The best smart home devices you can buy: Expert tested
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From effortlessly switching lights to locking doors to setting kitchen timers, smart home devices can make everyday tasks a lot easier. They can grant you peace of mind. Luckily, with smart home devices growing in popularity, prices are lower than ever, and the tech itself is way easier to install.
However, while market popularity has driven prices down, it's also made it more difficult to determine which are the best smart home devices. ZDNET is here to help you choose the right one.
What is the best smart home device right now?
ZDNET's pick for the current best smart home device is the Echo Show 8, a smart display with Amazon Alexa that lets iOS and Android utilize the benefits of a smart home. It's a comprehensive device for experienced and entry-level smart home enthusiasts alike. Delivering the convenience of voice control via a virtual assistant, the Echo Show 8 features a powerful speaker and touch display while functioning as a smart home hub with Zigbee, Matter, and Thread support.
Also: I used Amazon's Echo Show 21 as my smart home hub - and it's almost perfect
The best smart home devices of 2025
Our top pick for the best overall smart home device is the third-generation Amazon Echo Show 8. It has a great smart display and speaker combination for most beginner and experienced smart home users. Amazon's newest Echo Show 8 boasts a sleeker design with edge-to-edge glass, a centrally placed camera for video calls, and spatial audio from the smaller speaker enclosure.
I've been using the Echo Show 8 daily for almost a year, and this generation's improved processor delivers far faster performance than older models. It's become my kitchen companion for running smart home routines, interacting with Alexa, and streaming music and video content on the 8-inch HD screen while cooking.
Review: Amazon Echo Show 8 (third-gen)
This is the first Echo Show 8 to feature the camera in a central location rather than off to one side. This aids in better visual experiences during video calls. The camera also works for Visual ID personalization and Adaptive Content. Visual ID lets the Echo Show 8 recognize household members to personalize content, while Adaptive Content adjusts the screen's content based on a person's proximity.
It's a highly rated smart speaker, with one buyer saying, "I purchased this a few months ago, and it has exceeded my expectations in every way. The Spatial Audio feature provides a rich and immersive sound experience, perfect for listening to music, podcasts, and even video calls. The smart home hub integration is seamless, allowing me to easily control all my smart devices. Alexa's responsiveness and sharp display make this device a pleasure to use daily. "
Amazon Echo Show 8 features: Price: $150 | Compatibility: Amazon Alexa | Connectivity: Wi-fi, Bluetooth, and is a hub for Matter, Thread, Zigbee | Specs: 8-inch HD touchscreen, 13MP video call camera, Alexa voice assistant
This starter kit has everything you need to transform your lights into smart devices with Philips Hue. The kit includes two white and color smart bulbs and one Hue Bridge, so you can begin switching out old light bulbs for new ones. There's also room for expansion as the Bridge can handle up to 50 Philips Hue lights.
These Philips Hue smart lights are compatible with Alexa, HomeKit, and Google for voice control and integration. They're easy to set up using the Bridge, allowing users to control the lights wherever they use the app, set routines and automation, and expand their Philips Hue ecosystem.
It's important to note that without a Hue Bridge, customers can only connect their lights to their mobile app via Bluetooth, so they can't change settings remotely.
Though not cheap, Philips Hue lights are undoubtedly some of the best on the market. One buyer wrote that they "love these smart bulbs and the ease [it took] to set up. Love that we can change the colors of the room from an app on the phone. Like how I can turn on lights when I need to when I'm away. Although I got the Hue bridge and two bulbs at a good price, the color bulbs are expensive. "
Philips Hue Starter Kit features: Price: $180 | Wattage: 9.5 watts | Bulb size: A19 | Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit
The Nest Learning Thermostat has proven to be one of Google's best smart home products to ever hit the market. With reliable performance and smart home integrations through Matter, this device has remained relevant for years, and the newest generation is no exception.
Switching to a smart thermostat greatly impacted our home's climate control and energy efficiency. You can control your home's temperature from your phone no matter where you are, and program it to enter Eco Mode when you leave the house.
The new Nest Learning Thermostat looks gorgeous and fits right into any home decor. It can display the temperature, the outside weather, or a clock. It also learns your patterns and trends and suggests new settings to help keep your home comfortable while helping you save on utility bills.
"I'm upgrading from the learning thermostats that had the frosted glass look and had no trouble with installation, software setup just worked the first time," one buyer said. "The Matter support worked without a hitch on HomeKit and Home Assistant. And it seems that it's doing a better job than my old one at keeping the rooms I care about comfortable. The master bedroom is always perfect now after being in use for a week or so."
Nest Thermostat features: Price: $280 | Installation: Works without C wire | Finish: Available in three colors with rounded display | Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit through Matter
If you've ever wished you could unlock your front door with your iPhone as easily as you can check out with Apple Pay, you'll definitely want to check out the Aqara U100.
The Aqara U100 is a smart lock that offers users the option to unlock a door either by entering a predetermined passcode on the keypad, using their fingerprint, a physical key, a mobile app, near field communication (NFC) tags, or through Apple Home Key by simply holding their iPhone or Apple Watch up to their lock.
Review: Aqara U100 smart lock
These versatile options came in handy many times during our testing. No longer will you need to fumble for a fob while holding a dozen grocery bags or trade a million texts with a locked-out pet sitter while out of town.
This lock is also highly compatible, and works with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT.
