Top Smart Home Devices That Actually Make Life Easier (and Are Worth the Price)

Smart home devices have come a long way. What used to be expensive or gimmicky tech is now practical, accessible, and surprisingly affordable. But here’s the truth: not every smart device is worth your time — or your money. Some are true game changers. They save time, improve comfort, and even lower energy bills. Others? Well… they just blink and collect dust. In this guide, we’ll highlight the smart home products that actually deliver on their promise — making your daily routines easier, smoother, and smarter.

1. Smart Plugs: The Underrated MVP

If you buy just one smart device, let it be a smart plug. They instantly turn your regular appliances into voice- or app-controlled gadgets.

• Control lamps, fans, coffee makers, or space heaters from anywhere
• Set schedules to reduce power use or mimic activity when you’re not home
• Monitor energy usage on some models

Best Picks: TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug, Amazon Smart Plug, or Wyze Plug All under $20 and simple to install.

2. Voice Assistants (Alexa, Google, Siri)

The central hub of any smart home — and the gateway to convenience. Voice assistants let you:

• Control other smart devices by voice
• Set timers, reminders, or shopping lists hands-free
• Play music, check weather, or get news instantly
• Create custom “routines” (e.g., “Good Morning” turns on lights + reads traffic)

Best Picks: Amazon Echo Dot (Alexa) or Google Nest Mini — both affordable and reliable.

3. Smart Light Bulbs

Want to instantly change the mood in a room or automate lighting while you’re away? Smart bulbs do it all.

• Change brightness or color with voice or app
• Set schedules (sunrise, sunset, custom scenes)
• Control lighting when you're traveling

Pro Tip: Start with a single room or lamp. It’s addictive. Best Picks: Philips Hue, Wyze Bulb, or Sengled.

4. Smart Thermostats (Energy-Saving Superstars)

This one pays for itself over time. Smart thermostats learn your patterns and adjust heating/cooling automatically — saving energy and money.

• Control from your phone or with your voice
• Set temperature schedules based on routines
• Track energy usage + efficiency suggestions

Best Picks: Google Nest Thermostat, ecobee SmartThermostat They’re especially great if you're gone during the day or travel often.

5. Smart Video Doorbells

Want instant peace of mind and front door control from anywhere? A smart video doorbell does just that.

• See and talk to visitors remotely via app
• Receive alerts for deliveries or motion
• Deter package theft or unwanted solicitors

Best Picks: Ring Video Doorbell, Arlo Video Doorbell, Blink Pro tip: You don’t need a subscription for basic functionality on most models.

6. Robot Vacuums (A Real Time-Saver)

Set it and forget it — robot vacuums clean your floors while you do literally anything else.

• Schedule daily cleaning runs
• Control from your phone (start, stop, track progress)
• Some models auto-empty or map rooms with precision

Best Picks: Roborock, iRobot Roomba, or Eufy BoostIQ Even lower-cost models can drastically reduce dust and daily mess.

7. Smart Displays for Kitchens or Offices

Think of these as the visual version of a voice assistant.

• Follow recipes hands-free in the kitchen
• Make video calls
• Control smart home devices from a touchscreen
• Display family calendars, reminders, or weather

Best Picks: Amazon Echo Show 5/8 or Google Nest Hub They're especially useful in kitchens, entryways, or family command centers.

8. Smart Locks (Key-Free Living)

Ditch your keys without sacrificing security.

• Lock/unlock your door from your phone
• Create guest codes or temporary access
• Get alerts when someone comes/goes

Best Picks: August Smart Lock, Wyze Lock, or Schlage Encode Perfect for Airbnb hosts, frequent guests, or simply never fumbling with keys again.

9. Smart Cameras (Peace of Mind 24/7)

Whether you want to check on pets or boost home security, smart indoor/outdoor cameras give you control from anywhere.

• Live view from phone
• Motion-triggered alerts
• Cloud or local recording options

Best Picks: Wyze Cam (budget king), Arlo, or Google Nest Cam Even placing one at the front door or living room can make a huge difference.

10. Smart Power Strips and Surge Protectors

Take everything you love about smart plugs — and expand it.

• Individually control each outlet remotely
• Monitor energy usage for every connected device
• Turn off standby devices to cut phantom power use

Best Picks: Kasa Smart Strip, APC Smart Power Strip Especially helpful for entertainment centers, home offices, and gaming setups. Final Thoughts: Choose What Actually Improves Your Life Not every home needs every device. But the right smart home tools can: Simplify your routines Save money over time Make your space feel more responsive and intuitive Start small — maybe just a smart plug and bulb. Then build from there based on your lifestyle. The smartest home isn’t the one with the most gadgets — it’s the one that makes your daily life feel smoother, simpler, and more in sync with you.