The Best Smart Home Devices of 2024

If we were to set up our dream smart home, these are the smart devices and gadgets that top our wish list.
Best smart thermostat
Nest Learning Thermostat
Nest Learning Thermostat
Starting from$249
  • pro
    Easy to install
  • pro
    Learns your habits
Best smart lock
Schlage Encode
Schlage Encode
Starting from$299
  • pro
    Built-in alarm
  • pro
    Works with Amazon Alexa
Best smart plug
WeMo Mini Outlet
WeMo Mini
Starting from$39
  • pro
    Small and easy to use
  • pro
    Compatible with voice control
Best smart light bulb
Philips Hue
Starting from$90
  • pro
    16 million colors
  • pro
    No hub required
Best smart doorbell
Ring Video Doorbell (2nd gen)
Ring Video Doorbell
Starting from$100
  • pro
    Wired or battery
  • pro
    Two-way voice

Original SafeWise safety & security research featured in:

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Yeedi Cube: One to watch!

Yeedi just released its latest and greatest all-in-one robot vacuum + mop and I got to try it out! Dive into our review to uncover the future of hassle-free housework.

We’ve tested new smart home devices and tried-and-true smart home tech to narrow down the best home automation products in every smart home category we could think of.

And check out our roundup in each smart home category (they’re all linked below in each review section).



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Best smart home devices reviews

Nest Learning Thermostat: Best smart thermostat

Best smart thermostat
Nest Learning Thermostat

Google, Google Nest, Google Assistant, and other related marks are trademarks of Google LLC.

Nest is a smart home leader, and its learning thermostat was one of the things that landed it on the map. This is our favorite smart thermostat because it comes with built-in ESP. It literally learns how to read your mind (or at least the room).

You only need to worry about manually fidgeting with the thermostat during the first week or so that you have it. After that, Nest does all the work. It adjusts the temperature based on your habits, the amount of sunlight in the room, or after getting a nudge from you in the Nest or Google Home app.

See all of our picks for the best smart thermostats.

pro
Pros
pro Learning technology
pro Easy installation
pro Works with other Nest products
pro Extreme temperature alerts
con
Cons
con Expensive price tag
Light Bulb
Save some $$

Some power companies offer a rebate when you install a smart thermostat. On top of savings on your energy bill, you might get paid for upgrading.

Schlage Encode: Best smart lock

Best smart lock
Schlage Encode
Schlage Encode
$299.99

 *Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

When it comes to keeping the bad things out and protecting the good things inside, you can’t beat this smart lock. The Schlage Encode has the highest security rating of all the smart locks we’ve tested—and it comes with a built-in alarm.

The Encode has a hefty price tag, but you don’t have to buy a separate smart home hub to use it. It works on your home Wi-Fi network. But connecting to Wi-Fi guzzles energy, so your batteries might need a refresh every couple months.

See all of our picks for the best smart door locks.

pro
Pros
pro High security rating
pro Built-in alarm
pro Simple installation
pro Works with Amazon Alexa
con
Cons
con High price tag
con Short battery life
Notepad
Door lock security ratings

The American National Standards Institute/Builders Hardware Manufacturers (ANSI/BHMA)—that’s a mouthful—tests and grades door locks. They look at things like impact resistance, pull strength, and key torque cycles.

Ring Video Doorbell: Best smart doorbell

Best smart doorbell
Ring Video Doorbell (2nd gen)

 *Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Ring kicked off the video doorbell revolution, so it's no surprise it’s still our favorite. Plus, the second generation doorbell camera includes upgrades like better motion detection and sharper night vision images. And you get it all for around $100.

We also like that the Ring Video Doorbell comes with every power option imaginable—battery, wired, or solar. Because it doesn’t always need to be hardwired, it really opens up where you can place a Ring smart doorbell. But you still need to subscribe to a Ring Protect Plus plan if you want to record and store video footage.

See all of our picks for the best smart video doorbells. You can also compare all of Ring’s doorbells in our complete Ring guide.

pro
Pros
pro Lots of power options
pro Low starting price
pro Two-way voice
pro Easy installation
con
Cons
con Subscription needed to record video
Bell
Beyond the doorbell

Ring does a lot more than doorbells these days. You can pick up a Ring Alarm security system that works with your video doorbell and gives you the option to add professional monitoring. 

