Coolest Gadgets: As a tech enthusiast, my home is filled with an array of smart gadgets. While some are undeniably impressive, others have proven to be rather underwhelming. To me, smart home devices go beyond the familiar smart bulbs or switches that everyone knows about. I prefer unique and extraordinary gadgets like smart curtains, mirrors, automatic robots, voice-controlled ceiling fans, floating lamps, and an abundance of other fascinating innovations that remain relatively unknown.
In this article, I’m excited to share my personal collection of the coolest smart home devices and accessories that have captured my attention. These products not only excel in functionality but also add to the overall aesthetics of my home decor.
If you have any other intriguing suggestions in mind, feel free to share them in the comment section below. I’m always eager to explore new and innovative gadgets. Now, without further ado, let’s dive deep into my handpicked selection of the best smart home picks.
These are the coolest smart home gadgets that could make your life easier
1. Switchbot Hub Mini – Make Any IR Device Smart
my top favorite among the smart home devices listed here is the SwitchBot Hub Mini, and it’s available for under $50. Let me explain why this gadget is a must-have. The SwitchBot Hub Mini acts as a versatile remote controller, capable of connecting to any device in your household and transforming them into smart devices.
For instance, if you own a TV that’s been around for two decades and relies on an IR-based remote, the SwitchBot Hub Mini comes to the rescue. Through its Smart Learning mode, this clever device can quickly learn and replicate signals from your existing remote control in just 5 seconds. The added bonus is that the SwitchBot Hub Mini connects to your Wi-Fi network, allowing you to control it conveniently using your smartphone. In essence, this means you can effortlessly manage your non-smart TV using your phone.
TV is just one example; the hub can control many other IR devices as well. Pair your air conditioner, fan, speaker, garage door, and other infrared appliances with the Hub Mini. By doing so, you can consolidate a whole array of remote controls and, well, you know… get rid of all the others. It’s a convenient solution where all your devices are managed within a single app.
Features You May Like
- Makes almost any IR device a smart device
- Compatible with Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT
- Easy to set up
- Smartphone App
- Perfect for Home Automation
2. Google Nest Hub (New Gen)
In my opinion, a smart assistant like Google Nest Hub is a must-have for every home. I’ve been using it for over 2 years now, and it has become my favorite gadget at home. With Google Nest Hub, I can effortlessly stream YouTube videos, listen to Spotify, stay updated with the latest news, and conveniently control my smart lights. It serves as an all-in-one tool that proves to be incredibly useful.
While there are alternatives like the Amazon Echo Show, I must admit that I am a huge fan of Google’s Artificial Intelligence. Their AI voice assistant is truly exceptional. One standout feature that Google introduced is sleep sensing, which is designed to help you improve your sleep patterns. However, it’s essential to note that this feature is only free until 2023.
In addition to its impressive capabilities, this smart home device offers a myriad of fascinating features, including gesture control. With a simple tap in the air in front of the device, you can play and pause media, stop a timer, and even snooze an alarm, all without the need for a camera. Furthermore, the audio quality has been significantly enhanced, boasting 50% more bass than the 1st generation. Personally, I enjoy listening to Spotify on my Nest Hub, and the audio quality truly stands out. Additionally, you can use YouTube Music or other music platforms seamlessly with this device.
Here’s an interesting tidbit: You can also watch HBO Max, Netflix, and a variety of other content on the vibrant display of the Nest Hub, making it a versatile entertainment hub for your home.
Features You May Like
- Display with Artificial Intelligence Assistant
- Speaker Included
- Works with most smart home devices
- Unique features: Sleep sensing
- Interaction: Voice control, touch, gesture control,
- Sensors: Temp, Soli, Ambient EQ
3. Capstone Touch Screen Smart Mirror
Looking for something more unique than a typical mirror? Allow me to introduce Thin Cast, a smart mirror with exceptional features. Running on Android OS, this mirror offers a touch display and built-in speakers for added functionality.
