As the holiday shopping season reaches its height, the clock is ticking to place those online orders before the chaotic last-minute rush. HomeKit gadgets make fantastic presents for any Apple enthusiast—they’re highly sought after and enhance any smart home environment. In this week’s HomeKit Weekly, I’ve put together a gift guide for 2024 to assist you in selecting the ideal gift for your favorite Apple aficionado.
HomeKit Weekly is a series dedicated to smart home gadgets, automation tips and tricks, and everything related to Apple’s smart home ecosystem.
Best HomeKit Door Locks
The convenience and utility of a HomeKit door lock cannot be overstated. Whether it’s locking or unlocking remotely or having it automatically open as you approach, it’s an excellent gift for anyone wanting to elevate their smart home. My current favorite is the Level Lock+. With its Home Key compatibility, an unobtrusive design that suits any style, and the option to use a traditional key, it stands out. The NFC keys are another fantastic feature, ideal for family members who may not be tech-savvy.
If you prefer a pin code for access, consider the Aqara U100, which also has a fingerprint option. Both options are excellent choices. Additionally, I appreciate the 4th generation August Smart Lock. While it doesn’t support Home Key, it allows you to maintain the exterior appearance of your door lock and only replace the interior component. This makes it easier for those who don’t want a visible change to their lock but still want to add HomeKit support.
Home Key is a vital feature for me, and here’s a current selection of the top Home Key door locks available:
Leading HomeKit Cameras
Cameras that support HomeKit are fantastic gifts, and there’s always a good reason to add another one. It’s essential to remember that while various cameras may integrate with HomeKit, not all are compatible with HomeKit Secure Video (HKSV). HKSV provides secure footage recording and storage in iCloud, enhancing privacy and integration with Apple’s ecosystem.
For outdoor HomeKit cameras, you have several excellent options. For a floodlight replacement, consider Eve’s Outdoor Camera. Since it replaces a floodlight, it ensures consistent power while utilizing Wi-Fi for video transmission. Much like the indoor camera, it works seamlessly with HomeKit Secure Video. For a wired outdoor camera, the Logitech Circle View is a great pick. If you seek a battery-powered option with local storage, the Eufy 2C cameras are an impressive choice, boasting a remarkable battery life of 180 days and recording directly to an SD card at its base station, plus HomeKit compatibility for automation use and viewing on Apple TV, among others.
A point I overlooked earlier is the benefits of utilizing cameras in your home automation. Since the cameras function as motion sensors, they can trigger other devices (like lights) within your automations when they detect movement.
HomeKit Gift Guide: Best HomeKit Light Bulbs
Upgrading your home with HomeKit-compatible lighting is an excellent way to incorporate smart technology, offering features such as dimming and a variety of color choices. Here are some top selections to consider:
The options available are vast. Integrating all of your lighting with HomeKit significantly enhances any smart home.
Leading HomeKit Smart Plugs
HomeKit outlet adapters are a remarkable means of automating conventional appliances such as lamps, coffee makers, and air purifiers, making them a valuable addition to any smart home configuration. Simply connect these adapters to your wall outlet and plug in your devices, allowing you to control them via your iPhone, Apple Watch, or Siri, including setting up schedules. This feature is particularly handy when away from home, as it mimics occupancy by scheduling your lamps to turn on and off. Here are some highly recommended HomeKit-compatible outlet adapters to consider:
Conclusion – Other Miscellaneous Items
If nothing in my HomeKit gift guide resonates with you, here are a few additional accessories that I regard as top HomeKit choices that didn’t fit into any other sections.
Did I overlook any significant items? Please share your top recommendations for our 2024 HomeKit gift guide in the comments below.
: . More.
