Smart Home Starter Guide 2021 Edition

Share

Tweet

Share

Share

Email

Comments

There are endless possibilities to setting up your smart home. It can definitely seem daunting to start, which is why our 2021 smart home starter guide is clutch!

 

Now is the perfect time to make your home smart, but there are endless possibilities of where to begin. Start simple. The first decision you need to make is whether you’re going with an Amazon Alexa device or a Google Home device. This smart home starter guide includes products that are compatible with both systems, not including the Goggle Nest itself, so you are free to choose. We have a Nest, so its spotlighted at the top of our guide.

You can totally decide exactly how much of your house you want to make smart, but make sure you include high traffic rooms like the kitchen. A great way to begin is by dipping your toes in the water with either an Amazon Dot or Google Nest speaker. Then go from there!

More BuzzChomp: Top 8 Buys for Bakers to Cook up Gorgeous Goodies Galore

Besides deciding which home device you want, the easiest way to evolve into a smart home is by switching your light bulbs to WiFi enabled bulbs and getting WiFi outlet plugs. This will totally revolutionize your home. Even if you don’t have a home device, you can control all of your lights and plugged in devices from your phone!

Enjoy our 2021 Smart Home Starter Guide! Share with me what you get and how it’s revolutionized your home. We’ll share our favorites on social media. Remember, BuzzChomp is an Amazon affiliate. Items are listed via Amazon.com with all prices and sales at time of publication.

 

2021 Smart Home Starter Guide

 

Google Nest Speaker

I have a Google Nest speaker and I really love it. Since I just got it over the holiday, I’m still learning all the tricks of the trade. If you truly want to outfit your home into a smart home, then getting a speaker like this is the first thing you must do.

Buy It: Google Nest Speaker ($99.99 on Amazon.com)

 

Linkind WiFi Smart Bulbs (4 pack)

This is one of the items that you can totally buy first, if you want to just dip your toes into the smart home process. You can control these bulbs through an app or with your smart home receiver. They are Google Home compatible, as well as Amazon Alexa compatible.

Buy It: Linkind WiFi Smart Bulbs ($33.99 on Amazon.com)

 

Nest Thermostat

This thermostat is so cool, pun intended, because it allows you to control the temperature of your home from anywhere. If you’re out of town and you’re coming home, then you can warm up your house before you return. Do you rent a vacation home and want to make sure the temperature isn’t too warm or cold once the renters leave? This device is perfect.

Buy It: Nest Thermostat ($129.00 on Amazon.com)

 

Ring Video Doorbell

I love this Ring video doorbell because of its versatility. If you own a home, then it’s such a great tool. This obviously works with any Amazon Alexa product, but it also works with Google Home. It’s definitely great if you want to make sure you have eyes on your house at all times.

Buy It: Ring Video Doorbell ($99.99 on Amazon.com)

 

Nest Protect Bundle

This is a smoke/carbon monoxide protector bundle, with three devices and two WiFi outlet plugs. I really like the idea of having one of these, but one is not enough for larger homes. You’re protecting yourself and your family more efficiently. The bundle also comes with two smart plugs and there are other bundles available with more or fewer devices.

Buy It: Nest Protect Bundle ($349.99 on Amazon.com)

 

Smart Plugs by Esicoo (4 pack)

Getting smart plugs is definitely one of the easiest ways to dip your toes into a smart home. These are easy to use and extremely reasonable. Control them with any smart home device or smart phone. Then enjoy the convenience.

Buy It: Smart Plugs by Esicoo ($25.97 on Amazon.com)

 

Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller

I don’t personally have my own sprinkler system, but when I do this is the system controller I want. There is no need to be wasteful with water. You can set when you want your sprinklers to go, so if it just rained and you want to skip a session, done! This is such a great way to manage your system and not go overboard with your water usage.

Buy It: Smart Sprinkler Controller ($207.19 on Amazon.com)

 

Meet our Shopping Expert:

Mandi Mellen is Lead Editor, Writer, and Co-Owner of BuzzChomp. She’s an acclaimed Actor, Director and Producer. Visit M Square Productions for her film work, or get lost in her comedy on Pillow Talk TV. You can follow her on TikTok, X and Instagram.

BuzzChomp is an affiliate for products and services recommended herein. Please read our Full Disclaimer for further information on affiliate programs and opportunities.