The best new smart home systems are easy to use and offer lots of options for expanding your home automation. We look at things like company policies, compatibility with other devices and features such as IFTTT and Stringify support.
We also consider smart security cameras that work with Arlo, Amazon Alexa and Google Home without requiring a monthly subscription.
Logitech Harmony Elite
Unlike some of its rivals, the Harmony Elite goes beyond being a physical remote and hub. It lets you control your devices and create Activities using any Android or iOS smartphone or tablet.
The app leads you through creating a user account and adding devices. From there, you can create Activities that are like recipes for the gear in your home entertainment system. They enable one remote to turn everything on, switch to the right input and change picture settings.
It also controls many smart home devices such as lights, switches and thermostats, and even works with Sonos speakers. In fact, it's the only remote that I've found that can toggle power on Sony's PlayStation 4 and Nintendo's Wii U (though with restrictions). Its capabilities are so broad that some may consider it more of a full-fledged whole-home system than a universal remote. It's also considerably more expensive than the competition. But, it's worth it if you want a single remote for both your home entertainment system and the connected gear in your home.
Control4
While it’s a specialist system that requires a professional dealer, Control4 is renowned for its ease of use, compatibility and customization. Its in-house programming, networking technologies (acquired by Pakedge) and extensive list of partners makes it the most comprehensive solution when it comes to integrating AV, security, lighting, motorized shading and heating into one system that can be managed via a mobile app, touchscreen tablet or stylish wall keypad.
Homeowners can prioritize their favorite devices and rooms using at-a-glance features on the touchscreen tablets, keypads and dedicated smartphone apps. They can also tweak automations and add new ones through the web-based When >> Then platform. And they can add voice controls for their system through the likes of Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri or Google Assistant. Software updates often bring new functionality to the system too - for example, Night Mode on Control4 touchscreens, tables and keypads was recently added. This is a big step towards making the system more mainstream.
SmartThings
The SmartThings system may not offer as many gadgets as the Amazon or Google systems, but it does a great job of connecting devices from different manufacturers in one place. Its SmartThings Station hub works with Wi-Fi and Zigbee or Z-Wave networked electronics – including those from other brands like Philips Hue bulbs, Kwikset smart locks or Sonos wireless speakers – to give you sophisticated and fun automated control in a single app.
Unlike the Amazon and Google ecosystems, it supports multiple sensors (door, motion, multipurpose), allows for complex routines and, with its more advanced Webcore add-on, lets you create some really powerful automations. The SmartThings app is comprehensive, well-designed and surprisingly easy to use. And its support section includes plenty of how-to articles and a live text chat. For the tech-savvy, it's also possible to deep customize the SmartThings system by using coding tools or service connectors like IFTTT. However, that can be overwhelming for beginners.
Nest
Google’s Nest system includes smart speakers, displays, streaming devices and more. But the company’s best-known product is the Nest Learning Thermostat, which combines your energy bills and home security into a single platform.
Its occupancy sensors and geofencing help it determine when you’re home or away. For example, it turns down the heat when you leave for work and turns it back up in time for your arrival. It also offers a feature called Eco Temperature that automatically sets your thermostat to an energy-saving temperature.
Other Nest products include smart doorbells and cameras. The latter has features such as 30-day event clip storage and facial recognition, which can distinguish familiar faces. Nest also partners with third-party smart home devices through a program called Works with Nest. Its devices can communicate with each other, which can save you money on your energy bill by preventing redundant heating and cooling cycles. A Nest subscription is required to use the service, however.