Arlo Pro 3: Best smart security camera

Best smart security cam
Arlo Pro 3
Arlo Pro 3
$249.99

 *Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

The Arlo Pro 3 is cute as a button and smarter than your average security cam. Arlo packs a lot into this little camera—it works inside and outdoors, it has advanced pan-and-tilt capabilities, and picks up the smallest details thanks to 2K resolution.

But all of those perks come at a price. The Arlo Pro 3 is more expensive than a lot of other wireless security cameras. Arlo also introduced a cloud subscription ($3 per month) for video storage with the Arlo Pro 3, so that’s another expense to consider.

Read our full Arlo cameras review or see all of our picks for the best wireless security cameras.

pro
Pros
pro Sharp 2K image resolution
pro Indoor/outdoor durability
pro 100% wire-free
pro Smart home compatibility
con
Cons
con Expensive
con Requires base station
con
Notepad
What does 100% wire-free mean?

The Arlo Pro 3 uses a wireless connection (your home Wi-Fi network) to stream, record, and send video. It also uses batteries for power. When you’re not tied to a power outlet you have a lot more options about where to place your security camera.

WeMo Mini: Best smart plug

Best smart plug
wemo mini smart plug
WeMo Mini
$39.48

 *Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Smart plugs turn anything you plug into them into a smart appliance. The WeMo Mini stands out because of its size. Many smart plugs cover both of your outlets, so you end up with one snappy smart outlet instead of two boring ones.

Plus, the WeMo Mini plays well with just about every smart hub or smart speaker out there. You can use voice commands with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. But our favorite feature is the Away Mode. We love anything that helps us relax when our home is left empty.

See all of our picks for the best smart plugs.

pro
Pros
pro Easy installation
pro Compact size
pro Voice control with Alexa, Google, Siri
pro Away Mode
con
Cons
con High price tag
con No energy monitoring
Notepad
Away Mode

This setting puts your WeMo plug to work creating the impression that you’re at home when you’re not. Your lights or TV will randomly turn on and off to throw potential intruders off the scent that you’re enjoying a night out on the town.

Philips Hue: Best smart light bulb

Best smart light bulb
Philips Hue
$89.99

 *Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

We’re suckers for a smart light bulb, and Philips Hue bulbs shine a bit brighter in terms of features and easy use. But don’t worry—you’re in charge when it comes to the actual brightness (and the color). All it takes to illuminate things is the mobile app or a voice command for Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

Best of all, this latest smart bulb from Philips doesn’t require the Philips Hue Hub. That means you can get your smart lighting game on for around $50 (for a 1-pack)—less than half of what it used to cost to get started.

See all of our picks for the best smart light bulbs or read our full review of Philips Hue.

pro
Pros
pro Uses Bluetooth
pro No hub required
pro Voice control with Alexa and Google
pro Simple setup
con
Cons
con Some glitches with Google Home
Notepad
16 million colors

We know. We thought it was excessive, too, the first time we learned about all the options you get with Philips Hue. But it’s so much fun. You can set the mood for a front room dance party, a romantic dinner, or a spooky movie night.

Lutron Caseta: Best smart light switch

Best smart light switch
Lutron Caseta Smart Start Kit

 *Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.

Smart bulbs aren’t the only way to add home automation to your lights. This smart light switch is designed to deliver simple smart lighting control that’s easy to set up and use.

Unlike some other smart switches, it has manual buttons you can use, which makes it a great starter switch for newbies to smart home tech.

We also like that the Lutron Caseta works with Apple HomeKit as well as Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Not many smart devices are compatible with HomeKit, so this is a big advantage if you’re an Apple addict.

See all of our picks for the best smart light switches.

pro
Pros
pro Compatible with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
pro Comes with helpful buttons
pro Includes dimmer
pro Designed to work in older homes
con
Cons
con Requires a hub
con Costs more than other switches
Notepad
What is a smart switch?

A smart light switch lets you add home automation and other smarts to any light bulb or lighting fixture. On top of remote control of your lights, many also come with dimming capabilities.

Chromecast Ultra: Best smart streaming device

Best smart streaming device
Google Chromecast Ultra

Data as of post date.

There’s so much to stream and so little time. Make your next bingeing marathon easy with the Chromecast Ultra. This little baby lets you use voice commands via Google Assistant to control your TV.

