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Apple HomeKit is Apple's smart home framework. Matter is the new industry-standard protocol launched in 2022 that works across Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings. Buy Matter-compatible devices going forward. They work with HomeKit AND any other smart home system, so you're not locked in if Apple ever drops HomeKit.
Older "HomeKit-only" devices still work, but new purchases should prioritize Matter.
To control HomeKit devices when you're away from home, you need a hub at home. The hub does the heavy lifting. Apple's options:
The cheapest way into HomeKit. Acts as a hub, plays Apple Music, supports Siri, and works as an intercom between rooms. If you're going to buy one Apple product to start a smart home, this is it.
Shop HomePod mini →Apple TV 4K does double duty as a HomeKit hub. If you don't have one and you already stream content, this is dual-purpose value. If you already have one, you don't need an additional HomePod for hub function.
Shop Apple TV 4K →The full-size HomePod has Thread radio built in (needed for some smart sensors), better speaker performance, and built-in temperature/humidity sensors. Overkill for a basic setup but worth it if you want premium Apple Music speakers AND a hub.
Shop HomePod 2nd Gen →The gold standard for HomeKit smart bulbs. Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance bulbs work with HomeKit, Matter, and every smart home platform. Reliable, full color spectrum, integrate with Sunrise/Sunset automations. Pricier than alternatives but the reliability is unmatched.
Shop Philips Hue Bulbs →For accent lighting (behind TVs, under cabinets), Nanoleaf Essentials light strips work directly over Wi-Fi (no hub needed). Matter-compatible. Big aesthetic impact for low cost.
Shop Nanoleaf Strips →Smart plugs are the highest-value-per-dollar smart home device. Plug a lamp into one and now it's a smart lamp. Plug a fan, a coffee maker, or your TV into one and create automations. Meross makes the best-value Matter smart plug — cheap, reliable, no hub needed.
Shop Meross Smart Plugs →Motion sensor for "turn on the lights when I walk in at night" automations. Combined with Hue or Meross smart plugs, this is the smart-home moment that finally feels useful. Battery powered, lasts 1+ year.
Shop Aqara Motion Sensors →One of the underrated smart home accessories: a physical dial that adjusts Hue lights with a turn. Important for guests / family members who don't want to use the Home app. Mount on the wall or set on a nightstand.
Shop Hue Tap Dial →Schlage Encode Plus is the HomeKit smart lock to buy. Works with Apple Home Keys (unlock with iPhone tap), supports keypad codes for guests, and is genuinely secure. Don't buy cheaper smart locks — they fail or get picked easily.
Shop Schlage Encode Plus →A budget-friendly HomeKit video doorbell. Works with HomeKit Secure Video for end-to-end encrypted recordings. Far cheaper than Logitech Circle View, with most features for most users.
Shop Aqara G4 Doorbells →ecobee is the best HomeKit-compatible smart thermostat. Includes a built-in air quality monitor, room sensors for whole-home temperature management, and Siri integration. Pays for itself in energy savings within 12-18 months.
Shop ecobee Thermostats →I specifically said to add cameras last because they're the most complex part of a HomeKit setup. HomeKit Secure Video uses your iCloud storage and only works with specific camera brands. Most consumer cameras (Ring, Nest, Wyze) do NOT work with HomeKit natively — they're locked to their own apps.
The reference HomeKit Secure Video camera. Indoor or outdoor. End-to-end encrypted recordings stored in your iCloud, with no third-party access. Premium but proven.
Shop Circle View Cameras →Aqara's G3 (indoor pan-tilt) and G5 (outdoor) work with HomeKit Secure Video at a fraction of Logitech's price. Good middle ground for HomeKit-native security cameras.
Shop Aqara Cameras →If you're using HomeKit cameras, you need iCloud+. Storage tiers:
Camera recordings don't count toward your iCloud storage limit. Apple gives you camera storage in addition to your normal photo/file storage. Best deal in cloud security recording right now.
Once you have the basics, these are the automations that genuinely change daily life:
HomeKit setup can feel intimidating. We offer remote setup assistance — pair devices, build automations, and troubleshoot any device that doesn't behave. Often cheaper than the time you'd spend figuring it out alone.