What Smart home system do I want? Heating/lighting/security etc

[OhTheTiles]

Have an Alexa and the odd bulb/plug by TP-link. But I want to start again and have it all set up properly, as it was cheaper at the time for the odd bulb rather than getting the initial bridge etc.

So now looking changing the heating to a Smart thermostat and having most of the bulbs, plugs etc. But would also like to add home security on, and have it so like the lights come on if the doors open, that kind of thing.

What system do I want to get/start out with or the one most likely to keep adding things in the future?

Oo, and a doorbell type camera thing.

Hopeful bump

I use Phillips hue bulbs they're great and you can usually get a good offer on amazon. You can run them through Alexa or google home hub etc or just through your iPhone/iPad.

We have:
Alexa
Hive hub for heating & lights
Qi cameras outside
Nest camera inside

I wouldn't have one at all ( but I know that's not what you're asking).

Posted too soon!

It's all on different apps but Alexa can control the heating & lights which makes it easier.

Lights on different timers when on holiday.

Heating timer.

Why wouldn’t you @petuniapetunia ?

Next question would be next or HIVE and which you think you’ll be able to add more to in the future?

I wouldn't either, both because I can't see what's wrong with actually turning lights on/off, and because I can see what a nightmare they are for friends who DO have one! The kids - theirs and visitors - ADORE it, and the best game is to shout at the hub and tell it do do things, so the lights flick on and off, the TV goes on and off, their heating is always crazy awry. Insane.

And folks who have the special doorbells are now massively anxious because, guess what, sometimes there ARE people wandering about at night, looking for trouble. And it scares them.

The lighting/heating things is needed for setting up a disability friendly house, as much as the younger visiting kids like to get her to play songs! But it is life changing for us.

I have nest for the thermostat. Ring for the doorbell and I also have some stick up cams from them too.
Lights I have wemo but wanting to change as they're not great, so interested to see what other people have!

because I can't see what's wrong with actually turning lights on/off

Because I can't turn lights on and off when I'm 300 miles away with a switch. Same for heating.
In terms of home security being able to control a home remotely is incredible. I can turn lights on and off at random. Play music etc.

I have a basic Swann Wifi camera system that I can access from an app, although we haven't fitted 2 way audio to this it would be possible. I don't have a ring doorbell because the front door camera alerts my phone if anyone is there.

I use the Hue system for lighting, mostly because i have the ambilight tv and coupled with a pair of colour lamps I can get a full immersion of colour in the lounge which frankly is stunning when watching a movie.

I have the Tado heating system, though I believe this has changed to subscription for new customers now which isn't so good. It works well though, heats only the rooms we use and when were using them. Actually paid for itself in its first year.

Alexa is all through the home, it controls lighting moods as well as the heating but in it's simplest form I use it for Planet Rock radio and to drop in on DH in his garage to tell him his dinner is done