The Best Smart Home Devices of 2019 (So Far)
The Best Smart Home Devices of 2019 (So Far)
As we find ourselves halfway through 2019, both smart home systems and devices are more impressive than ever before. While the first smart homes utilized basic setups consisting of nothing more than a few voice-enabled devices, today’s systems are far more robust.
A modern smart home system can help you do anything from preparing the perfect steak at your next barbecue to cleaning up while you’re away from home. In other words, smart homes aren’t just for fun anymore — they can also fulfill some important everyday needs.
After installing a basic smart home, it can be difficult for users to decide which devices to add next. With these difficult decisions in mind, here are some of the best smart home devices we’ve seen so far in 2019.
Best Smart Audio System: Sonos
Sonos has quickly built a reputation as a world-class provider of high-quality and reliable wireless audio products. Their smart home-friendly speakers are rather pricy, but for a good reason. The pairing of a second-to-none audio quality and a host of innovative features makes this sound system hard to beat.
Best Smart Coffee Maker: Smarter Coffee
The Smarter Coffee appliance is by far the smartest coffee maker that money can buy. This second-generation device is jam-packed with useful features. Better yet, it connects seamlessly with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and If This, Then That (IFTTT) services, which means it is almost guaranteed to work with your current smart home system.
Best Connected Vacuum: iRobot Roomba i7
There seem to be dozens of robot vacuum cleaner manufacturers on the market today. Despite this stiff competition, iRobot’s Roomba i7 is still the best-connected vacuum available. Believe it or not, it actually learns the best way to clean each room individually, making it more efficient over time.
Best Smart TV: LG Class 4K Smart UHD TV
When it comes to smart TVs, it’s hard to beat the innovation provided by the LG Class 4K Smart UHD TV. As one of the more affordable models out there, it manages to offer every feature you’d ever want without breaking the bank. For those without mainstream smart home assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, LG’s voice-controlled AI ThinQ helps provide a seamless viewing experience.
Best Smart Plug: Belkin WeMo Insight Switch
Smart plugs are often seen as boring, but in reality, they are one of the most versatile smart devices out there. The right smart plug can transform any dumb gadget (think lamps, old televisions, stereo systems, etc.) into modern devices fit for even the most advanced smart homes. However, not every smart plug is created equal, which is precisely why we suggest the always reliable WeMo Insight Switch from Belkin.
In many ways, the best part of smart homes is the nearly unlimited capacity for customization. After buying and installing a few essential devices, you’re free to pick and choose additional functionalities that fit your lifestyle and preferences.
While most readers won’t be interested in every device on this list, we hope that seeing the breadth of modern smart home tech proves helpful as you continue to expand your own setup, one smart device at a time.