If you’re looking to get away from Amazon and convert to HomeKit-enabled devices, you might be surprised to learn that there aren’t as many as you first thought.
The good news, though, is that you can still find a suitable alternative for virtually every smart home use case, with new technologies being introduced every month. We’ve rounded up some of the best products that, without doubt, will transform your home and make it smarter than ever.
Security cameras
Security has never been more important, especially now we’re spending more time in our homes than ever. If you’re looking for a security camera that seamlessly integrates with iOS and HomeKit, look no further than Logitech. They offer a number of cameras for indoors and outdoors, and each can be controlled inside of the dedicated app and Home app on iOS devices, allowing you to see who’s at the front door when you’re in the bath. The best thing about smart CCTV is that you can check-in, even when you’re away from home.
Thermostats
Although Amazon and Google’s thermostat products are designed to seamlessly integrate with their own ecosystems, there are some third-party products that work with HomeKit and the iOS ecosystem. There’s a HomeKit Edition version of the Netatmo Thermostat, for instance, whilst Eve offers products like a connected weather station. When you partner this with whole-house water filters, which improve the quality of your water, you can transform your everyday life – cleaner, safer drinking water, and an easier way to control the heating.
Smart lighting
Another smart home product that can change the way you live is smart lighting. Being able to turn on your lights when you arrive through the front door is possible with HomeKit and Siri Shortcuts, streamlining your evening and allowing you to feel that “ah, I’m home” feeling as soon as you put your key in the door.
There are dozens of brands offering compatible light bulbs and rigs, from Philips Hue lighting strips through to Nanoleaf’s stunning canvas. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, choose smart light bulbs and connect them to your Home app on your iPhone – you can then control them using Siri wherever you are.
HomePod
We couldn’t put together a list of HomeKit-compatible devices without giving a nod to Apple’s HomePod.
First launched in 2018, Apple has since expanded the family with the HomePod mini, an affordable smart speaker that allows you to control your smart home devices using your voice. Exciting new features like voice recognition and the ability to use your HomePod as an intercom to send messages to your whole family have also been added, and Siri is indeed more intelligent than ever before. HomePod mini, without a doubt, makes the job of transitioning from Google Home or Amazon Echo to HomeKit and Siri easier than ever.
Garage door opener
Manually opening and closing your garage door is so 2001. If you want to leave it in the capable hands of Siri, products like the Chamberlain myQ smart garage opener are for you.
These products come with a sensor and a hub that connects to your WiFi network, and most doors from 1993 onwards are compatible in the United States. When you ask Siri to open your door, the hub will then tell the sensor to get started, and your door will spring open.
Do you have any other recommendations? Let us know and check back soon for more.