Overview of the best HomeKit products

March 27, 2020

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With the HomeKit and health home App for an individual Smart health home

The term HomeKit and the associated smart system was developed by Apple to enable iOS users to conveniently control intelligent devices via the health home App. A control center with the current iOS version is required for remote control via iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch. As such, an iPad, Apple TV 4 or the new Apple speaker HomePod can be used. If no control center is set up, access to the devices is denied on the go.

For more information on setting up and using the health home app, see our HomeKit FAQ.

This is how the integration of HomeKit-compatible devices works

The developers have deliberately kept the HomeKit operation as simple as possible. To integrate a smart light into the system, for example, the user only needs to switch on Bluetooth and activate an associated app. This then automatically recognizes all smart devices in the area and guides the user step by step through the installation.

Then it is e.g. possible to turn off the living room lamps in the evening while turning on the heating while at the same time quickly closing the garage door and locking the front door – all this works with the HomeKit with just a voice command or a few clicks in the app.

Lamps: Apple HomeKit lighting systems provide illumination

Regardless of whether you want to switch off the lamps in the rest of the apartment from your bed in the evening, or if you want your mood lamps to simulate a natural-looking sunrise in the morning: both are particularly easy thanks to the HomeKit. We present the most popular HomeKit-compatible lamps and lighting systems that are suitable for this.

Recommendation: Philips Hue is our Review winner

If you never want to search for a light switch in the dark again, the Philips Hue system from the provider Signify is well advised because the Philips Hue product range is enormous. The following are available e.g. Colorful LED bulbs for the E27, E14 or GU10 sockets, complete indoor lights in Scandinavian style, garden lamps, light strips, dimmers, remote controls, light switches and much more. Smart Philips Hue bulbs fit into conventional lamp holders or, depending on the holder, can be rotated into any conventional lamp (e.g. from IKEA).

Philips Hue components can be controlled e.g. with the Mac or via mobile devices such as iPhone or iPad, because the manufacturer supports the iOS system. However, the full range of functions is only available with a Hue Bridge because the system automatically synchronizes with the cloud via the bridge and downloads updates.

Because of their particularly high compatibility and number of functions, the Philips Hue components have already been chosen as the winner in many practical tests and product reviews.

Philips Hue Starter Set White & Color Ambiance E27 (4th generation) 

Most popular starter set in the Hue lamp world, including bridge and dimmer switch, HomeKit and Alexa compatible.

Selection of HomeKit compatible Philips Hue lamps:

Cheap alternative: IKEA TRÅDFRIHomeKit furniture lights and light panels

The Swedish furniture manufacturer IKEA not only has cheap cabinet kits on offer. It also offers DIY fans smart health home lamps and wall-mounted light panels that can easily compete with the more expensive Philips Hue models. They are supplemented by motion detectors and other accessories. The two smart roller shutters KADRILJ and FYRTUR will soon be controllable via HomeKit.

HomeKit are compatible e.g. following individual products of the lighting system:

  • IKEA TRÅDFRI LED lamp E27 1000 lm, opal white

  • IKEA TRÅDFRI FLOALT LED light panel

  • IKEA TRÅDFRI LED lamp GU10 400 lm, warm daylight

  • IKEA TRÅDFRI LED lamp E14 400 lm, opal white

  • IKEA TRÅD IKEA TRÅDFRI LED lamp GU10 400 lm, warm daylight

  • IKEA TRÅDFRI LED lamp E14 400 lm, opal white

  • IKEA TRÅDFRI SURTE – smart LED door in landscape format

  • IKEA TRÅDFRI JORMLIEN – smart LED door in portrait format

The IKEA range also includes smart light panels

(IKEA) 

The following guide explains how the connection with the HomeKit works: IKEA TRÅDFRI control lamps with HomeKit – how it works.

