SmartHome Review
Note: We receive a commission for purchases made through the links on this site. Our sponsors, however, do not influence our editorial content in any way.
- The Good
- Huge catalog of home automation and security products
- Automation kits available for beginners
- Frequent discounts
- The Bad
- Doesn’t provide monitoring services
- Doesn't provide installation
SmartHome has a large catalog of affordably priced products for home automation and security. Unfortunately, the company does not offer monitoring services. If you want to purchase equipment for your home, then this is a good company to consider. If you want live monitoring services for your home, then you should look elsewhere.
- Packages
- Insteon Home Automation Starter Kit
- $119.99
- Insteon Outdoor Lighting Starter Kit
- $79.99
- Insteon Hub and Wireless Devices Kit
- $299.95
SmartHome’s store sells numerous packages designed to meet the different needs of homeowners. You can purchase anything from the Insteon Outdoor Lighting Starter Kit to take control of your home’s outdoor lights to an Insteon Hub and Wireless Devices Kit that gives you voice control over your home. With so many options, you should explore several kits before deciding which one matches your interests and budget. SmartHome makes several packages to meet the needs of beginning and advanced owners. You should browse the company’s catalog to get a better sense of how many packages and individual devices it sells.
- Fees
- Prices vary by product
- Free shipping for orders over $199
Since SmartHome doesn’t offer monitoring services, you don’t have to worry about paying any monthly fees. Prices sold by the company vary significantly depending on what you want. For instance, you can buy a complete security and automation kit for more than $1,000, but you can also purchase a power supply for a door lock for about $8. All customers get free shipping on purchases over $199.
- Monitoring Services
- No
SmartHome does not offer any monitoring services with its security technology.
- Installation
- Self-installation
SmartHome does not provide professional installation for any of its products. Luckily, most of its devices are easy for homeowners to install themselves. Those who need help can find assistance in the online user forum or by contacting customer service. Most of the products sold by SmartHome are wireless, so you don’t have to drill holes or run cables through your home to connect devices to the system.
- Devices Included
- Vary according to package
- Devices sold individually
The devices that you get from SmartHome depend on the package that you choose. You can also purchase individual devices to expand your home’s automation features. The Insteon Hub and Insteon Wireless Devices Kit ($299.99) comes with Amazon Echo, an Insteon hub, two plug-in lamp dimmers and one plug-in on/off module. Amazon Echo gives you voice control over the Insteon devices. The hub can connect to thermostats, security cameras, outlets, wall switches, motion sensors and other devices. The hub will even send an email and text alert from sensors.
- Customer Service
- Telephone
- Social media
- User forum
Unlike many companies, SmartHome gives its customers several opportunities to contact customer services. You can reach out to support via a customer service hotline, social media or email. You can also access the online user forum to find answers to common questions. Customer services are available from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday, and 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT on Saturday.
SmartHome: User Reviews
SmartHome: Comments
Although some types of home automation have been around for decades, the home automation industry has grown significantly over the last few years. Wireless technology makes it possible for companies like SmartHome to sell DIY installation kits that don’t require professional services. When companies eliminate the wires, installation becomes much easier for homeowners.
The industry has also grown because more people own smart devices. Nearly every American adult has a smartphone that can control home automation hubs and devices. As people have become more comfortable with the technology, they have wanted to learn more about adding it to their homes.
SmartHome has the advantage of selling a huge selection of devices to match the needs of homeowners. Unfortunately, the company does not offer monitoring services. Homeowners who want improved security for their properties, therefore, might decide to use other companies.
How Does SmartHome Work?
SmartHome sells security and automation devices that you can install in your home. Most of the devices work wirelessly, so you don’t have to worry about drilling holes or running cables through your walls. Instead, each piece of the security and automation system communicates with a central hub.
Although SmartHome sells a wide range of kits and gadgets, most of them function in the same general way. Once you install your security kit, you create a password that activates and deactivates the system. When you come through the front door, your door sensor will notice that you entered. The sensor sends a signal to the hub. If you do not input the correct password, then an alarm will sound and an alert message will get sent to you by text or email.
The same happens if someone activates a motion sensor, window sensor or camera.
The home automation components work a bit differently because they keep you in constant communication with your home. For instance, you can install a smart thermostat that lets you change your home’s temperature while you drive home from work. You can also use your mobile device to control lights, turn off appliances and lock doors.
When you get started with a SmartHome system, you may feel like the security and automation components are two separate things. The more your system grows, though, the more connected they become. Eventually, many owners come to see their SmartHome systems as an effective way to control all aspects of their homes, even when they aren’t at home.
What Makes SmartHome Stand Out?
SmartHome stands out by focusing on the desires of people who are interested in home automation as well as home security. You won’t find many stores that sell such a diverse range of security and automation devices. At SmartHome, you can buy automation gadgets for your lights, appliances, door locks, thermostats, home theaters and more.
SmartHome sells products from several manufacturers. As you browse the catalog, though, you may notice that the company has a lot of devices from the Insteon brand. Up until 2012, Insteon and SmartHome operated under the same name. The owner created two companies so one could concentrate on developing innovative devices while they other focused on selling products to consumers.
Common Reviews of SmartHome
SmartHome predominantly receives positive reviews from its customers. Many positive reviews mention how easy it is to install SmartHome’s home automation and security devices. Even people with little to no experience find that they can install their devices by following clear instructions. Owners who have problems getting their systems to work properly say that the user forum and customer service line provide all of the help necessary.
A lot of customers also talk about SmartHome’s affordability. To some extent, this comes from the company’s willingness to sell individual devices as well as home automation kits. Beginners can spend a few hundred dollars on kits that introduce them to home automation. If they like the products, then they can slowly start to add more adventurous features. Eventually, they may add enough devices to control their homes’ temperature, lights, stereo, security cameras and television.
Of course, SmartHome also receives negative reviews from unhappy customers. Negative reviews usually focus on shipping delays and missing packages. If you do not receive your order from SmartHome within 10 business days, you should contact the company.
Is SmartHome for You?
SmartHome has a lot of positive features that many homeowners enjoy. With that said, it isn’t the right option for everyone. You will probably like buying from SmartHome if you take a DIY approach to life. If you have fun putting electronics together, then you will enjoy installing your kit from SmartHome.
SmartHome is also a good option for homeowners who want to expand their home automation systems over time. You don’t have to spend a lot of money up front to get started. Instead, you can purchase an affordable kit and expand on it as your budget allows. The company has such a large catalog that you can find any item you want for your home automation system.
Of course, not everyone has an interest in home automation. Some homeowners want security systems that keep their properties safe. SmartHome can sell you home security devices, but it does not offer monitoring services. At best, you can set up your system to send you an alert when someone breaks into your home. You can then contact the police for assistance. Other companies that dedicate themselves to home security usually contact the police for you, which could provide a shorter response time.
If you’re interested in home security and automation, then SmartHome is a good company to know about. Even if you decide to use another company, you will learn a lot from reviewing SmartHome’s catalog of products. Once you see how many items the company sells, you may feel that other home automation and security suppliers can’t give you anything beyond basic features.
No comments yet.