The 5 most trusted and widely used smart home device companies
Andy B.
last updated on October 8, 2018
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Nest, Ring, SmartThings, Kasa, and WeMo are the most trusted smart device brands
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We explain how they made their name and what’s their most exciting new smart device
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We reveal the downside to each of these major smart device brands
When it comes to smart home devices, just about every consumer electronics company in the world has dipped their toe in the water. However, if you want to stick with the most trusted and most widely used smart home brands, we rank our top five picks based on reputation, trust, reviews, and existing consumer usage.
1. Nest
Who owns it?
Nest started out on its own and built a strong reputation in the smart device industry. In 2014 it was acquired by Google for $3.2B and is now one of the largest and most trusted smart device brands in the world!
What is their flagship smart device?
Nest has a number of smart devices on the market, including video doorbells, security cameras, and security systems, but is best known for its flagship product: the Nest Learning Thermostat.
What’s their coolest new smart device?
We’re pretty impressed with their entry to the smart security space. In fact, the Nest Secure was our top pick as the best premium wireless smart home security system.
Why are they on the list?
Nest tops the list because they have one of the largest smart device ecosystems, meaning you can buy just about any smart product you need and likely they will all work together seamlessly! Also, Nest is owned by Google–which is integral to most people’s lives these days.
What’s their biggest downside?
If you’re not a huge Google fan, then you may find more limitations placed on your use of Nest products. Amazon doesn’t like to play nicely with Nest and, if you’re an Apple fan, Homekit is yet to have much in the way of compatibility.
2. Ring
Who owns it?
You may remember Ring as Doorbot a prototype first featured on Shark Tank. While it didn’t win much favor then, it did become the hottest video doorbell company and won the attention of Amazon–which acquired the company in 2018.
What is their flagship smart device?
Ring is known for its video doorbell. In fact, it has 4 different smart video doorbells to choose from and has had so much success with its brand that it has now expanded into other smart home security products.
What’s their coolest new smart device?
This smart device company knows how to provide great 2-way streaming video products. For a long time, these were limited to mostly outdoor cameras, but Ring has now announced its expanding its indoor range of video security devices with the launch of its new Stick Up Cams–which can be used both indoor and outdoor!
Why are they on the list?
Ring not only makes great smart home products, but it has amazing customer service too. Everything from technical support, even while standing on a ladder, to quick-ship replacement products if you get one that acts up.
What’s their biggest downside?
Ring products will work just fine with your Android or iOS smartphones or tablets. With Google Assistant or Apple Homekit? Not so much.
3. SmartThings
Who owns it?
While SmartThings started as a Kickstarter startup in 2012, it was quickly acquired for $200M in 2014 by Samsung. You might have heard of Samsung. 😉
What is their flagship smart device?
SmartThings’ flagship product is not actually any smart device that you’ll use for a specific reason. Instead, SmartThings is known for the hub it created to connect dozens (hundreds even) of independently manufactured smart devices.
What’s their coolest new smart device?
Now that SmartThings has been owned by Samsung for a few years, we’re seeing more and more smart devices carrying the actual SmartThings name. One that we really like the looks of is the new mesh WiFi router system designed to get even the most remotely place smart device in your home connected to the internet!
Why are they on the list?
If you’re going to use a hub to provide access and connectivity to smart devices made by unknown companies, then one made by Samsung will help you sleep at night…and wake you up should there be a disturbance at your home. 😉
What’s their biggest downside?
SmartThings is a closed hub. Hubs were really important when the smart home space first started. These days smart speakers and IFTTT are helping to connect different devices directly to your Wi-Fi router. We predict that “hubs” will be relegated to history in 5 years or so.
4. Kasa
Who owns it?
Kasa is the product line owned by TP-Link. If you’ve been on the internet for any amount of time, you’ll remember TP-Link for its routers, WiFi, and powerline extenders. No surprise that the company saw a window to enter the smart device space with the launch of the more consumer-friendly Kasa brand.
What is their flagship smart device?
When it comes to the product that Kasa is most famous for, we suggest flipping a coin. Heads? Smart bulbs. Tails? Smart plugs. Kasa was dominant in both smart device niches and continues to innovate in that space.
What’s their coolest new smart device?
Kasa has a plethora of cool new smart devices from which to make our pick. However, we love its new smart power strip! It lets you plug in and independently control up to 6 different devices!
Why are they on the list?
We think that TP-Link had a pretty good reputation before the smart home industry began, but Kasa has great reviews for its well made smart devices, helping TP-Link to build an even stronger brand.
What’s their biggest downside?
Pricing. Kasa has tons of competitors, all offering very similar products. And all, much, much cheaper. Of course, they can do that because they don’t have the overhead and investor pressures that TP-Link does. However, if you want the most trusted smart outlet or bulb, then Kasa is worth the extra pennies.
5. WeMo
Who owns it?
If you’ve never heard of WeMo, you have likely heard of the company that owns this popular brand of smart device products: Belkin. Belkin and TP-Link have been in competition for years, so it makes sense that Belkin too would launch its own consumer-friendly line of smart devices.
What is their flagship smart device?
WeMo makes plugs, outlets, and even a bridge to connect devices to Apple Homekit! However, we feel WeMo is best known for its smart light switches. We’ve personally been using WeMo smart light switches for years, and they are the most reliable ones money can buy!
What’s their coolest new smart device?
Er, let’s go with the Homekit Bridge. And, that’s about it. Why? Belkin recently announced a merger with Foxconn and it seems that WeMe product launches are in a holding pattern until the combined company can consolidate and then innovate.
Why are they on the list?
WeMo has some of the best platform integration you can buy. It works with Amazon, Google, and Apple. It’s kind of like the Roku for smart devices–it works with everything and not restricted to just one platform.
What’s their biggest downside?
The unknown. It’s new owner, Foxconn Technology Group builds an estimated 40% of all consumer electronics sold worldwide–including for Apple, Sony, and Nintendo. That bodes well for WeMo and Belkin. However, Foxconn is also included in some of the biggest working-condition controversies in the world. Hopefully, WeMo will remain as the smart device brand We Mo and love. 😉
Those are our top 5 smart device brands based on reputation, consumer reviews, and trustworthiness. What would you add or take away from this list?
