5 Smart Home Devices to Make Your Place More Secure Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again. × Search search POPULAR SEARCHES SUGGESTED LINKS Join AARP for just $9 per year when you sign up for a 5-year term. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Leaving AARP.org Website You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.

5 Smart Home Devices to Make Your Place More Comfortable Secure

These affordable gadgets come without surprise subscription fees

eye crave / Getty Images If you thought your smart TV was the only gadget with brains in your home, wait until your next washing machine pings your phone when a load is done, LED lights turn off when you leave the room or a Wi-Fi thermostat knows whether someone is home. While we're still a few years away from a and make our beds, today's smart home products can make your living space safer, more energy efficient and easier to maintain. Most are controlled through a free app or via your voice using a virtual assistant such as Amazon Echo, Apple's Siri or Google Nest. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Best of all, these products range from $29 to $119.

1 Smart speakers in every room

You may already own a smart speaker because they're inexpensive — as low as $29 for an Amazon Echo Dot or Google Nest Mini. But many people are placing them throughout their homes for added convenience. You know the drill: , such as “Alexa” or “OK, Google,” followed with a question or command. Then you'll hear a pleasant humanlike voice dish up an answer. For bigger sound, check out the latest Echo Dot (4th Gen) with clock + Amazon Smart Plug, $44. Along with its spherical shape and big sound, this smart speaker is ideal for your nightstand. You can see the time, alarms and timers on the LED display and tap the top to snooze. As the name suggests, a second item is bundled with the smart speaker. The Amazon Smart Plug turns virtually anything you plug into the electric socket — such as a coffee maker — into a smart home product, so you can then use the app to turn it on, set schedules and more. On a related note, check out the Wemo Mini Smart Plugs in AARP's annual list that work with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant or through their own app. Entertainment $3 off popcorn and soft drink combos See more Entertainment offers > If you own a Nest Thermostat (sold separately), Nest Protect will turn off your gas furnace if carbon monoxide is detected. Smart smoke detectors were among the items featured at the . Wyze Labs

3 Security camera without a monthly fee

Even when you're not at home, the Wyze Cam v2 Wi-Fi-enabled camera, $20, lets you see kids, grandkids or pets like a baby monitor. Or point it through a window toward your front door to catch porch pirates who try to steal your packages. Featuring night vision, two-way audio and a tiltable stand so you can point it in several directions, Wyze Cam V2 starts recording if it detects sound or motion. Not only will it save that video to see later on a microSD card (sold separately), but the camera automatically records and uploads a 12-second clip of the event, which you can watch for up to 14 days. Unlike the Ring cameras, no subscription or monthly fees are needed. Despite its modest price tag, this Wyze Cam also works with Alexa and Google. If you have a smart display, like an Amazon Echo Show or Google Nest Hub, use your voice to say something like, “Alexa, show me the front door” or “OK, Google, show the kids’ room." AARP NEWSLETTERS %{ newsLetterPromoText }% %{ description }% Subscribe , aims to break down geek speak into street speak. More on home-family AARP NEWSLETTERS %{ newsLetterPromoText }% %{ description }% Subscribe AARP VALUE & MEMBER BENEFITS See more Health & Wellness offers > See more Flights & Vacation Packages offers > See more Finances offers > See more Health & Wellness offers > SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS