5 Effortless Smart Home Devices You Can Install in a Flash

We’ve transitioned from large workstations transforming into portable laptops, and eventually into smartphones that we keep in our pockets. Technology has infiltrated cars, as wearables, or even at the gym. Consequently, there has been a surge in interest for smart homes. It doesn’t take much to change an ordinary residence into a smart one — just the appropriate gadgets.

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From thermostats that autonomously regulate comfort levels in your home to RGB light strips that react and pulse with the music you’re playing — there are numerous essential devices to metamorphose your space into a smart home. Occasionally, however, these products can be intricate in functionality, ending up being quite challenging to install.

After all, the pleasure of utilizing a new gadget merely by plugging it in and flipping a few switches should be universal. You might be astonished to discover how many of these gadgets exist that appear straightforward to install, yet can yield a significant impact in transforming your dwelling into an intelligent space. This is the reason we’ve put together a compilation of remarkable smart home devices that are simple to set up. You can learn more about our approach at the end of this article.

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Light bulbs that connect to your smartphone and can cycle through various colors are among the most affordable smart home gadgets you can purchase. With a 4.6-star rating on Amazon, the Govee Smart Light Bulbs are available as a four-pack for $34.99, and you can also obtain a single unit for $12.99.

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Each bulb can produce over 16 million colors that you can select on your smartphone. The app has dedicated scene modes that are optimized for different times of the day. Govee’s lights are also compatible with Amazon’s Alexa and the Google Assistant, allowing you to use voice commands for control. Other features include a timer and automatic scheduling to turn them on at night, and off when you’re preparing for sleep. Enthusiasts will enjoy experimenting with the music sync mode.

In terms of installation, it truly doesn’t get simpler than this. All you must do is screw in the bulb, download the Govee Home app available on both iOS and Android, switch it on, and tap the “+” button in the app to search for the device. For most of these smart home gadgets, you need to be connected to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. Also, ensure that your lamp or light fixture supports the same base as any smart light bulbs you choose to buy.

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The most basic smart gadgets are those that enable you to power devices on or off remotely. While most tech-enabled appliances now feature this capability, there’s a method to extend this functionality to any non-smart appliance you possess at home — thanks to the Amazon Smart Plug. While there are many different alternatives available at various prices that can satisfy your needs, this one just does the job. With over half a million ratings and a price point of $24.99, this smart plug encompasses everything you require and nothing more.

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Setting it up is straightforward. Simply plug it into your wall outlet, and add the device through the Alexa app on your smartphone. Afterwards, just plug in any appliance and turn it on in the usual manner. You can now manage this device through the Alexa app by turning the smart plug on or off. Whether it’s a kitchen gadget or a pricey lamp that you want to automate, using voice commands to control the smart plug is all you will need to do.

Amazon has established itself as a significant player in the speaker market, and its Echo series of smart speakers have consistently provided great value. The Echo Dot 5th Gen is priced at $49.99 and brings Alexa’s advantages to your residence. This specific model has garnered over 100,000 reviews, averaging a score of 4.6 stars on Amazon.

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The Echo Dot can connect to Spotify, Apple Music, and various other services — including the in-house Amazon Music platform. You can also pair it with your smartphone via Bluetooth to stream audio through any app. Besides functioning as a smart speaker, you can utilize Alexa with the Echo Dot to manage other smart devices in your home. The speaker comes in three stylish colors and features buttons to regulate volume and the microphone. There is also a ring light at the bottom serving as a privacy indicator.

Setting up your Echo Dot is easy — all you have to do is connect it to a suitable wall outlet and add it to the Alexa app on your phone. Selecting the appropriate location for a smart speaker like the Echo Dot is vital, ensuring good acoustics and wireless connectivity.

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The initial Chromecast was released in 2013, and it removed the necessity to purchase an entirely new smart TV. We’ve witnessed multiple generations of the device since its release, including the Chromecast with Google TV. Even at first glance, it can upgrade your conventional televisioninto an intelligent one — complete with Wi-Fi connectivity, and numerous streaming applications. However, the Chromecast offers countless additional functionalities that render it a worthwhile purchase. The 4K variant is priced at $49.99, but there is a more affordable HD option available if your television only accommodates resolutions up to 1080p. This product boasts over 30,000 reviews and an impressive rating of 4.6 stars on Amazon.

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Apart from indulging in your preferred films and television series, you can command compatible smart home devices through voice prompts. Very few devices are simpler to install than a Chromecast. The stick with the cable plugs into the HDMI port of your television, and the remote governs the entire experience. After connecting the Chromecast to your TV, ensure you switch to the relevant HDMI input. Additionally, the remote requires two AAA batteries to operate, which are provided in the package.

Introducing an indoor surveillance camera into your residence can drastically enhance the safety of your family and possessions. Priced at just $29.99, the Blink Mini stands as one of the most budget-friendly options available. It is well-regarded with nearly 300,000 ratings, averaging 4.4 stars on Amazon. Alternatively, you can consider the newer Blink Mini 2, retailing for $39.99, which comes equipped with an LED spotlight and weather-resistance, making it suitable for outdoor use.

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This camera offers both daytime and nighttime recording, alongside features such as two-way audio and motion detection. You can monitor a live feed from the camera via your smartphone, or on any smart display linked through Alexa. Its compact and discreet design provides advantages; there are numerous locations suitable for installing Blink cameras, whether indoors or outdoors. Although there is an option to save video clips to the cloud, a monthly subscription is required for this feature.

When it comes to setup, the Blink Mini is arguably the most straightforward security camera to configure. Start by attaching the camera to its stand and connecting it to power with the provided cable. Next, open the Blink Home Monitor app on your Android or iOS device, create an account, and pair the camera.

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From smart lighting to audio devices, there is an expanding array of smart home products you can purchase. Some of these are straightforward plug-and-play solutions, while others, such as a robotic vacuum, necessitate a bit more effort for installation. For this roundup, we ensured to select items known for their ease of setup, both regarding simplicity and the number of steps involved.

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All items highlighted in this collection originate from reputable brands and have gathered numerous reviews from authentic customers on Amazon. When searching for devices to transform your home into a smart environment, make sure to consider customer reviews, compatibility with your current appliances or wall sockets, and any ecosystem benefits you might gain through Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.