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What Is a Smart Home?

• How They Work

Smart Home Systems

• Advantages and Disadvantages

The Bottom Line

• Alternative Investments
• Real Estate Investing

Smart Home: Definition, How They Work, Pros and Cons

Adam Hayes, Ph.D., CFA, is a financial writer with 15+ years Wall Street experience as a derivatives trader. Besides his extensive derivative trading expertise, Adam is an expert in economics and behavioral finance. Adam received his master's in economics from The New School for Social Research and his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in sociology. He is a CFA charterholder as well as holding FINRA Series 7, 55 & 63 licenses. He currently researches and teaches economic sociology and the social studies of finance at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

Investopedia / Mira Norian

A smart home refers to a convenient home setup where appliances and devices can be automatically controlled remotely from anywhere with an internet connection using a mobile or other networked device.

A smart home refers to a convenient home setup where appliances and devices can be controlled automatically or remotely with an internet connection and using a mobile or other networked device.

Devices in a smart home are interconnected through the internet, allowing the user to control functions such as security, access to the home, temperature, lighting, and a home theater.

Key Takeaways

• A smart home allows homeowners to control appliances, thermostats, lights, and other devices remotely through an internet connection using a smartphone or tablet.
• Smart homes can be set up with wireless or hardwired systems.
• Smart home technology provides homeowners with convenience and cost savings.
• Security risks and bugs continue to plague makers and users of smart home technology.
• Though full-scale home automation may cost thousands of dollars, smaller individual products can cost less than $100.

How Smart Homes Work

A smart home’s devices are connected with each other and can be accessed through one central point—a smartphone , tablet, laptop, or game console. Door locks, televisions, thermostats, home monitors, cameras, lights, and appliances such as the refrigerator can be controlled through one home automation system.

The system is installed on a mobile or other networked device, and the user can schedule the performance of tasks and devices.

Smart home appliances come with self-learning skills. They can learn the homeowner’s schedules and make adjustments as needed. Smart homes enabled with lighting control allow homeowners to reduce electricity use and benefit from energy-related cost savings.

Some home automation systems alert the homeowner if any motion is detected in the home when they're away. Others can call the authorities—the police or the fire department—if dangerous situations arise.

Once connected, services such as a smart doorbell, smart security system, and smart appliances become part of the internet of things (IoT) technology, a network of physical objects that can gather and share electronic information.

Security and efficiency are the main reasons for the increase in smart home technology use.

Smart homes can feature either wireless or hardwired systems—or both. Wireless systems are easier to install. Putting in a wireless home automation system with features such as smart lighting, climate control, and security can be limited in cost to several thousand dollars, making it relatively cost-friendly.

The downside to wireless systems is you likely need strong Wi-Fi coverage and broadband service throughout your entire house. This may require you to invest in range extenders or hardwired wireless access points. Wireless smart home systems are generally more appropriate for smaller existing homes or rental properties.

Hardwired systems, on the other hand, are considered more reliable. They are typically more difficult to hack. A hardwired system can increase the resale value of a home. In addition, hardwired smart home systems can be scaled easily. Therefore, it is often the default method when designing a new build or performing a major renovation.

There is a drawback—it's fairly expensive. Installing a luxury and hardwired smart system can cost homeowners tens of thousands of dollars. In addition, you must have space for network hardware equipment including Ethernet cables.

Components of a Smart Home

Smart home products now allow for greater control over heating devices, including turning products on and off, and controlling settings. Smart products may be armed with temperature or humidity sensors to automatically turn on or off if certain criteria are met. This line of smart home innovations also extends to air conditioners.

Often with the use of a mobile phone, tablet, or custom remote specific to a product, lighting products now offer homeowners enhanced capabilities and convenience. Lights can be switched on and off, placed on a schedule, or set to change based on sunrise or sunset times. Like some more traditional products, lights can often be set to change based on motion. Smart bulbs can communicate over Wi-Fi and display statistics or metrics on your phone.

This lighting category may also contain smart home products that control the degree of light. Automatic blinds may be installed and set to close based on sunrise schedules. Alternatively, electronic curtains allow users to manage their blinds using a handheld device.

Audio/Visual

One of the more appealing aspects of smart homes is the many entertainment products that can be connected to each other and controlled with a single remote. Television and speakers can be played on command using applications. They can be operated according to a schedule or by voice-control.

One of the most important aspects of a smart home is the enhanced security capabilities it offers. Products with cameras track motion, capture video, or allow for live video feeds. These may be installed to sync with a ringing doorbell or set to capture certain areas of your property. Products can facilitate audio as well as video calls with individuals at your door.

Many smart homes are also refit with advanced security kits. These kits includes motion sensor detectors, home monitoring, notifications and alerts concerning suspicious behavior, and the ability to lock doors or windows remotely using a phone.

Smart homes can also include digital assistants or home hubs. People interact with these products using their voice and by issuing commands. They can field questions, organize your calendar, schedule conference calls , or provide alerts.

Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors not only sound an alarm but can be synced to your phone to alert you should you be away from your property. These devices can often be set up to send emergency notifications to other, specified contacts.

People have been able to program automated irrigation systems for a while. Now, smart irrigation systems can detect climate and environmental conditions and factor them into watering schedules. Smart irrigation systems can also monitor moisture-related conditions and control irrigation to conserve water.

