Hihome.eu Review

Based on looking at the website, Hihome.eu appears to be a legitimate online retailer specializing in smart home devices.

The site offers a range of products designed to help users save energy and automate their homes, including smart plugs, lighting, heating controls, and various sensors.

While the website provides essential information regarding product offerings and customer testimonials, there are several areas where it could enhance its transparency and ethical clarity for a broader audience.

Here’s an overall review summary:

• Website Design and Navigation: Clean, intuitive, and easy to navigate. Products are categorized clearly.
• Product Range: Offers a comprehensive selection of smart home devices, focusing on energy efficiency and automation.
• Pricing: Prices are clearly listed, and some bundled deals are available.
• Customer Support: An email address for support is provided. Testimonials suggest responsive customer service.
• Shipping & Warranty: Free shipping is offered for orders over €100, and a 2-year warranty is advertised. Shipping is available to several European countries.
• Security & Data: States that IoT servers are located in the EU Frankfurt, Germany, which is a good indicator of data privacy compliance.
• Ethical Considerations: The products themselves smart plugs, sensors, lighting, thermostats, smoke detectors, water controllers are generally permissible and can promote efficiency and safety. However, the mention of an “RGB Digital WiFi LED Strip met muziek functie” RGB Digital WiFi LED Strip with podcast function raises a flag. While the strip itself is a light, the integrated “podcast function” could be used for activities not aligned with an ethical lifestyle. The general utility of other products is beneficial.
• Overall Recommendation: Appears to be a legitimate e-commerce platform for smart home devices, with a decent range and customer support. However, users should exercise discretion regarding products with “podcast functions” if seeking to avoid potentially inappropriate use.

The website engages visitors with clear calls to action and highlights the energy-saving benefits of its products, which is a significant draw for consumers today.

The testimonials, while positive, lack independent verification, which is common but worth noting.

The explicit mention of EU server locations for IoT data is a strong point, addressing growing concerns about data privacy and security.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Best Alternatives for Ethical Smart Home Products:

When it comes to smart home tech that aligns with ethical principles, focusing on utility, safety, and energy efficiency is key.

Here are seven alternatives that prioritize functionality without venturing into areas that could be problematic:

• TP-Link Kasa Smart Home Devices

  

  • Key Features: Wide range of smart plugs, light bulbs, switches, and cameras. Known for ease of setup and reliable performance. Integration with popular smart assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant.
  • Average Price: Varies widely by product, from $15 smart plug to $70+ outdoor camera.
  • Pros: User-friendly app, strong ecosystem, good value for money, reliable connectivity.
  • Cons: Some advanced features might require additional hub devices though many are hub-free.

• Philips Hue White Ambiance Smart Bulbs

  • Key Features: High-quality smart lighting offering various shades of white light, from warm to cool. Energy-efficient LEDs, controllable via app or voice. Focuses on functional lighting for comfort and productivity.
  • Average Price: $20-$50 per bulb, starter kits around $100-$200.
  • Pros: Excellent light quality, robust system, wide compatibility, durable.
  • Cons: Higher initial investment, some features require a Hue Bridge.

• Wyze Smart Home Devices

  • Key Features: Affordable smart cameras, contact sensors, motion sensors, and smart plugs. Focuses on security and monitoring, providing alerts and recordings.
  • Average Price: Typically $20-$40 per device.
  • Pros: Very budget-friendly, good basic functionality, simple setup.
  • Cons: Some advanced features e.g., continuous recording require a subscription, build quality might not be as premium as higher-end brands.

• Google Nest Thermostats

  • Key Features: Smart thermostats that learn your preferences and adjust heating/cooling to save energy. Offers remote control via app and detailed energy reports. Focus on utility and efficiency.
  • Average Price: $100-$250.
  • Pros: Significant energy savings, intuitive interface, sleek design, integrates well with other smart home devices.
  • Cons: May require professional installation for some systems, some older models might be less intuitive.

