Mom had her day in May, and now it's Dad's turn!
Father's Day is almost here, leaving many struggling to find the perfect gift in time. Dads can be very difficult to shop for, but no matter if they're a tech whiz or just starting to learn, any dad can find a way to use at least one of these smart home gadgets in his daily life.
Our list ranges from smart locks to remote controls and more. Some gadgets make Dad's life easier, some make his life healthier, and some help him up his barbecue game. No matter what your price, or what gift you choose, Dad will be impressed with these.
Echo Show - 1st Generation Black Echo Show - 1st Generation Black Buy now on Amazon
A big part of a smart home is a central hub that can control compatible products. And the Amazon Echo Show is a great option.
The device can access the growing catalog of skills, currently more than 20,000, which can be controlled with a voice command to the virtual assistant Alexa. But the great attraction of the model is its 7-inch touch screen. That helps open up a world of different possibilities with the easy-to-setup device.
In addition to being able to view a live video stream from compatible security cameras, Dad can also view Amazon Video content, song lyrics, video flash briefings, and more. A built-in camera also allows the Echo Show to make video calls to other display-enabled Echo devices or anyone with the Amazon Alexa smartphone app.
Philips Hue White A19 60W Equivalent Smart Bulb Starter Kit (2 A19 60W White Bulbs and 1 Hub Compatible with Amazon Alexa Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant) Philips Hue White A19 60W Equivalent Smart Bulb Starter Kit (2 A19 60W White Bulbs and 1 Hub Compatible with Amazon Alexa Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant) Buy now on Amazon
Wireless-enabled lighting is one of the most popular ways to start building a smart home. And the Philips Hue line has consistently been one of the best on the market thanks to its ease of use and plethora of bulb options. A great way to help dad get started is with the Philips Hue White A19 Starter Kit.
Along with the necessary hub that connects to an internet router, you'll also receive two standard A19 bulbs. Each bulb can only display one shade of white light, and the output is a maximum of 800 lumens. The bulbs can also be dimmed without the need to install any type of physical dimmer. Once Dad becomes familiar with the Tono line, there are many other possible additions, including a light bulb that can display over 16 million colors, a light strip, and more.
The system is also compatible with a wide variety of smart home systems, including Amazon Alexa and Amazon HomeKit.
Logitech Harmony Elite Remote Control, Hub and App, works with Alexa Logitech Harmony Elite Remote Control, Hub and App, works with Alexa Buy Now On Amazon $248.95
In the never-ending battle of who gets the remote, dad usually comes out on top, at least in my house. One of the best remote controls on the market is the Logitech Harmony Elite..
Instead of fumbling with hundreds of different buttons to program the remote for your TV, soundbar, and other devices, all the work is done with a simple smartphone app. The remote can control up to 15 smart home entertainment devices like the Nest Smart Thermostat. With a full-color touch screen, Dad can control devices and even schedule one-touch activities that control multiple settings at once.
Thanks to the included Harmony Hub, Dad can even control devices placed in closed cabinets. And if he really doesn't like to lift a finger while watching a game or movie, Amazon Alexa support will let him control devices with just a voice command.
Blink Indoor Security Camera System with Motion Detection, HD Video, 2 Year Battery Life and Cloud Storage Included - 1 Camera Kit Blink Indoor Security Camera System with Motion Detection, Video HD, 2-year battery life and cloud storage included - 1 Camera Kit Buy now on Amazon $99.99
A truly wireless security camera offers a number of great benefits as part of a smart home. Without the need for any kind of power cord, Dad can place them almost anywhere. It's also a perfect way to secure a rental home or apartment where wiring and mountings aren't practical.
And a great way to completely cut the cord is with the Blink home security camera system.
Whenever motion is detected, the system will send an alert to a smartphone and then record the event in the cloud. Dad can also see the live view from any camera. With normal use, the included two AA batteries will last up to two years. Unlike many other cameras, there is no extra charge for cloud video storage. It's easy to start with a one-camera system and then purchase additional cameras later. There is also an outdoor, weatherproof model to select from.
First Alert 1036469 Wi-Fi Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector, Wired First Alert 1036469 Wi-Fi Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector, Wired Buy Now On Amazon $132.37
Even the humble, but lifesaving, smoke detector has taken a big step towards technology. While compatible with Apple's HomeKit platform, the Onelink First Alert carbon monoxide alert alarm can also be integrated with other compatible products.
In the event of an emergency, Dad can be notified on an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch from anywhere. The alarm will also verbally indicate the type of hazard:smoke or carbon monoxide and where it is in the home.
Made to last at least 10 years, the detector can easily replace any existing hardwired alarm. There is also a battery version available.
