It also lets you listen to sounds in your house as a way of identifying any potential intrusion, and it can turn on the lights to make it seem like someone is home. Note that they also sell Echo Guard Plus, an inexpensive monthly paid plan, which has more bells and whistles that include: playing dog-barking and siren sounds, hands-free communications and auto-calling of emergency services.

Eufy Solo IndoorCam C24 Home Security Camera. Compatible with Alexa and Apple HomeKit, this camera has a built-in detection feature and can tell the difference between whether your visitor is a human or a pet.

It offers excellent night vision and 2K resolution p when using HomeKit. Two-way audio also lets you speak to visitors or intruders. Nest Cam outdoor battery powered. This Google smart camera integrates with Alexa, Google Nest and the outgoing Google Home.

Ring Video Doorbell. Whether wired or battery powered, the Ring Video Doorbell is a smart doorbell that takes smart home security and video communication up a notch.

The Elite models feature p HD video, built-in microphone and speakers that offer remarkable clarity for two-way communication, as well as live view on-demand video and audio.

If you're still uncertain about what types of smart security systems and smart security cameras are right for you, check out the best outdoor security cameras for all budgets. Smart Locks Smart Locks eliminate the problem of rummaging for keys and losing keys ; they also provide convenience for letting in guests, especially for residents with mobility issues.

Extending entrance privileges to friends or relatives is yet another way you might benefit from a smart lock system. Be sure when choosing a lock and setting up your smart home system that you use the right protocol for your system, be it WiFi, Bluetooth or Z-wave.

Options include keyless and keyed, deadbolt add-ons and fingerprint activated systems. Here are some Alexa-friendly smart lock picks no pun intended : Smart Lock Pro. This smart lock works with your existing deadbolt and includes a WiFi bridge for easy connections.

It includes an activity feed that works around the clock and a sensor to tell you when the battery is low. Smart Lock Standard. It also works with your existing keys and locks.

Lockly Secure Pro Deadbolt. This smart lock does require installation and completely replaces your existing locks. Smart Garage Doors What do you need to consider when choosing a smart garage door opener?

Price is another consideration to pay attention to. Nexx GARAGE Remote Garage Door Opener. This wireless 2. A calendar feature lets you see when garage doors are opened, and you can also assign multiple users.

It includes a simple app interface that's easy to use for the non-tech savvy. You will have to run a wire between the door and the opener for it to function. Genie Aladdin Connect.

This smart garage door opener can open up to three different doors. It works with SmartThings, Alexa and Google Assistant. There's also a Samsung SmartThings integration that enables smoke detection and automatic door opening. Garadget Garage Door Opener Updater. Garadget 's super-easy installation makes it an especially attractive option.

It attaches to your existing garage door opener via adhesive and has a geo-fence-like system similar to the Nexx model. It integrates easily with home automation systems, is simple to use and can be operated via IFTTT or Alexa.

Smart Home Sensors Smart home sensors have many uses. They can sense movement, sound, light, temperature and weather conditions. They can help save money on utilities. Use them to detect a baby or a physically-challenged loved one's movement or to alert you if someone enters your home while you are away.

There are a lot of smart home sensors available, and most of them run on Zigbee or Z-Wave which means you often have to add a bridge to get them to work. Most models are available in battery-operated or wireless models, so they can be placed anywhere on your property provided your router can span the distance.

Although to experience their full benefit, having sensors throughout the home is ideal. One note: sensor position is important, and while you can place smart home sensors yourself, hiring a pro will make sure you get it right.

Here are some Alexa-compatible smart home sensors that can add security and savings to your smart home: Amazon Echo Show. Now on generation 15, the Amazon Echo Show is a multi-function workhorse in the Amazon family. These smart displays are multitaskers, and they can be used to access and display educational materials, video chat and more.

Sengled Smart Door Sensor and Smart Sensor for Window and Door. These sensors can be purchased in multiples and work with Alexa with the addition of a smart home hub. These sensors are easy to stick on and are simple to connect using the app.

They can also automate your lights when a door is opened, adding an extra level of security. Aquara Motion Sensor. This inexpensive sensor requires the Aquara Hub to work with Alexa. It includes an optional mount, or you can stick it to a wall or ceiling. Smart Home Eco-Solutions Smart home systems not only make automating tasks easier, they can also make your home more eco-efficient using a combination of hubs, apps and eco-friendly smart devices.

