Home & Kitchen
Smart bedroom gadgets: 7 best smart tech buys to help you sleep better
Looking for smart bedroom gadgets? Filling your home with some of the best smart home techs can make your day-to-day routine easier and more efficient.
Still, while there are lots of smart tech options for the living room, kitchen, and general home, we don’t often think about how smart home tech can enhance the bedroom.
From smart alarm clocks to sleep trackers, there are many smart home tools designed to help you climb into bed at night, monitor your sleep, and then wake up in the morning.
What on earth, other than lighting, can be usefully smart in a bedroom? Well, there are all sorts of gadgets that will make life easier… and also help you sleep better, too.
We’ve picked out 8 smart bedroom gadgets we think can be genuinely useful, rather than just gimmicky.
1. Best smart alarm clock: Amazon Echo Spot
When it comes to our pick of the best smart bedroom gadgets, first up is an alarm clock.
The Amazon Echo Spot isn’t your old-fashioned alarm clock but one of the most recent additions to the Amazon Echo speaker lineup. It’ll sit flawlessly on your bedside table, ready to wake you up in the morning. But what makes it so special?
Voice activation
Complete with voice activation, it’s now possible to use your voice to ask Alexa to set your alarms in the morning (see our Amazon Alexa review for more info) – and perhaps more importantly, snoozing the alarm too.
Handy display screen
The Amazon Echo dot also offers a bright, clear 2.5-inch display that gives you the time as well as handy messages and the weather for today. The benefit of this? You can plan your outfit and journey to work appropriately.
Multi-functional
In addition to fulfilling the role of a more traditional alarm clock, this model also allows users to play music or audiobooks while going to sleep, plus it has all of the other Amazon Alexa functionality of other smart speakers too.
You could order a pizza using your voice directly from your bed with the Domino’s app, or you could connect this up, so it can control other smart gadgets around your home.
That means if you have Philips Hue lighting in your bedroom, you can easily snuggle up in bed and use your voice to turn them off when you’re ready to get to sleep.
A choice of 100 different alarms
You can’t currently use music to wake up in the morning with the Echo Spot – something we hope Amazon will sort in the future – but you can set up to 100 different alarms, so it’s nice and easy to have this set-up on your bedside to wake you at different times on the weekend to your average workday.
To compare all your options, browse our pick of the best alarm clocks currently available. Then, browse the rest of the Amazon Echo range on Amazon.
Check it out on Amazon
2. Best smart lightbulb kit: Philips Hue Starter Kit
Smart lightbulbs are perfect for *ahem* setting the mood in the bedroom, and, in our opinion, it doesn’t get better than the Philips Hue Starter Kit.
Adjust warmth and brightness to suit your mood
The two white bulbs – which come as part of the starter kit – can be set to any warmth level and any brightness between ‘hygge’ and ‘interrogation room’ (slightly less appealing) for maximum versatility. At the same time, the hub allows you to connect and customize a further 48 lights.
Smart connectivity
As with all Philips Hue products, the app shines just as brightly as the bulbs, letting you set your lights to do things like turn on when you step through the door after work.
Smart system compatibility
It is compatible with several voice assistants, including Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Nest, and many more.
Check it out on Amazon
3. Best bedroom fan: Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Link
Sleeping at night in the boiling heat is unbearable for most people, which is why we’d recommend a fan as another of our top smart bedroom gadgets. Don’t just buy any fan, though – this Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Link connects to your phone, so you can control it without having to leave your bed.
Smart connectivity
Thanks to smart connectivity, it’s possible to turn your fan on via your smartphone and arrive at a perfectly chilled home. The perfect remedy to a sticky commute, we think.
Heat and cool your room
This model can also be used to heat up your room during the cold season, so you don’t have to worry about
Air purifier
Perhaps the best feature of this product, though, is that it’s also an air purifier, and it will intelligently remove 99.97 percent of allergens and pollutants in your home’s air.
That means if you have hay-fever or asthma, you can monitor the air quality and be sure there’s a comfortable environment before you get home.
Check it out on Amazon
4. Best smart scales: Withings Body scale
While you may not need smart scales to monitor your weight, they can help you to track your overall health and can make the whole process of weigh-in day a little easier. This is why they’re another of our top smart bedroom tech ideas.
Our top pick is the Withings Body Scale, here’s why:
Connect to Withings Health Mate
This handy smart scale cleverly connects to the Withings Health Mate app, which stores your weight and other data, making tracking progress easier and more efficient.
Multiple users
It’s even possible to introduce your whole family to the scales, as this smart scale is equipped to work out who is standing on them each time, plus the little display will then show you your weight, the trend of your weight (whether it’s gone up or down) as well as your BMI (and then it’ll show what the weather will be like today).
