The Best Smart Home Gadgets Guide to Enhance Your Vacation Rental

As the vacation rental market becomes increasingly competitive, property owners must find innovative ways to enhance their guest experience. 

Incorporating smart home gadgets into your vacation rental can provide your guests with convenience, security, and luxury, making your property stand out.  

This comprehensive guide explores the best smart home devices, best smart locks, smoke detectors and other connected gadgets for 2024, categorized by their unique benefits and smart features.

Additionally, we’ll discuss long-term savings versus initial investment and the role of smart devices in optimizing your rental businesses.

Security: Ensuring Peace of Mind for Hosts and Guests

Security is paramount in creating a welcoming and reassuring environment for your guests. By integrating smart security devices, you can provide an added layer of protection that not only deters potential intruders but also gives both hosts and guests peace of mind. 

These advanced smart locks and sensors offer real-time monitoring, cloud storage, easy access to smart home control panel, and immediate alerts, making your property safer and more attractive to discerning travelers.

Smart Locks

Best Choice: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock allows for keyless entry via a smartphone app, eliminating the need for physical keys and reducing the risk of lost or stolen keys. It also integrates with various smart home systems, enhancing its functionality and convenience.

Benefits:

• For Hosts: The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock simplifies key management and enhances security. Hosts can grant and revoke access remotely, ensuring only authorized guests can enter the property. This lock also offers activity tracking, providing insights into who enters and exits the property, which is particularly useful for monitoring cleaning and maintenance schedules.
• For Guests: Guests enjoy the convenience of keyless entry, allowing them to check in and out without any hassle. The auto-unlock feature detects when guests approach the door, unlocking it automatically, which adds a layer of luxury to their experience.

How It Works:

The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock connects to your home’s Wi-Fi network, enabling remote access and control via the August app. Hosts can easily send secure digital keys and access codes to guests, which can be set to expire at the end of their stay.

The lock can also be paired with the August Doorbell Cam for enhanced security and convenience, providing video monitoring and communication capabilities.

Investment vs. Savings:

Priced between $150 and $250, the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock gives you the ability to manage access remotely, and prevent costly lock replacements and enhance property security. Moreover, the improved guest experience can lead to higher satisfaction rates and positive reviews, potentially increasing your rental’s profitability.

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Smart Security Cameras

Best Choice: Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera

Security is a top concern for vacation rental owners, and the Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera offers comprehensive exterior monitoring, security camera, and remote sensors to ensure both hosts and guests feel secure. This camera provides high-definition video, color night vision, and advanced motion detection. Its integration with smart home systems enables remote access, monitoring and notifications.

Benefits:

• For Hosts: The Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera’s remote property monitoring, allows hosts to keep an eye on their property from anywhere. This enhances security and can help prevent potential break-ins or vandalism. The camera’s spotlight feature can deter intruders by illuminating the area when motion is detected.
• For Guests: Guests benefit from the added security and peace of mind, knowing that the property is being monitored. This can enhance their overall sense of safety during their stay.

How It Works:

The Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera connects directly to your Wi-Fi network, eliminating the need for a separate hub. It offers 2K HDR video quality, providing clear and detailed footage.

The camera’s advanced motion detection alerts you in real time when it detects movement, and the integrated spotlight can be set to turn on automatically when motion is detected, providing both illumination and a deterrent to potential intruders. The camera is weather-resistant, ensuring reliable performance in various weather conditions.

Investment vs. Savings:

Priced between $200 and $300, the Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera reduces the risk of break-ins and property damage., providing invaluable, long term security.

Important Note: It is illegal to have interior cameras of any sort in your Airbnb listings. Ensure all cameras are installed in exterior locations to comply with privacy regulations.

Smart Doorbells

Best Choice: Ring Video Doorbell 4

The Ring Video Doorbells adds both enhanced security and convenience for guests. This smart device also features high-definition video, two-way audio, motion detection, and advanced night vision. Its integration with smart home systems ensures that both hosts and guests can monitor and communicate with visitors easily and securely.