Aqara U100 smart lock features: Price: $150 | Unlock options: Fingerprint, passcodes, Apple Home Key mechanical key, and NFC | Compatibility: Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
If you want to beef up your home security with a smart option, I recommend the EufyCam 3 and HomeBase 3 bundle. The three cameras are easy to install indoors or outdoors and have a solar panel along the top that recharges the battery.
I've had the two camera systems set up outside my home for almost two years and have only had to recharge one of them, installed facing north, a handful of times -- that's how effective their solar panels are at keeping the batteries charged.
Aside from the Eufy Security system being a great ecosystem for home security, expandable with many different camera types, it also offers users who have more than one camera in their homes the ability to see the same event captured in a single clip by stitching different camera feeds together.
"I wanted to be sure I had coverage on each side of my house (older neighborhood/long driveways). The setup was relatively easy, probably 30 minutes or less," one buyer said. "I have them on 4k all the time and no issues with battery life, even on a string of cloudy or rainy days. The 4k is very clear -- even at night."
The cameras are wireless, so they can be installed almost anywhere. The HomeBase 3 is the local storage hub inside your home, where all the recorded clips are saved.
EufyCam 3 and HomeBase 3 Features: Price: $530 | Power source: Solar-powered cameras, plug-in HomeBase | Resolution: 4K | Compatibility: Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa
What are the tariffs in the U.S.?
The recent U.S. tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to boost domestic manufacturing but are likely to drive up prices on consumer electronics. Products like smartphones, laptops, and TVs may become more expensive as companies rethink global supply chains and weigh the cost of shifting production.
Also: Tariff war has tech buyers wondering what's next. Here's what we know
Consumers may also experience notable price increases on robot vacuums and smart home products. Manufacturers are exploring options such as relocating production to countries with lower tariffs, but such transitions are complex and may not provide immediate relief. In the short term, shoppers should anticipate higher costs for robot vacuums due to these trade policies.
Right now, it looks like some tech may be exempt from the issued tariffs, but since it's always changing and developing, we are keeping an eye on it and will update you on the latest.
Also: Tariff exemptions for electronics offer a break for tech - but not for long
What is the best smart home device?
For most people interested in smart homes, the Echo Show 8 is the best smart home device you can buy. This smart hub can host multiple devices, has fantastic connectivity options, and provides reliable voice assistance through Alexa.
To see how the smart display compares to other smart home devices, here is a look at our picks:
| Best smart home device | ZDNET's take | Price | Compatibility | Connectivity |
| Amazon Echo Show 8 | Best overall | $150 | Alexa | Matter, Thread, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Philips Hue Starter Kit | Best smart light | $239 | Alexa, Google, HomeKit | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi through Bridge |
| Nest Learning Thermostat | Best smart thermostat | $240 | Alexa, Google, HomeKit | Wi-Fi, Matter |
| Aqara U100 | Best smart lock | $143 | Alexa, Google, HomeKit | Wi-Fi, Aqara Hub |
| EufyCam 3 and HomeBase 3 | Best security camera | $450 | Alexa, Google | Wi-Fi, Local storage |
Which is the best smart home device for you?
This list highlights the best smart home devices covering various areas of your home. From multi-device hubs to individual devices, there are many ways to make your home smart.
Consider these recommendations if you are unsure which smart home device is best for you:
| Choose this smart home device... | If you want... |
| Amazon Echo Show 8 | A smart home display with Alexa built-in. Use it to keep an eye on your whole home and smart home devices. |
| Philips Hue Starter Kit | To bring the power of smart lighting to your home. Install mood lighting, uplighting, or simply save money in energy bills with these LED lights. |
| Nest Learning Thermostat | An energy-efficient and smart way to control your home's HVAC system, no matter which home automation system you use, thanks to Matter. |
| Aqara U100 | The most versatile smart lock available. Bring convenience to your front door with the touch of an app. |
| EufyCam 3 and HomeBase 3 | An all-in-one smart home security system complete with expandable local storage, so you never have to worry about monthly fees. |
Factors to consider when choosing smart home devices
Choosing the right smart home devices can feel overwhelming with such a plethora of available options.
Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a smart home device:
- Compatibility: Whether you're choosing a smart light, a smart lock, or a video doorbell, compatibility is a key factor in determining how much convenience your new devices will give you. Ensure your chosen devices are compatible with your existing smart home system like Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings.
- Installation: Many smart home devices serve a purpose that requires installation of some kind. Make sure your new device fits your installation capabilities or that you have someone to install it if not.
- Ease of use: User-friendly interfaces are typically the ones that endure. If a device is too hard or cumbersome, you probably won't use it. Read up on other reviewers' experiences with user interfaces for managing the devices.
- Price: Always compare prices. Look for value for money, but don't focus on the lowest price. If you compromise on essential features and quality, you'll pay for it in the long run.
- Reliability: This is a big deal in the smart home community and is part of the ease of use of devices. If a device constantly gets disconnected or unresponsive, it's not worth your time or money.
How we test smart home devices
ZDNET reviews a wide range of devices to ensure we feature the ones that perform the best for our readers. As a smart home and robot vacuum reviewer, I evaluate each device's performance starting with the unboxing experience.
To do this, I ensure the device meets all the manufacturer's claims for features and capabilities, verify it works smoothly with different smart home ecosystems -- I test with Google, Alexa, HomeKit, and SmartThings -- and monitor its performance over a period of time ranging from two weeks to months.