If you're invested in the Apple ecosystem, HomeKit is the natural choice for smart home control. Siri voice commands, the Home app on every Apple device, automation that just works—it's the most polished smart home experience available. But HomeKit's strict certification requirements mean fewer device options than Alexa or Google Home.

Let me guide you through the best HomeKit-compatible devices across every category, plus tips for building a cohesive Apple smart home.

Why Choose HomeKit?

HomeKit Advantages

  • Privacy First: Data processed locally when possible, encrypted end-to-end
  • Unified Control: One app for everything, works on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch
  • Siri Integration: Voice control that actually works reliably
  • Secure Video: Camera footage stored encrypted in iCloud
  • Automation: Powerful scenes and automations
  • Family Sharing: Easy access control for household members

HomeKit Limitations

  • Fewer Devices: Strict certification means less selection
  • Higher Prices: HomeKit devices often cost more
  • Apple Lock-In: Best experience requires Apple devices
  • Setup Requirements: Need iPhone/iPad for initial setup
HomeKit trades device variety for reliability and privacy. If those matter to you, the smaller selection is worth it.

Essential HomeKit Devices by Category

Smart Speakers & Hubs

Every HomeKit home needs a home hub for remote access and automations.

Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) - $299

  • Excellent sound quality
  • Siri voice control
  • Home hub functionality
  • Thread border router
  • Temperature and humidity sensors

Apple HomePod Mini - $99

  • Compact size, good sound
  • Home hub functionality
  • Thread border router
  • Intercom feature
  • Best value for HomeKit hub

Apple TV 4K - $129-149

  • Home hub functionality
  • Thread border router
  • Streaming device bonus
  • Best if you need both

Smart Lighting

Lighting is the foundation of most smart homes.

Philips Hue - $150+ (starter kit)

  • Gold standard for smart lighting
  • Massive product range
  • Excellent app and reliability
  • Requires Hue Bridge
  • Matter support via bridge update

Nanoleaf Essentials - $20+ per bulb

  • Thread/Matter native
  • No hub required
  • Good color accuracy
  • More affordable than Hue
  • Works directly with HomeKit

Lutron Caséta - $100+ (starter kit)

  • Smart switches, not bulbs
  • Works with any bulb
  • Extremely reliable
  • Requires Lutron Bridge
  • Professional-grade quality

LIFX - $30+ per bulb

  • WiFi-based, no hub needed
  • Bright, vivid colors
  • Easy setup
  • Higher power consumption

Smart Thermostats

Climate control with HomeKit integration.

Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium - $250

  • Full HomeKit support
  • Room sensors included
  • Built-in Alexa (optional)
  • Air quality monitoring
  • Best overall for HomeKit

Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced - $190

  • Same HomeKit features
  • No air quality monitoring
  • No built-in speaker
  • Great value option

Honeywell Home T9 - $200

  • HomeKit compatible
  • Room sensors available
  • Traditional thermostat look
  • Reliable performance

Note: Nest thermostats do NOT support HomeKit natively.

Smart Locks

Secure your home with HomeKit-enabled locks.

Schlage Encode Plus - $300

  • Only lock with Apple Home Key
  • Unlock with iPhone/Apple Watch
  • Built-in WiFi
  • No hub required
  • Premium build quality

August WiFi Smart Lock - $230

  • Retrofit design (keeps existing keys)
  • DoorSense included
  • Auto-lock/unlock
  • HomeKit via WiFi
  • Easy installation

Yale Assure Lock 2 - $200-280

  • Multiple style options
  • HomeKit via WiFi module
  • Keypad included
  • Solid construction

For more on smart locks, see our guide on door locks that automatically lock.

Security Cameras

HomeKit Secure Video offers encrypted, private camera storage.

Logitech Circle View - $160

  • Designed for HomeKit
  • 180° field of view
  • HomeKit Secure Video
  • Excellent video quality
  • Indoor/outdoor rated

Eve Cam - $150

  • Privacy-focused
  • HomeKit Secure Video
  • No cloud account required
  • Indoor only
  • Clean design

Eufy Indoor Cam 2K - $40

  • Budget-friendly
  • HomeKit compatible
  • Local storage option
  • Good video quality
  • Best value

Aqara Camera Hub G3 - $110

  • HomeKit Secure Video
  • Pan and tilt
  • Also serves as Zigbee hub
  • AI gesture recognition

Sensors

The building blocks of smart home automation.

