Australia has seen rapid growth in smart home adoption over the past few years. With leading brands like Google, Amazon, Philips Hue and more offering smart home products tailored for the Australian market, homeowners now have more options than ever for creating an automated, connected home.
Choosing the right smart home system can be a daunting task. This comprehensive guide examines the top smart home systems available in Australia and provides key factors to consider when deciding which solution is best for your needs.
Smart Home System Basics for Australians
Before diving into specific products and recommendations, let’s first cover the basics of what a smart home system entails.
A smart home refers to a residence where appliances, devices, and systems can be monitored, controlled, and automated remotely via the internet. The core components of a smart home system include:
- Smart hub/controller – The central device that connects all devices and allows them to be controlled through a single app. Top smart hubs in Australia include Google Home, Amazon Echo, and Samsung SmartThings.
- Smart devices – These include smart lights, thermostats, locks, switches, sensors, cameras, and more, which connect to the smart hub. Leading brands available in Australia include Philips Hue, TP-Link Kasa, August, and Arlo.
- Smart assistant – Voice assistants like Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Siri allow smart devices to be controlled via voice commands.
- Smart home app – A central app, like the Google Home or Alexa app, is used to control, automate, and monitor connected smart devices.
Key benefits of having a smart home include increased convenience, energy efficiency, security, and more personalized control. Now let’s look at the best smart home systems available for Australian households.
Best Smart Home Systems in Australia
Best Overall System – Google Nest
For an easy-to-use, robust smart home ecosystem, Google Nest makes an excellent overall choice. Key reasons Google Nest is one of the top smart home platforms in Australia:
- Seamless connectivity – Nest devices connect via WiFi and integrate natively with Google Assistant built-in to products like Nest Audio, Nest Hub Max, and mobile devices.
- Wide range of devices – Choose from Nest smart speakers, displays, thermostats, cameras, doorbells, locks, smoke detectors, and more. Popular options include the Nest Audio smart speaker and Nest Hub Max smart display.
- Intelligent automation – Create automations easily right within the Google Home app, with no need for complex programming. Automate lights, heating, and more based on your routine.
- Works with third-party devices – Nest products work with over 30,000 smart devices from other brands, including lights, switches, plugs and more.
Overall, with its user-friendly setup, stellar integration with Google Assistant, and multi-function devices like the Nest Hub Max, Nest provides one of the best end-to-end smart home ecosystems in Australia.
Best Smart Lighting System – Philips Hue
For lighting automation and control, Philips Hue is a leader in the Australian market. Reasons to consider Hue for your home’s smart lighting include:
- Color-changing lights – Choose from millions of colors and shades to create the perfect ambiance with Philips Hue’s LED smart bulbs.
- Range of light styles – Hue offers a wide variety of light options including A19 bulbs, recessed downlights, outdoor fixtures, light strips, and more.
- Easy voice control – Change colors, dim, brighten, or turn lights on and off using your voice with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa compatible Hue bulbs.
- Automation features – Schedule lights to turn on at certain times or respond to home events like sunrise/sunset using the Philips Hue app.
- Sync with entertainment – Sync your lights to respond to music and movies for an immersive entertainment experience.
With extensive options for smart lighting inside and outside your home, Philips Hue is arguably the top choice in Australia for innovative, customizable smart lighting solutions.
Best Smart Thermostat – Nest Learning Thermostat
For climate control automation in your home, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat is a leading smart thermostat in Australia. Key benefits of the Nest Thermostat include:
- Auto-scheduling – Nest’s machine learning detects your schedule and programs itself to heat and cool automatically when you’re home and away.
- Remote control – Change your target temperature and heating/cooling mode from anywhere with the Google Home app.
- Energy savings – Auto-scheduling and Nest Temperature Sensors help reduce heating/cooling when not needed, saving on energy usage.
- Stylish design – The Nest Thermostat features a slim, mirror-display design that blends into any home decor.
- Google Assistant built-in – Ask Google to change temperatures with your voice for hands-free control.
With robust scheduling algorithms and energy-saving capabilities, the Nest Learning Thermostat is a smart way to control home heating and cooling.
Best Smart Plug – TP Link Kasa Smart Plug
For controlling lamps, fans, and other appliances, TP-Link’s Kasa Smart Plug is a top pick for Australian homes. Benefits of the Kasa Smart Plug include:
- Compact design – The plug fits easily into standard outlets without blocking the second socket.
- Simple app control – Turn electronics on and off or set schedules and timers using TP-Link’s Kasa app.
- Voice commands – Use your voice to control the smart plug with Google Assistant or Alexa.
- Energy monitoring – The Kasa app shows real-time energy usage data to help reduce electricity costs.
- Outdoor-rated version available – A weather-resistant outdoor smart plug model allows you to control outdoor lights and decorations.
With robust app and voice control features, TP-Link’s Kasa Smart Plug is a versatile and affordable option for smart plugs in Australia.
