Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Go Smart
Smart home devices make your living space smarter, safer, and more energy-efficient. Building a smart home does not require a complete renovation — start with one device and expand gradually.
A reliable smartphone is the command centre of any smart home. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro Max in our Top Ten Smartphones to Buy in 2025 guide both offer best-in-class smart home app support and voice assistant integration.
Choosing Your Ecosystem
Amazon Alexa is the most compatible with third-party brands. Apple HomeKit is the most private. Google Home sits in between. Prioritise Matter-compatible products — the universal standard that ensures your devices work together across brands for years to come.
Manage your smart home from any laptop in our Top Ten Laptops for Students and Professionals guide. Samsung Galaxy Book owners benefit especially from native SmartThings integration.
Top Ten Smart Home Devices — Full Reviews
1–4: Hub, Thermostat, Lighting, and Security
- Amazon Echo Hub — The eight-inch touchscreen command centre for your entire smart home. Controls thousands of compatible devices and supports Matter protocol.
- Google Nest Thermostat — Learns your schedule and preferences to reduce heating and cooling bills by up to fifteen percent annually.
- Philips Hue Smart Lighting System — The gold standard in smart lighting. The full ecosystem of bulbs, strips, and outdoor fixtures transforms any space — including a home content creator studio paired with gadgets from our Top Ten Tech Gadgets for Content Creators guide.
- Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 — 1080p HDR video, three-dimensional motion detection, and two-way audio. Sends instant smartphone alerts whenever someone approaches your door.
5–8: Camera, Display, Cleaning, and Wi-Fi
- Arlo Pro 5S Security Camera — 2K HDR video, built-in spotlight and siren, and up to six months of battery life. Monitor your home remotely from any destination in our Top Ten Budget Travel Destinations for 2025 or Top Ten Bucket List Destinations to Visit Before You Die guides.
- Amazon Echo Show 15 — Wall-mounted family hub displaying calendars, shopping lists, and smart home controls. Visual ID recognises different family members.
- eufy RoboVac X9 Pro — Laser navigation, simultaneous mopping and vacuuming, and smartphone scheduling. Keeps your floors clean without any manual effort.
- TP-Link Deco XE75 Wi-Fi 6E Mesh System — Eliminates dead zones across your entire home. Essential backbone for any smart home — handles dozens of connected devices without performance loss.
9–10: Smart Plugs and Smart Locks
- Meross Smart Plug Mini — The simplest entry point into smart home living. Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. Plug in and control any appliance remotely from your phone.
- August Smart Lock Pro — Control home access remotely, grant temporary digital keys to guests, and monitor all entries. Installs over your existing deadbolt in minutes.
Smart Home for Health, Work, and Travel
Smart Home Supporting Your Health Goals
Automated lighting schedules that mimic natural daylight patterns improve sleep quality — the most important factor in mental wellbeing according to our Top Ten Mental Health Tips for a Happier Life guide.
Smart plugs can automate your blender for post-workout smoothies using ingredients from our Top Ten Superfoods You Should Be Eating Every Day guide, while automated lighting scenes support the workout routines in our Top Ten Home Workout Routines for Beginners article.
Remote Monitoring and Productivity
Monitor your home security remotely using your phone from any destination in our Top Ten Solo Travel Tips for First-Time Travellers guide. Arlo and Ring cameras let you check live feeds, receive alerts, and let in trusted visitors without being home.
The meal planning strategies in our Top Ten Healthy Meal Plans for Busy People guide integrate naturally with smart home devices — smart speakers can read recipes aloud, set cooking timers, and add items to your grocery list hands-free while you cook.
