The best home automation devices and systems of 2020
Every year some of the biggest names in home automation release revolutionary new systems, groundbreaking products, and refine controls, to help modernise your living spaces. And while this year has seen the world slow down, the technological advancements in smart systems are bigger and better than ever.
The wireless revolution & home automation
The ongoing development of wireless technology and connectivity have generated a myriad of options when it comes to creating a smart home automation system. With wireless’s ever-expanding capabilities, you can now control your lighting, heating, blinds, security systems, and entertainment centres, using nothing more than voice commands, a visual interface, and a mobile application.
A smart-home accessory, for everyone.
Smart-homes are no longer a ‘thing of the future’. They’re here, they’re fully developed, and they’re affordable. But, with thousands of smart-home products on the market, from a wide variety of brands, it’s hard to know who to trust and to evaluate the different capabilities of each system.
Here’s a rundown of the five best home-automation products and systems that we’ve tested, installed, and love.
Our top 5 smart-home products of 2020
1. Sonos One
Smart sound, in every room.
This powerful smart speaker provides you with room-filling sound, has a sleek and compact design, and supports all of your favourite home automation assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. This small but mighty speaker’s audio is leagues ahead of other options within its price range. You’re able to create stereo pairs by adding another Sonos One to your lineup, and can connect the One to other Sonos products throughout your home using the intuitive S2 app. Music, radio, podcasts, audiobooks — listen to what you want, where you want.
We covered Sonos’s latest products in our previous article, here
2. Lutron HomeWorks QS
Total home control.
Lutron HomeWorks QS remains the undisputed king of smart home lighting with freedom and flexibility that’s unparalleled. Homeworks combines advanced system controls with stylish shades and elegant lighting design to give you the ultimate control over your home. And it doesn’t end there. Homeworks is fully compatible with most smart home security systems, controlling outdoor security lights while also creating simulated occupancy scenarios.
Lutron’s RA2 offers a similar level of control. Find out more here
3. Control 4 Neeo
Bespoke home-automation.
One of the earliest innovators in smart home automation, Control4 have been revolutionising the way we connect with our homes for over 15 years. And, with their latest accessory, the Neeo, Control4 is changing the way we view home automation and remote controls for good. The crisp-pictured touch screen gives you advanced controls over every aspect of your home, with one-touch access to your most essential and favourite apps.
Want to find out more? We spoke about why we love this product, here
4. Lilin PTZ CCTV
Security, at your fingertips.
Pan, tilt, zoom — you’ll never miss a thing with Lilin versatile, wireless controlled cameras. Physically able to move 360 degrees, you’ll be able to secure every corner of your home, with fewer cameras than a conventional system. And, with clear infra-red video at distances of up to 200m, you’ll enjoy clear video feeds at any time of day. Are you looking for instant updates? No problem. Lilin’s PTZ cameras transmit high-quality footage straight to your mobile phone or portable device.
Find out more about Lilin’s state-of-the-art security solutions, here
5. Bang and Olufsen Multi-room speaker system
New technology, same industry-leading sound.
If you’re looking for powerful sound throughout your home, with multiroom speakers from one of the worlds leading audio brands, then this is the system for you. You’re able to connect all of your speakers seamlessly throughout your home to play the same music, in sync. They look as good as they sound, too. With a wide range of styles, from compact designs to acoustic works of art, you’ll find the perfect speaker to express your style.
Our London-based team are certified Bang & Olufsen installers
