Ease of use: User-friendly interfaces are typically the ones that endure. If a device is too hard or cumbersome, you probably won't use it. Read up on other reviewers' experiences with user interfaces for managing the devices.Price: Always compare prices. Look for value for money, but don't focus on the lowest price. If you compromise on essential features and quality, you'll pay for it in the long run.Reliability: This is a big deal in the smart home community and is part of the ease of use of devices. If a device constantly gets disconnected or unresponsive, it's not worth your time or money. Show more How we test smart home devices ZDNET reviews a wide range of devices to ensure we feature the ones that perform the best for our readers. As a smart home and robot vacuum reviewer, I evaluate each device's performance starting with the unboxing experience.To do this, I ensure the device meets all the manufacturer's claims for features and capabilities, verify it works smoothly with different smart home ecosystems -- I test with Google, Alexa, HomeKit, and SmartThings -- and monitor its performance over a period of time ranging from two weeks to months. Show more Other smart home devices worth considering Further ZDNET Tech Coverage Smartphones Smartwatches Tablets Laptops TVs Other Tech Resources ZDNET Recommends #best #smart #home #devices #expert

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The best smart home devices of 2025: Expert tested and reviewed
From effortlessly switching lights to locking doors to setting kitchen timers, smart home devices can make everyday tasks a lot easier. They can grant you peace of mind. Luckily, with smart home devices growing in popularity, prices are lower than ever, and the tech itself is way easier to install. However, while market popularity has driven prices down, it's also made it more difficult to determine which are the best smart home devices. ZDNET is here to help you choose the right one. What is the best smart home device right now?ZDNET's pick for the current best smart home device is the Echo Show 8, a smart display with Amazon Alexa that lets iOS and Android utilize the benefits of a smart home. It's a comprehensive device for experienced and entry-level smart home enthusiasts alike. Delivering the convenience of voice control via a virtual assistant, the Echo Show 8 features a powerful speaker and touch display while functioning as a smart home hub with Zigbee, Matter, and Thread support. Also: I used Amazon's Echo Show 21 as my smart home hub - and it's almost perfect Sort by All The best smart home devices of 2025 Show less Our top pick for the best overall smart home device is the third-generation Amazon Echo Show 8. It has a great smart display and speaker combination for most beginner and experienced smart home users. Amazon's newest Echo Show 8 boasts a sleeker design with edge-to-edge glass, a centrally placed camera for video calls, and spatial audio from the smaller speaker enclosure.I've been using the Echo Show 8 daily for almost a year, and this generation's improved processor delivers far faster performance than older models. It's become my kitchen companion for running smart home routines, interacting with Alexa, and streaming music and video content on the 8-inch HD screen while cooking.Review: Amazon Echo Show 8 (third-gen)This is the first Echo Show 8 to feature the camera in a central location rather than off to one side. This aids in better visual experiences during video calls. The camera also works for Visual ID personalization and Adaptive Content. Visual ID lets the Echo Show 8 recognize household members to personalize content, while Adaptive Content adjusts the screen's content based on a person's proximity.It's a highly rated smart speaker, with one buyer saying, "I purchased this a few months ago, and it has exceeded my expectations in every way. The Spatial Audio feature provides a rich and immersive sound experience, perfect for listening to music, podcasts, and even video calls. The smart home hub integration is seamless, allowing me to easily control all my smart devices. Alexa's responsiveness and sharp display make this device a pleasure to use daily. "Amazon Echo Show 8 features: Price: $150 | Compatibility: Amazon Alexa | Connectivity: Wi-fi, Bluetooth, and is a hub for Matter, Thread, Zigbee | Specs: 8-inch HD touchscreen, 13MP video call camera, Alexa voice assistant Pros Spatial audio Tailors content to different people Fast response time Cons Few customization options Alexa is great, but could always improve Our top pick for the best overall smart home device is the third-generation Amazon Echo Show 8. It has a great smart display and speaker combination for most beginner and experienced smart home users. Amazon's newest Echo Show 8 boasts a sleeker design with edge-to-edge glass, a centrally placed camera for video calls, and spatial audio from the smaller speaker enclosure.I've been using the Echo Show 8 daily for almost a year, and this generation's improved processor delivers far faster performance than older models. It's become my kitchen companion for running smart home routines, interacting with Alexa, and streaming music and video content on the 8-inch HD screen while cooking.Review: Amazon Echo Show 8 (third-gen)This is the first Echo Show 8 to feature the camera in a central location rather than off to one side. This aids in better visual experiences during video calls. The camera also works for Visual ID personalization and Adaptive Content. Visual ID lets the Echo Show 8 recognize household members to