Portable HomeKit mood lamp to try: Eve Flare

Portable, battery-powered mood light: Predefined scenes for a relaxed atmosphere, dimmable, perfect for iOS and Android

Other smart bulbs that are also HomeKit certified

Nanoleaf

  • Nanoleaf Canvas Smarter Light Kit

  • Nanoleaf Ivy Smarter Kit (with black pears)

  • Nanoleaf Light Panels Smarter Kit – Rhythm Edition (with light and sound)

  • Nanoleaf Canvas Smarter Light Kit (with square panels)

  • Nanoleaf Aurora NL22-0002TW-9PK

  • Nanoleaf Remote

The Nanoleaf remote control works with Bluetooth and can be programmed using the Nanoleaf or health home app

(Nanoleaf / Apple) 

LIFX / LIFX +

  • LIFX Mini Multicolor 800 Lumen Wi-Fi Smart LED Lamp A60 E27

  • LIFX Mini White 800 lumens Wi-Fi Smart LED lamp A60 E27

  • LIFX Z Multizone Color Wi-Fi Smart LED Strip 2 m Starter Kit

  • LIFX Multicolor 1100 lumens Wi-Fi Smart LED lamp A60 E27

  • LIFX Mini Day & Dusk (spectrum white to amber) A60 E27

  • LIFX Multicolor Wi-Fi Smart LED 100 mm downlight

  • LIFX + Infrared Multicolor 1100 Lumen E27

LIFX Mini Color and White E27 

E27, adjustable, multi-colored, dimmable, no hub required, works with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Google Assistant

Other HomeKit lamps and accessories

  • Aqara Zigbee Smart LED E27

  • Cololight LED module system (soon usable with HomeKit)

  • Koogeek Smart WLAN LED E27

  • Koogeek HomeKit light bulb adapter for E27 LEDs

  • OSRAM Smart +: e.g. OSRAM Smart + Classic E27 (dimmable LED light bulb), OSRAM Smart + E14 (candle holder), OSRAM SMART + LED filament Edison E27 or OSRAM Smart + Flex 3P multicolor LED strips

  • Yeelight: e.g. Yeelight E27 800lm (colored)

  • Yeelight Mijia bedside lamp

Xiaomi Yeelight Mi Bedside Lamp 

The dimmable WIFI & Bluetooth bedside lamp of the 2nd generation with voice control and HomeKit compatibility

Speakers: HomeKit boxes, sound bars and speakers

Soundbar with Amazon Alexa voice control, AirPlay compatible, incl.HDMI and LAN (10/100 Mbit / s) interfaces

Radio plug: HomeKit sockets provide a lot of energy

Smart radio plugs, also called smart plugs, connect normal household appliances with the desired smart health home system. HomeKit sockets can be used to connect lamps, music systems or coffee machines, for example, and then operate with Siri.

Recommendation: Eve Energy is our WLAN socket outlet HomeKit Review winner

The elegant Bluetooth socket Eve Energy is particularly easy to connect to an iPhone and control via the health home App. In addition, it is so compact that it also fits between the wall and the sofa, for example. Some of our team members have been using Elgato Eve Energy for years and are very satisfied with it.

Eve Energy was named the best HomeKit socket in our WLAN socket Review overview and was also rated well by many other users, bloggers and experts.

The radio socket from Eve Systems is one of the most popular HomeKit adapter plugs

(Eve Systems) 

Additional Apple HomeKit compatible adapter plugs and WLAN power strips

Amazon's bestseller in the field of smart sockets, compatible with Philips Hue thanks to the ZigBee radio standard

Smart switches: Overview of radio switches with HomeKit connection

If you are looking for a HomeKit compatible switch, you have the choice between pure light switches and models that e.g. can also control shutters or trigger heating scenarios at the push of a button.

Recommendation: Philips Hue Smart Button

Our favorite in this category is the compact Philips Hue Smart Button. Its holder is installed like a classic switch – the button can be removed if necessary. This means that it can be used either stationary or mobile. Individually set light scenes can be called up by pressing once – provided the switch has previously been networked with the Hue Bridge.

Light control and dimming without any installation. Placement anywhere.

Overview of other HomeKit switches

The Hue dimmer adheres magnetically to its holder and can be used on the go if required

(Signify) 

Radiator & Room Thermostats: HomeKit Thermostats heat up vigorously

At first it may seem like an exaggeration to remotely control something banal like a radiator thermostat, but it's worth it. Whether in the bathtub, from the sofa, deck chair or on vacation: With a HomeKit-compatible thermostat, the temperature can be changed anytime, anywhere, in order to increase comfort and Save energy.

