The best smart home devices for 2025.
Building a smart home from scratch can feel overwhelming. Here are our favorite smart home devices available today, ranging from smart speakers to robot vacuums and more.
The advancement of technology in homes has been remarkable in recent years, with an increase in the variety of "smart" devices ranging from speakers and cameras to locks and kitchen appliances. With the diversity of voice assistants and IoT standards available, it can be complicated to establish a smart ecosystem at home from scratch.
To make this task easier, an extensive test of numerous smart home gadgets has been conducted, highlighting those that are truly worth it. It is recommended not to acquire all devices at once due to cost and the convenience of testing one or two initially, choosing a preferred voice assistant and sticking with it.
Among the recommended devices, the Sonos Era 100 stands out as the best smart speaker, thanks to its high-quality sound and compact size that allows it to fit into almost any space. The audio quality improves significantly when properly adjusted with the iPhone app, although the Android app does not allow this configuration. This speaker is compatible with multiple streaming services, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a multi-room audio solution.
For those seeking more affordable options, there are smart speakers available for around $100. The Amazon Echo excels in sound quality, particularly in bass, and allows for the connection of two units for a better stereo experience. The Nest Audio and HomePod mini are also good alternatives, each with distinctive features in terms of audio quality.
In the smart display category, the Echo Show 8 is highlighted as the best among Alexa devices. Its size makes it ideal for any room, and it supports streaming services like Amazon Prime and Netflix, although it lacks a native YouTube app, which can be a downside. With the option for video calls, it also features capabilities like facial tracking.
On the other hand, Google's Nest Hub is an excellent smart display that can function as a digital photo frame, showcasing photos from Google Photos. It offers compatibility with popular streaming services and lacks a camera, making it more suited for private spaces. If a display with a camera is desired, the Nest Hub Max allows for video calls and features better speakers.
Another easy-to-integrate component in a smart home is smart bulbs. Philips Hue bulbs are a recommended option, as they allow for lighting control through an app or voice, offering scheduling options and different light ambiances. Alternatively, Kasa Smart WiFi bulbs are a budget-friendly option, easy to learn to use, and ideal for those looking to control energy consumption.
Regarding security cameras, Blink Outdoor 4 wireless cameras stand out for their easy installation and long battery life. For the main entrance, the Arlo Essential Video Doorbell offers superior video quality and smart notifications.
Devices like the Roomba Combo j9+ combine vacuuming and mopping functions, being especially useful for pet owners, while Kasa Smart Plug Mini is an excellent choice for adding connectivity to less smart devices in the home.
Finally, when choosing a voice assistant, the decision usually depends on personal preferences and the use of services like Amazon Prime or Google Services. Both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa offer compatibility with a wide range of devices, although each has unique features that may benefit different users.