personalize content, while Adaptive Content adjusts the screen's content based on a person's proximity.It's a highly rated smart speaker, with one buyer saying, "I purchased this a few months ago, and it has exceeded my expectations in every way. The Spatial Audio feature provides a rich and immersive sound experience, perfect for listening to music, podcasts, and even video calls. The smart home hub integration is seamless, allowing me to easily control all my smart devices. Alexa's responsiveness and sharp display make this device a pleasure to use daily. "Amazon Echo Show 8 features: Price: $150 | Compatibility: Amazon Alexa | Connectivity: Wi-fi, Bluetooth, and is a hub for Matter, Thread, Zigbee | Specs: 8-inch HD touchscreen, 13MP video call camera, Alexa voice assistant Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon This starter kit has everything you need to transform your lights into smart devices with Philips Hue. The kit includes two white and color smart bulbs and one Hue Bridge, so you can begin switching out old light bulbs for new ones. There's also room for expansion as the Bridge can handle up to 50 Philips Hue lights. These Philips Hue smart lights are compatible with Alexa, HomeKit, and Google for voice control and integration. They're easy to set up using the Bridge, allowing users to control the lights wherever they use the app, set routines and automation, and expand their Philips Hue ecosystem. It's important to note that without a Hue Bridge, customers can only connect their lights to their mobile app via Bluetooth, so they can't change settings remotely.Though not cheap, Philips Hue lights are undoubtedly some of the best on the market. One buyer wrote that they "love these smart bulbs and the ease [it took] to set up. Love that we can change the colors of the room from an app on the phone. Like how I can turn on lights when I need to when I'm away. Although I got the Hue bridge and two bulbs at a good price, the color bulbs are expensive. "Philips Hue Starter Kit features: Price: $180 | Wattage: 9.5 watts | Bulb size: A19 | Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit Pros Millions of colors Dimming lights Instant-on option Cons Expensive Users report some issues with scheduling This starter kit has everything you need to transform your lights into smart devices with Philips Hue. The kit includes two white and color smart bulbs and one Hue Bridge, so you can begin switching out old light bulbs for new ones. There's also room for expansion as the Bridge can handle up to 50 Philips Hue lights. These Philips Hue smart lights are compatible with Alexa, HomeKit, and Google for voice control and integration. They're easy to set up using the Bridge, allowing users to control the lights wherever they use the app, set routines and automation, and expand their Philips Hue ecosystem. It's important to note that without a Hue Bridge, customers can only connect their lights to their mobile app via Bluetooth, so they can't change settings remotely.Though not cheap, Philips Hue lights are undoubtedly some of the best on the market. One buyer wrote that they "love these smart bulbs and the ease [it took] to set up. Love that we can change the colors of the room from an app on the phone. Like how I can turn on lights when I need to when I'm away. Although I got the Hue bridge and two bulbs at a good price, the color bulbs are expensive. "Philips Hue Starter Kit features: Price: $180 | Wattage: 9.5 watts | Bulb size: A19 | Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less The Nest Learning Thermostat has proven to be one of Google's best smart home products to ever hit the market. With reliable performance and smart home integrations through Matter, this device has remained relevant for years, and the newest generation is no exception.Switching to a smart thermostat greatly impacted our home's climate control and energy efficiency. You can control your home's temperature from your phone no matter where you are, and program it to enter Eco Mode when you leave the house. The new Nest Learning Thermostat looks gorgeous and fits right into any home decor. It can display the temperature, the outside weather, or a clock. It also learns your patterns and trends and suggests new settings to help keep your home comfortable while helping you save on utility bills."I'm upgrading from the learning thermostats that had the frosted glass look and had no trouble with installation, software setup just worked the first time," one buyer said. "The Matter support worked without a hitch on HomeKit and Home Assistant. And it seems that it's doing a better job than my old one at keeping the rooms I care about comfortable. The master bedroom is always perfect now after being in use for a week or so."Nest Thermostat features: Price: $280 | Installation: Works without C wire | Finish: Available in three colors with rounded display | Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit through Matter Pros Turns HVAC system down while away from home Learns from usage Includes a temperature sensor Cons Is expensive The Nest Learning Thermostat has proven to be one of Google's best smart home products to ever hit the market. With reliable performance and smart home integrations through Matter, this device has remained relevant for years, and the newest generation is no exception.Switching to a smart thermostat greatly impacted our home's climate control and energy efficiency. You can control your home's temperature from your phone no matter where you are, and program it to enter Eco Mode when you leave the house. The