New to Automation? This Is Your Smart Home Starter Kit for 2024

Years ago, building a smart home felt overwhelming and intimidating, not to mention expensive. Now that we’re in 2024, however, home automation is easier than ever. You can purchase gadgets one at a time, and then expand your collection according to your needs without worrying about the smart home devices working together.

If you’re embracing home automation, here are three gadgets we think should be on your must-have list. They’re easy to set up and are mostly plug-and-play after connecting to the corresponding app. They also support easy expansion so you can start with one device and then add other tools that can be controlled by the app or your voice. It’s so simple!

Smart plugs or power strips

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With the help of these two, you can virtually turn any gadget or appliance into a smart home device. Control your TV, speakers, fans, lamps, and more wirelessly, turning them on and off or setting timers so they can wake or shut down automatically. 

For smart plugs, try the Crabtek Smart Plug Adapter with Energy Monitoring. It features voice and app control, timer, and scheduling, and can be used with all types of plugs. Buy it here for P479.

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If you want a smart power strip, check out the Lasco Wifi Universal Powerstrip Plus. You can individually control up to four devices anytime and anywhere via the app, and it’s also compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple’s Siri. It also has 3 USB-A slots and a USB-C slot, two of which offer quick charge capabilities–perfect for your USB-powered devices! Buy it here for P1,799.

Smart lights

Switching to smart lighting is one of the easiest ways you can turn your space into a smart home. Smart bulbs are relatively inexpensive, can keep your home secure, and even lower your electric bill. Not only will they elevate lighting in any room, but you can set timers, sync them with the sunrise and sunset, dim or change colors as you please, or switch them on and off automatically when someone is inside the room.

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Check out the Xiaomi Mi Smart LED Ceiling Light, which features a wide beam angle to illuminate every corner of the room, adjustable brightness and color temperature, and TV backlight technology. You can also switch between moonlight to daylight mode seamlessly, which is particularly helpful if you want to sleep better at night! Buy it here for P3,799.

Smart cameras

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For your peace of mind, secure your home with easy-to-install wireless security devices that only need a WiFi connection to run. You can see every corner of your home anytime via an app, and helpful features like motion detection and two-way audio make communicating with your loved ones effortlessly.

Try the Tenda CP7, a home surveillance camera with 360-degree coverage, 4MP resolution, and smart motion detection and tracking. It also features two-way audio, night vision, and sound and light alarm functions. Buy it here for P1,699.

With these three categories of smart home devices, you’ve got the basics covered. And when you’re ready to expand your home automation, you can add more items like smart speakers, smart blinds, smart doorbells and locks, smart air purifiers, smart TVs, and more to your space!