When you think about your home in the summer, there are only a few things that might come to mind: entertaining, keeping cool, summer vacations, lowering your energy bills, and barbecuing on the beach. Truthfully, is there anything better than sand between your toes and a cool summer breeze?
With so much going on, though, it’s often hard to relax. But there’s good news. You can use smart home devices to help manage the mayhem. We’ve put together a list of smart home products that can help with some of the more tedious tasks so that you can enjoy your hard-earned summer vacation.
Why Buy Smart Home Devices During Summer 2021?
Summer 2021 is markedly different than other years for the smart home industry. Smart device purchases surged during the pandemic forcing many manufacturers to take notice. According to research by Investopedia, it’s now estimated that by 2025, 77 million US homes will employ smart devices.
Additionally, 57% of people who use smart home products say they save time. With new products released every few weeks, most consumers now have more choices than they did just a year ago. More choice means that it’s easier to find items that will fit your budget, and you can cherry-pick devices with features that suit the specific needs of your smart home setup.
Many companies are also recognizing this trend toward increased smart device demand. Some manufacturers have even chosen summer 2021 as the perfect season for huge sales and new product releases. And the recent announcements of new technologies like Matter are also influencing the market.
Additionally, several upgraded products from companies like Ring and Amazon are hitting store shelves, which offers some incentive for folks looking to update the devices around their homes. When these newer products are released, often older—still great—products are reduced in price to make room for the latest and greatest.
That means you can sometimes grab last-generation devices at a huge bargain. And while it’s hard to predict the future, it’s almost certain that late-summer back-to-school sales will include devices for college students like Amazon Echo and Google Home.
This coupling of increased post-pandemic demand and exciting new releases have made summer 2021 a great time to buy new smart home gear or upgrade older, outdated devices. But which ones should you buy?
What Are the Best Smart Home Device Types to Buy Today?
Because each home is different, we’ve chosen to focus on categories of devices rather than individual brands of smart home products. So while this list isn’t everything you can find on places like Amazon, it does offer some of the brands that are best suited for most people. With that in mind, here are a few items you should be on the lookout for this summer.
1. Smart Speakers/Smart Assistants
If you haven’t sprung for a smart speaker/smart assistant by now, then you should take the opportunity to do so this summer. Amazon Echo, Google Home Mini, and even Apple’s HomePod Mini are currently available for less than $100. All three have gotten essential updates over the past year.
Many people interested in smart home devices will have already purchased one of these assistants, but if you haven’t or are looking to upgrade, this summer is a perfect time. New units are also great for introducing college-bound teens to smarter on-campus life. Plus, these devices can do double duty for impromptu dorm dance parties.
2. Portable Audio Speakers
In the same vein as the previous category, summer 2021 is the best time to upgrade your portable Bluetooth audio equipment. Besides, everyone needs a new speaker for the beach, right?
Offerings from Sonos, UE, JBL, Bose, and Anker will help keep the tunes pumping while you soak up the sun. And honestly, who doesn’t need a little extra boom after spending an entire year stuck in quarantine?
3. Outdoor Power Plugs
Several top manufacturers have released outdoor smart plugs this season. These plugs provide many of the same features as current indoor smart plugs. The only difference is that they’re quite a bit tougher when that surprise summer squall hits.
And you can control many of these units via an app on your smartphone. So whether you need a little extra power for your backyard barbecue, or you just want to hang some mood lighting, investing in an outdoor smart plug or two is something you’ll undoubtedly want to do this summer.
4. Smart Thermostats
So you want to get a handle on those outrageous utility bills this season? If you’re looking for a worthy device to help, you need a smart thermostat. A new smart thermostat is just the thing to keep your heating and cooling needs at your fingertips.
Smart thermostats can save you up to 50% on your energy use. For somewhere around $100, you can enjoy a much more comfortable home. Sensi, Google Nest, Honeywell, and Ecobee offer excellent options for discerning buyers searching out specific brands.
5. Door/Window Sensors
In keeping with the theme of temperature control, nothing is more upsetting than realizing you’ve been cranking the AC with an open window or door. Smart sensors will help you prevent wasting energy by informing you when someone cracks a window. You can even trigger these sensors to shut off the AC when a window or door opens.
6. Smart Blinds
If you’re trying to chill out, it’s well-known that keeping a cool room cool is much easier than trying to cool down a hot room. For homes with large windows, or lots of natural light, smart blinds can block out scorching summer sun and help save on energy costs.
Most smart blind setups are also easy to install, and many cost less than you think. Smart blinds are an excellent way to save some cash and keep you from getting sweaty this summer.
7. Indoor/Outdoor Security Cameras
According to a report by Strategy Analytics, a web-based analytics company, around 1 out of 3 homes now employ some type of security camera. Whether that’s a doorbell camera or a stand-alone unit, it’s clear that more people are becoming concerned with the security of their homes.
Security cameras can also help cut down on insurance costs. So whether you take advantage of a new release or pick up last year’s model, a security camera is a perfect choice for summer 2021.
8. Mesh Wi-Fi Router
Let’s be honest—you hate your wireless network. There are parts of your home where the reception is terrible, and you’re sick of having to reconnect smart devices every few months. So why not invest in a network that provides flexible coverage and helps keep your device signal strong? Enter mesh networking.
Each point of contact functions like an additional wireless repeater on a mesh network, improving your signal strength. In addition, if one of your devices stops working, a mesh network will “self-heal” or reroute the signal through another point without affecting the rest of your network. These features make a mesh network an intelligent investment for smart homes this summer.
Enjoy an Updated Smart Home This Summer
With a range of new products coming to market, increased demand for smart devices, and new technology becoming available, summer 2021 is poised to be the “summer of the smart home.”
That means if you haven’t thought about upgrading the devices around your house, now is a perfect time. And while this list doesn’t cover every product on the market, it’s a great way to get you started down the road of smart home summer bliss.