After years of testing smart devices that either break down, require constant babysitting, or solve problems we don't actually have, we've narrowed down the smart home products that genuinely earn their place. 

These are the ones we use every day without thinking about them—which is exactly the point. 

We're going beyond smart light bulbs, smart plugs, and smart doorbells, we're talking about smart home accessories that lead to smart living. They work quietly in the background, saving time, money, or hassle without demanding attention. 

Here's what's actually worth your money:

Nest Learning Thermostat (Gen 4)

This thermostat pays for itself. It learns your schedule within a week and adjusts temperatures automatically. Smart thermostats help you save on energy bills without lifting a finger.

We goofed up with this product for the first few months after Google sent it to us for testing. The temperature sensor wasn't centrally located correctly in our room of choice (first, too close to a window, then too close to a heat source). There was still a little trial and error to correct the temperature imbalance, but we got there. If you also struggle, keep at it; it's a game-changer now.

• Reduces heating and cooling costs by 10-15% on average
• Auto-adjusts based on when you're home or away
• Works with voice assistants for quick temperature changes
• Looks clean on the wall instead of like old-school tech. And the extra sensor is small, so it'll tuck easily into anywhere in a room.

Echo Studio Speakers

100% would not go back. These smart speakers fill a room with sound that rivals dedicated audio systems. And, they're way more affordable than some of the expensive systems.

• Rich, room-filling audio that beats most Bluetooth speakers
• Built-in Alexa handles music, smart home controls, and questions
• Automatically adapts sound based on your room's acoustics (amazing)
• Doubles as a smart home hub for compatible devices

For what it's worth, pairing two Echo Dots with an Amazon Fire TV stick also works as a sound system, too. 

Robot Vacuums

Whether you go with a Roomba or the Shark Detect Pro Self-Empty, robot vacuums have finally gotten good enough to replace regular vacuuming. They're not perfect, but they're close.

• Runs on a schedule so floors stay clean without effort
• Self-empty bases mean you empty them monthly instead of daily
• Smart mapping learns your home's layout and cleans efficiently
• Handles pet hair and transitions between floor types

Ting Electrical Fire Prevention Sensor

This small device plugs into an outlet and monitors your home's electrical system for fire hazards. Its quick to report issues, and has helped lots of users mitigate fire risks before a situation became dangerous.

Ting also just released a free app (iOS, Android) to help users learn more about power outages, and in our experience, it offers quicker and more comprehensive insight than our own electric company.

• Detects electrical issues that could cause fires
• Sends alerts to your phone when it finds problems
• Insurance companies offer discounts for having one installed
• Works silently—you'll forget it's there until it matters

Smart Water Leak Sensors

Water damage is expensive and often goes undetected, or happens when you're not home. These tiny sensors catch leaks before they become disasters.

• Alerts you immediately when water is detected
• Battery-powered and wireless—place them anywhere
• Costs under $30 per sensor but can save thousands in damage
• Perfect for under sinks, near water heaters, and by washing machines
• Yet another product that some insurance companies will give you for free

Nuki Smart Lock Ultra

Nuki's new to the U.S. but extremely popular and well-adopted in Europe. We used it while we were abroad and were very impressed with the functionality. They tout that it's easy to install; no need to replace the entire lock system.

• The world's first brushless retrofit smart lock
• Create temporary access codes for guests or service workers
• Auto-unlocks in less than a second
• Excellent remote access

The Frame Pro

Samsung's Frame Pro looks like art when it's off and performs like a high-end TV when it's on. It's the only smart TV that improves a room's aesthetics.

• Displays artwork or photos when not in use
• Wireless One Connect = no more cords and cables
• Custom bezels, custom art on the screen
• Neo QLED technology

FeatherSnap Scout Bird Feeder

This smart bird feeder identifies bird species and captures photos automatically. It's turned our backyard into an unexpected hobby. Who knew we had so many hungry blue jays?

• AI identifies visiting birds and logs species over time
• Captures clear photos and videos without scaring birds away
• Solar-powered with backup battery
• Holds two types of seeds side-by-side to appeal to more species
• Sends notifications so you can also watch birds eat in real-time

Segway Navimow X3 Series

This robotic mower cuts grass without boundary wires. It uses GPS instead, making setup dramatically easier than older models. We used the X390 on our two acre lot all summer long and it made a huge difference in our lawn care routine.

• No boundary wire installation—just set zones in the app
• Cuts quietly enough to run at night without bothering neighbors (fair warning though, it does beep occasionally when it hits a tree root, and it does have a headlight).
• Handles slopes up to 27-degrees (14 degrees along boundary)
• Creates striped patterns if you want that manicured look... and actually, if you don't specify a preference, it'll change its mowing angle daily for best mowing coverage.

Robotic Pool Vacuum

Cordless models like the Beatbot Aquasense Pro have changed pool maintenance. They're powerful enough to actually work and convenient enough that you'll use them.

• Cordless design means no tangled cables
• Cleans walls and waterline, not just the floor
• Waits at the water's edge once it's done with it's circuit (like a sweet puppy)
• App lets you schedule cleanings or drive it manually to problem spots

Mill Food-Recycling System

The Mill is a smart device that quietly turns food scraps into odorless grounds overnight that you can use in your garden. It's surprisingly useful if you cook often.

• Dries and grinds food waste into a fraction of its original volume
• No smell, even with fish or onions
• Output works as fertilizer in your garden, lawn, or landscape
• Keeps our kitchen cleaner than when we used a countertop compost bucket to gather scraps

The Lorex Smart Bulb Camera Offers a New POV for Home Security

This smart lightbulb keeps your home lit and protected.

Read More