All you have to do is connect it to your Google Home device and you’re all set to ask Google to find your show, pause the action, or switch streaming platforms. No more struggle to learn another new remote control (or is that just me?).

It also supports 4K streaming, so you can watch all of your favorites in sharp, Ultra HD.

See all of our picks for the best Google Assistant devices.

pro
Pros
pro Delivers crisp, 4K picture
pro Won’t break the bank
pro Works with Google Assistant
con
Cons
con Requires dedicated outlet for power
Checklist
Connect Chromecast to Google Home

Learn step-by-step how to get your Chromecast device and your Google Home device together. We’re not officially a smart home matchmaking service, but we come pretty close.

Google Nest Protect: Best smart smoke detector

Best smart smoke alarm
Nest Protect

Google, Google Nest, Google Assistant, and other related marks are trademarks of Google LLC.

Google Nest Protect talks to you instead of chirping, sends notifications straight to your phone, and watches out for carbon monoxide, fire, and smoke. Why wouldn’t we love it? Nest Protect is also easy to install and doesn’t require any wiring.

The biggest drawback is the price. Even though it’s not the most expensive smart smoke detector out there, at around $120 each, it can get pricey if you need multiple smoke alarms.

Read our full Nest Protect review, see all of our picks for the best smoke detectors, or watch our video to learn how to connect your Nest devices to Google Home.

pro
Pros
pro Watches for smoke, fire, and CO
pro Easy to install
pro Uses voice instead of chirps
pro Sends mobile alerts
con
Cons
con Higher price tag
Notepad
What else can you get from Nest?

If you’re dipping your toe in the Nest ecosystem, it’s good to know everything you can add. Because Nest isn’t always compatible with other smart home gadgets, find out what’s available before you buy.

Vivint: Best smart home security system

Best smart home security system
vivint equipment
Vivint Security System
Starting from$29.99/mo

Data as of post date.

If you’re going smart, you may as well extend that tech to the system you rely on for protection. The best thing about Vivint’s smart home security systems is that they can transform your house into a real smart home.

On top of cutting-edge home security equipment, Vivint also works as a command center for all of your smart devices. Our favorite is that you can control everything from the Vivint Smart Home app instead of toggling between apps for different smart home products.

Read our full Vivint review or see all of our picks for the best smart home security systems.

pro
Pros
pro High-end smart home tech
pro One app for everything
pro 24/7 professional monitoring
pro Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
con
Cons
con Long contracts
Notepad
Vivint smart home security basics

Vivint is a top-end home security company. Its equipment is pricey, but it’s advanced. The good news is you don’t have to pay up front. Vivint contracts range from 42 to 60 months, and prices start just under $30 a month.

But the more features you want, the more you’ll pay. Learn everything about Vivint in our complete Vivint review.

Watch and learn about smart home devices

We’re building a video library full of insider tips, how-to guides, and product reviews for all kinds of smart home tech. See (literally) what you can do with smart home devices.

How we picked the best smart home devices

We love playing around with smart home gadgets, but there are so many to choose from that it can be tough to pick out the best smart home stuff. Thankfully, our team of writers, editors, and product testers always keep a pulse on the latest and greatest in smart home tech.

This roundup is a collection of our top picks from every smart home device category we feature. As with all of our reviews, we evaluated the things that matter most when it comes to picking out the right smart home options for your house:

  • Price
  • Overall value
  • Features
  • Installation
  • Ease of use
  • Compatibility

Read our full methodology for more about how we test and rank products. 

Related articles on SafeWise

Disclaimers

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.

Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.

Google, Google Nest, Google Assistant, and other related marks are trademarks of Google LLC.

Rebecca Edwards
Written by
Rebecca is the lead safety reporter and in-house expert for SafeWise.com. She has been a journalist and blogger for over 25 years, with a focus on home and community safety for the past decade. Rebecca spends dozens of hours every month poring over crime and safety reports and spotting trends. Her expertise is sought after by publications, broadcast journalists, non-profit organizations, podcasts, and more. You can find her expert advice and analysis in places like NPR, TechCrunch, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Miami Herald, HGTV, MSN, Reader's Digest, Real Simple, and an ever-growing library of podcast, radio and TV clips in the US and abroad.

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