Thermostat recommendation: tado ° convinces with performance and design

The manufacturer tado ° is not only committed to smart thermostats, but also offers a tado ° air conditioning control for hot days. All tado ° components are easy to use, configurable via the manufacturer's own IFTTT channel and can also be used with geodata to automatically reduce the heating as soon as all residents leave the house.

HomeKit are compatible e.g. B. the following tado components and sets:

  • tado ° Smart Thermostat Starter Kit V3 +

  • tado ° Smart Radiator Thermostat (horizontal mounting)

  • tado ° Smart radiator thermostat

  • tado ° Bridge

tado ° Smart Radiator Thermostat Starter Kit (V3 +) 

Intelligent heating control with indoor air skill; compatible with Alexa, Apple Homekit, Google Assistant and IFTTT.

More smart thermostats with Apple HomeKit certification

Ecobee

  • ecobee4 thermostat

  • ecobee4 Smart WiFi thermostat with room sensor

The ecobee3 thermostat comes with an app for the Apple Watch

(ecobee3) 

Eve

  • (Elgato) Eve Thermo smart health connected Radiator Thermostat

  • (Elgato) Eve Degree wall thermostat / the networked Eve Degree weather station fits

Honeywell Lyric

  • Honeywell Lyric T6 Wi-Fi Thermostat T6H700RW4011

  • Honeywell Lyric T6 Wi-Fi Thermostat T6H600WF1003

  • Honeywell Lyric Thermostat RCH9310WF5003

  • Honeywell Lyric Thermostat TH8732WF5010

  • Honeywell Lyric Thermostat TH8732WFH5002

  • Honeywell Lyric Thermostat RCH9310WF5011

Honeywell T6 is a black Smart health home wall thermostat

(Honeywell) 

Other

  • Heatmiser thermostat

  • iDevices thermostat

  • Netatmo Thermostat (HomeKit Edition)

Intelligent heating: higher health home comfort and low heating costs, simple control with Siri or Alexa

Note: For most thermostats, the manufacturer's bridge is required for integration into HomeKit. The Eve components are an exception.

Air conditioners: HomeKit ceiling fans and cooling units for a comfortable temperature

What is the use of heating in summer heat? Sometimes it can be a little cooler. Smart room air conditioners also ensure good air quality and thus also more concentration and a good mood. We present an overview of some of the options for networking with HomeKit.

Recommendation: tado ° Smart AC Control V3 +

All air conditioning systems that have an infrared control with display can be used with tado ° Smart AC Control V3 +. Using the geofencing mode, the smart air conditioning remote control can even independently see how far away its owners are from health home. This way, she adjusts the temperature to the desired value in good time before returning health home.

tado ° Smart AC Control V3 + 

Ensures an optimal room climate and saves energy. Incl. Geofencing function, window-open detection and voice control.

The following climate gadgets also have HomeKit certification

  • (Elgato) Eve Room Indoor air quality monitoring

  • Kaiterra Laser Egg room air sensor

  • VOCOlinc – FLOWERBUD ultrasonic fragrance atomizer & humidifier

  • Netatmo Healthy health home Coach room air sensor

Note: IKEA ceiling fans with HomeKit connection are often in demand, but are unfortunately not yet available. An alternative to this are selected models from the manufacturer Hunter. The American model provides more information about their networking Hunter website (As of: 02/2020)

Blinds and window control: Thanks to HomeKit, everything is always in view

Voice control takes care of annoying handles

(Photographee.eu/Adobe Stock) 

Recommendation: VELUX ACTIVE Starter Kit

Also compatible or soon available HomeKit blinds, blinds and accessories

  • Fibaro Roller Shutter 2 and Fibaro Roller Shutter 3 (Flush-mounted radio module for integrating existing installations such as roller shutters, awnings or garage doors into the Z-Wave network)

  • OPUS Bridge roller shutter / blind – surface rocker

  • IKEA TRÅDFRI roller blinds FYRTUR and KADRILJ (coming soon)

With TRÅDFRI, IKEA turns your health home into a smart health home. The TRÅDFRI light control scores with a very good price-performance ratio and compatibility with Alexa, HomeKit and Google Assistant.