Affordability
You can buy more expensive scales in the Withings range and other choices from Fitbit and Garmin. Still, we don’t think the extra features are particularly useful enough to get, so we’d recommend sticking with the Withings Body.
Check it out on Amazon
5. Best smart bedside table: Brightech Owen Side Table
If you have any gadgets that charge wirelessly, you should consider picking up an Brightech Owen Bedside Table. It will help you limit the number of wires scattered over your bedside at night. Here’s everything you need to know about it:
Qi wireless charging tech
Phones such as the iPhone 12, iPhone 11, Samsung Galaxy S21, and many more come with built-in compatible Qi wireless charging tech, meaning you can just place your phone down on the plus symbol on the top of the table. It’ll start pumping up the battery without you having to plug it in.
If your phone doesn’t support Qi, some major models have wireless charging cases that you can use.
Attractive solution
Plus, it’s an attractive-looking bedside table that offers lots of space and is sure to fit in with your décor if you have other wooden furniture.
Factors worth considering
The technology isn’t particularly quick yet, but when you’re charging overnight, and you don’t have to physically plug your phone into a cable, it feels like you’re living in the future.
6. Best sleep tracker: Withings Sleep
If you own a fitness tracker or smartwatch, you can usually use these devices to track the quality of your sleep.
But, if you don’t want an annoying gadget strapped to your wrist while you toss and turn, you can always opt for a different type of sleep tracker. Perfect for those interested in optimizing sleep, it’s another of our top smart bedroom tech ideas: Withings Sleep. Here’s everything you need to know about it:
Uninterrupted sleep tracking
Designed with a long thin pad that plugs into the wall for power and then slides underneath your mattress where you’d normally place your chest at night, this sleep tracker will monitor you throughout the night without disturbing your sleep.
As long as you sleep on top of it, the Nokia Sleep will be able to track your night’s quality, including your heart rate throughout, when you’ve been in different levels of sleep (like REM or deep sleep), as well as how much you’ve been snoring.
Smart connectivity
All of that data is then pinged through Wi-Fi to your phone, and you’ll then be able to break down your night’s sleep within the Withings Health Mate app that’s available for Android and iOS phones.
It only works for one person in your bed, but being able to track your stats without an annoying fitness tracker on your wrist is a big benefit for some.
Check it out on Amazon
7. Best smart baby monitor: Arlo Baby Monitor
An essential for parents, or parents to be, the Arlo Baby Monitor is the best smart baby monitor currently available. Here’s everything you need to know about it:
Get notifications straight to your smartphone
When shopping for a baby monitor, safety is paramount. A step-up from simply being able to see or hear your baby, this model sends notifications directly to your smartphone if it registers motion or changes in sound or temperature.
Night mode
Thanks to handy, built-in, near-invisible infrared LEDs, you can see your baby clearly in the dark, meaning you won’t have to worry about poor picture quality as soon as the sun goes down.
Additional features
In addition to the standard features described above, this model also offers a multi-colored night light option, a music player, temperature display, humidity display, and VOC air sensors.
All of which can help soothe you downstairs, and some of which will soothe your little one back to sleep.
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Last update on 2021-02-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Are you a grump in the morning? Try a mood-altering, gentle wake up light
Banish beeping alarms and wake up as nature intended with our pick of the best wake up lights
The best wake-up light won’t just replace your alarm clock, but it’ll ensure you have a slower, gentler start to your day.
Dragging yourself out of bed is difficult at any time of the year. It’s definitely not aided by a startling, beeping alarm that can break the sleep cycle at the point at which your body is least ready for it.
Wake-up lights work to replicate the sunrise that would have naturally woken our ancestors. Still, year-round, it cancels out the circadian rhythm-confusing lack of morning light in winter. It carefully coaxes you into wakefulness using light and sound.
Take a look at our pick of the best and find a model that suits your sleep style (as well as your aesthetic). For more tech buys for your home, head to our technology hub page.
What is the best wake-up light?
Our favorite is the all-singing, all-dancing Lumie Bodyclock 250. Actually, it neither sings nor dances, but it is a highly customizable wake-up clock. It has a speed-controlled light with a range of 15 to 90 minutes (or anyone who really struggles to wake up).
Oh, and there’s a radio and noise options. Read down for more…
THE BEST WAKE UP LIGHTS
1. Lumie Bodyclock 250
Best wake-up light: lights, sounds, ready for action.
This is our pick of the best wake up light you can buy
Specifications
Best for: Customisation
Power type: Mains with back-up battery
Lux: 250
Reasons to buy
- Adjustable sunrise/sunset time
- Doubles as a bedside light
Reasons to avoid
- Not as good-looking
Lumie are the inventors of the original wake-up light, and to our judgment, their Bodyclock is still the best. The Bodyclock Active is a certified medical device recommended by sad.org.uk.
