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If you want your smart home to work as an integrated system rather than as a bunch of separate gadgets and separate apps, and your primary mobile device is an iPhone, you might want to try Apple HomeKit. It’s an easy-to-use system for setting up and controlling a smart home. All Apple-branded devices with a screen and HomePod speakers support HomeKit, as do a wide range of popular smart devices.
You can set up and use HomeKit only if you own an iPhone or iPad. You can also use voice commands to control smart devices with a HomePod or Apple TV.
Nearly all HomeKit devices can be set up using the Home app found on all iOS and Mac devices. Some devices have a scannable code, while others connect if an Phone or iPad is held close by.
After setup, you can control HomeKit devices when at home even if the internet is down. To control or automate devices when you’re away, you need an Apple TV or HomePod to act as a hub.
HomeKit requires an encrypted connection between devices and when data is sent over the internet to the cloud. You can further restrict data privacy settings in the Home app.
HomeKit has robust security features and privacy policies, but its chief appeal for most people is that it allows you to quickly set up, directly control, schedule, or automate a collection of devices using a single app, instead of one for every device.
With a couple of HomeKit-compatible devices and an iPhone or iPad to control them you can start from scratch and have a fully fledged smart-home system up and running in a few minutes.
Here’s what you need to get started with your own HomeKit-based smart home, along with our picks of the best compatible smart devices available.
Similar to how there are exclusive Windows, Chrome and Mac apps, or Android and Apple iOS ones, or PS5 and Nintendo or Xbox games, in the realm of the smart home there are a host of competing systems that are intended to connect smart devices to the internet and each other and let you control them. Apple HomeKit is one of those systems, and it competes with other popular platforms like Amazon Alexa and Google Home (though some devices may work with two or more of those platforms as well as others).
The defining trait of HomeKit is that it only works with Apple devices. The good news is that if you use Apple devices and have, or intend to have, smart devices, Apple’s system for setting up and controlling your devices is very good and arguably (always arguably) the best smart-home platform around in a number of important ways.
From the perspective of a casual smart-home user, HomeKit makes it extremely easy to set up devices, which usually takes seconds to minutes, and the Home app is plainly organized and intuitive. From a single dashboard you can see and control all of your devices, and access to most controls are a button press or two away, which is often not the case with other platforms.
Security professionals appreciate HomeKit because it was built employing robust security measures and privacy policies (that does not mean that HomeKit doesn’t have or won’t ever have vulnerabilities, like any other computing technology). For instance, all data that may be sent over the internet and stored in the cloud is encrypted and by default restricts the ability of smart-device makers to collect and share your data as well. Apple says it does use some data to market its own products to you and to improve services, however it claims that personal data is never shared with any third parties and isn’t used for other purposes. And all of the data going to or coming from smart devices on your HomeKit network is encrypted in transit and when stored.
Should you decide to go with HomeKit, that doesn’t mean you are trapped by your decision. Many HomeKit-compatible devices also work with Google Home and Amazon Alexa—and can even be controlled using any of those platforms at the same time. So you might use a HomeKit Automation to have your thermostat lower the temperature and your smart lights shut off whenever you leave the house, and then use Alexa for other tasks, like dimming the lights when you want to watch TV. We also have guides on Alexa-compatible devices and Google Assistant–compatible devices, for anyone using those systems.
The only major requirement for anyone to use HomeKit is that you need an Apple device, either a mobile device like an iPhone or iPad, or a Mac computer.
HomeKit itself isn’t like an app you interact with directly. Instead it lives in the background and quietly does its work connecting your various smart devices, telling them when to trigger (or not), and letting you know if something needs attention.
To interact with smart devices on a HomeKit system you use the pre-installed Home app (for many, that curious icon was banished to the last page of your app collection). What’s especially nice about the Home app is that, besides being largely streamlined and intuitive, it allows you to consolidate your interactions with several devices using just one app, instead of having to download and register a different app for every smart gadget. (One important caveat to that—a few devices do have special settings or features that may only be accessible in their specific app, however in use we’ve found that’s not a day-to-day issue.) Note that Apple technically changed its naming system for marketing HomeKit-compatible devices, and so many now are labeled Works with Apple Home.
In most cases you can use the Home app to add a new device to your HomeKit “Home” by scanning a unique code, usually a sticker, or in some cases by simply holding an iPhone or iPad nearby. (Unlike with Google or Alexa, HomeKit doesn’t require that you set up a device with one app and then log in using another app to link it, as is often the case.) Once you set up a HomeKit device, it appears as an icon in your Home app and is controllable via the app or through Siri voice commands to Apple devices, including HomePod speakers and Apple Watches. You can name or rename a device, change what room it’s located, and add it to a Group—and all of that information updates instantly on all your devices.
In order to set up automated actions and to access your devices remotely when you’re away, you’ll need to have a go-between device at home that acts as a smart-home hub—either an Apple TV, or a HomePod or HomePod mini smart speaker. Without a hub, you won't be able to access your HomeKit system when you’re not at home.
