The Best Smart Home Devices of 2023

Smart hubs, a ubiquitous item in many modern homes, can unify connected gadgets into one central control system. The Amazon Echo smart hub is one of the most functional options available, and it’s compatible with a wide range of smart devices.

Powered by Alexa (Amazon’s voice assistant), the hub allows users to control connected devices and interact with Alexa to answer questions or change settings using voice commands. Beyond connecting and controlling devices, the hub is also a high-quality smart speaker, so you can turn on clear-sounding music and podcasts with a single phrase or a tap of your phone.

Those hoping to improve home security and safety might wish to check out the Blink Outdoor Security Camera. This easy-to-install, weather-resistant camera boasts a battery-powered and wireless design that captures 1080p HD footage of front porches or backyards. Clips can be stored on the cloud with a Blink Subscription Plan (not included) or via local storage with a USB flash drive (not included).

Using the Blink Home Monitor app, users can view live video or browse through videos saved in cloud storage. A detailed set of motion detection settings, including custom motion zones and sensitivity settings, makes it simple to set up alerts and capture clips as necessary. The camera can pair with Alexa-enabled products, such as Amazon Echo, and is compatible with IFTTT for more flexible control options.

One of the simplest and most affordable device options for smart-home newbies, the Kasa Smart Plug can let you turn a “dumb” device into a smart one. It plugs into any home outlet and connects to Wi-Fi (using a 2.4GHz band) to offer smart control of the outlet.

By using the Kasa app or connecting to a compatible voice assistant (Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant), users can control the outlet and the plugged-in device. Possible actions include turning the device on and off, scheduling timers and countdown schedules, and triggering an “away” mode to make the home appear occupied. When paired with other Kasa products, the Kasa Smart Actions feature allows users to group outlets and devices to switch them all on or off with a click.

Set the mood in any room with the Philips Hue Smart bulb. Users can turn the bulb on and off and control the light temperature and color using voice controls or the app. With a menu of color options, mood lighting settings, and manual settings to choose from, options abound to customize ambience and illumination.

This set includes two A19 LED smart bulbs, compatible with Bluetooth, Zigbee (a common smart-home network standard), Alexa-enabled devices, and Google Assistant devices. Using a compatible device or the smartphone app, users can adjust current lighting modes or scheduled pre-set light “recipes.” Plus, installing these Energy Star–certified bulbs is a breeze; just replace your current light bulb with this smart version.

Never worry about leaving a light on again with the Kasa Smart Dimmer Switch. This smart switch enables users to adjust lighting from anywhere, whether you want to soften the mood for an intimate dinner or allow illumination to fade in a child’s room at bedtime.

This switch, which requires a neutral wire to install, connects via a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network to offer remote lighting control from the Kasa app or voice control via Amazon Alexa or Google Home. Users can switch lighting on and off, adjust brightness, and set schedules and timers.

With the Google Nest Learning Thermostat, users can control home temperature with an app or a voice command to Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa hubs. Easily adjust temperature, set schedules, or enable the “auto-schedule” mode which “learns” your habits and responds accordingly. A “home/away assist” feature automatically adjusts temperature when the house is empty to save energy. Plus, both the thermostat display and the app offer the option to view energy history should users wish to look at usage patterns.

Within about a week of use, the smart thermostat’s “auto-schedule” feature will come to comprehend your schedule and temperature preferences throughout the day and through the seasons. Any change in habits? Control, of course, is just a click or a voice command away.

Easily see who is at the door from anywhere with the Arlo Essential Video Doorbell, which works with existing wiring to replace a traditional doorbell. Each time a guest arrives, the Arlo captures the image from head to toe in crisp, detailed HD video. When the doorbell rings, it triggers a video call (with two-way audio) or a quick reply message. The video doorbell also captures video when the motion detector is triggered, so the unit essentially doubles as a front door camera for added security. All the features are accessible via the smartphone app.

The WiFi-enabled doorbell is weather resistant to withstand the elements on any front door or porch. It is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit, and Samsung SmartThings for those who prefer using voice controls.

With the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, forgotten keys are a relic of the past. The smart-lock system is compatible with most single-cylinder deadbolts to work with the existing deadbolt lock for easy installation. Once connected to a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network, the lock enables users to check the door status and lock and unlock the door from anywhere. Plus, a secure key feature means approved friends and family can also control the lock.

Users can control the settings through a smartphone app or voice commands via Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant. To add even more convenience, an auto-unlock and auto-lock feature detects when you’re close by to trigger the appropriate action.

Clean smarter, not harder, with the iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum. In addition to cleaning debris off a variety of flooring surfaces, this Roomba takes it up a notch with added smart features. With the iRobot Home App or a voice assistant (Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant), users can control, schedule, or locate the vacuum. Over time, the app comes to comprehend cleaning habits to suggest customized schedules or extra cleanings as needed; for example, during pollen season.

The vacuum is suitable for use on hard floors and carpets, with a multisurface brush that cleans dust as well as large debris. An Edge-Sweeping brush ensures that corners and edges aren’t missed. Each cleaning session can last up to 90 minutes, after which the Roomba automatically docks and recharges.

Those who take home security seriously may wish to consider this SimpliSafe product. The nine-piece home security system includes a base station (a central hub with a siren), a keypad, four entry sensors, two motion sensors, and a SimpliCam security camera. Yet this wireless system is remarkably quick and easy to set up.

The SimpliSafe Home Security App lets users arm and disarm the system, set notifications, monitor the system, and watch and capture live video. The system is also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, to make it easy to arm the system with a voice command while heading out the door.  For even more comprehensive security, users can opt in to a 24/7 professional monitoring service.