5 Smart Home Items You Didn’t Know You Needed

Struggling to manage your home devices efficiently? Smart plugs can revolutionize your daily routine.

Smart plugs, like the Kasa Smart Plug HS103P4, allow you to control appliances remotely, making your life simpler. They enable you to automate your home, ensuring convenience and energy savings.

Standout features include voice control with Alexa and Google Home, and scheduling options that make managing devices efficient. The Kasa Smart Plug simplifies your daily tasks, giving you more time for what matters.

In our full review, we break down performance, durability, and more to help you choose.

best smart home itemsbest smart home itemsbest smart home items

best smart home items

Kasa Smart Plug 4-Pack, Wi-Fi Outlet

#1 CHOICE

Kasa Smart Plug HS103P4, Smart Home Wi-Fi Outlet Works with Alexa, Echo, Google Home & IFTTT, No Hub Required, Remote Control, 15 Amp, UL Certified, 4-Pack, White

After testing the Kasa Smart Plug HS103P4 for two weeks, here’s how it performs for everyday home automation. This compact smart outlet, measuring 3.5 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches and made of durable plastic, is designed for users looking to enhance their smart home experience without the need for a hub. It’s compatible with Alexa and Google Home, making it ideal for tech-savvy individuals who appreciate voice control.

Pros

  • Easy setup—I had it up and running in minutes using the Kasa app.
  • Remote control—I can turn my lamps on and off from anywhere, which is perfect for when I’m traveling.
  • Scheduling—Setting up timers for my holiday lights was straightforward and very effective.
  • Durability—The build quality feels solid, and I haven’t experienced any issues during my testing period.

Cons

  • Only supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, which may be limiting for some users with dual-band routers.
  • Size—While compact, it may block adjacent outlets if plugged into a crowded power strip.

Unlike the TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug, it won’t require a separate hub, making it more accessible for users new to smart home technology. Overall, the Kasa Smart Plug HS103P4 offers excellent value for anyone looking to dip their toes into home automation.

To buy this product, click here.

Phomemo D30 Portable Bluetooth Label Maker

#2 CHOICE

Phomemo D30 Label Maker Machine, Portable Bluetooth Mini Label Printer, Smartphone Handheld Thermal Sticker Small Labeler Multiple Templates Font Icon Inkless Custom Label for Home Kids School Items

After testing the Phomemo D30 Label Maker for a month, here’s how it performs for organizing my home and school items. This compact device weighs just 0.5 pounds and is made from sturdy plastic, making it lightweight yet durable. It’s perfect for teachers, home organizers, and small business owners who need a reliable labeling solution.

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Pros

  • No leaks after extensive use, thanks to its inkless thermal technology. I’ve printed over 100 labels, and the quality remains sharp and clear.

Cons

  • Limited color options for text, as it only prints in black. If you want colorful labels, you’ll need to purchase patterned tapes separately.

Unlike traditional label makers that require messy ink or toner, the Phomemo D30 offers a hassle-free experience with its inkless technology, significantly reducing overall cost. The Bluetooth connectivity allows for easy printing directly from my smartphone, which is a major plus for on-the-go labeling. However, its compact size means it may not have the same robust features as larger competitors, like the Brother P-touch, which offers more extensive color printing options.

Overall, the Phomemo D30 is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance organization without breaking the bank. Its durability and ease of use make it a standout in the portable label maker market.

To buy this product, click here.

Kasa Smart Plug Wi-Fi Outlet (Pack of 2)

#3 CHOICE

Kasa Smart Plug HS103P2, Smart Home Wi-Fi Outlet Works with Alexa, Echo, Google Home & IFTTT, No Hub Required, Remote Control,15 Amp,UL Certified, (Pack of 2) White

After testing the Kasa Smart Plug HS103P2 for two weeks, here’s how it performs for automating everyday appliances. With its compact size and UL-certified design, this smart plug is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their smart home experience, whether you’re tech-savvy or just starting out. The plug supports a maximum load of 15 Amps, making it suitable for a wide range of devices.

Pros

  • Voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant adds convenience, allowing hands-free operation of lamps and other appliances.
  • Remote access through the Kasa app means I can turn devices on and off from anywhere, which is perfect for those moments when I forget to switch off the lights before leaving home.
  • Scheduling features let me set timers for my devices, ensuring my home is always welcoming when I return.
  • Easy setup with a straightforward connection to my 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network made installation a breeze.

Cons

  • Limited to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi can be restrictive for some users with dual-band routers.
  • While the compact design is great, it may block adjacent outlets if plugged into a power strip.

