Smart Home Technology

Control your home
without lifting a finger

Everything on this page works with Amazon Alexa for hands-free voice control. Start with the Echo or Fire TV Cube as your hub, then add devices from there.

Smart Home Technology

Control your home without lifting a finger

The right smart home setup means you never have to wait on someone to turn off a light, adjust the temperature, or unlock the front door. Everything in this section works with Amazon Alexa for hands-free voice control.

The Hub — Start Here

Amazon Alexa — The command center for everything

Before anything else on this page works together, you need an Alexa device as your central hub. Everything — your thermostat, locks, lights, blinds, bed, and TV — gets controlled through it. Two products are worth knowing: the Echo for general use, and the Fire TV Cube if TV control is a priority.

  • Control lights, locks, thermostat, TV, bed, and blinds by voice
  • Works with thousands of smart devices out of the box
  • Create routines — one command triggers multiple actions at once
  • Make phone calls, set reminders, play music — completely hands-free
Amazon Echo smart speaker
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Recommended for Smart Home

Amazon Echo (4th Gen)

The everyday Alexa device. Place one in your bedroom, living room, or wherever you spend the most time. Always-listening mic array, rich sound, and immediate response to voice commands.

~$99 retail
Buy on Amazon ↗
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Best for TV Control

Amazon Fire TV Cube (3rd Gen)

The most powerful option for controlling your TV entirely by voice. Change channels, launch Netflix or YouTube, adjust volume, switch inputs — no remote ever needed. Also handles all smart home devices.

~$139 retail
Buy on Amazon ↗
Climate Control

Smart Thermostat — Temperature on demand

Never get stuck in an uncomfortable room waiting for someone to adjust the thermostat. A smart thermostat connects to Alexa so you can say "Alexa, set the temperature to 72" from anywhere in the house and it just happens. The Nest Learning Thermostat also learns your patterns and adjusts on its own over time.

  • Full voice control through Alexa — instant response
  • Control from your phone via app when you're away from Alexa
  • Set schedules — cooler at night, warmer in the morning
  • Energy-saving mode reduces electricity costs automatically
Installation note: Most smart thermostats need a C-wire (common wire) for power. If yours doesn't have one, the standard Nest Thermostat ($130) includes a power adapter that works in most homes. An electrician can add a C-wire for $50–$100 if needed.
Smart thermostat on wall
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Best Overall

Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen)

The gold standard in smart thermostats. Learns your schedule automatically over the first week, builds your preferences into a routine, and works flawlessly with Alexa. Sharp color display, multiple finish options.

~$279 retail
Buy from Google ↗
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Best Value

Google Nest Thermostat

The more affordable Nest option — same voice control and app access, simpler display. Includes a power adapter that works without a C-wire in most homes, which makes it the easiest to install yourself.

~$130 retail
Buy from Google ↗
Door Access

Smart Door Locks — Let people in without moving

Smart locks mean you never have to roll to the door. "Alexa, unlock the front door" — and it's done. You can also give caregivers and visitors access codes, check lock status from your phone, and set auto-lock schedules.

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Top Pick

Schlage Encode Plus

Built-in Wi-Fi — no separate hub required. Works directly with Alexa. Touchscreen keypad for backup codes. One of the most reliable smart locks available, with Apple Home Key support on the Plus model.

~$229 retail
View on Schlage ↗
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Runner Up

Yale Assure Lock 2

Clean keypad design with direct Alexa integration. Yale app shows access history, lets you create temporary codes for caregivers, and allows locking/unlocking from anywhere with your phone.

~$199 retail
Buy from Yale ↗
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Easiest Install

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock (4th Gen)

Attaches to your existing deadbolt from the inside — no new hardware on the outside, no drilling. You keep your existing exterior keys. Easiest installation of any smart lock, usually under 10 minutes.

~$199 retail
Buy from August ↗
Smart lighting in living room
Lighting

Smart Lights — Control every bulb, hands-free

Smart bulbs screw right into your existing sockets and connect to Alexa. Turn any light on or off, dim it, or change its color — completely by voice. No new wiring, no electrician. "Alexa, turn off all the lights" shuts the entire house down in one command.

  • "Alexa, turn off the bedroom light" — instant response
  • Create routines — lights on at sunrise, dim to 20% at 9pm
  • Kasa smart plugs work on any lamp or device
  • Works in any standard socket — no wiring changes
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Best Full System

Philips Hue Starter Kit

The most reliable smart lighting ecosystem. Starter kit includes a bridge (hub) and 2–4 bulbs. Full color options, exceptional Alexa integration, and very long lifespan. Best choice if you want to light your whole home.