When budgeting for smart home products, remember to consider the costs related to necessary labor/installation work.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Smart Homes

• Smart home technology systems offer homeowners convenience. Rather than controlling appliances, thermostats, lighting, and other features individually or by using different devices, homeowners can control them all using one device—usually a smartphone or tablet.
• Security may be enhanced because users can get notifications and updates on issues in their homes when they're away. For instance, smart doorbells allow homeowners to see and communicate with people who come to their doors when they're not at home.
• Despite the cost of installing a smart system, homeowners can benefit from significant cost savings over time. Appliances and electronics can be used more efficiently, lowering energy costs.

Disadvantages

• Security risks and bugs continue to plague makers and users of smart home technology. Adept hackers, for example, can gain access to a smart home's internet-enabled appliances. For example, in October 2016, a botnet called Mirai infiltrated interconnected devices of DVRs, cameras, and routers to bring down major websites through a denial of service attack , also known as a DDoS attack.
• Risk mitigation involves the added effort of maintaining and periodically changing strong passwords, using encryption when available, and only connecting trusted devices to one's network.
• The costs of installing smart technology can run anywhere from a few thousand dollars for a wireless system to tens of thousands of dollars for a hardwired system.
• Learning to use the home system may involve a steep learning curve.

Smart Homes

Are often more convenient than traditional methods of scheduling, controlling, or accessing products

May enhance security due to notifications or alerts

Offers multiple ways of performing a certain task (e.g., lights can be turned on manually, automatically, remotely)

May result in long-term cost savings due to efficient energy consumption

May pose security risk as products are connected to networks that can be hacked

May require additional work for homeowner related to tracking additional passwords and monitoring product security

Are often more expensive than their less- or non-smart counterparts

May involve a steep learning curve, especially for those not tech-savvy

According to HomeAdvisor, it may cost up to $15,000 to fully automate an average four-bedroom, three-bath home. Fully-connected luxury homes may run into the six figures.

Home Much Does a Smart Home Cost?

As more and more smart home products are brought to market, pressure to lower prices will be put on manufacturers and their competition. On the other hand, innovations are continually expanding what smart home products can do. As a result, prices for the latest technology may remain high.

When contemplating smart home products, consider performing a cost-benefit analysis to determine whether the product price exceeds the benefits it offers you.

In general, you can start by focusing on a specific product or room. This strategy allows individuals to invest in smart technology for minimal capital. Consider the following options priced at less than $100 as of April 2024:

• Google Nest Mini, the home audio and assistant device
• Amazon Smart Plug, a method of automating appliances
• Ring Smart Doorbell, a video-enabled camera for home security
• Wyze Thermostat, a digital, wireless, programmable heating device

What Is In a Smart Home?

Smart homes can have smart speakers, lights, thermostats, doorbells, or home hubs. Smart technology can also extend to kitchen appliances and outdoor or landscaping equipment. New innovations are continually evolving what is in a smart home.

Why Is a Smart Home Important?

A smart home is important because it allows a household to become more energy efficient. In addition, it allows people to save time and perform tasks more easily and efficiently. A smart home also offers a level of convenience that's absent with the manual method of performing tasks (e.g., turning on lights yourself).

Can a Smart Home Be Hacked?

Yes. Because smart home systems often require a live network connection, they can be hacked if the security protocol is inadequate. In addition, individuals must be careful about sharing sensitive login information, such as passwords.

Is a Smart Home Worth It?

It can be. You must do the research to determine whether the potential convenience, added security, and cost savings over time outweigh the cost to install a full home system. Consider using individual smart home products first to learn how well they fit your lifestyle and budget.

Leveraging innovation and technology, smart homes simplify the daily tasks faced by homeowners and add new capabilities that may enhance their security. The smart home will continue to evolve.

Whether you control home products remotely using your phone or schedule the performance of tasks for certain times, smart homes have revolutionized the way people control the products they live with.

Stolojescu-Crisan, Cristina, et al. " An IoT-Based Smart Home Automation System ." Sensors (Basel) , June 2021, vol. 21, no. 11.

Setayeshfar, Omid, et al. " Privacy Invasion via Smart-Home Hub in Personal Area Networks ." Pervasive and Mobile Computing , September 2022, vol. 85.

Antonakakis, Manos, et al. " Understanding the Mirai Botnet ." Proceedings of the 26th USENIX Security Symposium, August 2017, pp. 1093-1110.

HomeAdvisor. " How Much Does a Smart Home Cost? " Scroll down.

Google. " Nest Mini ."

Amazon. " Amazon Smart Plug | Works with Alexa ."

Ring. " Battery Doorbell Pro ."

Wyze. " Wyze Thermostat ."

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Smart Home Automation: A Beginner’s Guide

• TECH REVIEWS
• How-To Guides
• Tech Setup & Troubleshooting

A well-designed smart home automation system should provide you with a single access point to all the devices in your smart home.  The increasing popularity of wireless technology and smart devices means that this is the opportune time for you to create your home automation system. With smart home automation, you can incorporate smart devices like speakers, thermostats, televisions, security cameras, and more into a single network that you can control.

In this article, we’ll teach you how to go about starting your smart home automation project and the things you’ll need to get started.

Inside This Article

What is a smart home automation system.

