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Don't use the ISP-supplied router. They're slow, lack mesh coverage in dead spots, and have terrible interfaces. Eero 7 Pro is the best plug-and-play mesh for Apple households — auto-discovers HomeKit, supports Apple TV smoothly, and you control it from an Eero app on your iPhone.
Shop Eero 7 Pro →If Eero 7 Pro is too expensive, TP-Link Deco BE65 is the next-best Wi-Fi 7 mesh that integrates well with Apple. Half the price of Eero.
Shop Deco BE65 →Get the HomePod mini set up day one. Doubles as your HomeKit hub (required if you'll add smart home gear later). Plays music while you unpack. Siri can set reminders ("remind me to call the gas company at 9am").
Shop HomePod mini →If you have a smart TV with Apple TV+ already, you don't NEED an Apple TV. But the dedicated Apple TV 4K is faster, has better AirPlay support, runs 4K HDR Dolby Vision content properly, and serves as a second HomeKit hub.
Shop Apple TV 4K →Inevitably someone will lose the Apple TV remote in the couch cushions. Buy a spare. Or attach an AirTag to the existing one (use specific Siri Remote AirTag cases).
Shop Siri Remotes →If your living room calls for real speakers, Sonos Era line supports AirPlay 2 — works seamlessly with iPhone, Apple Music, Apple TV. The Era 300 specifically supports Spatial Audio for movies. Alternative to soundbars.
Shop Sonos Era →Smart plugs are the cheapest, most impactful smart home upgrade. Plug a lamp into one and now you have a smart lamp. Plug a fan into one and you can turn it on from bed. Plug a coffee maker in and have it ready when you wake up. Meross Matter version is the best value.
Shop Meross Smart Plugs →If you want smart bulbs (color, dimming, scenes), the Philips Hue Starter Kit comes with the Hue Bridge + 2-3 White & Color Ambiance bulbs. Reliable, integrates with HomeKit, works with everything.
Shop Hue Starter Kits →The "turn on the bathroom light at 30% when I walk in at 3am" automation. Pairs motion sensor with a smart bulb. Once you have this, you'll wonder why you ever had to fumble for light switches.
Shop Aqara Sensors →New address = new keys. Put an AirTag on every set of keys (your set, partner's set, spare for friend / neighbor). The peace of mind is real after one "I left my keys in an Uber" moment.
Shop AirTag 4-Pack →For homeowners (or renters whose lease permits lock changes), Schlage Encode Plus is the best HomeKit smart lock. Unlock with iPhone tap, give guest codes that expire, never lose your keys again.
Shop Schlage Encode →For renters: August retrofits over your existing deadbolt without changing the lock. Removes when you move out. The compromise smart lock for rental properties.
Shop August Smart Locks →For indoor or outdoor video monitoring with HomeKit Secure Video. End-to-end encrypted recordings to your iCloud (doesn't count against iCloud storage limit). Much cheaper than Logitech Circle View.
Shop Aqara Cameras →If you'd rather have the entire smart home set up for you, we offer remote setup service — book a session, we configure all the HomeKit devices, set up automations, and walk you through it. Saves you a weekend of frustrating "device not responding" troubleshooting.
→ Remote Apple Smart Home Setup
AppleCare+ on Apple TV 4K ($29/2yr) and HomePod mini ($29/2yr) — only worth it if you have past issues. Most home goods don't get dropped or spilled on the way iPhones do.