As the Internet of Things (IoT) becomes more prevalent in our lives, so too does the need for smart home devices that can communicate with each other. SmartThings is one such platform that allows you to connect your smart devices, such as cameras, to your home network and control them remotely. Here are some of the best SmartThings-compatible cameras available on the market today.
Arlo Pro 2
The Arlo Pro 2 is a versatile camera that is easy to set up and use. It offers 1080p HD video and two-way audio, as well as night vision and motion detection. The camera is also weather-resistant, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. With SmartThings integration, you can use the camera to trigger other devices in your home, such as turning on lights when motion is detected.
Samsung SmartCam HD Pro
The Samsung SmartCam HD Pro offers 1080p HD video and two-way audio, as well as motion detection and night vision. It also features a wide-angle lens and the ability to pan and tilt the camera remotely. With SmartThings integration, you can use the camera to trigger other devices in your home, such as turning on the air conditioning when motion is detected.
Ring Stick Up Cam
The Ring Stick Up Cam is a wireless camera that offers 1080p HD video and two-way audio. It also features motion detection and night vision, and is weather-resistant, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. With SmartThings integration, you can use the camera to trigger other devices in your home, such as turning on the TV when motion is detected.
Nest Cam IQ Outdoor
The Nest Cam IQ Outdoor is a high-end camera that offers 1080p HD video and two-way audio, as well as motion detection and night vision. It also features facial recognition technology and the ability to zoom in and follow people as they move. With SmartThings integration, you can use the camera to trigger other devices in your home, such as unlocking the front door when someone is recognized.
EZVIZ Mini O
The EZVIZ Mini O is an affordable camera that offers 720p HD video and two-way audio. It also features motion detection and night vision and can be used both indoors and outdoors. With SmartThings integration, you can use the camera to trigger other devices in your home, such as turning on the coffee maker when motion is detected in the kitchen.
Netgear Arlo Q
The Netgear Arlo Q offers 1080p HD video and two-way audio, as well as motion detection and night vision. It also features a wide-angle lens and the ability to set up activity zones to focus on specific areas of your home. With SmartThings integration, you can use the camera to trigger other devices in your home, such as turning on the fan when the temperature rises.
D-Link HD Wi-Fi Camera
The D-Link HD Wi-Fi Camera offers 720p HD video and two-way audio, as well as motion detection and night vision. It also features the ability to pan and tilt the camera remotely, and can be used both indoors and outdoors. With SmartThings integration, you can use the camera to trigger other devices in your home, such as turning on the sprinkler system when motion is detected in the garden.
In conclusion, SmartThings offers a wide range of compatible cameras to suit your needs and budget. Whether you are looking for a high-end camera with advanced features, or an affordable camera to get you started, there is sure to be a camera that meets your requirements. With SmartThings integration, you can take advantage of the many benefits of a smart home, such as automated routines and remote monitoring, to make your life easier and more secure. By integrating your camera with SmartThings, you can create a truly connected home that is personalized to your lifestyle and preferences.
Some of the key benefits of using SmartThings compatible cameras include:
- Increased security: With a SmartThings compatible camera, you can keep an eye on your home from anywhere. Whether you are at work or on vacation, you can monitor your property and receive alerts if anything out of the ordinary occurs.
- Automation: By integrating your camera with other devices in your home, you can create automated routines that make your life easier. For example, you could set up a routine that turns on the lights when the camera detects motion in a certain area.
- Energy savings: SmartThings compatible cameras can help you save energy by automatically turning off devices when you are not using them. For example, you could set up a routine that turns off the air conditioning when you leave the house.
- Convenience: With SmartThings integration, you can control your camera and other devices in your home from a single app. This makes it easy to manage your home, even when you are on the go.
When choosing a camera, there are several factors to consider. These include:
- Resolution: The resolution of the camera determines the quality of the video. For the best results, look for a camera with 1080p HD video.
- Field of view: The field of view of the camera determines how much of the room or area it can capture. Look for a camera with a wide-angle lens for the best coverage.
- Motion detection: Most SmartThings compatible cameras come with motion detection, which allows the camera to detect movement and alert you if anything unusual occurs.
- Night vision: Night vision allows the camera to capture images in low light conditions. Look for a camera with infrared sensors for the best night vision.
- Two-way audio: Two-way audio allows you to communicate with people in the room through the camera. This is useful for checking in on pets or communicating with family members.
What devices are compatible with SmartThings?
SmartThings is a smart home automation platform developed by Samsung that allows you to connect and control various smart devices in your home from a single app. Here are some of the types of devices that are compatible with it:
- Smart thermostats: Smart thermostats like the Ecobee, Nest, and Honeywell can be connected, allowing you to control the temperature of your home using the SmartThings app.
- Smart lights: Smart lights from brands like Philips Hue, LIFX, and Sylvania can be connected, allowing you to control your lights with your voice or the SmartThings app.
- Smart locks: Smart locks like the Schlage Connect and August Smart Lock can be connected, allowing you to lock and unlock your doors remotely.
- Smart cameras: Smart cameras like the Arlo, Ring, and Samsung SmartCam can be connected to SmartThings, allowing you to monitor your home and receive alerts when motion is detected.
