How to choose the best home automation system?

We have already explained on more than one occasion who invented home automation, what does it consist of or what are its pros and cons. Maybe, after having read all these posts, you feel encouraged to make your home a smart home, but you don't know where to start. So today we tell you how to choose the best home automation system.

Types of home automation systems

The first thing to do is to choose the type of home automation system you are most interested in. On the one hand, there are the wireless systems (these would be Zigbee, Homekit, Homekit, Delta Dore, Insteon or Z-Wave), which do not require any building work. They are easy and quick to install, although they are more susceptible to signal problems.

You can also find systems that work with cable bus (NKX), which are stable, efficient and secure. In other words, they do not usually cause problems with interference and their signal quality is excellent. They require a more thorough installation (usually involving building work).

Finally, there is home automation with PLC cable (X10). They are easy to install, but are not considered stable or reliable for large home automation control systems.

Choosing the best home automation system: manufacturers

Having said all this, here are the main companies dedicated to making our homes smart:

Somfy and Cherubini

To begin with, we need to highlight the line of Somfy motors for roller blinds, as well as the models of Cherubini Motors. With them, you can control the raising and lowering of your roller shutters easily and conveniently.

Amazon

It has its own integrated voice assistant, Alexa. In addition, it is adding to its catalogue with home automation devices as simple and practical as smart plugs. On the other hand, it is worth noting that the advantage of Alexa is its great alliance with other manufacturers for the development of compatible devices. So Amazon can offer you a very complete ecosystem for the home.

IKEA

The Swedish company started its home automation line with low-cost smart bulbs. Since then, they have expanded their range of home automation products with: light regulators, motion sensors or blinds smart. Among its benefits would be its compatibility with Siri, Alezxa and Google Assistant and Alexa.

Xiaomi

Its catalogue is quite complete in terms of quantity and quality. With Xiomi, you can buy light bulbs, sensors, video surveillance cameras, air purifiers or smart scales. Xiaomi normally uses Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth to set up a home automation system.

Legrand (Netatmo)

The Valena Next with Netatmo kit proposes to automate the home in aspects such as lighting and air conditioning, roller blinds, etc. This company has products compatible with Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant.

Fibaro

In the Fibaro Home line, you will find solutions for motorised blinds with home automation, lighting, doors, climate control, security and much more. The company uses the Z-Wave protocol to interconnect its devices and hub to the router, making them compatible with Google Assistant, Alexa and Siri voice assistants.

Belkin Wemo

This brand is famous for its mobile accessories. Belkin's Wemo line is geared towards home automation within the Apple ecosystem. It includes smart plugs, surveillance cameras, light bulbs, controllers and motion sensors. With the exception of the lights, these devices connect via Wi-Fi. 

SPC

SPC's ecosystem started with indoor and outdoor cameras, smart bulbs and plugs. However, it is now adding to its collection of home automation products: air fresheners, sensors, switches, Smart heaters, air purifiers, etc. These are compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa. To use them, simply connect directly to WiFi.

Trust

This manufacturer offers light bulbs, doorbells, pushbuttons, video cameras, alarms, sensors, etc. Its products are compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant. Some of them can be connected via the Zigbee protocol and others via WiFi directly. 

Philips

Its products are not the cheapest, but the Philips Hue line is a benchmark in smart lighting, the light system is the best home automation system when it comes to lighting. In other words, it is the best home automation system when it comes to lighting.

Nest

In Nest's IoT collection, you'll see surveillance cameras, doorbells, alarm sensors or locks and sensors (compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa). However, its flagship device is its smart thermostats.

Arlo

Arlo's products are focused on security and monitoring, with Arlo's flagship item being the indoor and outdoor cameras. These devices are also compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa.

Siri, Google or Alexa?

You should also know that the world of voice assistants is dominated by three options (mostly): Amazon, Google and Apple. Each of these companies has its own: Alexa, Google Now and Siri (in that order). So these are the three voice assistants that we recommend the most for setting up a smart home. This is due to their quality, functions and compatibility with apps and devices.

Tips on how to find the best home automation system for your home

Finally, we would like to give you some tips on how to choose your home automation system:

• Get your research right.
• Consult a professional.
• Identify what needs your household has.
• Make sure you have access to the Internet.
• Thinking ahead, installing an expandable and scalable home automation system.

Follow them so that you don't regret the decisions you make.

Conclusions

Now you know which companies can offer you the best home automation system and what to consider when choosing yours. We hope you have found this text useful. Don't forget that, if you want to have a smart home, you can buy our motors and automatisms for roller blinds. It is the best way to start such a transition for your home.