new Nest Learning Thermostat looks gorgeous and fits right into any home decor. It can display the temperature, the outside weather, or a clock. It also learns your patterns and trends and suggests new settings to help keep your home comfortable while helping you save on utility bills."I'm upgrading from the learning thermostats that had the frosted glass look and had no trouble with installation, software setup just worked the first time," one buyer said. "The Matter support worked without a hitch on HomeKit and Home Assistant. And it seems that it's doing a better job than my old one at keeping the rooms I care about comfortable. The master bedroom is always perfect now after being in use for a week or so."Nest Thermostat features: Price: $280 | Installation: Works without C wire | Finish: Available in three colors with rounded display | Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit through Matter Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less If you've ever wished you could unlock your front door with your iPhone as easily as you can check out with Apple Pay, you'll definitely want to check out the Aqara U100.The Aqara U100 is a smart lock that offers users the option to unlock a door either by entering a predetermined passcode on the keypad, using their fingerprint, a physical key, a mobile app, near field communication (NFC) tags, or through Apple Home Key by simply holding their iPhone or Apple Watch up to their lock.Review: Aqara U100 smart lockThese versatile options came in handy many times during our testing. No longer will you need to fumble for a fob while holding a dozen grocery bags or trade a million texts with a locked-out pet sitter while out of town. This lock is also highly compatible, and works with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT. Aqara U100 smart lock features: Price: $150 | Unlock options: Fingerprint, passcodes, Apple Home Key mechanical key, and NFC | Compatibility: Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Pros High interoperability A lot of unlocking features Inexpensive compared to others Cons App is slow to respond If you've ever wished you could unlock your front door with your iPhone as easily as you can check out with Apple Pay, you'll definitely want to check out the Aqara U100.The Aqara U100 is a smart lock that offers users the option to unlock a door either by entering a predetermined passcode on the keypad, using their fingerprint, a physical key, a mobile app, near field communication (NFC) tags, or through Apple Home Key by simply holding their iPhone or Apple Watch up to their lock.Review: Aqara U100 smart lockThese versatile options came in handy many times during our testing. No longer will you need to fumble for a fob while holding a dozen grocery bags or trade a million texts with a locked-out pet sitter while out of town. This lock is also highly compatible, and works with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT. Aqara U100 smart lock features: Price: $150 | Unlock options: Fingerprint, passcodes, Apple Home Key mechanical key, and NFC | Compatibility: Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less If you want to beef up your home security with a smart option, I recommend the EufyCam 3 and HomeBase 3 bundle. The three cameras are easy to install indoors or outdoors and have a solar panel along the top that recharges the battery. I've had the two camera systems set up outside my home for almost two years and have only had to recharge one of them, installed facing north, a handful of times -- that's how effective their solar panels are at keeping the batteries charged. Aside from the Eufy Security system being a great ecosystem for home security, expandable with many different camera types, it also offers users who have more than one camera in their homes the ability to see the same event captured in a single clip by stitching different camera feeds together. "I wanted to be sure I had coverage on each side of my house (older neighborhood/long driveways). The setup was relatively easy, probably 30 minutes or less," one buyer said. "I have them on 4k all the time and no issues with battery life, even on a string of cloudy or rainy days. The 4k is very clear -- even at night."The cameras are wireless, so they can be installed almost anywhere. The HomeBase 3 is the local storage hub inside your home, where all the recorded clips are saved.EufyCam 3 and HomeBase 3 Features: Price: $530 | Power source: Solar-powered cameras, plug-in HomeBase | Resolution: 4K | Compatibility: Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa Pros Packed with features No monthly fees Excellent ecosystem Cons Expensive No integrations with HomeKit If you want to beef up your home security with a smart option, I recommend the EufyCam 3 and HomeBase 3 bundle. The three cameras are easy to install indoors or outdoors and have a solar panel along the top that recharges the battery. I've had the two camera systems set up outside my home for almost two years and have only had to recharge one of them, installed facing north, a handful of times -- that's how effective their solar panels are at keeping the batteries charged. Aside from the Eufy Security system being a great ecosystem for home security, expandable with many different camera types, it also offers users who have more than one camera in their homes the ability to see the same event captured in a single clip by stitching different camera feeds together. "I wanted to be sure I had coverage on each side of my house (older neighborhood/long driveways). The setup was