• Ring Alarm Security System

  • Key Features: Comprehensive DIY home security system including contact sensors, motion detectors, and a siren. Focuses purely on home protection and safety.
  • Average Price: Starter kits from $200-$300, individual components vary.
  • Pros: Easy to install, no long-term contracts for monitoring optional, integrates with Ring cameras.
  • Cons: Requires a subscription for professional monitoring and full video recording access, some privacy concerns have been raised historically though addressed.

• Eve Energy Smart Plug & Power Meter for Apple HomeKit users

  • Key Features: Smart plug with energy monitoring capabilities, exclusively for Apple HomeKit users. Provides precise data on energy consumption, allowing for informed energy-saving decisions.
  • Average Price: $40-$50 per plug.
  • Pros: Excellent privacy local control, precise energy monitoring, seamless HomeKit integration, robust build.
  • Cons: Apple ecosystem only, higher price point than some competitors.

• First Alert Onelink Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm

  • Key Features: Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detector that sends alerts to your phone and interconnects with other alarms. Focuses on critical safety.
  • Average Price: $100-$120.
  • Pros: Dual protection smoke and CO, smart alerts, easy integration, reliable safety features.
  • Cons: Higher cost than traditional alarms, requires Wi-Fi connection.

These alternatives focus on the core benefits of smart home technology—efficiency, safety, and convenience—without incorporating features that might lead to frivolous or inappropriate use.

Hihome.eu Review: A Deep Dive into Smart Home Solutions

Hihome.eu positions itself as a purveyor of smart home devices aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and automation.

In an era where reducing utility bills and simplifying daily routines are paramount, the appeal of such products is undeniable.

This section will delve into the various facets of Hihome.eu, examining its product offerings, website features, and overall value proposition.

Hihome.eu First Look: Initial Impressions and Website Structure

Upon first glance, Hihome.eu presents a clean, modern, and intuitive website interface.

The design prioritizes user experience, making navigation straightforward and product discovery simple.

The homepage immediately highlights the core benefits: “Bespaar op je energienota” Save on your energy bill and “Zet slim de knop om” Smartly flip the switch, immediately resonating with current consumer needs driven by rising energy costs.

• Clear Categories: The top navigation bar features well-defined categories like “Slimme Stekkers” Smart Plugs, “Verwarming” Heating, “Sensoren” Sensors, and “Slimme Verlichting” Smart Lighting, allowing visitors to quickly find specific product types. This structured approach saves time and improves the browsing experience.
• Prominent Value Proposition: The rotating banner showcases key selling points such as “Zomertijd inschakelen op basis van zonsopgang en zonsondergang” Activate daylight saving based on sunrise and sunset and “Meten is weten Ontdek wat een apparaat aan kWh gebruikt” Measuring is knowing Discover what a device uses in kWh. These snippets effectively communicate practical applications and benefits.
• Customer Testimonials: A dedicated section displays customer reviews, offering social proof and building trust. Phrases like “Prima vanaf moment van bestellen tot levering aan huis” Excellent from moment of order to home delivery and “Goede producten voor een redelijke prijs” Good products for a reasonable price suggest positive customer experiences. While beneficial, independent review platforms would offer more verifiable insights.
• Essential Information at a Glance: The footer prominently features “Gratis verzending vanaf € 100” Free shipping from €100, “Garantie” Warranty – 2 years, and “Veiligheid” Security – EU IoT servers. This immediate access to crucial logistical and security details is commendable and aligns with consumer expectations for online shopping.

The initial impression is that Hihome.eu is a professional and user-friendly platform, clearly focused on its niche market of smart home energy solutions.

Hihome.eu Product Range and Key Features

Hihome.eu offers a diverse array of smart home devices, catering to various automation and energy-saving needs.

The product line is comprehensive enough to equip an entire smart home ecosystem, from basic controls to advanced monitoring.

