The Best Smart Home Products Available (that I ACTUALLY use!)

[@ShaneCreates]

Do you agree or disagree with my picks?? What are your favorites and why? NOTE: I ran out of space in the video description! If you are interested in more information regarding any of the products mentioned, there is likely a full video covering it here on the channel. Just do a search on my channel for the product you are interested in. Let's Connect! ► Instagram - instagram.com/shanecreates ► X (Twitter) - twitter.com/shanecreates ► TikTok - www.tiktok.com/@shanecreates ► Website - shanewhatley.com​

[@RC-nj1by]

I disagree with any of your Eve picks. That company is total garbage with complete trash for customer support. avoid them like the plague

[@mannag2440]

Disagree with Nanoleaf. Worst company.

[@rainbowvortex2592]

All really nice options, I have mostly Aqara and Meross, used Lutron for years and loved it… you know your stuff sir.

[@shudr2thnk]

Lutron Caseta and Serena gets the top pick as the most useful and reliable HomeKit accessories of all time.

[@legalize420]

I've got the Divas at my home AND at my work. They are awesome.

[@heyaisdabomb]

Some things you missed I found to be great: Cameras: Arlo Ultra 2 with 4k has native homekit secure support, they are top notch quality, true 4k video. Only downside is unless you record locally, needs a pricey subscription. Wort it still imo. Door lock: Level lock is great Only downside is batteries go quickly, every 6 months or less for me. But super easy to replace, built into the dead bolt and they look the best Smoke detector: First Alert OneLink Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector has homekit support.

[@Augmented_AI]

You should mention the Apple HomePod mini for temperature and humidity. It also can detect the sound of smoke alarms in the new update without having too many additional devices

[@ShaneCreates]

Agreed! Although I don’t think they are as reliable as temp and humidity sensors as the others mentioned. I do love the update for them to detect smoke alarms.

[@AruChanWZ]

here in Ukraine, I found almost any smart device covered by Aqara! it's really affordable and I'm planning to base all my new home with Aqara. thanks Shane! love your videos, got a lot of useful stuff from your channel!

[@cheapme1850]

Great video and lot of commonality. For example, the “meh” attitude on smart bulbs is right on point. Without a doubt they are the least used, least reliable smart items I’ve purchased. I don’t need all the fancy colors - just a bright white bulb that stays connected. Switches and plugs are just more reliable and versatile. Other things - I returned or got rid of my Eufy stuff for obvious reasons, Schlage is expensive but worth it, I’m loving the Switchbot blind controller, and the Meross opener was a godsend after the silliness Chamberlain pulled with MyQ plug-in.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for sharing! 😃

[@keely.diynails]

THANK YOU!!!! This is extremely helpful! I just moved and our stuff is a little outdated, so I’m in need of upgrading our stuff. No joke, I was about to message you to ask what your favorites on some of the topics you brought up. For the security systems & outdoors cameras, do you pay a subscription service to those companies to use them? Why I ask is I have Ring and Blink and they’ve updated it to subscriptions and I’m trying to not utilize Amazon products anymore and more towards others that support home kit. Again, thank you SO MUCH for making this video!

[@Polkster13]

Another great video. On Temperature sensors, I would include the Aqara sensor as it works well in refrigerators and freezers. I really like all of the Aqara sensors and they have been just as reliable as my Lutron Caseta Light switches. I just wish the Aqara app experience was a bit more polished and the room information would transfer more seamlessly over to Apple Home. My biggest gripe with Aqara is there is no easy way to transfer a child device from one Aqara hub to another Aqara hub.

[@ShaneCreates]

Great points! Thanks for sharing. I agree!

[@Mr.C0ffee]

9:51 is that an iPad you mounted in the wall for HomeKit access? That’s super cool. Could you do a video on how to set that up?

[@ShaneCreates]

Check out this video here kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKe1q4F7arWXraM

[@3zadam]

I use the ikea blinds connected to smartthings. they work pretty good and really cheap. I have 4. one seems defective and drains battery much faster than others.