It wakes you with a gradually brightening light whose speed you can control within a range of 15 to 90 minutes. It’s perfect for the mornings when you really need to get going and those when you can afford a little more lie-in time.
Doubling as a bedside light and nightlight, it has many features. It has a snooze function, dimmable display, FM radio, and wake-up noise options, including white noise, waves, birdsong, and a rooster call. For its seemingly endless customization options, it’s our top choice.
Check it out on Amazon
2. Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light
Best wake up light: choose nature or natter with this clock radio meets wake-up light
Specifications
Best for: Gentle wake-up
Power type: Mains
Lux: 300
Reasons to buy
- Variety of natural sounds
- Intuitive dimming display
Reasons to avoid
- Cannot change bulb
- The clock light doesn’t dim
A very close second to the Lumie Bodyclock Active is the Philips SmartSleep Wake Up Light.
It’s another highly recommended and reliable option. The added distinction of looking really good on the bedside table thanks to its sleek, almost seamless design.
It’s clinically proven to make getting up less of a chore with light settings, plus a bank of seven natural sounds and radio function. Whether you prefer birdsong or your local station to get you out of bed in the morning, you’re all set.
In our opinion, this is the best wake-up light for a gentle wake-up.
3. Withings Aura Connected Alarm Clock with Wake-Up Light & Sound System
Best Amazon wake up light: use sleep cycle analysis and room environment tracking to enhance sleeping habits
Specifications
Best for: Tracking your sleep and adjusting your environment accordingly
Power type: Mains
Lux: 300
Reasons to buy
- Sleep enhancement backed up by science
- Go to sleep and wake up functions
Reasons to avoid
- Can be arduous to set up
Withings Aura Sistema Smart Sleep effectively combines a speaker, bedside lamp, and alarm clock. It also has sleep cycle analysis and room environment tracking to optimize sleep.
Its combination of scientifically designed blue light and music programs is intended to ensure users wake up energized during the best point of their sleep cycle.
In addition to helping users wake up, the Withings Aura is also designed to aid the process of falling asleep. With sleep-inducing programs and access to an unlimited choice of music with Spotify.
The best wake-up light for sleep analysis, we think.
Check it out on Amazon
4. Lumie Bodyclock Iris 500
Best wake up light with aromatherapy: a SAD wake-up lamp with a built-in aromatherapy feature
Specifications
Best for: Immersive sleep experience
Power type: Mains
Lux: N/A
Reasons to buy
- Aromatherapy feature
Reasons to avoid
- No radio option
A unique take on the traditional Lumie wake-up light, the Lumie Bodyclock Iris 500 offers an aromatherapy option in addition to the basic features.
Capable of taking up to two diffusers, it’s now possible to wake up to a scent of your choice, in addition to a light and sound setting that suits. The best wake-up light for those who want an immersive sleep experience…
Check it out on Amazon
5. Philips HF3500/60 Wake-Up Light
Best wake up light and alarm clock: combines the bedside lamp and alarm clock for the best of both worlds
Specifications
Best for: Simple design
Power type: Mains
Lux: 200
Reasons to buy
- Stylish minimal design
- Adjustable for evening and morning
Reasons to avoid
- Some found the alarm a little grating
If you’re undecided about light alarm clocks, not fussed about nature sounds, and just want a simple model that builds on a standard sound alarm, the Philips HF3500/60 is the best wake-up light for you.
It’s a handsome stand-in for a bedside light and alarm clock. Its light settings are ample and varied, with ten different light intensities to choose from and adjustable brightness for the time display.
However, there’s just one alarm setting, so if you prefer to be gently enticed into wakefulness with birdsong, it may not be for you.
One final downside that some reviewers have flagged up is that the snooze feature can be quite tricky to activate. However, if it saves us from ourselves, we suppose, then all the better…
6. Philips Hue Go White and Color Portable Smart Light Table Lamp
Best portable wake up light: a portable bedside lamp that encourages better sleep
Specifications
Best for: Portability
Power type: Battery powered by charged by mains
Lux: 520
Reasons to buy
- Portable
- Easy to use
- Wide range of colors
Reasons to avoid
- Low brightness
What we love most about the Philips Hue Go light is its portability. You can easily pick it up and use it to guide you around in the dark.
This way you don’t have to turn on any powerful lights that will blast your eyes at five in the morning and properly get you out of deep sleep.
The Philips Hue Go is designed to slowly dim itself until it turns off, you can change this settings from your phone. Still, you can customize this in 15-minute intervals, with 60 minutes being the longest program.