$100–$200 starter kit
Shop Philips Hue ↗
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Best Value Bulb

Kasa Smart Bulb (KL125, A19)

No hub required — connects directly to your Wi-Fi and Alexa. Under $15 per bulb, dimmable white light, excellent app, and one of the most reviewed smart bulbs on Amazon. Great for single rooms.

~$13–$15 per bulb
Buy on Amazon ↗
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For Lamps & Fans

Kasa Smart Plug (EP25)

Plug any lamp, fan, or device into this smart outlet and control it by voice. Perfect for lamps with non-standard bulbs, ceiling fans, and anything you want Alexa-controlled without replacing hardware.

~$15–$20 each
Buy on Amazon ↗
Window Treatments

Motorized Zebra Blinds — Block the sun by voice

Zebra blinds alternate between sheer and opaque fabric panels, giving you beautiful, adjustable light and privacy control. Motorized versions pair with Alexa so you can open, close, or adjust every blind in the house without touching anything.

This is one of those upgrades that sounds like a luxury but quickly becomes essential. Dealing with glare, managing privacy, or closing the blinds for bed — all without asking anyone or trying to reach a cord.

  • "Alexa, close the living room blinds" — done instantly
  • Set sunrise and sunset schedules for automatic operation
  • Group multiple blinds together for one-command control
  • Available in dozens of colors, patterns, and blackout levels
  • Custom cut to your exact window size when ordered
Installation: Motorized blinds install the same way as regular blinds — brackets inside the window frame. Most take 15–30 minutes per window. No wiring needed if you choose rechargeable motor models.
Motorized blinds in living room
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Recommended

ZebraBlinds.com — Motorized Zebra Roller Shades

ZebraBlinds.com specializes in zebra/dual-layer roller shades and offers motorized versions compatible with Alexa. Custom-cut to your exact window dimensions, wide color selection, and available with rechargeable or hardwired motors.

$80–$250 per window
Shop ZebraBlinds ↗
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Alt Option

Blinds.com — Motorized Zebra Shades

Blinds.com offers custom motorized zebra shades that work with Alexa. They have a free sample program to see fabrics before ordering and offer virtual consultations to help you pick the right blind for each room.

$70–$200 per window
Shop Blinds.com ↗
Automatic Door Opener

Open Sesame — Open any door completely independently

Open Sesame is a motorized door opener that attaches to any standard door and opens or closes it automatically using whichever switch you already use — a wall button, wireless remote, sip-and-puff, head switch, or foot pedal.

Doorway interior

How it works

Open Sesame installs directly onto your existing door — no door replacement, no frame modification. A low-profile arm attaches to the door and slowly pushes or pulls it open on command. The motor holds the door open long enough for you to pass through, then gently closes it behind you.

What sets Open Sesame apart is the switch compatibility. It works with virtually any assistive switch you already use, so you don't have to buy new hardware just to operate it.

  • Compatible with sip-and-puff, head switch, foot switch, wireless remote, and wall buttons
  • Opens door and holds for timed passage, then auto-closes
  • Works on standard interior and exterior doors
  • No structural modifications to door or frame
  • Low-profile hardware — looks clean on the door
  • May be covered by Louisiana NOW/ROW waiver as AT
Visit OpenSesame ↗

Step-by-step: How to get one

1

Visit OpenSesame's website

Go to opensesamedoor.com and browse models by door type — push-open, pull-open, and swing-clear versions are available for both residential and commercial doors.

2

Request a free consultation

Open Sesame's team will help you identify the right model for your door, hinge type, and switch setup before you purchase. This step is important — don't skip it.

3

Check your waiver before paying out-of-pocket

Open Sesame door openers can qualify as assistive technology under Louisiana's NOW or ROW waiver programs. Contact your waiver coordinator and ask about the AT (assistive technology) benefit before purchasing.

4

Install it — often a 1-person job

The unit arrives with all hardware and clear instructions. Most caregivers, handymen, or family members can complete installation. Open Sesame provides phone and video support during setup if needed.

Sleep & Positioning

Tempur-Pedic Ergo Smart Base

The Ergo Smart adjustable base lets you raise your head, elevate your feet, and adjust your sleep position completely by voice through Alexa. For anyone with limited hand function, this eliminates one of the biggest daily hassles — needing help to get comfortable in bed.

  • Full Alexa voice control — no remote ever needed
  • Head and foot elevation with precise degree control
  • Zero gravity preset for maximum pressure relief
  • Anti-snore position lifts head automatically
  • Under-bed nightlight controlled by voice
  • Split king option for different preferences per side
Shop Ergo Smart Base ↗
Bedroom with adjustable base