[@myHomeKithome]

The AirVersa Purel and Hummel have been amazing for me. I'm also a big fan of most of Aqara's stuff. Thread and Zigbee for the win!

[@Mr.C0ffee]

I refuse to use Philips hue after they changed their TOS. No shot i need to share my data to turn on a lightbulb 😑🙄🙄

[@stillphil6645]

Philip hugh is garbage along with the fact that they rob you

[@Jupiter0ne]

Give yourself a pat on the back. Your Scrypted video is what I used to get my Reolink system into HomeKit. Great video and setup was easy. Also, totally agree about the Lutron products. Yes they are more expensive, but they are also easy and rock solid.

[@ShaneCreates]

That's great! Thanks for sharing! 😃

[@BrandonDoyleMN]

My favorites are Lutron, ecobee, Alen air, moen or Rachio for sprinkler, roborock, abode, Schlage & Reolink. Currently using ring/Alexa devices So very similar setups

[@jeffreytackett3922]

Dude buys Lutron switches and blinds, then acts like Phillips Hue bulbs are unreasonably expensive. That's hilarious.

[@Ralph-yh4ug]

I use tempCube temperature and humidity sensor and its awesome! keeps my assets safe and sends alerts if the temperature rises above the preset levels

[@atomicdetailsoc]

you can cut the controller out of the govee outdoor lights and hook up a flashed esp32 with WLED on it. then with HA you can have it in Homekit.

[@a17654]

Thanks for this great video! I would like to have inside cameras but I was always afraid that the stream leaks in some random website... how do you prevent this ?? Thanks to anyone who could help

[@A-ee7hh]

Great video !!! Shane, I'm hoping this answered has not been answered or if it has, I would love to be guided where. But I'm trying to automate the lighting (hue light) in my bathroom and I thought about getting one the aqara motion sensor - the mini ones. My question is: Since it works with HomeKit which is the ecosystem I use, I should be to have them work with the Hue light without any issues, correct?

[@adamashlock1787]

Great video Shane and appreciate you showcasing Aqara. Their products are overtaking the house LOL.

[@pabloasilva]

Great video Shane, thanks. I'm still using Scrypted to translate my Dahua cameras into Homekit. Still waiting for a Matter firmware update for those.

[@daktusdurggery5505]

How to make Mini Splits smart? Does that thermostat you mentioned work with mini split systems?

[@alzaou2456]

Hi, I am pretty new to Apple home stuff but I REALLY ENJOYED watching this video. It is so easy, relaxing and fun to watch….. Totally different than other videos on youtube. Good info and nice crazy stuff. Keep more videos like these coming. Hi from Holland 👍🏼

[@epic147]

Hi Shane, I’m just curious, why did you remove the eufy cameras? Is it for security or reliability reasons?

[@marcopo06]

👍great video again thanks for that. I've a question here (in 🇫🇷) : I use the Home app to control a few things, but I don’t have a Home pod or Apple TV. I plan to buy the eero pro 6 E routers from Amazon, which are now a thread border router. If I understood correctly a border router can make hub. So I think that could control my objects when I am away from home with my iphone, via the Internet and eero routers What do you think?

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching! You still need a HomePod or an Apple TV in order to control HomeKit accessories remotely, when away from home.

[@billcomat3207]

Why are you so high on Secure Video that only does 1080P? Are there outdoor security camera's that work in HomeKit but without Secure Video?

[@dadsalleb]

Some ppl say FP2 has a lot of bugs but you always say it is great. Haven't you had any issue with it?

[@ShaneCreates]

It’s a bit cumbersome to set up initially, but once you do and dial in your zones and automations, it’s fantastic.

[@sethhubbard698]

I’ve had lots of issues with my nanoleaf essentials light bulbs. They often will go no response and the only fix is to remove them from the home and re add them.

[@aduncaroo]

Doesn’t the HomePod HomeKit notify you if an alarm goes off anyway?