You can obviously also leave it on indefinitely. You can use the Philips Hue Go app to customize your bedtime or morning routine, and you sync the light with other lights around your home.
The only downside is as it’s not voice-activated. You have to either use your phone to turn it off, which could interrupt your almost sleep or go old school and actually have to turn the light off manually.
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Last update on 2021-02-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our best espresso machine selection will help you give your kitchen its very own dedicated coffee corner
Love your morning caffeine hit strong and authentic? You’ll need a proper espresso machine…
The best espresso machine can transform your mornings. Not many things beat the smell of fresh coffee in the morning, except maybe the taste of a smooth shot of espresso or a cappuccino just how you like it. Especially when it’s coming from the best espresso machine you can buy.
Whether it’s part of a pre-commute morning routine or you’re reluctantly heading back upstairs to commence the working day in your home office, having the facilities to make your own great espresso at home will perk up your morning routine.
So, why not start your morning with a drink brewed in the very best espresso machine you can buy for your home?
Not a big fan of espresso? Find our pick of the very best coffee machines of all types. If you’re looking for a bargain, the best cheap coffee machine sales are right here.
THE BEST ESPRESSO MACHINES
1. Nespresso Creatista Uno by Breville
The best espresso machine
Specifications
Best for: Overall quality
Reservoir: 50 oz
Bar: 19
Grinder: No
Reasons to buy
- Easy to use
- Quiet
- Perfect Coffee
Reasons to avoid
- Cost of pods
The Breville Nespresso Creatista Uno capsule coffee machine takes the top spot on our list of best espresso machines for good reason: it makes really tasty coffee, it’s really easy to use and clean, and it’s a smart addition to your worktops.
What’s it good at?
The crema this machine produces is really good. And it dispenses espresso fast (in just 25 seconds). Perfect if you’re impatient for that first shot of the day. It’s easy to use, too – and we like that.
What do we like about it?
It’s not limited to espressos: there’s an automatic steam wand with a choice of three milk temperatures and frothing levels – not something you’d normally see on a capsule coffee machine. Plus, the steam wand purges itself after use so cleaning it isn’t an issue.
The adjustable settings mean you can control coffee volume (there are three cup sizes) and milk texture, too. Simply adjust the coffee machine to suit, and it’ll produce your perfect cup every time.
This espresso machine has a high pressure (19 bar) pump, but it is quiet when working. There’s an energy-saving auto shut-off feature (after nine minutes), too.
Nespresso Creatista Uno by Breville Presentation
What else?
The 50 oz water tank removes easily, which makes cleaning and refilling a breeze, and the metal milk jug is dishwasher-safe. Always a bonus. There’s also an indicator that tells you when the coffee machine needs descaling (a fast, easy job).
What don’t we like?
The cost of pods – and the waste issue around them. That said, Nespresso does run a pod recycling scheme.
Check it out on Amazon
2. Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
The best espresso machine for the coffee enthusiast
Specifications
Best for: Barista style
Reservoir: 67 oz
Bar: 15
Grinder: Yes
Reasons to buy
- Soaks the coffee to release maximum flavour
- High pressure steam output
Reasons to avoid
- Takes a while to master
The Breville Barista Express is a must-buy for real espresso aficionados – and it looks the part, too.
What’s it good at?
In a word: espresso. The consistency of the brew really is excellent, and the integrated coffee grinder means that you get the freshest possible quality. Those users who appreciate fresh tasting coffee rate it very highly, and actually enjoy getting to know all the different settings.
What do we like about it?
Heston Blumenthal is a chef renowned for his wacky recipes, so it’s no surprise that his coffee machine is just as out there, with its ability to grind beans to your preferred consistency, apply just the right amount of pressure for a smooth espresso and steam milk to the perfect level of frothiness. Espresso enthusiasts will love the fact that it has 18 different grind settings.
The other great thing about this machine is its classic style. Despite its advanced features, it’s very traditional in appearance, with a clean, stainless steel exterior that’ll look great against the backdrop of any kitchen.
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine Presentation
What else?
This espresso machine is for those who take their coffee seriously; for those who love a quick cup on the go, it will be too fussy.
What don’t we like?
Users report that the Breville can get a while to get going the first time round, and that you really need a full water tank to have the best quality espresso. The machine also requires regular maintenance (about every four weeks), so you’ll need to be prepared for that.
Check it out on Amazon
3. Jura A1 Super Automatic Coffee Machine
The best modern espresso machine
Specifications
Best for: Modern
Reservoir: 37 oz
Bar: 15
Grinder: Yes
Reasons to buy
- Minimalist frontage
- Programme 3 cup sizes
Reasons to avoid
- Smallest capacity
The Jura A1 Super Automatic Coffee Machine is a slimline one-cup machine that delivers quality coffee – from espresso to ristretto – fast.
