The Ultimate Apple HomeKit Guide.
Amazon has Alexa. Google has Google Assistant. Apple has Siri. Many people might say Siri lags behind the other two assistants, but many still stick to Apple‘s HomeKit smart home system.
The only obvious downside to Apple‘s HomeKit system is its lack of widespread compatibility. Many devices (especially third-party ones) do not work with Apple HomeKit, which limits the number of options available to users.
But if you’ve already completely immersed yourself in the Apple ecosystem and want your smart home to reflect that, fear not. We’ve compiled a list of the best HomeKit smart home devices in each category.
Best Smart TV for Apple HomeKit: Apple TV ( Amazon
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From a technical point of view, Apple TV is not so much a smart TV as an accessory, but it has its advantages.
First, it is much more affordable than the new TV. You can connect it to any TV with an HDMI port and stream content directly from your phone or stream through any of the built-in apps. Newer versions of Apple TV can even stream in 4K and sync with Bluetooth controllers for even more control over new Apple Arcade games. Apple TV has its own set of apps, so it’s worth exploring even if you already own a smart TV.
Another thing to remember is that Apple requires a HomeKit “Hub” to remotely control the system, but for this reason it does not sell standalone devices. You need to use your iPad, Apple TV, or Apple HomePod as a hub, so buying an Apple TV kills two birds with one stone.
Best Smart Lock for Apple HomeKit: August Smart Lock Pro (Amazon
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August is a trusted brand that thousands of people rely on to keep their homes safe, and August Smart Lock Pro enhances the best features of previous generations
You can tell Siri to lock or unlock the door and program the device to lock automatically after a specified amount of time. August’s Smart Lock Pro unlocks even as you approach – a huge advantage if you have hands full of groceries.
Since everyone who has access to the castle has an individual code, you will always know who is at home and who is not.
Installation requires only a screwdriver and about ten minutes of time. You don’t even need to remove the existing bolt; August Smart Lock Pro will be docked on top of it. August has always been one of the best smart lock options out there, and Apple HomeKit compatibility makes it even better.
Best Smart Bulbs for Apple HomeKit: Philips Hue (Amazon
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Philips Hue is one of the most highly recommended smart light brands for its reputation and expertise in making great lighting fixtures. Many Apple HomeKit products may seem like imitations of more popular brands, but Philips Hue works with HomeKit out of the box. Schedule the light to turn on and off at different times, control it with Siri, and even use the light as an alarm.
If you have Hue Color lights, you can ask Siri to change them to whatever color and shade you want. Philips Hue offers 16 million colors as well as the ability to sync with what you see on the screen (when using a computer). You can even make the lights flash in time to the music.
Philips Hue bulbs can be expensive, but if you want the best for your smart home system, it’s hard to go wrong with these smart lights.
Best Smart Components for Apple HomeKit: Belkin WeMo (Amazon
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Many smart home products claim to be revolutionary, and to be honest, most do add a level of convenience to their daily life. However, few devices can change how household appliances work than a smart plug.
Smart plugs give you the ability to control the power of everything connected to them. They are ideal for driving a dull lamp or coffee pot. The Belkin WeMo is Apple HomeKit compatible and so thin it doesn’t dominate the entire outlet.
You can schedule home appliances to turn on and off, check if something is on (no more forgetting about curling irons or heater), and even activate Away Mode, an option that turns the lights on at random times to see how as if someone is moving around the house. Many smart plugs are bulky, but WeMo’s slim design makes it one of the best options for Apple‘s HomeKit system.
Best Apple HomeKit Smart Speaker: Apple HomePod (Apple
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There are too many versatile smart speakers to count, and while many work with HomeKit, none can match the sound quality or power of the Apple HomePod.
The smart speaker has never been popular in the mass market due to its high price and limited functionality, but there is no better option for HomeKit users. HomePod features incredible sound quality and a six-microphone array that lets it hear you from anywhere in the room.
HomePod will become the heart of the HomeKit smart home. With it, you can ask Siri to play music, control lights, lock the door, and stream your favorite content to Apple TV.
On Apple‘s HomeKit system, HomePod replaces Amazon Alexa or Google Home – and while Siri isn’t yet competing at the same level as the other two smart assistants, the constant stream of improvements makes it a solid choice nonetheless.
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