[@YourFriendCole]

How many lines did it take to create that in the studio? It looks great! Also, my girlfriend asked if you remember where y’all got that shelf? Thanks!

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks! There are 18 lines on each wall. I believe that is the maximum for one controller. The shelf (an most of the furniture in the studio) came from HomeGoods.

[@brettbianchi6706]

What’s the best wireless outdoor camera with HSV support? A lot of people have Eufy but it can be mixed reviews. And the no two-way talk in HomeKit. Curious if there are some solid options. Would like to avoid running wires if possible.

[@ShaneCreates]

Eufy is about the only wireless option that supports HomeKit Secure Video (only the EufyCam 2 line). Arlo is another option, but no HomeKit Secure Video support.

[@brettbianchi6706]

@@ShaneCreatesThanks! I may just have to go with the Eufy. Still a good system, just thought I’d see if there were some others. Amazon has the 2c Pro 2 camera system for $159 right now. I do really wish arlo would add support because I do really like their products, just wish they had the HSV support.

[@ras57719]

I’m a full time RVer and interested to hear how others have implemented Applehome in their RV (if possible at all)

[@AlecLister]

Not an RV but I have a boat with a bunch of Aqara sensors including temp, door and leak sensors. Then a SwitchBot that turns on the AC during the hottest hours of the day. Amazing setup as I can go weeks without having to check on the boat.

[@jaysonfumera1714]

nice video shane! I am just curious about the thermostat, is it connected to your airconditioning unit (smart AC?) to somehow allow automation on the controls of your desirable temp and humidity in a room?

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching. I just have a regular AC unit connected to my Ecobee smart thermostat. Yes, you can use the room sensors to automate the temperate based on different rooms.

[@the.carebear]

Can I ask, why did you get rid of your Eufy Cameras?

[@cesartroyasherdek]

Hi, I see a gadget under the TV that emits lights while you talk, what is it? What is it called? Thanks!

[@ShaneCreates]

Those are Yeelight Cube lights. Full video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnezZYijp9l1f80

[@SuntreelifeFC]

Quick question, why did you choose the Logitech doorbell over Aqara or Eufy?

[@ShaneCreates]

I chose it over Aqara simply because I prefer the portrait view for the camera feed. The Aqara is a great doorbell camera (just installed one at my parents' house) but only if the horizontal feed works well for your setup. I didn't choose Eufy because it does not support HomeKit.

[@SuntreelifeFC]

Thank you! Truly appreciate your channel

[@vboom15]

Have you tried the ecobee doorbell?

[@ShaneCreates]

I have not. I don't like that it doesn't support HomeKit Secure Video.

[@LarryRichelli]

Wow, I am new to all of this but I noticed that you did not cover any wall light switches....is there any reason for this or did you just not think of it?

[@ShaneCreates]

I did! Check out 4:15

[@kerenchandran2025]

I’ve read a lot about hues not being bright compared to other brands. I’m currently using the hue color bulbs and it definitely does feel like it’s lacking in brightness. Wanted to check if you’re experiencing the same thing.

[@khalilchan2485]

yeah, I am. I have instead bought lifx bulbs, there decently brighter than philips plus I love how vibrant the colour is, There is also a night vision built in which was so cool, I put one in the baby room and it makes my cameras nightvision!

[@jcm9698]

@@khalilchan2485 I have both Hue and Lifx, and thought the Hue's are more expensive and less brighter, they are certainly more reliable. My Lifx won't respond a lot of the times, very frustrating, but when they do respond, they are a very nice bulb.

[@clemgr]

Hue now has higher Lumen output bulbs, check if you’re using the higher output. I have both and you can see the difference.

[@jamesrslewis]

Hey Shane. What is the iPad stand you’re using at 0:34? Thanks!

[@StrifePulse]

What makes you prefer the Schlage Encode Plus over the Aqara U100?