Benefits:

• For Hosts: The Ring Video Doorbell 4 provides real-time notifications and live video feeds directly to your smartphone. This allows you to see, hear, and speak to anyone at your door, even if you are not physically present. The doorbell’s motion detection can be customized to focus on specific areas, reducing false alerts and enhancing overall security.
• For Guests: Guests can benefit from the convenience of seeing who is at the door without needing to open it. The two-way audio feature allows them to communicate with visitors directly through the doorbell, adding a layer of safety and convenience to their stay.

How It Works:

The Ring Video Doorbell 4 connects to your home’s Wi-Fi network and integrates with the Ring app. When someone presses the video doorbell, you receive instant alerts on your smartphone. The camera provides a clear, high-definition video feed, even in low-light conditions, thanks to its advanced night vision.

Investment vs. Savings:

Priced between $80 and $150, the Ring Video Doorbell 4 is an affordable way to enhance the security and convenience of your listing. The ability to monitor and communicate with visitors remotely can prevent unauthorized access and reduce the likelihood of security incidents, leading to potential long-term savings.

Eco-Friendly Gadgets: Sustainable Solutions for Modern Rentals

Incorporating eco-friendly smart home tech gadgets into your home is not only a smart choice for the environment but also an appealing feature for increasingly eco-conscious travelers.

Sustainable solutions like smart thermostats, energy-efficient lighting, and smart plugs help reduce your property’s carbon footprint while cutting down on utility costs through their energy saving features.

These smart display devices offer guests the comfort of modern living with the added benefit of knowing their stay is environmentally responsible. Let’s delve into the top eco-friendly smart display and home gadgets that can transform your rental into a green haven.

Smart Thermostats

Best Thermostat for Airbnb: Ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control

The Ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control is a game-changer, offering advanced features that enhance comfort, convenience, and energy efficiency. This smart thermostat learns guest preferences and adjusts settings automatically, ensuring optimal temperatures throughout their stay. Its integration with room sensors allows for precise climate control, making sure that every room is just right.

Benefits:

• For Hosts: The Ecobee SmartThermostat can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 23%, thanks to its intelligent energy management. This translates to significant long-term savings, especially during peak vacation seasons. Additionally, the smart thermostat’s remote access feature allows hosts to monitor and adjust the property’s climate settings from anywhere, ensuring energy is not wasted when the property is unoccupied.
• For Guests: Guests will appreciate the consistent comfort provided by the Ecobee’s advanced sensors and automatic adjustments. The voice control feature adds a layer of convenience, allowing guests to easily change the temperature.

Investment vs. Savings:

While the initial cost of the Ecobee SmartThermostat ranges from $200 to $250, the savings on energy bills and the increased appeal to eco-conscious guests can quickly offset this investment. Moreover, the ability to monitor and do energy monitoring and control the smart thermostat remotely ensures efficient energy use, leading to further savings over time.

Smart Lighting

Best Choice: Philips Hue Smart Bulbs

Philips Hue Smart Bulbs offer guests the ability to create the perfect ambiance with ease. It can be controlled via a smartphone app, or other smart home devices and ecosystems, providing unparalleled flexibility and convenience. With millions of colors and shades of white light to choose from, guests can personalize the lighting to suit their mood and activities.

Benefits:

• For Hosts: Philips Hue helps reduce energy consumption through their energy-efficient design and scheduling capabilities. Hosts can set automated lighting schedules to ensure lights are turned off when not needed, reducing electricity costs. The system is easy to install and can be expanded over time, making it a versatile investment.
• For Guests: Guests will love the ability to customize their lighting experience. Whether they want bright, energizing light in the morning or soft, relaxing light in the evening, Philips Hue provides the perfect solution.

How It Works:

Philips Hue bulbs connect to a central smart home hub, which allows them to be controlled through the Philips Hue app. The app offers a range of features, including scene-setting, scheduling, and remote control.

Guests can easily adjust the lighting from their smartphones, ensuring they always have the perfect light for any situation. The smart light bulbs also work seamlessly with major smart home systems like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit, providing a cohesive and integrated smart home experience.

Investment vs. Savings:

While individual smart bulbs cost between $20 and $50, their long lifespan and energy efficiency can lead to substantial savings on electricity bills over time.

