The best smart home gadgets for your first apartment

You can think of Eco Show 5 as a command center for your automated home. Amazon adjusted its smallest screen in 2023 will be a little faster and a little more bass than its predecessor, and it’s still a good smart display for a compact space. It shows images from your connected cameras and grants voice control over your smart plugs and other devices. Plus, it plays your music or podcasts, tells you the weather forecast, and even streams your favorite show (note that the Netflix app it is not supported).

Connected light bulbs could be the easiest way to turn your analog home into a “smart” home. A single smart light can ensure you never walk into a dark apartment again. You can set schedules for your daily routines or make it seem like you’re at home when you’re not. Being able to turn things off with just your voice or through an app can save you from getting out of bed when you’re ready to sleep. Our senior commerce editor, Valentina Palladino, tested several bulbs for our guide and think that TP-Link Kasa smart bulbs give you the best value. Installation will be easy even for those new to smart devices thanks to Kasa’s simple and clean app. It’s worth noting that voice control is only available with Alexa or Google Assistant; Unfortunately, Siri is incompatible.

Roku’s 4K Streaming Stick Turns any screen with an HDMI port into a smart TV for under $50. Our commerce writer, Nicole Lee, likes Roku’s simple interface and the fact that it supports universal search so you can find out which service a particular program is running on. Unlike some streaming devices, Roku works with all the major voice assistants: Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa. You can even control your TV by saying “hey, Roku” on the included remote or through the Roku app. The same app turns your phone into a second remote and also allows private listening through headphones. The 4K dongle is made for high-resolution displays, but if you don’t have a 4K TV and want to save more, Amazon’s Fire TV Stick Lite is our favorite budget option.

An indoor security camera can allow you to keep an eye on your pets when you’re away or just give you some peace of mind when you’re away for the weekend. The updated Flash Mini 2 The camera now comes with spotlights, offers better night vision, and is rated for indoor and outdoor use. As a result, the price has gone up by $10, but it’s still considered one of the most affordable smart security cameras on the market. Blink is an Amazon brand, so the camera should sync easily with the Echo Show’s displays, but it will also send video feed to your phone or Fire TV. A built-in microphone and speaker let you hear and talk to anyone in the room, which is great for confusing the cat or scaring your guests.

Whether it’s exhaust from city traffic, pollen in the suburbs, or wildfire smoke everywhere, it’s not always ideal to open your apartment windows to get some fresh air. One air purifier can help keep indoor air healthier when you’re stuck indoors, and we like this unit for small spaces from Levoit. O Core 300S Smart Air Purifier is an app-compatible gadget that can automatically adjust fan speed depending on the amount of particles detected in the air. We found it was nearly silent running on low and not too distracting when on high. Plus, it’s relatively affordable and replacement filters only cost around $35.

I found the stickiest, most amazing lamp in the lobby of one of my first apartment buildings and I still cherish it to this day – but its rotary dial is extremely difficult to turn. I have since connected it to one of the Kasa EP25 Smart Plugs and now it automatically turns on just before sunset and turns off when I say goodnight to Alexa (or ask her to turn off the “ugly light bulb”). Many smart plugs out there will do this, but the EP25 performs best from our guide because we found it connects easily, works reliably, and is compatible with all four major smart home platforms.

No one is using Christmas lights as decorations, but strip lights are a slightly more elegant way to add style to your space. You can use them to brighten up bookshelves, create ambience for your streaming setup, or transform your bedroom into a color-coordinated haven. Govee makes many different smart LED strips, but the one that senior commerce editor Valentina recommends in our guide and the M1 RGBIC. She was impressed by the brightness of the light and the wide spectrum of shades available. You can control different segments independently, and the app has an “effects lab” that offers pre-programmed lighting presets like sunsets, starry nights, and movie-themed color palettes.

Engadget’s Valentina Palladino has tested more than a dozen robotic vacuums and recommends iRobot Roomba 694 for those who want to keep their floors clean without spending a lot of money (or time). The company’s companion app is simple and probably the 694’s biggest selling point, walking you through installation and programming. The vacuum handles hard floors and carpets and runs for about 45 minutes on a charge, which should be enough for most smaller apartments. You’ll have to help him when he gets stuck on a cable and empty the bin when it’s full, but other than that, it’s a pretty practical way to get cleaner floors.

O Sleeps wander is a portable smart speaker that packs a decent amount of utility into a $180 package. While it’s not the cheapest, it’s relatively cheap for Sonos, a brand known for quality audio. Roam will play your preferred music service, delivering clear highs and impressive bass due to its size. Alexa is built in and you can also access Google Assistant, meaning you can use the speaker to place orders on your compatible smart home devices. And when it’s time to relax, you can ask Roam to play any song you can imagine.

Thick walls, awkward layouts, and other factors can make home WiFi reception spotty. If you’re experiencing dead zones in your apartment, a WiFi extender can help. TP-Link AC1200 RE315 it is ours favorite budget pick: Covers 1,500 square feet and offers speeds of up to 1,200 Mbps – plenty fast for streaming and working from home. It also has a built-in Ethernet port, which should provide an even more reliable connection to essential technology like your TV or game console.

Cooking for yourself is one of the biggest adjustments of adulthood – it certainly was for me. Fortunately, a large quantity of beans and rice can keep most humans alive much longer than you might think. O Instant Pot Duo cook beans without soaking and make fluffy rice; add a jar of sauce and you have a pretty complete meal. Of course, it can also cook more elaborate things: search Instant Pot recipes and you’ll have a lifetime worth ideas. We recommend a larger version in our guide to kitchen utensilsbut this three-bedroom model is more affordable and better sized for just one or two people.