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From smart lighting to doorbells, there are countless smart home devices out there, and it can be difficult to choose. You also have to decide which platform to use for your smart home -- options include Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa or sticking with a home security brand. CNET's reviewers are always on the watch for new home gadgets that are worth the setup and money, so you can find the right tech answers.
Read more: Best Smart Home Gifts for 2025
Now, we're rounding up some of our favorite picks, from lighting to thermostats, that we've used in our own homes. Take a look to see what your home may need and what features these connected devices can add, even to the most unlikely places.
Photo Gallery 1/1 Best smart speaker Amazon Echo Studio (2025) Pros Latest in room-filling sound from Amazon
Alexa Plus capabilities
Sensors to customize volume Cons Alexa Plus costs $20 if you aren't a Prime subscriber
The Death Star-like design is a little weird Amazon's newest smart speakers come with spatial audio and other sound enhancements, which are especially noticeable in the powerful Echo Studio. With the Alexa app, this smart speaker can connect to a wide variety of services, from your favorite music streaming option to Uber, food delivery apps and more. Alexa can also connect with many smart home devices and control them with a voice command, including lights, locks and smart plugs. You can even pair two Studios and connect them to a compatible TV for theater sound. One of the big highlights of this new speaker is Alexa Plus, a more advanced AI version of the voice assistant that's free for Prime users, but otherwise costs $20 per month. Alexa Plus is a cheerier and generally more informative voice assistant with expanded capabilities, a generally strong upgrade compared to past versions of Alexa, so if you've been looking for a voice assistant to help out around the home, this is a good time to jump in. ... Show more Get it now $220 at Amazon
Tyler Lizenby/CNET Photo Gallery 1/1 Tyler Lizenby/CNET The other best smart speaker Google Nest Mini Pros Decent sound from small speaker
Wall-mountable
Fun color choices Cons No aux port Google's Nest Mini smart speaker isn't as powerful as the new Echo, but it's a great budget-friendly option for Google users. The audio quality in the Nest Mini is respectable, given its price and profile. It also has a wall-mounting notch on the underside, if that's what you're into. An interesting presence detection method that uses the speaker and microphone to determine your proximity to the Nest Mini helps it trigger LED indicators that help you make better sense of the otherwise obscured physical volume controls. And with Google's Gemini for Home upgrades, these Nest speakers are getting even better with a subscription. Think of this speaker as an excellent desk companion, especially if you prefer using Google Home as a control app for your smart home. ... Show more Get it now $67 at Walmart $49 at Google Store
Chris Monroe/CNET Photo Gallery 1/1 Chris Monroe/CNET Best smart display for Google Assistant Google Nest Hub Max Pros Quick gesture support
Sleep tracking
Improved audio quality Cons Sleep tracking will cost at some point
No camera for video calling Amazon may have introduced the smart display with the Echo Show, but Google refined the concept with its Nest Hub line, which reached its apex with the Nest Hub Max, a 10-inch smart display that also has good sound. We were iffy on Google Assistant and its error-prone activations in the past, but now that Assistant has been replaced by Gemini for Home and its new capabilities, we have no reservations in recommending this display. The Nest Hub Max will show you your spoken commands so you know Google heard you correctly, it can deftly walk you through a recipe from popular cooking websites and it works seamlessly with Google-supported smart home cameras and video doorbells to display their camera feeds onscreen. You can use it as a side browsing screen, a home control hub or anything else you need. ... Show more Get it now $230 at Best Buy
Photo Gallery 1/1 GE Cync Dynamic Effects Smart Bulb BR30 Pros Four-quadrant color bulb for limitless customization
User-friendly app
