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Best Apple HomeKit and Siri Devices to Buy in 2026
CNET
TechnologyCNET··16 min read

Best Apple HomeKit and Siri Devices to Buy in 2026

Apple had major announcements for both Siri and the Apple Home app at this year's WWDC, including advanced security options for Home and new abilities with Siri AI, coming later in 2026. That makes this a great time to plan on buying a new Apple device, but you'll need to make sure the home tech is compatible first.

Why I like it: The HomePod Mini occupies a unique middle ground among smart speakers. It costs $99, like the Nest Audio and Amazon Echo, but comes in a compact form similar to the less expensive Nest Mini and Echo Dot.

Pros

More affordable than the HomePod

Works well in all kinds of spaces

Excellent compatibility with iPhone

Siri commands for smart home

Cons

Very limited to the Apple ecosystem and platform

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.

Pros

Speedy performance

Efficient and powerful A15 Bionic chip

Robust app and format support, integration with other Apple services

Excellent hub for HomeKit

Cons

Still a lot more expensive than rival, capable streamers

Ethernet is just on the priciest model

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.

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Pros

Responsive touchscreen

Excellent integration with major smart home platforms

Smart features that can easily save you money

Compatible with Ecobee smart sensors

Cons

No built-in tracking sensors or other extras

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.

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Pros

Stylish, hidden design

Home Key and Siri support

Comes with tags to open at a touch

Has a traditional key lock, too

Cons

Pricey

Keypads are an add-on

Why I like it: Many 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.

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Pros

Affordable security system and cam in a tiny package

Easy connections and setup

2K camera offer high-quality indoor views

microSD card slot for loca video storage

Cons

Apple Home support is limited compared to full features and takes some work to get going

Best Apple HomeKit and Siri Devices to Buy in 2026

Best smart devices for Apple and Siri

Best smart speaker

Best HomeKit hub

Best smart thermostat for HomeKit

Best smart lock for HomeKit

Best home security camera for HomeKit

Best security system for Apple HomeKit

Best smart light switch for HomeKit

Best smart bulb kit for Apple HomeKit

Best smart lamp for Apple HomeKit

Best smart plug for HomeKit

Best leak detector for HomeKit

Best safe for HomeKit

Important factors to consider when buying an Apple HomeKit device

Stay within your budget

Consider additional smart home support

Know if you need an Apple Hub

Feature support can still very

That's where I come in. I've tested dozens of Apple-ready devices over the years, noting which current brands work with Apple and which are no longer good choices (Wemo and Logitech are out; Aqara and Ikea are in). Here are my current favorites -- from smart lights to security devices, with something for everyone.

Best smart devices for Apple and Siri

Pros

More affordable than the HomePod

Works well in all kinds of spaces

Excellent compatibility with iPhone

Siri commands for smart home

Cons

Very limited to the Apple ecosystem and platform

Why I like it: The HomePod Mini occupies a unique middle ground among smart speakers. It costs $99, like the Nest Audio and Amazon Echo, but comes in a compact form similar to the less expensive 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. Plus, the HomePod Mini can serve as the output for your Apple TV, and you can pair two HomePod Minis for stereo. Features such as Intercom and Handoff make living with the Mini a little bit more fun, too.

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 a more affordable price.

Who shouldn’t buy it: People who want the best quality sound and don't mind paying more for the larger HomePod.

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Pros

Speedy performance

Efficient and powerful A15 Bionic chip

Robust app and format support, integration with other Apple services

Excellent hub for HomeKit

Cons

Still a lot more expensive than rival, capable streamers

Ethernet is just on the priciest model

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.

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Pros

Responsive touchscreen

Excellent integration with major smart home platforms

Smart features that can easily save you money

Compatible with Ecobee smart sensors

Cons

No built-in tracking sensors or other extras

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.

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Pros

Stylish, hidden design

Home Key and Siri support

Comes with tags to open at a touch

Has a traditional key lock, too

Cons

Pricey

Keypads are an add-on

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.

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Pros

Affordable security system and cam in a tiny package

Easy connections and setup

2K camera offer high-quality indoor views

microSD card slot for loca video storage

Cons

Apple Home support is limited compared to full features and takes some work to get going

Why I like it: Many 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.

