I’m after a smart home starter kit. Which is best?
There are plenty of easy-to-install setups for smart home newbies, Roger, so you have plenty to choose from. One of our favourites is the Samsung SmartThings Starter Kit (£199, samsung.com), which centres around a smart hub and an app (Android/iOS) – the nerve centre for monitoring and controlling your connected domain. The kit includes a pair of Multi Sensors that can be used as window/door monitors or smart thermometers, plus a motion sensor for general room security. These sensors will ping your phone if they detect anything suspicious.
Also in the box is a smart plug enabling you to schedule and control everything from lighting to your coffee machine. You can also expand your setup with third-party products such as LIFX bulbs, Sonos audio and more.
If home security is your sole concern, and you don’t need extra trimmings, SwannOne’s Advanced Smart Home Kit (£229.99, swann.com) is worth a look. The set bundles together window and door sensors, motion sensors, a Wi-Fi-enabled camera and more, so you can keep tabs on your home regardless of where you are in the world. For the same money, Panasonic’s SmartHome Monitoring and Control kit (panasonic. com) is a reliable ‘big brand’ option.
D-link’s Smart Home HD Starter Kit is a wallet-friendly alternative (£ 146.99, dlink.com) and features a smart plug, motion sensor and HD camera with night vision, all monitored and controlled via the mydlink Home app.