Google and Alexa support Cons Pricey for a singe bulb Smart bulbs come in many sizes, but almost all are made to fit the existing light sockets around your home. One of our favorites is this LED floodlight model from GE Cync, ideal for kitchens, entryways, living rooms and other big spaces with floodlights. Unlike other color smart bulbs, this GE Cync bulb has four quadrants that you can switch between any colors you want for an overlapping or complementary effect, giving your space whatever vibe you desire with just one bulb. It supports scheduling, voice commands and other smart bulb tricks that come in handy when you're busy. We also found the GE Cync app particularly easy to use and really like that it has both Alexa and Google support. It's the most complete smart light option we've found if you are looking for a floodlight. ... Show more Get it now $21 at Amazon Specs & Configurations Lumens 750 Form factor A19 light bulb Smart home platform compatibility Google Home, Amazon Alexa, IFTTT Light capabilities 16 million colors plus whites, divided into four parts Available connectivity Bluetooth and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Add to compare
Chris Monroe/CNET Photo Gallery 1/1 Chris Monroe/CNET Best smart plug TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug Mini Pros Affordable
Works with multiple smart home platforms
Flexible scheduling and timing features Cons Not HomeKit compatible We often point to smart plugs as the entry point for anyone interested in trying out a connected home device. They're cheap, they're simple to install and they perform a function that's pretty easy to grasp, toggling power on and off remotely. Read more: Best Smart Plugs of 2025 You can find a lot of smart plugs out there. TP-Link's Kasa Mini is our favorite. It includes a single outlet that connects to your network via Wi-Fi. The app is well-designed and lets you program the plug to turn on or off on a schedule or even based on your location. It works with Google Home and Alexa, and it doesn't cover the adjacent outlet on a standard two-outlet wall fixture. ... Show more Get it now $15 at Target
Photo Gallery 1/1 Best smart thermostat Nest Learning Thermostat Gen 4 Pros Beautiful design and animations
Learning features to automatically adjust temperatures
Eco mode
Monthly reports
In-depth app controls
Satellite sensor Cons High initial cost At CNET we're big fans of how smart thermostats can save us money and make home temps easier to manage, but there are many choices and only room for one thermostat in your home. We love this Nest learning thermostat not only for its dazzling animations, but also for how it streamlines your savings with scheduling, eco modes and presence sensors that learn when your home is active and when it's quiet. You also get monthly reports tracking your energy use and showing you how to save. Even a pricey thermostat can pay for itself over a year or two with this kind of cost cutting -- and your guests may just stop and stare at how pretty it looks. This particular model also comes with a satellite sensor to get temperature readings in especially hot or cold places to help control the thermostat more precisely. ... Show more Get it now $240 at Amazon
Arlo Photo Gallery 1/1 Arlo Best outdoor security camera Arlo Pro 6 Pros Wide, 160-degree field
Built-in spotlight
Excellent night vision and zoom
Great smart home support
AI detection features
Very good app UI Cons Subscription needed for all features
Settings can be overwhelming for new users The Arlo Pro 6 outdoor security camera is the latest upgrades to Arlo's outdoor, wireless line of cameras. The design is better than ever, the 2K resolution is crystal clear, and the 160-degree field of view is enough to easily capture a whole yard or driveway. Arlo also offers strong smart home support and an option for an extended battery pack. There's one catch -- Arlo's cam requires a subscription to unlock video storage and its handy AI features, including the ability to recognize flames or provide event captions to summarize what happened when motion detection was activated. That costs at least $8 per month to activate, which means this camera is mostly for those who don't mind a subscription. If you don't like that, we have a guide on the best security cameras with no subscriptions, too. ... Show more Get it now $125 at Amazon
Hobie Crase/CNET Photo Gallery 1/1 Hobie Crase/CNET Best DIY home security system Ring Alarm Kit Pros Reasonable pricing
Helpful extras
Includes a range extender Cons Limited smart home integrations
