As the holiday shopping season ramps up, the clock is ticking to complete your online purchases before the inevitable last-minute store rush kicks in. HomeKit accessories are an ideal choice for any Apple enthusiast—they’re consistently in demand and enhance any smart home system. In this week’s edition of HomeKit Weekly, I’ve curated a 2024 HomeKit gift guide to assist you in selecting the perfect present for your favorite Apple aficionado.
HomeKit Weekly is a dedicated series that highlights smart home gadgets, automation strategies, and all aspects related to Apple’s smart home ecosystem.
Top HomeKit Door Locks
The advantages and convenience of having a HomeKit door lock are significant. From the ability to lock and unlock your door remotely to automatic unlocking as you approach, it makes a wonderful gift for anyone interested in upgrading their smart home. My current favorite is the Level Lock+. With Home Key support, a design that seamlessly fits into any interior, and the option of using a traditional key, it’s hard to find a better alternative. The NFC keys are also a standout feature, making it easy to share access with less tech-savvy family members.
If you prefer an entry solution using a PIN code, the Aqara U100 is a great choice. It also features a fingerprint option. Both locks are exceptional. Additionally, I really like the 4th generation August Smart Lock. While it doesn’t support Home Key, it allows you to keep the exterior design of your existing lock while just swapping out the interior mechanism. This is invaluable for those who don’t want to change the visible part of their door lock, yet desire the functionality of HomeKit.
Home Key is a crucial aspect for me, which leads me to highlight a selection of the best Home Key door locks available:
Top HomeKit Cameras
Cameras that work with HomeKit are fantastic gifts, as there is always room for one more. Keep in mind that while many cameras claim HomeKit compatibility, not all support HomeKit Secure Video (HKSV). This feature securely records and stores footage in iCloud, offering improved privacy and seamless integration into Apple’s ecosystem.
For those looking for outdoor HomeKit cameras, several excellent choices exist. If you need a floodlight solution, consider Eve’s Outdoor Camera. Designed to replace an existing floodlight, it benefits from constant power while utilizing Wi-Fi for data transmission. Much like indoor cameras, it’s compatible with HomeKit Secure Video as well. For a wired outdoor camera option, look into the Logitech Circle View. If you prefer a battery-powered camera for outdoor use that includes local recording, the Eufy 2C is worth investigating, boasting an impressive battery life of 180 days. Recording is saved to an SD card in the base station, and it can also be integrated with HomeKit for automation and access via Apple TV.
One advantage I neglected to mention earlier is the role of HomeKit cameras within your automation setup. Since these cameras function as motion detectors, they can trigger other devices, such as lights, to activate upon detecting movement.
HomeKit Gift Guide: Top HomeKit Light Bulbs
Upgrading your home with HomeKit-compatible light bulbs is a wonderful way to embrace smart technology, offering features such as dimming and a variety of color choices. Here are some top selections:
With a plethora of options available, transitioning all of your home lighting to HomeKit is a substantial enhancement for any smart setup.
Best HomeKit Smart Plugs
HomeKit-compatible outlet adapters are a brilliant way to make traditional devices like lamps, coffee makers, and air purifiers smarter. Simply plug these adapters into your wall socket and connect your devices to control them via your iPhone, Apple Watch, or Siri. You can even set schedules for devices, which is particularly useful while traveling to simulate occupancy by programming lamps to turn on and off. Here are some top recommendations for HomeKit-compatible outlet adapters:
Wrap Up – Additional Miscellaneous Items
If you haven’t found the perfect fit in my HomeKit gift guide, here are a few more items I endorse as excellent HomeKit accessories that don’t fit into other categories.
Did I overlook anything? Please share your top picks for the 2024 HomeKit gift guide in the comments below.
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