With hundreds of incredible products available, it can be intimidating to piece together a smart home. From smart displays and thermostats to smart light bulbs and video doorbells, not only are there tons of categories to browse, but each category is filled with highly reviewed products that can be difficult to distinguish from one another. If you’re in the market for a new smart home gadget or are just starting your smart home journey, there are tons of factors to consider.
If you need help navigating all the products, here’s a look at the best smart home devices of 2025 across a wide variety of categories. It’s hard to go wrong with products from big names like Ring, Arlo, Amazon, and Google, but if you need a bit more guidance, here are some of our top picks.
Voice assistant
The first thing you’ll want to get is a virtual assistant to help you control your smart devices with just your voice. You can opt for a smart speaker, which only has audio, or you can go with a smart display, which has a touchscreen that lets you visually interact with your assistant as well.
The Amazon Echo is Amazon’s smart speaker that features Alexa, Amazon’s virtual assistant. The Echo 4th Generation has excellent sound quality, so you can clearly hear your playlist from music streaming services like Amazon Music, Apple Music, or iHeart Radio. The Echo 4 retails for $100, and it comes in charcoal, twilight blue, and glacier white. Amazon’s latest smart speaker also functions as a Zigbee hub, allowing you to control other Zigbee-specific smart home gear, such as lights, locks, and cameras.
The Echo Spot is similar to the Echo, though it features a half-dome design instead of a spherical design — upon which you’ll find a tiny display. This allows it to function as a clock or bedside alarm — and at $80, it’s a bit more affordable than the standard Echo.
The Echo Pop is another solid option for shoppers on a budget. Clocking at just $40, it’s the cheapest Echo smart speaker on the market. It may not sound as robust as premium competitors, but it’s a great beginner smart speaker and works perfectly as a hub for your smart home.
If you’d prefer a smart display that has a screen and lets you make video calls, see song lyrics, and watch your security camera and video doorbell feeds, the Echo Show 5 is a great option because it’s even more affordable than a regular Echo speaker. The Show 5 is a compact display, though. If you’re looking for a larger screen, the Echo Show 15 or Echo Show 21 may be a better option. Capable of being wall-mounted for either landscape or portrait viewing, these two smart displays feature customizable widgets, interactive smart device controls, and a host of other great Alexa-powered tricks and abilities.
Between the Echo Show 5 and Echo Show 15 is the Echo Show 8. Consider giving it a look if you want something a bit larger than the Show 5 but still small enough to fit on a kitchen counter or desk. The latest model supports Spatial Audio, seamlessly syncs with other Alexa products, and offers impressive video calling abilities thanks to its 13 MP camera.
On the other hand, maybe you’d rather go with a smart speaker not associated with Amazon, but love the easy-to-move design of the Echo Dot. In that case, look no further than the streamlined Nest Mini. The Nest Mini (2nd Gen) has an eco-friendly design, and it comes in chalk, charcoal, a bright coral color, or a bright blue color. Similar in size and shape to the Echo Dot (3rd Gen), the Nest Mini 2 is powered by Google Assistant, which, in many ways, is smarter than Alexa. The multilingual assistant can control your smart devices, create a shopping list, answer questions, and much more. Plus, it connects to tons of smart home devices for voice control.
Then there’s the Google Nest Audio, Google’s bigger smart speaker. Featuring premium sound, adaptive audio, and an attractive design, you can find Google’s premium smart speaker in chalk, charcoal, sage, sand, and sky. If you want a Google Assistant-powered smart display, we really like the Nest Hub Max. It has a 10-inch display, gesture control, built-in security features, and it even has a built-in Nest Cam.
If you’re looking for the best sound possible out of your smart speaker, consider opting for the Sonos Era 100. Not only does it offer room-filling sound, but it comes with built-in Bluetooth support and can optimize its sound regardless of where it’s placed in your home. It’s a bit pricey, but it’s bound to please even the most discerning audiophile.
And don’t worry: We didn’t forget the Apple devotees of our readership. If you want to run your smart home with Apple HomeKit and Siri, the HomePod mini is the way to go. Available in five colors, the mini adapts its sound to whatever room you place it in, can be paired with multiple HomePod minis for expanded audio, and includes a convenient hand-off feature that instantly transfers whatever is playing on the HomePod mini to your iPhone in seconds.
Need something with a bit more power than the tiny HomePod mini? Consider stepping up to the HomePod 2023, which offers all of the same great features, but with a better audio system.