• Set a budget for your home automation project
• Get a smart home hub

Ensure Compatibility with Protocols

Start with the basics.

• Look for devices that help save energy and money
• Check for backwards compatibility

Mainstream Smart Devices

Energy-saving smart devices, radio frequency identification (rfid), how can you control the devices in your smart home.

• Final Thoughts on Smart Home Automation

Smart home automation, often referred to as smart home technology, is the technology that enables users to control multiple smart devices within the home via a central control hub.  It’s the framework behind the internet of things (IoT) . This infrastructure is made up of smart devices communicating through the internet or through protocols. This includes light bulbs, speakers, vacuum cleaners, TVs, security cameras, and other devices with the shared capability to connect to a network.

Most of these devices each come with their own software that you can use to control the device. But given the large number of devices that you can accumulate within a single space, the system requires a single control point for many devices. This is where the smart home hub becomes very useful.

At the centerpiece of every smart home is what is known as a smart home hub. A home hub is a centralized device that connects to multiple smart devices to control them. One good example of this is the Google Home Hub . Home hubs like these come with plenty of benefits. It lets you manage your devices from anywhere within the range of your Wi-Fi or other protocol. In some cases, it also allows you to control devices even when you’re not home. With smart home automation, you can do things you previously cannot do.

That includes things like looking on your home security feeds while on vacation. It may also entail monitoring your pets while you’re at work, or letting your friends into your home via an app.

Guidelines for Starting Your Own Home Automation Project

Building your own smart home may appear as simple as buying smart devices to put into it. But there is a dizzying selection of smart devices out there, and you might need a little help with navigating that environment. So before you go off to buy the first device that you see, here are a few reminders to help you navigate the wild world of smart electronics:

Set a Budget for Your Home Automation Project

Like any other project that you might have, building your own smart home automation system will require spending some money. And like most other projects, the best way to go is to start with a reasonable plan and budget the smart home devices you want to buy.  Having a plan and a set budget will help you identify the things you really need or want. It will also prevent you from overspending.

However you want to play this planning phase, one thing to keep in mind is that price tags don’t always reflect product quality. A smart device may be expensive and popular, but that tells you nothing about its service life or practical use. So before you go out on a shopping spree for a home hub and other devices, it’s best to conduct some basic research about the items you’re interested in. Try comparing prices and read honest reviews about these products. Also, take note of important things like specifications and communication protocols before making a purchase.

Get a Smart Home Hub

The IoT is the invisible infrastructure that connects your smart devices. This technology makes it easier for everyone to install and use these gadgets. Still, you’ll need a central device to keep everything in control. In some cases, a simple smartphone can take on the task via an application. But if you have multiple devices or services, you might want to rely on a home automation hub. The key benefit of a home hub is in keeping all of your technologies under a single and easy to navigate platform. If you plan to accumulate a large number of devices for your smart home, a smart home hub comes highly recommended.

There are a number of home hub types available in the market. Google Nest Hub Max and the Amazon Echo show are fully interactive tablets that let you control your devices via a single, dedicated app. There are also speaker hubs like Amazon Echo and Apple HomePod. These use voice commands to control your smart devices. There are even hybrids of the two types that combine screen interactivity with voice commands. Ultimately, the verdict on whether or not you actually need a hub boils down to how many devices you have. It’s also worth asking yourself if you are experiencing difficulty managing multiple devices.

In theory, smart home hubs should be able to control all of the devices you add to the network. But in reality, there is no single hub that can act as a universal remote for all of the smart devices out there. This problem boils down to the communication protocols. These are the different languages that devices use to communicate with each other. Pretend for a second that your home hub speaks French and your smart speaker speaks Spanish. The obvious differences in language will make it difficult for these two devices to communicate unless one of the devices speaks more than one language. The same idea applies to smart devices and communication protocols. These protocols determine whether the smart devices will be compatible with other devices.

Here are a few important reminders when making a purchase. Avoid devices that can only accommodate a single protocol to limit the number and types of devices you can add to the network. What you want and need is a smart home hub that can work seamlessly with a wider selection of protocols. These devices will allow more devices to connect to the network.  A great example would be the Samsung SmartThings hub . But this isn’t to say that widely compatible home hubs are hard to find. In fact, the increasing demand for smart home devices began to increase in devices that can connect with other protocols. Even then, it’s always best to check the protocols before you buy anything.

Once you’ve decided on whether to purchase a smart home hub, you can proceed to populate your home with independent devices. As a general rule, you should only purchase smart devices that you really intend to use. Most people begin with smart lights since these devices are easy to install and easy to operate. Once you have mastered the simple products, you can proceed to more complicated products that can run themselves. That includes things like robot vacuums or laundry folding robots. If you feel you are ready to explore the exciting world of smart devices, check out this summary of the best smart home devices for you to explore. 

But then again, you can always just head straight for items that you really want. Just remember that you don’t have to buy everything at once. Start with a single device or a couple of devices. Eventually, you will learn what other integrations or devices you will need. It’s also a good idea to take some time to look up the products that interest you before you make the purchase. Finally, remember that there is a wide world of IoT products to explore, and you can explore it at your own pace.

Look for Devices That Help Save Energy and Money

Smart devices were created for safety and convenience. But another lesser-known but equally important benefit is that they can help you save both money and energy in the long run. These are the so-called eco-friendly smart devices that either monitor resource consumption within your home or automatically control your household appliances by turning them on or off when not in use.

