Best Smart Home Devices 2026 – Automation, Security & Energy Savings
Transform any space into a smart home—without losing your security deposit
Smart home technology has transformed from futuristic luxury into practical necessity, offering tangible benefits like enhanced security, significant energy savings, and daily convenience through voice control and automation. If you’re tired of manually adjusting thermostats, wondering who’s at your door, or vacuuming floors yourself, modern smart home devices deliver measurable improvements to comfort, safety, and efficiency while typically paying for themselves through reduced utility bills. I’ve tested dozens of home automation products to help you build a cohesive system that actually simplifies life rather than adding complexity.
Today’s home automation addresses real problems homeowners face: wasted energy from forgotten lights and inefficient HVAC, security concerns when traveling or at work, and time-consuming household chores that automation handles autonomously. Whether you’re starting with a single smart plug or building a comprehensive ecosystem, the right devices work together seamlessly to create a responsive home that anticipates your needs and operates efficiently without constant manual intervention.
Last updated: December 2025 – Added latest Matter-compatible devices and energy monitoring recommendations
Explore Smart Home by Category Build your automated home step by step: →
[Robot Vacuums & Mopping Robots](/smart-home/robot-vacuums/) – Automated floor cleaning →
[Smart Locks & Video Doorbells](/smart-home/smart-locks/) – Keyless entry and security →
[Smart Thermostats & Energy Monitors](/smart-home/smart-thermostats/) – Save on utility bills →
[Smart Lighting & LED Bulbs](/smart-home/smart-lighting/) – Voice-controlled ambiance →
[Home Security Cameras](/smart-home/security-cameras/) – 24/7 property monitoring
In This Guide
- Smart Locks & Video Doorbells
- Smart Thermostats & Energy Monitors
- Robot Vacuums & Mopping Robots
- Smart Lighting & LED Bulbs
- Home Security Cameras
- Smart Plugs & Outlets
- Voice Assistants & Hubs
- How to Build Your Smart Home
- 2026 Smart Home Trends
<a name=”security”></a>Smart Locks & Video Doorbells
Smart entry systems combine convenience and security by allowing keyless entry, remote access for guests, and real-time alerts when doors are accessed. Smart locks eliminate hiding keys under doormats while video doorbells show exactly who’s at your door before you answer, capturing package thieves and deterring porch pirates.
Key Features in 2026 Security Tech:
- Keyless entry with smartphone, keypad, or voice control
- Remote locking/unlocking from anywhere
- Temporary access codes for guests, cleaners, contractors
- Activity logs showing who entered and when
- Integration with security systems and cameras
- Auto-lock features preventing accidentally unlocked doors
- Battery backup during power outages
Best for: All homeowners, but particularly valuable for Airbnb hosts, families with kids losing keys constantly, people managing contractors/cleaners, and anyone wanting enhanced security beyond traditional locks. Video doorbells reduce package theft and provide evidence when theft occurs.
Top Picks:
August Wi-Fi Smart Lock – Best retrofit smart lock installing on existing deadbolts in 10 minutes without changing exterior appearance. Supports multiple entry methods and integrates with major smart home systems.
Schlage Encode Plus – Most secure smart lock with built-in WiFi (no hub required) and Apple Home Key support using iPhone or Apple Watch for entry. Matte black finish fits modern aesthetics.
Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 – Best video doorbell with radar-based 3D motion detection, HDR video, and bird’s-eye view showing full property context. Hardwired for continuous power.
Google Nest Doorbell (Battery) – Wireless video doorbell with intelligent alerts differentiating people, packages, animals, and vehicles. Battery-powered for easy installation anywhere.
→ Compare smart locks and video doorbells
Smart Thermostats & Energy Monitors
Climate control represents the highest energy cost in most homes, making smart thermostats among the fastest-ROI smart home investments through automated scheduling and energy usage insights. Modern thermostats learn your preferences and adjust automatically while providing detailed reports showing exactly where energy dollars go.
