Apple HomeKit will continue to be one of the most popular smart home ecosystems in 2023, despite not being as widely used as Google Home or Amazon Alexa. The software works well with iOS devices, and the fancy technology can be used to control a number of other gadgets like smart lights, smart locks, thermostats, and cameras. Here are the best HomeKit devices currently available if you want to build your smart home around the Apple ecosystem.
Locks
When you have something as comprehensive as the Aqara Smart Lock U100, it doesn't really matter that HomeKit doesn't have the largest selection of smart locks. In addition to providing complete HomeKit support, you will also be granted access to Apple home keys, which will enable you to unlock your door using your iPhone or Apple Watch. In addition, there is a fingerprint sensor that can store several dozen fingerprints and the standard keypad for entering a passcode. This allows your entire family to enter the house without worrying about forgetting their password or smartphone.
The smart lock comes with a physical key for emergency access, and its batteries are designed to last for up to eight months before you need to change them. Auto-locking, "Do Not Disturb Mode," and an IP65 rating provide it with the protection it needs to withstand the elements.
Another excellent choice is the Schlage Encode Plus. This lock supports Apple home keys and all the most recent HomeKit features. Naturally, touchscreen support and a physical key lock remain available to you. In addition, the Encode Plus is fully compatible with Siri and HomeKit, as well as Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Although the lock costs $299, Schlage's Encode Plus is currently the only option if you want all of Apple's secure HomeKit features and other features.
One of the best smart locks is still the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, which lets you lock and unlock your door remotely, track who is coming and going, and grant access to specific individuals. Additionally, it can be attached to your existing deadbolt, saving you the expense of purchasing new house keys. It is also compatible with Apple HomeKit in addition to being compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant. Our complete evaluation of the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is available for review.
Do you not wish to be concerned about a house key? The keypad on the Yale Assure Lock is touchscreen. Apple HomeKit will work with your upgraded Yale Assure Lock (YRD246 or YRD256) equipped with a Yale iM1 Network Module. You can use voice commands and more to control the lock with the module, which typically costs around $50. In our complete review, you can learn more about the Yale Assure SL lock.
You also have the option of purchasing the Yale Assure Lock 2, which is available in a number of different styles and features remote Wi-Fi access to your front door in some models. It was found in our review to be a high-quality smart lock that was well worth the price.
Lighting
Your favorite Hue products are now compatible with Apple devices. Dimming can be changed, colors can be changed in certain rooms, lights can be synced, scenes can be set, and more are available. Starting out with smart lighting is easy with the Philips Hue Starter Kit.
Another great HomeKit-compatible option is the Lifx A19 LED Bulb. They are about as bright as a 75-watt incandescent bulb with 1,100 lumens. However, their lifespan is 22 years and their energy efficiency is only 11 watts. Lifx A19s has 16 million color options and doesn't need a hub. It also has the Candle Color, the first smart LED bulb that can give off multiple colors at once.
Nanoleaf's Light Panels are triangular smart light panels that can be shaped into any design you want if you want something a little different. For different scenes to be activated, connect them to Apple HomeKit. There's even a mood add-on, so your boards and music will work in a state of harmony. The Lifx Z, a HomeKit-controlled multicolor LED light strip, is another great option if you're looking for a less expensive way to brighten up your space. The length of the ribbon is 6.6 feet, and more extensions can be added for more adaptability.
Switches and smart plugs
Want to say, "Hey Siri, dim the bedroom light?" but don't have a smart light? With the WeMo Smart Light Switch, you can control your lights with your voice, schedule them, make them work better with the bulbs you're using, and stop them from flickering. With Apple HomeKit, you can instruct Siri to dim the lights at night or to make them brighter in the morning. You can even install the Lutron Caseta Smart Lighting Dimmer Switch without a neutral wire because it is compatible with HomeKit.
A smart plug, which allows you to control the devices you plug in (like lamps, holiday lights, or even appliances), is another option. When you connect the Belkin Wemo Smart Plug with Thread to Apple HomeKit, you can use your phone or voice to control a plugged-in device. A connection that is both faster and more dependable is made possible by this edition's support for Thread. The Pure Gear PureSwitch, which offers app control, timers, and energy management options for anything you plug in for an even smaller version, might be a better choice for you. The Connectsense Smart Outlet 2 is a good option if you want to completely replace both the top and bottom of an outlet. The Connectsense app will also provide you with a lot of information about how much energy your devices are using. Additionally, Alexa and Google Assistant can be used with this plug-in.
