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1

Why We Love It

Reviewers love the Philips Hue for its easy installation and wide range of color options. They appreciate the ability to schedule and control lights remotely, and many highlight the energy savings as a major benefit. The compatibility with popular smart home platforms is frequently praised, making it a favorite among tech enthusiasts.

Pros

  • Easy to set-up
  • Compatible with major smart home platforms
  • Provides versatile lighting control

Cons

  • Requires a hub
  • Pricey compared to standard bulbs

A smart lighting kit offering versatile color control and easy set-up.

This Philips Hue Smart Light Bulb Starter Kit offers smart control over your home's lighting with the ability to set schedules, control remotely, and change colors. It's compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, allowing for voice control. The kit includes four A19 60W LED smart bulbs and a bridge that can accommodate up to 50 lights. It's energy-efficient, long-lasting, and provides vibrant and rich colors with a spectrum of over 16 million hues.

2

Why We Love It

Reviewers rave about the Google Nest Thermostat's learning capabilities, noting that it adapts to their schedule quickly and efficiently. Many also appreciate its energy-saving features, highlighting its potential to reduce their utility bills. Users also love the convenience of controlling their home's temperature from anywhere using the Nest app.

Pros

  • Energy-saving
  • Intuitive learning capabilities
  • Remote control

Cons

  • Requires Wi-Fi
  • Can be complex to use

Smart, energy-saving thermostat with remote control capabilities.

The Google Nest Thermostat is a smart, programmable thermostat that learns your schedule and the temperatures you like, and programs itself to help you save energy and stay comfortable. It features Home/Away Assist that turns itself down when you're away to avoid heating or cooling an empty home. Plus, with the Nest app, you can change the temperature from anywhere – the office, the beach, even your bed.

3

Why We Love It

Users love the Google Nest Learning Thermostat for its self-learning feature and energy saving benefits. Its sleek design is often complimented and the clear, high-resolution display is a hit among users. The compatibility with Alexa and ease of remote control are also features that are highly appreciated by users.

Pros

  • Energy-efficient
  • Self-learning
  • Compatible with most HVAC systems

Cons

  • Requires professional installation for some users
  • Pricey

A smart thermostat offering energy-saving features and sleek design.

The Google Nest Learning Thermostat is an intelligent home automation device that learns your schedule and the temperatures you prefer, then programs itself to save energy. It features a stylish and sleek design with a high resolution display. The device is also compatible with Amazon Alexa for voice control, and can be remotely controlled via your smartphone. The Nest Learning Thermostat is proven to save energy and works with most heating and cooling systems.

4

Why We Love It

Reviewers love the Ring Video Doorbell Pro for its advanced motion detection, noting that it provides them with peace of mind. They also praise its HD video quality and two-way audio, which allow them to communicate with visitors without opening the door. Users also appreciate its compatibility with Alexa, which adds to its convenience.

Pros

  • Advanced motion detection
  • HD video
  • Two-way audio

Cons

  • Requires professional installation
  • Subscription needed for video recording

Smart doorbell with 1080p HD video and two-way talk.

The Ring Video Doorbell Pro lets you answer your door from anywhere using your smartphone. It features 1080p HD video, two-way audio, and customizable motion sensors that let you focus on the most important areas of your home. The Ring Doorbell Pro is compatible with Alexa, allowing you to hear and speak to visitors with two-way talk. With its advanced motion detection and night vision, you can monitor your home around the clock.

5

Why We Love It

Users praise the Ring Video Doorbell Pro for its high-quality video and advanced security features. The ability to customize motion zones and receive alerts on their devices are highly appreciated by users. Many also like its compatibility with Alexa and its sleek design that blends well with different home styles.

Pros

  • Advanced security features
  • High-quality video
  • Compatible with Alexa

Cons

  • Requires hardwired installation
  • Subscription needed for full features

A smart doorbell with advanced security features and video capabilities.

The Ring Video Doorbell Pro is a Wi-Fi enabled video doorbell that lets you see, hear, and speak to anyone at your door from your smartphone, tablet, or PC. It offers 1080p HD video with infrared night vision, and advanced motion detection with customizable motion zones. The doorbell is compatible with Alexa for voice control and sends alerts to your device when motion is detected or when someone presses the doorbell. The Ring Video Doorbell Pro requires hardwired installation to existing doorbell wires.

6

Why We Love It

Users love the versatility and color range of the Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Starter Kit. They appreciate the energy efficiency and long lifespan of the bulbs. Many users also praise the convenience of voice control and the ability to manage lighting through the Hue app. Despite its higher price, users agree that the quality and features of the kit make it a worthwhile investment.

Pros

  • Wide range of colors
  • Energy-efficient
  • Long lifespan

Cons

  • Requires Hue Bridge
  • Expensive

Smart light bulb kit with voice control and millions of colors.

The Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Starter Kit includes 4 smart bulbs and a Hue Bridge. These bulbs offer a range of white light, from cool to warm, as well as 16 million colors. You can control the lights using the Hue app, or with your voice using Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. The bulbs are energy-efficient and have a lifespan of up to 25,000 hours. With the Hue Bridge, you can control up to 50 lights throughout your home, indoors and outdoors.

7

Why We Love It

Reviewers love the August Smart Lock Pro for its easy installation and keyless entry feature. Users appreciate the ability to control and monitor their door remotely. The auto lock and unlock features are a hit among users, and many praise its compatibility with popular smart home platforms.

Pros

  • Easy installation
  • Keyless entry
  • Remote access

Cons

  • Dependent on Wi-Fi
  • May not fit all doors

A smart lock with remote access and tracking features.

