We took Amazon and Google out of the running to see what other great smart home devices are out there.
That’s part of the purpose of this post, to look at the smart home in a different way and to see what else is out there when you remove some of the most obvious players.
That said, Alexa and Google Assistant are compatible with…well, pretty much every smart home gadget at this point. For better or for worse, this would be an exceptionally shortlist if we stuck to devices that are totally independent of Google Assistant and Alexa compatibility.
It would be even shorter if we left off products that use backend support like Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud.
Still, this is a particularly great list if you have concerns about the privacy of Amazon and Google products.
Now that all of that is out of the way, let’s get into this list of the top smart home devices that aren’t made by Amazon or Google.
Netgear Orbi
The best mesh Wi-Fi system
Netgear took a significant departure in price from the inaugural Orbi it introduced back in 2016 with this new Orbi Mesh Wi-Fi System. We liked the original model, but it cost a whopping $520. Fast-forward three years and Netgear is back with a whole new Orbi, this time for just $194.
At close range, the Orbi clocked the fasted top speeds during our testing, impressing us with its signal strength and general ability to keep up with the pricier Nest Wi-Fi and Eero systems.
The Netgear app could use a redesign, but the Orbi Mesh Wi-Fi System offers a great overall value and is well worth considering if you’re not quite ready to make the move to Wi-Fi 6 (but want a solid Wi-Fi connection throughout your house).
SimpliSafe
The best home security system
Simplisafe bridges the gap between professional security systems like Vivint or ADT and standalone home security devices like the Arlo Pro 3 camera. It’s a complete, scalable home security system you install yourself.
The $295 “Foundation” security kit comes with basics, including a hub, a keypad, a door/window sensor and a motion sensor. Add extra sensors and other devices as needed.
For $34 per month, you get professional security monitoring from a remote call center and access to the Simplisafe app where you can also check in on things yourself.
Unlike professional security companies, Simplisafe doesn’t come with an “early termination” fee — or otherwise lock you into a contract. If you decide to cancel, or decide to move, you can either move your system to your new home or cancel without extra charges.
August Smart Lock Pro
The best smart lock
The $295 August Smart Lock Pro is a Bluetooth-enabled smart lock. It comes bundled with a plug-in Connect Wi-Fi module so you can also control your lock beyond Bluetooth range from the August app.
Like other locks from August, which is owned by the same company as Yale, this model retrofits over most existing deadbolts and makes for a simple installation.
In addition to
the lock and the Connect module, the Smart Lock Pro kit includes a door sensor and a related feature called “Door Sense.” With this feature, you can confirm whether your door is open or closed, as well as locked or unlocked straight from your phone.
The app is easy to use, from following the step-by-step instructions to install your lock, to checking whether your door is open or closed, and customizing your lock’s feature in the settings menu. The August Smart Lock Pro supports Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri voice commands.