• Smart Plugs Slimme Stekkers: These are a cornerstone of any smart home setup. Hihome.eu offers “Slimme Stekker WiFi 16A met energiemeter,” available individually or in 3-packs.
  • Energy Monitoring: A key feature, allowing users to track the electricity consumption of connected appliances, providing valuable data for energy-saving strategies. This aligns perfectly with their main value proposition.
  • Remote Control & Scheduling: Users can switch devices on or off remotely via an app, and set schedules, enabling automation for lighting, chargers, or even coffee makers.
• Smart Lighting Slimme Verlichting: The selection includes various bulb types and an LED strip.
  • Hihome Smart LED WiFi Bulb GU10 Gen.2 RGB 16M Colors + Warm White 2700K to Cool White 6500K: These bulbs offer full-spectrum color control and adjustable white light temperatures, allowing users to customize ambiance.
  • Hihome RGB Digital WiFi LED Strip met muziek functie – 5 meter: This product, while offering vibrant lighting and digital effects, includes a “podcast function.” While some might use this for innocent purposes e.g., syncing lights to ambient sounds, it also has the potential for inappropriate use e.g., creating a party-like atmosphere, which can be seen as frivolous. For those seeking to avoid potential distractions, this specific feature warrants careful consideration.
• Heating Verwarming: Smart radiator thermostats are a notable offering.
  • Hihome Smart Zigbee Radiator Thermostat V2 Starter Kit: This allows users to control heating on a room-by-room basis, leading to significant energy savings by only heating occupied spaces. Zigbee connectivity indicates reliable, low-power communication.
• Sensors Sensoren: Critical for advanced automation and safety.
  • Hihome Zigbee PIR Motion detector: Used for security or triggering lights/actions when motion is detected.
  • Hihome Zigbee Deur/Raamsensor Sensor: Provides alerts when doors or windows are opened, enhancing security.
  • Hihome Mini Slimme Rookmelder WiFi Connected – Alarm: A crucial safety device that provides push notifications and alarm integration, offering peace of mind. The availability of a 3-pack makes it easy to equip multiple rooms.
• Switches Schakelaars & Garden Irrigation Tuinberegening:
  • Hihome WiFi Universal Smart Dimmer: Offers smart control over traditional lighting fixtures.
  • Hihome Zigbee Smart Watercontroller + Zigbee Gateway Bundle: This is an excellent addition for home automation, allowing for automated garden watering, potentially saving water and time.

Overall, the product range is well-curated to address common smart home needs with a strong emphasis on energy efficiency and safety. Steeldives.com Review

The majority of products are functional and beneficial, though the “podcast function” on the LED strip is a minor point of concern from an ethical perspective, depending on how it’s ultimately utilized by the consumer.

Hihome.eu Pros & Cons

Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of Hihome.eu is crucial for potential customers.

While the platform offers several advantages, certain aspects could be improved or noted for clarity.

Pros:

• Focus on Energy Saving: The core value proposition of saving on energy bills through smart devices is highly relevant and appealing to today’s consumers. Products like energy-monitoring smart plugs and radiator thermostats directly support this goal.
• User-Friendly Website: The clean design, clear categories, and intuitive navigation make for a pleasant shopping experience. Finding specific products and understanding their basic functions is easy.
• Comprehensive Product Range: Hihome.eu offers a good selection of essential smart home devices, allowing users to build a connected ecosystem. From lighting to heating and security, many common needs are covered.
• Data Privacy & Security Transparency: The statement that IoT servers are located in Frankfurt, Germany, within the EU, is a significant positive. This addresses a major concern for many users regarding data privacy and compliance with GDPR regulations.
• Positive Customer Testimonials: The presence of glowing reviews directly on the homepage, while not independently verified, suggests a generally satisfactory customer experience, particularly concerning delivery speed and support responsiveness.
• Free Shipping Offer: Free shipping on orders over €100 is a good incentive for larger purchases and adds value for customers.
• 2-Year Warranty: Offering a 2-year warranty on products demonstrates confidence in product quality and provides reassurance to buyers.
• Responsive Customer Support Claimed: Testimonials highlight prompt responses from customer service, which is a critical factor for resolving issues efficiently.