What sets Thin Cast apart from many other smart mirrors is its use of Android OS. This means you have the freedom to install any Android app on the mirror, making it incredibly versatile. Unlike some smart mirrors that come with preloaded bloatware and unnecessary apps, Thin Cast comes with a clean OS, providing a clutter-free experience.
However, it’s essential to note that certain apps or games that rely on gyroscope and other sensors may not be compatible with this mirror. Nevertheless, Thin Cast opens up a whole new world of possibilities with its Android-powered interface.
Features You May Like
- Android OS
- Touch Enabled
- Built-in Speakers
- Smartphone Screen Mirroring (both android and ios)
- Bluetooth Enabled
- Power Bank support
4. Rachio – Smart, 8 Zone Sprinkler Controller
Whether you prioritize hassle-free watering or are conscious about water usage, the Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller proves to be an exceptional addition to your smart home. With the capability to connect to the solenoids in your home, this 8-zone sprinkler allows you to water different areas according to your preferences. Setting up and controlling this smart device is a breeze, ensuring that your lawn or garden receives the ideal amount of water it requires, eliminating wastage and promoting efficient irrigation.
With the Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller, you have the flexibility to set manual watering schedules or utilize the “Skip Watering” feature, which allows the device to determine when watering is necessary or unnecessary. For instance, if rainfall exceeds 0.125 inches, the sprinkler will automatically skip the watering cycle, promoting water conservation.
Thanks to its Wi-Fi connectivity, this high-tech home gadget can be monitored and controlled from anywhere through its user-friendly mobile app. Moreover, if you want to take precautionary measures against water leaks, you have the option to purchase the Wireless Flow Meter separately. This add-on feature allows you to detect water leaks promptly, mitigating potential damage before it becomes a major issue.
Features You May Like
- Interaction: On-board controls, app, voice commands
- Unique feature: Weather-based watering cycles
- Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi
- Zones: 8, master solenoid control
5. SwitchBot Smart Curtain Robot
SwitchBot is an impressive gadget that can transform any curtain into a smart curtain. Having used this device for over 6 months, I can confidently say that I love it. SwitchBot offers a wireless, intelligent, and incredibly convenient solution. Its usage is straightforward—simply clamp it onto your curtain rod, pair it with your smartphone, and let SwitchBot handle the rest.
Recognizing that every curtain may vary, SwitchBot provides a set of useful add-ons that cater to different curtain types, ensuring a versatile and adaptable experience.
Features You May Like
- Automate any curtain (rod and rail type), with App, Schedule, and Sunlight sensor
- Wireless & App Connected
- Rechargeable battery with 8 months of battery life
- Supports Alexa, Google Home, Siri & Voice control
- Also support API, IFTTT, and SmartThings support with Hub Mini
6. MeshForce M3 Whole Home Mesh WiFi System
With the abundance of available wifi routers today, selecting the right one for your home can prove to be a daunting task. While opting for a traditional router may save you some money, the major drawback lies in its inconvenience. Basic routers lack essential features like bandwidth restrictions, while advanced ones tend to be bulky.
Furthermore, an aspect often overlooked by many routers is meshing. Although it may not seem significant to some, mesh routers offer unparalleled convenience, especially for larger spaces like residential houses. They provide seamless coverage throughout the entire home and are remarkably simple to install and operate.
Enter MeshForce M3, an affordable and user-friendly router that excels in these aspects. It combines cost-effectiveness and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a hassle-free wifi solution.
Features You May Like
- Mesh System
- Wifi Coverage up to 4500 sq. ft
- Smartphone App
- More Mesh Nodes can be added
- The router supports up to 60 devices simultaneously
- Quick and Easy Setup
7. Tempest WiFi Connected Weather System
The Tempest Weather System offers a comprehensive and precise solution for monitoring the weather conditions in your vicinity. This high-tech home device provides real-time updates on various weather parameters, including temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, UV index, rainfall, lightning, and wind speed. All the gathered data is conveniently accessible through the Tempest smartphone app or web application.
