DIY smart home: 7 essential devices I'm using in my apartment

DIY smart domicile: 7 essential devices I'thou using in my apartment

(Paradigm credit: Tom'southward Guide)

A few months agone, I revealed the 7 best smart habitation devices I actually apply on a daily basis. But I've since moved into a new flat, and had to reconsider which renter-friendly continued products I want to integrate into my current lifestyle.

While the DIY smart abode renovation of my parents' home requires more permanent solutions, I have different needs in my personal apartment. My door accommodates neither video doorbells nor smart thermostats, and replacing existing switches with smart ones is a lot of work for a place I'm living temporarily.

DIY smart home: Why I'g skipping 'smart' kitchen appliances
DIY smart home: Here's how you can save thousands

As was the example in my previous flat, near of my smart dwelling devices fall in the all-time smart lights and all-time smart speakers categories. I use both Alexa and Google Assistant (I didn't experience obligated to choose one over the other like I did in the home renovation) for decision-making my products hands-free. Routines with both assistants introduce an effortless automation that I think anyone tin attain with the right hardware — even in a small, rented apartment.

Here's my starter pack of the best smart domicile devices for apartment living.

Echo Dot with Clock review — (Image credit: Tom'due south Guide)

1. Amazon Echo Dot with Clock

Anyone who knows me knows the $60 Amazon Echo Dot with Clock is my favorite smart home device, no matter where I live. When the orb-shaped Alexa speaker launched last year, I knew I needed it on my desk. Not only does it wait dandy, but with time on its side, I can easily go on rails of my priorities and workflow. In addition to all the best Alexa skills, the Amazon Echo Dot shows a inaugural timer, which helps me manage my breaks, deadlines and more.

2. Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen)

While the Echo Dot with Clock is my vehicle for Alexa, I need access to Google Assistant, besides. Whether information technology's to test the best Google Domicile commands and best Google Assistant commands, or manage my Google Calendar events, the new $99 Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) is a great improver to my smart space. I go along it on a nightstand opposite my Alexa speaker, where information technology tin can runway my sleep — no peel contact necessary. At first it felt a little creepy, simply every bit my slumber profile grows, the Nest Hub compares my consistency nighttime-to-dark to offer actionable advice based on the timeline of my overnight activity and guidelines from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Sleep doesn't come up piece of cake to me, especially not in a new surround, only my Google Nest Hub has fabricated useful suggestions for getting more zzz's.

Govee light strips — (Epitome credit: Govee)

three. Govee LED Light Strips

I dearest lite strips, but ones from Philips Hue and other top smart light makers tin can be expensive, depending on how many yards of LEDs you demand. In my search for light strips that wouldn't break the bank, and that likewise offer a physical control button in addition to voice assistant compatibility, I constitute the $40 Govee LED Light Strips. These Amazon darlings come two-pronged, then you tin can feed the strips in two different directions with a remote joining them in the middle. I lined my bedchamber with these light strips, bouncing either static color or strobing, party-ready colors effectually my space. The adhesive is glutinous enough to hold the lite strips in place, just didn't ruin my walls or bed frame when I wanted to reposition them — a must for a rental.

Philips Hue switch — (Epitome credit: Philips Hue)

4. Philips Hue Smart Dimming Kit

As for the lamps in my apartment, I splurged on Philips Hue lights. Specifically, the $xl Philips Hue Smart Dimming Kit. Not simply does this kit work out the box and doesn't require the company's span, the dimming switch doesn't demand to be mounted to the wall with screws or other hardware. Instead, the plate is magnetic, so can stick to my refrigerator or magnetic door frames. I also get out the dimming remote on my living room coffee table, then I can adjust the lights without having to open my telephone or speak aloud while watching Telly. This is useful when I have guests over who are unfamiliar with my smart habitation products, too.

5. Sonos Roam

Neither the Amazon Repeat Dot nor Google Nest Hub are cracking smart speakers for music. While the Sonos Ane is a swell stationary smart speaker, why non get 1 you tin bear around? I've been testing the new Sonos Roam, and appreciate how I can bring information technology from room to room with me. This way, my music and podcasts, also as my voice assistants, are always nearby. The Roam's lightweight design also makes it a breeze to throw in my bag when I head out to park or take the train to the beach over the summer. With Bluetooth functionality outside and clever Wi-Fi features inside, it's a 2-in-1 speaker with splendid sound for just $169.

6. Samsung Q80T QLED TV

No smart apartment is complete without a smart Boob tube. While most of the best TVs are smart TVs, in that they offer dozens (if not hundreds) of streaming apps, yous might want a Goggle box that has support for voice assistants. Nowadays, the acme 4K sets from brands like LG, Sony and Samsung all support Alexa, Google Assistant or both. Although I was once an OLED devote, the $1,200 Samsung Q80T QLED Television receiver recently made me a believer in QLED. I tin merely have 1 assistant activated at once, just either one can help me navigate content, also every bit control my other smart habitation devices.

Be sure to check out my guides to the best smart home devices (and all-time inexpensive smart home devices ) for more gadget recommendations. Email me at kate.kozuch@futurenet.com or exit a annotate below with annihilation you'd like to run into me cover in the connected infinite — I might just address it in a hereafter installment.

Kate Kozuch is a senior writer at Tom's Guide covering wearables, TVs and everything smart-abode related. When she's non in cyborg mode, you can find her on an exercise bike or channeling her inner glory chef. She and her robot army volition rule the world one day, but until then, reach her at kate.kozuch@futurenet.com.