![Mom setting up alarm while heading out the door.](https://ringsite.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240709_lifestyle_top8iotdevices_blog_featured_stock_rgb-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://ringsite.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240709_lifestyle_top8iotdevices_blog_featured_stock_rgb-1290x726.jpg 1290w, https://ringsite.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240709_lifestyle_top8iotdevices_blog_featured_stock_rgb-1074x604.jpg 1074w, https://ringsite.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240709_lifestyle_top8iotdevices_blog_featured_stock_rgb-635x357.jpg 635w, https://ringsite.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240709_lifestyle_top8iotdevices_blog_featured_stock_rgb-637x358.jpg 637w, https://ringsite.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240709_lifestyle_top8iotdevices_blog_featured_stock_rgb-960x540.jpg 960w, https://ringsite.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240709_lifestyle_top8iotdevices_blog_featured_stock_rgb-414x233.jpg 414w)
The Top 8 IoT Devices That Belong in Your Smart Home
By Ring on July 12, 2024
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of internet-connected devices transmitting, collecting, and sharing data and these devices can help automate parts of your daily routine, from turning on lights to adjusting the temperature, so you have a little more free time to spend on yourself.
Whether you’re new to the Internet of Things or looking for extra ways to simplify your day-to-day routine, these upgrades can transform how you use your home.
1. Amazon Echo
Smart home hubs like Amazon Echo are one of the most versatile IoT devices you can put in your home. As a smart speaker and voice assistant, your Echo can answer questions, play your favorite podcasts, and help you with household tasks, like making a grocery list.
An Amazon Echo can also act as the link between the other smart devices in your home, so you can control everything using Alexa. For example, you can ask Alexa to adjust the temperature, turn off the lights, or unlock the door, as long as your smart devices are compatible.
From the reliable Echo Dot to the Echo Show with a built-in screen, there’s an option for every smart home. Explore Echo Devices
2. Video Doorbell
From package deliveries to surprise visits, the front door is where all the action happens. With a Ring video doorbell, you can keep up with all the activity — even if you’re away from home. You’ll get an alert on your phone when motion is detected or if someone presses the button, allowing you to check in on Live View. You can even use Two-Way Talk to thank a delivery driver or tell a friend you’ll be home in a few.
If you can’t check in as soon as you get a notification, you can also look back on past footage with a Ring Protect subscription (sold separately), so you never miss an important moment.1
Compare Ring video doorbells to see which option is the best fit for your home. Find My Match
3. Smart Lights
With smart lights, you can come home to a well-lit home without flipping a single switch. Smart lights communicate with your phone, enabling you to turn them on remotely or set custom schedules.
Smart bulbs, like Ring’s A19 LED, can replace any existing bulb in your home to give you individual control of each light. That means your living room can be dimly lit for a movie night while the office stays bright for any late-night workers. Smart switches add remote capabilities for fixtures that don’t use traditional bulbs, like downlights, chandeliers, or under-cabinet lighting.
With a combination of Ring’s smart outdoor lighting, bulbs, and switches that work with Ring, you can control your entire smart home — inside and out — from the Ring App. Shop Smart Lighting
4. Ring Alarm
Keeping your home secure can be as simple as a few taps in the Ring App.2 With a Ring Alarm and a Ring Protect subscription (sold separately), you can monitor and control your home security from your phone.
If your Ring Alarm is armed, motion is detected around your house, and you have a Ring Protect subscription (sold separately), you’ll get a digital notification to keep you in the loop anywhere, anytime.
Whether you live in an apartment or a four-bedroom home, there’s an Alarm Security Kit for every setup. Find Mine
5. Smart Locks
Smart locks can help you control who goes in and out of your home — and make it easier for you and your guests to get inside. Instead of digging around your pockets or bag for keys, you can tap a button on your phone, enter a code, or use a fingerprint to unlock the door.
With a smart lock that works with Ring, you can use the Ring App to lock the door, create guest codes for visitors, and link your lock to Ring Alarm (requires a Ring Protect subscription, sold separately).2 Your Ring Protect subscription also enables you to connect your lock to Alexa, so you can check the status of your door hands-free.
Adding a Ring-compatible smart lock to your front door can help leverage even smarter features for your home. Explore My Options
6. Smart Security Cameras
![](https://ringsite.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240709_lifestyle_top8iotdevices_blog_in-article_stock_rgb.jpg)
Smart security cameras give you a real-time look at what’s happening at home, from your living room to the backyard. Indoor and outdoor cameras from Ring start recording when motion is detected and send you a notification, so you can check in on Live View. Or, you can look back on footage later with a Ring Protect subscription, sold separately.1
Ring security cameras even integrate with Ring Alarm and smart lighting to begin recording if another device is triggered.2
From Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam to Floodlight Cam, Ring’s indoor and outdoor cameras help you catch the important moments at home. Shop Security Cameras
7. Smart Thermostats
You no longer have to tinker with your thermostat to find the most comfortable temperature at home. Smart thermostats allow you to make adjustments from your phone, even if you’re away.
Unlike traditional thermostats, smart options learn your preferences and automatically make changes throughout the day, so you don’t have to. You can also set schedules to customize your home’s heating and cooling.
Choose a smart thermostat that works with Ring for convenient scheduling, insights, and total smart home control in the Ring App. Browse Smart Thermostats
8. Smart Plugs
While there are smart options for nearly any appliance in your home, you may not want to replace a perfectly good fan, humidifier, or strand of string lights. With smart plugs, you can give smart capabilities to ordinary plug-in devices in and outside your home.
For example, you can plug your holiday lights into a Ring Outdoor Smart Plug and turn them on or off from your phone, even if you’re at a dinner party or recital. With compatible indoor smart plugs, you can save energy by turning off big appliances you’re not currently using, like your TV or dryer. When you’re ready to use them again, open the Ring App and turn the smart plug back on — no plugging or unplugging required.
Help make it even more convenient to control your smart home (and save a little energy) with smart plugs from Ring. Shop Indoor and Outdoor Plugs
Upgrade Your Smart Home With Ring
From cutting-edge smart security systems and cameras to smart locks, thermostats, and plugs from the most trusted brands, Ring has everything you need to bring your home into the future.
Ready to make your life easier with IoT devices? Browse our selection of smart technology today to get started.
1 Your Ring videos in the cloud are stored temporarily, up to 180 days. Changing your video storage time will only affect videos that are recorded after you adjust your storage time setting. Check Ring Protect Subscription Plans for more information.
2 Ring Alarm and all Ring Alarm accessories require a subscription for in-app features and digital notifications, including digital arming / disarming and integration with other Ring, Echo, Alexa, and third party products. Subscription sold separately. View ring.com/protect-plans for pricing and details.
![Ring icon](https://ringsite.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/themes/ring-2020/assets/img/ring-symbol.png)
![Contact Info](https://ringsite.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/themes/ring-2020/assets/img/contact-image.png)
If you have stories or videos you’d like to share with us, please send them to stories@ring.com.