Thermostats
In 2022, Ecobee introduced its Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium and Enhanced models. Seeing that the Ecobee 4 was our past decision for the best indoor regulator, giving the crown to the new generation is simple. The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium features a brand-new design, fully integrated Siri, and is compatible with HomeKit. It is still compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home. The advancements and convenience are further enhanced by the brand-new radar sensor and air quality monitor. The Ecobee Lite still has a lot to offer at a price that is a little bit more affordable. The Lite is compatible with HomeKit and other smart home systems, but the thermostat does not include Alexa.
The Lyric T6 Pro thermostat from Honeywell is a very affordable option that is also compatible with HomeKit. The Honeywell Lyric T5, one of our previous top choices, has been upgraded to the T6 Pro. Geofencing, scheduling, and smart alerts are just a few of its features. With adaptive auto-recovery, the thermostat can automatically switch from heat to cool and knows how long it takes to heat or cool your home to the desired temperature at specific times. Otherwise, you should look into the if you prefer a minimalist approach—a thermostat that appears to blend into your wall—or There are variations for both in-floor and baseboard heating. However, the Mysa comes with a smartphone app that allows you to set a heating schedule and keep track of your energy use.
Cameras and security devices
If you value personal privacy and want a device with features like an electronic shutter, the Circle View from Logitech is an excellent option. It is weatherproof, simple to set up, and offers free features like smart alerts with snapshots and cloud storage for 24 hours. Additionally, its 180-degree view radius is impressive. After a 10-day free trial, some of the more advanced features, like person detection and motion zones, require a paid subscription.
Additionally, Eufy offers a selection of inexpensive indoor and outdoor cameras that are compatible with HomeKit Secure Video. The fact that these cameras don't require a subscription is another great feature. The best products from Eufy include Floodlight Cam 2 Pro, Indoor Cam Pan & Tilt 2K, and Indoor Cam 2K. Keep in mind that a HomePod Mini, Apple TV 4K, or Apple TV are required if you want to stream a HomeKit-enabled camera remotely.
In addition to cameras, other security devices are supported by Apple HomeKit. Eve and Aqara produce a comprehensive line of various sensors for installation around your home and monitoring. Eve, for instance, has a door and window sensor, a motion sensor, and a temperature and air quality sensor for the room. Aqara also offers inexpensive sensors, such as a vibration sensor, a temperature and humidity sensor, and a water leak sensor, among others. Sensors like those or the can add additional home security while additionally making it feasible for you to do things like have the lights turn on when your entryway opens.
A/V devices
You can use an Apple HomePod mini to enhance your home A/V experience, no matter what kind of person you are—musician, movie buff, or otherwise. To begin, the HomePod mini is a fantastic device for listening to your preferred playlists. The speaker has Thread connectivity, so you can use it with other smart home accessories. Its sound is surprising room-filling for its size. If you buy multiple HomePod minis, you can combine them to produce stereo sound in all directions.
The brand-new HomePod 2023 is available for $299 if you are willing to fork over a little bit more money. It has everything that the HomePod mini does, but the audio quality is much better. The HomePod is able to fit a high-excursion woofer, a beamforming array of five tweeters, and Spatial Audio and Room sensing into its larger footprint, allowing it to perform at its best no matter where you place it. To put it another way, the HomePod is an enormous improvement over the HomePod mini and is ideal for producing sound that fills a room.
On the other hand, Sonos offers a wide range of products that are all compatible with HomeKit and support Airplay 2. The Sonos One, Sonos Beam, Sonos Amp, and the more recent Sonos Ray soundbar and Sonos Roam portable speaker are all available for purchase.
The fourth-generation Apple TV 4K is an excellent option for bringing HomeKit into your media room for home theater enthusiasts. The streaming device supports Siri and offers crystal-clear 4K HDR. The Apple TV is able to function as a smart bridge for controlling HomeKit devices.
Stay tuned for Matter
A few smart home devices have already begun using the new interoperability standard Matter, and more are expected to follow in the coming months. In point of fact, the company just unveiled the brand-new HomePod, which features complete Matter support. HomeKit devices should soon be compatible with any devices that support Matter because Apple is one of the largest companies on board with the technology. In other words, once Matter updates are pushed to some of the hottest devices of today, the small HomeKit catalog will grow significantly. Several Google and Amazon products have already been updated, so keep an eye out for additional manufacturers joining in 2023.