Check out our picks for the best smart speakers
Smart lock
When your home has a smart lock, there’s no need to worry about fumbling for your keys when it’s dark or having to leave a key under the mat for a pet sitter. Today’s options install in minutes and offer convenience and peace of mind.
We’re big fans of the August Smart Lock (4th Generation) for a number of reasons. The plug-and-play assembly allows you to slip the August lock directly onto your existing deadbolt, meaning you won’t have to pull apart any of your existing door lock’s hardware. You can also use the August app to assign temporary unlock codes to friends and family who are checking on your pets while you’re vacationing. We also like the DoorSense feature, which allows you to see if your door is open, closed, locked, or unlocked through the Activity Feed tab in the August app.
Similar to the August Smart Lock, the Wyze Lock also retrofits over your existing deadbolt and can be configured to detect your phone when you’re in range, automatically locking/unlocking your door when you’re approaching. Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, you can even use voice commands to control the lock from indoors or with the Alexa/Google Home app.
The Yale Assure Lock 2 is another great option if you’re seeking a premium device. Offered in a variety of styles (including keyless or with a touchpad), the Assure Lock 2 lets you customize different profiles for each member of the house or set up temporary accounts for guests. If you spring for the Wi-Fi version, you’ll also benefit from the ability to remotely check in on your door to verify you locked it before heading out.
If you want something that looks futuristic and bundles in tons of cool features, consider checking out the Lockly Vision Elite. It costs a pretty penny, but besides the usual smart lock features, the Vision Elite doubles as a camera for your front door. You’ll even find a solar panel on the device, which helps keep it charged up for nearly a year.
Check out our picks for the best smart locks
Security camera and video doorbell
Investing in a video doorbell lets you see who’s knocking at the door without getting up from the couch. A security camera can provide added peace of mind too, as most outdoor models allow you to watch the happenings around your house from anywhere, all through an app on your phone. Many provide two-way audio, night vision, and motion alerts as well.
The Arlo Essential XL (2K) is one of our favorites, as it gets you a wonderful 2K resolution and a battery that lasts for more than 12 months before needing a recharge. If the $150 is too hefty, you’ll find more affordable variants with lower resolutions and weaker batteries — but still pack in useful features like customizable motion zones and smart alerts.
The Ring Indoor Cam launched in 2023, and it offers 1080p video capture, color night vision, two-way audio, and a built-in privacy shutter. You’ll need to manually position the shutter (it can’t be remotely controlled through the app), but at just $60, it’s a solid option if you need something reliable that won’t break the bank.
If you’re a fan of Alexa, be sure to check out the Blink Outdoor 4. This camera works perfectly as either an indoor or outdoor security camera, thanks to its small footprint and waterproof design. Standout features include a 143-degree field of view, person detection, adjustable motion settings, and two-way audio. It’s also built for full Alexa support, making it easy to get the camera up and running with other Alexa-compatible gadgets.
Check out our picks for the best video doorbells, best wireless security cameras, and best home security systems
Thermostat
Your heating and cooling system is probably a part of your home that you don’t think about too often — until the temperature’s not quite right. A smart thermostat could better integrate climate controls into your life.
Our favorite smart thermostat is the Amazon Smart Thermostat. Developed in partnership with Resideo, the makers of Honeywell Home Thermostat Technology, the sleek and simple interface allows you to adjust the temperature from the thermostat by using the Alexa app. Speaking of Alexa: Amazon’s intuitive voice assistant will study your temperature preferences so it can automatically raise and lower the temp — even while you’re away. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that the $60 price makes it one of the least expensive thermostats on the market.
For the Google lovers of the smart realm, the Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) is another solid pick. An attractive aesthetic that blends in with all kinds of home decor, the $280 thermostat can be controlled with the Google Home app, Google Assistant voice commands, and the tried-and-true method of using human fingertips to make adjustments. We also love that it’ll give you updates on the overall health of your HVAC system, letting you know about any potential issues before they become serious.
Check out our picks for the best smart thermostats
Light bulb or switch
You may already use energy-efficient light bulbs in your home, so installing smart bulbs is the next logical step. Besides saving money, they let you customize the way your home looks and even turn lights on and off from another location, as long as you have internet access and the companion app. Some bulbs, like Sengled A19 smart bulbs don’t require a hub, which can make it easier (and cheaper) to set up smart lighting in your home.