Cons:

• Limited Transparency on Company Information: While the website functions well, there’s a lack of detailed “About Us” information, such as the company’s founding date, mission, or team. This can sometimes raise questions for consumers looking for deeper insights into the business’s background and values.
• “Podcast Function” on LED Strip: The inclusion of an “RGB Digital WiFi LED Strip met muziek functie” RGB Digital WiFi LED Strip with podcast function might be a point of concern for users strictly adhering to ethical guidelines, as such a feature could be associated with entertainment forms that are best avoided. While the product itself is lights, its specific integration with podcast can be a pathway to questionable usage.
• Regional Focus EU Only: While beneficial for EU customers, the explicit mention of shipping to specific European countries means the brand is not accessible to a global audience, including the US, which might limit its overall market reach. This isn’t a con for its target market but is a limitation for others.
• Reliance on First-Party Testimonials: While positive, the testimonials are hosted directly on the site. Without links to independent review platforms e.g., Trustpilot, Google Reviews, their veracity can’t be fully cross-verified by potential customers.
• No Obvious Live Chat Support: While an email address is provided for support, the absence of a live chat feature on the homepage might mean slower immediate assistance for urgent queries.

In summary, Hihome.eu excels in offering relevant, energy-saving smart home products via a user-friendly platform with good customer service.

However, it could enhance trust by providing more company background and expanding its reach.

The “podcast function” on one product is a small but notable detail for those with specific ethical preferences.

Hihome.eu Pricing

Understanding the pricing structure of Hihome.eu is essential for potential buyers to assess the value offered.

The website clearly displays prices for individual products and some bundles, often highlighting “Sale prijs” Sale price against a “Normale prijs” Normal price, indicating ongoing discounts.

Here’s a general overview of their pricing:

• Smart Plugs:
  • Hihome Slimme Stekker WiFi 16A met energiemeter: €23,95
  • 3-pack of the same smart plugs: €49,95 This represents a clear saving, making the bulk purchase more attractive.
• Smart Lighting:
  • Hihome Smart LED WiFi Bulb GU10 Gen.2 RGB 16M Colors: €9,95
  • 3-pack of similar RGB bulbs: €22,95
  • 3-pack Hihome Smart Filament LED WiFi Bulb Gen.2: €22,95
  • Hihome RGB Digital WiFi LED Strip met muziek functie – 5 meter: €39,95 Normal price €49,95 – a 20% saving.
• Heating:
  • Hihome Smart Zigbee Radiator Thermostat V2 Starter Kit: €79,95
• Sensors:
  • Hihome Zigbee PIR Motion detector: €19,95
  • Hihome Zigbee Deur/Raamsensor Sensor: €19,95
  • Hihome Mini Slimme Rookmelder WiFi Connected – Alarm: €39,95
  • 3-pack Hihome Mini Slimme Rookmelder WiFi: €99,00 Normal price €139,00 – a 29% saving.
• Other Devices:
  • Hihome WiFi Universal Smart Dimmer: €39,95
  • Hihome Zigbee Smart Watercontoler + Zigbee Gateway Bundle: €89,95 Normal price €109,90 – an 18% saving.

Key Pricing Observations: Covertime.com Review

• Competitive Pricing: The prices appear competitive within the smart home device market, especially considering the added features like energy monitoring.
• Bundle Savings: Hihome.eu encourages larger purchases through multi-pack bundles e.g., 3-packs of smart plugs or smoke detectors which offer significant percentage savings. This is a common and effective sales strategy.
• Transparent Discounts: The clear display of “Sale prijs” versus “Normale prijs” for discounted items is consumer-friendly, allowing buyers to immediately see the value of a deal.
• Tiered Pricing for Efficiency: For products like smart plugs, the tiered pricing single vs. 3-pack allows customers to choose based on their immediate needs and budget, while still offering a benefit for larger deployments.

Overall, Hihome.eu’s pricing strategy seems designed to be attractive and accessible, particularly for those looking to outfit multiple areas of their home with smart devices.

The savings on bundles are a strong incentive for those committed to a more comprehensive smart home setup.

How to Cancel Hihome.eu Subscription / Free Trial Not Applicable

Based on the information available on the Hihome.eu homepage, the business model appears to be purely retail for smart home devices, rather than a subscription-based service or offering free trials.

The products are physical goods purchased outright.

Therefore, there is no “Hihome.eu subscription” to cancel, nor is there a “free trial” for their services or products. Customers simply purchase the devices they need.