When it comes to installation, setting up the weather sensor outdoors is relatively straightforward. However, for accurate wind direction readings, you’ll need to ensure that the arrow on the sensor faces North. As for mounting options, you have the flexibility to choose between placing the sensor on a pole or attaching it to a flat surface, such as a deck railing or fence post.
After setting up your Tempest Weather System and getting it operational, you can conveniently access weather reports through voice commands using Google Home or Alexa skill actions, which utilize the speakers for vocal responses. Among the many impressive features, the rain collection method stands out as one of the coolest. The sensor employs haptics to detect rainfall, showcasing an innovative approach to weather data collection.
Features You May Like
- Display: Mobile app, web application
- Sensors: Temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, UV index, rainfall, lightning, wind speed
- Connectivity: WiFi
- Compatibility: Google Home, Amazon Alexa
8. Amazon Smart Programmable Thermostat
For enhanced control over your home’s heating and cooling system, a smart thermostat is an essential addition. This budget-friendly smart home gadget is not only user-friendly but also straightforward to install. Whether you have a C-wire or not, you have the option to choose the device with or without the C-wire adapter, offering added convenience.
The Amazon Smart Thermostat is compatible with a wide range of HVAC systems, and configuring it from the Alexa app takes only about 10 minutes. Its seamless integration and user-friendly setup make it a highly desirable choice for managing your home’s temperature with ease.
When it’s time to utilize the thermostat, you have two options: you can either create a schedule within the app or take advantage of the Hunches feature. Hunches enable the thermostat to learn your daily routines and autonomously adjust the temperature accordingly. The effectiveness of this feature improves with the number of Echo smart displays and speakers you have in your home.
If you prefer voice control and have an Alexa ecosystem in your home, you’ll be delighted to know that managing your thermostat will be a breeze. However, it’s important to note that Google Assistant, IFTTT, and HomeKit are not supported with this particular thermostat.
9. Graywind Smart Motorized Shades
Undoubtedly, one of the standout smart home devices on this list is the Graywind motorized shades. These shades offer a perfect balance of style and functionality, making them a top-notch addition to any home. Not only do they enhance the aesthetics of your living space, but they also bring added convenience to your life.
With these motorized shades, you can bid farewell to bothersome cords that often get in the way. Additionally, the thermal insulation they provide offers energy-saving benefits, contributing to a more eco-friendly home. Moreover, you have the freedom to schedule shade open/close hours, allowing the gadget to handle the task effortlessly, adding another layer of convenience to your daily routine.
The installation process for these shades is remarkably straightforward. Once they are in place, you can effortlessly control them from the comfort of your couch or bed using the Tuya app. Enjoy the convenience of voice control as well, as this motorized shades system is directly compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. For iOS users, you can even utilize Siri for voice commands, provided your phone operates on iOS 12 or a more recent version.
Features You May Like
- Operation: Phone App, voice command, manual, automatic (timing schedule)
- Size: Custom
- Color options: 19
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi
- Compatibility: Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, HomeKit, IFTTT
- Power: Hardwired
10. Townew T1 – Smart Trash Can
While trash cans may not seem like an exciting topic, they play a crucial role in our kitchens. Moreover, trash cans have undergone significant advancements, and now we have smart trash cans like the TOWNEW T1 available in the market. In this article, we will explore the features of the TOWNEW T1 trash can and what sets it apart from other trash cans currently available in the market.
Self Sealing
Let’s start by discussing the first smart feature of the TOWNEW T1 trash can, which is its self-sealing capability. With a simple click of a button, this intelligent trash can automatically seals the bag, preparing it for disposal. When you’re ready to dispose of the trash, all you need to do is pick up the sealed bag and toss it away. It’s worth noting that TOWNEW utilizes their own specially designed trash bags in the form of a refill ring.
Features You May Like
- Self-Sealing
- Self-Changing
- Motion Sensing Lid
- 4 Gallon in Capacity
- Rechargeable Battery
- Biodegradable Refills Available
