Skip to main content

6 Best Smart Home Apps Every Homeowner Needs

Sep 13, 2022|

There are a lot of reasons you might consider using home automation tools. The best smart apps make controlling all your smart devices and processes from a central point—or even remotely on your smartphone—simple.

With the right app, you can manage your thermostat, lighting, security system, and house locks with the tap of a finger or your voice.

Price-conscious consumers will also appreciate that smart apps can help lower energy costs. Smart apps can make your home more efficient since they give you control of when your connected devices work.

But not all smart home technology is created equal. Each smart app has its own interface, group of features, and list of smart device integrations. In this guide, we cover some of the best smart apps to check out in 2022.

Man checking the Vivint App.
 

What do smart home apps do?

Smart home apps are automation tools that make your life more convenient. A smart app works like a remote control for the smart technology in your home: When you download one, it lets you manage all of your home’s smart gadgets on your smartphone.

For example, you could turn off your lights, check the footage from your security cameras, and adjust the temperature in your home while you’re at work. That kind of control can give you peace of mind that you didn’t leave any unnecessary lights on, that no one’s lurking around your home, and that your home is a comfortable temperature for your pets.

Smart home apps have several integrations and functions. Most let you control all your Internet of Things (IoT) devices using touch-screen controls, while some have integrations that let you use voice commands to manage your systems without lifting a finger.

Let’s be neighbors.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for more smart tips.

6 best smart home apps

You can choose from various smart home apps. In the next few sections, we go over some of the top smart home apps to consider using in your home system.

Vivint

If you want to take advantage of the top-of-the-line automation tools that Vivint offers, the Vivint app is definitely for you. Vivint’s smart home app uses a Wi-Fi internet signal to connect all the smart devices in your home, like your smart lighting, smart plugs, security cameras, smart locks, and motion detectors.

The app — which works with both iOS and Android devices — has an intuitive interface that makes it easy to control all of your smart home products from a single point, like the Vivint Smart Hub or your smartphone.

The Vivint app also has integrations with other smart systems (like Amazon Alexa) and can work with a variety of smart devices (like Nest thermostats).

Woman checking the Vivint App while out on a walk.
 

Amazon Alexa

Amazon Alexa is a voice-controlled app that works with Amazon smart devices, as well as a slew of other smart devices from brands like Philips Hue, Nest, iRobot, and Vivint. The app has an easy-to-use interface and is simple to set up on your smartphone.

Just say, “Alexa” to activate the app’s voice control feature. When the app responds, you can make a command to any of your smart devices connected to the app. However, if you don’t want to use voice commands, you can still control your devices manually with the touch-screen interface.

In addition to its smart home functionality, the Amazon Alexa app lets you send text messages, hear your favorite tunes, and manage shopping lists. Alexa can also program “hunches” (i.e., reminders to do things like lock your doors) that come to you as iPhone or Android notifications.

amazon echo in kitchen
 

Google Assistant

Like Alexa, Google Assistant also has voice control features and touch-screen functionality, and it’s compatible with a wide array of smart devices and programs. Google Assistant has integrations for products from companies like Philips Hue, Nest, Honeywell, Vivint, and others.

One of the cool functions of Google Assistant is that you can use it to set up “routines.” A routine is a group of different tasks attached to a single voice command. For example, you might say, “Hey Google, Movie Night.” Then, the app might dim your smart lights, shut your blinds, and turn on your smart TV.

You can use Google Assistant to text, listen to music, or browse the web. The system prompts you to add compatible devices in the area, making it easy to connect them. It works with iOS and Android.

Google Mini on a bedside table.
 

Apple Home

Apple Home is the smart app for the Apple HomeKit system. It’s designed to work with Apple products like iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, Mac computers, and other devices.

Apple Home only worked with Apple products for a time, but now it works with over 100 other smart product brands. You can see if a smart device is compatible with the Apple Home app by checking for the Apple Home logo on its box.

Certain features of Apple Home—like the ability to watch live streams from your security cameras—will require you to have a smart hub. You can use your iPhone, Apple TV, or even a HomePod as your hub. When you purchase an iOS product, it usually has the free Apple Home app preinstalled.

Like Google Assistant, Apple Home also has the ability to layer various functions. You can create a “scene” that signals several actions. For example, you might make a scene called “Bedtime.” Whenever the scene is activated, your smart thermostat sets your home to your ideal sleeping temperature, locks your smart locks, and activates your security lights.