From smart window shades that open and close based on time of day to HVAC systems that turn the heat up, down or off with smart thermostats and smart scheduling through apps, smart home eco-solutions can change your energy and resource use for the better.

Here are some Alexa-enabled smart home eco-solution recommendations: ecobee4 Alexa-Enabled Thermostat with Sensor. On the fence about whether or not a smart thermostat is for you?

This ecobee smart thermostat works with a lot of different HVAC systems. Distributing sensors throughout rooms helps this high-end thermostat manage hot and cold spots. It includes a free app for android or iOS. Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller. Save on water bills with this smart sprinkler controller.

A fast, minute installation makes this smart sprinkler controller a great choice for the average homeowner. It works with Android and iOS check versions. Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission. Quick-buy tech gadgets are all the rage, especially when it comes to gifts.

We also rounded up the best kitchen appliances with smart components we all know and love — LED screens, voice-activation, WiFi-compatibility, the works.

Related: bestseller products on Amazon. Happy Prime shopping! Available in blue and charcoal, too, this smart device is voice-activated and apt for turning on lights or even your coffee maker. Ah, the streaming device we all know and love.

Another streaming device is the bestselling Fire TV Cube with Alexa, a hands-free option that does the same job as the Fire Stick — no remote required. Plus, you can have a cinematic experience right from home, thanks to its vibrant 4K Ultra HD with the support of Dolby Vision the latter being an expert-acclaimed addition to your viewing experience.

The All-New Kindle Paperwhite is a glare-free option, reading like real paper and perfect to stash in your everyday work tote. You know what they say — safety first.

With Arlo Smart, you'll get 30 days of saved custom video clips that specify whether the motion was a person, a car, an animal or a package being delivered.

The August Smart Lock Pro is a Bluetooth-enabled smart lock. It comes bundled with a plug-in Connect Wi-Fi module so you can also control your lock beyond Bluetooth range from the August app.

Like other locks from August owned by the same company as Yale , this model retrofits over most deadbolts, making for a simple installation. Read more: The Best Smart Locks. In addition to the lock and the Connect module, the Smart Lock Pro kit includes a door sensor and a related feature called "Door Sense.

The app is easy to use, from following the step-by-step instructions to install your lock to checking whether your door is open or closed, as well as customizing your lock's feature in the settings menu. The August Smart Lock Pro supports Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri voice commands.

I don't need a smart display, too. If we're ruling out the variety of Amazon- and Google-branded smart displays for the purposes of this post, I'm going to side-step all of the third-party displays out there. Instead, I'd suggest a regular old tablet: the Apple iPad.

I know, two Apple devices in a row. CNET's Scott Stein recommends the iPad -- the Read more: The Best Smart Displays.

The iPad has the same Home app as an iPhone, meaning you can check in on and control all of your smart home devices on the iPad's larger display. It also has Siri built-in, so you can use a voice command to turn on the reading light or open the living room shades. If you don't already know how I feel about smart displays , this commentary should do the trick: I have enough screens in my life.

Home Smart Home. Best Smart Home Products for That Aren't Made by Amazon or Google Looking for smart home devices but don't want to go the Amazon or Google way?

Written by CNET staff. Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement.

CNET staff. See full bio. Why You Can Trust CNET. The best smart speaker. The best mesh Wi-Fi system. The best smart plug. TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug Mini. The best smart light bulb. The best smart thermostat. Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat. The best home security camera.

The best home security system. The best video doorbell. The best smart lock. The best smart display. Show less. Read more: The Best Smart Speakers Even so, the HomePod Mini -- much like Apple's smart home platform, HomeKit -- still lags behind Amazon and Google's ever-growing lineup of branded smart speakers and partnerships with other companies that enable so many integrations with a simple "Alexa" or "Hey, Google" command.

Show expert take Show less. Read more: The Best Mesh Wi-Fi Systems At close range, the Orbi clocked the faster top speeds during our testing, impressing us with its signal strength and general ability to keep up with the pricier Nest Wi-Fi and Eero systems.

Read more: The Best Smart Plugs The Kasa Smart Plug Mini can also be set to control a device automatically on a schedule. Still, they're excellent bulbs at a great price; we highly recommend them.

Pros Easy to install Simple app Useful features like geofencing. Full Review Read full review. Read more: The Best Smart Thermostats The Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat is easy to install and the app provides straightforward step-by-step instructions to get it connected to your Wi-Fi and paired to the app.

Editors' choice. The Pro 3 has a built-in siren and works with Alexa and Google Assistant.