11 Types of Smart Devices You Need to Know

Struggling to keep up with the world of smart home technology? Maybe you’re trying to find the best smart home device to enhance your home’s security, energy efficiency, or convenience. This article will take you through the most common smart home devices and explain what they do.

Smart Device Types At-a-glance

Device Type	Primary Function	Key Features	Popular Brands
Smart Speakers	Voice-controlled assistants	Answer questions, play music, read news, voice control of other devices	Google Home, Amazon Echo, Apple’s HomePod
Smart Plugs	Control appliances remotely	Turn off/on appliances from anywhere	TP-Link, Belkin Wemo, Philips Hue
Smart Bulbs	Remote lighting control	Change colors, dim/brighten lights	Philips Hue, LIFX, GE C-Life
Smart Thermostats	Adjust home temperature	Learn temperature preferences, adjust based on schedule	Nest Learning Thermostat, ecobee, Honeywell
Smart Refrigerators	Advanced fridge features	Set reminders, view contents remotely, inventory management	Samsung Family Hub, LG InstaView, Whirlpool
Smart Hubs	Centralized device control	Sync and automate multiple devices	Samsung SmartThings, Amazon Echo Plus, Apple HomePod mini
Smart Sensors	Detect changes in environment	Detect motion, alert for water leaks, trigger automated tasks	Bosch, Fibaro, Samsung SmartThings
Smart Cameras & Video Doorbells	Home security	Provide live video feed, detect motion, send alerts	Ring, Nest Cam, Arlo, Wyze
Smart Locks	Keyless entry & exit	Lock/unlock remotely, assign temporary digital keys, monitor access	August Smart Lock, Schlage, Yale
Smart Appliances	Advanced appliance features	Remote operation, provide task completion notifications	LG ThinQ, Samsung, Whirlpool
Smart Garage Door Openers	Remote garage door control	Monitor, open, and close garage door from any location	Chamberlain MyQ, Genie, LiftMaster
Smart TVs	Enhanced television experience	Offer streaming services, allow web browsing, provide access to apps	Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio

Smart Speakers

Starting off, there’s no denying the popularity of smart speakers. Think Google Home, Amazon Echo, Apple’s HomePod. Just say the magic words, and these devices can answer questions, play music, read the news, even tell jokes.

Connecting them to other smart devices allows for control of your home with your voice. Maybe you’ve said, “Hey Google, turn on the lights.” That’s the handy work of a smart speaker.

Smart Plugs

Next, we have smart plugs. Ever been halfway to work and wondered, “Did I leave my curling iron on?” A smart plug can put an end to such worries. You can control them through an app, turning off any appliances connected to them.

Step 1 is plugging in the device. Step 2 is connecting it to your Wi-Fi. Step 3? Peace of mind, knowing you can control your devices from anywhere.

Smart Bulbs

Smart bulbs aren’t your average household light bulbs. They not only offer you the ability to control lights from your phone but can also change colors and dim on command.

Are you in bed and forgot to turn off the living room light? No problem. Turn it off from your mobile device without leaving your warm bed. Talk about convenience!

Smart Thermostats

A thermostat that learns from you- sounds unreal right? Smart thermostats, however, do just that. They learn from your temperature preferences and schedule, adjusting the heating and cooling of your home accordingly.

Once you’ve experienced the comfort and cost savings a smart thermostat provides, you won’t want to go back to traditional thermostats.

Smart Refrigerators

Our next stop is in the kitchen. Imagine a refrigerator that reminds you when you’re low on milk, or sends you a photo of its contents so you know what to buy at the grocery store. That’s what a smart refrigerator does. It could save you from those annoying instances of buying something you already have.

Smart Hubs

To bring all these devices together, you need a smart hub. Like a conductor leading a symphony, a smart hub syncs your devices to create a seamless smart home experience.

Whether it’s dimming lights or adjusting the thermostat, you can automate multiple tasks with a single command to your hub.

Smart Sensors

From motion sensors that trigger lights to water sensors that alert you of a leak, smart sensors add another layer of security and convenience to your home.

You can also automate tasks, like your lights turning on when you arrive home. This automation not only adds comfort but is a bonus for energy conservation.

Smart Cameras and Video Doorbells

Security is a prime concern for any homeowner. Smart cameras and video doorbells not only provide a video feed you can view remotely but can also notify you of movement.

Ever wondered who makes that early morning delivery you always miss? A smart video doorbell will have you covered. And you’ll finally have video proof that they dropped your fragile package.

Smart Locks

Lost keys are a thing of the past with smart locks. Lock and unlock doors with your smartphone. Assign temporary digital “keys” to friends or service workers.

You can also manually check whether you remembered to lock your front door and get notified each time the door is unlocked. Peace of mind and control with just a few clicks!

Smart Appliances

Smart appliances could be anything from an oven you control with your smartphone to a washing machine that notifies you when your laundry’s done. They’ll enhance your chores routine, making tasks easier and more efficient.

These other appliances aren’t quite as popular as smart refrigerators just yet. But with LG, Samsung, and some of the biggest home appliance and smart home brands behind them, I’m sure we’ll see a whole lot more of them in the coming years.

Smart Garage Door Openers

Smart garage door openers are an oft-forgotten but important part of your home automation setup. They provide security to the biggest entry point in your home.

Have you ever driven off and couldn’t remember if you closed the garage door? A smart garage door opener allows you to check on or close your garage from anywhere, saving you from having to run home or worry all day.

Smart TVs

Don’t forget about smart TVs offer streaming services, web browsing, apps, and games straight from your television. If you’ve ever experienced Netflix, Hulu, or YouTube from your TV, you’ve dealt with a smart TV. It’s convenience and entertainment wrapped in one unit.