Best Smart Speaker – Amazon Echo (4th Gen)
For a general smart home hub with excellent voice assistant access, the latest 4th generation Amazon Echo is a top choice in its price range. Here’s what makes the current Echo a best smart speaker for Australian homes:
- Improved speaker quality – Amazon added a 3.0 inch woofer and dual front-firing tweeters for more dynamic, richer audio.
- Built-in Alexa – Enjoy convenient hands-free access to Amazon’s voice assistant for music, questions, and smart home controls.
- Compact spherical design – At just 144mm tall, the Echo speaker blends in anywhere with its new ball-shaped design.
- Zigbee smart home hub – The Echo can directly connect to and control thousands of Zigbee-compatible lights, locks and more.
- Affordable price – At around $149, the 4th gen Echo hits the sweet spot of price and performance.
With excellent audio, convenient Alexa access and enhanced smart home capabilities packed into a sleek design, the latest Echo makes an ideal voice-controlled hub for Australian households.
Smart Home Planning for Australia
When planning your smart home system, keep the following key factors in mind to choose the right system and devices for your home:
Internet Connectivity
All smart devices require stable broadband internet to operate consistently. For optimal performance, aim for internet speeds of at least 25 Mbps. Connect devices to your 5Ghz wireless network band when possible.
Smart Home Platform
Evaluate whether Google Nest, Alexa/Echo, or SmartThings best fits your device preferences. Setting up devices within a single ecosystem provides the most seamless experience.
Your Smart Devices Wishlist
There are thousands of smart products available. Make a list of which specific devices you want to control – lights, thermostat, appliances, etc. Check that desired devices are compatible with your preferred platform.
Your Home Layout and Size
Consider the physical size and layout of your home when choosing hubs, sensors, and network hardware. Larger homes may need multiple hubs/routers for full coverage.
Tech Savviness of Users
How tech-savvy are you and other household members who will use the system? Opt for solutions with intuitive mobile apps and voice control for simpler interaction.
Security Concerns
Understand the security risks and precautions involved in connecting devices to the internet. Ensure your router and smart devices have adequate password protection enabled.
Budget
Prices vary widely across smart products. Determine how much you want to spend upfront and on an ongoing basis. Plan accordingly to build your system over time if needed.
Taking these factors into account will help you select the ideal smart home solutions that meet both your lifestyle needs and your home’s unique requirements.
Expert Recommendations for Smart Home Systems
“For an easy entry point into smart home technology, I recommend starting with a smart speaker like the Amazon Echo Dot with Clock or Google Nest Mini. These provide access to voice assistants for basic controls, and you can add compatible smart lights, plugs and other affordable devices over time.”
“If you’re building a new home, have electrical pre-wiring done for smart switches and lighting control. Products from Brilliant make it easy to retrofit smart controls into existing homes, but new builds should absolutely have in-wall smart home infrastructure installed.”
“For whole home automation, a hub like Samsung SmartThings is my recommendation, as it works with Zigbee, Z-Wave and Wi-Fi devices from tons of brands. Make sure to get a SmartThings hub with cellular backup so your system keeps working if your internet goes down.”
Combining expert guidance with your own research and needs assessments will lead you to the ideal smart home solutions for your Australian household.
Overcoming Challenges of Smart Home Setups
While smart homes provide many lifestyle benefits, there are some common challenges Australian homeowners can potentially face when setting up and using smart home technology:
Ensuring Adequate Internet Bandwidth
Smart devices need consistent, fast internet connectivity to operate reliably. Upgrade your broadband plan if needed or install WiFi range extenders to ensure full home coverage.
Maintaining Network Security
Take steps to secure your home network such as changing default passwords, enabling encryption, and monitoring connected devices to prevent unauthorized access.
Managing Multiple Apps/Ecosystems
Stick with devices that work natively with your smart home hub where possible, rather than juggling multiple brands and apps.
Allowing for Compatibility Issues
Not all smart products are 100% compatible. Check compatibility lists and read reviews thoroughly before purchasing devices and hubs.
Planning for Future Expansion
Consider how your needs may change over time and choose solutions that allow you to easily add more smart capabilities down the road.
Understanding Product Lifespans
Some smart gadgets may become obsolete over a few years. Opt for established brands and solutions with a clear future roadmap.
Handling these potential obstacles carefully from the start helps ensure your smart home technology delivers an amazing experience for years to come.
Final Thoughts on Smart Home Systems
Smart home technology allows Australian households to enjoy greater comfort, security, and convenience through home automation and AI capabilities. Planning your smart home needs, conducting thorough research, and consulting experts helps ensure you choose systems that align with your lifestyle and priorities.
Aim to start small if you’re new to smart homes – a smart speaker or a few connected lights are a great introduction. You can then build out your smart ecosystem over time for a personalized experience. With the right guidance and preparation, creating your ideal smart home is an achievable goal.
