(Part 2) Best products from r/googlehome

I have a lot of different Smart outlets being used around the home. It really depends on what your use is going to be.

For a cheap outlet where space is not an issues, these from KMC have worked well for me. They are pretty dependable even in areas with weak WiFi signal and the energy monitoring is nice for things like air filters or fans.

KMC also makes a nice multi outlet plug. I personally use this to control the multiple led light strips at my garage workbench.

For anything 15A, I would say TP-Link is the way to go. These have been great for me, but the newer HS105 does have a better form factor. I have used these for my garage fridge, windows AC unit, and tools at my workbench. There is an energy monitoring variant as well, the HS110

You may see that there are a ton of the cheap round shaped smart plugs on Amazon and other sites. I have found all of these to be almost exactly the same, no matter what company they come from. They work well enough for simple devices like lamps, but they have tended to have issues in anywhere, but perfect WiFi signal areas.

Let me know if you have any questions on this or any other devices. After a few years of upgrades, I am at over 110 smart devices, so I can tell you what not to get...

Alternative, the TP-Link Switch is compatible with Home/Assistant, as are their Plugs and LED Bulbs. Note that there is no IFTTT support as of yet.

I have two Smart Bulbs and a Mini Plug in my living room right now. App-wise, they're controlled with Kasa on my phone and a tablet. I can turn on/off, set schedules, dim (except Plug), etc... and do everything but schedules with my Google Home.

The Switch is part of the same family of products, same core functionality across the board.

Not sure how 2 Switches controlling the same lights would work... but might be worth a shot. (edit: see posts below)

I can say, "Hey Google, turn off the lights.", or call out a specific lamp. The Plug is treated separate (attached to bias lighting behind my TV). It doesn't trigger on "lights" calls. I wonder if Switches are yet another category.

With the possibility of IFTTT support, I hope to get movie/tv show time going with a single command, which would dim/kill the Bulbs and kick on the Plug.

Aside from the above, I have my Bulbs set to turn on when I get up for work weekdays. I'm going to get another, color changing one for my bedside, put that on a circadian schedule (option in Kasa).

My venture in to this started off with a Belkin WeMo Mini, but it would not connect to my hidden network (should not be the case with latest fw). My case went all the way to an engineer but after testing a TP-Link Smart Plug, which worked flawlessly and imo, had a much easier setup, I tried the bulbs and now I'm all in with them. I returned my Belkin products but was able to discuss my issues with an engineer we had a solid conversation. Kudos to them.

Hope some of this helps!

Sure - the amps are [Audio Source 2 channel/4 speaker amps] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZSEFU94), though I was also looking at the [12 channel variety] (https://www.amazon.com/AudioSource-12-Channel-Audio-Distribution-Amplifier/dp/B004XT6PMQ). I went for the 2 channel because of the cost: I could put 3 effective zones in for half the cost of the 12 channel amp.

The speakers I'm using are [Polk in-wall/ceiling speakers] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005T3BD), which are a good compromise between cost and sound. One thing I learned - as clean as it makes the room look to have them tucked beside the fan, the sound suffers quite noticeably when the fan is on :/

We've been very lucky with our house, I will say that. 15y/o ranch makes it very easy to modify without much trouble. Don't think I'd ever own a 2-story house again :)

Personally I use a wink hub and have quite a few GE lights. They recently went up in price and so I found a light on amazon (Sengled ) that works pretty well with my wink hub. I also have a smart plug for my 5 light lamp as I didn't want to pay for 5 bulbs.

$10 per smart bulb is a great deal:

https://www.amazon.com/Sengled-Dimmable-Compatible-SmartThings-Assistant/dp/B01N7I4X94/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1512056543&sr=8-5&keywords=amazon+smart+bulb

Correct. There are several ways you could do it, depending on how things are currently set up and your preferences, but that's essentially what you'd do. You'd need a device that can join the existing network as a client, and then act as a router itself so clients can join it.

Something like this would be a simple way to do it. You could either use it as an AP, or use the Ethernet out to connect to another device/switch.

If you feel DIYish you could do something similar with custom firmware on a standard router, or install software on a computer like pfSense. Lots of options, but yeah get off that shared network.

Good job OP. I have done something very similar in my house. It is however, pretty small and open concept. I went with 4 ceiling speakers, two for each channel wired in parallel. Then an SMSL Amp hooked up to the CCA. I have this grouped with my GH which sits in the middle of the open area. Works out very nicely.

Next on my list for is the back deck as zone 2. I honestly will be waiting to see what type of devices come out this year that have the google assistant built in. I would love to do more ceiling speakers and amps, but the bedrooms and bathrooms are pretty small spaces, more suited to an integrated device. Plus the CCA's don't have mics.