What’s it good at?
Its capacity to freshly grind coffee certainly gives it an edge over many other similar espresso machines. And, you can pre-set three cups and two coffee strengths via the simple operating panel – strong for the morning and perhaps a weaker one for coffees at the end of a meal.
What do we like about it?
Putting the coffee quality aside for a minute, we love the streamlined looks of this espresso machine – it’s pretty compact in size, too, so it shouldn’t take up too much room in your kitchen, perfect if you’re squeezed for space.
There’s an automatic energy saving mode with programmable switch-off, too, which means the machine is energy-efficient (even if you’re not).
Let’s talk science: Jura has worked on perfecting the cutting angle inside the grinding cone so that users can get that a delicious coffee aroma in half the grinding time.
What else?
There’s the Claris water filter which ensures the coffee delivered is as tasty as it can be. The filter works to protect the machine against limescale, too, so maintenance is easier.
What don’t we like?
There is no steaming arm, so it lacks the theatrics of other espresso machines in our list. It also has a small capacity, so expect to refill frequently.
Check it out on Amazon
4. De’Longhi PrimaDonna Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machine
Best automatic espresso machine
Specifications
Best for: Automatic
Reservoir: 43 oz
Bar: 15
Grinder: Yes
Reasons to buy
- Sleek, stylish and compact
- Automatic milk steaming
- Versatile
- Can make any type of coffee
Reasons to avoid
- Tank capacity is on the smaller side
- Very expensive
The De’Longhi PrimaDonna Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machine not only makes a great espresso but cappuccino and latte, too. It’s not cheap but it’s worth a look.
What’s it good at?
Making a latte, cappuccino or macchiato is easy as pressing a button, and you still benefit from the perfectly frothed milk and smooth shot of espresso that espresso coffee machines are renowned for.
What do we like about it?
This espresso machine is a hardworking all-rounder, able to make everything from an espresso to a cappuccino – and even a hot chocolate. Users love how customisable its performance is: tinkle around with the different settings, and it will give you a cup of coffee just the way you like it.
This espresso coffee machine also blends the convenience of the capsule coffee machine with the authenticity of a bean to cup. The machine can either grind coffee beans or you can choose a pre-ground blend of your choice. We like that.
What else?
With its stainless steel and black exterior, it’s smart, streamlined and will certainly look the part taking pride of place in your kitchen.
What don’t we like?
Some users remark that the default espresso setting produces coffee that’s not very hot, but this can be counterbalanced by warming up your milk before adding it to your coffee.
Other than that, the obvious point to think about is the price; however, given the sophistication of this machine, it’s still on the affordable side, as many similar machines come with a price tag of over $2,000.
Check it out on Amazon
5. SMEG Coffee Espresso Machine
The best retro-look espresso machine
Specifications
Best for: Retro look
Reservoir: 53 oz
Bar: 15
Grinder: No
Reasons to buy
- A range of colours available
- Slim
- Perfect for smaller kitchens
Reasons to avoid
- No grinder
The SMEG Coffee Espresso Machine isn’t all about good, retro looks – it makes great espresso, and cappuccino lovers will like it, too.
What’s it good at?
Milky coffees – the milk frother on this machine is truly great, creating perfectly smooth milk foam in a matter of seconds. Perfection for cappuccino lovers.
What do we like about it?
What people – and the Realhomes.com team – really love about this espresso machine is its simplicity; it’s easy to use and comes without too many component parts, so it’s easy to clean, too.
Not every kitchen has all the space in the world, so this small, yet perfectly formed coffee espresso machine will fit in perfectly, and especially well if retro gadgetry is a theme in your household.
There is variety of colours to choose from, including black, cream, red and pastel blue. If you’re after a retro look, this is the best espresso machine you can buy.
What else?
There is no grinder, so you’ll need to buy pre-ground coffee. Reviewers suggest buying coarser ground coffee for this one, as the water may pass straight through finer ground coffee.
What don’t we like?
Some users have pointed out that while the machine itself is quite lightweight, the portafilter (the bit that holds the coffee) is heavy, so you may need to hand stabilise the machine while you’re using it.
Check it out on Amazon
6. Gaggia Naviglio Coffee Machine
Best quick espresso machine
Specifications
Best for: Black coffee
Reservoir: 2 cups
Bar: 15
Grinder: Yes
Reasons to buy
- Includes a grinder and steamer
- Completely black in colour
- Small and unobtrusive
Reasons to avoid
- ABS plastic, rather than stainless steel
- Quite loud
- No water filter
The bean to cup Gaggia Naviglio Coffee Machine is a versatile buy – at an affordable price.
