As summer holiday season approaches, a range of smart home gadgets are available to help homeowners monitor and secure their properties remotely. These devices combine remote control, automated routines, and advanced features to give the appearance of occupancy and provide real-time alerts.
Smart plugs, such as the Tapo Smart Plug Mini, offer simple ways to control appliances and lighting while away. These plugs can be operated via smartphone apps or timers and include an “away mode” that switches devices on and off at random intervals to simulate someone being home. A two-pack of these smart plugs retails for approximately £19.99.
For uninterrupted connectivity, especially for those traveling abroad without roaming included in their mobile contracts, eSIM providers like Airalo and Holafly offer affordable data plans. Starting from around £3, these can be installed and activated before arrival, ensuring users can receive smart home notifications regardless of location.
Indoor surveillance can be enhanced with cameras like the Blink Mini 2K, priced around £39.99. This device delivers 2K resolution video, color night vision, and has noise-cancelling audio features. Equipped with AI-powered motion alerts, it can differentiate between people and vehicles, sending instant notifications to the homeowner’s smartphone.
Smart doorbells provide additional security by combining video monitoring with two-way communication. The Ring Doorbell, owned by Amazon, offers wired and battery-operated models that are designed for easy installation. The latest Battery Video Doorbell includes improved video quality, zoom capabilities, and straightforward charging, with prices beginning at £79.99.
Lighting systems such as Philips Hue enable homeowners to create automated schedules for indoor and outdoor lights, helping to deter potential intruders by simulating occupancy. Users can adjust lighting remotely through the Hue app, and the brand offers a wide selection of bulbs and accessories, starting at about £15.
For outdoor protection, the Ring Floodlight Cam Pro 4K provides motion-activated floodlights alongside Ultra HD video recording. It features color night vision, two-way audio for direct communication, and an integrated siren to deter unwelcome visitors. This weather-resistant unit is priced at approximately £249.99.
Together, these smart devices aim to offer greater peace of mind to homeowners by combining automation, remote access, and proactive security measures during extended absences. Each product serves a specific function, from lighting and power management to real-time surveillance and communication.