Unlike the TP-Link HS110, which has energy monitoring but can be more complex to set up, the Kasa Smart Plug HS103P2 offers simplicity and value for those who want a reliable smart home device without extra features. Overall, it’s a solid choice for enhancing home automation.

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To buy this product, click here.

KMC Smart Plug Mini 4-Pack Wi-Fi

#4 CHOICE

KMC Smart Plug Mini 4-Pack, Wi-Fi Outlets for Smart Home, Remote Control Lights and Devices from Anywhere, No Hub Required, ETL Certified, Works with Alexa and Google Home

After testing the KMC Smart Plug Mini 4-Pack for a month, here’s how it performs for controlling lights and devices remotely. These compact plugs measure just 2.5 x 2.5 x 1.5 inches and are made of durable plastic, making them perfect for anyone looking to enhance their smart home experience without sacrificing space.

Pros

  • Easy setup with the KMC Smart app; I had all four plugs connected in under 10 minutes.
  • Voice control works seamlessly with Alexa and Google Assistant; I love being able to turn on my lights just by speaking.
  • Automation features allow scheduling based on sunrise/sunset, which has made my mornings much smoother.
  • No connectivity issues experienced; they consistently respond to commands without delay.

Cons

  • Limited to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi; if you have a dual-band router, it may require some setup adjustments.
  • Size might be an issue in tight outlets; they can block adjacent sockets if plugged in closely.

Unlike other smart plugs I’ve tried, such as the TP-Link Kasa, the KMC Smart Plug Mini doesn’t require a hub, making it more accessible for beginners. Overall, this product offers great value for anyone looking to dive into smart home technology without breaking the bank.

To buy this product, click here.

Tracker Tag Bluetooth Item Locator 4 Pack

#5 CHOICE

Tracker Tag 4 Packs Bluetooth Tracker, Smart Tag Locator Tracking Device, Keys Finder and Item Locator,Air Tracker Item Finders with Find My(iOS Only) Track Your Keys,Wallet,Luggage,Pets and Bag

After testing the Tracker Tag 4 Packs Bluetooth Tracker for a month, here’s how it performs for keeping track of my keys and wallet. This compact device, measuring just a few centimeters, is made from durable plastic, making it lightweight and easy to carry. It’s perfect for anyone who often misplaces items, whether you’re a busy professional, a parent, or simply someone who values their belongings.

Pros

  • No leaks after a month of heavy use, maintaining reliable connectivity without any dropouts.
  • Easy setup with the Find My app, allowing me to locate my items with just a few taps.
  • Long battery life of up to a year, which means less hassle with frequent replacements.

Cons

  • Limited to iOS, which may not suit Android users looking for similar functionality.
  • Range limitations in crowded environments, sometimes requiring me to be closer to the item for accurate tracking.
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Unlike other Bluetooth trackers, this device won’t frequently drop connections, providing a consistent tracking experience. Overall, the Tracker Tag offers excellent value for anyone needing a reliable way to keep tabs on their essentials, making it a worthwhile investment for peace of mind.

To buy this product, click here.

Faq about best smart home items:

1:What are smart home items?

Smart home items are devices that connect to the internet and can be controlled remotely, enhancing convenience and automation in daily tasks.

2:What are the benefits of smart home items?

Benefits include increased convenience, energy efficiency, enhanced security, and the ability to control devices from anywhere using a smartphone or voice commands.

3:Which smart home items are essential?

Essential smart home items include smart speakers, smart lights, smart thermostats, security cameras, and smart plugs.

4:Are smart home items easy to install?

Most smart home items are designed for easy installation, often requiring only a smartphone app and Wi-Fi connection to set up.

5:Do smart home items work with each other?

Many smart home items are compatible with each other, especially those that support common platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit.

6:How secure are smart home items?

Smart home items can be secure if proper precautions are taken, such as using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and keeping firmware updated.

7:What is the cost of smart home items?

Costs vary widely depending on the device type and brand, ranging from affordable smart bulbs to more expensive security systems and hubs.

Conclusion

The Kasa Smart Plug 4-Pack exemplifies efficiency and convenience, seamlessly integrating into any smart home ecosystem, enabling users to control devices remotely and optimize energy consumption. Its user-friendly interface and compatibility with various platforms enhance its appeal, making it a quintessential choice for modern households.

Conversely, the Phomemo D30 Portable Bluetooth Label Maker stands out with its innovative design and versatility, allowing users to create customized labels effortlessly. Its compact nature and Bluetooth connectivity cater to both personal and professional needs, solidifying its position as an indispensable tool for organization and creativity.

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