Smart Plugs

Best Choice: Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini by TP-Link

The Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini is a versatile and compact, smart plug device, that can transform any appliance into a smart appliance. This smart plug allows guests to control various devices remotely through the Kasa app or via voice commands using Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Microsoft Cortana. Its compact design ensures that it doesn’t block adjacent outlets.

Benefits:

• For Hosts: The Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini enables remote control of appliances, allowing hosts to ensure that devices are turned off when not in use, leading to significant energy savings. The scheduling feature can automate devices to turn on and off at specific times, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing electricity costs.
• For Guests: Guests can enjoy the convenience of controlling appliances from their smartphones or through voice commands. This feature adds a layer of luxury and modernity to their stay, allowing them to manage their environment effortlessly.

How It Works:

The Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini connects to your own smart home hub‘s Wi-Fi network, allowing it to be controlled remotely via the Kasa app. Users can set schedules, create scenes, and control the smart plug in from anywhere. The plug in smart version also integrates seamlessly with other smart home hubs and systems, providing a cohesive smart home experience.

Investment vs. Savings:

Priced between $15 and $25, the Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini is an an affordable alternative way to introduce smart technology into your rental property. The ability to control appliances remotely can lead to substantial savings on energy bills.

Smart Smoke Detectors

Best Choice: Nest Protect

The Nest Protect is a smart smoke and carbon monoxide detector. It offers advanced features such as voice alerts, smartphone notifications, and self-testing capabilities, ensuring comprehensive protection for your property and guests.

Benefits:

• For Hosts: Provides peace of mind with real-time alerts and remote monitoring. The ability to receive notifications on your smartphone allows you to respond quickly to any issues, even when you are not on-site. The self-testing feature ensures the device is always functioning correctly, reducing the need for manual checks.
• For Guests: Enhances safety with clear voice alerts and an easy-to-understand alarm system. Guests are notified immediately of any smoke or carbon monoxide presence, providing them with the necessary information to evacuate safely if needed.

How It Works: The Nest Protect connects to your home’s Wi-Fi network and integrates with the Nest app. It uses split-spectrum sensors to detect both fast-burning and smoldering fires, providing comprehensive smoke detection. The device also tests its sensors and batteries regularly and reports their status via the app. In case of an emergency, the Nest Protect sounds an alarm and sends notifications to your smartphone, ensuring you and your guests are promptly informed.

Investment vs. Savings: Priced between $100 and $120, the Nest Protect can prevent potential damage from fires and carbon monoxide leaks, safeguarding both your property and your guests.

Automation: Enhancing Convenience and Efficiency

Smart Speakers

Best Choice: Amazon Echo (4th Gen)

The Amazon Echo (4th Gen) serves as the central hub for smart devices, providing hands-free control over lights, thermostats, locks, and more. The smart speaker also features Alexa, Amazon’s voice assistant, which can answer questions, play music, and offer local recommendations, making smart speaker such it a versatile addition to any property.

Benefits:

• For Hosts: Streamlines the management of smart devices, allowing you to control multiple systems through a single interface.
• For Guests: Offers convenience and access to information and entertainment. Guests can use commands to control smart home devices, find local attractions, and even play their favorite music.

How It Works:

The Amazon Echo connects to your home’s Wi-Fi network and interacts with the best smart home devices via voice commands. Guests can simply say, “Alexa, turn on the lights,” or “Alexa, set my smart thermostat to 72 degrees,” and Alexa will execute the command. The Echo also integrates with various other top smart home brands, devices, brands and ecosystems, allowing for seamless control over all connected devices.

Investment vs. Savings:

Priced between $70 and $100, the Amazon Echo is a cost-effective way to enhance the sound quality functionality of your smart devices. Its multi-functional capabilities can lead to increased guest satisfaction and positive reviews.

Smart Blinds

Best Choice: Soma Smart Shades

Soma Smart Shades provide guests with the ability to control window blinds via a smartphone app, offering convenience and enhanced privacy. These motorized blinds can be scheduled to open and close automatically, optimizing natural light and energy efficiency.

Benefits:

• For Hosts: Adds a touch of luxury and improves energy efficiency by controlling sunlight, which can reduce heating and cooling costs. The automation feature ensures that blinds are operated efficiently, even when the property is unoccupied.
• For Guests: Offers convenience and enhances privacy. Guests can easily adjust the blinds without leaving their bed or sofa, creating a more comfortable and personalized environment.