Buy Gateway from 29.99 euros and start!

 To IKEA 

Sensors: HomeKit motion detectors and Co. are ready for use day and night

Sensors that trigger automatic reactions to certain situations are essential for a HomeKit-controlled smart health home system. For example, by illuminating the hallway as soon as someone enters it or switching off the heating if windows remain open longer.

Recommendation: Eve sensors are particularly versatile

In the evening while watching TV, regulate the living room temperature from your iPhone, switch on the kitchen lighting via an intelligent socket when there is no hand free while cooking or the air humidity in the bathroom can be displayed in order to prevent mold growth: all is easy with Eve ( before: Elgato Eve). Because Eve is an intelligent system made up of modular components, for which neither the laying of cables is necessary nor the complex coupling of individual systems.

It is positive to mention that Eve manages without a hub, i.e. without a central control point. This makes the installation and operation of the products particularly easy.

Eve Weather is an outdoor sensor for smart health home systems

(Eve Systems) 

Alternative: Fibaro even enables gesture control

You can't get more communication. At Fibaro, everything revolves around human-machine interaction or smart health home. No wonder that there are numerous HomeKit compatible sensors in the product portfolio. For example the following:

  • Fibaro Door / Window Sensor

  • Fibaro flood sensor

  • Fibaro motion sensor

  • Fibaro CO sensor

Overview of other HomeKit sensors

Smart smoke detector with over 10 years of battery life. Sends warnings in real time to the smartphone. Easy installation.

Door locks and doorbells: Lock or unlock inputs securely on call

Via a networked locking system, friends, children and relatives can enter the house without their own key, while strangers have to stay outside. If you like, you can even open the door to craftsmen or guests on the go using the HomeKit app.

Coming Soon: Netatmo doorbell with intercom function

Our favorite among the smart HomeKit doorbells comes from Netatmo and, in addition to its intercom function, also impresses with the transmission of live ehealth images and an infrared night vision mode. If someone tries to deactivate the Netatmo doorbell, a notification is automatically sent to their owner's smartphone.

Doorbell alternative: August Doorbell Cam

Flexible alternative with locking function: Yale ENTR door lock

Nobody wants to compromise on door security. But opinions, whether a locking system with a finger scan, a remote control or a classic key are better, often differ widely even within families. It's a good thing that YALE door locks can be used in many different ways. For example by code, app or remote control.

More Apple HomeKit compatible door locks

  • Bluetooth door lock Danalock V3 (only HomeKit Edition)

  • August Smart Lock Bluetooth door lock (e.g. ASL02)

  • Fingerprint lock Kogeek L3

  • Bluetooth door lock Nuki Smart Access Kit 2.0

The Nuki Smart Lock 2.0 is also compatible with other smart health home devices via Apple HomeKit

(Nuki) 

Surveillance cameras: Increase your own security with the Homekit

Modern cameras turn on automatically when they are needed and stream their recordings directly to their owner's smartphone. They can also trigger other functions at the same time – for example, activate the exterior lighting or sound an alarm siren.

Arlo Ultra recommendation: Wireless 4K monitoring system

Arlo Ultra was initially only available with Alexa or Google Assistant and can now also be controlled with the HomeKit. The camera system derives its intelligence from a SmartHub, which connects all Arlo Ultra cameras in the health home and also serves as local backup storage.

Arlo Ultra convinced us with its 4k image quality with 180 degree viewing angle, night vision function and integrated spot light, as well as the option to create activity zones. This is particularly useful when there is a road in the camera's viewing angle. So the owner is not alerted to every passing car. The only drawback: The purchase price only includes a one-year subscription. If this is not extended, certain functions will no longer apply.

Alexa-compatible 4K UHD and HDR security surveillance camera set for indoors and outdoors

Outdoor alternative: Netatmo Presence Outdoor

Those who opt for the Netatmo system are spoiled for choice between many practical sensors and everyday helpers that can be used both indoors and outdoors. With its floodlight function, smart object identification and internal data storage, the Netatmo presence camera ensures a good feeling among HomeKit users.

Outdoor security camera with detection of people, vehicles and animals

These security cameras are also compatible with HomeKit:

The HomeKit is compatible Onvis siren.