Range extender may be unnecessary Ring's latest home security system beats the competition for two simple reasons: It's surprisingly affordable, with the eight-piece kit for $300 and competitive device-by-device pricing, and it offers a ton of value for that price. Not only do you get a range extender included, but you also get a Z-Wave radio for a variety of smart devices, cellular backup, local processing and storage, backup internet (in case of power or internet outages) and much more than in your standard DIY security array. Monthly subscriptions range from $5 to $20 a month, which is on the lower end of the DIY home security spectrum, and it includes more smarts than most such subscriptions. If you're looking to give yourself a solid base to start building out a smart and secure home, you can't do much better than the Ring Alarm Kit. ... Show more Get it now $300 at Amazon $299 at Crutchfield Specs & Configurations Service Bundles N/A Additional Fees 24/7 professional monitoring fee, recording fees Voice Assistant Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant Contract Required No Installation DIY installation Learn more Ring Alarm Kit review Add to compare
Tyler Lizenby/CNET Photo Gallery 1/1 Tyler Lizenby/CNET Best video doorbell Arlo Video Doorbell Pros Easy installation
Wide viewing angle
Good night vision Cons Subscription required
A bit bulky Many of Arlo's cameras are expensive if not overpriced but the Arlo 2K Video Doorbell is much more reasonable. Not because of a lack of build quality or features. The Arlo 2K Video Doorbell is priced well, it performs well and the Arlo Smart cloud service is competitively priced, starting at just $3 per month. With Arlo Smart, you get a ton of features, from advanced motion alerts to 30 days of cloud storage and much more. You'll get a 180-degree viewing angle and a 1:1 aspect ratio to show packages left at your door. A built-in siren helps it function in part as a security camera, too. Read more: Best Video Doorbells of 2025 We've tested dozens of video doorbells over the years, and also like options such as the simple, compact battery-powered Nest Doorbell, so if you're hesitant we encourage you to explore your options. ... Show more Get it now $130 at Amazon $79 at Walmart Specs & Configurations Field of View 180 degrees Storage Cloud storage Setup Hardwired, outdoor/indoor Google/Alexa Compatibility Both Resolution 1536 x 1536 (2K) Add to compare
Photo Gallery 1/1 Best smart lock Yale Assure Lock 2 Pros Sturdy, high-tech lock design
Access options include Apple Watch, keypad and hands-free smartphone sensing
Smart home compatibility with various platforms
Autolocking and home routine support
Multiple options for appearance Cons Requires a separate module for Wi-Fi Smart locks are one of the simplests, most effective ways to get started with home security. We like this Yale lock for its wealth of access options, including an app, Apple Watch and keypad. Yale's lock is durable and did very well in all our tests -- plus it offers integrations with other smart home platforms. Features like auto-locking and temporary passes for guests make the lock even more useful. Note that will you need a separate module to enable Wi-Fi for this lock, which is pretty important for remote control. If you don't want anything extra, plenty of other smart locks have Wi-Fi built in, including retrofit models that are easier to install on your current deadbolt. ... Show more Get it now $177 at Amazon Specs & Configurations Smart home compatibility Apple Home/Siri, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant Power 4 AA batteries Lock options Key, keypad, app, Bluetooth, Home Keys and digital passes Specs & Configurations ANSI/BHMA, Grade 2 Add to compare
Eufy Photo Gallery 1/1 Eufy Best outdoor floodlight camera Eufy S330 Floodlight Camera Pros Extremely bright lights
No subscription needed
Panning camera with AI tracking Cons Has to be hardwired
Expensive Eufy has been making some really impressive security cameras lately, like the Eufy S350, and the Eufy S330 Floodlight Camera is just as great. It has all of the things we want from an outdoor security camera, such as extremely bright floodlights, crystal clear video, smart tracking and compatibility with all three major voice platforms. With its 3,000 lumens of power, you can illuminate your entire backyard. It's also dimmable, which is useful if you still want your neighbors to like you. What might be a negative for some is the requirement for the Eufy S330 Floodlight Camera to be hardwired. With as many smart features and powerful lights, constant power is a must. If you can make the power needs work, this is a fantastic option for your outdoor space -- and you won't need to pay for a subscription to use all the features. ... Show more Get it now $250 at Amazon $300 at Best Buy Learn more Eufy S330 Floodlight Camera review
Photo Gallery 1/1 Best smart display for Alexa Amazon Echo Show 11 Pros Larger 11-inch screen
Upgraded spatial audio
Alexa Plus is a better voice assistant