HomeKit supports connectivity with Matter and Thread, two emerging wireless standards that are intended to make the smart home more versatile and cross-compatible. Currently, there are very few Matter devices available, and HomeKit is only supported on Apple devices.
This pricey but powerful Apple-centric media streamer does double duty as a HomeKit hub.
There are two models of Apple TV 4K, both of which provide uncluttered access to most all media streaming services (though there is a bias toward Apple’s own media services, natch) and output crisp, 4K video and high-quality audio if you attach them to nice speakers. Both models come with a revamped remote control that makes it far easier to navigate through menus and media and also include the ability to act as a HomeKit hub, which enables remote access to your devices and notifications, and also controls your smart-home automation. While most people will have no issues opting for the cheaper model, it has less memory, lacks an ethernet port, and, more important, it doesn’t support Thread wireless networking—a still-developing form of wireless communication for smart devices that many battery-powered sensors can use.
A small but powerful Siri-powered smart speaker that acts as a HomeKit hub and also has built-in sensors.
Both the full-size HomePod and HomePod Mini are powerful smart speakers that let you summon audio sources—music, podcasts, the news, the weather, and general information—using voice commands to Siri. Both devices also serve as a HomeKit hub, which lets you access HomeKit devices when you aren’t home (and lets them send you alerts if something is up) and also controls any Automations you may turn on—like telling the lights to go on at sunset or shades to raise at down. The Mini is the better deal, as it has the same smart capabilities as the full size one, at less than half the price, but is small enough to sit on a counter, bookshelf, desk, or bedside table.
Though not quite as bright as similar-priced bulbs, it’s cheaper than most HomeKit models and produces vivid colors.
The Meross MSL120 Smart Wi-Fi LED Bulb is our also-great pick, and we like that it works without needing its own hub, so you can trigger it to turn on or off based on any other smart-home devices you might like—such as a camera, water-leak sensor, or smart plug. Unlike some of our other smart bulb picks, the MSL120 doesn’t offer any special effects and doesn’t produce as wide a range of white tones, but we found it to be fine, and it has a vivid color palette that provides plenty of brightness for everyday use.
Affordable and bright, with accurate colors, these strip lights offer unique features and are simple to set up and use.
The TP-Link Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Light Strip L930-5 is our top pick because it provides the best user experience we found in a smart strip light. It is a snap to set up and produces accurate colors, and the Tapo’s brightness levels equal or exceed other models at the same price. The Tapo also includes more built-in features than competing models, including preset Scenes and Animations (like having different colors cycle through the strip), as well as an Away Mode that triggers your lights to your preferred setting automatically when you leave the house.
This sleek doorbell can tell the difference between packages, people, animals, and cars. Its 180-degree field of view and square aspect ratio reduce blind spots.
The Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell is a runner-up pick among smart doorbells because it combines a great video image, sturdy hardware, fast response times, and accuracy in deciphering between people, animals, vehicles, or packages. That helps keep false alerts to a minimum—a problem with many other doorbells. Video clips can go as long as five minutes with a $5-per-month Arlo Secure subscription, which stores your recordings in the cloud.
This camera consistently captures crisp 2K-resolution video and provides four options for storing recordings. It can also distinguish between different motions and sounds.
The Eufy Solo IndoorCam C24, our top pick for indoor security cameras, captured the best quality video of any camera we tested, both day and night. It has a wide, 125-degree field of view that isn’t distorted. You can opt to have recordings stored locally on a microSD card or on network attached storage (NAS), which also includes the ability to do 24/7 continuous recording. We typically recommend using cloud storage, which is available via paid subscription to Eufy Cloud Service or possibly for free using your iPhone’s iCloud subscription Apple HomeKit Secure Videob—note that using HSV comes with some caveats.
This simple and reliable smart plug includes real-time energy monitoring and an Away Mode.
The Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim (EP25), our top pick of smart plugs, provides remote-control access to any on/off device you plug into it, like a fan or desk light, but can also be scheduled to go on and off, or put on a timer. It includes real-time energy monitoring (which you would access using the Kasa app) so you can measure energy use, either in hours and minutes, or watts and kilowatt-hours. It’s a bit larger than a few other single-outlet plugs we like, but it doesn’t obstruct the other socket in a duplex outlet. Note that this model comes in a four-pack.
This reliable but affordable smart dimmer switch connects directly to Wi-Fi without a hub.
Our top pick among smart dimmers, the TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch Dimmer KS220 connects directly to Wi-Fi without needing a hub (like some models), and it has three buttons to make it easier to do what you want: Dim up or down or simply turn on or off. You can use it directly with the Home app, but you can use the Kasa app to program the dimmer to react based on how you touch it—so a long press or a double-tap, for example, can instantly turn the switch on or off, instruct it to fade to off, or tell it to go to a preferred preset dimming level.
Ecobee’s top-tier model comes with a best-in-class remote sensor and has a microphone and speaker for Siri commands, plus an air-quality sensor.
