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The best HomeKit accessories for your smart home
Owners of iPhone or iPads have an obvious, built-in option for controlling their smart home accessories: HomeKit. While the platform works well, and operation is simple even for non-techies, the HomeKit framework doesn’t support as many products as Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. This makes finding the best HomeKit accessories a bit of a challenge, and today we’re here to help you with that.
The best HomeKit accessories:
Editor’s note: This list of the best Apple HomeKit accessories will be regularly updated as new devices launch and gain support.
1. Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance
Philips has practically corned the market when it comes to smart lighting. While there are certainly viable alternatives like LIFX, you can find Hue products at most home and electronics stores, and in form factors ranging from standard A19 bulbs to lightstrips and HDMI sync boxes. You do pay more in some cases, but they’re also more reliable since they connect to a Wi-Fi hub, which reduces the burden on your network.
Today we’re recommending a starter kit that includes three bulbs, a hub, and a smart button. Other kits are available as well, and since one hub supports up to 50 lights, you can fill your home without breaking the bank.
2. EufyCam 2 Pro
Those wanting a HomeKit security system need to look no further than the EufyCam 2 Pro camera. It’s wireless and weatherproof, so you don’t need to worry about it being exposed to rain or snow.
On a performance level, it’s quite capable. It supports 2K resolution, night vision, AI features, motion alerts, two-way audio, and more. The HomeBase module can even double as a Wi-Fi repeater.
3. Lutron Caséta Wireless Smart Lighting Dimmer Switch
Smart switches are great for turning regular lights into smart ones. You don’t get smart bulb features like color modes or individual light control, but a switch hooked directly into your wiring makes the smart home set-up process much simpler than replacing every fixture.
We like the Lutron Caséta Wireless Smart Lighting Dimmer Switch because of its design and hub. The latter supports not just HomeKit, but Alexa and Google Assistant, which is important when you’re permanently attaching an accessory to the wall. That flexibility can become important later, especially if you’re selling your home.
4. Wemo Mini Smart Plug
The Wemo Mini Smart Plug is affordable and convenient. You can control and automate just about any appliance with it, as long as the appliance benefits from a simple on/off state. That includes lamps, fans, heaters, dehumidifiers, coffee makers, and more.
Read: The best smart plugs to turn your house into a smart home
The Wemo Mini does add some bulk to your wall outlets but is designed to avoid blocking nearby sockets. If you’re expecting to use smart plugs throughout your home, you can save money by buying them in three-packs.
5. Eero 6 Mesh Wi-Fi System
Mesh Wi-Fi routers can be handy in smart home setups since they improve coverage via extender nodes. The Eero 6 supports HomeKit’s security features, optionally restricting other products’ access to devices or the internet. You will need a Home Hub like an iPad, HomePod, or Apple TV 4K.
The bundle below has a router and two extenders, covering up to 5,000sqft. Crucially the Eero 6 also supports Wi-Fi 6, which allows it to handle around 75 simultaneous connections. You’d be surprised how easily you can reach the much lower cap of Wi-Fi 5 routers.
6. Eve Aqua Smart Water Controller
It can be hard to make time to water your garden, and automation comes to the rescue in the form of the Eve Aqua. This gadget connects to your outdoor faucet and allows control via HomeKit or the Eve app. You can set schedules and manage your watering times from anywhere.
7. Eve Energy Strip
The Eve Energy Strip follows the same principle as a standalone smart plug but has three outlets, each of which can be individually controlled. It may be preferable if you have multiple appliances but space is at a premium on your wall outlets. The Eve app additionally monitors power consumption, so you can tell if a particular appliance is sabotaging your power bill.
8. Ecobee Lite Smart Thermostat
Those in need of a thermostat should look at the Ecobee Lite. Ecobee does have a more advanced model with a built-in smart speaker, but if you’re just interested in HomeKit control and improving efficiency, the Lite will do the trick. Smart thermostats often pay for themselves by reducing power consumption.
If you like, you can buy SmartSensors that pair with the Lite to detect temperature and occupancy in separate rooms. This can reduce hot or cold spots, and let the Lite know to ease off if no one’s home.
9. August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock mounts to compatible deadbolts, and whether through HomeKit or the August app supports features like remote and proximity-based control, including authorized guests. The possibilities really expand with HomeKit, since you can integrate it into automations — say, by having the lights turn on when you return home.
10. Eve Button
Physical control over a smart home can be more important than you might think since phones and smart speakers aren’t always the most convenient option. The Eve Button can be used to trigger individual accessories and/or complex scenes, up to a total of three based on whether you use a single press, double press, or long-press. You will need an iPad, HomePod, or Apple TV 4K set up as a Home Hub.