You don't need to be a tech expert to embrace home automation. User-friendly DIY starter kits suit beginners and pros alike. These smart home bundles and hubs make thoughtful gifts any time of year—for others or yourself.
From enhancing home security to automating lights, these curated packages deliver seamless smart control.
This standout bundle pairs the Echo Dot (2nd generation) with the Lutron Caseta wireless smart lighting kit, enabling effortless voice-activated light control via Amazon Alexa.
Lutron Caseta integrates with lights, fans, switches, thermostats, garage doors, sprinklers, and devices from WeMo, Philips Hue, Samsung SmartThings, Nest, ecobee, and more. Priced around $160, it's available in black or white.
Philips Hue White A19 Starter Kit (CA) offers an affordable entry at $70, including two bulbs and the bridge.
Launched in 2012, Hue is renowned as the world's smartest LED system, compatible with iOS and Apple Watch apps. Expand up to 50 bulbs; individual prices range from $15 (White A19) to $50 (White and Color Ambiance A19).
Bonus: Best Buy bundles an Amazon Echo Dot with the Philips Hue White A19 Starter Kit for $100.
Wink Relay brings smart control to your walls, replacing standard switches or serving as a command center for intercom, Uber, Fitbit, and IFTTT.
The Wink Relay Pack costs $149 for two controllers; singles are $99.
This $200 kit includes one motion sensor, two contact sensors, two remote tags, window decals, and the CubeOne hub with a 110dB siren. Self-monitor via the free iOS/Android app—no fees or contracts.
Features an Ecobee3 thermostat and three room sensors to monitor temperature and occupancy for precise comfort control via iOS/Android apps.
Hubs act as the central brain, connecting locks, thermostats, sensors, switches, lights, and more.
Insteon's RF-based kits excel in reliability and simple setup.
The Insteon Home Automation Starter Kit includes a hub and two dimmer modules, controllable via mobile and compatible with Echo, Apple Watch, Harmony, Nest, Sonos, and more.
Upgrade to the Home Comfort Kit (hub, two dimmers, thermostat) for energy savings or the Warranty Kit (hub, two dimmers, leak/motion/open-close sensors).
SmartThings supports hundreds of devices via its platform.
The $249 Home Monitoring Kit includes the hub, two multipurpose sensors, a motion sensor, and an outlet for door/window monitoring, motion detection, and appliance control. Add sensors anytime.
The $69 Wink Hub controls your home remotely, supporting Bluetooth LE, Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, ZigBee, Lutron ClearConnect, and Kidde.
Starter packs: Quick Start Kit ($100: hub + 2 GE Link bulbs); Lighting Control Kit ($329: hub + 2 Leviton dimmers/switches); Security & Monitoring Kit ($173: hub + GoControl security suite + Leviton plug-in). Wink Hub 2 ($99) offers enhanced connectivity; compatible with existing products.
Smart home tech is accessible to everyone, thanks to reliable starter kits and hubs from trusted brands. Shop sales, especially holidays, and choose current models as tech evolves quickly. These recommendations provide a solid foundation for a smarter home.
Already using a smart home kit? Share your favorites in the comments below.