I have a portable JBL speaker that I bring outside which is nice, but if you don’t want to buy something new, then my suggestions are:

1. Use an extension cord.
   
   
2. Get a portable battery for it; https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-KIWI-design-Accessories-Dark/dp/B07DMDMD15/ref=asc_df_B07DMDMD15/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312129973570&hvpos=1o7&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18151238647700118022&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9019741&hvtargid=pla-570827320058&psc=1
   
   
3. Get a wall mount like the other guy said; https://www.amazon.com/Outlet-Holder-Space-Saving-Accessories-Assistant/dp/B07B8B1ZSF/ref=asc_df_B07B8B1ZSF/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309750549985&hvpos=1o10&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13200066057260710994&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9019741&hvtargid=pla-523365044107&psc=1
   
   There is an in the wall/ceiling mount, but I don’t think it would be the best for having to move it inside during the winter. (https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Built-Google-Home-Mount/dp/B078Z214QX/ref=asc_df_B078Z214QX/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=242074892521&hvpos=1o4&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13200066057260710994&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9019741&hvtargid=pla-420564720238&psc=1)

So Just in case, Smartthings Hub is on sale, Usually sells at $100, but goes on sale from time to time for $70, Holiday Season its running $50. Again, Pretty useless until you pair it with Lights, smart locks, etc.,. https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-SmartThings-Smart-Home-Hub/dp/B010NZV0GE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1511977843&sr=8-2&keywords=smartthings


IF he gots a Raspberry Pi or Arduino (Sounds like he dabbles in Robotics), you can also get some zwave or Zigbee Shields. Those are cheap.

I paired this speaker with a Chromecast Audio and it has surprisingly great audio, definately much better than GH: https://www.amazon.com/Cambridge-SoundWorks-OontZ-Angle-Generation/dp/B010OYASRG/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496190207&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=omtz+speaker

This setup worked out very well, now I can cast my hacks to GH without interrupting music playback, e.g. Announce Incoming Calls, Text Messages, and Notifications.

I have the 1st generation color Lifx bulbs which doesn't require a hub & the Philips Hue white which requires a hub. The Lifx bulbs are pretty neat because without needing the hub, it's 1 less thing to plug in but it's more expensive. I only used the colors for the Lifx bulbs when I first got it, so I ended up switching to the Philips Hue white bulbs. On Amazon 1 white Lifx bulbs costs $24.99 while 4 white Philips Hue bulbs costs $49.99. They both work great with the Google Home, so it's all about your personal preference.

I have four of these hooked up to lamps:
Wemo Mini Smart Plug, Wi-Fi Enabled, Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NBI0A6R/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_s9XPAbEJDHSPW

I'm going to try these on my outside porch lights:
Kasa Smart Wi-Fi LED Light Bulb by TP-Link - Soft White, Dimmable, A19, No Hub Required, Works with Alexa and Google Assistant (LB100) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HXM8XF6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_x-XPAbR49DCQY

It's pretty cool because I can just say "Hey Google, turn on all the lights! Or turn off all the lights! Or you can call out the name of the room each one is in individually to control it.

I use this for the control:
Google AIY Voice Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075SFLWKX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fdYPAbWP1NM43

Edifier makes some good powered speakers. You would probably be just fine with a 2.0 setup, but if you think you might want to add a sub later you could look for something with a line out/sub out, something like the Edifier R1850DB. Those also have an optical input which you could use with the Chromecast Audio to bypass the DAC in the Chromecast for the one in the speakers instead, which is probably better (although you probably won't notice the difference). You could also skip the Chromecast Audio and connect the Home directly to the speaker via bluetooth.

I use Smartthings and really like it. You can find the hubs for less than $80 if patient and looking around. Ya that may seam like a lot but using the switch you picked out at $80 x 3 for a cost of $240 while Smarthings plus either these Leviton or these [GE] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MUCZA1C/ref=psdc_507840_t4_B01N4F487U) will end up being cheaper if you buy 3 or more. Z-wave is designed for exactly this, home automation stuff so I really prefer to use that over WiFi devices.

I don't have any switches at the moment, only Hue but I will be getting some eventually. For a Hub you have two real options if you are really new and not super techy, Wink and SmartThings. Both have different strengths. I've never used Wink but that seams to be a bit more user friendly, however Smartthings is by no means difficult and it has a very helpful community and is more customization. Someone will probably take issue with this but I liken Wink to IOS (cleaner UI, a bit smoother, just works) and Smartthings to Android (much more custimizable)

One problem with smart bulbs currently is that you can't get very bright ones. My ~30 square meter room is currently lit by ~10000 lumens from three dumb led bulbs (having this much light is good for concentrated working and to stave off winter depression in Finland). To get the same with LIFX smart bulbs (the brightest ones currently available) I would have needed nine.