Key Features in 2026 Thermostats:
- Learning algorithms creating automatic schedules
- Geofencing adjusting temperature when you leave/return
- Energy usage reports with money-saving suggestions
- Remote control from smartphone when away
- Integration with weather forecasts for proactive adjustment
- Multi-zone control for different room temperatures
- Occupancy sensors preventing heating/cooling empty rooms
Best for: Homeowners with inconsistent schedules, people who forget to adjust thermostats, anyone with high heating/cooling costs, and multi-story homes needing zone control. Average savings: 10-23% on energy bills according to manufacturer studies.
Top Picks:
Google Nest Learning Thermostat – Best overall smart thermostat with auto-learning schedules, beautiful circular display, and Farsight feature showing information from across the room. Energy History shows exactly when and why HVAC runs.
Ecobee SmartThermostat Premium – Best for multi-room comfort with included room sensor detecting occupancy and temperature in multiple locations. Built-in Alexa speaker for voice control.
Sense Home Energy Monitor – Whole-home energy monitoring system identifying individual appliance usage and detecting issues like inefficient HVAC or appliances left on accidentally. Installs at electrical panel.
Emporia Vue Smart Plug – Budget energy monitoring through smart plugs measuring individual device consumption. Identifies vampire power drain and usage patterns.
→ Browse thermostats and energy monitoring
Robot Vacuums & Mopping Robots
Automated floor cleaning has become one of the most popular smart home categories, with modern robot vacuums handling daily maintenance while you focus on literally anything else. Advanced models combine vacuuming and mopping, empty themselves, and navigate complex floor plans without getting stuck or missing areas.
Key Features in 2026 Robot Vacuums:
- LiDAR or camera navigation for efficient cleaning patterns
- Self-emptying bases holding 30-60 days of debris
- Mopping capabilities with rotating pads or sonic scrubbing
- Obstacle avoidance using AI to detect cables, socks, pet waste
- Multi-floor mapping remembering different levels
- Scheduled cleaning when you’re away or asleep
- App control with room-specific cleaning and no-go zones
Best for: All homeowners, particularly pet owners battling daily shedding, busy professionals wanting consistently clean floors, and anyone with mobility issues making traditional vacuuming difficult. Even budget models reduce manual vacuuming frequency significantly.
Top Picks:
Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra – Premium all-in-one system with 10,000Pa suction, self-washing mop, hot water mop cleaning, and extended side brush reaching corners. Handles entire cleaning cycle autonomously for weeks.
iRobot Roomba j9+ – Best for pet hair with dual rubber brushes that never tangle and Pet Owner Official Promise guaranteeing pet waste avoidance. Self-empties into 60-day capacity base.
Eufy X10 Pro Omni – Best value combining 8000Pa suction, self-washing mops, and 45-day dustbin capacity at mid-range pricing. Excellent navigation and app control.
Shark Matrix Plus – Budget pick with self-empty base and Matrix Clean technology for thorough coverage. Simple setup and reliable performance without premium pricing.
→ Compare robot vacuums and mopping robots
Smart Lighting & LED Bulbs
Smart lighting offers the simplest entry point into home automation while delivering immediate benefits: never entering a dark house, automated schedules mimicking presence while traveling, and customizable ambiance for activities from movie nights to dinner parties. Modern systems last years while consuming minimal electricity.
Key Features in 2026 Smart Lighting:
- Color temperature adjustment (warm to cool white)
- RGB color changing for ambiance and entertainment
- Voice control via Alexa, Google, Siri
- Automated schedules and sunrise/sunset synchronization
- Motion-activated lights in hallways and closets
- Integration with security systems and doorbells
- Energy monitoring showing per-bulb consumption
Best for: Everyone—smart lighting works in rentals (just unscrew when moving), requires no hub with WiFi bulbs, and costs as little as $10 per bulb. Start with most-used rooms and expand gradually.
Top Picks:
Philips Hue White & Color Ambiance – Premium ecosystem with richest colors, best app, and extensive third-party integration. Requires Hue Bridge hub but offers superior reliability.
LIFX Color A19 – No hub required WiFi bulbs with vibrant colors and brightness. Simple setup through dedicated app, works with all major voice assistants.
