Smart Home

Home automation is exactly what it sounds like: automating the ability to control items around the house—from window to air purification—with a simple push of a button (or a voice command). Some activities, like setting up a lamp to turn on and off at your command, are simple and relatively inexpensive. Others, like advanced surveillance cameras, may require a more serious investment of time and money.

There are many smart home product categories, so you can control everything from lights and temperature to locks and security in your home.

Xiaomi offers a cheap Mi Smart Home solution that it is inherently affordable. The kit comes with six components — a gateway that acts as a central hub, a smart wall plug, door and window sensor, motion sensor, temperature and humidity sensor, and a wireless switch. Everything is configured and controlled through the Mi Home app which requires you to set up a free Mi account to get started.