Best devices for getting started with HomeKit 2022

Eve Energy Smart Plug and Homepod Mini
Eve Energy Smart Plug and Homepod Mini (Image credit: Eve Systems)

If you are all-in with Apple and want to begin building the smart home of your dreams, then Apple's HomeKit is the absolute best way to go. HomeKit brings all of your smart home devices under one roof — the Home app on your iPhone. HomeKit also enables powerful automation capabilities that work regardless of the brand of your device. Whether it is HomeKit light bulbs, door locks, sensors, or cameras, here's our guide to the best HomeKit devices to help start your smart home off right.

Start your smart home journey off right with the best HomeKit devices

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If you want to give your home a hassle-free smart home upgrade, then HomeKit is the best place to start for Apple fans. HomeKit makes it easy to add app and Siri voice control to your home by combining all of your smart home devices under one roof — the Home app on your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac.

If you are just starting out, Apple's HomePod mini should be the first thing on your list. Apple's smart speaker offers hands-free music playback and smart home controls, and it also works as a HomeKit — and Thread hub. By acting as a HomeKit hub, the HomePod mini opens the doors to automation, scenes, schedules, remote out-of-home controls, and so much more. Plus, with the inclusion of Thread, the HomePod mini is about as future-proof as you can get.

Want to test the HomeKit waters before diving head-first? The Nanoleaf Essentials A19 Light Bulb and the Eve Energy Smart Plug work with HomeKit right out of the box; no accounts, app downloads, or hubs needed. These smart devices support connectivity over both Bluetooth and Thread, so you can start small by using just your iPhone while still having to option to increase reliability and range in the future by picking up a HomePod mini or other Thread Border Router.

Christopher Close

Christopher spends most of his time writing and dreaming about all things HomeKit and the Home app. Whether it is installing smart light switches, testing the latest door locks, or automating his households daily routines, Christopher has done it all.