Ever since Apple launched its own HomeKit smart platform in 2014 and updated it with the release of iOS 10 in 2016, it has had to compete with global assistants Alexa and Google for the loyalty of smart home owners around the world. However, those who rely on iPhones and Macs know the quality and reliability of everything the company touches and have therefore embraced the technology.
Others may wonder which devices actually work with HomeKit and which are only compatible with other platforms. There's no point in expecting a Ring doorbell to work with your HomePod Mini, for example.
This article will describe which smart home devices and tools are HomeKit compatible and therefore will work with Siri voice control and Apple smart speakers. From lighting and smart plugs to video intercoms and security cameras, there's no shortage of options.
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HomeKit smart speakers
(Image credit: Apple)
The best smart speakers are the smart home item that seems to be integrating into people's daily lives the fastest. They are often the unifying element of a smart home, talking to your digital assistant and asking for a dim light, a warm radiator, or a closed door.
Unsurprisingly, only one smart speaker supports HomeKit, and that's Apple's HomePod Mini. It was originally a more compact version of the company's first smart speaker, the HomePod, but the larger model has now been discontinued.
Since then, there have been rumors of a new version of the HomePod, so keep your eyes peeled.
Today's best Apple HomePod deals
HomeKit Smart Thermostats
(Image credit: Ecobee)
Internet-connected smart thermostats are one of the most popular parts of a smart home due to their ability to save time, money, and energy, and HomeKit users shouldn't miss out. . Unfortunately, market leaders like Nest don't have HomeKit support, but there are other great options out there.
Brands like Honeywell and ecobee, for example, offer a range of the best smart thermostat options that are fully HomeKit compatible. Some have smart room sensors to make sure you only heat and cool the rooms you need, and there are also extras like geolocation and smart radiator dials.
Today's best HomeKit smart thermostat deals
HomeKit smart lighting
(Image credit: Nanoleaf)
The best smart bulbs are an essential part of any self-respecting smart home setup, with the ability to change colors, turn on and off at a pre-planned schedule, and even dim based on your mood.
There's something immensely satisfying about turning your lights off with your voice, you can use them as a theft deterrent by turning them on while you're away, and you get the added benefit of never having to worry if you've forgotten a light. sure.
There are a number of smart bulbs on the market right now, with more being added to the list of HomeKit-connected products regularly. But leading the pack are Philips Hue, LIFX, and Nanoleaf, all of which have their own unique selling points.
Nanosheet shapes, for example, allow you to create interesting patterns in your home, and something like Twinkly string lights bring some intelligence to something previously relegated to Christmas decorations. Meanwhile, Philips Hue and LIFX offer full control over ambient lighting.
Just make sure you buy the correct bulb for your region and fixture type.
Today's best HomeKit smart lighting deals
HomeKit smart switches
(Image credit: WeMo)
If you want to make your lighting smart without changing all your bulbs, you can change your light switches to the best smart switches and then control your lights from your phone or with your voice.
Plus, since all your devices are connected via HomeKit, you can program your switches to control more than just your lights. In short, smart dimmers like those from Philips, Lutron, WeMo, or ecobee give you more control over your lighting, whether you've invested in smart bulbs or not.
Today's best HomeKit smart switch deals
HomeKit Smart Plugs and Sockets
(Image credit: TP-Link)
The range of products that are getting "smart" seems to be growing by the week, but you probably don't want to replace everything in your home, and there are some products that will take a long time to change, if ever.
This means that some products with the highest "Did I quit that?" frustratingly they are left behind. Well, smart plugs can help you control your old tech using your phone by turning them off at the wall.
This not only means you no longer have to leave the iron on when you're late for work, but you can also schedule lamps to come on at specific times and prevent your TV from adding to your electricity bill in standby mode.
Today's best HomeKit smart plug deals
HomeKit smart locks
(Image credit: August)
The best smart locks can keep your home more secure and make the process of leaving and returning home much more convenient. Have you ever had a problem with your shopping bags and you want the door to open by itself?
You may be hesitant to entrust your home security to a connected smart device, but HomeKit certification requires that security be built into the hardware of the device itself. As long as your smart lock has Apple's seal of approval, you know that the data it sends is end-to-end encrypted, which should prevent someone from hacking into your front door.
If you decide to invest in a smart lock, you'll find it has a number of advantages, such as the ability to enter your home using your phone, assigning "guest keys to friends, and even the ability to let remote people in." your home. .
Today's best HomeKit smart lock deals
HomeKit Smart Doorbells
(Image credit: Logitech)
Unlike smart locks, smart doorbells are (you guessed it) smart doorbells. So you might be thinking, "How do you make a doorbell smart?" You press a button and it rings. Well, it turns out that the humble doorbell was clearly lacking some features you never thought you needed.
In addition to the button, there is usually a camera and a speaker on the device. This means that you can use your smartphone to see who is at your door from the comfort of your sofa or even in the office. And with this handy speaker, you can use your doorbell as a buzzer to tell the delivery guy that he's glad the package was left with a neighbor.
Most also have the option to record, which means that if you're not sure of a caller, you have a recording of them, and if you're trying to figure out who's ringing the bell and running away, ask no more questions. .
Unfortunately, HomeKit compatibility with major smart doorbells such as Ring and Google is still not supported as of today. However, there are some brands that offer Apple compatibility, including big names like Logitech and Netatmo.
Today's best HomeKit smart doorbell deals
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HomeKit security cameras
(Image credit: Arlo)
As with smart doorbells, brands like Ring and Nest are out of the competition if you want the best home security camera with HomeKit compatibility. But all is not lost, as there are many options outside of these companies. Arlo cameras, for example, are compatible with the Apple platform, as well as eufy, ecobee and Eve.
Security cameras may seem like overkill to some, but they're actually a fantastic way to keep an eye on what's going on inside and outside your home whenever you want. Like video doorbells, they allow you to see a live view of your chosen area in addition to sending alerts and recording video.
Today's best HomeKit security camera deals