Examples of energy-saving and disaster-preventive devices include smart water monitoring and smart electrical systems. There are also smart thermostats and geo-fences, among other smart devices.

Check for Backwards Compatibility

When selecting your home hub devices, another important task is to check whether they’re backward-compatible with the devices you already have. Let’s say you have a couple of smart lights which you’ve purchased a few years back. And you want to purchase smart plugs to make your lighting more cost-efficient. If you purchase a pair of smart plugs that isn’t backward-compatible, the two systems would not be able to work together. Then you’d have to purchase new smart lights.

By becoming conscious of the backwards compatibility of the smart home devices you’re looking at, you can expand your existing network instead of having to replace items that are still fully functional. This is a far more efficient way to maintain your smart home automation system without wasting time and money.

What Smart Home Automation Products Can You Buy?

There is a wide selection of devices in the market to choose from. Some of them are highly popular and prevalent among households, like smart speakers and smart televisions. On the other hand, there are also others that are lesser-known and not often seen advertisements. But we feel that you should be able to learn about both sides of the spectrum to define your decision-making. Here are some of the popular and not-so-popular types of smart devices that you can welcome into your smart home:

There is an upsurge in demand for smart devices, and it’s not just because they look cool. These devices have a very practical purpose. And they help us solve small problems in the household. The sophisticated designs, advanced features, and extended service lives of these devices make them masterpieces of innovation. Here are some of the classifications of smart devices that you should know about:

• Smart Lights. These are advanced versions of the light bulb that can be adjusted in terms of brightness and color hues. Smart light bulbs often work hand in hand with smart light switches that can be controlled via the home hub.
• Thermostats. Thermostats with smart capabilities are used to monitor and control temperatures across different rooms in your house.
• Smart Locks. Smart locks allow you to unlock or lock your doors through a dedicated and secure app on a smartphone. This is particularly useful for monitoring access to your doors and allowing temporary access to friends when you’re not home.
• Doorbells and Cameras. Smart cameras and doorbells automatically capture video footage of individuals who ring your doorbell so that you can see them before you answer the door or after you come home.
• Security Systems. Security systems are intended to monitor your home for potential intruders, and most are able to send you an alert if someone tries to break into your home.
• TVs and Remotes. Smart TVs are able to interface with other devices in the home, whereas smart remotes can control the other smart devices in your home like the smart lights, thermostat, etc.
• Other Devices. There is a growing list of smart devices in the market, and they cover other areas where devices are most needed, such as kitchens, nurseries, pet care, and office care.

One of the more practical features to have in smart devices has to do with the ability to save energy and money in the long term.  An increasing pool of devices can deliver eco-friendly services while helping you save on water, electricity, and the bills that come along with these resources. Here are some of the eco-friendly devices you should consider:

• Smart water monitoring. This technology makes use of sensors that carefully monitor each and every water source in the house to create estimates of water consumption. The sensors attached to faucets in the home can detect leaks which should trigger automatic shut-off of the water supply.
• Smart electrical systems. Smart switches or smart plugs allow you to monitor the on/off status of appliances within your home. These devices rely on your Wi-Fi network to alert you about lights, radios, or other devices left turned on so you can turn them off via voice command.  The main difference is that smart lights are limited to bulbs whereas smart plugs can manage multiple appliances plugged in.
• Geo-fences. Geo-fences are virtual fences that can detect whenever occupants enter or leave your home. The geo-fences track the owners via GPS or RFID technology. It then sends signals to the home hub to turn lights or air-conditioning system on or off.
• Smart thermostats. Smart thermostats monitor the temperatures across different rooms inside your home.  The latest versions of smart thermostats can automatically detect occupancy within the home. This will give you complete control of your home temperature, even without being inside it.
• Smart blinds. Smart blinds are able to close or open based on designated times set on input by the owner. The blinds can stay closed during the summer or open during the winter. It really depends on the owner’s preferences.

What Are the Basic Smart Home Automation Protocols?

One of the key considerations for setting up a smart home is the wireless communication protocols that the devices use. Wireless communication protocols are the current go-to standard for smart home networks due to their low cost and ease of use.  The available protocols have their advantages and shortcomings, and it’s important to be able to distinguish them when you’re trying to build your own smart home. Here are some of the top smart home protocols for smart devices:

Just about every home and business make use of Wi-Fi networks to connect to the internet. That makes Wi-Fi the most widely used wireless network technology around the world. The Wi-Fi protocol shines at sending large amounts of data quickly. And the cost for Wi-Fi infrastructure is also low and deployment relatively easy. It also offers a moderate network range of anywhere between 20 to 40 meters from the source.  This moderate range means it’s only enough to accommodate devices within the home. But it’s not enough to cover devices outside of the home.

On the other hand, these benefits come at high power consumption costs compared to other protocols. The high power consumption makes Wi-Fi more suitable for devices that are constantly plugged in than devices that run on batteries. Another downside to Wi-Fi is that it occasionally suffers from interference.

A wireless protocol, Zigbee makes use of low-energy radio waves called a mesh network.  Signals essentially jump from one device to another until it reaches the intended device. The protocol also requires a central hub and an internet connection to work. With Zigbee, the signals can jump as many times as necessary to reach the intended device.

