While smart devices can make your life easier and save you money in the long run, they can be an expensive investment for your home. Thankfully, there are plenty of smart home kits out there that can get you started at a more affordable cost.

From lights to security cameras, it's easy to turn your home into a modern smart home. And, with a smart kit, you know that all the products in the kit are designed to work together seamlessly, taking out the hassle and time needed to research them before buying.

Here are the best smart home starter kits available today.

To ensure peace of mind at home, the Arlo Pro 3 Spotlight Camera comes with three spotlight security cameras, a battery pack, and a dual charging station. When motion activated, the 6500K spotlight will illuminate above the lens, allowing you to view full-color night videos. It also has an 80dB siren to alert you to any potential dangers outside of your home.

Since the Arlo Pro 3 Spotlight Camera is designed for the outdoors, it has an IP65 rating. The battery can last for up to six months, wirelessly, or you can use the included charging cable, though it's quite short and probably not really designed for permanent charging.

Using Wi-Fi, it's super easy to set up and connect the Arlo Pro 3 Spotlight Camera to your home's network. You can store videos and images locally via a USB storage device, or opt for an Arlo Smart plan for more storage. Either way, the cameras support 128-bit SSL and two-factor authentication for privacy purposes.

Key Features
  • HDR
  • Instant alerts
  • Two-way audio
  • 160-degree diagonal viewing angle
  • Privacy zones
Specifications
  • Resolution: 2K
  • Brand: Arlo
  • Night Vision?: Yes
Pros
  • Works with Alexa
  • Large field of view
  • Alarm and call a friend from the app
Cons
  • Expensive
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Arlo Pro 3 Spotlight Camera
Editors choice

2. Ring Alarm 8-piece Kit

9.40 / 10
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The Ring Alarm 8-piece Kit comes with everything you need to start building your home security system. It includes a base station, keypad, contact sensor, motion detector, and range extender, all of which can be controlled via the Ring app. There's no need to call a professional for installation since you can do it yourself.

For smaller homes, it offers all-around coverage so you can see when the system is triggered. Receiving notifications to your phone is easy, and you can set specific areas and schedules from the app. You can even tell the app when you're home or away, so it will trigger different rules.

If you're looking for an affordable way to protect your entire home, the Ring Alarm 8-piece Kit is a great choice. You can build upon it with other Ring products in the future too, and keep an eye on things in real-time using an Alexa-compatible device.

Key Features
  • Contact and motion sensors
  • Range extender
  • Mobile notifications
Specifications
  • Brand: Ring
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Connectivity: Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
  • Installation: DIY
  • Power: AC adapter, rechargeable battery
  • Professional Monitoring: Optional
  • Security: Base station, keypad, contact sensor, motion detector, range extender
  • Integrations: Alexa
  • Keypad: Yes
Pros
  • Easy to setup
  • Works with Alexa
  • Complete home security kit
Cons
  • Some features require subscription
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Ring Alarm 8-piece Kit
Best value

3. Sengled E39-NA05HM

8.80 / 10
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Turning your home into a smart home often starts with a couple of devices; the most popular being smart bulbs. The Sengled E39-NA05HM comes with three smart bulbs, a dimmer switch, and a Sengled hub, so you can control your lighting at home via the app, or via voice control with Alexa.

Everything is super simple to set up, and each bulb is dimmable at 60W. But, the best thing is that you can choose from over 16 million colors, creating the perfect ambiance in each of your rooms.

From group settings, timers, and schedules, you can start to save money and up your home's energy efficiency by turning lights off when you don't need them, or getting them to trigger when certain events happen.

Key Features
  • Alexa and Google Home compatible
  • 16 million colors to choose from
  • Smart light switch
Specifications
  • Brand: Sengled
  • Integrations: Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings
  • Protocol: ‎Wi-Fi, Zigbee
  • Hub Required: Yes
  • Multicolor Capable: Yes
  • Color Range: 16 million
  • Voltage: 120V
  • Wattage: 60W
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi
Pros
  • Tons of color options
  • Quick and easy to set up
  • Easy to use app
Cons
  • Some switch lag may be experienced
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Sengled E39-NA05HM

If you're not fussed about having different color lights in your home, then the Philips Hue Smart Button Starter Kit is a great and affordable choice. Included are three smart bulbs, a Philips Hue hub, and a smart button. All of the devices are compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa, as well as controllable via the Philips Hue app.

Once set up, you can schedule your own custom light scenes. For example, you can set the lights to turn on when you arrive home, or gradually turn the lights out as you head to bed. You can also add many more Philips Hue products to your setup, allowing you to enjoy a more energy-efficient smart home.

Better yet, installation is simple as you don't need to drill any holes if you don't want to. The switch comes with an adhesive strip, so if you'd prefer to stick it on your wall for easy access, you can do this.

