Upgrade Your Smart Home With These 5 Costco Gadgets
▼ Summary
– The smart home market is large and growing, with high consumer interest and widespread device ownership, but it is also crowded and inconsistent in quality.
– Costco has emerged as a reliable retailer for affordable and useful smart home devices, though not all of its offerings are recommended.
– The article advises consumers to avoid certain smart home tech items sold at Costco that are not worth purchasing.
– To identify worthwhile products, the author reviewed the highest-rated and most popular smart home devices at Costco, both in-store and online.
– The result is a curated list of five recommended smart home gadgets, spanning categories like speakers and security, that provide good value for Costco members.
Finding the right smart home gadgets can feel overwhelming with so many options promising convenience but often delivering frustration. Costco has emerged as a surprisingly reliable source for high-value, user-friendly smart home devices that actually work as advertised. Their curated selection often features bundles and exclusive member pricing, making it easier to upgrade your home without the typical guesswork and high costs associated with this crowded market.
A great starting point is a smart speaker with a built-in display. These versatile hubs do far more than play music; they let you control other compatible devices, make video calls, watch recipes in the kitchen, and view security camera feeds with simple voice commands. The visual interface adds a layer of utility that audio-only assistants lack, turning it into a central command station for your daily routines.
For home security, a wireless video doorbell is an essential upgrade. The best models offer crisp HD video, two-way talk, and motion-activated alerts sent directly to your smartphone. This means you can see and speak to visitors from anywhere, whether you’re in the backyard or at the office. Many available at Costco come with extended warranties or additional features like pre-roll video, which captures a few seconds of footage before the motion is detected.
Next, consider smart lighting. Smart light bulbs and switches provide effortless control over your home’s ambiance and energy use. You can schedule lights to turn on at sunset, dim them for movie night from your couch, or set different scenes for entertaining versus relaxing. Starting with a multi-pack of bulbs for key rooms is a cost-effective way to experience the benefits of automated lighting without a full-house commitment.
A smart thermostat is another gadget that pays for itself over time. These devices learn your schedule and preferences to optimize heating and cooling, potentially leading to significant savings on your energy bills. Remote control via an app allows you to adjust the temperature while you’re away, ensuring you never come home to an uncomfortably hot or cold house. Look for models that are compatible with your existing HVAC system for a straightforward installation.
Finally, don’t overlook a smart plug. This is perhaps the simplest and most affordable way to dip your toes into home automation. By plugging a lamp, fan, or coffee maker into one, you can turn any ordinary appliance into a smart device. Set schedules, create routines, or control power with your voice, adding convenience and a layer of safety by ensuring devices aren’t left on unintentionally. Buying a multi-pack offers the best value for automating several items at once.
By focusing on these core categories, a central hub, security, lighting, climate control, and basic automation, you can build a cohesive and genuinely useful smart home ecosystem. The key is to select devices that solve specific problems in your daily life, and Costco’s member-focused model often provides the quality and value to make those upgrades truly worthwhile.
(Source: SLASHGEAR)