Some of the benefits of the protocol are similar to Bluetooth in terms of low power-consumption, high security, and network scalability. It offers a wireless range of 70m indoors and 400m outdoors. However, one downside is the protocol can cause interference with Wi-Fi signals within a network.

Like Zigbee, Z-Wave is also an open-source wireless mesh network protocol. That means it also relies on low-frequency radio waves to pass along signals between devices.  However, the main difference is that with Z-Wave, the signals are only allotted a maximum of four hops. In contrast, Zigbee allows for an unlimited number of hops. This means that Z-Wave would be a few times slower than Zigbee. However, it does pose less risk of facing traffic congestion. This means it may be a good alternative to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

It’s also compatible with more devices than Zigbee and consumes less power. Z-Wave works perfectly with any devices that use sensors. These include devices such as lighting control and thermostats. It’s also great for windows controls, garage door openers, locks, and many more.

Insteon allows home automation devices to communicate via power lines, frequencies, or a combination of both. As a wired communication protocol, Insteon mainly relies on your home’s electrical wiring. The dual-mesh setup offers a great range. Moreover, devices can alternate between wired or wireless communication.  This helps to ensure that a device will receive its instructions if one network type goes down.

Since Insteon can make use of the home wiring, some Insteon products need to be professionally installed in the home. And like many of the communications protocols, Insteon also requires hubs to program complex actions and to respond to voice inputs. Examples of Insteon applications include remote controls, leak sensors, motion sensors, among others.

As its name suggests, radio-frequency identification (RFID) uses electromagnetic fields to transmit any data. The maximum range of RFID technology is 200 meters. RFID scanners have the ability to identify tagged items and to collect the information contained therewith. The way it works is it leverages low-power radio frequencies to identify objects with small microchip tags containing information.

A scanning device or RFID reader collects the information wirelessly then passed on the information to an enterprise application software for storage. RFID is often used to identify and locate objects within the IoT setting. As such, RFID can often be found in digital cameras, GPS, and smart sensors, among others. The technology is also widely used in healthcare and transportation systems to track patients and to read passenger data.

Bluetooth is a highly popular protocol used for short-range data transfers.  It uses short-wavelength UHF radio waves of frequency ranging from 2.4 to 2.485 GHz. As most people who have tried Bluetooth would know, the technology works best in sending small amounts of data over a short distance. In fact, the range for Bluetooth is limited to around 100 meters.

There are various versions of Bluetooth, but the most notable is Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). This version was designed for low-powered devices. It helps IoT devices conserve energy by maintaining the devices in sleep mode-until they are connected. The main benefit of BLE is that it can rapidly pair and reconnect with devices in a matter of milliseconds. These rates are much faster than the standard Bluetooth. You can find Bluetooth in a wide selection of consumer products such as telephones, tablets, media players, and more.

The X10 communication protocol is one of the oldest protocols in existence. As a wired protocol, it relies on the existing power lines inside a home for signaling and control. The way X10 works is that it carries short blasts of radio frequency signals into the power wiring inside your home. This allows you to control everything from light switches, lamp holders, or mains outlets.

The controls can be done either through a wall attachment or through remote control. The X10’s reliance on wires within the home can cause noticeable delays in device response times. An example of this would be the multi-second delay between pushing a button and the lights coming on. The X10 protocol is commonly found in legacy devices and first-generation models of smart devices.

So you’ve reached the point where you already possess a couple of smart devices. These smart devices probably cost you a considerable amount of money. It only makes then that you would want to make full use of the devices to get the bang for your buck.  But how can you control multiple devices without getting overwhelmed? A smart home hub can act as the command center or central control point for all the smart devices that you own.

Smart home hubs offer different ways to control external devices. There are traditional home hubs like the Samsung SmartThings, Wink, and Habitat. These devices take on a screen-less modem or pod’s appearance. They connect wirelessly to your smartphone from where you can control other devices. There are also home hubs with interactive screens, like the Google Nest and the third-generation Amazon Echo Show. These let you control other smart devices mainly through an interactive app.

There are also the top-rated smart speakers that run on Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. These devices do not have screens but are perfectly capable of taking in instructions through voice commands. The speakers are always on standby, which has led to some privacy concerns like Amazon Alexa’s alleged violation of privacy. People who don’t want to purchase separate hubs can use software-based home hubs instead. A great example would be the software Yonomi.

Final Thoughts on Smart Home Automation: A Beginner’s Guide

With the increasing demand for IoT products, we are only bound to see more smart home products released in the market. And since the smart home automation sector is only still in its infancy stages, we can also expect much improvement in the devices that will come out in the coming years. There will also come a time when the devices that we have will have been overtaken by newer, more advanced devices.

The discussion on smart home automation ties into the wider discussion of internet of things (IoT) solutions and the powerful applications of artificial intelligence.  These technologies are slowly evolving together to deliver the best products, the likes of which we have never imagined possible. But perhaps for now, we are more than satisfied to witness this smart revolution and we are equally happy to partake in the fruits of the movement.

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• How to pick a smart home platform

One connected lock does not a smart home make. If you want to get serious with home automation, start with a smart home platform.

By Jennifer Pattison Tuohy , a smart home reporter who's been testing connected gadgets since 2013. Previously a writer for Wirecutter, Wired, Dwell, and US News.