Looking for something with Matter support? Then check out the Nanoleaf Essentials A19 Light Bulb, which is now compatible with the interoperability standard. A single bulb costs $20, and it gives you access to millions of colors along with a simple-to-use smartphone app.
You don’t have to opt for light bulbs with smart technology to get some “smart” features. Combine regular bulbs with smart light switches instead. With this switch, you can turn lights on and off using voice commands, and you can avoid the trouble of having to switch out smart bulbs.
One of our favorite light switch ecosystems is sold by Lutron Caseta. Once you’ve connected the switch to Wi-Fi, you can download the Caseta app to control your lighting on the go, create customized schedules, and more. We also love that the Lutron Caseta switch can be integrated with Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, Ring, Serena shades, and Sonos wireless audio systems.
If you install smart plugs around your house, you’ll be able to use your voice to control all of your connected devices. Users love this feature and find it can be extremely handy in different circumstances.
Read more about our picks for the best smart light bulbs, best LED light bulbs, and best smart plugs for inside the home
Robot vacuum
It might sound like an unnecessary luxury, but we certainly recommend adding a robot vacuum into your cleaning routine based on the time it will save you alone.
One of the best robot vacuums on the market is the Roborock Saros 10R. It’s not cheap, but it truly does offer a fully automated cleaning experience. The device can vacuum and mop in a single run, includes a dust reservoir that can go weeks before needing a change, and it can even clean (and dry) its mophead. It’s also great at mapping out your floors and avoiding any obstacles that get in its way. Best of all, its smartphone app is intuitive and easy to use, allowing you to set cleaning schedules, set up restricted zones, or check in on its cleaning status.
Beyond Roborock, consider checking out the Ecovacs X8 Pro Omni or Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo. Both products are also capable of mopping and vacuuming in a single run, making them great alternatives to the Saros 10R. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled during shopping holidays, as all three tend to see generous price cuts. The T30S Combo is extra enticing, as it comes with a cordless vacuum that connects to the docking station — giving you a secondary way to keep your home clean.
Check out our picks for the best robot vacuum and mop combos
Streaming device
Last but not least is smart connectivity for the one device in the home that everyone gathers around — the TV. When it comes to watching your family’s favorite shows and movies, one of the best smart TV accessories you can get is the incredible and affordable Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
Unlike traditional streaming devices, the Fire TV Stick occupies no space in an entertainment center. Instead, it connects directly to an available HDMI input on a flatscreen and is light enough to hang out of the port. Once setup is complete and you’re connected to Wi-Fi, you can use the Fire TV Stick to stream movies, shows, and music from a number of popular platforms, including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Video. And, as the name indicates, you get to enjoy these flicks and episodes in full UHD resolution (where 4K streaming is available).
The Chromecast with Google TV offers the casting capabilities of the original Chromecast, but with an entirely new, remote-navigable interface that recommends content based on your movie and TV watching history.
Then there are Roku streaming devices. Offering thousands of apps (known as Channels), the Roku marketplace is your one-stop shop for major services like Netflix and Hulu, as well as a bounty of third-party services. Like Westerns? There are several apps for just Western content. Horror movies? Same deal. And hey, did you know that Roku also makes great TVs?
One of our favorite Roku devices is the Roku Streaming Stick+. Offering 4K and HDR support, this model is one of the best inexpensive streaming devices for both picture quality, performance speed, and content availability.
Check out our picks for the best streaming devices
Other great smart home devices
Smart home devices cover all sorts of categories nowadays — and some of them are pretty niche. However, they’re often an excellent fit for most homes. For example, if you have a large lawn to take care of, you might want to pick up something like the Husqvarna Automower 415X. With a sleek design, GPS-assisted navigation, and the capacity to work on yards up to 0.4 acres, it’s essentially a robot vacuum for your backyard. If you need something that can handle larger properties, consider stepping up to the 450XH.
If you live in a warm climate and have a pool gracing your backyard, streamline its upkeep with a robotic pool cleaner. These handle everything from water clarification to floor and side scrubbings — preventing the buildup of algae. Many of them are fully autonomous and can be programmed on a cleaning schedule. Our favorite pick, the BeatBot AquaSense Pro, carries a hefty price tag, but it’s a nice alternative to professional cleanings (which can also add up fast).
Other quirky (but cool) products include the Aera Smart Diffuser that helps keep your home smelling fresh, Skylight Cal Max that helps keep your schedule organized, and the Whisker Litter-Robot 4 that makes it easier than ever to clean up after your cat.