Even assuming I had nine spots for bulbs, I paid 45€ for those three led bulbs and with a smart switch the setup would be under 100€ total. Getting the equivalent output with LIFX bulbs would be around 500€. For me that was too much for hue/color temperature control.

My current solution is to just have a different set of lights for day and evening lighting. It might make sense to have the evening lights be smart bulbs with color temperature control to be able to use them also during the day (mixing temperatures can look odd).

Is there any reason you're not considering a smart dimmer? You can get them as a switch or a plug. (There are also WiFi versions, if Z-Wave isn't your thing.) Then you can use whichever light you like, as long as they are marked as "dimmable" on the packaging.

I'm not a proponent of smart bulbs in general because, while they last long, they do still burn out. But I understand they are a good solution for some people, though. I hope you find what works for you.

I use a smart switch from TP-Link to turn on/off my TV. It works perfectly with Google Home. You just have to be careful how you name the switch. Some names are not recognized correctly.


https://www.amazon.com/Smart-Wi-Fi-Energy-Monitoring-TP-Link/dp/B0178IC5ZY

Perfect. I've been using the SMSL SA50 amp for my patio speakers. https://www.amazon.com/SMSL-50Wx2-TDA7492-Amplifier-Adapter/dp/B00F0H8TOC/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1499781143&sr=1-4&keywords=class+d+amplifier

It's ok, but have to leave it on and doesn't have the A/B speaker option. Definitely going to get the one you recommended for the kitchen reno we're doing.

Forgot to mention, these wall mounts are absolutely great for the minis depending on where you want them. I have one in my kitchen to keep it up off the counter and one in my office as well since it's plugged into a wall with nothing in front of it.

I do recommend them... they do link direct to Google Home(GH) app... no need for a bridge or connection to wifi... just screw them in and check your app ... work great with GH routines... just remember they are bluetooth so have to be in range of GH... they don't clutter up your wifi

also

Make sure you get this packaging ... ps Walmart has 5 bulbs for sale at $35

https://www.amazon.com/Replacement-GE-C-Life-White-Smart/dp/B07RTT1DX3/ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvp?crid=1E4YGMGRD3294&keywords=c+by+ge+smart+bulb&pd_rd_i=B07RTT1DX3&pd_rd_r=8fc2b2c1-b03d-4b79-b527-90a66bc7510f&pd_rd_w=JawqQ&pd_rd_wg=2TfIH&pf_rd_p=a6d018ad-f20b-46c9-8920-433972c7d9b7&pf_rd_r=EQX39TYCM1YKAKMJ5BFN&qid=1575036053&sprefix=c+by+ge%2Caps%2C157

I have this TPLink bulb and it works pretty well. No hub or bridge required so it's cheap.
TP-Link Smart LED Light Bulb, Wi-Fi, Dimmable White, 50W Equivalent, Works with Amazon Alexa, 1-Pack (LB100) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HXM8XF6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_YdxpzbJG4HPGQ

These work great:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07B46179D/

There are a number of different wall mounting solutions for the mini. Not so much the hub though.

Chromecast 3 + HDMI-Audio audio extractor (example: https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Audio-Stereo-Extractor-Converter/dp/B07KRWYN4R/ref=sr_1_5) does what the Chromecast Audio does, it just thinks the Chromecast can play video too. Still I got me 4 Chromecast Audios to be on the save side (if they don't obsolete them).

Better off with something like this https://www.amazon.com/Mount-Genie-Google-Home-Pedestal/dp/B07H9H1BQB/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1541114786&sr=8-8&keywords=Google+mini

I recommend the OontZ Angle. They provide pretty decent amount for the price. Also you wouldn't need a Bluetooth aux adapter - simply pair your new speaker with your mini.

https://www.amazon.com/Enhanced-Splashproof-Portable-Bluetooth-Radiator/dp/B010OYASRG/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=oontz+angle&qid=1565273389&s=gateway&sr=8-3

For the one room I really like the Chomecast Audios. I use them with these amps and these speakers 1 2 . All work really well together

Currently $9.99 but they were $8.99 at some point recently.

Sengled Element Classic Dimmable A19 Smart Bulb, Compatible with SmartThings Hub, Wink Hub and Echo Plus, Requires Hub for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, 3 Year Warranty https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N7I4X94

I use this for my ceiling fan: https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Required-Fixtures-Anywhere-HS200/dp/B01EZV35QU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1500032800&sr=8-3&keywords=smart+switch but you're also going to need a smart things hub (or any other compatible hub) unfortunately google home can't act as the hub for all the smarthome stuff.
Smart things : https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-SmartThings-Hub-2nd-Generation/dp/B010NZV0GE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500032886&sr=8-1&keywords=smart+things

With those two I can just say "Hey google turn on the fan"

EDIT: it appears that switch just uses wifi now and not zwave, eliminating the need for the hub

This is an issue with the chromecast too. The only solution I was able to find was to get a router that is capable of storing your credentials and connecting the chromecast to that router. This might also work for home.