[@ShaneCreates]

Both are great locks. I love the Aqara U100. The main downside vs the Schlage (for me) is that the Aqara U100 cannot easily be rekeyed and the Schlage can. I like to have all my main exterior door locks keyed to the same key.

[@kinseycreategoods]

Super helpful for me! thanks Shane

[@Imperialeluca7]

At 9:50 you have a tablet next to your thermostat. I assume it’s an iPad. Can you confirm? I really love your setup and want to replicate it. The Lutron shades definitely have a premium price tag but they look worth it!!

[@seyi8206]

Do you have any recommendations for a HomeKit-compatible RF blaster to replace RF remotes?

[@daktusdurggery5505]

Perhaps the Aqara hub?

[@ThaTruth23G]

Hi Shane I am interested in the Govee permanent outdoor lights and was researching recently and saw mention of new permanent outdoor Pro lights and was curious if you had any info from Govee about them. Apparently they are supposed to come with the ability to splice. Thanks!

[@rodrigoruiz976]

What would you recommend for roller shade motor only? (Not the full shades like Lutron, Eve or Smartwings)

[@ShaneCreates]

I have not used any personally. Have you looked at the Eve MotionBlinds Upgrade Kit?

[@304cortez85]

Jeez and we thought smartphones were fragmented lol. Dope video definitely learned some things watching. Dope video.

[@tylerpride7344]

7:14 What do you like better about the Schlag encode plus than the Level Lock.

[@ShaneCreates]

Built in keypad. Connects via Thread rather than bluetooth. That bluetooth connection on the Level Lock is slow.

[@tylerpride7344]

@@ShaneCreates gotcha. Thank you for your input. Love the content. Keep it up!

[@masoodrazaq]

This is super helpful - thank you for the quick fire, comprehensive video!

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching!

[@esny10]

I’m looking for a doorbell camera that works with HomeKit, because I’m using Apple devices??

[@filipefernandesmusic]

aqara 😃

[@esny10]

@@filipefernandesmusic they said that, those ones don’t have records cloud?

[@filipefernandesmusic]

@@esny10 the aqara g4 says that it supports HomeKit Secure Video and iCloud storage, so I believe it does record in the cloud :D

[@esny10]

@@filipefernandesmusic ok, thanks 👍

[@BMar1andonly]

10:41 HomePod/Homepod Mini detects smoke alarms. FYI this accessory is not needed if you have a HomePod or HomePod mini.

[@ShaneCreates]

True, and it's one of my favorite new features on the HomePod. However we still don't have the ability to automate based on the HomePods detecting alarms. If you want to create home automations, you will need a device exposed to HomeKit as a smoke detector.

[@BMar1andonly]

I automated via the shortcuts app; when a fire alarm is detected all my HomePods play a fire alarm sound and every light in my home turns on to full brightness and flashes between white light and red. Are you telling me that automation only uses my iPhones mic? Now I’m sad

[@johnnygoodface]

For Hue I keep running into the issue that some lamps (randomly) would turn on at only 1%... Was never able to find a solution. You never had this issue?

[@jay-jay017]

I recently bought two Hunter smart fans supported by Apple Home. My set up also has a dedicated fan switch and dedicated light switch for the fan. I wish I went with a dumb fan and used the Lutron smart switch instead of a smart fan. now I have to have light switch covers in my master and living room to keep the switches on in order to use the smart controls for the fans =\

[@ShaneCreates]

This is a great point and something I think people can learn from. Thank you for sharing. This is why I probably wouldn't want a homekit fan if I have a switch to control it. Same reason that smart bulbs controlled by a wall switch are such a headache.

[@carlhirschfelder3594]

Is there a Lutron Smart Switch that will control both the fan and light from one outlet?

[@ShaneCreates]

Not a smart Lutron Caseta switch. They only sell the fan controller and the switch/dimmers that have to be two separate switches.

[@MrHarBar]

Do you know if the Lutron Caseta light switches or Aqara H1 light switches work on a two way circuit? Wanting to get my downstairs switch and upstairs switch to both be able to control the light upstairs.