What’s it good at?
In a word: espresso. Reviewers consistently rate this machine very highly for its ability to make a perfect quick cup of the blackest espresso.
What do we like about it?
There are five settings so you can achieve a pretty perfect blend by adjusting the grind and using the front coffee strength guide.
The espresso is delivered at a perfect temperature and with a thick, oily crema on top – and the flavour’s good. Okay, it’s not the BEST on our list, but at this price, you get good quality.
Long coffees are just as good and if you want your coffee longer, you can override the default setting, or use the hot water button to deliver water through the steamer wand instead.
As an ideal all-rounder, with steamer and grinder, we think it’s good value – and with a much friendlier price tag than the Sage.
What else?
If you’re looking for a way to make a quick and efficient coffee in the morning, it boasts a quick heat boiler and many of its elements are dishwasher proof, too.
What don’t we like?
Unlike the Smeg machine above, the Gaggia is not so great at making milky coffees, with users reporting that the steamer performance is underwhelming.
Buying Guide for the Best Espresso Machine
What is the best espresso machine?
Buying a barista style coffee twice a day from your local coffee shop will cost around $3 a pop and so at least $30 every working week. That means even the most expensive espresso machine on our list will pay for itself in less than a year. Most users want their espresso machine to produce consistently great coffee, to be easy to use and clean, and not cost the earth. The Nespresso Creatista Uno delivers on all counts, and is our best espresso machine.
Reservoir
Otherwise known as a water tank, the reservoir on an espresso machine doesn’t necessarily need to be large; its size should depend on how many people will be using the machine and how often.
Bar
Essentially the amount of pressure used to push water through the coffee grounds/beans; the higher the number, the higher the pressure. The best espresso is said to be produced at 9 bars.
Does it have a grinder?
Important if you’re wanting to use coffee beans, however a grinder will more often than not bump up the price up of a coffee machine.
Size
Available in all shapes and sizes, from the sleek and modern to the traditional and slightly wacky, there’s always the option to choose a machine that fits in your space and is in sync with your existing decor.
Price
Expensive espresso coffee machines may have a grinder incorporated into their design, with De’Longhi and Breville by Heston Blumenthal giving you the option to grind your coffee beans to your preferred consistency.
Less expensive espresso machines may lack the capability to grind coffee beans, but there’s a diverse market of pre-ground coffee from around the world to tap into.
So, in no way are you compromising on that first sip satisfaction just by investing in the slightly less expensive but ever-so retro Smeg espresso machine that features on our list, for example.
Conclusion
Espresso machines are definitely an excellent investment for anyone who wants to enjoy the taste of a well-made coffee in a fast and hassle-free way. However, the choice of this device must be made carefully, especially if you are oriented towards an expensive one, which is why we recommend that you carefully review the information we have presented to you.
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Last update on 2021-02-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Nothing beats showing and sharing your photos on a digital photo frame – and they make a perfect present
The biggest complaint some people have about digital photos is that you never get to see them. Some make it to a photo printer, others to a sharing site or social media feed, but many end up sitting on a cloud storage service or a hard drive, unappreciated and never seen.
Digital photo frames have fallen out of popularity, but they’re a great way to bring your shots out of storage and into the home. What’s more, the best models are a vast improvement on the dull, awkward to use early frames of a decade ago.
With brighter screens, smarter power-saving features, better interfaces, and even Wi-Fi and cloud connectivity, so you can publish photos direct from a PC or smartphone to your frame.
Get a digital photo frame, and you can put those holiday and family photos you never see back on the mantelpiece – where they belong!
The best digital photo frames to buy
1. Kenuo Digital Photo Frame 8-inch: The best of the low-budget photo frames
Although the brand might not be familiar, the same frame can be found from many resellers, with all running the same software with the same full HD screen.
The user interface is a bit on the raw side, while the rear-mounted controls could be easier to use, though at least a small remote is bundled. All that aside, this isn’t bad for such a cheap frame.
The 1080p IPS panel gets bright enough for all but the most sunlit mantelpiece, and shots look more detailed than on some of the older, low-resolution budget frames.
Slide shows have some nice multi-window effects, and it has an auto-rotate function that actually works most of the time.
What’s more, it’ll happily read stills in JPEG, PNG, and TIFF formats from an SD card or USB memory stick, or MKV, MOV, and MP4 video files (but don’t expect much from the built-in speakers).
This frame isn’t as slick or feature-packed as the more expensive options, but if you want a cheap way to show and share your photos in style, this one does the job.
