Before buying a single smart bulb, it helps to pick the “brain” of your smart home – the app and voice assistant you’ll use every day. There’s no single best choice; there’s a best choice for your household.
Start with the phones in your house
- Everyone has an iPhone: Apple Home is private and polished, and Siri works from your phone and watch. For automations and control when you’re away, you need a home hub – an Apple TV or HomePod that stays at home.
- A mix of iPhone and Android: Amazon Alexa or Google Home – both have apps for either phone.
- Mostly Android: Google Home fits naturally, and Google Assistant is built into the phone.
Then think about voice and screens
Alexa has the widest range of compatible devices and inexpensive Echo speakers and displays. Google is strong at answering questions and works well with Nest thermostats, cameras and doorbells. Apple has fewer devices but a strong focus on privacy.
Matter makes the choice less permanent
Newer devices with the Matter logo can work with Alexa, Google and Apple – even more than one at once. Buying Matter devices means you aren’t locked in if you switch later. More on Matter here.
Our advice: pick one main system for the household, buy Matter-certified devices when you can, and avoid installing five different brand apps that don’t talk to each other.
We set up any of the three and connect what you already own. See smart home setup.