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When you first get started with home automation , you’ll quickly find that your smart gadgets do even more when they work together. Yes, it’s great that your smart lights can turn on automatically at sunset and your smart lock will lock itself, but what’s even better is saying “Good night” to a voice assistant and having the shades lower, the lights turn off, the door locks lock, and the alarm system arm. For this, you need a smart home platform.

As a smart home reviewer, I am often asked which is the best platform to use. Is it Apple Home , Google Home , Amazon Alexa , Samsung SmartThings , or something else? I tend to tread carefully when making a recommendation. Picking a smart home platform is a commitment. This is something you’re bringing into your home and will live with every day. I know from experience that it will make you both very happy and also drive you up the wall.

So, similar to how a therapist might guide you to the right decision, I’ll help you choose the smart home platform for you by providing the tools you need to make that decision. I’ll go over exactly what a smart home platform is, whether you need a hub, and give you my top tips for how to pick the best smart home platform for you .

What is a smart home platform, and do I need one?

A smart home platform is a software framework that controls and manages multiple devices from multiple manufacturers, usually through a smartphone or tablet app. Most smart home platforms have a hardware component, such as a hub and / or a smart speaker / display (more on hubs in a bit). Of course, if you have a smartphone, you already have a smart home platform in your hand, although you’ll want to add a hub or smart speaker for the fun stuff.

A smart speaker adds hands-free voice control to your smart home, and the voice assistant you choose will likely dictate the platform you use. A smart display also adds touch controls for smart home devices.

To avoid frustration, my advice is to pick one platform and stick with devices that work with it.

The main advantage of a smart home platform is organization. It allows you to put all your connected devices in one app where you can organize them by groups. This makes controlling things much easier. For example, grouping all the lights in the kitchen into a “Kitchen” group means you can hit a smart button or say, “Turn on the kitchen lights” and have all the lights turn on. 

A smart home platform is also essential for creating automations (also known as scenes and routines) that make your home “smart.” These can run devices automatically based on certain triggers, such as time of day, when an action happens (motion in a hallway, a door locking), or a command to a voice assistant. Automations can do one task or many. For example, at 9PM every night, lock the back door; or, when the front door unlocks between 5PM and 8PM, have the smart speaker play a playlist, turn the lights to full brightness, and adjust the thermostat.

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You don’t need a platform to use smart home devices. If you have a couple of smart gadgets that largely look after themselves, such as a smart thermostat and a smart door lock , and you don’t mind using a couple of different apps, then don’t sweat it. But if you want to manage all your devices with one app, control them in groups using your voice, and maybe connect them all together into smart home automations, then picking a platform is pretty important. 

Many devices can work across multiple ecosystems — for example, Nest security cameras work with Alexa smart displays , Ring doorbells work with Samsung smart fridges, and Ecobee thermostats work with every platform. But cross-platform compatibility is still complicated. Despite the new smart home standard Matter that’s designed to fix this (more on this later), we’re sadly still a long way from the point where you can buy any smart device and plug it in, and it will just work with your smart home. 

Many devices can work across multiple ecosystems, but cross-platform compatibility is still complicated

To avoid frustration, my advice is to pick one platform and stick with devices that work with it. I would also consider buying Matter devices when available, which work with all the major platforms. This means if Matter does succeed in making interoperability a nonissue, migrating to another platform will also be easier. 

Four things to consider when picking a smart home platform

For most people, one of the four mainstream DIY smart home platforms — Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, or Samsung SmartThings — is the best place to start. There are other options — the open-source Home Assistant , professionally installed solutions like Crestron , Savant, and Vivint , and smaller DIY platforms like Hubitat and Homey . But these are largely specialized, and unless you know one of these will fit your needs, I’d recommend starting with one of the generally less expensive, more mainstream options.

To help choose which one will work for you, ask yourself these questions:

Which smartphone do you use?

Your smartphone comes with a smart home platform built in. If you use an iPhone, then Apple Home is an excellent option. Samsung Galaxy users will find SmartThings integrates really well with their devices — the same with Google Pixel and the Google Home platform. While Amazon doesn’t have a phone (its Alexa app works on iOS and Android), if your family uses Amazon’s Fire tablets or already has an Echo Dot, Alexa will fit in well. But keep in mind that while you can easily use Alexa, SmartThings, or Google Home with an iPhone, you can’t use Apple Home with Android.

In short, the more personal computing devices you already have in an ecosystem — smartwatches, tablets, laptops, plus media devices like speakers or streaming sticks — the better that dedicated ecosystem will work for you.   If you’re in a household with multiple different smartphone ecosystems, you’ll need a platform or platforms that works with everyone’s devices.

Which devices do you already own?

The next thing to consider is which smart devices you already own. All of the major players have key pieces of hardware that allow their platforms to do more in your home. If you have a smart speaker or streaming device from Apple, Amazon, or Google, you’ve got a good foundation for building your smart home on that platform. These add voice control and can act as a hub for controlling your devices when you’re away from home. 

If you already have a smart device like an Amazon smart thermostat or Google Nest video doorbell, you should consider that platform first. Similarly, if you already have some smart lights, a smart lock, or maybe a smart security system , check to see which platforms your existing devices are compatible with before picking your platform. However, remember that many smart devices work across multiple ecosystems, so you aren’t necessarily stuck with the one you started with. 

