We've all seen those flashy ad campaigns promising life-changing products, only to watch them gather dust in the garage. Smart home technology, however, consistently delivers on its bold claims.
At MakeUseOf, we've launched a dedicated Smart Home category. What is a smart home? Read More. Here, we spotlight proven devices that can truly elevate your daily life within a year.
Summer shouldn't mean sweltering indoors. The Quirky Aros smart AC unit reclaims the season for you.
It optimizes energy use by running on pre-scheduled cycles with a slower fan for longer efficiency. Return home to a perfectly cooled space—no blasting full power inefficiently. Best of all, it learns your routines and adjusts automatically, often without further input.
Available for $179 on Amazon. Or explore Expat on the Cheap: A Quick Guide to Affordable Living Abroad. Read more.
Keys are outdated—lost, broken, or insufficient for guests. Dating back to 700 BC in ancient Nineveh, they deserve a modern upgrade.
For $181 on Amazon, the Kwikset Kevo lets you lock and unlock with a simple fob tap. Grant permanent or temporary access via the app for family, friends, or guests. Monitor everything remotely, and its conventional design deters tampering. Backup key included for reliability.
Regular home maintenance prevents disasters like floods or electrical issues. Wally Home makes it effortless.
This system monitors your entire home, alerting your phone to the slightest water drop. Sensors track temperature and humidity to spot risks early. See 6 Creative Uses for Wireless Surveillance Cameras in Your Home. Read More.
Hub plus six sensors costs $235 on Amazon.
As the Dalai Lama wisely noted, quality sleep rejuvenates body, mind, and soul. Combat lumpy mattresses, snoring, or barking dogs with a smart bed.
The Sleep Number c2 king-size bed, at $999 on Amazon, goes beyond wearables—tracking movement, heart rate, breathing, and sleep quality. Its web app customizes settings for optimal rest, even dual-sided for couples. Explore The 8 Best Fitness Gadgets To Help You Get Fit. Read More.
Garden enthusiasts, meet your new best friend. Click & Grow handles everything.
Grow three herbs or spices effortlessly with timed lights, nutrient-releasing fertilizer, a month's water reservoir, and smart soil balancing nutrients, oxygen, and moisture. No more vacation worries. See Koubachi - Helps you take care of your plants [iPhone]. Read More.
Priced at $95 on Amazon—if plants fail, it's time for pavement.
Vacation pet care simplified: stream 138° video and audio to your phone for peace of mind.
Solve mysteries like "who ate my flip-flops?" from anywhere. Get yours for $199 on Amazon.
Own a game-changing smart device? Share it below. We'd love feedback on these picks too.