relatively easy, probably 30 minutes or less," one buyer said. "I have them on 4k all the time and no issues with battery life, even on a string of cloudy or rainy days. The 4k is very clear -- even at night."The cameras are wireless, so they can be installed almost anywhere. The HomeBase 3 is the local storage hub inside your home, where all the recorded clips are saved.EufyCam 3 and HomeBase 3 Features: Price: $530 | Power source: Solar-powered cameras, plug-in HomeBase | Resolution: 4K | Compatibility: Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa Read More Show Expert Take Show less What are the tariffs in the U.S.?The recent U.S. tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to boost domestic manufacturing but are likely to drive up prices on consumer electronics. Products like smartphones, laptops, and TVs may become more expensive as companies rethink global supply chains and weigh the cost of shifting production.Consumers may also experience notable price increases on robot vacuums and smart home products. Manufacturers are exploring options such as relocating production to countries with lower tariffs, but such transitions are complex and may not provide immediate relief. In the short term, shoppers should anticipate higher costs for robot vacuums due to these trade policies.Right now, it looks like some tech may be exempt from the issued tariffs, but since it's always changing and developing, we are keeping an eye on it and will update you on the latest.What is the best smart home device? For most people interested in smart homes, the Echo Show 8 is the best smart home device you can buy. This smart hub can host multiple devices, has fantastic connectivity options, and provides reliable voice assistance through Alexa. To see how the smart display compares to other smart home devices, here is a look at our picks:Best smart home deviceZDNET's takePriceCompatibilityConnectivityAmazon Echo Show 8Best overall$150AlexaMatter, Thread, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, BluetoothPhilips Hue Starter KitBest smart light$239Alexa, Google, HomeKitBluetooth, Wi-Fi through BridgeNest Learning ThermostatBest smart thermostat$240Alexa, Google, HomeKitWi-Fi, MatterAqara U100Best smart lock$143Alexa, Google, HomeKitWi-Fi, Aqara HubEufyCam 3 and HomeBase 3Best security camera$450Alexa, GoogleWi-Fi, Local storage Show more Which is the best smart home device for you? This list highlights the best smart home devices covering various areas of your home. From multi-device hubs to individual devices, there are many ways to make your home smart. Consider these recommendations if you are unsure which smart home device is best for you:Choose this smart home device...If you want...Amazon Echo Show 8A smart home display with Alexa built-in. Use it to keep an eye on your whole home and smart home devices.Philips Hue Starter KitTo bring the power of smart lighting to your home. Install mood lighting, uplighting, or simply save money in energy bills with these LED lights.Nest Learning ThermostatAn energy-efficient and smart way to control your home's HVAC system, no matter which home automation system you use, thanks to Matter.Aqara U100The most versatile smart lock available. Bring convenience to your front door with the touch of an app.EufyCam 3 and HomeBase 3An all-in-one smart home security system complete with expandable local storage, so you never have to worry about monthly fees. Show more Factors to consider when choosing smart home devices Choosing the right smart home devices can feel overwhelming with such a plethora of available options.Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a smart home device:Compatibility: Whether you're choosing a smart light, a smart lock, or a video doorbell, compatibility is a key factor in determining how much convenience your new devices will give you. Ensure your chosen devices are compatible with your existing smart home system like Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings.Installation: Many smart home devices serve a purpose that requires installation of some kind. Make sure your new device fits your installation capabilities or that you have someone to install it if not.Ease of use: User-friendly interfaces are typically the ones that endure. If a device is too hard or cumbersome, you probably won't use it. Read up on other reviewers' experiences with user interfaces for managing the devices.Price: Always compare prices. Look for value for money, but don't focus on the lowest price. If you compromise on essential features and quality, you'll pay for it in the long run.Reliability: This is a big deal in the smart home community and is part of the ease of use of devices. If a device constantly gets disconnected or unresponsive, it's not worth your time or money. Show more How we test smart home devices ZDNET reviews a wide range of devices to ensure we feature the ones that perform the best for our readers. As a smart home and robot vacuum reviewer, I evaluate each device's performance starting with the unboxing experience.To do this, I ensure the device meets all the manufacturer's claims for features and capabilities, verify it works smoothly with different smart home ecosystems -- I test with Google, Alexa, HomeKit, and SmartThings -- and monitor its performance over a period of time ranging from two weeks to months. Show more Other smart home devices worth considering Further ZDNET Tech Coverage Smartphones Smartwatches Tablets Laptops TVs Other Tech Resources ZDNET Recommends

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