How It Works:

Soma Smart Shades are controlled via the Soma app, which connects to the blinds through Bluetooth. The app allows users to schedule the opening and closing of the blinds, adjust them in real-time, or set up routines based on sunrise and sunset times. Guests can control the blinds from their smartphones, providing a seamless and user-friendly experience.

Investment vs. Savings:

With costs ranging from $150 to $300, Soma Smart Shades can lead to long-term savings through improved energy efficiency and increased property appeal. The added convenience and luxury can also justify higher rental rates.

Luxury and Innovation: High-End Smart Home Gadgets

Smart TVs

Best Choice: Samsung The Frame QLED TV

Samsung’s The Frame QLED smart TV is a unique addition, doubling as an art piece when not in use. This smart TV offers access to streaming services, apps, and integrates with compatible smart speakers and home systems, providing guests with endless entertainment options.

Benefits:

• For Hosts: Enhances property appeal with its dual functionality as a television and a piece of artwork. It can attract higher-end guests looking for modern amenities and unique aesthetics.
• For Guests: Offers a luxurious and customizable entertainment experience. Guests can enjoy high-quality visuals and the ability to access their favorite streaming services seamlessly.

How It Works:

The Frame QLED TV connects to your home’s Wi-Fi network, allowing guests to stream content from popular services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime.

When not in use, it can display a wide range of artworks, playing music or personal photos, transforming into a stylish art piece that enhances the room’s decor. The TV also integrates with other smart home devices and ecosystems like Alexa, Google Assistant, and SmartThings.

Investment vs. Savings:

Priced between $1,000 and $2,000, The Frame QLED TV is a significant investment but can attract premium rental rates. The aesthetic and functional appeal of this device can differentiate your property in a competitive market.

Smart Appliances

Best Choice: LG Smart InstaView Door-in-Door Refrigerator

The LG Smart InstaView Door-in-Door Refrigerator is an excellent choice for your kitchen. This appliance features a glass panel that lights up with two knocks, allowing guests to see inside without opening the door. It also offers smart features like temperature control and voice assistant integration.

Benefits:

• For Hosts: Adds a touch of luxury and improves energy efficiency. The InstaView feature reduces the need to open the door frequently, helping to maintain optimal temperatures and save energy.
• For Guests: Provides convenience and enhances the kitchen experience. Guests can enjoy advanced features such as voice control and easy access to frequently used items without having to open the entire fridge.

How It Works:

‘The LG Smart InstaView Refrigerator connects to your home’s Wi-Fi network and integrates with LG’s ThinQ app, allowing users to control the refrigerator remotely.

Guests can knock twice on the glass panel to illuminate the interior, see inside, and access frequently used items without opening the main door. The fridge also supports voice commands through assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, offering hands-free control over its settings.

Investment vs. Savings:

With prices ranging from $2,000 to $4,000, the LG Smart InstaView Refrigerator is a significant investment. However, it can attract guests looking for high-end amenities and justify higher rental rates, offering long-term value through increased bookings and positive guest experiences.

Smart Vacuums

Best Choice: iRobot Roomba i7+

The iRobot Roomba i7+ is a top-tier smart vacuum that can maintain cleanliness with minimal effort. This smart vacuum offers powerful suction, advanced mapping, and self-emptying capabilities, ensuring your property remains spotless for every guest.

Benefits:

• For Hosts: Significantly reduces the time and effort required for cleaning between guests. The self-emptying feature means the Roomba i7+ can run multiple cleaning cycles before needing attention, ensuring a consistently clean environment.
• For Guests: Provides a clean and hygienic living space without the need for manual vacuuming. Guests can also control the vacuum via the app, ensuring convenience and comfort during their stay.

How It Works:

The iRobot Roomba i7+ connects to your home’s Wi-Fi network and integrates with the iRobot HOME app. Using advanced mapping technology, it learns the layout of your home and can be directed to clean specific rooms on a schedule or on demand.

The self-emptying base allows the Roomba to empty its dustbin automatically, holding up to 60 days’ worth of dirt and debris.