Key specs
- Resolution: 1,920 x 1080
- Screen technology: IPS
- Storage: none
- Connections: SD card, micro-USB, USB 2
- Features: MP3, AAC, WMA audio playback, AVI, MP4, MOV, MKV video playback, remote control
- Dimensions: 197 x 20 x 135mm
2. Nixplay Advance 10in: The best 10in digital photo frame for under $100
The Nixplay Advance range goes all the way from 8 to 18.5in models. Still, the 10in version is a particularly brilliant value, giving you a 4:3 ratio IPS display with a 1,024 x 768 resolution.
It’s a simple, well-built frame, standing on a bulging section at the rear where the power, USB, and SD card sockets sit, along with a headphone/audio line out.
The latter might be useful because the Advance’s party piece is 720p MPEG-4 video playback. It’s complete with tinny sound from the built-in speakers, and you can cleverly mix video and stills within the same slideshow.
While it hasn’t got the wireless connectivity or cloud capabilities of Nixplay’s pricier Seed series, the clean interface makes it easy to set up slideshows once you’ve transferred your shots to the bundled 8GB USB thumb drive.
There’s even a nice clock and calendar function if you’d like both overlaid.
Most importantly, the Advance makes your photos look good, with natural colors, impressive depth of tone, and cool transitions. If you’re just after a great way to present your favorite shots, this is the frame to buy.
Key specs
- Resolution: 1,024 x 768
- Screen technology: IPS
- Storage: Bundled 8GB USB drive
- Connections: SD card, USB 2, micro-USB
- Features: MP4/AVI video playback, motion sensor, time and calendar function, remote control
- Dimensions: 245 x 33 x 300mm
4. Nixplay Iris: The best traditional-style digital frame
If you want a showcase for your digital photos but prefer the look of a more traditional frame, the Nixplay Iris has you covered.
It looks like an old-school frame from the front but has the innards of the Nixplay Seed, available in bronze, silver, and copper finishes.
It gives you the same impressive image quality and natural colors plus identical wireless features for transferring photos.
You can still sync the frame with your social media and cloud accounts to make sure you have your latest shots on full display, and Nixplay even throws in 10GB of cloud storage space for you to use.
Meanwhile, the sound sensor turns the frame off when nobody’s in the room. Otherwise, those with Alexa devices can turn it on and off with voice.
You’re paying 10 to 12in prices for a smallish 8in screen, but this is the best high-tech frame that doesn’t look high-tech. And if you like the looks but not the cloud connectivity, check out the cheaper Nixplay Lux.
It gives you a similar style without the wireless features at a lower cost.
Check it out on Amazon
Key specs
- Resolution: 1,024 x 768
- Screen technology: IPS
- Storage: 8GB internal
- Connections: 802.11n Wi-Fi, USB 3
- Features: Motion sensor, clock function, remote control
- Dimensions: 236 x 23 x 190mm
5. Google Nest Hub: The best smart display for showing photos
Now rebranded as the Nest Hub, Google’s smart display can do a lot more than a photo frame, for less than you’ll pay for most.
It has a 7in 1,024 x 600 screen with rich and accurate colors and a superb automatic brightness control that makes your shots look like prints in a standard frame.
It works in tandem with Google’s existing Photos app and storage service. And, as it’s smart, you can just ask to see photos from your recent holiday in Cornwall or your trip to Scotland, and the Nest Hub will put them on show.
You also get YouTube Video playback, Google Music and Spotify music, and all the benefits of the Google Assistant answering questions, telling you the temperature, and letting you know what you’ve got scheduled for the day.
The screen size is a limitation, but when you throw in half-decent sound and a growing selection of smart home control features, the Home Hub makes many standard photo frames look, well, dumb.
Key specs
- Resolution: 1,024 x 600
- Screen technology: IPS
- Storage: Not specified
- Connections: 802.11ac Wi-Fi
- Features: Adaptive screen brightness, full-range speaker, Google Assistant, Google Photos, Google Music, YouTube, Spotify, Google Play Movies, smart home camera, and thermostat controls
- Dimensions: 179 x 67 x 118mm
6. Tenswall 10in Digital Photo Frame: A bigger frame on a budget
There are dozens of budget photo frames selling at around the $50 mark, but the Tenswall 10in is a cut above. Sure, the design is basic, and there’s nothing luxurious about the plastics. And any networking or cloud features are entirely off the menu.
The Tenswall has relatively small bezels free of unsightly logos, and the bundled remote and straightforward software makes it easy to control.
You can set slideshows to display your favorite shots for anywhere between three seconds and an hour at a time, complete with a choice of transitions.
You can also listen to music and watch videos in a wide range of formats. The sound, while thin, isn’t totally unlistenable. Claiming it’s also an ebook reader is a bit of a stretch, though, particularly as it only supports the most basic text files.
