Why I like it:

The HomePod Mini bridges a strange gap between smart speakers, costing $99 like the Nest Audio and Amazon Echo, but in a small package like the cheaper Nest Mini and Echo Dot. 

This smaller, more affordable Apple smart speaker sounds great for its size and includes intuitive iPhone support. Siri is on board for HomeKit control and general voice assistance. The HomePod Mini can serve as the output for your Apple TV, and you can pair two HomePod Minis for stereo. Features like Intercom and Handoff make living with the Mini a little bit more fun. 

In short, if you like Apple, you're going to love this smart speaker, although its reach is limited compared to the larger, much more expensive HomePod.

Who this is for:

Those looking for Apple-friendly sound in a smaller space at more affordable prices.

Who shouldn’t buy it:

People who want the best quality sound and don't mind paying more for the larger HomePod.

Why I like it:

Apple's latest streaming device, the third-generation Apple TV 4K, was released in November 2022. While it shares many features with the previous model, it also offers some key improvements. The design is largely the same, albeit slightly smaller. The same remote from Gen 2 is here, but it's more responsive than before.

The latest Apple TV 4K features the A15 Bionic chip, which improves overall performance. It also has improved efficiencies, generating less heat. So, Apple removed the cooling fan, making the device silent, even while playing HDR10 Plus movies.

This is a powerful streaming device that offers a lot of functionality aside from watching movies and TV shows. It plays high-quality games from Apple Arcade, lets you sing along to Apple Music songs with Apple Music Sing, and serves as a dedicated smart home hub for Apple HomeKit devices.

Who this is for:

People who don't already have a set-top box or prefer Apple's TV platform to any other option.

Who shouldn’t buy it:

Those who have a box, dongle, console or smart TV that they're already happy with.

Why I like it:

You've got lots of interesting options if you're in the market for a smart thermostat, but finding compatibility with Apple Home is more difficult. Of these, we like Ecobee's thermostats the best. The Ecobee Premium thermostat has all the bells and whistles, but it's expensive. For most buyers, we like the Ecobee Essential version.

At $140, this model helps you save energy around the home by automatically setting temperatures and gives you complete app controls, allowing you to schedule from anywhere. With a bit of wiring, it's typically a DIY installation, too.

Who this is for:

People looking for an Apple-friendly smart thermostat to help them save money and schedule more easily.

Who shouldn’t buy it:

People who already have a smart thermostat, or who are content with their thermostat and energy bills.

Why I like it:

Head over to my guide on the best smart locks, and you'll find plenty of locks that work with Apple thanks to growing Matter compatibility. But for dedicated Apple users, my favorite is the Level Lock Pro.

This svelte smart lock looks like a normal lock but has excellent compatibility with Apple Home and Apple Home Keys, plus a traditional key lock and an NFC tag you can tap to open. Smart lock features such as remote operation, auto-locking, guest pass sharing, and voice assistant control are included. It's a great way to add some smart home security to your home.

Who this is for:

Those looking for thorough front-door control and compatibility with Home Keys and Siri.

Who shouldn’t buy it:

If you like traditional locks, stick with yours. Also, the Level includes an add-on keypad, but the standard model doesn't. Finally, this is a pricey lock: If you don't want to spend this much money, there are less expensive options.

Why I like it:

Most security cameras don't work with Apple at all these days. It's a side effect of Matter being very slow to support video, and of the huge amount of work needed to support video on a third-party platform. But the next best thing is this Aqara security hub I tested. It includes a 2K camera with motion sensing, routine support and more. But the best trick is the three tiny sensors (motion, access, vibration) that can connect to the cam.

This lets Aqara's model serve as a mini security system, one that can connect to Apple with support for various connections. There's not full support -- some features are missing -- but for a security system, it's one of the better Apple options and available at a very good price.

Who this is for:

Buyers looking for an affordable, tiny security cam and system that offers Apple compatibility.

Who shouldn’t buy it:

People who don't want a camera or sensors in their home, or who already have a complete security system.

