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Best Smart Home Devices for Apple HomeKit 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best devices for every need

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: May 29th, 2024

🏡Hey there! Welcome to our handy guide on the best smart home devices that play nicely with Apple HomeKit in 2024. If you're a fan of the Apple ecosystem, HomeKit is your ticket to a seamless and secure smart home setup.

Whether you’re on the hunt for advanced lighting, climate control, or top-notch security, we’ve dove deep into our research to bring you the best-performing products for various needs and budgets.

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Overall Best: Philips Hue

Philips Hue Large Smart Light Tube, Black - White and Color Ambiance LED Color-Changing Light - 1 Pack - Sync with TV, Music, and Gaming - Requires Bridge and Sync Box - Control with App or Voice Large Tube Black

Philips Hue continues to set the benchmark for smart lighting within the HomeKit ecosystem. With a diverse range of options including white and color bulbs, LED strips, and weatherproof outdoor lights, Philips Hue provides unparalleled customization and ease of use. The starter kits come equipped with a Hue Bridge hub, enabling effortless expansion with additional bulbs and devices. You can control the lighting through the Home app or Siri, offering versatile and reliable performance. The Philips Hue system also boasts a user-friendly interface and strong user feedback, making it the best overall pick for anyone looking to enhance their home lighting setup.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$210.99 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Philips Hue Smart Light Tube? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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How do you mount the Philips Hue Large Smart Light Tube?

Mounting the Philips Hue Large Smart Light Tube isn't too complicated, and with a little guidance, you'll get it set up in no time. First, make sure you've got everything you need, including the [Hue Bridge](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dhue%2Bbridge%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), which is needed for all the smart features. The manufacturer's product description says it’s made for easy installation. Pick a spot where you want to mount the light tube. You can mount it either horizontally or vertically, depending on the look you're aiming for. The package comes with mounting brackets, so you won't need to buy anything extra. Here’s how to get it mounted: 1. **Position and Secure the Brackets**: Decide where you want the light and mark where the brackets will go. Use a level to make sure they're straight, then secure them with the provided screws. 2. **Attach the Light Tube**: Once the brackets are firm, snap the light tube into place. Make sure it’s in there snugly to avoid any wobbling. 3. **Connect to Power**: Plug the light tube into a nearby outlet. Just a heads up from our research—handle the power connector carefully, as some have mentioned it's a bit delicate. 4. **Set Up the Hue Bridge**: Connect the Hue Bridge to your router, then fire up the Philips Hue app on your smartphone to connect the light tube to your network. The app guides you through adding the new light. If you're planning on using any dynamic lighting effects with your media, you'll want to make sure you've got a [Philips Hue Sync Box](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dphilips%2Bhue%2Bsync%2Bbox%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) and have it all set up. 5. **Ensure Proper Connectivity and Updates**: Some folks have had connectivity issues, which can usually be fixed by checking that everything’s set up right, updating the firmware, and double-checking the app settings. If you run into problems like flickering or connection issues, recheck all the connections and steps. Sometimes, these hiccups are due to outdated firmware, so look for updates. If things still aren’t working, it might be a hardware problem, so reaching out to Philips support could be necessary. They generally offer a two-year warranty on their stuff. Making sure your Light Tube is mounted properly and everything’s connected well can really improve your lighting experience. These steps should help you get your Philips Hue Light Tube set up without a hassle!

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Does the Philips Hue Large Smart Light Tube require a Hue Bridge and Sync Box?

If you're thinking about getting the Philips Hue Large Smart Light Tube and want to sync it with your TV, music, or gaming setup, you'll need both the [Philips Hue Bridge](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DPhilips%2BHue%2BBridge%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) and a [Sync Box](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DSync%2BBox%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). These gadgets are key for getting that real-time light magic that can turn your room into a good extension of what's happening on the screen. The manufacturer mentions that you'll have to buy the Hue Bridge and Sync Box separately. The Bridge is like the central hub connecting all your smart lights to your home network, which lets you control them in real time. The Sync Box, on the other hand, handles syncing the lights with whatever content you're watching on your TV or other devices. That said, if you're mostly using it with a PC, there's a bit of a workaround. According to what we've found out, you can use the Hue Sync app instead of getting a Sync Box. This app lets your light tube dance in tune with the media on your PC, which can make gaming and streaming even more fun. While the Sync Box isn't a must for everyone, it does make everything work more smoothly, especially in setups where a big TV is the main attraction. It's particularly handy if you want the lights to match and react to whatever's happening on your big screen. Besides syncing, the Philips Hue Light Tube has millions of colors to choose from and can be controlled with smart home assistants like [Alexa](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DAlexa%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) or [Google Assistant](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DGoogle%2BAssistant%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), once you have everything set up with the right tech. This makes changing the lighting mode as easy as giving a voice command. So, to get the most out of the Philips Hue Large Smart Light Tube, you'll want the Hue Bridge and ideally the Sync Box, unless you're mainly using it on a PC, in which case the Hue Sync app should do the trick.

