Is this the best and affordable way to build a smart home?

If you're an Apple user, I am sure you have heard of Homekit. It is an application that turns your everyday dumb appliances smart by letting you control and monitor them from anywhere in the world. It is free and can be controlled with your iPhone, MacBook, and iPad.

Setting the timer, asking Siri to turn on the lights is barely scratching the ability of Homekit. You can create scenes to do multiple tasks at the same time. At 8 am, open my smart blinds, play my favorite playlist on my bedroom Homepod mini, and turn on the coffee maker. This is an example of scenes you can create on Homekit. Once you start the automation, you will find that possibilities are endless.

With so many options available, it is natural to feel overwhelmed to start your smart home journey. To help you ease in below is a simple guide for you to follow.

Before getting into the actual products. Let us see why you should choose Homekit over Ring or Nest.

Privacy

The biggest reason to choose Homekit is Privacy. Unlike other service providers, Apple doesn't store your data to analyze your trends and sell stuff or sell your sensitive data to third parties. In Homekit data is encrypted end to end and stored locally. Even Apple doesn't have access to your data.

One App to rule them all

Once you start building your smart home, pretty soon tons of different apps for each manufacturer will start piling up. Homekit allows you to access all your smart devices in a single app. Though some apps have more features compared to Homekit, the convenience of accessing all devices in one place is a godsend.

Availability of Good Products for every budget

Long gone are the days where you had to pay thousands to get Homekit compatible devices. Today companies like Meross, Eve, Aqara, Nanoleaf, and Eufy have made Homekit compatible devices affordable. This does not mean you have to buy affordable stuff. If you are looking to buy the best of the best, you can buy from Lutron, Philips Hue, Lifx, and many more.

Thread compatibility

We all know the havoc non-hub devices put on your wifi. With Thread all devices interact with each other and create a mesh network, thus do not strain your wifi. Also, they have Bluetooth capability. As more and more companies are transitioning towards thread and coming up with affordable options, you will be future-proof at a low cost. Thread is also the most energy-efficient technology, thus lower monthly electric bills.

You are all set now to start an adventure building your smart home. So with so many products available where should you begin?. Assuming you have an iPhone, Ipad, MacBook to control your smart home below is a list to get you started.

Hub

As data in Homekit is encrypted, you need a hub that is always in-home to interact with your devices. The cheapest option to get you started is the Homepod mini at $100. You are getting awesome speakers, with built-in thread compatibility, allowing you to run simple tasks to automation at such an affordable cost. Your other option is Apple TV 4K. This is a very good option, as it brings a lot of flexibility and added features. However, if you are on a budget Homepod mini is a great option to get started.

Smart Plugs

Now for fun stuff, the most affordable device that won't break your bank is smart plugs. Easy to install and adds tons of automation possibilities. For example, switch on the light at sunrise or switch off at sunset. This is particularly helpful for renters who do not wish to lose their home deposit for messing with switches.

Smart Switches

Another relatively affordable option is smart switches. For homeowners, it makes sense to change switches, as they last longer and provide stable feedback every time. Some switches come with built-in dimmer, this is especially helpful to create scenes according to your mood. Also for switches that control multiple lights like chandeliers, it is affordable to add a single switch instead of multiple bulbs.

Smart bulbs

Smart bulbs are a fun way to add color to your automation. With unlimited color options, the possibility is endless. Set a different color for each activity or mood. You can also add different colors for visual notifications, such as when someone rings the doorbell turns the light red. You are only limited by your imagination, try different options to super customize your smart home.

Smart Sensors

Smart sensors work as triggers to your automation. As soon as you enter the house, switch on the light and decrease the temperature for 30 mins to help you cool down. In Morning between 8 AM to 10 Am, when you enter your home office, close smart blinds, switch on the light, and play low-fi music. Just like other devices, the possibilities are endless here.

Building a smart home is a marathon and not a sprint. Take your time, see what is working for you and which products you enjoy. A smart home is for everyone with every budget. Start with a single device, understand how Homekit works, and keep adding different devices. Enjoy creating automation and seeing them work wonders.