HomeKit is Apple's home automation platform, and it lets you control any compatible lights, plugs, thermostats, sensors, alarms, locks, and other connected devices with a tap of your iPhone or — thanks to Siri — the sound of your voice. Better still, it does so in a way that ensures privacy and security for your network and your home. More and more HomeKit accessories are coming out all the time, so here is the best of the best to help you with your needs.
Lights on
Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Starter Kit
Staff Favorite
The Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Starter Kit include everything you need to get going with HomeKit lighting. This set contains three color light bulbs that are compatible with any current light fixtures using an E26 screw base. Also included with this starter kit is the Philips Hue bridge, which connects to your home router to enable HomeKit support, and the handy dimmer remote switch. Once connected, you can use Siri, or the Home app to control your lights from anywhere in the world.
$167 at Amazon$190 at Best Buy
Switch things up
Lutron Caseta Wireless Lighting Starter Kit
Lutron's Caséta Wireless Lighting Starter Kit includes the HomeKit-enabled Caséta Wireless Smart Bridge. These in-wall dimmer switches can replace your existing in-wall switch. From there, link it to the Smart Bridge, and boom! You've got wireless, HomeKit-enabled control of your existing lighting. Luton Caséta also has integrations with Amazon Alexa, Hunter fans, and Sonos audio devices.
$100 at Amazon$100 at Best Buy$111 at Walmart
Get smart
Wemo Mini Smart Plug
Belkin's Wemo Mini Smart Plug is the quickest way to start your HomeKit journey. These tiny devices plug directly into any electrical outlet and instantly turn anything attached to them smart. You can control devices such as coffee makers, lamps, air purifiers, fans, and more with your voice or through a simple tap. The Wemo Mini is also compatible with other smart home platforms such as Alexa and Google Assistant.
$20 at Amazon$30 at Best Buy$30 at Walmart
Keep an eye on things
Logitech Circle View
The Circle View camera from Logitech is one of the most flexible cameras around with its ability to work both indoors and out. The Circle 2 includes staples like high-quality 1080p video, two-way audio, notifications, and infared night vision. Plus, Logitech's camera also supports Apple's HomeKit Secure Video feature, which utilizes iCloud for storage and can filter out nuisance notifications with smart filters.
Push it
Eve Button
The Eve Button is a sleek, battery-operated button that works just as you would expect. With a simple press, it controls an assigned HomeKit scene or toggling a single device. Up to four different actions are assignable, such as single press, double press, or a press and hold. Of course, you could simply attach the button near a light switch to use as a makeshift light switch if desired.
$50 at Amazon$50 at Walmart$50 at Apple
Keep your cool
ecobee SmartThermostat
The ecobee SmartThermostat one-ups the popular Nest thermostat by coming with a remote sensor in the box. This allows you to measure not only the temperature of the room or hallway where it resides but also any other room as well. The ecobee SmartThermostat also comes with Amazon's Alexa voice assistant built-in, which can come in handy if you have smart accessories that aren't HomeKit-enabled as of yet.
$250 at Best Buy$249 at Walmart
Completely invisible
Level Lock
The Level Lock is a completely invisible smart lock that hides everything inside of your door. This allows you to keep your existing hardware inside and out, as well as your original keys, making it perfect for renters. Level's Lock is also effortless to install, and since it uses Bluetooth for HomeKit connectivity, you can be up and running in a matter of minutes. Once set up, it can be shared with friends and family with just a few taps either through the Home app or the Level app.
Highly sensitive
Philips Hue Motion Sensor
The Philips Hue Motion Sensor works with more than just the company's connected light bulbs. When combined with HomeKit, you can use this to fire up automations with every accessory category, including fans, plugs, and even speakers. Although it requires the Philps Hue Bridge, it is more than worth the investment, as this motion sensor is one of the fastest responding options around.
$35 at Amazon$40 at Best Buy$48 at Amazon
Stay hydrated
Eve Aqua
The Eve Aqua is the only accessory on the market that works with a traditional spigot and hose to deliver water anywhere you desire. This means that the Eve Aqua can be set up to turn on and off sprinklers, drip irrigation systems, and more, as long as it has a hose fitting. A built-in Bluetooth radio allows the Aqua to connect directly to your HomeKit hub or iOS device. Just keep in mind that it will need to be somewhat close by.
$80 at Amazon$100 at Newegg$100 at Apple
Nice breeze
Hunter Symphony Wi-Fi Ceiling Fan
A HomeKit-connected ceiling fan may not be at the top of one's list of connected accessories. But when it's enabled alongside the lights or thermostat in one's living room, it becomes an integral piece of a larger whole. Available in three finishes, this 54-inch, three-blade fan with so-called Whisper Wind motor has quiet operation even at high speeds. In addition to turning it on via voice, you can controls speeds and even reverse the direction within the Home app.
$299 at Amazon$300 at Walmart$300 at Home Depot
Flood insurance
Fibaro Flood Sensor
This completely wireless sensor is a single-purpose device that is meant to alert you if it detects the presence of water. It could mean the difference between a small repair and a massive cleanup job. The Fibaro Flood Sensor also includes the ability to monitor the temperature of an area, and it, like its water detection status, is viewable in the Home app and with Siri.
$70 at Amazon$50 at Best Buy$50 at Walmart
Open up
Chamberlain MyQ Smart Garage Hub
This handy set includes everything that you need to add smart functionality to your existing garage door and installs in a matter of minutes. Using Wi-Fi for connectivity, the MyQ Smart Garage Hub allows you to open and close your garage door remotely, as well as reporting its status. Keep in mind that this set supports Alexa and the Google Assistant out of the box, HomeKit requires the Chamberlain HomeKit Bridge which is available as a separate purchase.
The best of the best
Having HomeKit accessories in your home enables the ultimate in convenience through automation and voice control. Since HomeKit accessories reside under one roof, the Home app, you can do a lot more than controls, though. You can create scenes such as movie night, which dims your lights to a more comfortable viewing level. The Home app also opens the door to powerful automation, such as unlocking your door when you arrive home.
Looking for an easy way to enter the HomeKit ecosystem? The Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Starter Kit starter kit gets our recommendation, as it only requires screwing in a light bulb along with pairing it with its included bridge. This starter kit also opens the door to other devices within the Hue product line, including remotes, lamps, and more.
Want to take your lighting to the next level? Check out the Lutron Caseta Wireless Lighting Starter Kit, which keeps things simple with replacing your existing light switches, removing the need to have to train others how to operate the lights in your home. Want to go the in-wall switch route but do not know where to start? Check out our guides for Everything that you need to install a light switch, as well as How to install a HomeKit light switch.
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