Home Automation Gadgets: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Smart Home Devices in 2024

Modern homes are advancing day by day to become smart homes. More and more users are choosing to incorporate home automation gadgets to transform your home into a more comfortable, efficient, and secure space. From voice assistants that coordinate daily tasks to surveillance cameras, smart plugs, and robot vacuum cleaners, the range of devices is immense and continues to grow year after year.

If you consider make the leap to home automation If you're looking for inspiration to update your home, we present a complete guide to the best home automation gadgets currently available. Here you'll find everything from devices ideal for beginners to more advanced options, reviewing their features, advantages, and compatibility.

Why are home automation gadgets on the rise?

The home automation gadgets They are devices capable of automating, controlling, or monitoring different aspects of your home. They allow save time, energy and money while increasing home comfort, security, and efficiency. Thanks to the rapid evolution of technology and the increased integration of virtual assistants, these devices have become an essential element in many homes.

These are some of the great advantages they provide us:

• Automation of everyday tasks: Smart devices allow you to manage lights, thermostats, locks, or appliances automatically or remotely.
• Energy and economic savings: By monitoring consumption and allowing for tailored scheduling, they help reduce electricity bills.
• Extended Security: Smart cameras, sensors, and locks enhance home protection.
• Comfort and adaptability: Integration with virtual assistants makes it easy to control your environment using voice commands or from your mobile phone.

See also: Solve smart home integration problems.

Essential devices for a smart home

Offering smart gadgets It ranges from the most basic to the most sophisticated. Below, we'll show you the most popular products, their features, and the added value of each.

Virtual assistants: the core of home automation

The virtual assistants , the Alexa, Google Assistant y Crab They have become the cornerstone of most home automation systems. These devices allow you to control other gadgets via voice commands or from your mobile phone, facilitating the integration of all connected elements in your home.

• Amazon Echo Dot (5th Generation): Alexa-powered speaker that acts as the brain of your connected home. It plays music, answers questions, and serves as a base for controlling lights, cameras, plugs, and many other devices. Its price is usually quite competitive, making it a favorite for its value. For more information, see here. How to integrate Echo Dot with other devices.
• Google Nest Mini (2nd Gen): Google alternative with similar features, compatible with major home automation services and devices. It includes high-precision voice recognition and allows you to manage routines or schedules from the Google Home app.

Cameras and surveillance devices

One of the most demanded applications in home automation is to maximise security and your enjoyment.Here are several devices that offer extra protection and peace of mind, even when you're not home.

• Blink Mini: Compact indoor camera, easy to install, with Full HD resolution. It features a microphone and speaker for two-way communication, night vision, and a motion sensor. Recordings can be stored locally or in the cloud (with a subscription) and are compatible with Alexa.
• Tapo C220: TP-Link IP camera with AI for person differentiation, advanced night vision, and automatic tracking. It offers excellent value for money, ideal for those looking for hassle-free security.
• Ring Video Doorbell: Smart video intercom that replaces or complements a traditional doorbell. It allows you to see and speak to the person calling the door from your mobile phone, save images or videos, and receive instant notifications. Available in both wired and rechargeable battery models.
• Ring Intercom: Adapter that converts conventional intercoms into smart systems. It connects via Wi-Fi and allows you to open the door from anywhere, as well as grant permission to guests.
• Ring Alarm Motion Detector: Wireless motion sensor for intruder detection, compatible with the Ring Alarm system. Pet-detecting and easy to install without tools.

Lighting and smart plugs

Controlling lights and outlets is one of the most valued features in home automation. The most popular models allow you to program schedules, create ambiances, and manage consumption from your mobile phone.

• Philips Hue: One of the most complete systems, with LED bulbs, light strips, lamps, and accessories such as remote controls and sensors. Its core is the Hue Bridge, which allows you to manage up to 50 devices. The bulbs offer colors, adjustable intensity, and automatic schedules, controllable by voice or app.
• Philips Hue Smart Plug: It allows you to convert any traditional appliance into a smart device, ideal for lamps, coffee makers, etc. Compatible with voice assistants and easy to install.
• TP-Link Tapo P110: Wi-Fi plug that allows you to turn on, off, and monitor energy consumption from the Tapo app. It includes a timer, scheduling, and compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant. Its low price makes it very attractive.

Thermostats and environmental control

Smart thermostats and air quality sensors are key to managing comfort and saving energy at home. To configure these devices, it's advisable to learn how to manage the settings using virtual assistants.

• Sensibo Sky: WiFi controller for air conditioners and traditional thermostats. It allows you to turn on and off, program schedules, detect temperature, and optimize energy use. Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri.
• Nest Learning: Google's smart thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature, learns your routines, and helps reduce your energy bill. It's controlled from your phone and offers savings statistics and reports.
• Eve Room: Compact sensor that measures temperature, humidity, and indoor air quality. It displays all the information in the app and is compatible with HomeKit for integration into automation routines.

Robot vacuum cleaners and cleaners

Among the most revolutionary gadgets are the cleaning robots, which save time and effort on household chores. These devices can be integrated into daily routines using voice commands.

• iRobot Roomba Combo i5+: 2-in-1 robot vacuum and floor mop with automatic dirt emptying and smart mapping. It can be programmed from the mobile app, identify rooms, and clean following optimized routes.
• Eufy RoboVac: A range of robotic vacuum cleaners that clean floors autonomously. Some models allow for mobile integration and recognition of the areas to be cleaned.

Locks and access control

Security and convenience in accessing the home have greatly improved with smart locks and remote systems, which can be managed from platforms compatible with virtual assistants.

• Nuki Smart Lock (4th generation): Turn your phone into a digital key to open and close your door from anywhere. It supports integration with platforms such as Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit.
• Level Bolt Deadbolt Lock: Heavy-duty universal lock that installs easily and offers remote control, activity notifications, automatic locking and unlocking, and digital key delivery to family or friends.

Irrigation control and automation

For those who have a garden or plants at home, there are smart solutions to automate irrigation and save water:

• Rainpoint Sprinkler Time: Wi-Fi-connected sprinkler timer with built-in humidity sensor. Allows you to set schedules and manage irrigation from a mobile app, optimizing its use.

Multimedia and entertainment center

Home automation also encompasses multimedia content management, allowing old televisions to be converted into connected hubs:

• Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd generation): Compact device that offers access to streaming platforms, Alexa compatibility, and 4K resolution. Easy to install and with WiFi 6 connectivity.
• EchoShow 10: 10,1-inch smart display with high-quality speakers, a 13-megapixel motorized camera, and video call management. From it, you can control other home automation devices, view security cameras, and enjoy multimedia content.

Is it worth investing in home automation gadgets?

Invest in smart gadgets It offers benefits in terms of comfort and energy savings, as well as increased security and potentially increased home value. The investment is offset by ease of control and a higher quality of life, whether living alone or with family.

Many devices are affordable and allow for gradual expansion. You can start with basic items like smart plugs or light bulbs and add more components as your needs change.

La domótica It has become an everyday and accessible reality in 2024. The variety of gadgets available allows each user to adapt their home to their preferences, from simple options to complex automation systems. Incorporating this technology promotes greater efficiency, security, and well-being, making the home a more connected space adapted to current demands.