Best Smart Home Devices of 2025
Setting up a smart home can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. A few essential gadgets can automate tasks, monitor your home, and let you control everything with your voice or a tap. But with so many options available, choosing the right devices is key.
This guide highlights our favorite smart home devices, taking into account factors like compatibility and functionality.
Our Experts
This article is brought to you by Chris Wedel and Ry Crist, our expert staff with years of experience in the tech industry.
Our Picks
Here are our top picks for the best smart home devices:
- Best smart speaker: Amazon Echo (4th gen)
- The other best smart speaker: Google Nest Mini
- Best smart display for Google Assistant: Google Nest Hub (2nd gen)
- Best mesh router: Google Nest Wifi
- Best smart plug: TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug Mini
- Best smart thermostat: Amazon Smart Thermostat
- Best outdoor security camera: Arlo Pro 5S
- Best DIY home security system: Ring Alarm Kit
- Best video doorbell: Arlo Video Doorbell
- Best smart lock: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock
- Best outdoor floodlight camera: Eufy S330 Floodlight Camera
- Best smart display for Alexa: Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd gen)
The Amazon Echo (4th gen) smart speaker.
The Google Nest Mini smart speaker.
The Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) smart display.
The Google Nest Wifi mesh router.
The TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug Mini.
The Amazon Smart Thermostat.
The Arlo Pro 5S outdoor security camera.
The Ring Alarm Kit DIY home security system.
The Arlo Video Doorbell.
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock installed in a white door.
The Eufy S330 Floodlight Camera attached to an exterior wall.
The Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd gen) smart display.
Setting Up Your Smart Home
Whether you’re just beginning or looking to expand your smart home, a few devices are considered essential. They help automate tasks, monitor different areas of your home, and control devices like smart light bulbs with your voice.
When choosing devices, consider which voice assistants you want to use. CNET recommends Google Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa. You’ll also want to consider your goals and needs. Are you looking to automate as much as possible?
The Best Smart Speakers
The Amazon Echo (4th gen) remains a top pick for smart speakers. It offers great sound quality, improved smart home connectivity, and easy stereo pairing for those who want to use multiple of these in their home.
If you prefer Google Assistant, the Google Nest Mini is an excellent, affordable option. It’s small, has decent sound, and integrates seamlessly with Google services.
The Best Smart Displays
For those who want a screen to go with their smart assistant, the Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) provides a clean design and a user-friendly interface. It also allows for gestural control and sleep tracking features.
If you’re invested in the Alexa ecosystem, the Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd gen) is a solid choice, offering great audio and a clear display.
Other Recommended Devices
- Mesh Router: The Google Nest Wifi offers easy installation, simple network controls, and advanced Wi-Fi features.
- Smart Plug: The TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug Mini is a great entry point for smart home automation. It’s affordable, works with multiple platforms, and has flexible scheduling options.
- Smart Thermostat: The Amazon Smart Thermostat is a budget-friendly option that is simple to use.
- Outdoor Security Camera: The Arlo Pro 5S offers excellent video quality, a wide field of view, and features like night vision.
- DIY Home Security System: The Ring Alarm Kit is an affordable and comprehensive system with a range extender and cellular backup.
- Video Doorbell: The Arlo Video Doorbell is a reasonably priced option that offers a wide viewing angle and good night vision.
- Smart Lock: The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is easy to install and allows you to assign and revoke timed virtual keys.
- Outdoor Floodlight Camera: The Eufy S330 Floodlight Camera offers bright lights, clear video, and smart tracking.
These devices represent some of the best options currently available, offering a blend of features, performance, and value to suit a wide range of smart home needs.