Identical to the Premium in performance, the cheaper Enhanced has less-refined hardware and lacks a speaker, remote sensor, and air-quality monitor.
The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium, our top pick among smart thermostats, handily outperformed all the competition in large part because it can balance your home’s temperature by getting input from an included remote SmartSensor. Place one in any room that doesn’t heat or cool well and the Ecobee will figure out how to best keep things comfortable. A microphone and speaker allow you to use voice commands (using Siri or Alexa, if you choose).
The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced works equally well, but is less expensive because it doesn’t have a built-in smart speaker, air-quality monitor, or remote sensors (they are compatible, but you have to buy them separately). If you have a smaller home or don’t need a remote sensor or voice controls, this is a great, less expensive option.
This pleasingly straightforward, intuitive Grade 1 deadbolt lock supports Apple Home Key and is a snap to install.
The Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt is unlocked using a pincode, traditional key, or Apple’s Home Key, which you trigger by holding your iPhone or Apple Watch up to the keypad. Of the dozens of deadbolts we’ve tested, the Encode line is the easiest to install, and we think it is the best option for technophobes or households with members who don’t carry smart devices. Its sleek metal hardware is notably burly, with an industrial-grade security rating (Grade 1) and a built-in alarm (it’s an especially good choice for rental properties).
This smart DIY security system has a line of especially attractive hardware but also can work with many popular smart devices from other brands.
The Abode Smart Security Kit includes a control hub with built-in 93-decibel siren, a door/window sensor and a key fob. We appreciate that, unlike with many competing smart security systems, you can pair it with a wide range of smart devices from other brands you may already own, including smart lighting, thermostats, and sensors. It can be used as a self-monitored system if you don’t want to pay for professional monitoring (or if you only want to occasionally).
This cheap but sensitive motion sensor can be placed easily, though it requires an Aqara hub.
The Aqara Motion Sensor is easy to install, responds quickly and consistently, can be installed on a wall or set on a flat surface using an included stand, and is notably small—it’s about half the size of a typical sensor you would use with a home security system. Like most battery-powered sensors, it needs to be paired with a hub. Aqara offers several models depending on your preferences, ranging from a small $20 basic model to others between $50 and $60 that are built into a video camera or are puck shaped with a built-in nightlight and alarm. The hub can be paired directly to HomeKit without needing to rely on the Aqara app.
Sturdy construction, rock-stable operation, and geofencing performance make it a no-brainer.
The Tailwind iQ3 Smart Automatic Garage Controller Pro is our top pick for garage door controllers because it offers the best combination of advanced features, including auto-open and -close, and is the most versatile model we’ve tested. In addition to the controller module, it has a wired door sensor, which makes installation a bit more involved but also ensures you never have battery or wireless communication problems. It can be used with a single door or control as many as three.
These shades are best-in-class in every aspect (except price), with a wide variety of custom options and excellent, quiet hardware.
Lutron Serena Shades are our top pick because they are by far the best combination of hardware and software of any smart shade we’ve tested—though they don’t come cheap. The Lutron hardware is excellent, with whisper-quiet motors, plus you can pick from among more than 100 colors and styles, in custom lengths and widths to fit most any window. You do need to add a Lutron hub (if you don’t have one already), which ensures a strong and steady wireless signal. While you can use a Lutron remote to control your shades, the HomeKit app makes it easy to create Automations, such as having the shades raise at sunrise and drop at sunset, or to lower if a room with a temperature sensor gets too hot.
These affordable, ready-made shades in set sizes and one color are a great option if they happen to fit your windows.
The IKEA Fyrtur is our budget pick of smart shades, and if they happen to come in a size that fits your windows, they’re an unrivaled bargain. The rechargeable battery pack lasts months at a time and is easy to swap, and they’re quiet enough (though not as smooth as Lutron) and come with a wall-mountable remote control if you don’t happen to have a smartphone handy. They come in just one tone of gray, which fully blocks out all sunlight (if you need a different color you’ll have to pay for Lutron). They do require buying an IKEA Dirigera Hub to be connected to your home network.
A more elegant alternative to shades, these can be open or closed remotely, or set to subtly open and close throughout the day based on the position of the sun.
As with the Serena shades, the Lutron Serena Blinds have best-in-class hardware and offer a wide range of options (and a correspondingly high price). While you can use an app or voice command to open or close the blinds, their signature feature called Natural Light Optimization slowly opens and closes your blinds throughout the day relative to the direction of the sun, both to maximize the light quality and also to prevent sun damage to your furnishings (that feature is turned on in the Lutron app). The one quibble—you still have to manually lift the blinds if you want them fully open as they aren’t motor controlled.
This article was edited by Jon Chase and Grant Clauser.
Jon Chase is an editor leading smart-home coverage at Wirecutter. He has been covering technology as a writer and editor since the days before mobile phones got smart. His work has been featured in various print and online publications, and on television. He currently has over 35 smart devices installed in his home. None of them work perfectly.
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Self-Priming Chemical Pump Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time).