Below, you’ll find a list of some useful smart devices that don’t cost a fortune. We’ve tried to incorporate products that can automate the banal aspects of your everyday life. Consequently, the products listed on the list should be fairly easy to set up too. But, before we get into that, you might want also want to know about-
The best smart motion sensors for Alexa. The best smart ovens compatible with Alexa that make cooking easy. The best video doorbells with Google Home support.
With that out of the way, let’s take a look at some must-have devices to go along with your Google Home setup.
1. SwitchBot Hub Mini
That said, most smartphones don’t come with an IR blaster to control electronic appliances. Well, that’s where the SwitchBot Hub Mini comes into the picture. The gadget is designed to replace all your aging remotes as it can seamlessly integrate the controls from your existing remote to your smartphone in under five seconds. What’s more? You can add and save multiple remotes within the SwitchBot Hub Mini’s companion app too. As a result, you can control any and all electrical appliances from the comfort of your couch with your smartphone. The app also allows buyers to set routines for select devices. Consequently, you can have the AC in your room turned on before say, you return from work. Or, you could have the SwitchBot turn on your TV in the morning so you can catch up on the latest news as you’re brewing your coffee. You can even turn off a device that you forgot about if you are already on your way to work; thereby, saving up big on energy bills. That’s not all, as you can even program the SwitchBot Hub Mini to sync with your Google Home devices. In doing so, you will be able to turn on various products across your home with a simple voice command too. Unsurprisingly, SwitchBot Hub Mini has received rave reviews from customers across the globe. In fact, buyers speak highly of the device’s automation capabilities and as such, the Hub Mini is a stellar smart home tool for under $50.
2. Asakuki Smart WiFi Diffuser
The device can hold up to 700ml of water in its tank and as such, can churn out aromatic scents for a very long time. In fact, several buyers have cited that the diffuser could work all night long, which is great. Buyers also reported that the diffuser is extremely easy to set up and use, and can be cleaned effortlessly too. What’s more? You can even come up with routines by using the companion Tuya app and have the diffuser go to town during designated hours of the day. The icing on the cake is that the diffuser comes with a soothing mood light functionality too. In fact, you can choose from up to seven different colors, or have the diffuser sift through them automatically. That’s not all as you can even integrate the unit with your Google Home device. In doing so, you can control the color or turn the diffuser on or off via simple voice commands.
3. LIFX Color A19 LED Smart Bulb
The Color A19 has a couple more aces up its sleeves. For one, it can get extremely bright at 800 lumens. Moreover, you can feast your eyes on a vibrant gamut of 550 billion colors with the bulb too. In fact, unlike most competing products, the LIFX Color A19 bulb ships with RGBW LEDs, which not only offer a richer palette of colors but also provide an improved color temperature range as well. To wit, the bulbs can operate across a spectrum of 1,500 to 9,000 Kelvin. As a result, you can choose from a myriad of different color temperatures should you set the bulb to emit white light. The LIFX companion app offers oodles of customizability as well and from choosing different scenes to complement your mood to using a slurry of RGB effects, you can jazz up your room any way you deem fit. Unsurprisingly, users speak highly of the LIFX Color A19 smart bulb. To that end, a lot of reviews state that the bulb can be easily installed. Moreover, users also claim that the unit works effortlessly with a host of smart home devices, including Google Home products. Consequently, you can turn off the smart bulb, change the lighting intensity and variate the color with a simple voice command, making the Color A19 a great add-on to your smart home kit.
4. LIFX Smart LED Lightstrip
In fact, much like the Color A19 light bulb, the LED light strip can also cycle through a bunch of different RGB effects and scenes. Rest assured, you will have no issues finding the perfect background to complement your TV or gaming setup. You can even save a lighting scene and duplicate it in other areas around your home. In doing so, you won’t have to memorize the color code, etc., and can swiftly replicate the ambiance of one room to another. Interestingly, a lot of customers pointed out that the LIFX light strip had connectivity issues. However, a recent firmware update has seemingly fixed the glitch and most reviews now cite that the strip seldom drops the connection. What’s more? The strip is compliant with Alexa, HomeKit as well as Google Home. So, you can revamp your setup’s aesthetics with a simple voice command too.Further, the light strip gets plenty bright at 700 lumens too. It even comes with eight addressable lighting zones. All said and done, the LIFX light strip is a great smart home device for under $50 for your Google Home setup.
5. Govee Smart Plug
Spec-wise, the Govee smart plug is rated for up to 10amps and 240 volts. The device comes with both, ETL and FCC certification and as such, is compliant with North American safety standards. In fact, the smart plug incorporates V0 fire-resistant material for its construction. It even comes with an overcurrent protection fuse, which is great. What’s more? The device sports a compact form factor and measures just 4.52 x 2.36 x 3.93 inches. Correspondingly, the smart plug won’t stick out like a sore thumb and negatively impact the aesthetics of your room. The Govee smart plug can be used in a variety of ways too. In fact, while you could control each smart plug individually, you can also group them together and control all four plugs as a single unit. Furthermore, you can also use the companion app to set routines and timers, which should keep your electricity bills in check too. Lastly, you should know that the smart plugs can work in tandem with your Google Home device too. Once integrated, you can use voice commands to turn on a single plug or an entire group seamlessly.
6. TREATLIFE Smart Ceiling Fan Control
For starters, a lot of customers state that the fan control can be easily installed by following the company’s guidelines. One thing to note is that your control switch must have a neutral wire. Furthermore, you need to set the fan at the highest speed (usually 3 or 4) before installing TREATLIFE’s fan control. That said, if need be, you can consult with a professional and have them replace your old switch box with TREATLIFE’s controller too. Once set up, you can integrate the same with your Google Home devices too. In doing so, you can turn the ceiling fan on or off with your voice commands. Furthermore, you can even ask your virtual assistant to set the fan speed by voicing commands like – set the fan speed to high / 4. All things considered, the TREATLIFE smart ceiling fan control is a must-have in any IoT enthusiast’s arsenal.
All Smart Everything
A smart home can simplify your life tenfold. If you’re looking to automate your home, these gadgets will surely come in handy. At the same time, the aforementioned products won’t burn a hole in your wallet either.