Edit: this is the router I used: TP-Link N300 Wireless Wi-Fi Mini Router with Range Extender/Access Point/Client/Bridge Modes (TL-WR810N)

Edit 2: link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01CVOLGOG/ref=sxts1?ie=UTF8&qid=1479961559&sr=1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65

I have two GE zwave fan switches using my wink hub and Amazon Echos. Works fine but obviously I'm waiting for wink integration for the home. I imagine it will work fine with a SmartThings hub.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00PYMGVVQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478270095&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=ge+zwave+fan+control&dpPl=1&dpID=41OkQxFOfJL&ref=plSrch

It's a standard Hampton Bay fan, but it's controlled with a GE ZWave fan wall switch.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PYMGVVQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_O5FnzbVCPG00Y

If you're patient, Lowe's periodically marks them down to $35.

Check these out from Amazon.
Mount Genie Google Home Mini Pedestal: Improves Sound Visibility and Appearance - Cleanest Mount Holder Stand for Google Mini - Designed in USA (Charcoal) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H9H1BQB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_31FBCb4HPVZ5P

this is what i got. $10 for 2 and looks invisible pretty much.

The most popular way to control fans is to get one of [these] (https://www.amazon.com/GE-12730-Z-Wave-Smart-Control/dp/B00PYMGVVQ) and link it through smartthings

Edifier make very nice sub $200 bookshelf speakers with remotes, wired and bluetooth connections.

https://www.amazon.com/Edifier-R1700BT-Bluetooth-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B016PATXSI

https://www.amazon.com/Edifier-R1850DB-Bookshelf-Speakers-Bluetooth/dp/B073W1R4XQ

I've got the R1850DB myself, great sound quality for the price.

I'm still considering to the getting a Home Max for another room though.

The lack of a 3.5mm output on the Google Home range is really annoying.

Does your monitor happen to have an audio out jack? A decent number of them seem to these days, but it's hardly a given. If you don't, there's always adding an audio extractor. They're not that expensive....even if they are annoyingly so compared to the Chromecast itself. Here's an example: https://smile.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Audio-Stereo-Extractor-Converter/dp/B07KRWYN4R/ I have no experience with this model, or any of them really, so it's not exactly a recommendation. But it - or something like it - might take care of your problem?

Yes. You can name the switches and control them by individual switch or control the entire room.

I use these: https://www.amazon.com/GE-Repeater-Extender-SmartThings-14291/dp/B01MUCZA1C/

Yes, and it's half off today at Amazon and other places.

With Smile links:
Pedestal
Package Spy

For those looking for links:
Pedestal: https://www.amazon.com/Mount-Genie-Google-Home-Pedestal/dp/B07H9H1BQB/ref=sr_1_23?ie=UTF8&qid=1538414406&sr=8-23&keywords=google+mini+stand

Package Spy: https://www.amazon.com/Package-Video-doorbells-Mount-Genie/dp/B07H9JRH26/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538414297&sr=8-1&keywords=video+doorbell+mirror

WITHOUT REFERRAL LINKS:

Pedestal

Package Spy

I went with these GE dimmers

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MUCZA1C/

So these things:

hub

[Outlet] (https://www.amazon.com/Enerwave-ZW15R-Receptacles-Interchangeable-Faceplates/dp/B01L30TJ98/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486664152&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=zwave+outlet&psc=1)

Anything cheaper? This is over $100

Here's the one I got: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B8B1ZSF/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_HmkSDbWTSFNSK

For those without a 3D printer: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07B8B1ZSF/

Lifx bulbs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0161IJ5F0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_FQtiybBDW2G6T

Nope you can't. There are plenty of small speakers out there that do have an aux-in and would be comparable in sound quality.

The first search I made gave me this generic speaker on Amazon for US$26. That's not a recommendation, just an example (and that's not an affiliate link which would make me money from the two of you that might click it).

Ya SmartThings Hub, It will find pretty much any Z-Wave or Zigbee Device. It might know what to do with it but it will show up as a "Thing". then you can write custom code to do whatever you want to do with it. there are a lot of people on Github that publish all sorts of stuff for devices. The smartthings interface actually allows you to publish to github directly from the smartthings interface. it is by far the most flexible DIY hub on the market. you can even use an
Arduino Xbee boards to make any sort of crazy thing you want to make.