The market for smart-home devices has been surging for a few years, thanks to our increased connections with friends Alexa, Siri and Google. But our changing world post-pandemic means homeowners will likely be more discerning when making tech purchases that are realistically more wants than needs.
A little more than $100 billion was spent globally in 2019 for hardware, installation and services related to the intelligent home. Market research company Strategy Analytics forecast 100 million smart homes will come online by 2023, a 50% rise since 2018, to about three in every 10 broadband-connected households worldwide.
That was before the health and economic predicament overtook our lives and livelihoods. Strategy Analytics now expects spending on smart-home solutions will decline 7%-18% for 2020-2021, citing consumer “financial distress” and supply-chain disruptions.
Is it any wonder that people are either delaying their new-tech purchases or looking for less pricey alternatives to streamline their lives? Here are some options for internet-connected home devices that shouldn’t break the bank.
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As with most discussion around consumer technology, we must first determine which operating system works for you. The best answer is usually linked (no pun intended) to the smart phone you are using. The phone’s apps must be able to “talk” with a smart hub and the devices it is connected to in a hub-and-spoke effect of modern home tech. Hubs come in three “flavors” – Apple, Amazon and Android.
Apple
It’s important to note that Apple devices tend to only work within a ring-fenced suite of devices run on iOS software. This can be somewhat limiting – and more expensive – than other devices but, because of that setup, Apple tends to be more secure and reliable.
The Apple ecosystem is made to run with the HomePod smart speaker along with your iPhone, iTunes and a host of other products. Unlike its competitors, HomePod is a mono-audio experience and is priced at a hefty $350 or so. As an alternative, I suggest the JBL Link 300, which delivers great stereo sound for around $200 – and Consumer Reports rates it higher overall than HomePod.
If you love Apple, then you’ll likely lean toward the iDevices thermostat for about $100. It allows households to control, monitor and schedule the temperature of the home with any Apple device or through Siri voice commands. With its easy manual controls, the Honeywell Lyric T5+ is a good alternative at $150.
Apple has limited options for compatible home camera systems. Most people go with Logitech’s Circle 2 indoor/outdoor system, which works with Apple’s HomeKit multifunctioning system that also controls lights, locks and thermostat. Get the wired model of Circle 2 for it to work well with HomeKit. (Circle 2 also works with Amazon and Google systems.)
Most experts agree on the type of smart light, the LIFX Mini White, which includes built-in WiFi so that it can act as a smart-home hub. I think it’s a steal at about $25. For a few dollars more, lamps, space heaters and other devices can be easily monitored and controlled through Belkin’s Wemo Mini Smart Plug (which also works with Amazon and Google tech). Use the WeMo app to schedule when you want to turn on/off any plugged-in appliance or device.
Netatmo has cornered the video doorbell market for die-hard Apple fans. It’s really the only game in town if you want a HomeKit-compatible doorbell, with a 160-degree lens and infrared night vision. But, retailing at $300, I’m not going to say it’s inexpensive. You can do better with another multi-compatible device. (There is a cool site – If This, Then That – that helps improve app/device compatibility.)
I don’t think many will argue that Google’s Android software is most-widely used for apps and devices around the home. It’s open-source operating system makes it popular among developers and consumers. Google Assistant is considered the quickest and most reliable when it comes to processing complex queries.
Since Google owns Nest, a lot of people use the Nest Thermostat E for about $170 and top-rated by Consumer Reports. This model creates an energy-saving schedule based on your temperature preferences. Smart, huh? (Check out Homeselfe.com for a range of home-energy related resources – including how to save.)
Think how often you talk to your phone, add calendar entries and use Google search. Google Assistant acts as a sponge for all of that info and works better for you. (No, this is not a paid endorsement.)
Take it from Consumer Reports (again). It rates Google Home Max smart speaker as tops in its class. While Google Assistant works in the background to grasp your commands, Home Max delivers amazing sound whether it’s Stravinsky, Springsteen or Shakira. But at $400, it can be out of our budget. That’s why there’s a lower-priced model, Google Home for about $100.
