Best Smart Home Devices for Alexa 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need
Published: May 10th, 2024
Last Updated: August 10th, 2024

🏠Smart home devices are making life simpler, safer, and a lot more entertaining—all with just a few voice commands. If you're thinking of bringing Amazon Alexa into your household, you're in luck. We’ve put together a solid guide to help you find the best Alexa-compatible devices for 2024.

Whether you’re looking for overall winners or gadgets for specific needs, we've done the legwork to help you make your home smarter and more efficient.

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Overall Best: Sonos Arc Soundbar

Sonos Arc - Black - Soundbar with Dolby Atmos

The Sonos Arc Soundbar is our top pick for enhancing your home entertainment. This high-end soundbar delivers immersive audio, creating a theater-like experience right in your living room. With Dolby Atmos and Sonos Radio, the Arc offers stellar sound quality. It also integrates seamlessly with both Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing hands-free control. While it's on the pricier side, its performance and features more than justify the cost. The Arc can also be used in a broader Sonos setup for a superior wireless surround sound system, making it a smart investment for any audiophile.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$828.74 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Sonos Arc? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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What are common issues users experience with the Sonos Arc?
So, the Sonos Arc is a solid soundbar with a bunch of features, but it does come with a few hiccups. One thing that pops up a lot in our research is the lack of Bluetooth connectivity. It mainly relies on Wi-Fi for music streaming, which might feel a bit restrictive if you're someone who loves direct Bluetooth streaming between devices. Wi-Fi streaming does have its perks, like syncing with other devices over your network, but if you're looking for the straightforward device-to-device connection that Bluetooth offers, it might feel like a bit of a letdown. Many folks are caught off guard by this since Bluetooth is pretty common in other soundbars at a similar price point. If you're team Apple, the Arc throws you a bone with [Apple AirPlay 2](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dapple%2Bairplay%2B2%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), letting you wirelessly stream audio from your Apple gadgets without any messy cables. People seem to appreciate this, but if you're not using Apple devices, you'll need to figure out another way to connect. In case having multiple connectivity options is high on your list, it might be worth checking out soundbars that have Bluetooth. It's helpful for households with a mix of devices. On the bright side, if you're already in the Sonos ecosystem, the Arc fits in seamlessly. Its Wi-Fi setup supports high-quality streaming and can sync sound across different rooms with other [Sonos speakers](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dsonos%2Bspeakers%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). So, if you're into the whole Sonos experience, the strong Wi-Fi might just balance things out for you. Bottom line: If Bluetooth is a dealbreaker, you might want to consider other options. But if Wi-Fi streaming and Sonos integration are what you're after, the Arc might still win you over.
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How does the Sonos Arc sound quality compare to other soundbars?
If you're curious about how the Sonos Arc compares to other soundbars in terms of sound quality, here’s what we’ve found. The Sonos Arc is well-regarded for its clear and immersive sound, particularly when it comes to Dolby Atmos content. **Sound Quality:** The manufacturer highlights the Arc's 11 high-performance drivers, including two upward-firing channels designed specifically for Dolby Atmos. This setup helps create a wide and detailed soundstage. Our research supports this, with many folks describing the audio quality as very cinematic. They often mention the strong bass, clear dialogue, and overall dynamic range that fills a room really well. Compared to other soundbars, the Arc seems to offer a richer and more natural sound experience. **Integration with [Sonos One](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dsonos%2Bone%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20):** One cool thing about the Arc is how it clicks with other Sonos products, like the Sonos One speakers. You can set those up as rear speakers to improve the surround sound feel. Based on our findings, this integration usually works smoothly because of the Wi-Fi connectivity, making it easy to sync and manage multi-room audio. **Usability Considerations:** While the integration can drastically boost your sound setup, a few people have had some hiccups with syncing. To get the best results, make sure your Arc and any other Sonos speakers are on the same network and recognized by the Sonos app. And if you want to enjoy features like Dolby Atmos, check if your TV or projector supports them. **The Verdict:** For those who love high-quality audio or are already using Sonos products, the Arc is a strong contender. It can significantly enhance your home theater setup if everything’s set up right. Just keep in mind the technical needs to fully enjoy what it has to offer.
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How easy is it to set up the Sonos Arc?
Setting up the Sonos Arc is generally pretty straightforward. It's mainly designed to connect through Wi-Fi or Ethernet, which works great if you're into having a multi-room audio setup with Sonos gear. But if you're looking for Bluetooth, you'll need to look elsewhere since the Arc doesn't support it. Some folks find that a bit limiting, especially if they like to stream directly from a device without using a network. But if you're cool with using your home network for streaming, it should be fine. The process starts with downloading the Sonos app on your smartphone or tablet, which walks you through everything step by step. If you're on Apple, you'll be happy to know it supports AirPlay 2, so streaming from your iOS devices (as long as they’re on the same network) is a breeze. For Android users, you'll have to rely on Wi-Fi streaming options or compatible music services. If Bluetooth is a must-have for you, alternatives like the [Vizio Elevate](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dvizio%2Belevate%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) or products from brands like [Bose](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dbose%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) and [Sony](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dsony%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) might be better suited since they often include both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi options. Overall, if you're planning on getting deep into the Sonos ecosystem or want to enjoy high-quality streaming with smart features, setting up the Arc should be pretty seamless and satisfying.
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Runner-up: Amazon Echo Show 8 Smart Home Hub