Wyze Color Bulb – Budget smart lighting under $15 per bulb with color changing and scheduling. Adequate brightness and color range for most users.
Govee LED Strip Lights – Accent lighting for behind TVs, under cabinets, or architectural features. App-controlled colors sync with music and screen content.
→ Browse smart lighting and LED bulbs
Home Security Cameras (Indoor/Outdoor)
Smart security cameras provide 24/7 monitoring, motion alerts, and recorded evidence deterring theft while letting you check on homes, pets, and kids from anywhere. Modern cameras use AI to differentiate between people, animals, vehicles, and packages, reducing false alarms while catching genuine security events.
Key Features in 2026 Security Cameras:
- 1080p or 4K video quality with HDR
- Color night vision or infrared illumination
- Two-way audio for communication
- AI detection (person, vehicle, animal, package)
- Local and cloud storage options
- Weather resistance for outdoor placement
- Continuous recording or motion-activated modes
- Integration with smart lighting and alarms
Best for: All homeowners concerned about security, package theft prevention, pet monitoring during work, checking on kids arriving home, and property surveillance while traveling. Indoor cameras double as baby monitors or pet cams.
Top Picks:
Arlo Pro 5S – Best wireless outdoor camera with 2K HDR video, color night vision, built-in spotlight, and long battery life. No wiring required for installation anywhere.
Google Nest Cam (Battery) – Best AI detection with facial recognition identifying specific people, intelligent alerts, and 3-hour event history free without subscription.
Wyze Cam v3 – Budget indoor/outdoor camera under $40 with color night vision, motion detection, and local microSD storage. Adequate quality for most users.
Eufy SoloCam S340 – Solar-powered outdoor camera never requiring charging with dual cameras providing 8x zoom and 360° coverage. No monthly fees for local storage.
→ Compare home security cameras
Smart Plugs & Outlets
Smart plugs transform any device into smart home automation for under $15, making them the most cost-effective entry point. Turn lamps on/off remotely, schedule coffee makers, monitor energy usage, and create automated routines—all without replacing existing devices or hiring electricians.
Key Features in 2026 Smart Plugs:
- Smartphone control from anywhere
- Voice control compatibility
- Automated schedules and routines
- Energy monitoring tracking power consumption
- Away mode randomizing lights for security
- Compact designs fitting multiple plugs per outlet
- Indoor and outdoor weather-resistant options
Best for: Everyone wanting smart home benefits without buying new devices. Perfect for lamps, fans, space heaters, coffee makers, holiday lights, and any device lacking built-in smarts. Renters appreciate installation requiring no modifications.
Top Picks:
Kasa Smart Plug Mini (4-Pack) – Best value smart plugs under $10 each with energy monitoring, compact design, and reliable app. No hub required.
Amazon Smart Plug – Simplest setup for Alexa users with one-tap installation. Budget-friendly for controlling lamps and small appliances.
Eve Energy – Best for Apple HomeKit users with energy monitoring and Thread support for reliable connectivity. Premium build quality.
Wemo WiFi Smart Plug – Works with all major platforms (Alexa, Google, Apple) offering maximum compatibility and away mode security features.
→ Browse smart plugs and outlets
Voice Assistants & Smart Speakers
Voice control serves as the central nervous system of smart homes, allowing hands-free operation while cooking, carrying packages, or relaxing on the couch. Smart speakers act as control hubs, entertainment systems, and information sources integrated throughout your home.
Key Features in 2026 Voice Assistants:
- Multi-room audio with synchronized playback
- Smart home device control via voice commands
- Routines combining multiple actions with single phrase
- Intercom functionality between rooms
- Music streaming from major services
- Visual displays for recipes, calendars, video calls
- Built-in smart home hubs (Zigbee, Thread)
Best for: Hands-free control enthusiasts, families wanting whole-home audio, people with mobility limitations benefiting from voice commands, and anyone building comprehensive smart home ecosystems requiring central control.
