In recent years, smart home devices like voice-activated speakers and responsive lighting systems have exploded in popularity. Think Philips Hue bulbs that resemble works of art, adapt to the time of day, or sync music across rooms. These innovations, often called smart home accessories, elevate everyday functionality.
Yet terms like 'accessories' undersell their impact. Popular devices such as the Amazon Echo Dot, Apple TV, and Philips Hue now pair with specialized add-ons that boost utility, portability, and intelligence. Drawing from years of testing smart home setups, this guide highlights the best options for leading products, including speakers, mounts, controllers, and more.
Launched in 2016, the compact Amazon Echo Dot (32mm x 84mm x 84mm) delivers superior voice recognition, Echo Spatial Perception for multi-device coordination, and more—all at a fraction of the full Echo's price. A Comparison Guide to Amazon Echo Devices: Which One is Best for You? We compare the Plus, Dot, Tap, Show, Spot, Look, and Fire TV Cube to help you choose.
Bluetooth pairs it with external speakers, but portability remains limited—until now.
Echo Dot (2nd generation) - Smart speaker with Alexa - Black. Buy now on Amazon.
The VAUX Speaker for Echo Dot overcomes key limitations with its battery-powered design that houses your Dot. Take Alexa anywhere, enjoy upgraded audio in a sleek form, and use the built-in 3.5mm jack for phones or tablets. It charges in 5-6 hours idle or 8-10 during use, with up to six hours of runtime.
At $50, the VAUX (black or white) is available via Ninety7Life or Amazon.
VAUX Wireless Home Speaker + Power Bank for Amazon Echo Dot Gen 2 Black / Carbon. Buy Now On Amazon $19.82.
The Dot shines solo, but cases elevate it further. Amazon's six options—woven nylon ($14.99; black, indigo, sandstone) or full-grain leather ($19.99; Saddle Tan, Merlot, Midnight)—fit precisely while preserving access. Third-party stands and cases abound too.
Google Home ($129, late 2016 launch) handles music, smart controls, and Chromecast audio. Google Home Review: This $130 powerhouse from the search giant answers queries, manages homes, and streams tunes—worth it?
Six stylish bases refresh it: fabric ($20; mango, navy, purple) or metal ($40; carbon, copper, snow).
Since 2014, Fire TV streams HD content via remote, app, or controller. Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Game Controller Review & Giveaway: Like Apple TV with gaming perks.
Fire TV - Previous Generation. Buy Now on Amazon.
Control Fire TV, TV, Blu-ray, soundbar, and DVD with one $30 Sideclick. IR learning programs eight buttons across devices. Kickstarter success, available on Amazon.
Ergonomic with voice search, headphone jack, and 90-hour battery life. $50 on Amazon. Mounts, keyboards, and remote cases available too.
Apple TV ($149+) from 2015 offers a robust accessory ecosystem. Is this the Apple TV upgrade you've been waiting for?
$30 universal remote with adapter for 4th-gen models.
Play hundreds of games on Apple TV/iOS. $50, Lightning-rechargeable, 40-hour battery.
Mounts and charges your remote on the TV back for $15 via Apple.
Ditch app-hunting for button-based control.
Bluetooth buttons for lights, music (Buying wireless speakers? How to choose the best system for you), heating, cameras. Four-pack $99. Flic Hub (Oct 2017, $109 with three buttons) supports up to 50.
Indiegogo hit: $199 aluminum/touch controller for speakers/lights via Bluetooth LE. Black/white on Amazon.
Smart home accessories are expanding fast, enhancing every setup. Which have you tried? Share below.