Why I like it:

Smart switches are another good option if you're looking to automate the lights in your home -- particularly for areas where a single switch controls multiple bulbs. You've got several HomeKit-compatible options, but our favorite by far is the Lutron Caseta In-Wall Dimmer Switch.

Why Lutron? For starters, Lutron's been in the dimmer-switch business for decades, and it's a smart-home stalwart, too. Its switches have a good set of features and work with everything. They support three-way setups, and they look appropriately distinctive without being gaudy.

Along with a wide variety of light switches, the Caseta platform also offers specialty switches for things like ceiling fans and Sonos speakers. All of it communicates with the Lutron Bridge using Lutron's proprietary Clear Connect wireless standard, which is one of the speediest and most reliable standards we've tested at the CNET Smart Home.

Who this is for:

People who don't want to replace smart bulbs and are willing to invest in a full smart switch system.

Who shouldn’t buy it:

People who'd prefer to save money with simple-to-install smart bulbs.

Why I like it:

Philips Hue lights require a Bridge hub to work, which is a tough ask -- unless you're getting all the smarts of the latest Bridge Pro. It brings not only Apple HomeKit compatibility but also advanced new features like automation and motion sensing for your bulbs. App controls include scheduling, dimming, connecting to bigger home routines, all the features I like to see in high-quality light bulbs.

While Philips Hue does offer high-performing color lights, if you're just getting started with smart lighting, then a set of white bulbs is probably easiest to work with -- although many different Hue bulbs will connect with the bridge.

Who this is for:

Apple fans searching for a way to add high-tech smart lights that work great with Apple Home.

Who shouldn’t buy it:

Anyone who wants to save money and avoid spending on an extra hub. In that case, you can save a lot of money with another Philips brand, these Wiz smart lights that also work with Apple HomeKit.

Why I like it:

With the Wemo brand mostly gone, there are surprisingly few smart plugs that work with Apple HomeKit (unless Apple plans on introducing its own). One exception is the expensive but high-quality Eve plug.

While Eve was once a HomeKit-only smart device brand, the company opened the doors to other platforms like Google Home and Amazon Alexa compatibility via Matter. It fits into the frame of most wall outlets and has a physical button built into the LED indicator.

The Eve app is clean and simple to navigate. Setting up timers and schedules for the smart plug is a cinch. This smart plug's space-saving design and solid HomeKit compatibility make it easy to recommend to users in Apple's ecosystem.

Who this is for:

Eve's smart plug is pricey, but if you're willing to pay more, it comes with quick setup and Apple compatibility for plug-in devices.

Who shouldn’t buy it:

Almost any other smart plug is going to be more affordable than this, so the budget-conscious should be aware that this is only for Apple users willing to spend a lot more.

Why I like it:

Leak detectors are simple but useful devices that detect pooling or dripping water wherever you place them, such as under sinks or water heaters. Best of all, they're quite affordable, especially this SwitchBot model. You'll have to link it to the SwitchBot app first, but adding it to Apple Home is very easy afterward. The battery will last up to 2 years, allowing the device to send you alerts about water problems for far into the future.

Who this is for:

Apple users who are worried about leaks, burst pipes and similar problems in their homes.

Who shouldn’t buy it:

This is a handy home add-on for almost anyone, especially at this price, but homeowners who think it's superfluous can skip it.

Why I like it:

Smart safes offer app connections for monitoring (like getting tampering alerts) and remote connections so you can unlock or reprogram the safe at a distance. If you like those features, Yale's smart safe has excellent Apple Home compatibility with the right setup.

You won't need an extra hub to enable remote control for this safe, but you will need an Apple device that can act as a hub, like a recent Apple TV or a HomePod (but no longer iPads)/

Who this is for:

Those looking for a smart home safe who prefer it to work with Apple's app.

Who shouldn’t buy it:

A home safe is a very good idea for everyone, but they can be expensive and may be outside of some budgets. Or you may be eyeing more protection, such as extra fire and flood coverage.