Weber iGrill 2 Thermometer Weber iGrill 2 Thermometer Buy Now on Amazon $87.99
Your dad probably loves being the BBQ king, and the Weber iGrill 2 Thermometer offers some smart solutions to help him grill anything to perfection.
Dad can control the temperature of up to four different meats on the grill with probes. Battery powered, the device connects to a smartphone to track each piece of meat from start to finish. Thanks to a magnetic disc, the thermometer connects to any grill. And as long as Dad's no more than 150 feet away, he can pick up the drink of his choice and watch as the meat finishes cooking..
As a nice touch, there's an LED temperature readout on the iGrill 2. With the app, you can customize minimum and maximum temperature alarms, view temperature graphs, and even share what's for dinner with friends via social media.
eero Home WiFi System (1 eero + 2 eero Beacon) - Advanced Tri-Band Mesh Mesh System to Replace Traditional Routers and WiFi Ranger Extenders - Coverage:2-4 Room eero Home WiFi System (1 eero + 2 eero Beacon ) - Advanced Tri-Band Mesh WiFi System to Replace Traditional Routers and WiFi Ranger Extenders - Coverage:2-4 Bedroom Home Buy Now On Amazon $349.00
For any modern family, fast Internet service is on a par with electricity, water, and other must-haves.
And as Dad knows all too well, making sure everyone in the house has the fastest possible speeds for streaming Netflix, using an iPad, and even controlling smart home devices is easier said than done. Ordinary routers have substantial problems transmitting Wi-Fi through obstacles and walls in a home and handling the myriad of Internet-connected devices.
The Eero Home WiFi system uses wireless mesh technology to provide fast and reliable Internet service. How Mesh Wi-Fi systems can seriously fix your Wi-Fi issues and problems. Is Mesh Networking And Is It Right For You? Here are some benefits of mesh networking and the best options to try now. Read More The starter kit offers a main Eero unit and two beacons that can be simply plugged into any free electrical outlet. After an easy setup, Dad can use a smartphone app to control the finer points of the system.
Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller, 8 Zone 2nd Generation, Works with Amazon Alexa Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller, 8 Zone 2nd Generation, Works with Amazon Alexa Buy Now On Amazon $119.49
Most dads enjoy getting outside to cultivate their perfect yard. And the Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller can help dad have the best yard on the block. As a bonus, you can save on both water and expenses.
After replacing the current old school sprinkler controller, Dad can monitor and adjust the sprinkler system on any smartphone or internet connected device. You can customize each area of the patio and create a watering schedule..
Rachio will automatically adapt to the weather and changing seasons to keep your lawn healthy, lush, and green.
Tile Sport - Key Finder. Phone Finder Anything Finder (Graphite) - 1 Pack Tile Sport - Key Finder. Phone Finder Find Everything (Graphite) - 1 Pack Buy Now On Amazon $29.04
It always seems to happen at the most inopportune time for Dad and everyone else. Just when he needs something, be it keys, a bag or something else, he is nowhere to be found. But the Tile Sport Tracker is looking to make the maddening situation a thing of the past.
The little Bluetooth tracker can attach to just about anything. When something goes missing, and as long as you're within 200 feet of your iPhone, the Tile Sport will start beeping, making it easy to find. The tracker is also waterproof.
And in a pinch, in those moments when Dad lost his iPhone, he can double-press the center button on the Sport and the earpiece will start ringing, even if it's on silent.
August Smart Lock, 3rd Generation Technology - Silver, Works with Alexa August Smart Lock, 3rd Generation Technology - Silver, Works with Alexa Buy Now On Amazon $124.50
Smart locks provide a great way to control access to a home without the hassle of having to use extra keys. One of the most versatile options available today is the August Smart Lock.
While many other smart locks require a complete rework of the entire lock, August installs on the inside of the door. This means Dad can keep the existing lock and won't have to worry about giving everyone new keys.
With the smartphone app, you can see who's coming and going and more. Dad can also set the device to automatically unlock when he approaches and lock when he leaves.
No matter what kind of parent your dad is, there's a smart home gadget that's perfect for him. He does a lot to keep the family running smoothly, so there's no better way to celebrate Father's Day by making Dad's daily routine a little easier.
And if your dad is looking to jump on the smart home bandwagon but doesn't want to spend hours upon hours setting everything up, check out these smart devices that anyone can install in 10 minutes or less. 10 Smart Home Products You Can Install in 10 Minutes or Less 10 Smart Home Products You Can Install in 10 Minutes or Less Frustrated by devices that take hours of your life to install? Try one of these connected smart home gadgets instead – it only takes 10 minutes tops to get them up and running. Read more.
