Best HomeKit Accessories for the Outdoors 2022 (2024)

FAQs

Best HomeKit Accessories for the Outdoors 2022? ›

In the Home app , you can control your accessories even when you're away from home. To do so, you need a home hub—a device such as Apple TV (4th generation or later) or HomePod. Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud, tap Show All, then turn on Home.

In the Home app , you can control your accessories even when you're away from home. To do so, you need a home hub—a device such as Apple TV (4th generation or later) or HomePod. Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud, tap Show All, then turn on Home.

Cons: Limited device compatibility compared to Google Home, as it requires manufacturers to undergo a certification process. Higher cost of entry, as HomeKit-compatible devices are typically more expensive than their non-certified counterparts.

You need a home hub to control your HomeKit and Matter accessories while you're away from home, share control of your accessories with others, and automate your accessories to do what you want, when you want.

Another reason that the HomePod mini is one of the best HomeKit devices is that it acts as a HomeKit hub, and even supports Thread, a next-generation networking technology. The HomePod mini can also be paired in stereo and linked with the Apple TV 4K, so you can use them as a soundbar when watching movies and TV.

If you have an Apple TV (4th generation or later), HomePod mini, or HomePod, or if you set up an iPad (with iOS 10.3 or later, or with iPadOS) that you leave at home, you can use remote access.

Does HomeKit work without an internet connection? Yes, but you won't have access to Siri, automations, and HomeKit devices that use the cloud.

Limited Number of Compatible Devices

HomeKit isn't as popular as its competitors. Although the number of brands that make HomeKit-compatible devices continues to grow, HomeKit is still far behind. According to Statista, Amazon's Alexa ecosystem is compatible with around 100,000 smart home devices.

Apple HomeKit

Part of the reason there are so few devices directly compatible with HomeKit is because of their rigorous security and compliance process. This, along with the fact that the only HomeKit compatible microphone is the HomePod, makes the ability to use commands anywhere in the house and expensive endeavor.

You can have as many HomeKit hubs as you want, and they will all work together. For example, I have Bluetooth temperature sensors throughout my home.

Is Apple HomeKit worth it? ›

HomeKit has robust security features and privacy policies, but its chief appeal for most people is that it allows you to quickly set up, directly control, schedule, or automate a collection of devices using a single app, instead of one for every device.

With its intuitive interface and robust security features, HomeKit is a popular choice for smart homeowners. However, Ring devices are not natively compatible with HomeKit. This is where HOOBS comes into play. HOOBS acts as a bridge, enabling communication between Ring devices and HomeKit.

Luckily, there is no hub required to use the Satechi Home app or Apple Home app to control your HomeKit devices. When you are already home, simply open the Home app and tap the different devices to turn them on or off.

How much does HomeKit cost? The Apple Home app itself is free, but you'll need to pay for the smart devices you'll set up if you don't already own them. On the less expensive side, a single iHome iSP6X Control Smart Plug costs $27, and on the other end of the spectrum, a Brilliant home controller costs $299.

Verdict. Because of its availability on both iOS and Android, a wide variety of compatible products, and tons of unique Hubs to drive the action, Google Home is the better smart home platform for most homeowners.

The Apple® Home app makes setting up and controlling your HomeKit®-enabled smart devices a breeze. With a Home hub, you can control your HomeKit devices while you are away from home. To control your devices remotely, a Home hub-compatible device must be connected to the same network as your HomeKit devices.

Yes, With the Home app, you can set up a home hub to control your HomeKit accessories remotely, and automate your accessories to do what you want, when you want. For more info see the Controlling Accessories Remotely.

Allow remote access

On your iPhone, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud, tap Show All, then turn on Home. Make sure you're signed in using the same Apple ID on all the devices. If you have an Apple TV and you're signed in using the same Apple ID as your iPhone, it will be paired automatically.

You can use Apple TV Remote controls in Control Center on an iOS or iPadOS device. If you have an iOS device with iOS 12 or later, or an iPadOS device with iPadOS 13 or later, these controls are automatically activated when the device connects with Apple TV, such as during setup or when entering text with the keyboard.