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How bright is the Philips Hue Large Smart Light Tube?

The Philips Hue Large Smart Light Tube is pretty versatile when it comes to brightening up your space. What's cool about it is how you can control it with your voice, which is super handy in a modern home. The manufacturer's product description mentions that once you've got it set up through the Hue app, you'll be able to manage it using easy voice commands. It works with both [Amazon Alexa](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Damazon%2Balexa%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) and [Google Assistant](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dgoogle%2Bassistant%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), so you can control the lights without lifting a finger. But here's the thing—you'll need a [Hue Bridge](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dhue%2Bbridge%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) to get the full voice control experience. This bridge, which you have to buy separately, is like the brain that connects your lights to your smart home setups and the Hue app. Without it, some of the smart features and automation won't be available. Our research found that a lot of folks really like being able to change settings and create different vibes just by talking to their lights. You can do more than just switch them on or off. You can tweak the brightness, switch up the colors, or even set timers with your voice, which makes the whole setup pretty flexible and easy to use. Keep in mind, though, that a reliable internet connection is key for those voice commands to work smoothly since they often depend on cloud services. So if your internet takes a hit, controlling the lights with your voice could become tricky. Overall, the Philips Hue Large Smart Light Tube offers some impressive customizability and brightness, especially if you like the idea of using voice commands. Just don't forget, to unlock all its features, that Hue Bridge is a must-have.

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Runner-up: Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium

ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium with Siri and Alexa and Built in Air Quality Monitor and Smart Sensor with SmartSensor for Doors and Windows 2-Pack, White Thermostat + Door & Window Sensors

For those looking to advance their home climate control, the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is an exceptional choice. This device features integrated humidity and presence sensors and is fully compatible with Apple HomeKit. The advanced automation capabilities allow you to optimize energy usage and maintain an ideal indoor atmosphere. Users can set up automations to control other devices based on sensor data— for instance, activating fans when the room's humidity exceeds a certain level. With its intuitive interface and sophisticated features, the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium stands out as the runner-up in our recommendations.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$269.99 at Amazon

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Budget Pick: Fibaro Flood Sensor

Although it may not seem like the most exciting gadget, the Fibaro Flood Sensor is a crucial investment for safeguarding your home. Priced affordably, this sensor detects water leaks early to prevent potential damage. It also includes a temperature sensor to alert you of sudden changes. Easily integrated into the HomeKit ecosystem, it can be strategically placed near pipes or washing machines to provide early warnings. This small device can potentially save you thousands in repair costs, making it our top budget pick.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$60.43 at Amazon

Best Doorbell: Logitech Circle View Doorbell

Logitech Circle View Apple HomeKit- enabled Wired Doorbell with Logitech TrueView Video, Face Recognition, Color Night Vision, and Head-to-toe HD Video - Black

The Logitech Circle View Doorbell is a key choice for HomeKit users prioritizing security and ease of use. Known for its flawless HomeKit integration, this doorbell includes a built-in light sensor that can trigger various HomeKit automations, such as adjusting lighting based on external brightness. It offers high-quality video, night vision, and comprehensive security features, ensuring your home’s front entrance is well-monitored. For users who demand security without compromising on ease of use, the Logitech Circle View Doorbell is unmatched.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$268.63 at Amazon

Best Smart Home Controller: Brilliant Smart Home Control

Brilliant Smart Home Control (2-Switch Panel) — Alexa Built-In & Compatible with Ring, Sonos, Hue, Google Nest, Wemo, SmartThings, Apple HomeKit — In-Wall Touchscreen Control for Lights, Music, & More

For those seeking a centralized control panel for their smart home devices, the Brilliant Smart Home Control is an excellent option. This device features a touch screen display and allows seamless management of various smart gadgets and live video feeds from security cameras or doorbells. Available in models with one to four light switches, it integrates smoothly with Apple HomeKit along with ecosystems like Alexa and Google Home. This makes the Brilliant Smart Home Control a versatile addition to any smart home setup, ensuring you have comprehensive and user-friendly access to all your devices.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$395.95 at Amazon

Best Unique Lighting: Nanoleaf Canvas

Nanoleaf Canvas WiFi Smart RGB 16M+ Color LED Dimmable Gaming and Home Decor Wall Lights Starter Kit (9 Panels) Modern

Nanoleaf Canvas offers a unique and customizable smart lighting experience with its artistic tile system. Each tile can be individually controlled and colored, allowing users to create stunning designs and set the perfect ambiance. The system is fully compatible with HomeKit, enabling control via the Home app or Siri for added convenience. The tiles can also respond to music, touch, or scheduled automations, bringing an element of interaction and creativity to your home. Though it carries a higher price tag, the Nanoleaf Canvas is perfect for those looking to take smart lighting to the next level.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$179.99 at Amazon

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