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Pros

Cheap, around $15 for most sensors

Totally DIY, no subscriptions

Swift setup in Apple Home

Customizable alerts

Run on AA batteries or plug-in with cables

Cons

Needs a hub, like a HomePod or Apple TV, to work

No professional monitoring

Why I like it: Ikea's sensors have several big advantages for anyone adopting a new security system, especially Apple fans. First, they're very cheap, with options like door/window sensors for around $10 to $15 each. They're also very simple to set up: I set up mine in Apple Home in just a few minutes and readily created alerts to get sensor status updates.

Ikea's sensors need a Matter-compatible hub to work, but that's great news if you already have a HomePod or a newer Apple TV, since both can act as hubs. If not, Ikea's hub costs around $100.

There's no subscription fees, contract or professional installation needed with these adhesive sensors, just Ikea's fun little drawings showing you how to set them up.

Who this is for: Anyone who wants very cheap, effective security sensors that connect with Apple Home. It's especially worthwhile if you already have an Apple device that can act as a hub. In addition to motion and access, Ikea has water leak sensors, temperature/humidity sensors, air quality sensors and more, so this system can play many different roles.

Who shouldn’t buy it: If you don't have an Apple hub, this system gets far more expensive. Also, there's no professional home monitoring here.

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Pros

DIY installation is usually possible

Includes second switch remote

Doesn't depend on your lighting system

Cons

Requires lighting that supports dimming

Requires adding a hub (included)

Much more expensive than a smart bulb

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.

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Pros

Durable bulbs with great dimming and scenes

The latest hub adds high-tech features like motion sensing

Can connect other Philips Hue lights to the hub as necessary

Cons

Very pricey for smart bulbs when you add in the hub purchase for $100

Need several bulbs in the same spot for motion sensing

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.

The big advantage to getting these color lights is the many fun scenes you instantly set through the Hue app. And if you have three bulbs in one place, they can enable that motion sensing to save you time and possibly some money.

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.

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Pros

A cozy lamp that can turn any color and adjust its brightness

Quick setup

Can connect to other smart devices for scenes

Can set multiple schedules

Durable ABS plastic

Cons

Expensive for a smart light

Why I like it: Ikea's doughnut-shaped smart lamp creates a beautiful glow, while allowing you to control the brightness and color right from your Apple Home app. It can sit on a shelf or hang on the wall, and while it's not the brighest light around, it works very well as a table lamp or cozy ambient light -- no matter what your mood is. Plus, you don't need to replace any of your current bulbs; just plug the lamp in.

This lamp can connect to other devices in Apple Home, allowing you to create scenes -- for example, having it change color when another sensor is activated. Or you could schedule it to turn on or change colors at a specific time. It comes with a manual remote, too, although I prefer tapping the Apple app on my phone.

The material looks like ceramic, but it’s actually well-made ABS plastic, making it more durable than you might expect.

Who this is for: Anyone looking for a smart lamp that can change to any color and brightness you want.

Who shouldn’t buy it: At $100, it's expensive for a smart light, so it may not be in everyone's budget.

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Pros

Clean design

Built-in energy monitoring

Matter support

Easy-to-use app

Cons

Pricey

Limited features when using Matter

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.

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Pros

Affordable

Useful in many places around the home

Very easy setup

Cons

Not everyone wants a leak detector lying around

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.

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Pros

Works well with Apple's app

Includes access history and remote control options

0.72 cubic feet is a good compromise in size between very small and large safes

Cons

Requires Apple hubs like an Apple TV for distance control

Very little fire and flood protection compared to other safes

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.

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Apple-friendly products can be more expensive than their Alexa and Google-supported brethren. Prepare to pay more for certain devices and make sure you aren’t overpaying just because you want a smart device to work with Apple.

Thanks to the Matter standard and similar work, many (not all) Apple HomeKit devices will also work with Alexa and Google Home. That’s useful if you prefer a different voice assistant, or want to try multiple platforms to see which you like best. If you juggle multiple home platforms, make sure compatibility stretches to at least the big three.

Certain Apple devices, such as Yale safe on my list, require a compatible hub to work with Apple HomeKit. Apple has built these hubs into its other devices, which makes it a bit easier if you like the Apple ecosystem. Apple TVs, for example, have acted as hubs since the 3rd generation, as have both the HomePod and the HomePod mini. Due to recent changes in Apple Home, iPads unfortunately no longer act as Apple hubs.

Support for Apple Home and Siri means at least some devices can be controlled with the app and voice assistant. It doesn’t mean all the features will be supported, especially when it comes to more complex settings changes, support for video features and all home routines. If you have a specific Apple Home use in mind, I suggest checking very carefully the feature you want from the device works in Apple’s apps. Forums and reviews can be helpful here.

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