Which is your favorite voice assistant?

Do you love Alexa’s fart jokes? Are you a Google search addict? Do you like your voice assistant to be pretty but not so smart (*cough* Apple)? The three main voice assistants are Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s Siri , and Google Assistant (sorry, Bixby!), each of which has a distinct “personality.” The one you get along with best will be key to picking the platform you want to use.   (Samsung SmartThings works with both Alexa and Google Assistant ),

All three work well for smart home management, letting you control connected devices with your voice. “Hey Siri, turn on the lights.” “Hey Google, turn on the TV.” “Alexa, lock the door.” All can be used with a smartphone or tablet, but for smart home control, they work better with a smart speaker or display so that anyone in your house can summon them. 

Smart speakers and their screen-toting siblings also have more functions. They can work as home intercoms, listen for things happening in your home when you’re away (such as smoke alarms or glass breaking), and function as a chime for a video doorbell. With a screen, they can also show livestreams from a security camera : “Hey Google, show me who is at the front door.”

Which features do you want?

Along with automating your gadgets, a smart home platform can add new abilities to them. Deciding what you want your smart home to do for you will help you choose which platform will fit your needs. We have deep dives into each platform coming this week, but here are some examples of features each platform does well: 

• Apple Home’s HomeKit Secure Video platform provides a secure way to use connected cameras in your home, with all the processing done locally on an Apple TV or HomePod before being securely stored in your iCloud account.
• Samsung’s SmartThings Energy is an energy management system that monitors your home’s energy use (through compatible devices — largely Samsung appliances for now) and provides proactive tips to help you save energy. 
• Amazon’s Alexa Hunches feature uses AI to learn your routines and suggest helpful actions — such as reminding you if you’ve left your door unlocked at night. 
• Google Home’s presence-sensing feature can automatically adjust your home based on whether there is anyone in it.

What’s a smart home hub, and do you need one? 

You don’t need a smart home hub to run a smart home, but it can do more with one. A smart home hub is the brains of your smart home platform, managing and controlling your devices in your home. While the smart home app on your phone largely does the same thing, when you leave the house with your phone, your smart home has to rely on the cloud to operate. With a hub in your home, everything on the platform can still run automatically and, in some cases, run locally on your home network. This means your lights will still turn on even if the internet is down. 

The traditional smart home hub has been a small plastic box packed with home automation radios that you plug into your router and which acts as a translator for devices that use different smart home protocols, such as Z-Wave , Zigbee, Bluetooth LE, Thread , and Wi-Fi . But the concept of a hub has changed in the last few years, and that type of multi-radio hub is more suited for advanced setups, particularly if you want to use Z-Wave devices. Some options include Hubitat , Homey , and the Aeotec Smart Home Hub .

What is Matter?

Matter is a new smart home interoperability standard designed to provide a common language for connected devices to communicate locally in your home without relying on a cloud connection. It is built to be secure and private , easy to set up , and widely compatible.

Developed by Apple, Amazon, Google, and Samsung (and others ), Matter is an open-sourced , IP-based connectivity software layer for smart home devices. It works over Wi-Fi, ethernet, and the low-power mesh networking protocol Thread and currently supports over 20 device types. These include lighting, plugs and switches, thermostats, locks, security and environment sensors, refrigerators, dishwashers, smoke alarms, air quality monitors, and more .

A smart home gadget with the Matter logo can be set up and used with any Matter-compatible ecosystem via a Matter controller and controlled by them simultaneously, a feature called multi-admin .

Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, and Apple Home are some of the major smart home platforms that support Matter, along with hundreds of device manufacturers.

Today, hubs have become more general-purpose, and all four platforms have variations on the concept. The Apple TV and HomePods are Apple Home Hubs , Samsung SmartThings has hubs built into its TVs and other devices , and Google’s Nest Hubs are smart displays that support Thread. Amazon Alexa’s Echo (fourth-gen) speaker and Echo Show 10 (second-gen) smart display are smart home hubs because they support Zigbee, unlike the company’s other smart speakers and displays. If you use any of these platforms, having one of these hubs will expand the functionality of your smart home. 

It’s worth quickly mentioning bridges here, which are sometimes called hubs, just to confuse things further. Generally, a bridge controls one protocol and is manufacturer-specific — such as Philips Hue’s bridge which controls its Zigbee-based smart lighting system, or Aqara hubs which control its smart home devices. Bridges can connect to smart home hubs to add their devices to that platform.

All the major platforms have added Matter controller functionality to their existing hubs, meaning you may already have one in your home. Matter controllers do the same thing as a smart home hub — they connect devices (specifically, Matter devices) to each other and to the internet and allow you to control them through a smart home platform. A key benefit of Matter is that it works locally in your home over Wi-Fi and Thread protocols.   

Matter is not a smart home platform, nor is it technically a protocol. Rather, it’s a new communication standard designed to make it easier for smart home devices to work together and with every platform. You can use Matter devices with Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, Home Assistant, and others. This is designed to make it easier to buy connected devices because if something works with Matter, it should work with all of the major smart home platforms.

The smart home can be a daunting prospect, and a smart home platform makes it easier to get started with connected devices and to get the most out of them. Whether you choose Apple Home, Google Home, SmartThings, Amazon Alexa, or another option, picking a platform can take your home from automated to smart. 

