Best Smart Home Devices for Apartments in 2024

Our top pick for the best smart home device for apartments in 2024 is the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Generation). This device combines user-friendly operation with robust security features, making it an ideal choice for apartment dwellers. The lock is designed to retrofit onto almost any door, allowing you to keep your existing keys while benefiting from advanced security features. With seamless auto-lock and unlock capabilities, you can manage access and monitor entry to your apartment remotely through a simple smartphone app. Its sleek design blends well with various apartment aesthetics. While it comes at a premium price, the peace of mind and convenience it offers make it a worthwhile investment.

Philips Hue Smart Bulbs are our runner-up, offering unparalleled versatility and control over your apartment's lighting. These bulbs are customizable with a range of colors and brightness levels, and they integrate effortlessly with numerous smart home platforms, such as Google Home, Alexa, and Apple HomeKit. You can schedule your lights to turn on or off at specific times, adjust them remotely, and create the perfect ambiance for any situation. While they are slightly more expensive than basic smart bulbs, their reliability and extensive features make them a standout choice for any smart home.

For those seeking an affordable entry into smart home automation, the TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug is our budget-friendly pick. This device enables you to control connected appliances and electronics from your smartphone, regardless of your location. You can schedule devices to turn on or off, monitor energy usage, and even operate them using voice commands by integrating with Alexa or Google Assistant. Its compact design ensures that it won't block adjacent outlets, making it particularly practical for apartment living. Given its affordable price and robust feature set, it's an excellent option for newcomers to the smart home landscape.

When it comes to the best smart speaker, our top recommendation is the Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen). This device features a 5.5-inch touchscreen that delivers crystal-clear video, making it ideal for video calls, streaming content, and displaying photos. Equipped with an AZ2 CPU, the Echo Show 5 processes voice commands rapidly and supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands. Privacy is a key concern, and the device includes on/off functions for the camera and microphones. Additionally, it can act as a digital photo frame and seamlessly integrates with various smart home devices as a Matter controller. Despite being slightly more expensive than basic smart speakers, its wide-ranging features justify the investment.

The Nest Learning Thermostat is the top choice for those aiming to save energy while maintaining comfort. This smart thermostat intuitively learns your schedule and adjusts the temperature to optimize your apartment's heating and cooling, leading to lower utility bills. You can control the thermostat remotely through the Nest app, allowing you to manage your home's climate from anywhere. Features such as automatic scheduling, detailed energy usage reports, and straightforward installation make it a standout product in its category. Although the initial cost is higher, the long-term energy savings and convenience make it a worthwhile addition to any apartment.

For enhanced security, the Ring Security Camera is our best pick. It offers high-definition video streaming and customizable motion detection, allowing you to monitor your apartment effectively. The camera is easy to install and integrates smoothly with other smart home devices. Notifications and live feeds are accessible via the Ring app, giving you real-time updates and control over your home’s security. Although it is on the higher end of the price spectrum, its reliability and comprehensive feature set make it a top choice for apartment security.