The August Smart Lock Pro + Connect allows you to control and monitor your door from anywhere. It instantly locks behind you and automatically unlocks as you arrive. You can grant keyless access and keep track of who comes and goes, all from your phone. The device is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit for voice control. It installs over your existing deadbolt, meaning you can keep your existing keys. The Connect Wi-Fi bridge is included for remote access capability.

8

Why We Love It

Users love the TP-Link Kasa Smart WiFi Plug Mini for its energy-saving features and its ability to be controlled from anywhere. They appreciate the convenience of scheduling the smart plug to turn on and off automatically, and many also mention the benefits of its compact design. Its compatibility with popular voice assistants is also a hit with users.

Pros

  • Energy-saving
  • Voice control
  • Compact design

Cons

  • Requires Wi-Fi
  • No Apple HomeKit support

Compact smart plug with remote control and energy monitoring.

The TP-Link Kasa Smart WiFi Plug Mini allows you to control your devices from anywhere using the Kasa app. You can schedule the smart plug to automatically turn on and off while you're home or away, helping you to conserve energy and reduce your electricity bill. The smart plug also works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana for voice control. With its compact design, the smart plug won't block the adjacent power socket.

Product Comparison

Compare features across all products in this category

6 Features 8 Products Updated Oct 03, 2025
Product Wi-Fi Connectivity Energy Efficiency Voice Control Compatibility Remote Access Installation Type Special Features
1 Google Nest Thermostat - Smart Thermostat
Yes Yes, saves energy with learning capabilities Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant Yes DIY Home/Away Assist
1 Philips Hue Smart Light Bulb Starter Kit
Yes Yes, LED technology Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit Yes Easy setup with bridge 16 million color options
2 Google Nest Learning Thermostat
Yes Yes, self-learning thermostat Compatible with Alexa Yes Professional installation may be required High-resolution display
3 Ring Video Doorbell Pro - Wi-Fi Enabled Video Doorbell
Yes N/A Compatible with Alexa Yes Requires hardwired installation 1080p HD video and two-way audio
4 Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance - Smart Light Bulb Starter Kit
Yes Yes, LED technology Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri Yes Easy setup with Hue Bridge Range of white light and colors
4 Ring Video Doorbell Pro
Yes N/A Compatible with Alexa Yes Requires hardwired installation Infrared night vision
5 August Smart Lock Pro + Connect
Yes N/A Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit Yes Installs over existing deadbolt Keyless entry and tracking
5 TP-Link Kasa Smart WiFi Plug Mini - Smart Home Plug
Yes Yes, helps conserve energy Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant Yes Plug and play Compact design
1

Google Nest Thermostat - Smart Thermostat

Wi-Fi Connectivity
Yes
Energy Efficiency
Yes, saves energy with learning capabilities
Voice Control Compatibility
Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant
Remote Access
Yes
Installation Type
DIY
Special Features
Home/Away Assist
1

Philips Hue Smart Light Bulb Starter Kit

Wi-Fi Connectivity
Yes
Energy Efficiency
Yes, LED technology
Voice Control Compatibility
Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit
Remote Access
Yes
Installation Type
Easy setup with bridge
Special Features
16 million color options
2

Google Nest Learning Thermostat

Wi-Fi Connectivity
Yes
Energy Efficiency
Yes, self-learning thermostat
Voice Control Compatibility
Compatible with Alexa
Remote Access
Yes
Installation Type
Professional installation may be required
Special Features
High-resolution display
3

Ring Video Doorbell Pro - Wi-Fi Enabled Video Doorbell

Wi-Fi Connectivity
Yes
Energy Efficiency
N/A
Voice Control Compatibility
Compatible with Alexa
Remote Access
Yes
Installation Type
Requires hardwired installation
Special Features
1080p HD video and two-way audio
4

Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance - Smart Light Bulb Starter Kit

Wi-Fi Connectivity
Yes
Energy Efficiency
Yes, LED technology
Voice Control Compatibility
Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri
Remote Access
Yes
Installation Type
Easy setup with Hue Bridge
Special Features
Range of white light and colors
4

Ring Video Doorbell Pro

Wi-Fi Connectivity
Yes
Energy Efficiency
N/A
Voice Control Compatibility
Compatible with Alexa
Remote Access
Yes
Installation Type
Requires hardwired installation
Special Features
Infrared night vision
5

August Smart Lock Pro + Connect

Wi-Fi Connectivity
Yes
Energy Efficiency
N/A
Voice Control Compatibility
Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit
Remote Access
Yes
Installation Type
Installs over existing deadbolt
Special Features
Keyless entry and tracking
5

TP-Link Kasa Smart WiFi Plug Mini - Smart Home Plug

Wi-Fi Connectivity
Yes
Energy Efficiency
Yes, helps conserve energy
Voice Control Compatibility
Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant
Remote Access
Yes
Installation Type
Plug and play
Special Features
Compact design

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Automation Devices

What makes a home automation devices the "best"?

We evaluate products based on quality, performance, value for money, user reviews, durability, and ease of use. Our rankings are updated regularly to reflect the latest market offerings and user feedback.

How often do you update your home automation devices recommendations?

Our team continuously monitors the market for new products and updates our recommendations quarterly. We also adjust rankings based on user feedback and new testing results.

Do you test all the products you recommend?

Yes, whenever possible, we physically test products in our labs. For products we can't test directly, we rely on verified user reviews, expert opinions, and detailed specifications to make informed recommendations.

What if I'm looking for a specific type of home automation devices?

Our top 10 list covers the most popular and highly-rated options. If you have specific requirements, check our detailed product descriptions and pros/cons to find the best match for your needs.