The Essentials for a Connected Home

Unlock the door digitally or share a virtual key without leaving the office using an app-enabled lock. Security may be the number one reason people begin connecting their homes, and smart locks allow you to be in control anywhere, anytime. Plus, you'll never get stuck outside again! Work the device remotely from your phone or use your smartphone, passcode or regular key to open the door. Some models can be added over existing bolts, while others replace them.

August's do-it-all model topped our Engineering Lab tests, thanks to a straightforward app, easy setup and a quiet motor. It works with Apple Home App to unlock doors with Siri. If you have other Apple Home App products, create commands like "I'm Home" to open doors and turn on lights. Purchase August Doorbell Cam ($199) to "unlock" even more features.

BUY IT: August Smart Lock Apple Home App Enabled, $229, walmart.com

Add cameras inside and outside to give you — and your mom — peace of mind. Aging parents don't have to be tech whizzes to feel safer at home, and there are everyday benefits to having cameras, too — it could mean fewer trips up and down the stairs (they can check on the dog or see if lights are off from a phone). If there's ever an emergency, you can see what happened.

Check on things with with this catch-all cam. Like most smart cameras, this model has an online dashboard that lets you stream live video or watch it right on the app. Our Lab is super-excited about the new outdoor model, which can stand up to rain, wind and snow.

BUY IT: Nest Cam Indoor, $199, walmart.com
BUY IT: Alternate option: Arlo HD Cam

With a motion-detecting connected doorbell with cameras, speakers and microphones, you can see right on your phone when someone's at the door. Some use your doorbell's power supply are as easy to set up as swapping in a smart bulb for a regular one; others need a battery, so installation can be tricky. But they're all great when you're home alone — just check the app to see who is at the door.

Great for homes without a doorbell, Ring can work on an internal battery (lasting six to 12 months); in our Lab tests it was a breeze to install. With a fish-eye lens (offering a 180-degree view) and its two-way audio, you'll be able to see and hear almost everything.

BUY IT: Ring, $199, walmart.com

Set your smart thermostat to turn off when you go out and turn on when you come back, or automate it to turn down the temperature while you sleep. People who use smart thermostats can save over 10% on energy bills. And data suggests that programmable thermostats can save you about $180 a year. These devices also let you adjust the heat from your smartphone, and some can learn (and adapt to) your habits.

Ecobee's model aced our Lab's tests for quick setup and ease of use, and it's great for larger homes because it comes with an extra sensor (and you can buy up to 32 if needed). That means the rooms you care about most will be most comfortable.

BUY IT: Ecobee3, $249, walmart.com

A perennial Lab high performer, Nest's thermostat can learn your preferences and eventually program itself. It also sends alerts if it senses something out of the ordinary, like ultralow temps in which pipes could burst. If you choose to add more Works With Nest products, they will all work together to manage your home.

BUY IT: Nest Learning Thermostat, $249, walmart.com

Switch them off via your phone (whether you're away from home or sitting in another room) with connected bulbs and dimmers that work with the lamps you own. You won't accidentally waste electricity, and many of these easy-to-install devices optimize performance and auto-adjust to help save energy. Swap out old bulbs for new, connected ones, or use plugs with built-in dimmers to smarten old-school lights.

These Philips Hue WiFi-Enabled bulbs come in multiple styles (colored bulbs, light strips and battery-powered lamps), and they play nicely with lots of platforms and devices. They also used the least power in our Lab tests, and schedule and random-on features are available, too.

BUY IT: Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Starter Kit, $199.99, walmart.com

An excellent intro to home tech, LIFX bulbs can be added anywhere, no extra gear needed! The brightest in our Lab tests, they're compatible with iOS, Windows 10 and Android devices.

BUY IT: LIFX, $60, walmart.com

Use smart plugs to turn almost any gadget or appliance you own — from your flat iron to your toaster — into a smart device. An inexpensive solution, they are easy to set up and super-simple to use.

Just connect, then turn the device on and off and see how much energy it's using in the plug's app.

BUY IT: Belkin WeMo Switch, $40, walmart.com