Investment vs. Savings:

Priced between $800 and $1,000, the iRobot Roomba i7+ is a significant investment. However, the time saved on cleaning makes it a valuable addition to your vacation rental.

Best Practices for Smart Home Integration

Major Smart Home Systems: Enhancing Integration and Convenience

Integrating major smart home systems gives you seamless control over various smart devices. These systems act as central hubs, allowing users to manage everything from lighting and climate to security and entertainment with ease.  

Amazon Alexa

Overview: Amazon Alexa is a voice-controlled virtual assistant that can interact with numerous smart home devices. It supports a wide range of third-party integrations, making it a versatile choice for managing your vacation rental’s best smart home device ecosystem.

Benefits:

• Voice Control: Guests can control lights, thermostats, locks, and other devices with simple voice commands, enhancing convenience and luxury.
• Routine Automation: Alexa can create routines to automate tasks, such as turning off lights and adjusting the thermostat when guests leave the property.
• Entertainment: Alexa can stream music, provide weather updates, answer questions, and even offer local recommendations, enriching the guest experience.

Google Assistant

Overview: Google Assistant is another powerful voice-activated assistant that integrates seamlessly with a variety of the best smart home devices. Known for its robust search capabilities, it provides accurate and helpful responses to guest inquiries.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Control: Google Assistant allows guests to manage multiple devices through voice commands or the Google Home app.
• Information Hub: It provides quick access to information, such as local attractions, directions, and weather forecasts, enhancing guest convenience.
• Personalized Experience: Google Assistant can recognize different voices, offering personalized responses and tailored experiences for each guest.

Apple HomeKit

Overview: Apple HomeKit is a smart home platform that allows users to control compatible devices through the Apple Home app and Siri. It is known for its strong focus on privacy and security, making it a trusted choice for many users.

Benefits:

• Secure Control: HomeKit’s stringent security protocols ensure that guest data and device control remain private and secure.
• Ease of Use: Guests can control devices using the Apple Home app or Siri voice commands, offering a seamless and user-friendly experience.
• Interoperability: HomeKit works well with other Apple devices, providing a cohesive ecosystem for guests who use iPhones, iPads, or Apple Watches.

Other Smart Home Devices and Systems

Samsung SmartThings:

• Overview: Samsung SmartThings is a versatile smart home platform that supports a wide range of devices and brands.
• Benefits: It offers extensive automation options and can be controlled via the SmartThings app or voice commands through Bixby, Google Assistant, or Amazon Alexa.

Wink Hub:

• Overview: Wink Hub is a smart home system that aims to simplify device integration and control.
• Benefits: It supports various smart home protocols, making it compatible with a wide range of devices. The Wink app provides a centralized interface for managing all connected devices.

Benefits of Best Smart Home Gadgets:

• Enhanced Guest Experience: These systems offer intuitive control over smart devices, allowing guests to enjoy a customized and convenient stay.
• Increased Efficiency: Automation features help manage energy usage, ensuring that lights and appliances are used efficiently, which can reduce utility costs.
• Improved Security: Integration with smart locks, cameras, and doorbells enhances property security, providing peace of mind for both hosts and guests.
• Attractiveness to Tech-Savvy Guests: Properties equipped with advanced smart home systems appeal to tech-savvy travelers, potentially increasing bookings and positive reviews.

Choosing the Right Devices

When selecting the best smart home devices, consider the following:

• Compatibility: Ensure devices are compatible with each other and the property’s existing infrastructure.
• Ease of Use: Choose devices that are user-friendly and intuitive for guests.
• Durability: Invest in high-quality devices that can withstand frequent use and potential mishandling.

While the initial investment in these smart speakers, smart lights, and home gadgets can be substantial, the long-term savings and increased guest satisfaction often justify the cost.

Incorporating the best smart home gadgets into your vacation rental can significantly enhance the guest experience, providing convenience, security, and luxury.

Start Your Free 14-day Trial of iGMS Today and Transform Your Vacation Rental. iGMS Property management software offers features like:

• Automated Guest Communication: Simplifies check-in/check-out processes and guest interactions. 
• Task Management: Streamlines cleaning and maintenance tasks, ensuring the property remains in top condition.
• Channel Management: Manages bookings across multiple platforms, maximizing occupancy rates.: