Smart home devices: The best automated tech from robot vacs to smart lights
SMART home devices can be game-changers for everyday life.
Whether it’s hands-free help, mood-boosting lighting, or a vacuum that does the dirty work, I've tested these top picks that truly deliver.
There’s no shortage of smart home devices out there, making it tricky to know which ones are really worth it.
They’re all about making life easier, whether that’s dimming the lights without moving an inch or setting timers to keep your day on track.
I’ve tried a range of gadgets, from budget-friendly options to premium picks, including Alexa voice-assisted smart speakers and the best robot vacuums.
Whether you’re just dipping your toes into smart tech or looking to level up your setup, the right devices can really transform your home.
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I’ve tested each one to make sure they actually make life easier, so you can add them to your home with confidence.
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How I tested
To make sure these gadgets are worth your money, I got hands-on with each one in my own home, testing them over the course of a month to see how they hold up in everyday life.
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I looked at ease of use, installation, app functionality, voice control responsiveness, and overall value for money.
I also checked how well these devices play together. Because a truly smart home should feel seamless.
Best smart speakers
Google Nest Mini
Google Nest Mini, £49
Pros:
- Compact size with surprisingly powerful sound
- Affordable price, great for beginners
- Works seamlessly with Google and Android devices
Cons:
- No free on-demand music without a subscription
Rating: 7/10
I’ve accidentally become a bit of a smart speaker connoisseur, with the being one of three scattered around my house.
This one lives in my bedroom, and despite its compact size, it packs an impressive punch when it comes to sound.
Unlike Amazon’s Echo devices, the Nest Mini doesn’t offer free on-demand music, so I’ve synced mine with Spotify to get access to all my playlists and podcasts.
But if you’re looking to dodge subscriptions, there’s a clever workaround: you can connect YouTube to the speaker via Bluetooth for on-demand playback.
For me, it’s my go-to for setting alarms, and its small size is perfect for a clutter-free nightstand.
At just £49, the Nest Mini is super affordable and a great entry point if you’re new to the world of smart speakers.
When choosing between the Nest Mini and other options, it’s worth considering your existing devices.
If you’re already deep in the Android and Google ecosystem, the Nest Mini is a no-brainer.
Echo Pop
Echo Pop, £44.99
Pros:
- Compact design that fits anywhere
- Integrates with other Alexa devices
Cons:
- Sound isn’t as powerful as larger Echo models
Rating: 7/10
The is the latest addition to my smart speaker lineup, and at £44.99, it’s positioned as a competitor to the likes of the Google Nest Mini.
It tackles all the usual smart speaker tasks, such as setting timers, converting measurements, and playing music while I cook, making it a reliable kitchen companion.
And it’s compact enough to perch on top of my microwave, saving valuable counter space, which is a win in my kitchen.
There’s not much that sets the Echo Pop apart from other models, but it’s a solid choice if you're looking to build out an Alexa ecosystem.
The sound quality is typical for a smaller, entry-level speaker; it's not going to blow you away, but it gets the job done.
It pairs easily with other Echo devices, with mine usually synced up with my Echo Dot for stereo sound, which comes in handy when family barbecues roll around in the summer.
You can also make announcements and have two-way conversations with other , and though I haven’t found a real need for that, it’s a nice option to have.
I managed to snag mine during the Prime Day sale for half the price, which I think is a fair deal for what it offers.
Echo Dot
Echo Dot, £54.99
Pros:
- Great sound quality, offering clear, powerful audio
- Easy to use for all ages and tech levels
- Sturdy design
- Integrates with other smart home devices
Cons:
- Can be frustrating to use without a music subscription
Rating: 9/10
The is by far the most popular Alexa device in my home and has been a key part of our daily routine for a few years now.
It’s used by everyone, from my not-so-tech-savvy relatives to my surprisingly tech-astute nieces and nephews.
It sits in the living room, where the sound quality is noticeably more powerful and clear compared to the smaller speakers I own.
However, it’s become a bit more frustrating to use without a music subscription, and you’ll often run into Alexa prompting you to sign up for a subscription, which can be a bit of a hassle.
The good news is that syncing it up to any paid music service you already have solves that problem.
It’s also incredibly sturdy, so if you’ve got a large family with toddlers and unruly little ones running around like me, this device can take a beating.
My family’s has been drawn on, spilt on, and even carried off by toddlers, and with a quick clean, it still performs as well as it did on day one.
Another perk is how well it integrates with other smart home devices.
I’ve got my lights and robot vacuum synced up to it, which has really helped modernize my 70s-built bungalow in Essex and make it feel a lot more 21st century.
While my smaller speakers do the job, for the small price jump to £54.99, it's a great starting point for anyone looking to make their home smarter.
Best smart lighting
Philips Hue White & Ambient Light Starter Kit
Philips Hue White & Ambient Light Starter Kit, £169.99
Pros:
- Lighting to suit any mood
- Easy setup with Bluetooth or Hue Bridge
- Plays well with other smart home tech
- Long-lasting bulbs
Cons:
- Requires the Hue Bridge for full smart home features
- More expensive compared to standard smart bulbs
Rating: 8/10
The has made a big difference in how I light my home, offering easy customisation for every mood.
I like a warm hue for the room of an evening to help wind down, but a bright light to wake me up on those grey mornings, and the adjustable settings are spot on.
Setting up was simple, initially through Bluetooth, then with the Hue Bridge for expanded functionality.
The Bridge lets me sync with other smart devices and control my lights remotely, but it does come at an extra cost if you’re not buying a starter kit.
That’s a little disappointing as the Bridge is a great addition that allows you to schedule your lights and control them from anywhere.
That said, the integration with Alexa is smooth, and being able to control the lights with my voice is super convenient, especially when I’m lounging on the couch.
While the bulbs are more expensive than standard ones, their quality and energy efficiency make them worth it, and they promise to last just shy of 3 years.
If you’re new to smart home tech, the Philips Hue Starter Kit is another easy integration.
Tapo L530B Smart Bulb
Tapo L530B Smart Bulb, £14.99 £9.99
Pros:
- Full RGB color range to match any mood
- No hub required; connects directly to Wi-Fi
- Works well with Alexa ecosystem
- Long lifespan and energy-saving
Cons:
- App setup can be a little clunky at first
Rating: 8/10
The is a simple yet effective way to bring customisable lighting into your home without needing an extra hub.
My house, built in the ’70s, has a mix of different light fittings, but thankfully, Tapo offers plenty of options to fit various setups.
I enjoy a warm white tone for day to day, and love that I can make it warmer and dim it all from my phone.
But having the option to switch up the colours is a surprisingly enjoyable experience, and something my young nieces and nephews had fun with, all with a quick voice command via Alexa.
Setup is straightforward: just screw it in, connect to Wi-Fi, and tweak the brightness and colours to suit your space.
While on paper things are pretty easy, I did have a few niggles setting it up, namely the bulb not automatically connecting successfully with the app, but on the second attempt things went smoothly.
But none that would put me off incorporating more around my home.
Connecting to your voice assistant of choice is easy too, and I was directed through the Tapo app with what to say to Alexa to get things up and running.
Unlike some pricier options, there’s no need for a separate hub, which is a big plus if you’re just dipping your toes into smart lighting.
For an affordable smart bulb with plenty of flexibility, the is a solid pick.
Best smart plugs
Tapo P110M Smart Plug
Tapo P110M Smart Plug, £16.99 £10.99
Pros:
- A budget-friendly way to upgrade your set-up
- Compatible with most smart home ecosystems
- Useful app insights and scheduling features
Cons:
- Awkwardly positioned power button
Rating: 9/10
The humble smart plug is a great starting point for anyone hesitant about diving into the world of smart gadgets and gizmos.
It’s one of the most affordable, beginner-friendly options out there, and it's far from intimidating.
Take the , for example. I had it up and running in minutes, and the benefits were immediate.
At just £10.99 for the single plug (when on sale), it’s a bargain, and it supports most Matter ecosystems, be it Google, Alexa, or Apple.
There’s also the Tapo app, which, while it’s not always ideal to add yet another app to your phone, offers some genuinely useful features you don’t often get with other smart plugs.
For instance, you can monitor how much energy the connected device is using, not just daily but over weeks and months.
It’s a handy way to spot where you could cut back on consumption.
My favourite feature has to be the scheduling tool; I’ve set my living room lamp to switch on and off at specific times, so there's one less thing to think about.
There’s also an Away Mode, which randomly turns the device on and off to make it look like someone’s home, a welcome extra layer of home security.
I ended up pairing mine with Alexa since my Echo Dot lives in the same room as the lamp I plugged into the .
Now, I can embrace my inner couch potato and just ask Alexa to turn the lamp on or off.
The only minor downside? The physical power button is on the side of the plug, which can make it tricky to access depending on where your socket is.
That said, since I mostly use the app, it’s not a dealbreaker for me, and it otherwise ticks all the right boxes.
Best video doorbells
Ezviz EP3x Pro
Ezviz EP3x Pro, £129.99 £111.99
Pros:
- Easy installation
- Clear 2K video quality, including colour night vision
- Free 32GB built-in storage
- Solar-powered battery with USB-C backup
Cons:
- Bulky design might not suit all doorframes
- Occasional notification delays
Rating: 8/10
The is a feature-packed, budget-friendly video doorbell that’s easy to set up and delivers excellent value for money.
Priced at £129.99 (or £99.99 on sale), it competes well with big names like Ring while avoiding subscription fees or hidden costs.
Its standout features include a dual-lens camera that provides sharp 2K footage, even in low-light conditions, and solar-powered charging, which keeps the battery topped up with minimal effort.
Installation is straightforward, with adhesive strips or screws, and the Ezviz app guides you through setup with clear instructions.
The free 32GB of built-in storage is a big win, offering up to six months of video recordings without a paywall, a rarity in the smart doorbell market.
Two-way talk lets you communicate with visitors or delivery drivers in real time, making your home security convenient.
However, the bulky design might not suit every doorframe, and occasional delays in notifications could mean missing a visitor.
Despite the minor drawbacks, the EP3x Pro’s smart features and lack of hidden costs make it a great option for affordable home security without compromise.
Best robot vacuums
Dreame X50 Ultra Complete
Dreame X50 Ultra Complete, £1,399 £1,199
Pros:
- Powerful 20,000 Pa suction
- Mops floors brilliantly, leaving them spotless
- Self-emptying base for minimal maintenance
- Great companion app, with scheduling
Cons:
- Very pricey, definitely an investment
- Struggles with higher thresholds (6cm limit)
- The base station is loud
Rating: 9/10
As my first go with a robot cleaner, unboxing the before it hit the shelves genuinely felt like getting a new toy at Christmas.
It’s not just a pretty face either, although its sleek white and silver design does blend in nicely with my kitchen, it has the brains and brawn to match.
I ran into a few hiccups setting it up at first (not surprising with pre-release tech), but once those were ironed out and it was calibrated, it mapped my kitchen with pinpoint accuracy.
The 20,000 Pa suction is seriously impressive and made a better job of my crumb-riddled kitchen floor than I anticipated.
The mopping feature left my floors gleaming, making it perfect for tackling everyday dirt, but I was most impressed by how it recognised my kitchen floor mats without me having to set any parameters in the app.
Speaking of the app, it’s pretty intuitive, though there’s a lot to get to grips with.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing; you can customise your experience, including schedule cleaning (so you always come home to clean floors).
It vacuumed and mopped my tiled floor in just nine minutes, although my larger living-dining room took 39 minutes.
Over time, it learns and gets quicker, but since you can get on with other things while it works, the runtime isn’t a big deal.
That said, the Pro-Leap feature struggled with my kitchen step, which at 12cm was way above its 6cm climbing limit.
Even so, the Multi-floor mapping meant I could easily help it over the step without too much hassle, and it was still way easier than doing all the vacuuming myself.
The base station is a bit noisy when emptying, but considering how powerful and effective it is, that’s a small price to pay.
It automatically tucks itself into its base station when done, so it never runs out of battery, topping up as soon as it is finished emptying.
