2021 is the year of smart homes, and it's never been more affordable to kit out different rooms with smart speakers, doorbells, displays and lighting.
Google has a big range of home smart devices from speakers and doorbells, to displays and wifi extenders. (Supplied)
Smart home speakers are a must-have, and they're now more affordable than ever. Google's Nest mini speakers, while not exactly new, are still the best value on the market at under $50.
- Google Nest Audio, $149, or cheaper and smaller alternative, Google Nest mini, from $49
Apple's Homepod smart speaker was discontinued after they announced their smaller version. They still call it the Homepod, simply adding the word "mini" to the end despite only having one version. At $149, Apple's smart speaker is on the expensive side given how physically small its speaker is compared to Google's Nest Audio.
- Apple Homepod Mini, from $149
- Amazon Echo ($149) or cheaper smaller alternative, Echo Dot from $59Lenovo's Smart Clock 2 features a wireless charger for your phone. (Supplied)
Much like smart home speakers, there's a variety of smart displays to help bring your home alive. Lenovo's latest Smart Clock 2 includes a wireless charger on the side. It's the perfect bedside companion. Lenovo also has a budget-friendly basic smart clock, which still includes a display and speaker, from $49.
- Lenovo Smart Clock 2, from $129
- Lenovo Smart Clock Essential, from $49
- Google Nest Hub 2nd Gen Smart Home Display, from $149Smart lighting is all the rage right now and wifi compatible LED globes have never been more affordable. (Supplied)
Smart lighting goes hand-in-hand with your other smart home devices, and it's a competitive market. Phillip Hue's premium lighting displays are a step above the rest but they can set you back hundreds of dollars for a starter kit.
New, cheaper alternatives like Kmart's Anko range, Mirabella, and Big W's Laser are a better place to start for those not looking to spend a fortune, but Laser's Smart LED strip lights, for example, aren't as bright as more expensive options.
- Mirabella Genio LED Twin Bar Lights, $59
- Laser Smart Globes, from $10
- Anko 10m Smart Wi-Fi LED Strip Light, $59There's plenty of accessories to pair with the AirTag, including a leather pouch (Supplied)
What Apple lacks in range for their home speakers, they make up for in affordable tech — a perfect stocking-stuffer. The Apple Airtag can keep track of your items, meaning you'll never have to worry where you've left your wallet or keys again.
- Apple AirTag, $45 for one or a 4 pack for $149
Another affordable buy, especially if you've left it to the last minute, is a subscription gift card. There are dozens of services out there, from Netflix, Stan and Disney+ to gaming services like PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass.
These cards can be picked up from pretty much any supermarket, or even the petrol station, from as little as $10. If you'd prefer to save the trees, there's always the option to buy online.
- PlayStation Plus — one-month membership $11.95
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Subscription — one-month membership $15.95
- Netflix, Stan, Disney+ — gift cards starting at $20
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Mid-range (under $400)
Coffee machines are a must-have in any Australian household. The Nespresso Vertuo Next is the latest pod machine from Nespresso, it's also compatible with their new Carafe Pour-over set.
If you're looking to stick to the classic way of making coffee, the Sunbeam Mini Barista Espresso Machine is one of the highest-rated on the market — milk frother included.
- Nespresso Vertuo Next, from $279
- Sunbeam Mini Barista Espresso Machine, from $269Nextbase's latest dashcams come with Amazon's voice assistant Alexa. (Supplied)
You've set your smart home up, but how about your car? Nextbase's latest dashcam range comes with Amazon's voice assistant, Alexa. This means while driving you can ask the dashcam to perform certain actions, for example, "Alexa, take a photo!".
Dashcams are a great way to look after yourself while on the road this Christmas.
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