As the inaugural Black Friday approaches, IoT Insider rounds up the top 5 smart home devices to consider purchasing, ranging from a smart thermostat to a door and window sensor, all designed to offer users ease of use, convenience and safety.
1. Amazon Echo Dot (newest generation)
The Amazon Echo Dot, the latest generation which was released in September 2022, is a smart speaker whose key functionalities include hands-off music control, as well as a temperature sensor, an improved audio experience and ultrasonic motion detection technology. According to Amazon, the speaker can be paired with other, compatible smart home devices including Echo devices or Amazon’s Fire TV.
eero Wi-Fi technology is also built into this device, meaning it can be utilised as a Built-In Wi-Fi extender to create more eero coverage within your home. Users who have set up an eero router and network can then set up a compatible Echo device in the Alexa app, linking their Amazon account to eero Built-In.
Black Friday discount: £22.99 from £54.99
2. Ring Battery Video Doorbell
Ring released its Battery Video Doorbell in August 2024, featuring the latest generation of its bestselling doorbell. Users only need to charge the doorbell, put it in place and stay connected with updates sent to their phone. This device has added features including its head-to-toe HD video capabilities, representing a 66% taller view compared with the previous generation.
Other features include motion detection, real-time alerts and the ability to speak with anyone on the other side of the doorbell through the Two-Way Talk feature.
Black Friday discount: £59.00 from £99.99
3. Google Nest Learning Thermostat
Initially launched in 2011, Google Nest thermostats targets energy savings by learning the user’s preferred temperatures, as well as responding to changes in environment such as warmer or colder weather. Using the Auto-Schedule feature, users can feed the thermostat the information it needs to learn their behaviours by turning the thermostat up and down as needed.
Other features include Home/Away Assist, where the thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature after the user is away, and can turn off hot water to save energy.
Black Friday discount: £139.00 from £219.00
4. Tapo Smart Plug Wi-Fi Outlet
The Tapo Smart Plug Wi-Fi Outlet works by enabling the user to turn connected devices on and off regardless of their location, using the Tapo app. The smart plug is compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Nest for voice control purposes. According to information provided by the device, no smart home hub is required to operate the device; it works with any Wi-Fi router.
Other features of note include a schedule and timer where the smart plug can be set up to power electronics on and off as needed and device sharing management permissions with family members to allow multiple users control.
Black Friday discount: £25.99 from £39.99
5. Aqara Door and Window Sensor
This sensor does require a smart home hub by Aqara to operate in addition to a Wi-Fi connection. The sensor works by detecting the open and closed state of doors and windows by calculating the distance between the sensor unit and the accompanying magnet.
Key features include scene customisation by connecting with other Aqara smart home devices – for example the sensor detecting a door opening and sending a signal to the Aqara Wall Switch to turn on the lights – and alarm mode, whereby the user can get the sensor to sound an alarm if the doors and/or windows are opened while they’re home.
Black Friday discount: £13.59 from £16.99
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