Key Features
  • Dimmable
  • Home and away schedules
  • Alexa and Google compatible
Specifications
  • Brand: Philips Hue
  • Integrations: ‎Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa
  • Hub Required: Yes
  • Multicolor Capable: No
  • Wattage: 60W
Pros
  • Connect up to 50 Hue lights
  • Easy to use app and voice control
  • Home detection and automation
  • No hardwiring needed
Cons
  • Philips Hue products are quite expensive if you want to expand
Buy This Product
Philips Hue Smart Button Starter Kit

The ecobee SmartThermostat is an ideal starting point if you want to step into the world of smart home technology. It can be controlled from anywhere using the app, or via the main unit which is easy to use and doesn't look too out of place.

Since the ecobee SmartThermostat can work with Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, SmartThings, and Alexa, there's a world of possibilities available. And, if you invest in an ecobee SmartSensor, you can even schedule the thermostat to turn your HVAC system off when a door or window is left open for a set period of time. This saves on energy costs but does require a Haven subscription.

Using 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, the ecobee SmartThermostat can be installed in less than an hour. It also includes a Power Extender Kit if your home doesn't have a C-wire, which not all smart thermostats think to include.

Key Features
  • Remote controlled heating
  • Room sensors
  • Works with Alexa and Google
Specifications
  • Brand: ecobee
  • Integrations: Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, SmartThings
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi
  • Display: Touchscreen
  • Weight: 1.85lbs
Pros
  • Two room sensors included
  • Easy to install
  • Great app
Cons
  • Large bezels
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ecobee SmartThermostat

A more affordable way to keep on top of your home's security is with the Blink Outdoor 2 camera kit with Blink Mini. You'll get two outdoor cameras as well as a Blink Mini, so you can keep an eye on what's going on indoors and outdoors. Better yet, these devices work with Alexa, so you can use an Alexa-compatible screen device and say "Alexa, show the front door camera".

The Blink Outdoor is a wireless battery-powered HD security camera, so you can expect it to last for up to two years before needing to change the batteries. It features motion detection, and two-way audio, so you can ask for your deliveries to be left on your doorstep, or put on the porch if it's raining.

Using the Blink app, you can view what's happening and receive notifications when motion is detected. You can also customize motion detection zones, so if you know the kids are playing outdoors, you won't be pinged with hundreds of alerts.

Key Features
  • Outdoor and indoor cameras
  • 1080 HD video
  • Motion detection
  • Two-way audio
Specifications
  • Brand: Blink
  • Resolution: 1080p
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi
  • App Compatibility: Yes
  • Night Vision: Yes
  • Internal or External: External
  • Power Source: Battery
Pros
  • Long lasting battery
  • Motion detection alerts
  • Works with Alexa
  • Great value for money
Cons
  • No person detection
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Blink Outdoor

The Wyze Home Security Core Kit is one of the most affordable whole home security kits. Included, you'll get a Wyze hub, keypad, motion sensor, and two entry sensors. And, since it's a DIY kit, you can simply peel and stick the adhesive labels on each of the devices, and connect to the Wi-Fi; it's as easy as that.

Using the app, you can arm/disarm your home, view live feeds, or set up security schedules. If in the future you decide to expand your home's security, the Wyze system supports up to 100 sensors.

One of the best parts of the Wyze Home Security Core Kit is the inclusion of the Monitoring Service which you can cancel when it expires. What this does is offer 24/7 professional monitoring, so you can receive professional help if an alarm is triggered. Once confirmed, emergency services will be on their way in no time at all, offering you the ultimate peace of mind.

Key Features
  • Security schedules
  • Live view
  • Professional security monitoring
  • Climate and leak sensors
Specifications
  • Professional Monitoring?: Yes (subscription)
  • What's Included: 1x hub, 1x keypad, 1x motion sensor, 2x entry sensors, 1x power adaptor
  • Brand: Wyze
Pros
  • Very affordable price
  • Easy DIY installation
  • Lots included in the kit
Cons
  • Doesn't include range extender
Buy This Product
Wyze Home Security Core Kit

FAQ

Q: Is Alexa Good for Home Automation?

Alexa works with most smart devices, making it a great choice for those looking to create a modern smart home.

Adding an Alexa device to your smart home also gives you the ability to control all of your smart home gadgets with simple voice commands, making it even easier.

Q: How Does Smart Technology Save Money?

Most smart devices can be turned off remotely, which helps you to save energy and money, by turning off devices that are not in use right now. Many smart hubs will also allow you to group smart devices together, letting you turn off multiple devices with one click.

Many smart devices will also let you set timers, meaning you can turn off all your smart devices during times when you are regularly not home, in bed, or just not using them.