How we selected these gadgets

We prioritized products that: solve clear problems, are easy to set up, receive consistent software updates, and have strong ecosystem support (works with Alexa, Google Assistant, or HomeKit). We also considered value — no need for luxury smart frills when a simple device does the job.

1. Smart Plug — the starter gadget that pays back

Why: Smart plugs make any appliance scheduleable and controllable remotely. Use them to automate lights, manage space heaters safely, or switch off phantom power to save energy.

Who it’s for: Renters, beginners, anyone who wants instant automation without rewiring.

Setup tip: Choose a plug with energy monitoring and ensure it supports your voice assistant. Place high-draw devices on plugs rated for their wattage.

2. Smart Thermostat — saves money long-term

Why: A smart thermostat learns your schedule or follows a manual program to reduce heating/cooling when you’re away. Over a year, many users see notable savings on energy bills.

Who it’s for: Homeowners with central heating/cooling systems. Not ideal for some electric baseboard systems — check compatibility.

Setup tip: Use the installer compatibility check and connect to Wi‑Fi for remote controls and weekly energy reports.

Consumer Reports: Smart Thermostat Buying Guide.

3. Video Doorbell — better than a porch camera

Why: A two-way video doorbell adds convenience and security: see who’s at the door, speak to delivery drivers, and get motion alerts. Cloud recordings help with package theft claims.

Who it’s for: Anyone who receives deliveries, wants extra front-door security, or lives in busy neighborhoods.

Setup tip: Mount at eye level, angle to capture packages, and enable familiar faces or package detection if available. Watch storage and subscription fees — local storage options reduce ongoing costs.

4. Smart Lock — convenience with care

Why: Smart locks let you lock/unlock doors remotely, grant temporary access codes to guests, and track entries. They remove the worry of lost keys and are great for short-term rentals.

Who it’s for: Homeowners, landlords, and hosts with short-term rentals.

Security tip: Prefer locks that retain manual key access and use strong two-factor authentication on the connected account. Check that the lock meets ANSI Grade 2 or 1 standards for security.

5. Security Camera System — pick the right coverage

Why: Cameras deter theft, document incidents, and provide peace of mind. Choose a mix of doorbell, floodlight and discreet indoor cameras depending on needs.

Who it’s for: Homeowners and families concerned about security or want to monitor pets/kids.

Privacy tip: Use cameras with local storage or encrypted cloud services and inform household members about camera placement. Review local laws about audio/video recording.

6. Robot Vacuum — automation that saves time

Why: Robot vacuums handle daily maintenance so you don’t have to. Modern models map rooms, avoid obstacles, and return to base for charging — huge time-savers for busy households.

Who it’s for: Pet owners, busy professionals, and families with hard floors or light carpets.

Buying tip: Choose a model with good mapping, app controls, and HEPA filters if allergies are a concern.

7. Mesh Wi‑Fi System — the invisible upgrade

Why: Mesh systems eliminate dead zones by replacing a single router with multiple nodes. They improve reliability for streaming, video calls and smart devices spread across the home.

Who it’s for: Larger homes, multi-story houses, or anyone with spotty Wi‑Fi.

Setup tip: Place nodes in open spaces and avoid stacking them; run a speed test at typical device locations to validate placement.

8. Air Quality Monitor — health you can measure

Why: Indoor air affects comfort and health. A compact air-quality monitor reports CO₂, VOCs, humidity and particulates so you can act—open windows, change HVAC filters, or run an air purifier.

Who it’s for: Families, allergy sufferers, and anyone worried about indoor pollution.

Tip: Pair readings with actionable rules (e.g., auto-ventilation) if your HVAC and smart plugs support automation.

9. Smart Lighting — mood and money

Why: Smart bulbs and switches let you schedule lights, create scenes, and dim for ambiance. They also integrate with motion sensors for safety lighting and energy savings.

Who it’s for: Everyone — lighting is an easy automation with instant perceived value.

Saving tip: Use smart switches for legacy bulbs to avoid replacing every fixture; group lights into zones for efficient control.

10. Backup Power & Smart Generator Controls

Why: For regions with frequent outages, a backup battery (small UPS for routers or whole-home battery systems) keeps critical devices online. Smart generator controllers allow automatic switchovers and remote monitoring.

Who it’s for: Homeowners in storm-prone or unreliable-grid areas.

Installation note: Whole-home systems require professional installation and permits; UPS and smart plugs are a good start for short outages.

Integration & ecosystem tips

Choose an ecosystem (Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit) early and check device compatibility. Avoid vendor lock-in by preferring devices supporting multiple ecosystems or local standards (Matter) to future‑proof your setup. Matter adoption in 2025 has improved interoperability, so look for that logo when possible.

Security & privacy — make it a priority

Smart devices increase attack surface. Protect your home network with a separate IoT VLAN or guest network, keep firmware updated, enable two-factor authentication for accounts, and change default passwords. Regularly review connected devices and remove anything unused.

Consumer Reports: Securing Smart Home Devices

Budgeting your setup

You don’t need everything at once. Start with a smart plug and a mesh Wi‑Fi node or a video doorbell, then expand into thermostat, locks, and cameras as you find value. Look for bundle discounts and seasonal sales—Prime Day and holiday deals often drop prices significantly.

Quick comparison table