If, like me, you use it on multiple levels and it can’t return to its base, it heads back to its starting point, running for up to 220 minutes before running out of juice.
The biggest sticking point? The price. There’s no denying it’s an expensive buy, but in my book, it’s worth every penny.
Tapo RV30 Max Plus
Tapo RV30 Max Plus, £279.99 £229.99
Pros:
- Affordable yet packed with premium features
- Strong vacuum
- Grid cleaning pattern, for full-coverage cleaning
- Compact base station that blends in easily
- Easy-to-use app with smart scheduling
Cons:
- Mop pad glides rather than rotates
- Small water tank; means more refills
- Water-only mopping, no cleaning solution recommended
Rating: 8/10
The has been an impressive introduction to the world of automated cleaning.
Compared to some other auto-empty setups, the Tapo model stands out with its compact design, taking up far less space, ideal if you're short on floor real estate.
Despite its affordable price tag, it punches well above its weight with premium features, including auto-emptying, vacuuming, and mopping, all with customisable schedules.
The vacuuming power is solid, and one of my favourite aspects is the grid cleaning pattern.
Instead of just following a standard S-shaped path, the goes over the area twice; first side to side, then again in the opposite direction, ensuring a more thorough clean.
To really put it to the test, I cranked the suction to max, and it handled large debris with ease, even leaving visible tracks in the carpet, a telltale sign, to me, that it’s done its job.
That said, max suction does drain the battery faster, but the vacuum automatically returns to its base to recharge.
Another highlight is that, despite its compact size and budget-friendly price, this model includes mopping functionality, and it does a decent job.
A minor drawback is that the mop pad glides rather than rotates, so it might not provide the deep scrubbing some users look for.
The small water tank also requires frequent refills, and the lack of compatibility with cleaning solutions could be a downside for those wanting a more thorough clean.
On the plus side, the app is intuitive, making it easy to set up custom cleaning schedules and ensure the floors stay spotless with minimal effort.
The base station is another win, being far smaller than bulkier self-emptying setups, yet still capable of holding up to two months’ worth of dust before needing a bag replacement.
While the mopping system could use some refinement and the small water tank may not suit larger households, the is still a fantastic choice for daily upkeep.
Where to buy
When it comes to buying smart home gadgets, you’re spoiled for choice.
You can find them in the tech aisles of big-name retailers or directly from official brand websites.
Here are some top places to check out:
Keep an eye out for seasonal sales like Prime Day or Black Friday, these are the perfect opportunities to snag the best deals and upgrade your home without emptying your wallet.
What is a smart home?
A smart home uses internet-connected gadgets to control and automate things like lighting, heating, security, and more.
With the right devices, you can manage almost everything in your home using your voice, smartphone, or automated routines.
If you're new to the world of smart tech, check out our what is a smart home?’ explainer to get the lowdown on how it all works.
What are the types of smart home devices?
These days, there’s a smart gadget for just about everything in your home.
You’ve got smart speakers, thermostats, cameras, lights, locks, and even appliances, each designed to make your life easier and your home smarter.
And with new tech coming out every year, there’s always something exciting on the horizon that you’ll soon wonder how you ever lived without.
Are smart home devices safe?
Yes, but it’s important to be smart about privacy and security, so stick to trusted brands and update your devices.
Be aware that some smart gadgets, like speakers and cameras, can collect data and listen in, depending on the settings.
Always check the privacy policies and adjust the settings to control what’s being recorded or shared.
Are smart home devices worth it?
Smart devices make life easier, can save you money, and help keep your home safe.
They’re especially handy if you’ve got a busy household, love tech, or just want to make your every day a bit simpler.
You can automate chores, check in on your home no matter where you are, and even cut down on your bills.
If that sounds like your kind of thing, smart gadgets are definitely worth it.
How to connect smart home devices
Most smart home devices connect via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or dedicated hubs through your smartphone.
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Here’s the general rule of thumb to get started:
- Download the device’s companion app and follow the setup instructions.
- Connect to your Wi-Fi network
- Pair with a voice assistant (like Alexa or Google Assistant) for voice control.
- Create automation routines
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