Broad smart home compatibility, including live views from security cameras Cons Alexa Plus is pricey without a Prime subscription If you're a fan of Alexa and particularly the upgraded Alexa Plus conversational AI (free with an Amazon Prime subscription, otherwise $20), then this new 11-inch Echo Show could be the ideal hub for your smart home. It includes spatial audio upgrades and a larger screen that's even better for catching up on streaming videos or TV shows while you're working. Like Echo speakers, the display can answer questions, set reminders, make calls (video calls in this case) and control smart home technology. The upgraded Alexa Plus is also friendly and more capable than before, although you will need to connect your streaming services to get the most use out of this device. We like models like these for our kitchens and computer setups or similar areas. ... Show more Get it now $220 at Amazon
Photo Gallery 1/1 Best smart leak detector Eufy Water Sensor NaN /10 SCORE Pros Compact design
App support for alerts
Also detects freezing conditions
Two-year battery life Cons Eufy's specific model needs a HomeBase for full functionality Leak detectors occupy a small but important role in the smart home, sending phone alerts and activating sirens when they detect pooling or dripping water. These tiny devices can fit nearly anywhere, like under sinks or behind toilets, and have batteries that can last for years. They're often part of security systems, but we've tested stand-alone versions like this Eufy model that only needs a HomeBase to work, as well as this solo model from SwitchBot. Either way, they are excellent gadgets for your home toolkit. ... Show more Get it now $35 at Amazon
Photo Gallery 1/1 Best smart air-quality monitor SwitchBot Meter Pro CO2 Pros In-depth readings on CO2 levels, temperature, humidity and more
Highly portable
Works with or without the app
Many setting adjustment options Cons A monitor with this many capabilities is a bit expensive, usually over $50 SwitchBot's air quality monitoring tracks temperature, humidity and CO2 levels right out of the box. You can put it anywhere you like to get fast readings, and connect it to the app to adjust settings, choose the update frequency and see if you'd like to get phone alerts. You can put it in your kitchen to see how your gas stove affects the air quality, mount it in a sun room or greenhouse, put it by the fireplace and much more, depending on your needs. ... Show more Get it now $70 at Amazon
How we test smart home devices The Wyze Duo Pan Cam gives you more freedom over your security system than ever before. Wyze Since this is a diverse group of products, there isn't one set procedure we follow. (A test for a smart home display will tell you nothing about a mesh router.) Everything on this list (and the category-specific best lists) went through hands-on testing. There are more commonalities, too. Where possible and relevant, we gather data in a standardized and empirical way. For testing Wi-Fi routers, that includes repeating the same speed test at a series of standard distances in the same house for each router that's tested. For other categories, the testing is more experiential. For devices like smart thermostats, smart speakers, smart plugs and smart home displays, we install and use them in the ways you would. When testing the second-gen Google Nest Hub, our reviewer conducted a two-week test of its sleep-tracking function in addition to its more obvious around-the-house capabilities. Relevant company policies also factor into our reviews of these devices, especially when it comes to privacy concerns. Bringing a device into your home that can watch or listen to you or your neighbors comes with corresponding privacy concerns. CNET works to understand the company's privacy policies, make them easy to understand and takes privacy questions directly to the companies like Ring and Google when the answers aren't obvious.
How to choose the best smart home device Choosing the best smart home devices is a bit different than choosing headphones or a streaming service, since smart devices are often meant to be integrated into a smart home ecosystem. That means one of your first considerations should be compatibility. Consider devices that will work with the same voice assistant. CNET recommends both Google Assistant and Amazon's Alexa as two of the best centerpieces for a smart home. The other things to consider are your goals and your needs. Are you interested in connecting and automating as much of your house as possible? Then go all in on a connected home. If your problem is one person leaving their bedroom light on when they leave the house, a smart light bulb might do the trick.