Samsung SmartThings

The SmartThings app from Samsung comes with the SmartThings hub. The app lets you control all your IoT products from one place. You can program several smart devices to work together and program the app to send notifications about different tools in your smart home.

The app doesn’t require a dedicated hub. It’s easy to set up and allows you to split devices by room. Like Apple Home, the SmartThings app lets you add widgets for your devices to the home screen so you don’t have to spend time searching for your devices on your smart app.

SmartThings works with a wide range of devices, including products from brands like Ecobee and Netgear. It also works with Google Nest products built in or after 2020. The app is fully cloud-connected, so it doesn’t send alerts in case of a power outage. Samsung SmartThings can be installed on the majority of phone operating systems, like Android and iOS.

An elderly couple checking the Vivint app while out on a walk.
 

Philips Hue

The Philips Hue app is used to control the smart lighting in your home from your smartphone. While other smart apps can be used to control smart lights, the Phillips Hue app takes it a bit further. You can use the app to adjust the color of your smart lights, set a schedule for when your lights should be on and off, and even dim or brighten your lights.

While the app is meant to work with Philips Hue lights, it can also work with other devices through the Philips Hue bridge. You can download the app on an Android or iOS device. The Phillips Hue app is a great option for full control over your lighting system.

Man changing the brightness on his lightbulbs with the Philips Hue app.
 

How the Vivint smart home app works

With the Vivint app, you can manage all your Vivint smart devices — like your smart lighting, security cameras, and smart locks — from your Android or Apple smartphone. You can program your home systems to work together using your Wi-Fi internet connection.

While the Vivint app is designed to be used with Vivint smart devices, it can also work with a variety of other smart brand devices, like Google Home, Amazon Echo, and the Nest Thermostat.

Features of the Vivint smart home app

A few of the best features of the Vivint smart app include:

  • It allows you to manage security systems remotely, so you can do things like lock your doors and shut your garage door when you’re on the go.
  • It has two-way talk functionality, so you can communicate with people through your video doorbell or any other camera on your property.
  • It sends you home security alerts and notifications about the smart systems in your home.
  • It has compatibility with an array of other smart home tools.
  • If you ever have trouble with the app, you can contact Vivint’s knowledgeable and friendly support staff for help.
  • It works seamlessly with Vivint smart home devices, most of which come with an extended warranty.

Discover how Vivint smart home systems make managing your home easy

The best home automation apps make managing multiple systems in your home a breeze. They let you govern all the smart home automation systems—from your smart bulbs to your front doors—from one app.

If you want to enjoy all the benefits that a smart home automation system can provide, check out all the smart home tech offered by Vivint. When you reach out to Vivint, one of our smart home experts will guide you through the process of designing and installing your ideal smart home setup.

Call us at 855.822.1220 for a free consultation today.

Get a free quote today.

A Vivint Smart Home Pro will contact you within 24 hours. Or skip the form and call now: 844.481.8630.

Clicking the button below constitutes your electronic signature and consent for Vivint and its parent company NRG to use automated technology, including calls, texts and prerecorded messages, to contact you at the number provided about Vivint and NRG offers. Consent not required to make a purchase. Up to 10msg/month. Reply 'STOP' to opt-out. See Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

*Offer Details

Qualifying system purchase requires minimum $599.99 expenditure on equipment after all discounts have been applied, professional installation, and execution of Vivint monitoring services agreement. Click here for monthly service plan prices. DIY system purchases and reactivations of previously-installed systems not eligible for offer. Offer not available in all states or provinces. Equipment purchase may be financed separately subject to an agreement with one of Vivint's third-party financing partners. Monthly $1.48 cellular network maintenance fee applies. Taxes and local permit fees may apply.

Third-Party Financing Options Available

Financing eligibility and terms subject to credit approval by one of Vivint's third-party financing partners. Qualified customers may finance equipment purchase at 0% APR for up to 60 months. Month-to-month service agreement available when equipment is purchased upfront.

Vivint Systems & Services

System supports up to six cameras subject to sufficient WiFi speeds. Without a Vivint services plan, product and system functionality is limited (including loss of remote connectivity). Speak to a Vivint representative at the phone number in this offer for complete equipment, services, and package details, including pricing and financing details. Products and services in Louisiana provided by Vivint Louisiana Commercial Certificate #58280. See Vivint license numbers here.