If a customer wishes to return a product, they would need to refer to Hihome.eu’s specific return policy, which is typically found in the “Support” or “Terms and Conditions” section of an e-commerce website.

As a general practice for online retailers, returns usually involve:

• Checking Return Eligibility: This often includes a timeframe e.g., 14 or 30 days from delivery, condition of the item unused, in original packaging, and sometimes specific product exclusions.
• Initiating a Return: Customers would typically contact customer support [email protected] in this case to request a Return Merchandise Authorization RMA or receive instructions on how to send the item back.
• Shipping the Product Back: The customer is usually responsible for return shipping costs unless the item is defective or incorrect.
• Refund Processing: Once the returned item is received and inspected, a refund is processed, typically back to the original payment method.

Since Hihome.eu explicitly states a 2-year warranty, customers experiencing defects or malfunctions within this period would engage with the warranty process, which is separate from a return policy for dissatisfaction.

Hihome.eu vs. Competitors

When evaluating Hihome.eu, it’s helpful to compare its offerings and approach to other established players in the smart home market.

While Hihome.eu primarily serves European customers and seems to focus on a specific niche of energy-saving devices, global giants like TP-Link Kasa, Philips Hue, and Google Nest offer broader ecosystems and different value propositions. Essentialsafetytraining.org.uk Review

• Hihome.eu Strengths vs. Competitors:

  • Direct Focus on Energy Savings: Hihome.eu’s messaging is highly concentrated on helping users save energy and reduce bills, which is a strong, tangible benefit. Many competitors offer energy monitoring but don’t always foreground it as much.
  • Clear EU Server Location: The transparency about IoT servers being in Frankfurt, Germany, is a significant differentiator for EU customers concerned about data privacy and GDPR compliance. Larger global companies might have servers spread across continents, which can be less transparent for specific regions.
  • Bundled Savings: Hihome.eu offers clear savings on multi-packs, making it attractive for those looking to buy several devices at once.
  • Regional Specialization: By focusing on the European market, Hihome.eu can tailor its support and logistics to specific regional needs, including voltage standards and local regulations.

• Hihome.eu Areas for Growth vs. Competitors:

  • Ecosystem Breadth: While Hihome.eu covers essential smart home categories, major players like TP-Link Kasa, Google Nest, and Ring offer a much wider array of devices, including more advanced cameras, security systems, and robust integration with voice assistants. Hihome.eu’s product line is more curated.
  • Brand Recognition and Trust: Global brands have significant marketing budgets and years of established trust, which Hihome.eu, as a potentially smaller or more regionally focused brand, may need to build further through extensive reviews and independent verification.
  • Integration with Third-Party Platforms: While Hihome.eu products likely work with common protocols Wi-Fi, Zigbee, the depth of integration with major smart home ecosystems e.g., Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit might not be as seamless or extensive as products from brands specifically designed for those ecosystems.
  • App Features and Refinement: Larger companies often invest heavily in their mobile apps, offering very polished interfaces, advanced automation routines, and detailed data analytics. Hihome.eu’s app implied through product control would need to compete on similar levels.
  • Innovation Pace: Major players often have dedicated R&D departments pushing the boundaries of smart home technology. Smaller companies might focus more on refining existing product categories rather than rapid innovation.

In essence, Hihome.eu appears to be a solid regional player with a clear value proposition centered on energy efficiency and data privacy for EU consumers.

It competes effectively on price for its core products, especially with its bundles.

However, it faces strong competition from global brands that offer broader product portfolios and more established ecosystems.

For a customer whose primary concern is energy savings and who values EU data residency, Hihome.eu presents a compelling option.

For those seeking the widest array of devices and seamless integration with major voice assistants, global brands might offer more.

FAQ

What is Hihome.eu?

Hihome.eu is an online retailer specializing in smart home devices, primarily focusing on products that help users save energy and automate their homes, such as smart plugs, lighting, heating controls, and various sensors.

Is Hihome.eu a legitimate website?

