As we continue looking at different brands of smart home kits and things to consider when choosing your smart home system, this week we will be looking at Amazon Alexa. As we review some of the most compatible devices with Amazon Alexa, you’ll notice some popular device choices that seem to work and sync well with multiple smart home systems. We will do a follow up blog post to round up the most popular and compatible devices, across smart home systems, so you can feel good about your smart home device choice! The best compatible devices work with Amazon Alexa to create a smart home system that is fully integrated and automated, making your home management a simple and easy process! Assuming you are using an Alexa Smart Speaker or Smart Display, you can use any of the devices listed in this blog post.
Best compatible smart lights: Philips Hue White LED Starter Kit
While you can control the Philips Hue White LED Smart Bulbs with the Philips Hue app, part of what makes these smart light bulbs great is that they can also be controlled with your voice using Amazon Alexa. This means that you can adjust the brightness of your light bulbs, set schedules and timers, and turn your lights on and off all with Alexa. This powerful smart device is an easy swap that makes for impressive use and functionality in your home. Enjoy the ease and convenience of using voice commands to control your indoor lighting!
Best compatible smart plug: Wemo WiFi Smart Plug
The Wemo WiFi Smart Plug is one of the most affordable smart devices out there, costing you under $50. It’s also one of the best Alexa compatible devices, making its way onto this list! While it lacks energy monitoring features when compared to some of its competitors, we love how compact it is, making it great for smaller spaces. Just like the Philips Hue Smart Light Bulbs, these plugs can be controlled using voice commands, meaning that you can plug any of your devices into these smart plugs, making their power supply controllable through your Alexa smart hub. You can even set these plugs to away mode, so they’ll turn different devices on and off, based on your settings, so you can make it seem like you’re home when you’re not. (So useful for vacations!(If you haven’t read our article on setting up your smart home for vacations, check it out here!)
Best compatible smart lock: August WiFi Smart Lock
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is one of the best deadbolts on the market, which is why you’ll see it on a lot of recommended lists. Also pairing with Google Assistant, this is one of the most useful things you can buy to pair with your other Amazon Alexa devices. This smart lock deadbolt attaches to your existing lock and can be controlled using voice command through your Alexa-enabled speaker without needing any additional hardware. That means that once this smart lock is installed, you’ll be able to lock and unlock your door, set schedules and automatic locking/unlocking so you know your home is secure wherever you are.
Best compatible thermostat: Ecobee Thermostat
When paired with smart room sensors, the Ecobee Smart Thermostat works with Amazon Alexa to regulate the temperature in each room of your house. Combining the information from the sensors in each room, with a knowledge of the outside temperature, this thermostat can adjust the heating or air-conditioning in a room based on its temperature and your desired settings. The sensors can also tell if you aren’t home, maintaining energy efficiency by adjusting your heating/cooling output and ensuring your home is at the proper temperature for when you are scheduled to get home. The thermostat’s ability to be controlled via Amazon Alexa lands it on this list, as not only a popular smart thermostat device, but one you can adjust and control using voice commands.
Best compatible video doorbell: Ring Peephole Cam
The ring peephole cam is a different take on a video doorbell, replacing the actual peephole in your door. The device’s compact size, combined with the fact that it is a battery operated device, makes it a great option for people living in apartment or condo buildings. It’s simple installation and advanced Alexa integration means that you can not only see the live feed from your peephole cam on any Amazon smart display (Like the Echo Show), but you can also chat with whoever is at your door via the built in speaker, using the command, “Alexa, answer the front door.” This two-way talk feature is too cool to not include this peephole cam on the top list of Amazon Alexa compatible devices!
Now that we are in week two, what are your thoughts on smart home assistants? Are you leaning towards Google, or Amazon? Still haven’t decided? Check in next week where we’ll review Apple Homekit, giving you all the information you’ll need to decide which smart home assistant is best for you!