Top Picks:
Amazon Echo (4th Gen) – Best overall smart speaker with excellent sound quality, built-in Zigbee hub, and massive Alexa skill library. Spherical design fits any décor.
Google Nest Audio – Best for Google services users with superior Assistant intelligence, excellent sound at mid-range price, and seamless Android integration.
Apple HomePod mini – Best for Apple ecosystem with Siri control, Thread border router, and premium privacy features. Computational audio delivers impressive sound from compact size.
Amazon Echo Show 10 – Smart display with rotating screen following you around the room. Perfect kitchen companion for recipes and video calls.
→ Compare voice assistants and smart speakers
Smart Home Comparison – Find the Right Devices
Smart Security
| Device | Best Feature | Installation | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| August Smart Lock | Retrofit install | Easy (10 min) | $250 |
| Schlage Encode Plus | Apple Home Key | Replace deadbolt | $330 |
| Ring Doorbell Pro 2 | 3D motion detection | Hardwired | $250 |
| Nest Doorbell Battery | No wiring needed | Wireless | $180 |
Climate Control
| Device | Learning | Sensors | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nest Learning | Auto-learning | Included | $250 |
| Ecobee Premium | Manual programming | Room sensor included | $250 |
| Sense Monitor | N/A (monitoring only) | Whole-home | $300 |
Related Solutions Across Categories Integrate smart home with other needs: →
[Pet Tech Cameras](/pet-tech/smart-pet-cameras/) – Monitor pets through smart home systems →
[Baby Tech](/baby-tech/) – Nursery automation and monitoring integration →
[Wellness Tech – Air Purifiers](/wellness-tech/air-purifiers/) – Smart air quality control →
[Work From Home Collections](/collections/work-from-home-setup/) – Complete office automation
How to Build Your Smart Home
Building an effective smart home requires strategic planning to ensure devices work together seamlessly while avoiding expensive mistakes or incompatible ecosystems. Start small, expand thoughtfully, and prioritize solving actual problems over accumulating gadgets.
Phase 1: Foundation (Start Here) Choose your voice assistant platform (Alexa, Google, or Apple) based on existing devices and preferences. This decision affects all future purchases, so research compatibility carefully. Install 2-3 smart plugs in high-use areas (living room lamps, bedroom fans) to experience automation benefits immediately at minimal cost.
Phase 2: High-Impact Additions Add devices delivering maximum value relative to cost:
- Smart thermostat (energy savings pay for itself within 1-2 years)
- Video doorbell (security + package monitoring)
- Robot vacuum (time savings + consistently clean floors)
- Smart lighting in 2-3 most-used rooms
Phase 3: Comprehensive Automation Expand with specialty devices matching your specific needs:
- Security cameras covering entry points
- Smart locks for keyless convenience
- Additional smart bulbs throughout home
- Motion sensors automating lighting
- Smart smoke detectors integrated with system
Budget Strategy:
- Under $500: Voice assistant + smart plugs + LED bulbs + video doorbell
- $500-1,500: Add smart thermostat + robot vacuum + smart lock
- $1,500-3,000: Add security cameras + comprehensive lighting + energy monitoring
- $3,000+: Whole-home automation with scenes, routines, and premium devices
According to Parks Associates research, U.S. households with smart home devices save an average of $1,390 annually through reduced energy costs, prevented theft, and early problem detection (water leaks, HVAC issues) when systems are properly implemented.
Smart Home Trends to Watch in 2026 and Beyond
The smart home industry is consolidating around universal standards while adding sophisticated AI capabilities that make homes genuinely intelligent rather than merely connected. Here’s what’s driving adoption in 2026.
Matter Protocol Adoption: The universal smart home standard ensures devices from different manufacturers work together seamlessly, ending the fragmentation that plagued early smart homes.
AI-Powered Automation: Homes now predict your needs based on patterns, automatically adjusting climate, lighting, and security without explicit programming or routines.
Energy Independence: Smart homes integrate with solar panels and home batteries, optimizing energy usage based on utility rates and automatically selling excess power back to grids.
