If you're heading off on a well-earned summer holiday over the coming weeks, these six smart gadgets can help you keep an eye on your home while you're relaxing by the pool. Top picks include video doorbells, indoor cameras, smart plugs and clever lights.
Smart doorbells offer peace of mind
Smart doorbells offer some serious peace of mind. Not only will they alert you when someone presses the bell but also send full video footage to your smartphone. There's even the option to chat with visitors via two-way talk technology.
There are plenty of devices to choose from, but Ring remains a top choice, with this Amazon-owned brand offering wired options and more DIY-friendly battery versions that are easy-peasy to install.
A top choice is the latest Battery Video Doorbell, which gets improved video quality, impressive zoom, easy charging and a sleek slimline design. It even offers true colour with Night Vision to help view what's going on even when the sun goes down. Ring prices start from £79.99 at Amazon.
Smart lights deter burglars
Lights can be a serious deterrent, and Philips Hue's lights offer a smart way to keep burglars at bay. Daily routines can be set that power up these bulbs automatically during the day and night, and the whole house can be remotely controlled via the Hue app. So, you can illuminate bedrooms, light up the living room and make the garden glow so it looks like you're at home.
Philips Hue offers a huge range of indoor and outdoor bulbs, lamps and accessories with prices starting from around £15. They are available at philips-hue.com/en.
Another top choice is Wiz. These more budget-friendly bulbs are actually made by the same firm behind Hue but aren't as pricey. Things start from under £10 at Amazon.
Indoor cameras for monitoring
Google's Nest indoor cameras are a top choice thanks to 2K recording and smart design. However, at £89 each they aren't exactly cheap. For a more affordable indoor security camera solution, the Blink Mini 2K is hard to beat. Costing £39.99, it records crisp 2K video and includes colour night vision, improved audio with noise cancellation and instant motion alerts.
Any activity is sent directly to your smartphone, while AI-powered notifications can even distinguish between people and vehicles. Amazon and Argos stock it.
Floodlight for outdoor protection
If you're more worried about your driveway, garden or shed, the Ring Floodlight Cam Pro 4K adds an extra layer of protection. Motion detection automatically activates super powerful 2000 lumen LED floodlights while its in-built camera starts recording in Ultra HD.
It also features colour night vision, a 140° viewing angle for improved footage, two-way audio and a built-in siren that can be triggered to scare off unwanted visitors. The weather-resistant camera is available from Argos for £249.99.
Smart plugs for remote control
Smart plugs make it easy to power devices and turn on lights when you're away. Most can be remotely controlled via smartphones or set to come on via a smart timer function.
Models from Tapo, such as the Smart Plug Mini, even feature a clever away mode for improved home security. This option automatically turns devices on and off at random times throughout the day to give the appearance that someone is home. A pack of two can be picked up from Amazon for £19.99.
Stay connected abroad with eSIM
All those smart home alerts are no use if you don't have mobile data abroad. If your phone contract doesn't include free roaming, it's worth downloading an eSIM before you travel.
Providers such as Airalo and Holafly offer affordable data plans for destinations around the world, with some packages starting from as little as £3. Once installed and activated, you'll be connected as soon as you land, helping you stay in touch with your home wherever you are.