Garage doors: Thanks to Siri and HomKit, you never have to get out unnecessarily

Sometimes we are already on our way to work when we suddenly wonder if the garage door is closed. In such a case, anyone who has a HomeKit can also control voice commands directly while driving by means of Siri and operate them if necessary.

Recommendation: Fibaro single switch

With this radio module for flush mounting, conventional garages with electric drives can also be smartly retrofitted and integrated into a Z-Wave network. However, due to the work required on the power cable, the installation should be carried out by a specialist.

Central element for the control of the smart health home. Remote control of lights, electrical devices or sockets. Compatible with HomeKit.

HomeKit garage door alternatives and accessories

  • Nice IT4WIFI smart health home garage door control

  • Shelly 1 garage door

  • Somfy garage door control (announced but not yet available)

Our guide "Siri, close the garage door" provides more information.

HomeKit devices for the garden: overview of irrigation and Co.

There are also more and more HomeKit products for the garden, e.g. Facilitate maintenance of the outdoor facilities or provide more security with automatic lighting.

Easy watering: Eve Aqua Smart Water Controller

The compact Eva Aqua adapter is attached to an outdoor tap and then smart health connected with a conventional garden hose. It is the ideal solution for everyone who wants to control their lawn sprinkler using the HomeKit.

Waste of water is a thing of the past: control your garden irrigation with Apple HomeKit via iPhone, including consumption display, remote access and intelligent schedules

Complete system: GARDENA Smart Sensor Control Set with gateway

If you don't want to be satisfied with the remote control of your water supply, you can network floor sensors, irrigation computers and even your robotic lawnmower via the GARDENA Smart Sensor Control System via HomeKit.

incl. smart Sileno robotic lawnmower for up to 1000 m² of lawn, smart water control, smart sensor and smart gateway

Weather station and HomeKit rain gauge from Netatmo

The smart weather station from Netatmo not only measures the outside temperatures, but can also – depending on its measured values ​​- influence the manufacturer's indoor thermostats. The Netatmo rain gauge is an accessory for the weather station, via which e.g. a warning message can be triggered on the smartphone when it starts to rain.

Measurement of ambient data inside and outside in real time, weather forecast, current warning messages via app and remote access to the data

Lighting: Philips Hue Smart Outdoor Lightstrip

No matter whether garden pond or noble Skultpur in the driveway: everyone has personal favorites that he would like to enjoy around the clock. With Philips Hue outdoor lamps, such as the flexible Smart Outdoor Lightstrip can also be staged effectively at night.

Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance LED Outdoor Lightstrip 

The 5 meter long smart light strip is completely waterproof and can be flexibly bent. Enjoy over 16 million colors.

Outdoor socket: GARDENA smart Power adapter plug

An intelligent radio-controlled socket is the right choice for existing external electronics – e.g. to be able to control seasonal light elements remotely. Alternatively, you can set schedules.

GARDENA smart Power adapter plug, set of 3 

Switchable connector for outdoor use for integration into the GARDENA smart system.

Bridges and hubs that are suitable for networking with HomeKit

A bridge functions like a hub or a smart health home center as the heart of a smart health home. The following models are already HomeKit certified or at least have already applied for certification.

Recommendation HomeKit Bridge from Philips Hue

At the heart of the Philips Hue system, the Philips Hue Bridge can control countless components from ceiling spots to Ambilight lighting on the TV. In combination with the health home App, all of this also works via Siri voice commands.

Control center for the Philips Hue system, controls up to 50 lamps, enables remote access to the lighting system

Router, repeater and mesh accessories

  • eero WiFi mesh system

  • Eve Extend – Bluetooth Range Extender for Apple HomeKit-enabled Eve devices

Our overview shows only a selection of the possibilities. More information about HomeKit devices can also be found in the Apple compatibility list or directly on the respective manufacturer's website.

Houses and apartments: These providers offer HomeKit packages

In total, Apple lists three companies that offer suitable HomeKit packages for construction projects. These are:

  • R&F

  • WeberHaus

  • Brookfield Residential

This means that users can design a new building from the beginning to be intelligentHomeKit.

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