SMART HOME DEVICES
- TIPS & TRICKS
- Have your news delivered right to your ears right after a relaxing meal using Alexa Flash Briefings. Or you can stick with more random trivia facts. Your call.
- Teach Alexa to recognise you and your family’s voices to get more personalised recommendations. Perfect for families with different music subscriptions.
- Not a Prime Music subscriber? You can make Spotify or Apple Music Alexa’s default streamer by heading to More > Settings > Music & Podcasts.
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen)
R1 400 | geewiz.co.za
Amazon’s futuristic, AI-wielding Alexa assistant is… not here yet. If the rumours are to be believed, it’s still being cooked up in a lab somewhere. No matter. Amazon’s 5th-gen Echo Dot is complete with all the Alexa smarts you’ll ever need, even if it can’t quite fill the gaping hole in your heart just yet. Give it a few months (and a monthly subscription) and Amazon will certainly try. Forget all that, and the Echo Dot makes a case for being one of the better budget speakers.
Stuff says ★★★★★
It’s no Scarlett Johansson, but it’s the closest you’ll get for the time being.
• NOW ADD THIS
Matadop Echo Dot Stand
Echo Dot not fitting your vibe? Chuck it onto one of these, then, and watch it zhush up your home immediately.
R1 000 | amazon.com
Xiaomi Robot Vacuum X20+
R14 000 | leroymerlin.co.za
This is the epitome of robot technology designed to keep your floors clean 24/7, all wrapped up in a hefty circular body. It’s a bit steep at R12,000 but Xiaomi more than impressed us with the X20+’s self-cleaning station, fantastic mopping abilities, and massive battery that meant we could leave it alone for a few weeks before it required any attention. It’s kitted out with lidar technology for a simple set-up and is more than capable for tackling larger homes.
Stuff says ★★★★★
Dirt never stood a chance.
Xiaomi Massage Gun 2
R2 000 | mistore.africa
It may not be the most competent massager out but Xiaomi’s Massage Gun 2 is the way to go if you’re on a budget. If you’re ironing out the occasional knot, it’ll work wonders, both at home or out-and-about (it’ll fit into a big handbag) but don’t expect it to alleviate those years-old rugby injuries in a hurry. Athletes, however, may want to look for something slightly more industrial. This one is designed for more conventional human beings and not high performers.
Stuff says ★★★★★
Those knots in your shoulder have never been more terrified than they are now.
Xiaomi Oscillation Electric Toothbrush Pro
★★★★★ R1 200 | makro.co.za
Those chompers could probably do with a bit of love. This should do the trick.
Solenco Ultrasonic Humidifier
★★★★★ R2 000 | solencostore.com
This good-looking heater can be controlled from your phone and won’t run up your electricity bill.
Dreame R20 Cordless Stick Vacuum
★★★★★ R10 000 | dreame.africa
Cordless is king, and Dreame’s excellent R20 vacuum can be had for cheaper.
Meaco Sefte 8in air circulator
★★★★★ R3 000 | takealot.com
Summer is on its way back around. No better time to pick up a new desk air circulator.
Xgimi MoGo3 Pro
★★★★★ R13 300 | newworld.co.za
Xgimi’s MoGo 3 Pro turns a plain wall into a gamer, worker, or movie night host.
Aiper Scuba N1 robot pool cleaner
★★★★★ R15 000 | leroymerlin.co.za
A robotic pool cleaner in 2026? For Aiper, it’s not a pipe dream; it’s another day at the office.
V380 Pro 4G solar camera
★★★★★ R2 800 | cctv-direct.co.za
In South Africa, you need solid, reliable security keeping an eye out for you when you can’t.