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Friday, July 11th
When people think of smart technology, Apple is one of the first brands that comes to mind. The company offers an impressive method for home automation through the Apple HomeKit.
Robust features
HomeKit offers robust security features and privacy policies. Its primary attraction lies in the ability to swiftly establish, directly manage, schedule, or automate various devices using a single app instead of requiring separate apps for each device. With a few HomeKit-compatible devices and an iPhone or iPad for control, you can configure a smart home system from scratch and have it operational within minutes.
Set up in minutes
For the everyday smart-home user, HomeKit simplifies the device setup process, usually taking seconds to minutes, and the Home app is straightforward to navigate. All your devices are conveniently displayed and controlled from a single dashboard, with most controls just a button press or two away, a feature not always found on other platforms. The primary requirement is having an Apple device, such as an iPhone, iPad, or Mac computer. To enable automated actions and remote access to devices when away, a go-between device acting as a smart-home hub is necessary - an Apple TV, a HomePod, or a HomePod mini smart speaker. Without a hub, accessing the HomeKit system remotely is not possible.
Individual devices for your whole house
Apple HomeKit offers everything you can imagine to upgrade your standard home into a smart home. The only downside? There aren't "kits” that are pre-designed for you. Instead, you need to buy each item individually. You can find home devices for air conditioners, air purifiers, bridges, cameras, doorbells, fans, faucets, garage doors, humidifiers, lights, locks, outlets, receivers, routers, security, sensors, speakers, sprinklers, switches, thermostats, TVs, and windows, but you'll have to grab each item as you need it rather than buying an all-inclusive package.
Costs start around $2,300 for a basic home
Pricing for a whole home is harder to gauge for the Apple HomeKit than with other companies in our review. Since you have to buy each item separately, that means that each light bulb in your home, each fan motor, each window, each lock, needs to be upgraded separately. For example, the cheapest smart home device from Apple is a Nanoleaf light bulb for $19.95. Imagining that you have at least 20 bulbs in your home (considering those inside of ceiling fans as well as decor lamps) you're looking at $399 for just a basic lighting upgrade.
Price goes up quickly
The most expensive item is an AmpliFi Wi-Fi router that extends your Wi-Fi connection to assist with smart home items around your entire property. This costs $699.95. Plus, other items like $329.95 for a smart lock or $249.95 for an outdoor camera could bring your home automation package total up quickly. So, to get a baseline, let's imagine a basic package that includes the following: 2 door locks (front and back door), 20 light bulbs, a smart thermostat, and 10 smart light switches, your total would be $2,308.30. This is notably much cheaper than some of the full-service luxury home options, but it does limit you to only devices that work on the Apple HomeKit network, and some commonly-used full automation features that are integrated into a home aren't offered.
Remote access requires an extra purchase
To control smart devices within a HomeKit system, you use the pre-installed Home app, often found on the last page of your app collection. The Home app features a user-friendly design that lets you manage interactions with multiple devices in one place, eliminating the need for separate apps for each gadget. However, for remote access, you'll need an Apple TV or HomePod to serve as a hub, enabling control and automation of devices when you're away.
14-day return policy
Thankfully, all of the Apple HomeKit products are protected under Apple's general return policy. According to Apple's return page, in the "rare instance” that a product doesn't meet your expectations, you have the option to return or exchange it with a receipt within 14 days of receiving the product from Apple.
Solid company with small usability limitations
Unsurprisingly, this industry giant has a top-notch "A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau. However, finding individual reviews for the HomeKit items proved a little more difficult. We did find a few blog reviews that rated the HomeKit 4 stars on average. Customers who used the products praised the effectiveness of Siri for voice commands, the high level of personal security, and the ease of setup. However, if you're not an iOS user, the entire system is a drawback, since you'll have to switch over to devices that use Apple technology (which was a complaint from more than a few customers).
Solid choice for cost-effective automation
While the Apple HomeKit is the quick and easy way to get home automation, there are definitely some drawbacks. If you're not an iOS user already, you'll have to switch over. There are also some limitations to what devices you can automate or upgrade. If you want a fully integrated home system, Apple HomeKit isn't it. But if you're looking for something more "surface” level that allows you to automate the important things like lights, thermostats, music, and locks, you'll be more than happy, especially considering the low cost compared to some competitors in our review. For this reason, Apple HomeKit earns a higher-than-average rating.
Just a few years ago, the idea of home automation was a futuristic dream, a vision of Jetsons-style technology that promised to simplify every aspect of home life. Fast forward to today, and we're living in a future that even George Jetson would marvel at, thanks to the advancements in home automation technologies.
With smartphones, smart appliances, and smart lights, you can basically automate your entire living space. Whether you're looking for a small efficiency upgrade or to restructure your whole home into an automated utopia, there's an option out there for you. Modern home automation systems go beyond merely securing your home; they now encompass a wide array of functions, from ensuring your home's safety to providing entertainment - and much more in between.
A basic home automation setup typically includes features like a doorbell intercom and camera, smart lights, smart thermostats, motion detectors, sensors for doors and windows, as well as monitoring for smoke and carbon monoxide. For those with a more flexible budget, seeking a provider that integrates entertainment and environmental controls for television, music, lighting, and temperature is a wise move.
While a handful of providers offer do-it-yourself options, (and some of them even require coding knowledge for the very industrious DIYers) most home automation services are delivered through professional dealers. These experts conduct thorough assessments of your home's requirements, then proceed to design, build, and install a customized system.
A reputable professional home automation vendor usually responds within a week of your inquiry, providing a comprehensive price estimate. Many providers go the extra mile by visiting your home for a visual inspection and measurements for precision system installation.
The time required for installation and configuration can vary significantly. For straightforward systems, installation might take just a few days. On the other hand, more complex setups could extend to a month or more. It's essential to be aware that advanced systems might necessitate modifications to walls, floors, and ceilings to accommodate the mounting of equipment and wiring.
If you're feeling overwhelmed trying to figure out where to start, don't worry. When looking for home automation solutions, here are some factors to consider:
To help you make your house your dream home, Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the best Home Automation solutions available today. We hope to help you find the right home automation system so you can start enjoying your new futuristic home life that's even better than a sci-fi dream!
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