Tried and tested: the best smart home gadgets, from fans and cameras to garage door openers

These smart home gadgets can make sure doors open, clocks correct themselves, and the temperature cools for your arrival. We’ve tested the best and here’s our picks.

Once you’ve connected speakers and lights, these gadgets will make more of your home smart

Tado Smart AC Control V3+

A smart way to cool down your home before you get there

$179, jbhifi.com.au

PROS

– Works with older units

– Supports Apple, Google, Amazon

– Controls more than temperature

CONS

– Requires patience to set up

– Won’t replace all controls

– Needs to be in sight of unit

The air conditioner is often the missing piece of the smart home puzzle; the device that remains untouched after your lights, fans, TV and smart speaker are ready. This handy device will connect even old models to the internet using a hub that sends infra-red signals, like a remote control. The Tado gadget connects to an app where you can schedule cool air, or set up a geofence so it automatically turns on when your phone nears it. The device also features an LED display for the temperature and basic touch controls, though it doesn’t mimic all buttons on your old remote.

Verdict: ★★★★½

Connect SmartHome Smart Wireless Garage Opener

Yes, you can even use ‘open sesame’ as a voice command

$49, jbhifi.com.au

PROS

– Supports Google or Amazon voice control

– Inexpensive smart upgrade

– Can make remote control obsolete

CONS

– Installation is challenging

– Check for compatibility beforehand

– Printed manual is tough to read

Confident smart homeowners can program this device to automatically open when it senses they are near. Or, if they’re not quite that bold, they can simply ask Google or Alexa to open it for them with this gadget installed. The connected garage door opener comes in two parts: a controller that connects to the garage door’s terminals and power, and a sensor that sticks to the top of the door. Users must connect the controller to the garage mechanism with a wire, which can be nerve-racking, but the app offers straightforward and convenient controls when running.

Verdict: ★★★★

Google Nest Cam (Wired)

An indoor camera to tell when your pet is up to no good

$169, store.google.com

PROS

– Identifies people and pets

– Night vision for security

– Discreet size

CONS

– Some features need subscription

– Not water-resistant

– No Alexa or Apple support

If you’ve ever wondered what your cat does while you’re out, this well connected camera could solve the mystery. Google’s Nest Cam for use indoors is simple to set up, plugs into a power point, and can be pointed wherever your furry friend is likely to create drama. It can tell whether a person, pet or car has entered its field of view and, for those who subscribe to Nest Aware, it can even identify faces. This model is only designed for use inside but it will capture vision at night and in full high-definition.

Verdict: ★★★★

EvaPolar evaSMART

This smart fan is an attractive air conditioner alternative

$299, evapolar.com

The EvaSmart evaporative air cooler can be used at a desk.

PROS

– Surprisingly cool air

– Can be powered by USB

– App-controlled lights

CONS

– Very tricky to connect

– Noisy for desk use

– Basic app controls

Evaporative air coolers rarely look as slick as this gadget. The evaSMART desktop gadget features touch-sensitive controls up top, a fan on one side, and a 750ml water tank up front that can be programmed to glow most colours of the rainbow. EvaPolar’s top model also features Wi-Fi connectivity so users can control those colours, its brightness and fan speed with an app (albeit one that requires a few attempts to use). The fan itself is reasonably quiet, though you’d notice it on your desk, and it pumps out air with a surprising chill to it. The unit also features a thermostat to let you know the temperature of the air it’s taking in and the air it’s pumping out — in our tests there was a four-degree difference.

Verdict: ★★★½

Amazon Echo Wall Clock

A clock that keeps track of timers and alarms

$49, amazon.com.au

PROS

– 60 lights for alerts

– Keeps perfect time

– Lightweight, easy to install

CONS

– Consumes batteries quickly

– Needs Echo speaker nearby

– No speaker on device

There are surprising benefits to connecting this clock to your smart speaker. For starters, it regularly checks the time so its analog display is always correct. Secondly, it keeps up to date with your reminders and alarms and sets off 60 flashing LED lights at just the right time. And, thirdly, this clock is stylish, lightweight, and easy to hand on a wall with a regular picture mount. One downside? It consumes AA batteries faster than its peers.

Verdict: ★★★½

Originally published as Tried and tested: the best smart home gadgets, from fans and cameras to garage door openers