While Nest is arguably the leader in security cameras – both indoor and outdoor – they can run a couple of hundred dollars. That’s why you may want to consider the Wyze Cam Pan for about $40. This camera allows you to tilt up/down and pan left-right within your app, with 360-degree capability. (Also works with Amazon Alexa.)
A lightbulb is not just a lightbulb. GE offers an inexpensive – yet smart – bulb that works with Google Assistant for about $30. Aukey offers affordable smart plugs for about $10, so Google users can control electronics with the sound of your voice…although this smart-plug strip surge protector may offer greater savings.
Nest is also a good investment for a video doorbell. Nest Hello receives positive reviews and at about $200, it’s slightly less expensive than the Ring Video Doorbell Pro ($250) that wins top honors for video quality.
Amazon
Amazon works with more devices (20,000+) and apps (2200+) than its competitors. Amazon’s Alexa is the voice behind both the Echo and Dot speaker systems. Dot is only $50 and will serve its basic purpose of delivering sound. Don’t expect it to blow you away with a robust music experience – but this is how you save, by sacrificing on sound. Echo is a step up and offers sold entry- to middle-level speakers for about $125. (Oh, be careful: Alexa has been known to snoop!)
If you’re using Amazon technology in the house, you might as well go with the Ecobee 3 Lite smart thermostat at around $170 and the Ring camera system. Amazon owns Ring and offers a capable indoor security camera for about $75.
There is probably nothing cheaper than the smart bulb from Wyze. It’s about $5 and works with Alexa voice commands to turn on/off, adjust light intensity and even change color. Amazon makes its own smart plug that works with Alexa and Echo/Dot for about $25. My, we’ve come a long way from the days of the Clapper!
Again, Ring is the obvious choice for video doorbells. The Ring 2 is wireless with a rechargeable battery, runs about $170 and works with any smartphone. Owners of Amazon’s Fire TV can pull in a live feed of the video doorbell onto your screen to see who’s at the door … or when you finished watching everything on Netflix!
Choosing a door lock is easy for any homeowner. The August Smart Lock Pro works on any operating system (OS). Hurrah! But it ain’t cheap – at about $230. This smart lock adds convenience and peace of mind. It alerts your smartphone anytime someone touches the lock, assuming you invest in a secondary WiFi-enabled device that keeps you connected. When you add it all up, this is probably one of the least critical smart-home devices since the deadbolt is going to work the same – with or without new tech. Looking for an inexpensive option? Consider the Kwikset 925 – compatible with all three phone OSs – at about $150.
It’s worth noting that the price of video doorbells can add up over time. Manufacturers often charge consumers to host your camera video in the cloud. So please check the fine print on what is free and when the charges start to kick in. Batteries on these devices also seem to have a short lifespan – because they are outdoors and often running. The Blink XT2 camera claims it has batteries lasting two years but online reviewers found it’s more like a year. Cameras use motion detectors to activate the audio/video and some neighborhoods are busier than others, quickly draining the batteries.
There are many more devices that a homeowner could connect to a hub and phone for convenience, but there is a price with everything and budget may not allow. Those devices include traditional security, HVAC and gaming systems, as well as carbon-monoxide, smoke and water-leak detectors, baby monitors, traditional appliances, smart TVs, fans, window shades, carpet cleaners, faucets, water sprinklers, garage doors and more. Oh, and smart watches. Whew!
It can be a bit overwhelming. Still not sure if your apps are driving efficiencies? Try Yonomi, a free app that helps create automated routines for all of your smart devices. To help you keep up on new products, services or upgrades, I suggest checking out CNET Smart Home News and Reviews.
Good luck in sticking to your budget. It won’t be easy … but you can do it!
(This story is not an endorsement of any product, service or company. It was written to educate consumers as they consider adding new technology for their home amid budget-conscious times.)