The Amazon Echo Show 8 stands out as our runner-up, combining a smart display with Alexa's capabilities. It features an 8-inch touchscreen and a 13 MP front-facing camera, perfect for high-quality video calls. With built-in Zigbee, this hub easily integrates with other smart devices. The speakers provide rich sound, ideal for music, video streaming, and even displaying photos when idle. Users commend its improved screen and sound quality, though some note the presence of Amazon ads and limited video playback options. Overall, the Echo Show 8 is a versatile, robust addition to any smart home.

Available at Amazon
View at Amazon

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Budget Pick: Wemo WiFi Smart Plug

Wemo Smart Plug with Thread - Smart Outlet for Apple HomeKit - Smart Home Products, Smart Home Lighting, Smart Home Gadgets - Homekit Smart Plug - Works W/ Apple iPhone, Easy NFC Set Up, White 1-pack w/ Thread (New) Smart Plug

For those on a budget, the Wemo WiFi Smart Plug is a top choice. Affordable and compact, this smart plug enables you to control any connected device with Alexa voice commands or via the Wemo app. It features an Away mode, simulating presence to enhance security. Moreover, it's compatible with all major smart assistants, including Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit. Despite its low price, it offers robust functionality, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious users.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$27.49 at Amazon

Best Smart Thermostat: Emerson Sensi Touch Smart Thermostat

Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat with Touchscreen Color Display, Works with Alexa, Energy Star Certified, C-wire Required, ST75W , White

New to smart home technology? The Emerson Sensi Touch Smart Thermostat is an excellent starting point. Offering flexible scheduling and geofencing features, it can reduce HVAC usage by up to 23%, translating to substantial cost savings. Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, it allows for remote control via its user-friendly app. The sleek design ensures it fits stylishly in any home. Although it requires a C-Wire for operation, the installation process is straightforward, making it a great choice for DIY enthusiasts.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$207.09 at Amazon

Best Smart Plug: Amazon Smart Plug

Amazon Smart Plug | Works with Alexa | Simple setup, endless possibilities

The Amazon Smart Plug is the epitome of ease and reliability in smart plugs. It integrates seamlessly with Alexa—just plug it in, and Alexa will automatically recognize it. You can control connected devices with voice commands or set schedules via the Alexa app. Ideal for small appliances like fans, coffee makers, and holiday lights, this plug, while a bit pricier than other brands, offers reliable performance and ease of use, making it a worthy investment for any Alexa user.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$24.99 at Amazon

Best Smart Video Doorbell: Eufy Dual Cam Video Doorbell

eufy Security Video Doorbell Dual Camera, 2K HD, Wireless, Battery-Powered, HomeBase, Dual Motion Detection, Smart Recognition, No Monthly Fee, 16GB Storage

For those who receive frequent deliveries, the Eufy Dual Cam Video Doorbell is a standout choice. It features two cameras: one for capturing visitors and another for monitoring packages on your porch. This battery-powered doorbell provides 2K video quality, night vision, two-way audio, and motion alerts. Additionally, it includes Eufy's HomeBase with 16 GB of local storage, eliminating the need for monthly fees. The dual-camera setup ensures you never miss a detail, making it a valuable addition to any smart home security system.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$179.99 at Amazon
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