1 More Options

While the aforementioned devices are a great way to kickoff your home automation journey, you can always add new gadgets with new capabilities to your smart home arsenal. Here are just a few of our picks for extra home automation gear.

• If you want to be able to control your standard TV and entertainment setup with voice commands, the Fire TV Cube ($119.99) is currently your best option. It’s a set-top box with Amazon Alexa built in, but it also sports IR blasters to control your cable box, soundbars, and other non-smart TV peripherals.
• This Kenmore smart refrigerator is compatible with Amazon Alexa and will start cranking out ice for parties at your command, or alert you the fridge door was left open, and much more.
• When it comes to smart lighting, you can go a lot further than simply adding smart bulbs. For smart control of built-in lighting and overhead fans, you can’t go wrong with the Lutron Caseta Smart Switch ($54.95).
• Smart shades may be a luxury, but if you want to build out a true smart home, they’re definitely a convenient and impressive option. Lutron makes some of the best on the market, and you can pick up itsSerena Remote Controlled Shades (price varies)at Home Depot.
• A smart garage opener is also a great home automation choice. The Chamberlain MyQ ($79.99) allows you to control your garage door via smartphone. Although to make it HomeKit compatible for use with Siri, you’ll need an additional MyQ Home Bridge.