[@ShaneCreates]

I don't think Aqara switches support 3-way switches, but Lutron does. I use Lutron Pico remotes all over the house for the second switch on these circuits. They work great.

[@edwardjamesjr1]

Great summary! Thank you!

[@rodrigoruiz976]

How do you use flick twist is it’s not HomeKit compatible? Are there any alternatives?

[@ShaneCreates]

Personally I am using the Flic Twist with its Homey integration.

[@javiertineo3084]

Why do you prefer the Logitech over the aqara doorbell?

[@ShaneCreates]

Because I prefer the vertical video feed for my doorbell cam. Aqara's feed is horizontal and it doesn't work well for my location.

[@gsawnv]

Hey Shane or others. We are putting in a swinging gate. Is there a good HomeKit compatible gate opener? If not a switch that can integrate with the gate motor?

[@ShaneCreates]

Might want to look into the new Aqara T2 Dual Relay module.

[@gsawnv]

Thank you sir. Looking now

[@Kmax3000]

I have a feeling that couldn't use the Abode Smoke Alarm Sensor because if its listening for the high pitch sound of a smoke alarm.. it's always going to go off when my mother-in-law comes over and opens her mouth.

[@Lurkjerk]

Hi Shane, it would be nice if you could do an European version. Because Europe has some different best products. Doorlocks, thermostats and switches.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for the recommendation. Unfortunately I can't really state my top picks for EU devices since I'm not able to use many of them.

[@peebs2424]

I need a camera for my 3d printer that does time lapse recording. It appears the aqara g2h pro does but has lower video quality. The g3 has better quality but doesn’t appear to have time lapse. Also they are more then double the price of wyze cameras. Any other alternatives? I know wyze isn’t HomeKit compatible but the price is right. I thought aqaras pricing was competitive

[@creekwalker660]

I’d say get a dedicated non-smart camera for it. Can even go with GoPro copies such as SJCAM if you don’t want to spend much.

[@MAZzZz32]

Why did you remove Eufy ? I just received mine today 😅

[@ShaneCreates]

I just replaced them with PoE cameras. Nothing wrong with them, they always worked well. But wired is preferred over wireless... it's just a pain to set up initially.

[@tchukyn]

Thanks for another great video.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching!

[@Dr_Cole]

Hi Shane. Super helpful rundown of basically every major area of the device categories in Apple Home. I use two of the OneLink Safe Sound devices for Apple Home integrated Smoke and CO2 sensors. Having a passable overhead AirPlay Speaker and a multicolor nightlight built in gives it some fun accessories that are accessible in the Apple Home app as well. One of mine did have a battery failure within its first year but the return process was simple and hassle free.

[@eddiegochenour410]

I had two of the OneLink smoke detectors and hated them. Was an horrible product. After a few months they would start to go off randomly in the middle of the night and could not turn them off. Smashed them with a hammer, threw them away and replaced with a regular dumb alarms.

[@D3codes]

Second the OneLink!

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for watching and sharing. I tried the First Alert HomeKit smoke detectors a few years ago. I had a bad experience so I returned them and there really hasn't been any good alternatives in the US since then. Glad to hear you have been happy with yours.

[@ecoheliguy]

@@eddiegochenour410 was it the one with the speaker. Because it seems to be a reoccurring theme that the speaker model is great and most bad reviews are of the none speaker model. Not all, but over and over again the owners of the speaker model love them.

[@RossOlsonDotCom]

Surprised that you don’t cover the IKEA products. Super reliable (now) and really cheap.

[@ShaneCreates]

Thanks for sharing. I haven't used many Ikea products. I tried their shades a few years ago and had a bad experience (sent them back). I haven't used many of their other products though.

[@joeprebish7140]

How about a new alarm system set up now that we have tons of new devices, software , etc.

[@markhardacre1]

What happened to the Eufy cameras???