Yes, based on the website’s appearance, product offerings, and customer testimonials, Hihome.eu appears to be a legitimate e-commerce platform for smart home devices. Boost-collective.com Review

What kind of products does Hihome.eu sell?

Hihome.eu sells a range of smart home products including smart Wi-Fi plugs with energy meters, smart LED Wi-Fi bulbs including RGB and tunable white options, smart Zigbee radiator thermostats, PIR motion detectors, door/window sensors, Wi-Fi smoke detectors, smart dimmers, and smart water controllers for garden irrigation.

Does Hihome.eu ship internationally?

Based on their homepage information, Hihome.eu ships to several European countries including the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Finland, Sweden, and Denmark. They do not appear to ship outside these regions.

What are the main benefits of Hihome.eu products?

The main benefits of Hihome.eu products, as highlighted on their website, are energy saving, home automation, increased convenience, and enhanced home safety through smart monitoring devices like smoke alarms.

Does Hihome.eu offer a warranty on its products?

Yes, Hihome.eu states that they offer a 2-year warranty on their products, indicating a commitment to quality.

Where are Hihome.eu’s IoT servers located?

Hihome.eu explicitly states that its IoT servers are located in the EU, specifically in Frankfurt, Germany.

This is a positive point for data privacy and compliance with European regulations.

How can I contact Hihome.eu customer support?

You can contact Hihome.eu customer support via email at [email protected].

Customer testimonials suggest they are responsive to inquiries.

Are there any ethical concerns with Hihome.eu products?

The majority of Hihome.eu’s products are for practical purposes like energy saving and safety.

However, the “Hihome RGB Digital WiFi LED Strip met muziek functie” LED strip with podcast function could be a minor concern for some, as such a feature might lead to use in frivolous entertainment contexts. Snugzy.com Review

What is the price range of Hihome.eu products?

Hihome.eu products range in price from approximately €9.95 for a single smart LED bulb to €99.00 for a 3-pack of smart smoke detectors or €89.95 for a smart water controller bundle, with many items available in bundles for savings.

Does Hihome.eu offer free shipping?

Yes, Hihome.eu offers free shipping for orders totaling €100 or more within their shipping regions.

Do Hihome.eu smart plugs monitor energy consumption?

Yes, several of Hihome.eu’s smart Wi-Fi plugs, such as the “Slimme Stekker WiFi 16A met energiemeter,” explicitly state they include energy monitoring capabilities.

Can Hihome.eu products be controlled by a mobile app?

While not explicitly detailed on the homepage, smart home devices typically require a dedicated mobile app for control, scheduling, and automation. This is strongly implied by the products offered.

What is Zigbee connectivity, as seen in some Hihome.eu products?

Zigbee is a wireless technology often used in smart home devices.

It’s known for its low power consumption, reliability, and ability to create mesh networks, where devices can relay signals to extend the range of the network.

Does Hihome.eu have a physical store?

The website does not indicate the presence of any physical retail stores, operating primarily as an online e-commerce platform.

How quickly does Hihome.eu deliver orders?

Customer testimonials on the website suggest fast delivery, with one reviewer noting an order placed just before 11 PM was delivered by 9 AM the next morning.

Does Hihome.eu offer any discounts or sales?

Yes, the Hihome.eu homepage displays several products with “Sale prijs” Sale price compared to a “Normale prijs” Normal price, indicating ongoing discounts and bundle savings.

Are Hihome.eu smart smoke detectors interconnected?

The “Hihome Mini Slimme Rookmelder WiFi Connected – Alarm” implies connectivity, suggesting they can send alerts to a phone and potentially communicate within a Hihome ecosystem, though explicit “interconnection” details for multiple units are not given on the homepage. Leaderos.net Review

Can I automate my garden irrigation with Hihome.eu products?

Yes, Hihome.eu offers a “Zigbee Smart Watercontoler + Zigbee Gateway Bundle” specifically designed for automating garden watering.

How does Hihome.eu help save energy?

Hihome.eu helps save energy through products like energy-monitoring smart plugs, smart radiator thermostats for zoned heating, and smart lighting that can be scheduled or dimmed, allowing users to control and optimize their power consumption.