Until recently, smart products were fairly expensive to purchase and set up. For years they were a reserved extravagance for those who could afford the newest and latest in technological convenience. But like every stride in technology, smart products are evolving and becoming more affordable for the average consumer. In fact, 85 percent of Americans use artificial intelligence (AI) technology, and this number will likely grow as new applications emerge. With this in mind, the smart home of your dreams is now possible, and even more budget-friendly than you might think.

Whether you’re searching for a unique gift for a tech-savvy friend or want to add convenience to an elderly loved one’s daily life, smart devices are a great option. To help you find something for everyone on your list, we’re breaking down this year’s top tech gifts. Let’s take a look!

Top Smart Products of 2019 & 2020

From the ability to change your home’s temperature via your smartphone to security systems that can be accessed remotely, smart products have revolutionized our daily lives. The best part? With so many new devices on the market, there are products to fit every budget and lifestyle. Whether you envision a completely automated smart home ecosystem or simply want to add a few products to enhance efficiency, there are plenty of options to suit your needs.

Voice Assistants & Smart Speakers

Smart speakers offer you a way to connect with your AI assistant through voice commands. These products can complete a variety of tasks, including scheduling reminders, searching the internet, setting timers, and more. Smart speakers come in a variety of sizes and price points, from Amazon’s Echo to Google’s Nest Mini. The product you choose will depend on your specific budget and preferences. For example, Apple users may opt for the HomePod, which features voice assistance from Siri and can connect to iPhones, iPads, and other devices.

Not only are smart speakers fun to use on their own, but they can also operate a variety of other smart devices across the entire home. For example, if you have smart lights in your kitchen, you can tell your speaker to “dim the lights” without even having to lift a finger. Plus, most smart speakers are simple to install, making them an ideal gift for tech enthusiasts and late adopters alike!

Smart Doorbell Cameras

Looking to give the gift of peace of mind this holiday season? Smart doorbell cameras are an excellent addition to home security. These devices connect to your phone, enabling you to see live video footage of your front door at all times. Certain products, such as the Ring Video Doorbell 2, also allow you to communicate with visitors remotely for added convenience.

There are a number of excellent doorbell cameras on the market, so it’s not too difficult to find one within your budget. Plus, many options, such as the Google Nest Hello, can be integrated with other smart devices for added convenience.

Smart Thermostats

Shopping for an environmentally conscious recipient? Smart thermostats are a great, eco-friendly product that allows users to adjust their home’s temperature directly from their smartphones. Not only does this ensure better efficiency, but it also can lead to lower utility bills, as you can fine-tune your heating and cooling usage throughout the day. Some devices, like the Nest Learning Thermostat, can even detect when you’re away from your home and adjust the temperature accordingly – entirely on their own! And, as with many other smart devices, a number of automated thermostats are compatible with voice assistants like Siri and Alexa.

Smart Lights

What if you could turn off your home’s lights from anywhere in the world? Today’s smart lightbulbs make this a reality. Even better? These products come with a variety of different capabilities ranging from simple on-off features to complex, color matching technologies. That way, you can find a smart lightbulb that fits your budget.

If your recipients are new to smart home automation, we recommend the Philips Hue smart lightbulb. This option is easy to set up and offers a user-friendly app and streamlined connectivity with a variety of other smart devices.

Setting Up a Smart Home Ecosystem? NerdsToGo Can Help!

From providing added security to enhancing the efficiency of their homes, smart devices are an effective way to improve your loved ones’ everyday lives. However, it’s important to install these products properly to ensure you’re maximizing their capabilities. If you’re unsure of how to do this, it’s best to seek assistance from NerdsToGo. We can help you find the best smart home devices for your needs and will even travel to your location to provide effective smart home installation services.

For more information about our smart home setup, contact us today!