Smart Home Controllers
Smart home technology offers homeowners convenience, energy efficiency and security, as well as cost savings by allowing residents to monitor and control connected devices remotely. Door locks, lawn irrigation systems, thermostats, home entertainment and security systems, light bulbs, home appliances, such as refrigerators, and even water sensors and cameras are controlled through a smart home system, which can be accessed via a smartphone, tablet or networked computer.
A key component of a smart home is a master controller, also known as a hub or device, that acts as a translator between the different communication protocols used by various devices in the home. For example, a motion sensor installed outside the front door may operate over the Z-Wave protocol while smart bulbs inside the house communicate over Zigbee. A hub is the translator that translates these two devices into one system that can be controlled through an app on a smart phone, tablet or other networked device.
The best smart home controller will offer a variety of features that can be controlled through an app on cellular or Wi-Fi connections, and most will have built-in voice recognition and microphones for responding to simple commands such as “turn on the lights,” “turn off the alarm”, or “show me the living room”. They should be easy to set up, and they should work with all of the major smart home ecosystems, including Alexa, OK Google, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings.
Smart Home Controllers – What Are They and Which One Should I Get?
Many smart home controllers have additional built-in capabilities that make them more useful, such as a camera that can be programmed to track movement, display video to show who’s at the door, or allow for live video calls with people at the door. These camera capabilities are especially useful if the smart home system is designed to be used for security purposes.
Victoria Woollaston is a freelance science, tech and lifestyle editor with more than a decade of experience testing and reviewing consumer products. She has extensive knowledge of smart home technologies and their interconnectivity. Her own home is fully outfitted with smart lighting, a smart thermostat, a smart speaker, and multiple smart outlets, as well as an indoor and outdoor camera.
For a full smart home installation, homeowners will need to invest in an automation hub and the devices that they plan to connect. This can cost thousands of dollars, but smaller individual products costing less than $100 can get residents started with smart home automation. In addition to the hardware and software required for a smart home, homeowners should have a reliable internet connection to ensure that they can connect to their smart devices. Depending on the system, users may also need to install a smart home gateway or router. These can be purchased separately or as part of a bundled smart home kit. Lastly, homeowners should consider a warranty for their smart home controller. Many smart home products come with a limited one-year warranty, but some have extended warranties that can cover up to five years of repairs.