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The Ultimate Guide To Smart Home Integration Platforms

Welcome to “The Ultimate Guide to Smart Home Integration Platforms”! This article is your go-to resource for understanding how smart home integration platforms work and how they can simplify your life. From controlling your lights and thermostat with a single app to setting up personalized automation routines, you’ll learn how to make your home smarter and more efficient. Whether you’re a tech-savvy enthusiast or new to the world of smart devices, this guide will help you navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of home automation. Let’s dive in and explore the possibilities of smart home integration together!

Table of Contents

Have you ever wondered how to make your home even smarter and more connected?

If you’ve ever thought about upgrading your living space with technology, smart home integration platforms might be the answer you’re looking for. these platforms allow you to connect and control various smart devices in your home, making your life easier and more convenient. in this ultimate guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about smart home integration platforms and how to choose the best one for your needs., what are smart home integration platforms, in simple terms, smart home integration platforms are software solutions that allow different smart devices in your home to communicate with each other and be controlled through a single interface. this means you can easily manage and automate various aspects of your home, such as lighting, security, entertainment, and more, all through one central hub., how do smart home integration platforms work, smart home integration platforms work by using a combination of hardware and software to connect different smart devices in your home. these platforms typically use wireless communication protocols such as wi-fi, z-wave, zigbee, or bluetooth to connect and control devices like smart thermostats, lights, cameras, door locks, and more. the platform acts as a bridge between your devices, allowing them to work together seamlessly., the benefits of smart home integration platforms, one of the main benefits of using a smart home integration platform is the convenience and control it provides. with a platform, you can automate tasks, set schedules, and create personalized scenarios to make your home work for you. for example, you can set your lights to turn on automatically when you arrive home, or adjust your thermostat remotely while you’re away. additionally, smart home integration platforms can help you save energy, enhance home security, and create a more comfortable living environment., types of smart home integration platforms, there are several types of smart home integration platforms available on the market, each with its own set of features and capabilities. some popular types of platforms include:.

1. Stand-Alone Platforms

Stand-alone platforms are self-contained systems that do not require additional hardware or subscriptions to function. these platforms are typically user-friendly and easy to set up, making them ideal for beginners or those looking for a simple solution to integrate smart devices in their home., 2. hub-based platforms, hub-based platforms rely on a central device called a hub to connect and control smart devices in your home. the hub serves as the brains of the operation, communicating with each device and allowing you to manage them through a single interface. while hub-based platforms may require an initial investment in the hub itself, they often offer more advanced features and compatibility with a wider range of devices..

3. Cloud-Based Platforms

Cloud-based platforms store all your smart home data and settings in the cloud, allowing you to access and control your devices remotely from anywhere with an internet connection. these platforms offer the flexibility of managing your home from your smartphone or computer, without the need for a physical hub. however, it’s essential to consider privacy and security implications when using a cloud-based platform., choosing the right smart home integration platform, with so many smart home integration platforms available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. here are some essential factors to consider when selecting a platform that best fits your needs:, 1. compatibility, make sure the platform you choose is compatible with the smart devices you already own or plan to purchase. check for compatibility with popular brands and communication protocols to ensure seamless integration with your existing setup..

2. Ease of Use

Look for a platform that is user-friendly and easy to set up. consider how intuitive the interface is, whether it offers mobile applications for remote access, and if it provides customer support or online resources for troubleshooting., 3. features and customization, evaluate the features and customization options offered by the platform. consider whether it allows you to create automation routines, set schedules, monitor energy usage, or integrate with other smart home ecosystems like amazon alexa or google assistant..

4. Security and Privacy

Prioritize platforms that prioritize security and privacy. look for platforms that offer end-to-end encryption, secure login methods, regular software updates, and clear privacy policies to protect your data and personal information., popular smart home integration platforms, to help you get started on your smart home journey, here are some popular smart home integration platforms currently available on the market:, tips for setting up a smart home integration platform, once you’ve chosen a smart home integration platform, here are some tips to help you set it up and get the most out of your smart home experience:, 1. start small, don’t feel pressured to automate your entire home at once. start by adding a few smart devices and gradually expand your setup as needed. this approach allows you to familiarize yourself with the platform and discover what works best for your lifestyle..

2. Create Automation Rules

Take advantage of automation features to simplify your daily routines. set up rules to automatically adjust your thermostat, turn off lights, or lock doors when you leave the house. automation can save you time and energy, making your home more efficient and comfortable., 3. experiment with voice control, if your platform supports voice control, try using voice commands to interact with your smart devices. whether it’s turning on lights, playing music, or checking the weather, voice control adds an extra layer of convenience to your smart home setup..

4. Stay Up to Date

Regularly update your platform’s firmware and smart device software to ensure optimal performance and security. check for new features, bug fixes, and compatibility updates to keep your smart home running smoothly., smart home integration platforms offer a convenient and intuitive way to connect and control all your smart devices in one place. whether you’re a tech enthusiast looking to automate your home or a busy homeowner seeking to simplify your daily routines, a smart home platform can transform your living space into a truly connected environment. by understanding the types of platforms available, choosing the right one for your needs, and following best practices for setup and maintenance, you can create a smart home that works seamlessly for you. start your smart home journey today and experience the endless possibilities of home automation..