Health Monitoring: Environmental sensors detect air quality issues, mold, radon, and carbon monoxide while HVAC systems automatically respond to maintain healthy indoor environments.
Elder Care Integration: Smart homes increasingly support aging-in-place with fall detection, medication reminders, and automated wellness checks reducing the need for assisted living facilities.
Sustainability Focus: Energy monitoring, smart irrigation, and automated systems reduce household environmental impact while saving money—addressing both economic and ecological concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is smart home technology worth the investment?
Smart home devices deliver measurable returns through energy savings (10-30% on utility bills), time savings (3-5 hours weekly from automated cleaning/control), security improvements (package theft reduction, evidence collection), and convenience (voice control, remote access). Start with high-ROI devices like smart thermostats and robot vacuums that pay for themselves through savings and time recovery. Low-cost entries like smart plugs ($10-15) provide immediate automation benefits. Calculate payback period: $250 smart thermostat saving $30/month = 8-month ROI.
Do I need a hub or can devices connect directly to WiFi?
Modern smart home devices increasingly connect directly to WiFi without requiring hubs, simplifying setup and reducing costs. However, hub-based systems (Philips Hue, Samsung SmartThings) offer superior reliability, faster response, and continued operation during internet outages. Choose based on priorities: WiFi devices for simplicity and lower upfront cost; hub systems for reliability and advanced automation. Matter-compatible devices work with multiple platforms simultaneously, offering flexibility.
Which voice assistant ecosystem should I choose?
Choose based on existing devices and service preferences. Amazon Alexa offers the most smart home device compatibility and skills. Google Assistant provides superior natural language understanding and search capabilities. Apple HomeKit delivers best privacy and seamless Apple device integration but supports fewer devices. Most people choose Alexa or Google; Apple users invested in iPhone/iPad ecosystem benefit from HomeKit. Many devices now support all three, providing flexibility.
Are smart home devices secure from hackers?
Smart home security depends on proper setup and device selection. Choose devices from established brands with regular security updates. Essential protections: use strong unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication, keep firmware updated, use separate WiFi network for smart devices, and avoid cheap generic brands with known vulnerabilities. Major brands (Google, Amazon, Apple, Ring, Arlo) prioritize security. Risk is manageable with basic precautions—far lower than leaving doors unlocked or skipping security cameras entirely.
Can renters use smart home devices?
Yes! Many smart home devices work perfectly in rentals without modifications. Best options: smart plugs (no installation), WiFi smart bulbs (screw in existing sockets), battery-powered video doorbells, clip-on smart locks, and portable devices like robot vacuums. Avoid: hardwired devices, permanent cameras, smart switches requiring electrical work, and anything requiring landlord permission. Save devices when moving—everything transfers to new home.
Related Smart Solutions
Complete your automated home with these integrations:
Pet Tech – Smart feeders and cameras integrate with home automation
Baby Tech – Nursery monitoring through smart home systems
Wellness Tech – Air purifiers and climate control for health
Security Systems – Professional monitoring with smart device integration
Explore More Smart Home Solutions
Smart Locks & Doorbells – Keyless entry and video security
Smart Thermostats – Climate control and energy savings
Robot Vacuums – Automated floor cleaning
Smart Lighting – Automated and voice-controlled lights
Security Cameras – Indoor and outdoor monitoring
Explore All Smart Home Solutions **
[Robot Vacuums & Mopping Robots](/smart-home/robot-vacuums/)** – Automated cleaning systems **
[Smart Locks & Video Doorbells](/smart-home/smart-locks/)** – Security and keyless entry **[Smart Thermostats](/smart-home/smart-thermostats/)** – Climate control and energy savings **
[Smart Lighting & LED Bulbs](/smart-home/smart-lighting/)** – Voice-controlled illumination **
[Home Security Cameras](/smart-home/security-cameras/)** – Indoor and outdoor monitoring **
[Smart Plugs & Outlets](/smart-home/smart-plugs/)** – Affordable automation starter **
[Voice Assistants & Hubs](/smart-home/voice-assistants/)** – Central control systems →
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