Eve Door & Window - $40

  • Thread/Matter support
  • No hub required
  • Long battery life
  • Compact design

Eve Motion - $40

  • Thread/Matter support
  • IPX3 water resistant
  • Works outdoors (covered)
  • Triggers automations

Aqara Sensors - $15-25

  • Affordable
  • Requires Aqara Hub
  • Wide variety available
  • Good reliability

Eve Weather - $80

  • Outdoor temperature/humidity
  • Thread support
  • No hub required
  • Apple Watch complication

Smart Plugs

Make any device smart.

Eve Energy - $40

  • Thread/Matter support
  • Energy monitoring
  • No hub required
  • Premium build

Wemo Smart Plug - $25

  • WiFi-based
  • Compact design
  • Reliable
  • No energy monitoring

Meross Smart Plug - $15-20

  • Budget-friendly
  • HomeKit compatible
  • WiFi-based
  • Good value

Video Doorbells

See who's at the door from any Apple device.

Logitech Circle View Doorbell - $200

  • Designed for HomeKit
  • HomeKit Secure Video
  • Head-to-toe view
  • Color night vision
  • Wired installation

Aqara Video Doorbell G4 - $120

  • HomeKit Secure Video
  • Battery or wired
  • Face recognition
  • Local storage option

Note: Ring doorbells do NOT support HomeKit.

Building Your HomeKit Home

Start with the Essentials

  1. Home Hub: HomePod Mini or Apple TV 4K
  2. Smart Lighting: Start with one room (Nanoleaf or Hue)
  3. Smart Plug: Automate one device
  4. Door Sensor: Basic automation trigger

Expand Strategically

  • Add devices room by room
  • Prioritize devices you'll use daily
  • Consider Thread devices for future-proofing
  • Build automations as you add devices

Automation Ideas

Morning Routine:

  • Lights gradually brighten at wake time
  • Thermostat adjusts to comfortable temperature
  • Coffee maker turns on (via smart plug)

Leaving Home:

  • "Hey Siri, I'm leaving"
  • All lights off
  • Thermostat to away mode
  • Lock doors
  • Arm cameras

Arriving Home:

  • Geofence triggers automation
  • Porch light on (if after sunset)
  • Thermostat to home mode
  • Unlock door

HomeKit and Matter

Matter is changing the HomeKit landscape:

  • More devices: Matter certification is easier than HomeKit
  • Cross-platform: Matter devices work with HomeKit, Google, Alexa
  • Thread integration: Many Matter devices use Thread
  • Existing devices: Many HomeKit devices getting Matter updates

What This Means for You

  • More device choices coming to HomeKit
  • Existing HomeKit devices continue working
  • New purchases: look for Matter support
  • Thread devices are most future-proof

Got Questions About HomeKit Devices? Let's Clear Things Up.

Do all smart home devices work with HomeKit?

No. Devices must be certified by Apple or support Matter to work with HomeKit. Many popular devices (Ring, Nest cameras, most budget options) don't support HomeKit. Always verify "Works with Apple HomeKit" before purchasing.

Can I add non-HomeKit devices to my setup?

Yes, through bridges and workarounds. Homebridge is a popular solution that adds HomeKit support to hundreds of non-certified devices. It requires a computer or Raspberry Pi running continuously. Some devices also work through manufacturer bridges (like Philips Hue Bridge).

Is HomeKit Secure Video worth it?

If you value privacy, yes. HomeKit Secure Video stores footage encrypted in iCloud, and Apple can't access it. You need an iCloud+ subscription (50GB minimum for one camera, 200GB for up to 5 cameras). The footage doesn't count against your storage limit.

Why are HomeKit devices more expensive?

Apple's certification process is rigorous and costly for manufacturers. HomeKit devices must meet strict security and reliability standards. The smaller market (Apple users only) also means less competition driving prices down. Thread/Matter devices are helping reduce this gap.

Do I need a HomePod for HomeKit?

You need a home hub (HomePod, HomePod Mini, or Apple TV) for remote access and automations. Without one, you can only control devices when on your home WiFi. The HomePod Mini at $99 is the most affordable option and also serves as a Thread border router.

Ready to build your Apple smart home? Explore more HomeKit guides at Celmin to create your perfect connected home. https://celmin.ca