- Smart speakers: Smart speakers like the Amazon Echo and Google Home can be connected, allowing you to control your smart devices with your voice.
- Smart plugs: Smart plugs like the TP-Link Kasa and Wemo can be connected, allowing you to control the power to your devices remotely.
- Smart sensors: Smart sensors like the Samsung SmartThings Multipurpose Sensor and the Aeotec Multi-Sensor can be connected, allowing you to monitor the temperature, humidity, and other conditions in your home.
- Smart appliances: Smart appliances like the Samsung SmartThings Washer and Dryer can be connected, allowing you to control your appliances from your phone and receive alerts when your laundry is done.
These are just a few examples of the many types of devices that are compatible with SmartThings. To see if a specific device is compatible with this, check the device’s specifications or look for the SmartThings logo on the packaging.
Is SmartThings only for Samsung?
While SmartThings was originally developed by SmartThings, Inc., a company founded in 2012, it was acquired by Samsung Electronics in 2014. As a result, many people assume that SmartThings is only for Samsung devices. However, this is not the case.
While Samsung does offer a range of SmartThings-compatible devices, including smart TVs, smartphones, and home appliances, SmartThings is not limited to Samsung products. In fact, SmartThings is an open platform, which means that it can work with a wide range of devices from other manufacturers as well.
As long as a device is compatible with the SmartThings platform, it can be connected and controlled using the SmartThings app. This allows you to create a fully connected home that is tailored to your needs, regardless of the brand of the devices you choose.
To make it easier to find compatible devices, SmartThings maintains a list of supported devices on its website. This list includes devices from a wide range of manufacturers, including Samsung, Philips, Nest, Ecobee, and many others.
In summary, while SmartThings is now owned by Samsung, it is an open platform that can work with a wide range of devices from different manufacturers. This makes it a versatile and flexible choice for anyone looking to create a smarter home.
Which is better Google Home or SmartThings?
Google Home and SmartThings are two different products that serve different purposes, so it’s difficult to say which one is “better”. Here are some key differences between the two:
- Functionality: Google Home is primarily a voice assistant that can control your smart devices, answer questions, and provide information. SmartThings is a smart home automation platform that allows you to connect and control a wide range of smart devices in your home.
- Integration: Google Home works seamlessly with other Google products like Google Assistant, Chromecast, and YouTube. SmartThings, on the other hand, can work with a wider range of devices from different manufacturers, making it a more versatile choice for creating a connected home.
- User Interface: Google Home uses a voice interface, while SmartThings relies on a mobile app. This can be a matter of personal preference, but it’s worth considering which method you prefer when deciding between the two.
- Compatibility: Google Home is compatible with a growing number of devices, but SmartThings is compatible with a wider range of devices from different manufacturers, including Samsung, Philips, Ecobee, and more.
- Cost: Google Home devices are generally less expensive than SmartThings hubs and other devices. However, SmartThings may offer more value if you already have a lot of smart devices in your home that are compatible with the SmartThings platform.
In summary, both Google Home and SmartThings are great options for creating a smart home, but they serve different purposes and have different strengths. If you primarily want a voice assistant to control your devices and answer questions, Google Home may be the better choice. However, if you want a more versatile and flexible platform for automating your home, SmartThings may be the way to go.
Should I use wired or wireless cameras for this?
Whether you should use wired or wireless cameras with SmartThings depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some things to consider when deciding between wired and wireless cameras:
- Installation: Wired cameras require running cables between the camera and a power source, which can be more difficult to install, especially if you’re looking to install cameras in hard-to-reach places. Wireless cameras are generally easier to install, as they don’t require any cables.
- Stability: Wired cameras tend to be more stable than wireless cameras, as they don’t rely on a Wi-Fi connection to transmit data. This can make them a better choice if you have a lot of interference or if your Wi-Fi signal is weak in certain areas of your home.
- Coverage: Wireless cameras are generally more flexible than wired cameras, as they can be placed anywhere within range of your Wi-Fi network. This can make them a better choice if you need to cover a large area or if you want to place cameras in multiple locations.
- Battery life: Wireless cameras are powered by batteries, which means that you’ll need to replace or recharge the batteries periodically. This can be inconvenient, especially if you have a lot of cameras. Wired cameras, on the other hand, are powered by a constant source of electricity and don’t require any maintenance.
- Cost: Wireless cameras tend to be more expensive than wired cameras, as they include more advanced features like Wi-Fi connectivity and batteries.
Ultimately, the decision between wired and wireless cameras depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you need to cover a large area or want to place cameras in multiple locations, wireless cameras may be the better choice. If stability and reliability are important, wired cameras may be the way to go. Consider your needs and do your research to find the best cameras for your SmartThings setup.
Summary
SmartThings compatible cameras are a great way to make your home smarter and more secure. By choosing the right camera for your needs, you can enjoy the many benefits of a connected home, including increased security, automation, energy savings, and convenience. Whether you are looking for a high-end camera with advanced features, or an affordable camera to get you started, there is sure to be a compatible camera that meets your needs.
