The Best Google Home-Compatible Smart Home Devices of 2018

Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance A19 Starter Kit (Gen 3)

There are plenty of great smart bulbs to choose from, but if you want the best it has to be the Philips Hue. We've tested the system multiple times now and it continues to impress us with its ease of setup and use. With a robust suite of features and an intuitive app, it really is the gold standard of smart light bulbs. The only downside is that you'll need a separate hub to make the bulbs work. While extra hardware (and the associated cost) aren't usually strong selling points, it's a small price to pay for bulbs that work this well.

If you're looking for a bit more of a value pick, though, I'd recommend the TP-Link LB120 Tunable White Light Bulb. It doesn't feature quite the wide-range of features, but for the basics of smart lighting (and compatibility with Google Home) you can't go wrong.

For more, check out our roundup of the best smart light bulbs.

Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Thermostat

Want to be able to change the temperature in your house while you're out and about? Think about investing in a smart thermostat. It can be scary to install a thermostat, but our top pick, the Emerson Sensi Touch Smart Thermostat, made the DIY anxiety manageable.

The Sensi Touch had the most straightforward installation, the best user experience, a touch screen, and full integration with all of the major voice assistants, including Google Home. If you want the same functionality as the Sensi Touch thermostat, but with a cheaper price tag, check out our value pick, the Emerson Sensi Wi-fi Thermostat.

Caveat: almost all smart thermostats require a C-wire; be sure your heating/cooling system is compatible before buying a smart thermostat.

For more, check out our roundup of the best smart thermostats.

Lutron Caséta Wireless Smart Lighting Starter Kit

If you're interested in smart lighting but don't want to go through the hassle of replacing every one of your bulbs, you need a smart dimmer. For the best of the best, Lutron is the place to go. With an easy-to-use and responsive app (plus compatibility with Google Home) the Lutron makes the transition to a smarter home an easy process.

The Lutron also received high marks for being able to work with the wiring found in older homes, something that's not necessarily true for other dimmers. This boils down to the Lutron switches not needing a neutral power line, which isn't common in older buildings. While the system isn't cheap (the best never is) but it's certainly a lot more affordable than re-wiring your home.

For more, check out our roundup of the best smart in-wall dimmer switches.

Leviton Decora Smart Switch (Wi-Fi)

The Leviton Decora Smart WiFi Switch is the best smart switch on the market. Setup was a breeze and connecting it to the Google Home couldn't have been simpler. While the companion app, "My Leviton," didn't have the best design and layout, it worked reliably on both Android and iOS.

During testing, the switch scored perfect marks for responsiveness and remote control functionality. Plus, because it works over WiFi there's no need for any extra hubs or hardware, making this an affordable option to boot.

For more, check out our roundup of the best smart in-wall switches.

August Smart Lock

One of the most well-known smart locks on the market also happens to be the best option for anyone looking to use Google Home. With the August Smart Lock you can use virtual keys to grant temporary access, enable auto-lock and auto-unlock based on proximity to your phone, and a history log of who comes and goes.

The cherry on top? The August uses your existing deadbolt mechanism so installation and setup are a breeze. With a reliable and intuitive app, the August Smart Lock can give you some piece of mind when it comes to your home security.

For more, check out our roundup of the best smart locks.

Google Chromecast

The best choice for tech-savvy users on a budget, the Chromecast is the obvious choice for anyone living in a Google- and Android-dominated household. The streaming dongle connects to your TV's or monitor's HDMI port, syncs to your WiFi, and uses your smartphone, tablet, or computer as a remote. "Casting" content works from most of the major streaming apps, as well as Chrome and YouTube. Plus, at $35 it's an absolute steal.

It might take a little more getting used to than some of the competition, but as a screen-mirroring device, the sky's the limit in what you can watch. Unfortunately, it won't do the trick if you're interested in 4K/HDR streaming. For that, you'll need the slightly more expensive Google Chromecast Ultra. No matter which you choose, being able to control your TV and movies through your Google Home is a luxury that's well worth the effort.

For more, check out our roundup of the best streaming devices.

Belkin Wemo Insight

Unfortunately, the market for Google Home compatible smart plugs is rather small. If you're set on getting one, though, we'd recommend the Belkin Wemo Insight. With a sleek design, endorsements from multiple publications, power monitoring, and a few other key features, it should be a winner in almost every regard. While functionality and reliability were spot on, the app (both in setup and day-to-day use) was an absolute chore to use. So while it's a perfectly respectable smart plug that works with your Google Home, it's still a bit rough around the edges.

For more, check out our roundup of the best smart plugs.