As metropolitan living continues to fan the flames of high-rise living and micro-apartments, the need for smart home gadgets tailored for small spaces has never been more pressing. Smart home technology has evolved to accommodate a wide range of living environments, and small apartments are no exception. Here’s an in-depth look at the best smart home gadgets that can transform your compact living space into a state-of-the-art smart haven.
1. Smart Lighting Solutions
Philips Hue Smart Bulbs
One of the easiest ways to start making your apartment smarter is by upgrading your lighting. Philips Hue smart bulbs can turn any mundane apartment into a customizable ambiance paradise. The Philips Hue ecosystem allows full control over the brightness and color of your lights via a smartphone app, voice command, or pre-programmed schedules. These smart bulbs also support various smart home ecosystems like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.
LIFX Mini
For those who prefer to avoid a central hub, LIFX Mini smart bulbs are an excellent alternative. These Wi-Fi-enabled bulbs offer millions of colors and can be controlled directly via an app on your smartphone. The LIFX integration with IFTTT (If This Then That) can automate your lighting based on various triggers, from the weather to your daily schedule.
2. Smart Plugs and Power Strips
TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini
Small apartments can quickly get cluttered with necessary gadgets. The TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini is a practical choice for basic automation. These plugs fit perfectly into any power socket, allowing you to control connected devices via an app. You can schedule devices to turn on/off automatically, reducing energy consumption and making life considerably easier.
Wemo Insight Smart Plug
The Wemo Insight Smart Plug goes a step further by offering energy monitoring in addition to remote control. This feature is particularly useful for small apartment dwellers who are conscious of their power consumption. Furthermore, Wemo plugs can integrate with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, enabling seamless voice control.
3. Compact Smart Speakers
Amazon Echo Dot
One of the most practical smart gadgets for small apartments is a compact smart speaker. The Amazon Echo Dot, with its sleek design and impressive capabilities, fits snugly into any living space. Whether you want to stream music, check the weather, or control other smart devices, the Echo Dot serves as a versatile hub. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with a myriad of third-party smart home devices.
Google Nest Mini
If you’re more embedded in the Google ecosystem, the Google Nest Mini is your go-to smart speaker. Despite its small size, the Nest Mini delivers impressive sound quality and excellent voice recognition. By linking it with Google Home, you can control your entire apartment simply by voice command, adding a layer of convenience and efficiency to everyday tasks.
4. Smart Locks and Doorbells
August Smart Lock Pro
Safety and convenience go hand in hand with the August Smart Lock Pro. This smart lock can be retrofitted over your existing deadbolt, so you don’t need to replace your entire lock system. It can be controlled remotely via an app, allowing you to lock/unlock your door from anywhere. One of its standout features is DoorSense, which alerts you if your door is left ajar. Integration with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit adds another layer of flexible control.
Ring Video Doorbell
Despite limited hallway space, security should never be compromised in an apartment. The Ring Video Doorbell is a perfect solution for small apartments. It provides a live video feed to your smartphone, letting you see and talk to visitors even if you’re not home. The motion detection feature ensures that you receive alerts about any activity around your front door.
5. Smart Climate Control
Ecobee3 Lite Smart Thermostat
For those who can install a thermostat in their apartments, the Ecobee3 Lite offers intelligent climate control. This smart thermostat can be controlled remotely and offers valuable energy-saving insights and suggestions. Although compact, it wields the power to regulate your apartment’s temperature efficiently. Compatibility with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit ensures smooth operations within your smart ecosystem.
Sensibo Sky Smart AC Controller
Living in an apartment often means relying on window-mounted air conditioning units. The Sensibo Sky Smart AC Controller allows you to control your AC unit via your smartphone. Its intelligent geo-fencing feature can automatically turn your air conditioner on or off based on your proximity to home, maximizing comfort and saving energy.
6. Smart Appliances
Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker
Space-saving doesn’t mean you have to skimp on culinary adventures. Anova Culinary’s Sous Vide Precision Cooker allows you to cook restaurant-quality meals with minimal effort. Controlled via a smartphone app, it ensures precise cooking by maintaining the exact temperature needed for your food. Compact enough not to clutter your kitchen, it’s perfect for apartment dwellers wanting to up their culinary game.
Instant Pot Smart WiFi
An Instant Pot is a versatile tool in any kitchen, and the Smart WiFi version brings it into the smart home realm. This all-in-one device can pressure cook, slow cook, steam, sauté, and more—all controlled via a smartphone app. For space-constrained apartments, the Instant Pot consolidates several kitchen appliances into one, freeing up precious counter space.
In conclusion, creating a smart apartment doesn’t mean compromising on functionality or style. The right smart home gadgets can significantly enhance small apartment living, providing efficiency, convenience, and an elevated living experience. Whether you’re starting with smart lighting or diving into advanced climate control, these gadgets ensure that your compact space is both smart and sexy. So, take the plunge and transform your small apartment into a future-ready smart home.
