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Apple HomeKit Review

Friday, July 11th

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Apple HomeKit Review 4 Star Rating

Apple HomeKit

4 Star Rating
  • Pricing starts around $2,300+
  • Automation for lights, locks, thermostat, and more
  • App access to your entire home
  • Buy individual items as needed
  • "A+" rating from the BBB

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.

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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.

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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.

What's the Best Home Automation System?

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.

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Home Automation Company FAQ

Sometimes referred to as a "smart home”, home automation lets you operate your lighting, appliances, security equipment and more - usually through an app on your mobile phone or through an online dashboard. Want your home to be playing your favorite relaxation music and have the thermostat set to "just right” every day after work? Home automation can do that - and much, much more.
It's true that most systems start with security as the foundation. From security cameras to smoke detectors, "smart homes” can give you peace of mind knowing that it's all under control and professionally monitored, if you choose a company that offers that. But, as technology advances, more features are being added "for fun”, like controlling all of your audio and video or letting your kids turn off lights at bedtime with a simple verbal command.
You could pay as little as $20/month or as much as $10,000+ to set up a smart home with all of the bells and whistles. Obviously the more features you want, the more you'll have to pay for the equipment. Monthly monitoring fees (for systems that include security features) are rarely more than $60/month.
Yes. Check with the provider of your homeowner's insurance policy to see if you can get a discount for the home automation system you're installing. A "smart home” can also save you money in the cost of utilities through managing your use of electricity and water.
Most of the time, yes. That's the appeal of "smart home” equipment: being able to monitor and control it from your phone, tablet or computer.
Sometimes. This is more common if you have security features that are professionally monitored. Read the terms and conditions carefully to determine if you're obligated to keep the service for a set period of time, and what the penalties are for early cancellation.
Possibly. If you've got features that are hard-wired into your home, maybe not. However, most of today's home automation systems use equipment that is easy to install and take down on your own, letting you use it wherever you live. Just be sure to change your home address in your provider's system, to allow emergency services to be dispatched to the correct location (if you're using a service that includes security monitoring).
It might! Home automation is in high demand, so having a system already set up may make your property more appealing to prospective buyers. Consult your real estate agent, though: they may not recommend that you install a home automation system solely for the purpose of increasing your home's value.
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Continued from above...

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:

  • Features. Does the provider offer the features you're looking for to upgrade your home? Does it offer security or automated energy saving? Make sure that the parts of your life that matter the most are addressed by the home automation you choose.
  • Reputation. When you need help, will the company you choose have your back? What kind of reviews are out there for the home automation service you choose? See how other customers felt about their completed home project before you dive in.
  • Value. Pricing on home automation systems varies and can depend on factors like the size of your home or the cost of installation. But make sure that the features you get and the quotes you see match up. Don't overpay for a "luxury” upgrade until you see what they're offering for your personalized home automation.

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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