[@fredchambers4846]

Disappointed... You forgot to mention that in order to use the Aqara water sensor with HomeKit you also need to purchase the Aqara hub.... I don't want another hub. Do you have a recommendation for a water sensor that work with HK natively?

[@ShaneCreates]

Well the Aqara sensors do work natively with homekit, you just need an Aqara hub. Sorry if that was not clear. The Eve Water Guard is a good water sensor that does not require a hub.

[@fredchambers4846]

thx I'll look at that one.@@ShaneCreates

[@Mtgavin55]

Hi Shane! Like your channel. For Smoke Detectors I thought Onelink by First Alert Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Detector where Homekit native. Am I missed informed? Thanks

[@ShaneCreates]

You are correct. I tried that one a few years ago. Had a bad experience so I returned it.

[@Mtgavin55]

May I ask what happened? I was looking at the wired and 10 yr battery one.@@ShaneCreates

[@ecoheliguy]

@@Mtgavin55 Shane has a video on it

[@andrewmaina7750]

I want to start a smart home business where do I start

[@pandaman123213]

I use Phillips hue and it has CONSTANT connection problems. I don’t recommend them

[@lorenipsum93]

10:48 Don't HomePods do this natively already?

[@johnnygoodface]

OneLink Smoke/CO detector is Homekit natively

[@ShaneCreates]

It didn’t work well for me so I returned them (a couple years ago).

[@johnnygoodface]

Hmm just tested it yesterday (after almost burning down my house with burning oil in a pan!!) and I got the alert just fine... FYI :) @@ShaneCreates

[@Treblady]

I came here for the best. 13:20 sounds like beat around the bush

[@mbazarghan]

Hi Shane, Thanks for sharing very interesting videos. I was wondering if you could guide or help me to become a licensed Smart Home installer to start this business in Canada. I really appreciate your comments on that.

[@jeffmay4988]

Is anyone here familiar with an issue with Philips hue bulbs that are stuck strobing.???

[@TexasHolton]

Does anyone make a wind speed sensor?

[@ecoheliguy]

The problem is HomeKit also has to support wind speed which it doesn’t. There are many ways to get local wind speed data (netatmo) but HomeKit has yet to support wind speed on the architecture.

[@ricardobranch1375]

Man totally just now watching this hoping a smart diffuser is in this

[@ShaneCreates]

Oh I didn't mention diffusers because I don't use them much... I hate filling up the water and always forget. Some that I have used in the past and would look into: Meross Smart Oil Diffuser VocoLink Humidifier (bigger water tank and can still add essential oils) Edit: AirVersa has a new humidifier also that might be worth looking into.

[@ricardobranch1375]

@@ShaneCreates makes sense. Smart Diffusers are a kind of niche market. Off topic, your original curtain motor comparison video at the time introduced me into the aqara eco system. Never looked back and love aqara now. Thanks for the amazing content and I have been a subscribed ever since!

[@ShaneCreates]

@@ricardobranch1375 thanks so much for the support! Glad you like the Aqara products as well. I've been using them for a long time and they are still some of my very favorites!

[@TheRasta25]

Logitech doorbell Cam is the worst experience I have ever used

[@mamlukavlogs6353]

👍👍💕💕

[@cotiew]

Looks like your coin rack is lacking brother lol. I can send you an addition

[@izinc]

Aqara has smoke and gas detector

[@ShaneCreates]

Not in the US. We must have a certain number of hard-wired smoke detectors to pass code in the US.

[@mannag2440]

Nanoleaf sucks. Horrible customer service, slow updates and pairing impossible.

[@TheShagans]

How anyone is able to make a smart home with home kit is beyond me. I’m an iOS developer - love Apple but man. 2 phones and 10 devices later and HomeKit is absolute garbage compared to Alexa iot devices. Plugs for home kit either never connect or drop connection after the initial connect. And that initial connect might have taken 5 attempts before it worked. It’s really a shame. I thought it has to be the devices but after switching through numerous brands (including eve as mentioned in this video) it has to be Apple.

[@carlossap]

Sounds like a network problem