The best reason to get this frame is that its image quality is excellent for the price. It’ll read photos from an SD card or USB (although only cards and drives of up to 32GB are supported), and the 1,280 x 800 IPS screen is bright, with decent levels of contrast and punchy colors.
Nixplay’s frames give you more natural-looking images if you have the budget. Still, this is a good, highly affordable way to show and share your snaps.
Key specs
- Resolution: 1,280 x 800
- Screen technology: IPS
- Storage: None
- Connections: SD card, USB 2, headphone out
- Features: Clock and calendar functions, video player, ebook reader, remote control
- Dimensions: 255 x 165 x 30mm
How to buy the Best Digital Photo Frame for You
How much do you want to spend? And how big a frame do you want?
Choosing a digital photo frame is relatively easy: work out your budget, then decide what size you need and whether you’re willing to pay for extra features or Wi-Fi connectivity.
What’s more, the best frames tend to come in a range of sizes, usually starting in the 7in to 8in range and moving up to 10in and beyond, with some models going as big as 18in.
Whether you’re looking for something to place on a shelf or something to hang on the wall, you’ll have a few options.
Just be aware that not all frames have a traditional 4:3 aspect ratio, with some smaller frames opting for a 16:9 or 16:10 aspect ratio, which is great for landscape shots but not necessarily so good for portraits.
Will my photos look good on any digital photo frame?
You need to think about screen technology and resolution. Some models use the kind of Twisted Nematic LCD screen technology found in budget tablets, laptops, and monitors, often resulting in low levels of brightness and contrast and narrow viewing angles.
Not ideal for something you’ll rarely look at precisely head-on.
Others have moved to IPS technology, giving you much wider viewing angles and a brighter, more colorful image.
More saturated colors isn’t necessarily a good thing. Some frames exhibit the kind of brash, unnatural color balance you’d normally find on a bargain-basement tv. But, ideally, you want something with a little punch.
As far as resolution goes, you could be disappointed. Digital photo frames lag behind tablets and phones when it comes to pixel density. It’s not unusual to find 1,024 x 600 or 1,024 x 768 resolution screens, even on the larger models.
However, this is changing, and we’re starting to see full HD 1080p and even higher resolution panels creeping in. This doesn’t make a huge difference when you’re looking at a 10in display from several feet away, but it means you can see more detail when you get in closer.
How do you get your photos onto it?
This is the next big differentiator. Some have internal memory, and you transfer photos over a USB connection. Most now have an SD or microSD card slot and read photos directly from the card. Others have a USB port for plugging in a USB memory key.
However, a growing number now have built-in Wi-Fi, connecting to your home network or a cloud-based service, where you work through a web-based interface to upload files.
The great thing about this is that you can transfer files from your PC or your smartphone, not to mention popular picture-sharing or social networking services. You can even send photos to your frame while you’re away on your holidays.
These models are adding social features, enabling you to send photos through to friends or relatives while you’re traveling or just making the most of life.
Is there anything else you should look out for?
Many frames have additional features, including clocks, calendars, and video and audio playback.
Most recent models also have motion-sensing and other power-saving features, so the frame doesn’t use energy when there’s nobody to see it. It’s hard to find a frame without slideshow features, and the more flexible these are, the better.
A clear user interface is helpful here, making it easy to get photos on the device, add them to playlists and control how they look.
How much do I need to spend?
Frames start at under $50, with the larger 15in and cloud-enabled models reaching prices between $150 and $250.
Inevitably, you’ll pay for size and extra features, but you can get a great frame for well under £100, as long as you’re prepared to compromise on one of those two.
What about the new smart displays?
Amazon, Google, and Lenovo are all promoting new smart displays that play music, control smart home appliances and answer questions, much like their smart speaker cousins.
The difference is that these displays can show you answers, web pages, and videos – and also double up as a digital photo frame.
Amazon’s Echo Show devices can play a photo slideshow from the Amazon Photos cloud photo-storage service.
In contrast, Google’s Home Hub can play photos direct from Google Photos, which is where your shots tend to end up automatically if you use an Android phone.
For this reason, they make excellent digital photo frames. Although, you’ll pay a fair bit more for them than for a standalone frame.
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Last update on 2021-02-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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audragrant
February 22, 2021 at 9:54 am
Good luck for the next!
carrol
February 22, 2021 at 10:13 am
An excellent read. I will certainly be back.
contoh damio
February 22, 2021 at 10:37 am
Bless you!
chariskaczmarek
February 22, 2021 at 11:53 am
Thank you!
Hayley
February 22, 2021 at 12:26 pm
Good day!!